Love Foundation ~ for the highest good of others

My Health Journey: Sleep!

2010-05-15T15:24:00.000-07:00

This past Monday I was fitted for my CPAP machine and full mask. The woman who gave me information on how to use the machine and mask also gave me some of the results from my sleep clinic visit - I stop breathing 96.4 times per hour, which means that on average I stop breathing 1.6 times per minute or every 37.3 seconds throughout the night. I think that may mean that the rest of the night I must either be gasping for air or trying to normalize my breathing. Sleeping poorly goes back to my teenage years or even earlier so I do not know how I have survived these almost 50 years with such "sleep debt".

So, I want to get to the bottom of this because I need to know why this is happening. When I was born I did not have a nose because it got squished as I entered the world. My mother tells me that my nose popped out in about three days but my sense of smell is impaired and I think there might be some other damage from getting squished in the birthing canal that may be causing my sleep apnea. I pray my doctor will be able to help me figure all of this out - I have an appointment with my doc this Monday.

Suffice it to say, I am sleeping better with the CPAP machine and mask because it forces air into the lungs which keeps the airways open long enough to exhale and then the machine forces another breath in right away. So, it is definitely a better sleep to be able to breathe all night. My sleep is still choppy because the mask and tube get in the way or they shift when I move so I end up waking up in order to re-position the mask and situate the tube. And if I yawn or breathe irregularly I get a blast of air back at me and the rhythm gets off and it takes a bit to catch up and get back in sync with the way the machine is breathing. These are my new realities on my journey to better sleep and better health but at least everything is moving forward in the right direction.

I'm noticing a deep sadness overwhelming me because I am learning that sleep deprivation is rarely noticed by the individual sufferer and I feel like I have missed out on all of these years I have lost to low energy/fatigue and impaired cognitive functioning etc. I have also been through enough to know that God in His infinite wisdom and kindness is sovereign over ALL and in this world we will have tribulation but I can rejoice even more because Christ has overcome the deprivations of this world. Also, God's creation and all of His love flowing through others is worth striving to do better, to learn more and to follow God in His purpose for my life. Amen and amen!

My PT is going very well and I am exercising at home too. I weighed in at Weight Watchers this morning and lost another 1/2 lb. this week, which is slow going but I've been told that as you gain muscle it weighs more than fat plus I can tell I'm losing inches too. So, I guess I am gaining muscle and losing fat at this point which is moving me forward in the right direction as well.

I looked up sleep deprivation and symptoms:

Symptoms may be present for years (or even decades) without identification, during which time the sufferer may become conditioned to the daytime sleepiness and fatigue associated with significant levels of sleep disturbance. [what will my life be like when I get the complete sleep my body is so desperate for?]

Researchers at the University of Warwick and University College London have found that lack of sleep can more than double the risk of death from cardiovascular disease.

Up to 90% of adults with depression are found to have sleep difficulties.

Sleep debt is the effect of not getting enough rest and sleep; a large debt causes mental, emotional, and physical fatigue.

Small amounts of sleep loss (eg, 1 hour per night over many nights) have subtle cognitive costs, which appear to go unrecognized by the individual experiencing the sleep loss. More severe restriction of sleep for a week leads to profound cognitive deficits similar to those seen in some stroke patients, which also appear to go unrecognized by the individual. The lack of recognition of the effects of sleep deprivation appears to be a constant feature, one which, it is hoped, will be overcome by further research and education.

Short-term sleep deprivation has been implicated in contributing to obesity as well as glycemia dysregulation contributing to poor control of type II diabetes. [my doc told me I do not have diabetes PTL!]

Sleep is a heightened anabolic state, accentuating the growth and rejuvenation of the immune, nervous, skeletal and muscular systems. [Sleep deprivation interferes with the growth and rejuvenating process of each of these systems]

In humans, each sleep cycle lasts from 90 to 110 minutes on average,and each stage may have a distinct physiological function.

A person who regularly awakens at an early hour will generally not be able to sleep much later than his or her normal waking time, even if moderately sleep-deprived. [I notice this with my son, Stephen. He is an early riser and when he goes to bed late he still gets up around his normal time, which causes sleep loss]

May the Lord bless your sleep...

Sweet Dreams Everyone!

Rebecca

God - The Best Provider!

2010-05-08T13:54:00.000-07:00

God is our Provider and no matter what our income He will provide for our every need because we are His children and what earthly father won't provide for his child's needs? We all know that God is very different from our earthly father so how much more will our Heavenly Father, Who loves us far above what we can ever know, provide for our needs but we must be willing to accept His provisions the way He sees fit to provide because if we resist instead of receiving His provisions then we will definitely lose out.

