Month: July 2015

Men & Womens Health

Lyme Journal Entry 12 *Summer Refresher, NO ONE Is Immune To Lyme*

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I’ve been sick for years without a correct diagnoses. I took a wild guess and found a Lyme doctor. A reckless one. He gave me a lab report saying I had three times the level of lead than normal. We spent three days looking for LEAD. I called the office, while on hold I realized this wasn’t my labs.

Chronic Lyme Disease is a long battle. I wanted the best Doctor possible, off to D.C. for my first visit with Dr. Jemsek. I learned the Lyme Disease has progressed. My cognitive ability is 50-60%, I have Adrenal Fatigue, it can take five years of treatment to get well, or well as I’ll get. The tests were positive and will allow for IV Infusion Treatment. The next step is how much insurance will cover. Without insurance coverage the cost of IV Infusion Treatment for six months is $40-60K. I also have to fly to D.C. every month for checkup.  FUN! FUN!

 I sincerely thank my friends, you’ve lifted my spirit with every comment of well wishes.  

I’ve included videos showing people who have Chronic Lyme. One video is my doctor, Dr. Jemsek. The crowd is mainly patients he’s treated over the years. Celebrating the premier of his movie Under Our Skin.  XO  Melinda

Jemsek speaks out

Avril Lavigne

**Everyone who spends time outside or has children playing near wooded areas. The video is an hour-long homemade video made by her husband. I urge everyone to watch. It will remind you DEET products are the only recommendation by Lyme Specialist. I don’t like DEET but if saves a child or yourself from getting Lyme, it’s a tradeoff I’d take.

XO M

Survivor

Randstein nominated me for Once a Victim Now a Survivor Award

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Thank you my friend Randstein

A special thank you to Randstein for nominating me the Once A Victim Now A Survivor Award.  Randstein is a good friend, always happy to help, writes the most fantastic stories. His short stories give you plenty to think about. Randstien’s blog is hyperionsturm.wp.com. He’s a founding member of survivorsbloghere.wp.com I’m glad to have met him, my life has expanded.

This award is for those who have gone through mental illness of any kind, abuse, trauma, and especially PTSD.

The Rules:

1. Thank the blogger that nominated you

2. Nominate 5 – 10 bloggers to pass the award to

3. Post 5 questions for your nominees to answer (you may use the same as these below)

4. Inform your nominees and post a comment in their blog to let them know they’ve been nominated

Questions:

1. In what ways do you feel that blogging can help people with psychological trauma or mental illness? I think writing can help in many ways. It’s perfect outlet to share, work thru pain and trauma. Blogging provides support from people who are a few steps ahead. The experience of putting your pain in a post can give a feeling of success. Writing thoughts down can help you see what needs more work. Posting takes a load off, no matter how small. We gain confidence one step at a time.  

2. How has blogging helped you with your healing, or your personal journey? I started blogging after years of therapy, not needing as much help. My background made me compassionate, realizing I’m a Caregiver. When someone takes my hand for help, my heart overflows with sunshine. 

3. What books, movies, or YouTube channels would you recommend to someone with a similar background to you?   (Books Always)

 Shock by Kitty Dukakis & Larry Tye A personal story of Kitty’s experience with ECT

50 Psychology Ideas You Really Need To Know  Adrian Furnham

Bipolar Disorder-A Guide For Patients & Family  Francis M. Mondimore M.D. I participated in a study for John Hopkins and he interviewed me. Nice guy and excellent book.

Natural History of Emotions by Stuart Walton’s  He examines the core emotions based on Charles Darwin’s survey of emotions. I’m reading again, the reason I always buy books.

4. When did you start your blog and what inspired you? My current blog stated on 9/22/13. My  father committed suicide 9/2001. He was on my mind, I wanted to express my pain. 

5. What types of blogs do you follow? I follow blogs similar backgrounds or circumstances. I follow blogs that appears the person is spiraling down and needs help. Sometimes its people who visit my blog and they look interesting. I don’t follow rant blogs.  

Nominees:

This is where I have to bail on my commitment. I can not following thru on making nominations. I am battling an illness and must choose how to use less the least energy. I’m on bed rest. Thank you for the prayers and standing by me. Huge Hugs.

If the Award applies to you, please accept and pass along.

Hugs Melinda

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Great Mix to Start Weekend*

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Mist on your face
Mist on your face

Most of the planet is over 100 degrees, I can’t imagine Switzerland being that hot. It appears Mother Nature is sending love from Texas. I would grab a cold one, take someone you like to get wet with and head to beach. Don’t forget the sunscreen.

