H1N1: To Tell or Not to Tell?

There are times in life when you want to just shake someone hard enough to loosen the idiotic thoughts that cause them to do things that many others wouldn't dare do or even say. With all the facts and myths that have been circulating the media, one would need to take basic care of themselves and others around them.

In a household of members, if one was treated for H1N1 there is a possibility that others could take ill, especially young children and their primary caretakers. For some viruses, the contagious period occurs prior to the onset of symptoms. So it is possible for an infected person to transmit a virus, unknowingly.

A situation happened recently that still has me in awe. I wonder what thought patterns can others have that I can't comprehend.

A young mother held a birthday party for her child in her home. One to two months prior, she was treated for H1N1. Since her treatment, others in the household had been ill but not specifically identified as this virus. Knowing others were ill, she had the party with many family members and friends, including many small children. Her reasoning is, by spraying the household with Lysol, it was ok. She nor did any others in the household feel the necessity to inform the adults or parents of any children who planned to attend the party of the health issues in the home so they can make a personal decision whether to attend.

Compounding the issue is that a few days after the party, another member, a child, of that household was diagnosed with H1N1. This mother nor any of the other adults in the home notified everyone who attended the party, so they can be particularly watchful of their kids health.

I just don't understand them. Can anyone validate their reasoning to me?

Gas me up or Knock me out

Preventive and proactive care is normally a positive event in one's life, but there are times when you say, "I feel worse now than before I knew there was a problem." Last month I had my semi-annual dental visit which was also time for the annual bite-wing x-rays. Nothing unusual, during the visit, until near the end the hygienist mentioned I needed a filling. I glanced at the display screen noticing the highlighted tooth (a left molar). No big deal, I thought, it's been a long time since I needed one.

After some scheduling and rescheduling on their behalf, the procedure was scheduled for this past Thursday at 1:15. All went as planned until they called me a little after 12 asking if I could arrive earlier. Being that I was just finishing my lunch (a salad), they were located within 5 minute drive from my job, and all was slow, I left around 12:30, arriving there shortly after that. Spent a few minutes in the lobby playing BlackJack on BB and glancing at The Young & the Restless while I waited. Still, there was no indication that rest of my day would be dreadful.

I didn't remember until this woman stuck an anesthetic stick in my mouth that they were going to numb me with novocaine injections and it usually takes MANY before the work can begin. Having the previous experience of meds wearing off DURING a root canal, I recalled being told to try to relax as much as possible to let the meds work quickly. The first round injections came and went. I tried, REALLY tried, to "shut up", but doc's assistant continued to ask me several questions and instructing me to adjust my jaw in positions not normally done. During this inquisition, the second round of injections came and went because I still had sensations in lip and tongue. Maybe she thought that by talking, the meds would be "worked" into the proper areas. Not sure how much time had passed, but now The Bold & the Beautiful was on overhead monitor.

Finally when my saliva glands were in overdrive and my speech was so jumbled she could barely understand me, it was time to start. Doc was called in and he began with ANOTHER round of injections. It was a positive that I did not feel anything while doc went about doing his thing with his motorized gadgets, the negative happened later. I left their office just after 2pm.

Having a previously planned appointment canceled, I returned to work with no plans to speak to anyone, but of course Hubby wanted to have a phone conversation. Amid this conversation, I had to end it abruptly. Instead of the numbness decreasing, it began to increase to the other side of my face. This continued for the next hour or so.

Problem: lunch wore off and hunger cravings kicked in. There was no way I could eat my regular afternoon snack: Washington apple. Searching for alternatives in my desk I found some sugar-free thin mints. Breaking one apart, I was able to kill the snacking urge by letting pieces dissolve on my right cheek.

Rest of the day had a plethora of emotions: anger that I felt worse than before the procedure, annoyance to constantly push in my lower lip and check for drool, displeasure in taking Tylenol for the pain in the injection location, and aggravation that I couldn't eat anything until 8pm without fear of biting my tongue. Even then there was a possibility my cheek was still in danger.

Now here it is, three days after the procedure and there are still sensitive areas in my jaw. Next time, there has to be better way: either gas me up or knock me out.

2nd Time Around, Part 3, Final Chapter

Continued from Part 2...


I didn't mention earlier that I was spontaneously asked to be the Mistress of Service for our Sunday Service program. Spontaneous as in, Cousin Tina asked me from the front of the meeting hall as I sat at a table in the middle of the room, a room filled with our ENTIRE family. There was no way for me to decline. During the procession of the program I realized that my breathing wasn't as strong as normal. Thank goodness I declined from participating in the family choir.