Speaking of provisions... I started going to Weight Watchers two weeks ago and I found that I would not be able to afford to pay the monthly fee but I could do the 'Pay As You Go' plan, which means when I can pay I can go. Well, the gal who told me about our neighborhood WW told me she was going to be at the 9AM meeting so I decided I'd go and sit with her. I lost 1.25 lbs in two weeks (my weight is now 234.55). Not a record but I did not do the plan because I am rebellious about having to be on someone else's "plan" - shouldn't I be able to come up with my own plan in my own time? Of course! Well, I had a plan which was to at least lose a little and I did lose a little so I feel like even though my plan was minimal I am still a success. It didn't get me a star today but I wasn't going for the gold...

Anyhoo, I finished the support group, said bye to my new found friend as she was leaving and I stayed for the intro class. It was short but "sweet" (yum - I feel a craving coming on). So, as I was leaving a gal walks through the door and announces that she is going to pay for the monthly fee for me but she doesn't want anyone to know except for me and the people who are going to charge her credit card. I was flabbergasted and I didn't know where to put all of this in my psyche. I teared all up as I told her I was fine but she insisted and told all of us that she is almost to her goal weight and when she hits it she will be a lifetime member and won't have to pay for herself anymore so she wanted to do this for me. Everyone involved got the warm-fuzzies and we were all touched by her generosity.

Now I realize that I have to do a good job to get to my goal weight ASAP so I can make her proud and so she won't have to pay so much. We all need some kind of motivation and I guess the Lord saw my lack of true motivation and decided to provide another reason for me to get hot on moving towards getting healthier. God really knows how to provide even when we think we want things different ~ He knows best.

A joyful kid under the care of an exceptional Father,

Rebecca

P.S. I do have my own plan I just needed a kick in the derriere to get started. PTL!!

Whose Got the Funny?

2010-05-01T10:33:00.000-07:00

Did you know that one good belly laugh will release enough of the good/happy chemicals in our body to last over four hours? Isn't that really cool!

Where did I learn about this laugh fact? I used to attend an awesome class led by an awesome psychiatrist, Dr. Terry. He was one of the psychiatrists who helped pick the first astronauts to go to the moon. Dr. Terry is a remarkable man with tons of information on how to live healthy and NASA still calls Dr. Terry periodically for his wise counsel.

Dr. Terry would always start each class with jokes. He taught us that a good joke never puts down someone else instead a good joke can make fun of the ridiculousness of life, be a play on words etc. I have learned that it is good to surround oneself with people who are happy and funny in a kind way. One of the happiest people I know is my youngest son, Stephen. He can make anyone laugh the belly laugh!

Stephen is 12-yrs-old and he just got a buzz cut so his hair is super short. This morning when we had our first hug of the day I told him, "Your hair's messy". So, he looked in the mirror only to realize that he basically has no hair to get messy. We laughed our first belly laugh of the day together and it feels reeeally good!

Anyone can develop a good sense of humor and to create a happy day all it takes is at least three or four good, healthy belly laughs throughout the day.

When my daughter and I have a "Girls Day Out" we inevitably end up laughing hysterically about something to the point where we can barely breathe and tears are coming out of our eyes. I guess those times are really what has bonded us together so strongly that nothing can come between us even though we are SO different and can easily rub each other the wrong way. It is the laughter that we share that keeps our hearts soft towards each other.

One other person who I get a real kick out of is my bestest friend, Sue. We talk on the phone with each other every Monday for hours and no matter what we talk about we find ourselves laughing from the tip of our toes enough to keep us in good spirits for the rest of the week (well it doesn't really work like that but it starts the week off right).

One last thing... when was the last time you created a good joke that could at least make you snicker? Here's one I came up with, "Why did the rabbit cross the road? To find better Hip-Hop". Well, it may not get your belly rolling but it's a start.

Got Laughs?

Rebecca

Answers Please!

2010-04-27T20:13:00.000-07:00

So I went to see my doc last week and he told me that my vertebra are bone-on-bone at C5 & C6. But my physical therapist told me that she does not think that is true and she thinks I have a bone growing out from my neck that is causing a pinched nerve in my neck. Wellllll, I'm positive that they are both reading the same paperwork yet coming up with totally different assessments so I feel a bit confused - right! So I say to my doc, "It's sort of interesting that my PT gal told me it is not bone-on-bone but rather a pinched nerve from a bone growth." The doc says, "Here it is in writing... I'll show you on the internet - I"m looking it up right now". He shows me the paperwork and then shows me the same description on-line and the definition - it says bone-on-bone. So I tell him I am confused... shouldn't my PT gal know what is wrong with me so she can give me appropriate exercises? He finally told me that the PT gal doesn't know how to interpret the paperwork and what he showed me should be sufficient evidence that he knows what he's talking about. I somehow worked him up into a tizzy and that was disconcerting - just a bit!
Then to top it off I tell my doc that I am having trouble with my left shoulder, my jaw and my lower back. Doc says, "I'm not doing another thing until I get a Complete Well Woman Physical on you!" YIKES!!!!! NOT A COMPLETE PHYSICAL!!!!!