I hope you enjoy this weeks choice.  XO  M

https://youtu.be/iaVDqK7d_DQ

https://youtu.be/Lc-yHSfwLNo

Men & Womens Health

Robert Goldstein Honors Me with The Creative Blogger Award

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I’m thrilled, Robert Goldstein nominated me for The Creative Blogger Award. Robert advocates  for Mental Illness. He is a passionate artist, photographer, articulate and honest. Sharing his struggle with Mental Illness while providing support. If you haven’t visited his blog, I know you’ll enjoy his site.  Art by Robert Goldstein, http://www.robertmgoldstein.com.

The Rules:

* Display the Creative Blogger Award logo on your blog
* Nominate 15-20 blogs and let know all nominees via their social media/blogs
* Thank and post the link of the blog that nominated you (very important)
* Share 5 random facts about yourself to your readers
* Pass these rules on to them

Five Facts:  You will see I was born looking for trouble.

At 12 years, old I drove a friend of my fathers hot rod. He left the car at our house. I ask my dad first, hell no at top of lungs. Once he got on phone he would talk forever. I didn’t know how to drive. I grabbed the keys, drove the car around our street, came home and parked. I thought it was to far out in street, in my effort to correct, I jumped curb and hit fire hydrant. My dad did hear the bang, he ran out of house saying things I won’t repeat here.

My first motorcycle ride was at 9 years old. I was a biker from that day forward. The only problem was stepping off bike I burned back of leg on the hot pipes. The pain didn’t stop me from dreaming.

At 12 years old I was in two accidents while on bike, not big really. I was sitting on motorcycle high on acid. I started tripping and swore I was falling off. I was screaming for my friend. The scare wasn’t enough to stop acid. That’ a different story. The second time is funny now. We where on some type of drug and he was driving me home. He thought it would be funny by jumping over curb. It might have been funny if I hadn’t fallen off and hit head on concrete.

I learned to ride a bicycle at 4 years old. My dad was giving last advice before taking off. I was so proud I turned to see if Dad was looking, turning back running into telephone pole.

At 6 years old my brother got finger stuck in a can. In the old days there was the little piece that held the lid on. I thought how hard can it be to pull the can off his finger. Harder than I thought, his finger jammed, barely hanging on and almost lost a finger.

My Lyme Disease is getting worst, which means I’ll have more bad days. Thank you for standing behind me while I fight to get well.

Nominees:

Anyone who feels they have earned the award, please take and pass around.

The Rules to follow are in the middle of post.

XO  M

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

Throw Back Thursday (Wednesday) *Let’s Get Rocked*

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I hit pay dirt this week. The first two are in pre-release, I think both drop later this month.  David Gilmore doesn’t have a video. None of the bands are new, you’ve heard many of their tunes here. The last video is my Guitar Hero, Eric Clapton. He sounded great even thru one ear. I not happy with Bose right now.

If the music captures you, download and get your rock on anytime. Eric caresses the strings perfectly, I lose myself  every time.

Grab your beverage along with a nice assortment of cheese, bread and toppings. 

I wasn’t drinking any beverages posting today, just forgot what day it was. Music is the good for you fruit. Eric Clapton doesn’t sound as perfect as liked, I could not pass up the best solo I’ve hear.   

A shout out to a Dragon friend of mine.   XO Melinda

https://youtu.be/eHP7l0EaouM

Celebrate Life · Fun

Throw Back Thursday (Wednesday) *Let's Get Rocked*

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I hit pay dirt this week. The first two are in pre-release, I think both drop later this month.  David Gilmore doesn’t have a video. None of the bands are new, you’ve heard many of their tunes here. The last video is my Guitar Hero, Eric Clapton. He sounded great even thru one ear. I not happy with Bose right now.

If the music captures you, download and get your rock on anytime. Eric caresses the strings perfectly, I lose myself  every time.

Grab your beverage along with a nice assortment of cheese, bread and toppings. 

I wasn’t drinking any beverages posting today, just forgot what day it was. Music is the good for you fruit. Eric Clapton doesn’t sound as perfect as liked, I could not pass up the best solo I’ve hear.   

A shout out to a Dragon friend of mine.   XO Melinda

Celebrate Life · Travel

I’m Blessed To Celebrate My Birthday With You *I get stronger every birthday*

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Worhol Wall
Glimpse Of Warhol Wall
Verna Falls Yosemite Nation ParK
Painted Verna Falls Yosemite National ParK

I hope everyone has a great day. Everyone can celebrate the blessing of today. It’s fun posting photo prints, you can see my interest outside of WP. You can see another side of me.

Let’s Celebrate the day together.

