Delivered my neice her whooptie. A 1994 Jeep Grand Cherokee with 199,000 miles on. I have read several books/articles on ADD. Made for an educational trip back home. Like some I could focus on her weaknesses or choose to play to her strengths. I lowered my expectattions for her. And choosen the later!
I've learned she wants a pimped out garden shed for a studio. Portland Oregon stole a peice of her heart for the West coast food ingredients and outdoors. She wants to work but, the impulsitivity thing and weight will present some challenges. I think my job is to help her recognize there is a lot of what she can have out there...right in the midwest. It's a humbling but, a rewarding experience! For those of you who think of yourselves as Christians and question why I would "even bother"....I challenge you to read Matthew 25:35 - 40. She wants to be a collaborator in creating a more positive future for herself.
I look at my desires to achieve this, that and the other thing and all I can think is how do I help her balance her passions with being self sufficient. I do still want to have a sports shop, I still want to raise pastured pigs but, sometimes you just gotta get beyond yourself!
Although, my summer includes clearing planted trees on my farm to turn into firewood & fencing fields...It also holds much much more. We will be growing personal gardens, bicycling (cause she likes that!)/exercising daily, cruising our forest for potential trees for creating wood art projects and eating culinary masterpieces that are healthy.
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Sunday, February 22, 2015
Patience and Adaptability
...Is what my sister claims I'm learning welcoming my neice into my home. I get the patience part but, not the adaptability part! Although I will say transitioning the farm to organic is an act of learning to adapt. Looking forward to the dog but, getting more caught up in the training currently. General concensus is when we do the "puppy run" Holly the dog is going to wrap my neice right around her little paw and I'll become chum. Looking at an inexpensive tablet to take pics & vids to upload online. I have an old Kodak digital camara that I have some issues with and don't trust completely anymore. Guess it's time for a Nikon. Learned about www.chewy.com & some other dog product stores online. On an alpha1 note the dog will help me relax a little (reduce stress...stress can kill ya) and insure I get plenty of exercise. I believe the dog will be good medicine for Ru as well. She particularly excited about the "puppy run" and the baby chicks coming to the farm at the end of March.
Getting into dogs is leading me towards spending more time at cabin in the woods, traveling to other states, raising game birds & homing pigeons. What an interesting journey.
Reading Thank You Economy & Boundaries With Kids. And then onto a gundog training book. Totally into the gentle way to train a dog.
Getting into dogs is leading me towards spending more time at cabin in the woods, traveling to other states, raising game birds & homing pigeons. What an interesting journey.
Reading Thank You Economy & Boundaries With Kids. And then onto a gundog training book. Totally into the gentle way to train a dog.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Living Life...Reboot
In about 8 weeks my late sisters daughter will be coming to live with me. General concensus is I will be functioning as a surrogate mother. I'm known for saying "If I could be my Dads power of attorney at 25 I can handle anything!". I"m sure I can handle this but, I don't remember being this anxious about a responsibility in a couple decades.
I need to help her regroup and reboot her life. She has ADD or ADHD. I've read some books and several articles about it but, it seems like there is disagreement about so many aspects of it within the medical community. I believe ADD/ADHD is real. I do think it's over diagnosed and prescription drugs are too freely prescribed. We are choosing to try to learn to manage it through diet & exercise. To make it easier to stick with it for her I plan to follow the same plan. We manage diabetes by diet & exercise. For those it works for it takse around 2 months to see the results. There is a holistic practioner at www.karenhurd.com who's plan works but, I don't think I could handle that restrictive a diet so I can't ask my neice to try it...although she is welcome to if she really wants to! If it doesn't work we will entertain the prescription drug route.
I can't see a high protein/low carb diet being detrimental to me. The exercise won't either. We will also be including supplements we can purchase at a local holistic store or GNC. I gather ADD/ADHD is with you for life but, that doesn't mean you can't be successful and fulfilled as an adult. She is excited about the prospect of building a chicken coop, having a layer hen flock and an organic garden. I told her she could learn how to raise chickens that way. I also get to guage how committed to this. We can always buy pastured chicken, eggs or whatever else we would want locally.We are looking to raise pastured birds that are high in omega-3's. She doesn't know I am looking around for registered nubian goat breeders to purchase a couple does for us in the fall if I feel it's something she can handle.
In a humorous throwback moment....when I was a teenager we had a few milk goats. Anyways initially my Dad wasn't feeding the goats good quality feed (didn't know any better) but, my 4-h goat leader told him whatever you feed them will come out in the taste of their milk. He improve the quality of feed but, I swear saanen milk tastes different than nubian milk which is higher in butterfat content). My mother thought it was a fine idea to mix them and I would not notice. I refused to eat a cereal breakfast for a month in the heart of milk production for the "girls". She finally asked me if she seperated the saanenfrom the nubian milk and used it would I start eating cold cereal in the morning again, Would you mind eating the saanen as cottage cheese in lasagna, She was sick of making cottage cheese! She got a yes, a no and I'm sure a deep sense of relief.
I need to help her regroup and reboot her life. She has ADD or ADHD. I've read some books and several articles about it but, it seems like there is disagreement about so many aspects of it within the medical community. I believe ADD/ADHD is real. I do think it's over diagnosed and prescription drugs are too freely prescribed. We are choosing to try to learn to manage it through diet & exercise. To make it easier to stick with it for her I plan to follow the same plan. We manage diabetes by diet & exercise. For those it works for it takse around 2 months to see the results. There is a holistic practioner at www.karenhurd.com who's plan works but, I don't think I could handle that restrictive a diet so I can't ask my neice to try it...although she is welcome to if she really wants to! If it doesn't work we will entertain the prescription drug route.
I can't see a high protein/low carb diet being detrimental to me. The exercise won't either. We will also be including supplements we can purchase at a local holistic store or GNC. I gather ADD/ADHD is with you for life but, that doesn't mean you can't be successful and fulfilled as an adult. She is excited about the prospect of building a chicken coop, having a layer hen flock and an organic garden. I told her she could learn how to raise chickens that way. I also get to guage how committed to this. We can always buy pastured chicken, eggs or whatever else we would want locally.We are looking to raise pastured birds that are high in omega-3's. She doesn't know I am looking around for registered nubian goat breeders to purchase a couple does for us in the fall if I feel it's something she can handle.