So I go to my Chiropractor yesterday (My middle child did some wild acrobatics and hurt his neck and back and could only lie down or stand up - no sitting - and he couldn't turn his head). So I mentioned to my Chiropractor about my MRI, CT and X-Ray results and what my doc and PT gal told me. Well, my Chiropractor has studied all of this stuff for years because he found that many radiologists were not accurate in reading films etc. and he needed to be accurate for his patients because he is a Chiropractor who believes in taking X-rays first in order to find out what is going on that he might not see without them. He also employs his amazing computer and calculates scientifically just exactly how he is suppose to adjust each patient. Therefore, I trust this guy and we have had only excellent results. My Chiropractor then tells me he wants to see all of my films etc. because he doesn't think either my doc or the PT gal are correct!

Okay! So how's a girl supposed to get well with so much tom-foolery!?

Q & A anyone?

Rebecca

Diet History & I Have a Secret!

2010-04-26T13:16:00.000-07:00

In all actuality I know how to drop the weight because I've lost weight many times but what I have the hardest time with is maintaining a healthy weight. So, I am hoping that Weight Watchers will help me with their support group/meetings. I have not been at a healthy weight since I became anorexic at the age of fourteen. Then it was all down hill from there and I became a compulsive-over-eater at the beginning of 1998 (I was 36).

I think it was 2001 when I did an awesome health plan and I did so great that I began a weight loss group and I helped many people by sending out inspirational emails and healthy guidelines. I always had at least 80 people in my group and I loved it until I burned out. I was always giving out but I had no one to support me and to top it off I was in an abusive relationship. Thus, I had no where to go and I hit the dirt and wiped out. All the more reason to do it right this time and get the support I need in order to maintain a healthy weight.

Oh, and there is this major secret I know for a healthy food plan that simply melts fat away. That's right! You just melt-a-way!! Unfortunately, I cannot share my secret on my blog but if I lose the way I know I will and you get curious then you'll have to email me at rebeccalove777@hotmail.com and ask for the secret.

Shhhhh, it's a secret...

Melting Woman,

Rebecca

Weighed In the Balance

2010-04-25T01:07:00.000-07:00

So, I went to 'check out' Weight Watchers (WW) as per the recommendation of my PT Therapist. WW is wonderful and I paid for one week because no one would tell me anything about the program unless I joined - go figure! And I even voluntarily stepped on the scale and I weigh... I weigh... my weight is... my poundage is... the weight of my roundness is... ugh! Okay, okay... my "weigh-in number" iiiiiiis... 235.8 - yikes! And my points are 27! And I found out I get another 35 points each week too!!!

Is this ridiculous or will it be delicious? Does it even work??

Well, I will be good on this plan and I'll count my points every day and when I weigh in again I had better see some results!

So excited (in-spite of my weigh-in reality)!

Rebecca

Bathing Suit Anyone?

2010-04-24T08:38:00.000-07:00

I'm SOOOOO not into getting into a bathing suit at this point in the game. Therefore, I was not looking forward to PT in the pool - absolutely not! I did however go to the thrift shop the other day and I found a bathing suit and shorts that would work (if you can say that). Anyway, I got to the pool on time this time but the instructor was late and every second she didn't show I was getting more and more excited at the possibility that I might not have to get into that pool. So, there I sat in my bathing suit, shorts and fuzzy slippers. Fortunately, the pool water was 86 degrees because sure enough my PT instructor, Laurie, showed up.

Well, somehow Laurie convinced me to get into the pool and wouldn't you know it she did every exercise with me and we chatted and laughed and had a wonderful time. Laurie also made me teary-eyed when she told me, "You need to take some time for you now. Your kids are all old enough and you need to take care of you." I guess it scares me a little to focus on me because I really don't know how to do that - yet - but I have finally gotten to the place where I am committed to learn and grow in this area of my life!

Through all of this there was one thing that kinda surprised me. When I looked in the mirror expecting to see I was pear-shaped the reality is I am actually shaped like a ball - a very big ball with a small head and four limbs - um, okay?

Laurie suggested Weight Watchers... I'll check it out this Saturday and I'll keep you posted.

Love always,

Bouncing Becky

Isn't Life One Adventure After Another?