XO  M

Celebrate Life · Travel

I'm Blessed To Celebrate My Birthday With You *I get stronger every birthday*

Looking for the Light63 Comments
Worhol Wall
Glimpse Of Warhol Wall
Verna Falls Yosemite Nation ParK
Painted Verna Falls Yosemite National ParK

I hope everyone has a great day. Everyone can celebrate the blessing of today. It’s fun posting photo prints, you can see my interest outside of WP. You can see another side of me.

Let’s Celebrate the day together.

XO  M

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Killer Tunes and Sunset in Gulf Shores*

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Summer in Gulf Springs, AL

Sunset in Gulf Shores, AL

I look forward to Thursday, hearing music and remembering the generation makes me happy. The Steven Tyler tune released a few days ago. It’s a song from the soul, love, yearning. In my mind. What do you think? The other songs are in my Top 100 list. The photo is a reminder to protect yourself against ticks and fly’s. Lyme Disease is in every state in the USA, growing rapidly across Europe.

Grab your drink of choice, maybe beer or a light wine. Relax in your favorite lounging spot. Let’s Rock!   XO M

 

 

 

Caregiver Tips I Missed *What I Know Now*
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Caregiver Tips I Missed *What I Know Now*

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I wrote the post on 12/23/2009, and Gramps died a year later. Many people are finding themselves in a caregiver role. I’ll post several of my experiences as a caregiver.  Breath. 

As mentioned in an earlier post I care for my 92-year-old grandfather, I’ve been here for five weeks. Here are a few lessons I missed in the Caregiver 101 manual.

Ask the doctor what happens if the procedure does not work.

If a second procedure fails does not work, is there a third option.

What is the recovery time and what type of home health services are needed?

Is the surgery needed for a 92-year-old who is already dying?

Gramps went in for non-invasive surgery, but nothing prepared me for the outcome. I’ve been through many surgeries with my grandfather. The procedure had not been performed before however it was non-invasive. It actually sounded like the least complicated procedure to date. I forgot nothing is normal or non-invasive at 92 years old. We went from going home that afternoon, to having three surgeries over the next seven days. I made the mistake of thinking the procedure would go as they had in the past. Age makes all the difference, just five years at this stage in life can change everything.

I’m blessed to spend this time with my grandfather. We still have a long road ahead. It is very emotional and tests my patience. I’ve become the parent and he doesn’t like me telling him anything especially when to take his medicine. He has raised his voice more in the past month than in my lifetime. It’s hard to take it in stride. The stress has triggered my depression so I struggle to keep myself in check and take care of my grandfather.

XO M

Men & Womens Health

Care of the Adult Patient after Sexual Assault *NEJM Report*

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New England Journal of Medicine

Care of the Adult Patient after Sexual Assault
Judith A. Linden, M.D.
N Engl J Med 2011; 365:834-841  September 1, 2011DOI: 10.1056/NEJMcp1102869

This Journal feature begins with a case vignette highlighting a common clinical problem. Evidence supporting various strategies is then presented, followed by a review of formal guidelines, when they exist. The article ends with the author’s clinical recommendations.

The author, Judith A. Linden, M.D. has written one of the most comprehensive medical reports on the care needed after Sexual Assault. The report is quite long, I’ve included the link.

www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp1102869

If interested in receiving their newsletter www.nejm.org

XO  M

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday * Three of My Favorite Rock Love Songs *

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The songs make me feel loved or falling in love. Wonderful Tonight is my number one tune. The words are beautiful and that’s how I feel every time. Stay the Night by James Blount paints a picture of getting to know each other and falling in love. Edge of Ecstasy by John Mayer speaks for itself. Drop a line tell me what you think of the songs. I would like to hear from you. Grab a drink of choice and be ready for something different.   XO  M

Men & Womens Health

TED Talk: Meet The First Women To Fight On Front Lines of an American War

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I hope you’re eyes opened as much as mine. This is a tremendous change in policy. A policy now able to see the value of women on front lines. Some mixed feelings are swirling in my head. Time will tell if women are treated as equals. There other thoughts I’m not ready to express now, I need more time for all to sink in. I pray for justice for all and punishment on either sex if disrespectful.

Survivor

FDA Investigate Serious Side Effects Of Codeine In Children’s Cough And Cold Medicine

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FDA MedWatch – Codeine Cough-and-Cold Medicines in Children: Drug Safety Communication – FDA Evaluating Potential Risk of Serious Side Effects
07/01/2015

Codeine Cough-and-Cold Medicines in Children: Drug Safety Communication – FDA Evaluating Potential Risk of Serious Side Effects
AUDIENCE: Family Practice, Pediatrics, Surgery, Patient

ISSUE: FDA is investigating the safety of using codeine-containing medicines to treat coughs and colds in children under 18 years because of the potential for serious side effects, including slowed or difficult breathing.