In a humorous throwback moment....when I was a teenager we had a few milk goats. Anyways initially my Dad wasn't feeding the goats good quality feed (didn't know any better) but, my 4-h goat leader told him whatever you feed them will come out in the taste of their milk. He improve the quality of feed but, I swear saanen milk tastes different than nubian milk which is higher in butterfat content). My mother thought it was a fine idea to mix them and I would not notice. I refused to eat a cereal breakfast for a month in the heart of milk production for the "girls". She finally asked me if she seperated the saanenfrom the nubian milk and used it would I start eating cold cereal in the morning again, Would you mind eating the saanen as cottage cheese in lasagna, She was sick of making cottage cheese! She got a yes, a no and I'm sure a deep sense of relief.
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Becoming Your Own Health Benefits Specialist
I could not have been able to become my own if it had not been for Lian Johnson at the former Accredo now Expresscripts. Thankfully under Accredo leadership the health insurance benefits specialist was encourage to keep the patient informed every step of the way. I've come to realise that those "alpha1 advocates" employed by others in the medical field don't measure up. Again props to Lian!! I qualified for hardship financial assistance but, it wasn't worth much if no one cared if the infusion claims were processed properly and every month. I spent a lot of time calling the product provider and my health insurance company I utilize to get those product shipments processed. So although I am left holding some medical bills...it will be nothing like the last 5 out of 7. I became that annoying little chihuahua barking till all they cared about was quieting me down.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Making The Most Of Life....Words Are Powerful!
Been a tough week for me. Lost a good friend I had known only 2 years. In ten years I have experienced the loss of three very special people in my life. Each loss changed me. My good friend who started out as merely my NRA Counselor I learned lost his battle against cancer 9/11/14. It's a date I won't soon forget along with 4/12/12. I don't remeber my alpha1 friends death date but, I will always remember my sister Johanna thoughtfully calling to let me know that Cindy had passed away. I remember weeping. When my sister died I weeped off n on for three days straight. Now my friend Les Miller always told me after he was diagnosed with bladder cancer "Either Alexis or I will answer this phone." . I had called a couple times and got no response. I got a text saying "I'll call you later" and I thought Geez that's funny Les never texts?. I texted back I had run out of wheaties. Call Sunday night. No call. I call twice Monday at lunch break. The second time Alexis anwsers. I ask her how her Dad is doing and she says. "I'm sorry my Dad passed away 9/11. There's only so much time in the day". I had told Les I would call him back in about 5 weeks since he was starting another round of chemo.The last time I spoke with him,,,the next to last thing he told me in a sweet way "Katie, be kind to your body." I realised he was sick and that makes you put different values on things you used to put lesser value on. By the end of my conversation with his daughter she was thanking me for calling and said "I'm sooo glad you called back". It's interesting after some one you care about passes you become more awre of the positive qualities they exhibited and how sick people can be giving hints to what lays in their future. Les had always been upbeat. Gave the impession he could beat it but, he must have known I was too busy to fact check. He had recently sold his beloved 40 cal Springfield Armory handgun he wore EVERYWHERE! He no longer expressed a desire to order guns for others (he was an FFL holder & gunsmith). Despite the short two years I knew him I learned a lot and I know I only scratched the surface! He took a wealth of knowledge with him. Those type of people are few and far between as I told his daughter. He like my Dad were very dynamic individuals in their respective fields. Les was a gunsmith, motor head and outdoorsmen. He treasured his family more than amything. The long and short of it...I spoke to him a week or less before he died. He actually didn't die from bladder cancer. He died from brain cancer. According to Alexis "Dad & I thought we had 2 years. He was fine on Monday. Crashed on Tueday (I'm assuming medically because that's what my Dad did). Did a scan of his brain, It was full of grade 4 cancer. I pulled the tubes on Wednesday and we lost him in less than 24 hours." I told her "I know all about that! Grade 4 Glioblastoma. That's what my Dad had and lasted 10 days after he medically crashed."
I have been so hell bent on getting debt free and coming up with $1,500,000. I started to rethink my game plan. I am still rethinking my game plan in so many ways. Starting to consider slowing down the debt elimination plan and asking myself is this the absolute best plan? Can you slow down for a while and have a little fun before you're handcuffed to a oxygen tank/concentrator? Could you slow down to self-employment, Play a little more and try to come up with other ideas just as good or better to attain the same goal but less stressfully. This is still a work in progress. I stood in the book section of Wal-Mart (of all places) and pondered the power of words as I relived hearing my friend Les's words "Katie, be kind to your body.". I thought about the fact my vocabulary has diminished since I moved up here. I thought about how my short term memory might not work anymore like othe alphas have warned me will occur when my lung function becomes diminished enough. I thought about how I used to be a pretty good ficitonal writer when I was 18 or 19. Could I find some joy in writing while not having the freedoms we all take for granted until we recognoze some of them are gone due to what ever illness(s) we are coping with? Could I rebuild my vocabulary enough I could remember how to use those "big long words" in the correct contexted my buddies in collge begged me not to use because they didn't know what they mean. Words are powerful in so many ways. They can make you rethink your choices or they can help takes someone to a imaginary place or time.
A bit of deja vu going on. My current specialty drug provider provides me financial assistance w/ my max out of pocket. My alpha1 advocate accued me of being unfair when I told her I felt like I didn't have an advocate when $70,000 in meds had been delivered and only a little over $2000 was recognized by my insurance provider. She expected me to track down most of the info to determined why some other med bills would be arriving in my mailbox. As I soon doscovered it was her co-workers who failed although there could be extenuating circumstances. I did threaten to quit infusing. I told her I can't keep working 55 - 65 hr work weeks to keep my head above water financially. At first she didn't understand all I have been through in the last 11 yrs. I then explained 2 seperate incidents and when I got done she went "WOW!" We shall see what happens. I spoke to a different team member and she was quite apologetic. I told her "Although we probably can't alter what has already played out...we can learn from it and take measures to insure it doesn't happen again.