2010-04-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

So, this last Wednesday a friend called to let me know she had a check for me. She had purchased some Shaklee products from me and we decided to meet out by the grocery store, so I could do a little shopping after our meet-up. While getting some groceries I saw a guy I hadn't seen for years. It was Scott and we talked a bunch and before I knew it I was going to be late to pick up my youngest! So I didn't have time to check out and off I rushed hoping I could come back in a bit to retrieve my groceries. As I'm leaving the parking lot I hear a repeated thud-a-thunk, thud-a-thunk and I know this sound only too well. See, up to this point I have had at least five flat tires within a years time. So, there is that familiar sound again and I get out on the road in a panic that I will not be able to ever see my child again and I'm still driving and praying and then I snap into reality and pull the car off to the side of the road. I get out of my car but I'm not sure if I should hitch hike or just look stranded and wave people down so I did both intermittently - first I'd stick out my thumb and then I'd start waving with both arms and then stick out my thumb and then tried to look as desperate as possible and wave again. One 'sport' stopped only to tell me he was on his lunch break and would not be able to help me- go figure. Then within about five minutes God sent me Bonny the Angel!! She and her four kids were awesome! There was only room for five people in her car so she kicked her two boys out of the car and let me in and we took off to get my youngest. Phew! All was well and Bonny took my son and me to the tire store, back to my car and back to the tire store again all the while letting me use her phone to call for a tow. Of course I have a towing package since I obviously drive till my tires pop! Love my insurance people and the tow guys are great too!

So, there we were, Stephen and me, waiting at the tire store for my oldest son to bring the tires I had from home that I thought were a steal of a deal. I had traded my old van for four tires from the Junk Yard a few weeks back and I was excited to be able to use these tires! So, Stephen and I waited for my eldest as we sat eating some pretty good popcorn.

It seemed we were waiting a long time so I called my wonderful, biggest son only to find out that he had come to the tire store, asked one of the employees if my car was there, they said "no", so "wonderful son" left and went back home!!!!! Okay, so I really can't say anything only because I am a space-case too and it really isn't his fault - it's hereditary...

Wouldn't you know... the tires didn't fit my car anyway and the tire guy told me that these Junk Yard tires were over nine years old, so he would not put them on my car! What a bummer - I've been ripped off! I ended up paying $111 for two used tires that are larger than the other tires on my car. So it feels kinda funny riding with taller tires in the back than in the front. Good thing I don't have all wheel drive or ABS - well maybe...

Life's an adventure!

Rollin' Rebecca

Missed First PT Session - Bummer!

2010-04-21T21:56:00.000-07:00

Here I was looking for my swimsuit in order to be ready for my first aquatic PT session. Well, I found the swimsuit but I had to get prepared to be able to wear the thing but wouldn't you know I had forgotten how long it takes to shave the bear. Yes, the fur had gotten thick and it took a long time... then on goes the swimsuit and riiiiippppp! I ripped a hole in the back of the swimsuit - ugh! It was too late to change so I grabbed a pair of shorts and hoped they would cover the tear. And wouldn't you know with all the commotion I got to the appointment 8 minutes late and Laurie was already drying her hair and getting ready to go back to the office. BUMMER!

I smiled and apologized and tried to explain about the bathing suit and she told me I don't need a bathing suit - shorts and a t-shirt would be just fine. Well, I certainly did not see that coming ~ live and learn...

Laurie is very kind so I am looking forward to tomorrow's session with her.

Talk to you soon!

Rebecca

X-ray, MRIs, CT and PT Update

2010-04-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

Went to PT today and the therapist, Laurie, was excellent! Laurie got a hold of all of my results for my X-ray, 3 MRIs and CT scan. There is hope!!! She told me that nothing is fractured or broken and PT will do a lot of good for all of my pains.

Left Ankle:
Laurie also told me that for the past six years I have been re-injuring a sprain in my left ankle - yikes! So, ice and keeping my ankle elevated will help the healing process and we can't do PT on the ankle until it is healed. When I initially hurt my ankle in 2004 I elongated a tendon or two and never gave it time to heal.

Right Side of Neck & Right Shoulder:
My neck was injured in the accident of 2006, which caused a bone to grow on C5 that doesn't belong there and pinches a nerve that radiates pain into my shoulder and down my arm. PT should help but I am not sure if I need surgery to remove the bone that grew.

Right Knee:
My Rt knee has all of the tendons and ligaments, which is a miracle since years ago I had an arthroscopy(sp?) done on my knee and they told me they saw two tendons that had completely broken and atrophied and could never be repaired. Either they were wrong or I got healed! Laurie told me all of my tendons and ligaments are fine. Instead, she told me that it is my knee cap that is grinding because the stuff under my cap (I can't remember the name of it) got stretched when the car hit my shin and snapped my knee. PT should help and I start tomorrow doing PT in the pool!

Swollen Lymph Nodes:
Laurie had nothing to say about my lymph nodes except that they are swollen. I'll have blood work done on the 4th at Oncology in Bremerton.

