tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87585297055720147002024-03-05T14:29:31.081-08:00Christina's Brain JourneyThis is my most recent journey into the world of migraine, TIA's & MCI (mild cognitive impairment/a pre-dementia condition). Please feel free to post comments. This is the survival of a 51 year old who was first diagnosed with complex migraine or at the time chronic cluster migraine at age 23. I want to share, educate & advocate. I also want to live & document this journey because it encompasses genetic, headache, vascular, & memory disorders.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-54964586003992746432010-09-18T08:08:00.000-07:002010-09-18T08:15:33.644-07:00Migraine intensityMy last migraine started Wednesday night @ 11:00 pm. It has grown and lessened in intensity, but has remained quite constant. I am hoping that this one is based on barometric pressure. It's downright kicking my butt. Thursday it became quite intense to the point I was contemplating contacting one of my doctors for an infusion on Friday. However, I thought I'd wait.... so wait I did. It subsided enough to not need it on Friday, but I sure could use it today. So, I may be calling on Monday just to get it taken care of before I go on my trip. <div><br /></div><div>The good thing, I've not had many of the previous symptoms; word loss, numbness/tingling on left side. This is really good, because I know I'm not having any new TIAs. </div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-81573023911965762792010-09-18T07:26:00.000-07:002010-09-18T08:04:27.086-07:00Preparing for Vipassana RetreatIt's now only 5 days before I leave for the research study with Johns Hopkins. In many ways I am really excited, but since yesterday started feeling a wee bit anxious. Probably the most difficult is making sure I've done enough cleaning, got keys made, made preparations for the critters. I haven't left for more than a week in so long it's kinda scary. <div>So, what have I done toward preparation? </div><div><br /></div><div>1)Let's see, I've been fairly religious with completing and returning my daily headache diary. This started back in June. I haven't missed any days, just have been a little late. Things I've learned with this diary include the frequency really is greater than originally thought. It seems that I may go 1-2 days per week without any head pain. </div><div><br /></div><div>2) I have been trying to acclimate myself to "Indian" foods, though it looks like I haven't been too greatly successful. What I have had is a little more spicy than what may be served. </div><div><br /></div><div>3) I was hoping to give up coffee, but alas, this has not happened. I checked into Starbucks decaf only to find that they do not use natural decaffeination. Only their Somalia coffee is done naturally. </div><div><br /></div><div>4) Getting enough snuggles in with the critters... but are any really enough?</div><div><br /></div><div>5) Practicing some of the techniques. Much easier said than done. Vipassana is all about mindfulness and intention. Mindful eating will take a lot of practice, there is so much that is done unconsiously. I've also been attempting to keep non-essential talking down. It's not so bad, but because now is voluntary it is not such a difficult task. </div><div><br /></div><div>6) Turning non-essential noises off. This mostly means sleeping without the tube on. Much harder than it seems. I could get used to it though. </div><div><br /></div><div>7) Reducing my sleep meds, especially when I'm not working. I've reduced it to a 1/2 tab whenever possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>8) Getting my Band loosened. I'm not concerned about "getting enough," but am concerned about food getting stuck. I know I have difficulty eating raw foods and some types just don't go down well. </div><div><br /></div><div>9) Making sure I have all my meds in place and packed. I wasn't going to carry them in a carry-on, but in case things get should get lost, it would be best to have them with me. </div><div><br /></div><div>10) Maybe I'm over-concerned about what to wear, but the rules say no tight clothing so I've picked up mostly sleepwear that is quite loose and comfy. </div><div><br /></div><div>11) I'm trying to go in without specific expectation. I know I will not "cure" my migraines, but if I can learn some new techniques to handle the pain or even reduce the pain it will all be worth it. </div><div>12) Some overall things have happened, while not in the next few days, I have become somewhat calmer and have been able to hold my tongue a whole lot easier. It does take some discipline to control it, but it has been working. </div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully the nerves won't get the best of me. The biggest stressors include cleaning, packing & just plain old getting everything done in time. I will miss the critters and hope I have placed them in good hands while I'm off. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-13931658902379754942010-08-14T21:25:00.000-07:002010-08-14T21:53:52.990-07:00Meditation StudyI have been relatively quiet about entering a clinical trial through Johns Hopkins. It is a meditation training to see how it may benefit in the treatment of migraines. All of my paperwork has been completed, I am still awaiting approval from the institute, but all other approvals are done including <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">FMLA</span>. Oh yes, flight was $179. Not too shabby. Getting into the trial including a couple of initial phone and email contacts. It was only supposed to be for 4-6 weeks <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">prior</span> to the training, but I am to fill out a daily headache/sleep diary. It's been really helpful and given me a new <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">aspect</span>/respect.