I have been so hell bent on getting debt free and coming up with $1,500,000. I started to rethink my game plan. I am still rethinking my game plan in so many ways. Starting to consider slowing down the debt elimination plan and asking myself is this the absolute best plan? Can you slow down for a while and have a little fun before you're handcuffed to a oxygen tank/concentrator? Could you slow down to self-employment, Play a little more and try to come up with other ideas just as good or better to attain the same goal but less stressfully. This is still a work in progress. I stood in the book section of Wal-Mart (of all places) and pondered the power of words as I relived hearing my friend Les's words "Katie, be kind to your body.". I thought about the fact my vocabulary has diminished since I moved up here. I thought about how my short term memory might not work anymore like othe alphas have warned me will occur when my lung function becomes diminished enough. I thought about how I used to be a pretty good ficitonal writer when I was 18 or 19. Could I find some joy in writing while not having the freedoms we all take for granted until we recognoze some of them are gone due to what ever illness(s) we are coping with? Could I rebuild my vocabulary enough I could remember how to use those "big long words" in the correct contexted my buddies in collge begged me not to use because they didn't know what they mean. Words are powerful in so many ways. They can make you rethink your choices or they can help takes someone to a imaginary place or time.
A bit of deja vu going on. My current specialty drug provider provides me financial assistance w/ my max out of pocket. My alpha1 advocate accued me of being unfair when I told her I felt like I didn't have an advocate when $70,000 in meds had been delivered and only a little over $2000 was recognized by my insurance provider. She expected me to track down most of the info to determined why some other med bills would be arriving in my mailbox. As I soon doscovered it was her co-workers who failed although there could be extenuating circumstances. I did threaten to quit infusing. I told her I can't keep working 55 - 65 hr work weeks to keep my head above water financially. At first she didn't understand all I have been through in the last 11 yrs. I then explained 2 seperate incidents and when I got done she went "WOW!" We shall see what happens. I spoke to a different team member and she was quite apologetic. I told her "Although we probably can't alter what has already played out...we can learn from it and take measures to insure it doesn't happen again.
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Staying Nimble and Hopping Off Hay Wagons!
Last fall was such a wonderful comeback story! It has enabled me to do lots of things. One I wasn't dependent on a nebulizer or rescue inhaler. Though few know I had gone out to check my propane levels just before a big snow storm (I think in February). Enroute I took a fall. I didn't expect to go into full blown panic. The harder I struggled to right myself the closer to the melting snow I became. I realised I had to pull myslef together and get a little wet. Perhaps a little cold. It rattled my cage pretty good! I haven't fallen since.
I just wasn't getting the hours at work so I applied for a part time merchandiser position. I have a immediate goal of becoming debt free except for my farm in 1 year. A midsized goal of being mortgage free in 6 years and a long range goal. A long term goal of having $1,500,000 in cash in 10 years. Most of it through mixed real estate interests and the farm. Next year is my return to pastured hogs and returning to being a dog owner. A new foray in a few years into raising and breeding Llewellin Setters from the Dashiing Bondhu line. That should cover the cost of a bi-lateral transplant because I'm not going to struggle along on social security disability!!!! I had a supposedly devote christian literally go into a fullblown belly laugh when I told her. I explained to her I believed I lived in the worlds greatest country in the world. Although we have problems...people start with nothing and become millionaires every day. If I don't try we know I can't but, if I do try there is a very good chance I can achieve it!! (I am a big Dave Ramsey fan so now you know I can live like no one else so that I can live like no one else later. I pretty much don't go much of anywhere except to U of Chicago once a year and now I figured out a way to avoid the expense of not staying overnight.) I retold this story to another Christian and I said "If God be for me who dare be against me?". He said "That's a great response!! You're absolutely right Katie!" I do have a couple indulgences... an ocassional Leinenkugel or Guiness Extra Stout and I eat at a local Mom & Pop cafe.
I've have had to crawl over other merchandise pallets to get to my back stock and hop off of pallets. I've learned to hop off them carefully. As I hoped off one yesterday I thought to myself...Remember when you used to hop off of hay wagons without giving it a second thought. I am so glad after 7 years of people telling me I shouldn't or couldn't do something I didn't listen. I listened to my body! Your body will not let you do something it can't handle. I never rushed into any activity but, I do proceed cautiously!!!
I just wasn't getting the hours at work so I applied for a part time merchandiser position. I have a immediate goal of becoming debt free except for my farm in 1 year. A midsized goal of being mortgage free in 6 years and a long range goal. A long term goal of having $1,500,000 in cash in 10 years. Most of it through mixed real estate interests and the farm. Next year is my return to pastured hogs and returning to being a dog owner. A new foray in a few years into raising and breeding Llewellin Setters from the Dashiing Bondhu line. That should cover the cost of a bi-lateral transplant because I'm not going to struggle along on social security disability!!!! I had a supposedly devote christian literally go into a fullblown belly laugh when I told her. I explained to her I believed I lived in the worlds greatest country in the world. Although we have problems...people start with nothing and become millionaires every day. If I don't try we know I can't but, if I do try there is a very good chance I can achieve it!! (I am a big Dave Ramsey fan so now you know I can live like no one else so that I can live like no one else later. I pretty much don't go much of anywhere except to U of Chicago once a year and now I figured out a way to avoid the expense of not staying overnight.) I retold this story to another Christian and I said "If God be for me who dare be against me?". He said "That's a great response!! You're absolutely right Katie!" I do have a couple indulgences... an ocassional Leinenkugel or Guiness Extra Stout and I eat at a local Mom & Pop cafe.
I've have had to crawl over other merchandise pallets to get to my back stock and hop off of pallets. I've learned to hop off them carefully. As I hoped off one yesterday I thought to myself...Remember when you used to hop off of hay wagons without giving it a second thought. I am so glad after 7 years of people telling me I shouldn't or couldn't do something I didn't listen. I listened to my body! Your body will not let you do something it can't handle. I never rushed into any activity but, I do proceed cautiously!!!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Picking Up The Pace!
Still doing very well since October. Ordered Power90 (little sister to P90X). I did not know whether or not I could do it till I viewed it. Goal is to lose 25 pounds. Purpose is to improve FEV1. They said for the program to really work you have to change your eating habits. It is still a work in progress! In the process have got my sugar levels stabilized which had been trying to do since 2008 with no success. So glad I managed that.
Warm weather has finally found us in the dairy state! Woo Hoo!!!! Now I will be able to get at projects outside! Proud to say I shoveled my driveway all winter long. Wasn't a planned thing. Started from neccessity and end out of a desire to challenge myself.