Good news! Praise God!!

Rebecca

Miracle Home! and Kitchen Sink?

2010-04-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you about my Miracle Home?! Wellllll, my home has been in foreclosure several times since 2004 because my now ex-husband was court ordered to pay the mortgage but refused. I had to take him to court many times and he'd pay the mortgage the week before we had to be in Court. So, the Judge or Commissioner would see that he had already paid the mortgage and then they'd look at me for wasting their time! I'd try to explain the situation but to no avail.

Unfortunately, this happened several more times until 2007 when our divorce was final and our Superior Court Judge ordered my ex-husband to continue to pay the mortgage until I received my disability. Welp, you guessed it - he refused to pay the mortgage. So, I would have to bring him back to court but this time he would not pay the mortgage even though he would be going before our Superior Court Judge! The Judge would tell him he had to pay the mortgage plus a fine - Yikes! Not only did he not pay the mortgage but he also refused to pay any of the fines. Needless to say I was in a pickle with my home.

Thus our mortgage has not been paid since January 2009 and that is why I call it my Miracle Home! Our mortgage company has been extremely gracious to us by allowing us to remain in our home even though no one has made any payments for over a year. Of course I thank God for all of His provisions - He is the provider for all of our needs! Plus, I have many prayer warriors who have seen me through these past six years - thank you all!

Oh yes, our broken kitchen sink has finally been dislodged from our home - boy was it a beast! We are one step closer to having running water in our kitchen again! It will be quite the job because everything is broken at this point and must be replaced.

All in all a good experience for the kids and I.

Rebecca

Health Update

2010-04-18T17:21:00.000-07:00

Hey Everybody!

I'm still walking around on a possible fractured ankle, my right knee is hurting a lot (two of my tendons snapped years ago), my sleep hasn't improved and I'm wondering if my lymph nodes are either infected or holding cancer... the waiting game so far isn't so tough but I sure am anticipating good things coming down the pike! Tomorrow I go to physical therapy for my shoulder and knee but I have to wait two or three months to get into the Fibromyalgia Clinic in Seattle. I am debating having a MRI done on my chest since the doc told me that would help determine how many lymph nodes are swollen. As my friends know I am still happy and joy-filled because there are SO many wonderful things in this world and in my life. My youngest calls it happy-full!

Love you!

Rebecca

Sleep Clinic cont. "I Can Breathe!"

2010-04-14T09:15:00.000-07:00

What to wear was a concern for me since I have no pajamas but I pulled together some bright blue sweats, a purple t-shirt and a multi-pastel-colored, super cozy sweater so I must have looked like a jelly bean clown - then to top it off after washing everything someone must have left a tissue in their pocket so my comfy makeshift PJ's were covered with white pieces of tissue. I certainly would not have won any beauty contest.

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me because things went smooth from there. I pulled up to a great parking spot, found my way to the Sleep Center and met Jon right away. Jon is a wonderful Christian man who is excellent at what he does and he made me feel right at home and very informed. The bed was a sleep number bed (my number is 35) and the temp of the room was perfect - very comfortable all around.

Once Jon hooked all of the electrodes to my body (there were about 20 of them) I got to take a look in the mirror and I looked like a drunk jelly-bean clown because my hair was all messed up and I looked like I had just been sleeping in a garbage can with clumps of white glue-gel all over to keep the 'trodes in place. And of course each 'trode had either a black, red or white wire attached so I had wires and straps from head to toe, in my nose, down my pants, attached to my face, chest, head and legs - I looked like a colorful Star Trek Borg.

They asked me if I wanted a sleeping pill and I said, "If you want to see me sleep you'll need to give me a sleeping pill." Well, even with the sleeping pill I was tossing and turning, thrashing around and waking up every time I moved so Jon came in and placed a nose/mouth mask on my face and all of a sudden I could BREATHE!!!

Next thing I knew I was sleeping like a hibernating bear - all sprawled out on my back, arms and legs flung out across the queen bed! What a difference breathing makes!!

Now I have to wait for the results, which I was told can take a couple of weeks because they have to go through hundreds of sheets of data. I say just give me that breathing mask NOW!! I think I will wear it 24/7!! Breathing totally makes you feel like you are full of clean air and lighter or something. I am really looking forward to real sleep finally!

As I left the Sleep Center I said goodbye to Jon and as I shook his hand the way he looked at me made me think that he knew something about me that I'd never know...