I thought no more of this until later at home while unloading the truck; i felt the same weakness again. Once settled I read over the printed antibiotic prescription information that I mistakenly left home. I began to wonder if Hubby was correct in thinking the medicine had caused the additional symptoms, not the infection. I had one more day of pills to take and still had the recurring fever and chills. Not normal.

After several moments of contemplation, I decided to call my doctor's office. She suggested I go to the emergency room. Since Hubby and son were already in bed and I could tell Hubby was in his "you don't need to go the emergency room" mode, I decided not to press and drive myself. At least I did contact mom and sis to let them know of my plans. They decided that sis will drop off mom and if it turned out to be serious, they would workout getting my car back home.

Mom arrived not long after I completed the check-in process. In the examining room, I began to feel the effects of the last Goody powder wearing off. Being that the last few times I'd been on a hospital gurney I was well medicated, I don't recall noticing how UNCOMFORTABLE a gurney can be. I tossed and turned in the slim excuse of a bed. It took two people find a "good" vein to suck all the blood out of me.
It seemed like hours before I was given any Tylenol for the fever. I figured they wanted to perform all tests prior. By the time the pain reliever took effect well, the doc returned with the results.

Of course, since the doctor is PRACTICING medicine, he had no idea what was wrong. He had eliminated a reaction from the medicine and the initial infection was non-existent. He would have guessed it was something viral, but since I still had the fever, he suggested I had an infection that could not be detected in the tests they had performed. Either I could stay longer and let them take cultures or take a different antibiotic to see if it would knock it out. It was already in the wee hours of the morning, you know what option I chose.

Arriving back home before daylight, I took more Tylenol and went to bed. Thank goodness Hubby and I had taken the week off. Instead of working through our TO DO list, I spent Monday-Thursday either in bed or in my glider-rocker. The second antibiotic worked like a charm; after the first few doses, the fever and chills disappeared. It wasn't until Friday afternoon before I even left the house. At least on Sunday I was able to work on one project on the list.




Of course since returning to my regular madhouse schedule, nothing has been done since. Maybe I'll get more done on my NEXT vacation.

Side Note: Today is my dad's birthday, he would have been 78.

2nd Time Around, Part 2

Continued from Part 1... and pics from cookout

Let's see where was I. Oh yeah..back at the hotel I crawled into bed while Hubby and son visited the pool. With increasing aches and pains and the addition of chills, the plan was to get a little sleep prior to the Meet & Greet session that night. I'd already paid for the accompanying meal. Now I know that no one should fall asleep while watching HBO because you'll never know what you'll wake to and also it could affect your dreams. Since Hubby likes to watch channels like National Geographic and Animal Planet and left the TV on a channel like those, I thought it would be safe, NOT!!! I had disturbing dreams of some anteater-looking animals that normal lived in swamps but occasionally went to land in search of food. They had webbed feet. Needless to say, my sleep wasn't restful.

Later I dragged myself downstairs to the meeting room. Being that it was well after the start time of 8pm, I thought I would be able to say hi to everyone, eat and go back to bed. At this time I thought that was finally feeling the effects of the infection and figured it would clear soon. Exiting the elevator, I saw Hubby relaxing in the lobby with my uncle, not a good sign.

In the meeting room, only about 25% of the fam was there, they were still bringing in the food, and I was STUCK. There was no way I could bail. At least I was given the Family bag of goodies before the rush started. As soon as I received it, Mom (sitting across the room) motioned for me to see inside. There was a sample box of Goody's pain and fever powders. Being a Tylenol fan, I didn't put much thought on it (little did I know then).

After what seemed to be hours, we finally ate. Afterward, Hubby said he would go get some Tylenol for me, if I wanted. The hotel didn't have a convenience shop. Well, I wanted to watch the family slideshow, so I told him I would be up when it was over. He went on upstairs while son and I stayed for the show.

I should have known my family. The slide show of donated pictures was created WITHOUT labeling the images. Almost every slide had a discussion on who was pictured. Son fell asleep before it was over. It was a great idea and hilarious seeing pictures of some folks "young and skinny" who are not now so "young and skinny" .

Back in our room, I returned to find Hubby knocked out. There was no way I would wake him. Hmmm, the Goody powders. I took a dose and went to bed. I had chills when I first crawled in, but must have gotten hot later. By the middle of the night, I had sweat-soaked everything. Thank goodness we had gotten two queen beds and the sleeper. I was spent the second half of the night on the OTHER side of my bed. It was soaked too, by the morning. Hubby would have been miserable if we had gotten a king suite. We did leave good tips, though.