I looked into the self employed insurance coverage and had 3 choices according to one of my industry advocates. All of them were quite sub par. I did hear you can go outside of the exchanges to look and eventually I'll look into that. At this point I am preparing for worst case scenario. So at this point I'm trying to dig deep, focus on how to make more money outside of the factory to build wealth to be self employed and pay for the anticipated needed lung transplant in 10 + years.
Warm weather has finally found us in the dairy state! Woo Hoo!!!! Now I will be able to get at projects outside! Proud to say I shoveled my driveway all winter long. Wasn't a planned thing. Started from neccessity and end out of a desire to challenge myself.
I looked into the self employed insurance coverage and had 3 choices according to one of my industry advocates. All of them were quite sub par. I did hear you can go outside of the exchanges to look and eventually I'll look into that. At this point I am preparing for worst case scenario. So at this point I'm trying to dig deep, focus on how to make more money outside of the factory to build wealth to be self employed and pay for the anticipated needed lung transplant in 10 + years.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Every Day Is A Blessing
As I mentioned in a previous post the filter on the camera lense of my life has been changed. I wake up every morning with the feeling that is a huge gift! It might not be perfect but, it's far better than most given my lung condition.I wake up every morning want to smell, taste and experience as much as I can. I appreciate nature the most I have since I was a child! I can best describe the feeling as the first time a child notice a butterfly and see's it fly away.
My barn roof fell down a week ago and the cold weather has been causing havoc with my LP gas regulator causing my furnace to go out during this record cold snap.Not much barn has been dismantled (well, actually none has been dismantled). In the process of telling somebody about my barn I also remarked that I wish I knew someplace that made arched rafters. I'd really like to rebuild the barn only better. Somebody piped up "I know where you can get them but, the company won't let anybody see the jig or how they are made!". That got me excited!! I plan to reuse the floor boards for the new old barn and the rest try to repurpose it for converting my greenhouse into a woodworking shop, making furniture and reuse as much of the base support timbers for when I rebuild the barn (hopefully 3 - 5 years). I have given myself 2 months to completely dismantle the barn. At first I thought the dismantling the barn would kill my doing maple syrup. Then I realized if I gave myself deadlines which could be altered I likely could still make maple syrup! In the process of shoveling I FINALLY realized why my Grandfather wore those nearly knee high hunting boots in winter!! I kept getting snow in my La Crosse Ice Kings while shoveling. I started looking around online and that is exactly why Leon Leonard (LL Bean) created the near knee high boots....he got snow in his boots while out hunting and came home with cold & wet feet.
I'm trying to lose 30 pounds but, it's not coming off very fast. Why is the weigh loss so important? I have a good bit of weight around the stomach area. That puts pressure on the diaphragm which in turn puts pressure on the lungs and reducing what the lungs are able to do.
My barn roof fell down a week ago and the cold weather has been causing havoc with my LP gas regulator causing my furnace to go out during this record cold snap.Not much barn has been dismantled (well, actually none has been dismantled). In the process of telling somebody about my barn I also remarked that I wish I knew someplace that made arched rafters. I'd really like to rebuild the barn only better. Somebody piped up "I know where you can get them but, the company won't let anybody see the jig or how they are made!". That got me excited!! I plan to reuse the floor boards for the new old barn and the rest try to repurpose it for converting my greenhouse into a woodworking shop, making furniture and reuse as much of the base support timbers for when I rebuild the barn (hopefully 3 - 5 years). I have given myself 2 months to completely dismantle the barn. At first I thought the dismantling the barn would kill my doing maple syrup. Then I realized if I gave myself deadlines which could be altered I likely could still make maple syrup! In the process of shoveling I FINALLY realized why my Grandfather wore those nearly knee high hunting boots in winter!! I kept getting snow in my La Crosse Ice Kings while shoveling. I started looking around online and that is exactly why Leon Leonard (LL Bean) created the near knee high boots....he got snow in his boots while out hunting and came home with cold & wet feet.
I'm trying to lose 30 pounds but, it's not coming off very fast. Why is the weigh loss so important? I have a good bit of weight around the stomach area. That puts pressure on the diaphragm which in turn puts pressure on the lungs and reducing what the lungs are able to do.
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Walking The Tight Rope
In September I received a very chilling prognosis. I've never really felt great for a couple years but, I could never understand why. I saw my lung doctor on September 27th, 2013. He told me I had 1-3 yrs to live with no chance of transplant and where did I want my oxygen and concentrator prescription sent.When I stopped at the local Apria when I got home I asked the gentlemen who help me load my supplemental oxygen concentrator " Has anybody prescribed these returned these shortly after being prescribed them?" He responded" No. But, that doesn't mean you can't." Within two days of returning home I was having such a time breathing I went to one emergency room until I realized they had no clue what they were doing and there was a good chance I could die. I went home, fed my animals and headed to the next ER. There I was admitted and although it took over 30 hrs to get my airways open enough so I could lay down to rest they got Dr Hogarth involved. He asked for respiratory therapist to be brought in and I feel the best I have in 2-4 years! I spent three days in the hospital. My Oxygen level is up, heart rate down and the filter on the lense cap of my future has been altered. I was off work for three weeks and for the first time I wasn't sure I'd be able to return to work. And I'm the type of person who has never dreamed of retirement. When I returned to U of Chicago to visit Dr Hogarth I was released to return to work. Although he would have liked me to keep the supplemental oxygen & concentrator if it was paid for he was ok with me returning it. When I stopped by Apria the same gentlemen met me to help. I said "I'm here to return the concentrator & oxygen tanks." He simply said "Good.". I've been out shoveling my driveway and I have better cutting numbers at work! In spite of the financial setback I'm doing pretty good. It looks like I will be able to make first half of taxes and I haven't had to open up a charge account at the feedmill yet for propane. It's as high as I used to pay for fuel oil to heat the farmhouse I used to rent. Life is good!!!!!