Paranoid - only a little,

Rebecca

Doctor's Visit and My Resolve

2010-04-13T15:41:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have come home with a list of things my doc has in store for me:
1) Harbor View visit for fibromyalgia
2) X-Ray for left ankle that might be fractured (and I thought it was just sprained)
3) Oncologist because my lymph-node swelling might be cancer or just an infection
4) MRI on right knee since it is hurting from when I got hit by a car and snapped two of the tendons (happened in 1981)
5) Orthopedics for right knee
6) PT for both my right shoulder and possibly ankle

Isn't it interesting how some people can just put up with pain and suffering? This seems to happen with us folks with fibromyalgia. We are so used to pain and suffering that it becomes the norm and who would think that our self-diagnosis could be wrong anyway? We think there is not much help out there for us because there isn't much help for fibromyalgia - yet!

And here I thought I just sprained my ankle (this was in 2004 and it still hurts - what was I thinking?) and I thought there wasn't much to do for my knee, shoulder, fibromyalgia, sleep, ankle not to mention that I have swollen lymph's! I've been falling apart for years and didn't think there was much I could do about any of it!

So, it is high time to turn this whole thing around folks and start believing that there is hope and help!

I'm on a new mission to find health and healing as best I can and to never give up!

I have had the chance to speak to many people in their 70's and above who are spry and they walk with a 'pep in their step' - so why can't I!? It is time to get better as I age instead of walking my mind and health into the pit of 'no one cares and no one can do anything for me'.

Who's with me?!

Anybody out there who wants to take this trek together?...

Life's a changing for the better!!

Rebecca

Contemplating a Visit to The Sleep Clinic

2010-04-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

I'll be having a new experience this evening - I am going to the Sleep Clinic at our hospital. I've never done this before and they say to wear your PJ's but I don't normally wear PJ's to bed so I'll be wearing sweats and a cozy top if I can find one (otherwise it won't be cozy).

As it stands my sleep is horrible and has been all of my life. Can you imagine being tired all of the time? Well, when fatigue becomes the norm you don't know what it feels like to be rested. I cannot remember the last time I felt fully rested... anyway, my doc doesn't know quite what to think - do I sleep poorly because of the fibromyalgia pain? Is there something wrong with my nose or airway? Do I have sleep apnea? What is the problem?

Thus, the Sleep Clinic to the rescue - we hope! From what I have been told they hook you up to a monitoring system and watch you sleep. I was also told I might end up with the funny guy as my monitor-man or a woman. I'd prefer a funny woman if I had a choice as the one who watches me sleep all night.

What a job! Do they ever get to sleep?

I have to admit I am a bit apprehensive due to the fact that I know that I don't know what I look like when I sleep. I also know that I do not wake up in the same position as when I fall asleep so what I do during the few hours I am sleeping only God knows! Also, wiping drool from my mouth is common practice for me since it seems I breathe through my mouth when I sleep - thus part of the problem I assume.

So, am I looking forward to this experience? NO! Then what am I to expect - a good nights sleep? Probably not... so then they'll probably make me do it again, which I am not down with. And what happens if my monitor person falls asleep? Do they make something up so they don't get into trouble or do I have to do it again?

Well, to say the least it will be an adventure - I sure hope they are sworn to secrecy.

So, sweet dreams everyone and say a little prayer for me as your head hits the pillow tonight that I will sleep enough and do whatever it is I do so they can see whatever it is they need to see so I won't have to share my sleeping experience with anyone again.

Thanks bunches,

Rebecca

The Kitchen Sink Challenge

2010-04-11T19:03:00.000-07:00

So being a single mom has its challenges and one of those challenges right now is our kitchen sink. It wouldn't be so bad but we only have one bathroom with a small sink so it is not conducive to doing the dishes. So, we really need our kitchen sink back!

I could ask friends to help but I figure the more things I can learn to do on my own the better. Thus, we still don't have a kitchen sink...

The problem developed with the sink when one of my lovely children decided to see if a knife would fit down the drain. Yep, and the knife slipped from his fingers and was stuck in the drain. I commissioned my daughter's boyfriend to open the drain under the sink to retrieve the knife but the pipe was so old that it crumbled into pieces. Ugh!! So I went to our local store and talked to a 'specialist' and got hooked up with everything I would need to fix the sink. NOT!

The sink is SO old that everything is attached right where you don't want it to be and we are going to have to destroy the entire sink to get it out of there since nothing about this sink is cooperating the way it should.

This is typical of every job I seem to have to learn - the job is never as easy as you hope. So here we sit with no kitchen sink and it is quite interesting - suffice it to say that we are using paper plates and cups and plastic utensils and the microwave is working overtime! Who wants to try and wash a pot in the bathroom sink?

Oh the joy of realizing a kitchen sink should never be taken for granted,

Rebecca

CT Scan & MRI

2010-04-09T17:55:00.000-07:00

Today I had a CT Scan on my neck (lymph-nodes to be exact) and a MRI on my Rt shoulder. Medical technology is pretty cool now-a-days and I actually was treated very well and had a decent time of it.