<div><br /></div><div>If anyone knows me I insist on being an informed consumer on most things, especially when there is time. I have emailed Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Goyal</span> on what I may do to "prepare" myself for this retreat. He suggested eliminating all music, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">tv</span>, etc. at least the week before and to double-check my enrollment status. Upon doing that I also did a search for "Preparing" and came across some good information, Both positive and negative. I think it's good to know others' <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">experiences</span> whether positive or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">negative</span>. My plan is to go with no expectations, but perhaps a new tool to assist me. I did a lot of reading today and continue to get more and more excited. It has worn me out. </div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-80656711875456052432010-08-14T21:04:00.000-07:002010-08-14T21:25:05.094-07:00It's been a while, so time to get back to postingI am once again in status migrainus. This has been pretty consistent since late May. I had been doing fairly well where I didn't require much treatment other than pain meds, but in May some things changed. I remember going into the OR when I had the port to my Lap-Band replaced. It had been going on a few days, but up until a couple of weesks ago, it really didn't stop. I went to see Dr. Chapman and asked him about magnesium infusions... he's not familiar with them and doesn't understand why an oral supplement isn't good enough. After 30 years, he also questioned whether or not I was actually having migraines. I got really ticked, so when I got home, I got my hands on Dr. Purath's number, called and set up a consultation. The unfortunate thing, wasn't until 2 monhs away, now it is this coming Friday. I talked to Dr. Sweeney and he does magnesium infusion and actually has them done in his office. My migraine was so bad on July 1 that I left work early... later going in for an infusion. Unfortunately for some reason I got really dehydrated and he had trouble finding a vein. We got the magnesium in, but did not get any saline or vitamin C. The migraine was abated briefly, though not completely. I experienced far fewer side effects than when infused with steroids. <div><br /></div><div>With my port replacement I have gone from 202-176. Another theory of Dr. Sweeney's is that perhaps my estrogen levels have gone wonky because of it being stored in the fat cells. My levels are 300% of my progesterone. He has placed me on prometrium as Dr Chapman has also increased my Topamax. One or the other or both have helped to the point that for about two weeks I was nearly completely migraine free. It was only last Sunday that I started getting twinges again, then they have hit!...</div><div><br /></div><div>So, it is now 1 week to my consultation with Dr. Purath... I've actually heard mixed results, while she is an awesome doc, it's very difficult to get in when you really need to. I will reserve judgment.</div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-29509628048836761032009-11-09T10:31:00.000-08:002009-11-09T10:37:08.791-08:00So Far So GoodAt the doc a week or so ago I was reminded that I have a homeopathic remedy for my migraines, Gelsemium. Historically, it's always been easiest to reach for the allopathic meds than the alternatives. Well, I've been giving it a try... and my use of other drugs especially the narcotics has gone way down. Usually within 5-15 minutes the headache has subsided. <div><br /></div><div>I also incurred a minor head injury in the past week which caused a nasty headache. To make sure it was not a migraine I took the homeopathic remedy and sure enough it did not work for that. However, Arnica Montana both the pellets and gel have been helping tremendously with the major bruising. I was attacked by a patient at work. Word came from the DA that they are charging her with battery, due to the extent of the injuries. </div><div><br /></div><div>All in all, I seem to be doing pretty well both with the headaches and memory. </div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-58510708279231478022009-09-23T05:25:00.000-07:002009-09-23T05:52:44.712-07:009.24.9 Other ponderingsLast week I had my lap-band filled as well as a gall bladder ultrasound. The restriction has not changed and I can eat most anything, but the abdominal pain I'm experiencing is increasing. The ultrasound came back that there is nothing wrong with my gall bladder. This issue came up when I went on a couple of Z-packs for an ear infection & later bronchitis and seems to be increasing. <div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow I go in for an "unfill" where the saline that keeps the band around my stomach tight is removed. This will only be the 2nd time I will have had this done in the nearly 4 years 10 months I've had the Band. </div><div><br /></div><div>Saturday, I have a date, someone from work who has found me "cute." We will be going to a group session with Susan Anderson while she and her daughter, Christine are here for their Introduction to Bridging Two Worlds. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-81899698744192838602009-09-23T04:45:00.000-07:002009-09-23T05:24:08.243-07:009/23/9 Why on days offI've been fine for a week and a half, and I seem to be maintaining part of my 3rd shift sleep schedule, falling asleep late afternoon or early evening. I woke up about 1:30 with what I thought was a headache related to not taking my sleep meds, since I've had these before. So, I took a 1/2 dose. I woke up this morning with a full-blown migraine. I know that these single days off do cause me to sleep much more. I do tend to do what the body requests especially regarding sleep. The better quality sleep, the less fibro flairs I will have. The weather probably didn't help yesterday with all the rain, though "they" say there wasn't that much, it was downright torrential. I will see how today goes before 3 to see if I will need to call in using FMLA time. <div><br /></div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-242322093494138882009-09-12T15:20:00.000-07:002009-09-12T15:36:44.210-07:009/12/9 Lost timeThursday night I woke up late for work, totally exhausted. I believed I had a hard time sleeping, tossing & turning, at least that's what I remembered. However, Friday morning when I got home, clothes were put away, the ironing board and iron were out & things had been ironed and beads had been messed with. No, I don't think the cats got into things or there was an intruded. On checking my phone, it appears I had called my doctor & spoke to someone. I did call & it was confirmed that I called the night before complaining that I hadn't slept for a couple of nights. I explained I was, in fact asleep, had no recollection, and under no circumstances should I ever be advised to take another Ambien. It seemed I had similar trouble sleeping on Friday, however, had put the meds out of reach and tossed until I had to get up for work. Shait was sleeping with me, and perhaps I am grateful she was. She kept getting up and swatting at me, shortly after I would rouse, she would settle down.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-86977809183116252282009-09-09T06:37:00.000-07:002009-09-09T07:42:00.435-07:00Invisible Chronic Illness WeekBorrowed from the keyboard of Migraine Maven Teri Robert:<br /><br />"Anyone who has Migraine disease or another headache disorder knows what it's like to live with an invisible illness. People can't see our illness. There are no outward signs. No physical scars, canes, wheel chairs, or any of the other outward signs that can alert people that a person is living with an illness.<br /><br />Invisible illnesses are easy for 'healthy' people to ignore. Unfortunately, so are the difficulties of those who live with these diseases. This adds to the burden of disease and makes lives even more difficult.<br /><br />Each year, National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week is observed to educate the public and raise awareness about invisible illnesses. One of the blogging activities this year is a 'meme,' 30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know. So, here's my meme..."<br /><br />1. The illness I live with is: Familial Hemiplegic and Intractable Chronic Migraine disease<br /><br />2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: 1980-1981<br /><br />3. But I had symptoms since: I treated for my first headache at age 16 with a B12 shot but I remember complaining about my brain hurting as a little kid.<br /><br />4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: the need to change careers. Other lifestyle changes have been necessary. No Chinese restaurants, avoid free-glutamates including MSG, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners. <br /><br />5. Most people assume: That Migraines are "just headaches" that can be "cured" with a little Excedrin Migraine or Tylenol, and I should be able to just "get over it" because it "isn't that big a deal."<br /><br />6. The hardest part about mornings is: when I would wake up with a migraine or prodrome symptoms because at that point there's nothing I can do except grit down and bare it, even if that still means having to go to work. If I did make it to work, I was usually home by 10 am. Haven't had this issue so much since working 3rd shift.<br /><br />7. My favorite medical TV show is: generally anything on PBS. Otherwise I just love House.<br /><br />8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: A heating pad. Not that it's a real gadget. <br /><br />9. The hardest part about nights is: Working. It's very difficult adjusting to 3rd shift. Otherwise, I do have a stage IV sleep disorder and do not go into deep sleep. <br /><br />10. Each day I take: 11 prescriptions not including my inhalers, two scrips are PRNs so I don't take them every day. <br /><br />11. Regarding alternative treatments: I believe in them wholeheartedly. I use homeopathy, relaxation, ice, heat.<br /><br />12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: I'm not sure, most people just don't want to deal with others' issues. Visible is a lot easier to get disability for. <br /><br />13. Regarding working and career: I am fortunate to have had skills to fall back on when I had to change careers in January. If I hadn't had those, I don't know where I would be. <br /><br />14. People would be surprised to know: That my migraines caused brain damage. <br /><br />15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: Limitations, even 9 months on my new job, it's difficult having given up a career I enjoyed. Finding the right medication combination to treat and manage the disease. <br /><br />16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: Start a blog, connect with and meet so many other amazing migraineurs.