Monday, June 3, 2013
FYI: Hydration And Electrolytes
After recovering from my bug. I thought I was ok...however, being full on in planting season I learned I maybe wasn't completely. Have been working in my field preparing it for planting before my night shift job. Was having headaches and losing momentum fast!! Anyways, I had started trying to drink more water. I'd \remembered growing up on the farm that my Dad would carry a jug of cold water on the hay wagon while we baled hay (and yes, I drove the tractor and he bucked the bales...he discovered I could pick up wind rows better than him and he could stack bales better & faster than me!). That didn't seem to help...so, I asked my friends who are EMT's what I might do different. They said my electrolytes were probably out of wack from the meds and I might be experiencing heat exhaustion. They recommended I drink Gatorade, Kwikade (Kwik-Trip brand) or PowerAde to help replenish the loses. Although, I still have some issues with headaches...the Gatorade or Kwikade does help. Looking at investing in straw hat to reduce sun exposure and try to eat more to see if that is part of the problem.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
And We Are OFF!
As of last Tuesday I recovered. I would not have posted tonight if I hadn't been rained out of my gardens!! Started working on getting my mower & weedeater running that very day! Ooooh, was I sore from pulling the pull rope to get them to start!!! That night I almost thought I had worked tobacco harvest. Funny story: Years ago I worked tobacco. The first day we cut all morning and we speared all afternoon. I woke up the next morning stiff. I amble down stairs with my socks & shoes in hand. I sat down on a chair and proceeded to try to put my sock on. I looked at my Mom incredulously and said "I don't know if I can get my socks on!" My Mom responded sincerely "Do you want me to help you?" I responded "No, if I can just get it over my big toe...I GOT IT MADE!" I bet it took me 20 minutes of attempts till I finally succeeded!
Anyway, since then I have been tilling, planting and knocking down high grass in my 3 acre patch I let lay fallow last year. Looking forward to a GREAT year!!! Trying some new green pepper, hot pepper and tomato varieties. Also, trying to grow turnip, parsnip, rutabaga and bok choy. Going to be such a fun growing year! Going to can veggies for the first time in a decade. Trying lots of new tomato canning recipes! Pretty excited about that!!! While buying plants in Chippewa Falls I stopped at my favorite bike shop for new straps for my Yakima bike rack. Spring Street Sports is an awesome bike shop!! Thought I needed to buy new bike tires but, upon closer inspection recognized all I need to do is air up the tires. Don't know if I'm going to attempt to bike with my competition eggbeater pedals or have the original pedals that came on it put back on. I'm biking for health and money savings. I racked up quite the medical bill in ER!! My share is approximately $1400. Next month I take the NRA non gun instructor course Refuse To Be A Victim. It's going to be nice to be able to offer something for those that don't want to carry a handgun!
In other news....I am anticipating attending the September alpha1 ed day in Chicago!
Skipidy do dah, skipidy day!
Anyway, since then I have been tilling, planting and knocking down high grass in my 3 acre patch I let lay fallow last year. Looking forward to a GREAT year!!! Trying some new green pepper, hot pepper and tomato varieties. Also, trying to grow turnip, parsnip, rutabaga and bok choy. Going to be such a fun growing year! Going to can veggies for the first time in a decade. Trying lots of new tomato canning recipes! Pretty excited about that!!! While buying plants in Chippewa Falls I stopped at my favorite bike shop for new straps for my Yakima bike rack. Spring Street Sports is an awesome bike shop!! Thought I needed to buy new bike tires but, upon closer inspection recognized all I need to do is air up the tires. Don't know if I'm going to attempt to bike with my competition eggbeater pedals or have the original pedals that came on it put back on. I'm biking for health and money savings. I racked up quite the medical bill in ER!! My share is approximately $1400. Next month I take the NRA non gun instructor course Refuse To Be A Victim. It's going to be nice to be able to offer something for those that don't want to carry a handgun!
In other news....I am anticipating attending the September alpha1 ed day in Chicago!
Skipidy do dah, skipidy day!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
And Moving Right Along
This is going to be a poorly organized post!
Well, I am moving right along but, not accomplishing a lot. The Prednisone is keeping me wide awake so, I'm pretty consistently exhausted. Counting down the days. Need to get planting but, could only muster energy to till my small back personal garden today. Tomorrow I'll plant some root crop seeds and maybe till my front personal garden. About Wednesday I was sure I was out of the woods as far as my lungs went. I was able to run up the same set of stairs I could only walk up up 4 steps without pausing on Saturday. I'm not dependent on my nebulizer either!! Would really like to get my crops in. The crops will improve my financial situation greatly if they get planted in a timely manner and Mother nature cooperates.
Well, I am moving right along but, not accomplishing a lot. The Prednisone is keeping me wide awake so, I'm pretty consistently exhausted. Counting down the days. Need to get planting but, could only muster energy to till my small back personal garden today. Tomorrow I'll plant some root crop seeds and maybe till my front personal garden. About Wednesday I was sure I was out of the woods as far as my lungs went. I was able to run up the same set of stairs I could only walk up up 4 steps without pausing on Saturday. I'm not dependent on my nebulizer either!! Would really like to get my crops in. The crops will improve my financial situation greatly if they get planted in a timely manner and Mother nature cooperates.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
The One Armed Bandit Rolls With The Flow!!
New medical teams/facilities/organizations present new beginnings on both sides of the aisle. This year has led to many health care provider changes. When that happens we sometimes forget or don't realize some things. One of them is that the new medical team/facility/organization has protocol they have to abide by. They may not treat us as aggressively as our previous team. Some of you won't appreciate this but, you are part of that new team. Not only do they need to do their part cautiously you need to listen, exercise patience and be willing to be a part of the solution (try new things).
Today I anticipated being hospitalized but, instead wasn't treated as aggressively as my previous team had and was sent home with a IV start set in my left hand wrapped in hot pink wrap. Another nurse might not have allowed that but, in my case she did. She came in and said "I agree with you! If you're coming back tomorrow to receive another IV dose and you can tolerate it...I see no reason why we should remove it.". The team said they didn't think they had enough evidence to convince an insurance company to cover a hospital stay. They also likely don't want to over treat me because I am a new patient and exercise prudence. The treatment has kinda helped but, doesn't leave me oozing with optimism I'm completely on the mend. However, I left knowing the staff had faith in my knowledge and respected me when I explained why I traveled so far to see a pulmonologist. My pulmonologist is AWESOME about returning emails. When I explained the way they treated me he simply responded "that sounds reasonable". The staff doctor on hand took down his name and where he practiced at after I explained what he has done for me and countless others.