This is my second MRI in two weeks because the first MRI was for my neck, which found the swollen lymph-nodes and that my neck's vertebra's C5 & C6 have bonded together and lost the squishy stuff between them - so that is why my neck has been hurting me!

Anyway, today's MRI went well. They allow you to keep your clothes on as long as you do not have any metal in your clothing. Then you lie down on a very comfortable pad on a table that rises and then moves you into a tunnel type machine. You're given ear protection (the first MRI I got ear plugs but this time it was a headset with my favorite FM music station playing). Next you hear a loud (muffled with the ear protection) sound like a fog horn and you have to remain still or your picture will have to be retaken. I was told that I did great so no repeat pictures.

Then came the CT Scan... this was another story because they have to inject an iodine solution that causes a warm sensation in your body and a feeling like you just peed in your pants. Of course you don't pee but it is definitely an experience. The bed you lie on is similar to the one for the MRI and it too rises and moves you into a bit of a tighter tunnel.

Then you're done and the waiting game begins. I looked up online what could possibly go wrong with lymph-nodes and there are several problems that can occur in our lymphatic system. My lymph-nodes in my neck are swollen but there is no telling what the cause may be in my case- I'll just have to wait.

I'll keep everyone posted. I sure hope my pictures are able to determine exactly what is going on with my shoulder and lymphs but we'll see.

Forging on...

Rebecca

P.S. Since I have had fibromyalgia just about all of my life I have never had a pain free day that I can remember. Therefore, I am quite content to think that I may be getting some answers with the CT Scan and MRI's for the first time in my life. I'm actually excited about the process so far and am anticipating good things to come for my health.

Coddeling the Eggplant

2010-04-09T09:17:00.000-07:00

The science project my youngest son has been given is to grow a plant that will weigh the most without dirt. So, we took off and went to our local Nursery and found a guy who helped us find some seeds that would germinate on the quick side and produce a mature plant in the time allotted. Yellow summer squash and eggplant were the seeds of choice and hope. Once we got home and read the labels fully we realized that these particular plants had to have a warm environment (in other words a greenhouse).

There was no place in our home that resembled an adequate greenhouse so we brainstormed and came up with what we hoped would suffice. What we actually did was to take our smallest lamp, wrap its' wire around the hook in the ceiling in the corner of the dining area, hang the lamp upside down (without the shade mind you) and let it hover over a makeshift stack of boxes on a plant stand. Then we took aluminum foil, taped and draped it all around the base of the lamp, which was now the top of the lamp and had the foil hang down and into our box that held the precious seed pots - voila, an awesome greenhouse (well awesome to us).

Then we waited and within a few days the yellow squash popped their heads out of the dirt to our delight! We knew we would have to wait longer for the eggplant and so we waited as we watched our yellow squash take off.

Checking everyday for the eggplant seemed a lifetime but they never peeked their noses out of the warm dirt. Finally, one day I decided to stir around in the dirt figuring that all of the seeds had died. I found nothing so I took the rest of the seeds and placed them into the barren dirt - then we waited. We realized that eggplant is much pickier and may never make it in our special greenhouse but we waited and hoped.

Then a day came when I felt the urge to stir the dirt again in hopes of finding a sprout and to our surprise there she was - a tiny sprout had emerged but we were unable to determine which end was root and which end was the top. So we guessed and to our amazement we guessed right and eventually there grew two lovely, tiny leaves on a stem as straight as could be! Wow! I guess we really are farmers at heart... we were so proud and now to our amazement all of the second batch of seeds we planted have sprouted and are sitting cozy in our little makeshift greenhouse.

In all of our excitement over the eggplant we forgot and left our yellow squash outside too late and it got too cold for them so now all of our attention is on the health and well being of the yellow squash because after all, they may be the winning plants in the end.

Feelin' green,

Rebecca

Peace, Beauty and Connected

2010-04-09T02:13:00.000-07:00

Looking out over the ocean I see the beauty of the Puget Sound. I can see the water lapping up on our shore and reaching out to the nearby island - Bainbridge Island. North beyond the island I can see the Agate Pass Bridge, which connects our peninsula to Bainbridge. Then further north I see Mt. Baker's white caps on a clear day and many other peaks of the Cascade mountain range.

What a beautiful place we live... At night we can see the glow of Seattle beaming up into the clouds above the mainland and we know that even though peninsula life is full of peace and beauty that we are still connected to the rest of the planet. In addition, all of humanity is connected whether living on a peninsula, on an island, in the mountains or on the mainland.

Peace, beauty and connected we all are if we give ourselves a chance to find contentment right where we dwell. Deciding that life is worth living connected to peace, beauty and each other is a great gift we can give ourselves.