<br /><br />17. The commercials about my illness: Certainly minimize the disease and lead to the misinformation that is out there. Some of the prescription commercials make it seem that the drug is for everyone. Not all of us can take these meds. In particular, I cannot take any of the Triptans due to the vascular risk. <div><br />18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Hmmm, it's been so long ago, but within the past 18 months being a social worker and going for Chinese<br /><br />19. It was really hard to have to give up: My career, though the place I worked was easy to give up. <br /><br />20.A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: beading<br /><br />21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Normal? Is there any such thing? If you ask anybody, I don't think anyone truly feels what they would identify as "normal."</div><div><br /></div><div>22. My illness has taught me: Perseverance, and I am not alone. <br /><br />23.Want to know a secret? My disease truly is genetic. I have two lousy genes, and two mutations on the same gene. Most likely from my mother's mother's side. That's where the stroke history is from. <br /><br />24. But I love it when: I connect other people with migraines who really understand and validate all the things that used to make me feel "crazy" and alone. AND when I find research that confirms some of the things we have all been saying just from the experience. <br /><br />25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: "Is there any remover of difficulties, save God, say praised be God, He is God, all are His servants and all abide by His bidding." The Bab<br /><br />26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them: You are not alone. Let's go on the journey together. <br /><br />27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: How often people can be insensitive about Migraines, especially with noise. It is very difficult to have to listen to someone else's music when the head is pounding; and they believe it is a right to have it blasting in the workplace. <br /><br />28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: My kitties are awesome, they always know when to snuggle when I don't feel well. <br /><br />29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because: Invisible Illnesses are very, very common. Everyone knows someone with an invisible illness, and it's important to bring the special issues related to living with these illnesses to light.<br /><br />30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel: Honored.<br /><br />You can find out more about National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week and the 5-day free virtual conference with 20 speakers Sept 14-18, 2009 at www.invisibleillness.com</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Teri!</div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-40594238153977305302009-09-09T06:26:00.000-07:002009-09-09T06:31:27.305-07:009/9/09I've been taking Metoprolol now for a month. My neuro is happy the blood pressure is lower, my primary is concerned that it's going too low. The best benefit so far is that my migraines have been reduced even further. In the past week, I've had a minor one. By minor, I mean one that I could still function semi-normally.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-67016349689128857622009-08-24T07:04:00.000-07:002009-08-24T07:13:03.029-07:008/24 And it's over in a flash...... yesterday all I had was a twinge, and today, it seems my reprieve may be over. So far I may have caught it early enough, to keep it at just a nagging irritation. A check of my blood pressure did show an unusual high 160/109. Subsequent checks have been much lower and more within the normal range. I will try to get as much sleep as I can.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-55420380168713152402009-08-23T15:03:00.000-07:002009-08-23T15:09:24.759-07:008/23/9 All I had was a twinge earlier in a flashThat's all it was a flashing twinge and was gone. So, perhaps we have come across the right combination of meds to keep this all under control. Since the blood pressure med most of the headaches have completely gone, but the side effect is just being a little more loopy than normal... so what's new? I just think there are times that the pressure drops just a little too low and I get light-headed. It would be good if we are on to something!Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-126930910323856272009-08-21T10:49:00.000-07:002009-08-21T11:03:04.729-07:008/21/9 It's been about a week?Wow, it's been about a week since really any significant headache has happened. I've been icky because of the weather, and the fibro flaired for a moment, but all in all it's been a good week on the headache front. Now if only this ear infection will go away. I am feeling that the antibiotic is taking some effect, but actually feel best when I'm laying down. The inhalers have worked. Blood pressure last night was pretty low so did not take my med. 100/69. <div><br /></div><div>I saw my plastic surgeon today, and my healing continues to go well. She suggested that I make my appointment for the tummy tuck consultation before leaving the office, so I'm set for mid October, then we should know if there will be a new insurance or not and I should be closer to my goal, if not there. Monday I was 183. </div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-28480769068154878642009-08-18T12:12:00.000-07:002009-08-18T12:35:50.075-07:008/17/9 Good news blood levels GREATThere is a reason for my pity pot... ear infection and it seems to be trying to work into the sinuses. But the good news is I got my blood work info. B12 1004, Potassium 4.1, Creatinine 1.03 & HOMOCYSTEINE 9.6. Ideally my primary would like to see it right around 7, but for someone who was +26, this is pretty darned good. The benefit is that for now I am able to stave off adding a cardiologist to my list of physicians yet.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-15168860157552178012009-08-16T11:10:00.000-07:002009-08-16T11:18:38.642-07:008/16/9 Pity potYesterday was my day for the pity pot. Once in a while is ok. So now I'm off it. Seem to have gotten adequate rest and am a little more rested. Have more energy and more brain power. Actually if any day should be a pity pot day, today should be. The barometric pressure is whacked the weather indecisive and fibro appears to be flairing. I just won't let it take me over.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-29248566500117969562009-08-15T13:03:00.000-07:002009-08-15T13:25:55.817-07:008/15/9 Just tiredWork, sleep, work, sleep, work, sleep, eat oh, did I do that today, no I forgot, oops. Is it any wonder I don't feel good? Then a co-worker keeps asking am I losing more weight, probably, I don't know that's the goal... but is it worth it? Another co-worker teases the crap out of me every day and after a long night, I just go off on him, is it me or my messed up brain? I have no tolerance. My world feels like it is closing in and getting smaller, so is this what it feels like as the light of knowledge gets dimmer? My head is just a constant ache at this point.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-60558071047044615442009-08-11T12:51:00.000-07:002009-08-11T13:02:34.235-07:008/11/9 To Topamax or notI don't believe Topamax ever did anything really for my headaches, maybe just dulled them a wee bit. It wasn't until the Folgard RX and now CardioB from OrthoMolecular Products that there was any decrease in the pain levels. The addition of Namenda in December literally turned my life around and I am probably as close to normal as I will ever be.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-14696639814923733412009-08-11T11:26:00.000-07:002009-08-11T11:37:22.702-07:008/11/9 Periventricular White Matter???Yesterday was not a good day for the head. Although a day off, it proved to be a royal pain. I did an experiment, I monitored BP when pain at peak... so was BP... diastolic in 130s-140s & systolic going into 90s. Otherwise hung around the teens and 70s, which is where I am today. The Metoprolol appears to have had an immediate effect, it seems to calm me down too. So, what are all these long words in the subject? Last year, it was what my neurologist called brain death. Today I find a link that maybe with the supplement combo (Folic Acid, B6, & B12) has done the most to prevent any further damage. It's true that I've had a heck of a time with my balance, stumbling over my own feet. <div><br /></div><div>http://www.dizziness-and-balance.com/disorders/central/pvm.htm</div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-25868084252462561482009-08-09T15:11:00.000-07:002009-08-09T15:15:18.084-07:008/9/9 Visual DisturbancesNot sure if this is just tiredness or an occular migraine. Not much pain, just really distorted vision. The weather is quite changeable with high heat index and now torrential rains. My FMLA has been approved the next year. Yeah. Now monitoring blood pressure and taking metroprolol's lowest dose.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-56645139333691486602009-08-04T11:48:00.000-07:002009-08-04T16:38:10.139-07:008/4/9 Just because you can...Just because you can doesn't mean you should! How true a statement that is! I knew I knew I knew that something I was making to eat has historically been a trigger several years ago, but I have avoided it for many years. Sure enough within an hour, it hit! Fortunately it's starting to go away<div><br /></div><div>Had a good session with Pam today, she's excited to be the person I give my presentation to for my class. She has the syllabus and my personal learning plan. It's been a long time since we met for 1:1 session. I started reading the next assignment. Though was having some trouble concentrating and comprehending with the music in the background. I'm starting with the reading from Equal Circles "Religion and the Myth of Male Superiority." What I'm understanding is quite interesting. </div><div><br /></div><div>Work will be work I don't want to get into it with anyone, just do my job and leave it there. I don't need this one to affect my health either. I already have enough anxiety and stress to go around, and with 3rd shift I don't need any more to deal with. </div><div>Spoke to a friend, and she seems to be having others who are rallying around as well. Either donating beads or time to recoup her product. </div><div><br /></div><div>I am volunteering for Thursday after work to help recoup some o her creations. While they are not they way I make them, she will have