I do feel like a one armed bandit to a certain extent. I really have to be careful how I use my left hand. Takes twice as long to do everything. Years ago there was a rodeo performer named "The One Armed Bandit" that performed during professional rodeo intermissions. That was where I got the title idea. And by the way if you ever get to seem him perform....he's one hell of a performer!!!
I'd like to take the time to recognize another performer from the westerner/cowboy world. Some of you may not know I played cowgirl out in Oklahoma while attending school. In fact, I believe back then someday I would live on a ranch. Anyway a respected trick shooter/showmen passed away at 62 just a little over a week ago. His name was Tom Knapp. He died rather young like my sister Johanna. He died of pulmonary fibrosis. About three years ago he bounced back from it and then it came back. He was real good people! He worked for the Hennipen co parks dept 25 years before he launched into fulltime showmanship/trick shooting exhibitioning. So, those of you that are care givers with what may seem like lost dreams...remember some dreams can come true later in life!
Today I anticipated being hospitalized but, instead wasn't treated as aggressively as my previous team had and was sent home with a IV start set in my left hand wrapped in hot pink wrap. Another nurse might not have allowed that but, in my case she did. She came in and said "I agree with you! If you're coming back tomorrow to receive another IV dose and you can tolerate it...I see no reason why we should remove it.". The team said they didn't think they had enough evidence to convince an insurance company to cover a hospital stay. They also likely don't want to over treat me because I am a new patient and exercise prudence. The treatment has kinda helped but, doesn't leave me oozing with optimism I'm completely on the mend. However, I left knowing the staff had faith in my knowledge and respected me when I explained why I traveled so far to see a pulmonologist. My pulmonologist is AWESOME about returning emails. When I explained the way they treated me he simply responded "that sounds reasonable". The staff doctor on hand took down his name and where he practiced at after I explained what he has done for me and countless others.
I do feel like a one armed bandit to a certain extent. I really have to be careful how I use my left hand. Takes twice as long to do everything. Years ago there was a rodeo performer named "The One Armed Bandit" that performed during professional rodeo intermissions. That was where I got the title idea. And by the way if you ever get to seem him perform....he's one hell of a performer!!!
I'd like to take the time to recognize another performer from the westerner/cowboy world. Some of you may not know I played cowgirl out in Oklahoma while attending school. In fact, I believe back then someday I would live on a ranch. Anyway a respected trick shooter/showmen passed away at 62 just a little over a week ago. His name was Tom Knapp. He died rather young like my sister Johanna. He died of pulmonary fibrosis. About three years ago he bounced back from it and then it came back. He was real good people! He worked for the Hennipen co parks dept 25 years before he launched into fulltime showmanship/trick shooting exhibitioning. So, those of you that are care givers with what may seem like lost dreams...remember some dreams can come true later in life!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Time Marches On
Thursday was the anniversary of my sisters death. I handled it better than I expected. In fact, didn't get weepy till heading home from work. A Carole King song came on from her acclaimed Tapestry album. I had bought Johanna a CD of it in the last decade. It was one of her favorite albums outside of any Barbara Streisand album.
This spring winter weather is challenging me as a farmer and as an alpha. Like the rest of you I am having the seasonal allergy effect like never before. I keep wanting to exercise but, it's all I can do to complete an 8 hr shift and cough my lungs out. My nebulizer, rescue inhaler and cough drops have become my new best friends!! It's an up and down journey for sure! One day I feel like something my farm cat drug home from the back forty....the next I believe I'm on the mend! Was around 70 out today. Although lethargic for the most part I did get out in the yard to begin cleaning it up. Relieved we are set to be on 40 hr work weeks for a stretch. The 32 hr work weeks really had me scared. I've never seen it like that in 9 yrs(even after the massive layoff)!!! That should help my health some (less stress). Looking to get a fishing license for the first time in a decade. Scheduling a carry concealed class in southern Wisconsin. If there is enough signed up I'll assist in teaching the class. If my cough, rattle and nasal drip has not begun to disappear I'll be heading to U of Chicago afterwards. They don't seem to know how to treat me up here. I still intend to bloom where I'm planted anyway!!
This spring winter weather is challenging me as a farmer and as an alpha. Like the rest of you I am having the seasonal allergy effect like never before. I keep wanting to exercise but, it's all I can do to complete an 8 hr shift and cough my lungs out. My nebulizer, rescue inhaler and cough drops have become my new best friends!! It's an up and down journey for sure! One day I feel like something my farm cat drug home from the back forty....the next I believe I'm on the mend! Was around 70 out today. Although lethargic for the most part I did get out in the yard to begin cleaning it up. Relieved we are set to be on 40 hr work weeks for a stretch. The 32 hr work weeks really had me scared. I've never seen it like that in 9 yrs(even after the massive layoff)!!! That should help my health some (less stress). Looking to get a fishing license for the first time in a decade. Scheduling a carry concealed class in southern Wisconsin. If there is enough signed up I'll assist in teaching the class. If my cough, rattle and nasal drip has not begun to disappear I'll be heading to U of Chicago afterwards. They don't seem to know how to treat me up here. I still intend to bloom where I'm planted anyway!!
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Not So Nerdy!
Well, I have the laptop but, I haven't had one for four years and it is over 7 years old. Not only did I manage to screw up registering. I am struggling with <GASP> downloads!! Oh, well. Have my work cut out for me as far as technology goes. Likely more software and different Wi-Fi. Not to mention some tutoring on how to run everything so I can update my business website and biz facebook page.
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Keeping It Real
Don't get to library much but, considering getting a laptop soon. My condition has become less predictable and more confusing. Inspite of that fact I still believe I have a good bit of good living to live. I just have to be more vigilant. Continue to work smart and invest smart with my time, money, intellectual and physical assets. Life is very challenging for me right now but, I know others out there have it much worse than me. I want to read the book "Unbroken". It's about a world war veteran that was shot down and survived in the ocean in a foundering raft. Can't begin to imagine how deep he had to dig inside for the tenacity to survive! I plan to return to produce farming this year. Excited to be able to try a new sweet corn seed!!! Going to become more mechanized this yr with cultivation. It will save me several hours a week in field work.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Don't Blink!