That's how I survived the rest of the reunion and the drive home. Goody powders every six hours allowed me to enjoy the Saturday cookout/fun and games, and the Sunday service and brunch during the days. But still sweating all night. Oh yeah, southern cuz and I did beat the other northern cuz and his wife in three rounds of Horseshoe.



Now throughout all of this, I continued to take the antibiotics. Hubby suggested that I stop since it appeared I was having adverse effects from it. Knowing you're not supposed to stop taking antibiotics, I continued.

Next, Part 3: All night in the emergency room.

2nd Time Around, Part 1

Having the last reunion for this family not turn out as expected, there was hope for a better vacation this year having the reunion planned for the first few days followed by a week off with Hubby to complete many projects around the house. Thursday morning, 1st day of vacation, all was moving along fine even though I was running late to meet at Mom's house. Two days earlier at a physical, I was informed that I had a Urinary Tract infection. Even though I haven't had one since I was in my twenties, I figured it was just a fluke. I started taking the antibiotics that Wednesday night.

I do not recall how far along we were on I-16 before it was noticeable that there may be a problem. Hubby began asking me how I felt. Knowing that I had been living full throttle for months and was on antibiotics, I thought my drowsiness was acceptable and no cause for worry. I must have had that "something is not right" aura, because he continued to ask me how I felt. I was just glad he was doing all the driving while I dozed all the way there.

Thursday evening was uneventful, we picked up supplies from a nearby Kroger and burgers on the way back. Friday morning was fine; breakfast was at a Shoney's Buffet.


For the Black History Tour of Savannah, I thought we were going to be on a "trolley" tour bus, but we were in a fully-loaded 15-passenger van.

It was a great learning experience, in particular visiting the First African Baptist Church. It was cool seeing the memorabilia from the 18th Century.


Outside the church, we stopped at the Haitian Monument. Rode around some more and stopped at what used to be an African school which now is an art gallery and museum. I began to feel a little tired and achy. We even saw the neighborhood that my mom used to live.

The tour was ending later than expected so the driver agreed to take us directly to River Street so we wouldn't miss the boat ride. On the way there, he took us by the holding areas where slaves were kept until they were sold. They looked like open garages in a hillside adjacent to stone streets. I wished we had time to stop and take pictures and contemplate.


After a quick snack, we moved along for the river boat ride along the Savannah River. We had to wait awhile before boarding. It was around that time I realized
that "a little tired and achy" felt more like "exhaustion and painful", but there was no where to go but forward. Once the river boat started, Hubby and I went out to the deck following the kids. The most comfortable seating was on the bow.
Great view, warmth from the Sun and a relaxing breeze. I forgot that I wasn't feeling well, amazing.

Back at the hotel, I realized the worst was yet to come.

Continued in next post.

The Ultimate First Aid Collection?

As I try to figure out how to add THE ULTIMATE APOLOGY PLAYLIST to this blog, here is something in the meantime. If you can give any assistance on adding a music player and songs, please let me know.


As the warm weather arrives early this year, says Gen. Beauregard Lee, the southern groundhog forecaster, I must take account of the contents of my first aid collection. Last summer, son received a new bike for his 7th birthday. I had no idea when we (Hubby and I) selected it that it was a stunt bike.
As you can see pictured, he had some difficulty adjusting to it but eventually he figured it out.

Now is the time to prepare and re-stock for the active year. So I ask, what is the ultimate first aid collection for an active 7-year old boy? He was constantly cleaning out my stash.

I have...
gauze
gauze tape
scissors
bandages (in so many shapes, brands, sizes)
rubbing alcohol
hydrogen peroxide
triple antibiotic ointment
hydrocortisone cream
burn/scrapes/bites,etc. ointment
insect repellent (with SPF 30 sunscreen)
iodine
tweezers
ice packs
heat packs

Any suggestions?

Do ED meds trigger mental illness symptoms?

I was talking to a Sista the other day and she informed me of several relationships that were in trouble. In all the cases the women were contemplating leaving or have already left their husbands. These marriages ranged in length from 2 years to about 60 years.

Unfortunately it was not surprising that the marriages were in trouble. The troubling issue was the cause of breakups. In each case, the husbands had demonstrated or had been diagnosed with mental problem, such as depression, paranoia, and hallucinations.

We wondered why it seems there are more cases than usual and only the men were inflicted. She posed a question that made me wonder, 'Could erectile dysfunction medication trigger mental illness symptoms?'. She had no evidence that any of the men had this ailment, it was just a thought since there is a bombardment of commercials for ED.