things for her hewelry show this coming weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>I was not aware, but I did have a new script for Clnazepam, which will help me sleep and then get through work. All I need to do is get a few hours sleep tonight. </div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-48839495063598060912009-08-01T10:57:00.000-07:002009-08-01T11:30:44.002-07:008/1/9 No wonder the BP is higherI am so glad I have the weekend off. Sometimes people just like to cut you to the core. I need to stop being so sensitive and taking everything personal. I've not had 2 days off since my little incident. It should be really "relaxing." <div><br /></div><div>Is it any wonder my blood pressure is elevated? </div><div><br /></div><div>I have been coming home and collapsing the last couple of days. I have not normally been doing this, but I think the rest is so greatly needed. </div><div><br /></div><div>So far today is bright and clear, no new headache, while yesterday was pretty foggy. </div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-42952632787999913442009-07-30T08:44:00.000-07:002009-07-30T13:42:02.267-07:007/30/9 Listen to BodyIt pays to listen to the body, it knows. The results of my MRI... TIA (trans-ischemic Attack), but no new permanent damage. It is critical to follow the treatment plan. Right now, no overtime, no significant travel before Labor Day weekend and that MUST be via ferry. I see him in a month, but he does not like my blood pressure. It's been too consistently borderline for the past couple of weeks.<div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-86919263603486347252009-07-28T13:33:00.000-07:002009-07-28T14:04:57.222-07:007/28/9 Out of desperation a crown<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0AM4MyGSCsYROwRoXCd2mwF7mKhoO3Spkuue3ETBvaMAE5MN7SosMpkvRA2bbt5Bq5DtKQ7ea4IFiCRBwMowptnAtK9oc5eDTHxzaHtrMbMMxbqsTDb6azHU1oSZsjTtTIplCu2vmXBz/s1600-h/DCFC0014.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl0AM4MyGSCsYROwRoXCd2mwF7mKhoO3Spkuue3ETBvaMAE5MN7SosMpkvRA2bbt5Bq5DtKQ7ea4IFiCRBwMowptnAtK9oc5eDTHxzaHtrMbMMxbqsTDb6azHU1oSZsjTtTIplCu2vmXBz/s320/DCFC0014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5363619556817839858" /></a><br />...of creativity. I've been trying to figure out just how to create some sort of heating pad or bed buddy for the head. I wanted the rice thing so it could be nuked and a snuggable stretchy fabric so it would stay where put yet be comfy yet breathable. Where to find such a thing... how tacky... a rummage with childrens clothes little kids tights. Well for me anyway. This is my prototype. I am currently wearing it, and it is helping. The heat encircles the entire head. The compression of the tight gives adequate pressure as well. And if necessary, it could be brought down over the eyes providing ample darkness. So this is my "migraine crown." Well, time to reheat and lay down and try to get some sleep. For the photo I stuffed it inside of a sock.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-64356526277021072272009-07-28T11:48:00.000-07:002009-07-28T12:00:54.093-07:007/28/9 Vice Grip/Kitties in snuggle modeThe vice grip is back and kitties have been in snuggle mode all day. This headache started in the temple but moved to the center. It was an incredibly busy night at work so when I got home I laid down and managed to go to sleep, but woke up to my heartbeat pounding in my head. None of my meds have been working today for more than about an hour. I think something is coming in the weather, because my fibro is also flairing. Concentration sucks, tried to read emails, one of which was the beginning discussion for class, I could read the words, but I couldn't comprehend.Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8758529705572014700.post-11459036744930455422009-07-27T12:13:00.000-07:002009-07-27T12:34:44.227-07:00Setting up meds takes only a few momentsChoose the type and size of container... lots of options here. <div>... one general container where everything just gets dumped in. </div><div>... the prescription bottles all lined up</div><div>... 1 oz <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">dixie</span>/medicine cups</div><div>... tin/tupperware</div><div>... partitioned container, may be specific to number of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">meds</span> rather than days of week</div><div>... <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">partitioned</span> containers for days of week or times of day</div><div>... individual envelopes... paper/plastic/ziploc</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes craft containers can work really well too. Some of them stack or snap together and may be clear with lids that are easy to screw off. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you or your loved one is no longer able to remember times of day for taking the meds there are some really fancy contraptions that will call family when doses are missed, they dispense meds at certain times, having them available for a certain period, then once missed the machine starts calling. The individual does not have access to the pills inside of the machine. It's pretty awesome. It does help maintain some level of independence. </div><div><br /></div><div>Very important, be mindful of temperature changes. Combining capsules and pills can cause degrading. </div>Chris Tina's Headhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09653228706938885344noreply@blogger.com0