I've been going to post some other things but, Sunday was definitely a day to not blink!! I have been having breathing difficulties off and on all summer long. I attributed most of it to fluctuating temps, hot weather and humidity. Everything came to a head early Sunday morning. I was going to wait till Urgent Care opened in Rice Lake. It became apparent at 5am that was not going to happen. I drove over to Rice Lake where I was treated and released from ER. I really thought I needed to be admitted. I went home and laid down and got up feeling even worse. My sister had told me "Kate, sometime you will have to be admitted to the hospital to treat a lung infection because the oral drugs won't work and put on IV meds. Most Alphas know when you are admitted to the hospital for an upper respiratory infection you either get better or you die." I always thought I would be on oxygen 24/7 when this happened. The first trip my oxygen was at 88% and the second trip after being put in a wheelchair at the entrance...it was 82%. IIRC, at 85% oxygen you are typically placed on oxygen part time. When I returned to ER the second time I wasn't really fit to drive but, I made it! I knew time was of the essence!! I called ahead requesting a wheelchair meet me at my car. I also told them I was entering by the emergency entrance backwards so that we could get me into the wheelchair quicker. They asked what I would be driving so they could watch for me. They missed me for probably 30 seconds and then it was like music in motion. The new team...the dr. kept saying how glad he was I came back. "It's good you relised this wasn't a normal respiratory infection.". They hooked me up to oxygen right away! One of the nurses parked my car and tossed the keys on the counter. They took am arterial vein blood draw. Took a mobil chest xray. They had a hell of a time getting an IV set up. My veins kept collapsing and I asked the nurse if they were rolling and she said "No, they're collapsing." I kept reassuring her and trying to encourage her where she would have good luck. Explaining I do my own IV and some nurses have had even worse luck than them. They were all really scared I thought. At 11 am I was finally wheeled to a private room. On Monday at 4 pm I was finally released. I requested an medical excuse for the next day off and asked my boss for another vacation day today to recover. I've drank A LOT of water and can't begin to express my gratitude to be alive and recovering.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Time Heals....
it truly does. It has become easier to go out and work in my yard and personal garden. I still think of my sister Johanna often. I still hear her voice as though she were still here with us. At times it still seems sureal but, she was the oldest. The third most enduring individual in myself and my siblings life.
I've been working some grueling hours at the plant and am having tiredness issues as a result of long hours and a longtime sleep apnea issue. I've had some seasonal allergy issues but, knock on wood no serious lung infection issues. I installed my window a c unit in my smallest bedroom in the house and LOL...sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor. For some strange reason there seems to be a good bit of humidity in the room despite the a c but, it has helped me get more sleep.
Working towards starting up my carry and conceal training business and just learned there is an NRA Refuse to Be a Victim instructor course(a non-gun course) being offered in Kalamazoo. I really want to get certified for that. Guns are a last resort solution and there are just some people who don't want or shouldn't have a gun for any number of reasons! However, I'm really anxious to get it for these 3 reasons:
a) Because a college class mate was raped in a college parking lot in a town of less than 5,000
b) Because a former co-worker had a sister who took her own life because of being raped
c) Because 3 years ago a city police chief came in and spoke about internet predators and described several cases of 12-14 year old girls being raped and sodomized by internet predators that traveled from as far away as Ohio. Also, I just read a statistic that 1 in 4 women is assaulted in the United States. Pretty scary!!
Currently trying to read Six Pixels Of Seperation and 21 Irrefuteable Laws Of Leadership (or rather finishing reading).
Planning to attend the Alpha1 Ed day in Milwaukee this September. Looking into becoming a member of DAR. I was never interested in it until I learned Johanna had been a member. Spoke to a DAR representative and now I'm even more interested in being a member. I now understand more of what drove my sister to do certain things that were patriotic. Not that I didn't appreciate my sister but, I do wish I could have appreciated my sister as much when she was alive as I do today! Hoping to attend the National Alpha1 Conference next June near DC. Will not make the same mistake this time I did last time. I will take a week off and spend in DC. I've alaways loved history...especially American history! We have a deep and rich history. It just didn't dawn on me last time I was there how much reliving our nations history I could do there!!
I've been working some grueling hours at the plant and am having tiredness issues as a result of long hours and a longtime sleep apnea issue. I've had some seasonal allergy issues but, knock on wood no serious lung infection issues. I installed my window a c unit in my smallest bedroom in the house and LOL...sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor. For some strange reason there seems to be a good bit of humidity in the room despite the a c but, it has helped me get more sleep.
Working towards starting up my carry and conceal training business and just learned there is an NRA Refuse to Be a Victim instructor course(a non-gun course) being offered in Kalamazoo. I really want to get certified for that. Guns are a last resort solution and there are just some people who don't want or shouldn't have a gun for any number of reasons! However, I'm really anxious to get it for these 3 reasons:
a) Because a college class mate was raped in a college parking lot in a town of less than 5,000
b) Because a former co-worker had a sister who took her own life because of being raped
c) Because 3 years ago a city police chief came in and spoke about internet predators and described several cases of 12-14 year old girls being raped and sodomized by internet predators that traveled from as far away as Ohio. Also, I just read a statistic that 1 in 4 women is assaulted in the United States. Pretty scary!!
Currently trying to read Six Pixels Of Seperation and 21 Irrefuteable Laws Of Leadership (or rather finishing reading).
Planning to attend the Alpha1 Ed day in Milwaukee this September. Looking into becoming a member of DAR. I was never interested in it until I learned Johanna had been a member. Spoke to a DAR representative and now I'm even more interested in being a member. I now understand more of what drove my sister to do certain things that were patriotic. Not that I didn't appreciate my sister but, I do wish I could have appreciated my sister as much when she was alive as I do today! Hoping to attend the National Alpha1 Conference next June near DC. Will not make the same mistake this time I did last time. I will take a week off and spend in DC. I've alaways loved history...especially American history! We have a deep and rich history. It just didn't dawn on me last time I was there how much reliving our nations history I could do there!!
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Long Time No Talk....