I have done some Googling and not have found anything to substantiate a positive response to that question, but then again there wouldn't be if no one has done the research.

So what do you think? Does this question have any merit?

four pregnancies in three years?

Age 16, pregnant, but "claimed" it was false positive
Age 17, pregnant, but "claimed" miscarriage
Age 18, pregnant, but "claimed" stillborn (possible hoax)
Age 19, pregnant, allegedly

How can we get through to our young women that this is not good?
The ramifications on their health, mental and physical, can be tremendous and irreversable.

It's hard to teach prevention when they are not in your home and under your care. Surrounding influences is master.

IT'S MY BIRTHDAY: fit at 40..one year goal

From Blog Pics

Every year for the past few years on my birthday I reflect on my accomplishments and seek new goals.

At 37, I started playing soccer (adult women); it was the first time ever playing any sport.

At 38, I completed the first full draft of a romance novel, my first serious writing effort.

Now at 39, my focus is on health; one of my declarations. For several years I have struggled with my weight and have tried several different "plans". I've come to understand that dieting (controlled eating plan) alone is not enough. I need to commit to a regular exercise routine. I must receive adequate rest and maintain a stable stress level.

Even though I started working towards this goal weeks ago, today is the official kickoff. The first day towards a priority goal to be a healthier me.

One year from today, hopefully sooner, I plan to post a picture of the NEW me wearing the dress pictured above. The dress is around here somewhere. The photo was the second and last time I ever worn that dress.

I know that picture was taken prior to pregnancy, prior to marriage, months before meeting hubby, but I made it half-way there before (1999) so there is no doubt that I can be...

...FIT AT 40...SEE YOU THEN! more like YOU SEE ME THEN!

mommy, you feel like you're going to have a baby

This is not what you want to hear at the end of the first day you got up at 5 AM and completed the 3 mile workout in "Walk Away the Pounds" by Leslie Sansome, worked all day, helped with homework, sorted bills and other papers, prepared dinner, reviewed spelling words with him and currently in the process of washing dishes.

It is understandable that kids say exactly what's on their minds and have not learned tact, but really, did he actually have to say it out loud?

I have been working out and eating healthier, but I have been looking for the MAJOR motivation to keep me on track. THIS WAS IT!!!

LET'S SEE WHAT HE SAYS BY CHRISTMAS!

God's Little Cherub

A friend gave me permission to post this. Her daughter was in a critical auto accident a few years ago. Her survival that day and her recovery since has been a miracle blessing. Now her daughter has had another...

God's Little Cherub

***** I have witnessed another one of GOD’s miracles *****

You know the story about my daughter (Daughter1) injuries when she had the accident. All of her internal organs shut down. Last year in August she had a miscarriage. She was pregnant again in November. Her OB/GYN told her that her body rejects the shot and she can not take birth control pills.

Daughter1 arrived at the hospital on Wednesday morning around 10:00am. She was still one centimeter. The doctor gave her “something” to soften her uterus at 1:00pm. Still one cm. The nurse assured me that she will NOT have the baby until Friday morning or around noon. Still one cm, I got ready to leave at 11:00pm and was planning to come back by 6:00am. When I got up to leave, her water broke so I stayed. One hour after her water broke, she had dilated from 1cm to 4cm. It’s about 12:05 or so. She was hurting so bad, she asked for an epidural. Around 1:40 she dilated 8cm. Around 2:00 she had dialed 10cm. The baby would not come out. Every time she lay on her left side, his heart rate would drop. When she pushed, his heart rate would drop. Her nurse say there is a chance the cord was wrapped around his neck. At this point the doctors begin to prepare for a Cesarean. 10 minutes later, the baby acted liked he wanted to come out again. She pushed but his heart rate dropped so low the doctor stop. He went to prepare for the Cesarean again. The doctor told her to lay on her right side and do not push.

Daughter1 and I was the only two in the room. She looked up and said someone just sat on the bed with her. I said…..well, maybe it’s my mom. So she begins to relax. About 10 minutes later, she said someone is sitting on the bed and is rocking. I said Daughter1; it has to be GOD or maybe my mom and dad. After she laid there for 30 minutes, I went to get the nurse. I had a feeling that she should not just be laying there and his head was at the opening ready to come out. The nurse checked her and told her the baby had to come out now. She called for the respiratory specialists. At this point everything was critical. 10 respiratory specialists were in the room in less then 3 minutes. It was like they were waiting at the door. There were 16 people in the room which included Me, Daughter1 and Daughter2. As she being to push his heart rate begin to drop and I called on the name of Jesus and asked him to please come in the room with us. When Grandbaby3 came out, the cord was wrapped around his neck and a knot was in the cord. He was not breathing.