Choosing to walk away from anything that may harm us or cause a disconnect from love, joy, peace and beauty is a difficult decision yet a choice that draws life worth living near. Do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones and do it for humanity. Be that example of contentment or at least striving for a contented life of peace, beauty and connectedness.

Contented/connected,

Rebecca

My Fantastic Four!

2010-04-05T17:51:00.000-07:00

Today I slept in till 11:15 AM (well I should say I got up with my son, Sky, at 6:30AM first, took him to school and then hit the bed again). Mondays are my Kick-Back days (some may call it my Sabbath). Anyway, I take a much needed break from the hectic stuff and relax as much as possible even though I have four wonderful/busy kids whom I call "The Fantastic Four!". They each add so much to my life and learning about life. Their unique personalities bring interesting dynamics to life that are so amazing - I guess I am amazed everyday by them.
Some of the things I've learned as I've watched my "Fantastic Four" live, learn and grow are:
* Time can heal anything when we are willing to continue to learn and grow and work through fear and anger
* Loving each other by putting aside the ridiculous things in life is easier and more fun than dwelling on issues and drama
* "God's Got It" so why should I carry it?
* Patience is not what we think it is - so embrace patience and be blown away!
* Never give up on your kids, never! They are the biggest blessings in our life, especially the one who seems most difficult. If we are willing we can learn the most from the child who rubs us the 'wrong' way the most - they are our true angels unawares. So, embrace all you can learn from the difficult children in your life - the reward will be immense!
* Some people see danger and avoid it and realize one day how thankful they are that they did not go that way, others see danger and feel they have to explore it and then realize it was not such a good idea and then others embrace the danger and get burned. Yet, no matter which way a child chooses... God will never forsake them and He understands and still only wants to love them and have a deep relationship with them. He will make all things new.

Rebecca

This is my first day Blogging!

2010-04-03T21:04:00.000-07:00

I'm excited because being able to create a blog is a very cool thing!

I'm also excited about my blog because I get to put 'ME' out there and see who might be interested in the different aspects of who I am and what I do. I'm really passionate about the things I'm upto like:

Working with women in crisis: I started SWIC (Supporting Women In Crisis) last year and I am presently helping some really awesome ladies get through their own crisis. It can be a long haul but it is always life transforming. If you know a women in crisis I am willing to work with her if she would like my help. Please email me at: rebeccalove777@hotmail.com

Also, I am very passionate about the Healing Prayer ministry I have been given. It may seem weird to some people who have never experienced anything like it before. Yet, for me, my family and friends Healing Prayer is an essential part of life because it moves us quicker on our path of purpose and fulfillment in life. I've had the privilege of praying over many people and each time I am in awe of the transforming power of healing prayer! If someone you know is ready to be transformed I'd be glad to be a part of that process and help them move safely through their challenges.

It is really important to me to find products that add health benefits to our family and the environment. I simply do not like spending money on products that have "harmful side effects". I searched for many years for products that 'heal' instead of products that 'harm' and found a great company called Shaklee. Each Shaklee product is highly researched and tested in order to bring health and healing to those who use them and these great products have "side benefits" as well. There's nothing like Shaklee products. So, I tell people about Shaklee (my Shaklee Distributor ID# is SE33170) and my Shaklee website is: http://rebeccalove.myshaklee.com - come check me out!
Writing is a passion that I have as well. I send out periodical "Love Updates" to all of my friends, family and prayer warriors. Now I will include my "Love Updates" in my blog as well.
Speaking is also something that intrigues me, fascinates me and challenges me. I went to my first Toastmasters meeting this past Tuesday and am excited to go again this coming Tuesday because there will be a speaking competition!

Some of the things that I find really fun to do are hang with Senior High School Girls every Wednesday evening at our church. These amazing young women are my inspiration because this world is not anything like when I was growing up and I don't know how they manage life through all of the stuff that is thrown at them. They are phenomenal ladies! I learn SO much from each one of them as we do special devotions, go on adventures and just get real with what is going on in our lives. What a great group to be a part of!

Sundays are special too because I am privileged to do a Children's Workshop. These little Tender-Hearts are always ready to listen and encourage one another. It is just amazing to watch them grow. I wish I had an awesome Sunday School when I was growing up like our church has for these kids.

Did I tell you about CASH yet? Well, Washington CASH (Washington Community Alliance for Self Help) has been in Kitsap County since 2000, helping entrepreneurs who want to start their own business. I have the awesome privilege of meeting with these great people twice each month to learn how to build a business. I recommend them to anyone who wants to build a business! Contact Jennifer at: jennifer@washingtoncash.org

Thanks SO much for taking time to get to know me. I hope you'll give me a link so I can get to know you too!!

Lots of Love,

Rebecca Love