It's official I'm not growing produce for market. It's just too hard. Everytime I go outside to the garden I think of Johanna and our many gardening/canning/freezing conversations. Still trying to reinvent myself a bit. Working long hours at the plant. I'm $300 short of my $1500 donation goal for the Special Olympics raffle. Did a pitch with an athlete to the local Knights of Columbus group. Agency gained $200. Been thinking I need to add/update weblinks on here.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Chances, Loses And Being Your Own Hero
It's been quite a while since I posted for a number of reasons. The biggest reason is someone we loved deeply took a chance on a lung transplant and didn't get the desired outcome we had hoped for. We lost my brilliant (she graduated in the top 20 of her senior class, had an MBA and could solve a weird mathmatical problem before I could spit out equal), thoughtful (when fellow alpha Cindy Wilson passed she called me because she knew I would want to know and don't use Carepages) caring, adventuresome and preservering sister/friend April 25th, 2012 at 10:27am. It was a very life changing experience for not only her children but, her siblings and the Wisconsin Alpha Pack members as well. She had spent the better part of the last six weeks of her life in ICU and was to be moved to a regular room the day she died. We thought she was going to conquer her transplant challenges. It seemed sureal.
Johanna Ringeisen was diagnosed with alpha1 at age 45. At 48 she found herself a widow hoping to find a fulltime job. She did find a fulltime job delivering mail out of the Cleveland, Wisconsin office. Despite being a single parent of then 12, 14 and 15 year olds she managed to pay her home off early. Somewhere around 2004 or 2005 she had to become reliant on supplemental oxygen and she continued to deliver mail. She raised to boys who became Eagle scouts. Somewhere along the way she found time to play violin for the Fond Du Lac regional orchestra, become a board member for the Wisconsin Alpha Pack, watch her son Martin play college football at Lakeland college & graduate and see her youngest son join the Army National guard, complete a tour of duty in Iraq and attend college at her old university where he was accepted into the ROTC program there. She received a LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery) which allowed her to become less dependent on supplemental oxygen for a while till she got some kinda bug and had to return to depency on a concentrater or oxygen tank. She started gun deer hunting again at the family cabin. She got listed for lung transplant at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, lost a breast but, got a get out of jail free card like me. She was told that it could take 3 - 5 years before she could be relisted. It took 1 1/2 years! We were all relieved she got on Loyola's lung transplant list! She bought a cross bow and bagged her first buck. A 8 pointer no less!! On August 10, 2011 she received a lung transplant. We thought what a magnificent early birthday gift! She turned 61 August 13, 2011. She said it was so nice to talk without gasping for air. Although in January 2012 things started going the other way we were glad she was able to have six months of wonderful breathing. The chances she took were very valuable. For a time while she struggled in the ICU I questioned if I would/could muster the courage to reach for the proverbial lung transplant "brass ring" I learned I would.
The second reason I failed to post anymore because my android phone was no longer able to be used to post on here due to google's endless updated software. At the time I had been working towards a fundraiser for alpha1 research and financial assistance for alpha's struggling financially with medical needs. I wanted to be my own hero rather than wait for someone else to raise money for those type of things. Right now though I've decided to be my own hero for a time in a different way. I recognize how valued I am by my family so, I'm playing things by ear, slowing down sort of and trying to reinvent my life a little. I've always worked I've hardly ever played and too soon the ability to do some of the things I keep putting off may not be viable pursuits if I don't take better care of myself or I don't make the time sooner. For the last week I've debated whether to raise no produce, an acre or 1 1/2 acres. I decided on 1 1/2 acres but, before Johanna passed away I was hell bent on 3 acres. I'm going to remodel some rooms in my house this year, make more time for the cabin, try to be a blessing to Johanna's children and take even better care of myself. You know they say.....you only go around once in life! YOU BETTER MAKE IT COUNT!!!!
Johanna Ringeisen was diagnosed with alpha1 at age 45. At 48 she found herself a widow hoping to find a fulltime job. She did find a fulltime job delivering mail out of the Cleveland, Wisconsin office. Despite being a single parent of then 12, 14 and 15 year olds she managed to pay her home off early. Somewhere around 2004 or 2005 she had to become reliant on supplemental oxygen and she continued to deliver mail. She raised to boys who became Eagle scouts. Somewhere along the way she found time to play violin for the Fond Du Lac regional orchestra, become a board member for the Wisconsin Alpha Pack, watch her son Martin play college football at Lakeland college & graduate and see her youngest son join the Army National guard, complete a tour of duty in Iraq and attend college at her old university where he was accepted into the ROTC program there. She received a LVRS (lung volume reduction surgery) which allowed her to become less dependent on supplemental oxygen for a while till she got some kinda bug and had to return to depency on a concentrater or oxygen tank. She started gun deer hunting again at the family cabin. She got listed for lung transplant at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, lost a breast but, got a get out of jail free card like me. She was told that it could take 3 - 5 years before she could be relisted. It took 1 1/2 years! We were all relieved she got on Loyola's lung transplant list! She bought a cross bow and bagged her first buck. A 8 pointer no less!! On August 10, 2011 she received a lung transplant. We thought what a magnificent early birthday gift! She turned 61 August 13, 2011. She said it was so nice to talk without gasping for air. Although in January 2012 things started going the other way we were glad she was able to have six months of wonderful breathing. The chances she took were very valuable. For a time while she struggled in the ICU I questioned if I would/could muster the courage to reach for the proverbial lung transplant "brass ring" I learned I would.
The second reason I failed to post anymore because my android phone was no longer able to be used to post on here due to google's endless updated software. At the time I had been working towards a fundraiser for alpha1 research and financial assistance for alpha's struggling financially with medical needs. I wanted to be my own hero rather than wait for someone else to raise money for those type of things. Right now though I've decided to be my own hero for a time in a different way. I recognize how valued I am by my family so, I'm playing things by ear, slowing down sort of and trying to reinvent my life a little. I've always worked I've hardly ever played and too soon the ability to do some of the things I keep putting off may not be viable pursuits if I don't take better care of myself or I don't make the time sooner. For the last week I've debated whether to raise no produce, an acre or 1 1/2 acres. I decided on 1 1/2 acres but, before Johanna passed away I was hell bent on 3 acres. I'm going to remodel some rooms in my house this year, make more time for the cabin, try to be a blessing to Johanna's children and take even better care of myself. You know they say.....you only go around once in life! YOU BETTER MAKE IT COUNT!!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