The specialists begin to work with him tying to get him to breathe. Everybody else was silent except the ones working with him. My daughters did not know that he was not breathing but I did. All I could say was Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, Lord have mercy. One of the respiratory specialists kept hitting him in the lower part of this back and another one were clearing and cleaning him at the same time. The head nurse is a friend of mine and she kept looking at me as if she was worried. Grandbaby3 made a weak sound and I shouted and said breathe baby breathe. Scream baby scream. They kept working with him and he began to cry. Thank you Jesus.

The head nurse told me she had to give Grandbaby3 two breaths. I explained to Daughter1 and Daughter2 what I was told and what was going on. I told them Jesus was there and his angels were there with the baby. Daughter1 has not gotten much sleep. I stayed with her 4 days last week to help with the baby. He is a good baby. I keep telling Daughter1 that GOD did NOT bring her this far to leave her.

Just as the Lord is on her side, everything will be alright. Please hug yourself for me because you would have to have been there to feel the presence of Jesus.

I thank my GOD at ALL time for HIS mercy and HIS present in our lives.

haven't felt up to blogging

Last Wednesday, I had oral surgery to remove a cracked wisdom tooth. Seemed all would be well. I used the conscious sedation option this time because of previous bad experiences with just the local stuff.

Now a week later and still in pain, even when I know I have been over-self-medicating just to be able to function. Got mommy stuff to do.

Went back to see oral surgeon this morning in fear of having a dry socket. Not this time. He said that the tooth was impacted and he had to cut into the bone. He prescribed a different pain med since the Vicodin/Lortab stuff made me sick. I can't handle the good stuff. This one seems to take the edge off. I do not expect to be pain free.

Once life gets back to 'normal' and I feel like sitting up. I'll post some things that have been swirling in my head, while on and off the meds.

Be back soon.

I decided to be nice and NOT post any pics on this subject.

can we start over?

I’m sorry TG that it has been so long since we have been together. I do remember the success we had. In the wee hours of early mornings when we came together were the best for of us. It was a time that we could be alone; just you and I developing our own rhythm. In the beginning it was hard for me, but over time, with patience and perseverance, I was able to adjust to the way you moved. Our time together affected me in so many ways. I became a stronger person, I felt better about myself, and definitely I had increased energy.

It was beyond my control that we separated and my absence lasted so long. My new job required that I traveled to Chicago that winter. I should have known that you would have preferred that I had gotten involved with SM or TM while I was away as a reminder of you. We both know that I would not have been satisfied; you had been the best for me.

By abstaining for so long, when I returned things were different. My interest in you had diminished, even though you were still there for me, waiting close for me to return to you. My priorities had changed. I should not have left you alone. Deep down inside, I knew that I still needed you, but could not make myself come back to you.

My life is different now and I desire that we be successful again. I promise to keep you near. I promise not to ignore you. I promise to be with you often. And if I must travel again, I may get involved with StairMaster (SM) or TreadMill (TM) while I am away, but TotalGym (TG), you can never be replaced.

journey, part 1

I feel I need to get this out as to continue on my journey.

Early 2006, I visited my family physician for a regular checkup. As normal, a routine bloodwork was ordered. The results showed that my iron level was too low, so doc prescribed an iron/vitamin supplement to raise the level.

Within the first few days of taking the pills, I realized how much of a slump I had been in. My energy level seemed to shoot through the roof. I began to analyze myself and quickly determined that I did not like what I found internally and on the surface. I was a perfect candidate for What Not To Wear, Dr. Phil or The Oprah Show, even though I am not a fan Phil or Oprah. Basically my days were spent on working, and taking care of hubby, son, mother, sister, niece, and whoever needed whatever. I was not taking care of myself.

During further evaluation of my life, I remembered hubby saying that I had changed since my son was born in the summer of 2001. During my pregnancy, I had to take iron supplements, but after his birth I gradually stopped taking them. I believe that was when my downward spiral began coupled with the loss of work. I was contracting at the time and had planned to start a new contract when my son was 2 months old. Unfortunately when he was 6 1/2 weeks old, the 9/11 attacks occurred and the bottom fell out of the IT industry in the ATL area. That contract was cancelled and it seemed that there were no contracts for perm jobs to be found. So there I was with an infant and no job.

I spent my days taking care of the house, the baby and the rest of every waking moment in the job search. It did not seem too bad at first, just tiring. We thought that within 6 months things would be better. We were wrong. The following January, hubby was laid off.