Children, especially those who already have breathing problems, may be more susceptible to these serious side effects. In 2013, FDA warned against using codeine in children who recently had surgery to remove their tonsils and/or adenoids.

In April 2015, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced that codeine must not be used to treat cough and cold in children under 12 years, and that codeine is not recommended in children and adolescents between 12 and 18 years who have breathing problems, including those with asthma and other chronic breathing problems.

FDA will continue to evaluate this safety issue and will consider the EMA recommendations. Final conclusions and recommendations will be communicated when the FDA review is complete.

BACKGROUND: Codeine is a specific type of narcotic medicine called an opioid that is used to treat mild to moderate pain and also to reduce coughing. It is usually combined with other medications in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) cough-and-cold medicines.

RECOMMENDATION: Parents and caregivers who notice any signs of slow or shallow breathing, difficult or noisy breathing, confusion, or unusual sleepiness in their child should stop giving their child codeine and seek medical attention immediately by taking their child to the emergency room or calling 911. Parents and caregivers should always read the product label to find out if a medicine contains codeine and talk with their child’s health care professional or a pharmacist if they have any questions or concerns. Health care professionals should continue to follow the recommendations in the drug labels and use caution when prescribing or recommending codeine-containing cough-and-cold medicines to children.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the MedWatch safety alert, including links to the Drug Safety Communication and previous MedWatch alerts, at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts

FDA Investigate Serious Side Effects Of Codeine In Children’s Cough And Cold Medicine
Children · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Medical

FDA Investigate Serious Side Effects Of Codeine In Children’s Cough And Cold Medicine

Looking for the Light19 Comments

FDA MedWatch – Codeine Cough-and-Cold Medicines in Children: Drug Safety Communication – FDA Evaluating Potential Risk of Serious Side Effects
07/01/2015

Codeine Cough-and-Cold Medicines in Children: Drug Safety Communication – FDA Evaluating Potential Risk of Serious Side Effects
AUDIENCE: Family Practice, Pediatrics, Surgery, Patient

ISSUE: FDA is investigating the safety of using codeine-containing medicines to treat coughs and colds in children under 18 years because of the potential for serious side effects, including slowed or difficult breathing.

Children, especially those who already have breathing problems, may be more susceptible to these serious side effects. In 2013, FDA warned against using codeine in children who recently had surgery to remove their tonsils and/or adenoids.

In April 2015, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) announced that codeine must not be used to treat cough and cold in children under 12 years, and that codeine is not recommended in children and adolescents between 12 and 18 years who have breathing problems, including those with asthma and other chronic breathing problems.

FDA will continue to evaluate this safety issue and will consider the EMA recommendations. Final conclusions and recommendations will be communicated when the FDA review is complete.

BACKGROUND: Codeine is a specific type of narcotic medicine called an opioid that is used to treat mild to moderate pain and also to reduce coughing. It is usually combined with other medications in prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) cough-and-cold medicines.

RECOMMENDATION: Parents and caregivers who notice any signs of slow or shallow breathing, difficult or noisy breathing, confusion, or unusual sleepiness in their child should stop giving their child codeine and seek medical attention immediately by taking their child to the emergency room or calling 911. Parents and caregivers should always read the product label to find out if a medicine contains codeine and talk with their child’s health care professional or a pharmacist if they have any questions or concerns. Health care professionals should continue to follow the recommendations in the drug labels and use caution when prescribing or recommending codeine-containing cough-and-cold medicines to children.

Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse events or side effects related to the use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program:

Complete and submit the report Online: http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report
Download form or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
Read the MedWatch safety alert, including links to the Drug Safety Communication and previous MedWatch alerts, at:

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/SafetyInformation/SafetyAlertsforHumanMedicalProducts

Melinda

Survivor

TED Talk Steve Silberman: The Forgotten History of Autism

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This short video taught me more than I can digest on Autism. Every parent needs to watch, the signs of bad behavior can also indicate symptoms on the Autism Spectrum.  XO M

One in every 68 people is on the autism spectrum — a condition that, even just a few decades ago, was rarely diagnosed. To understand the history of autism, says writer Steve Silberman, we have to go back even further, to an Austrian doctor by the name of Hans Asperger, who published a pioneering paper in 1944 on the “little professors” he was working with. Asperger’s paper was buried by war and time — and much crueler theories of autism prevailed. Follow Silberman’s journey as he uncovers the lost history of autism. (This talk was part of a TED2015 session curated by Pop-Up Magazine; @popupmag.)

 

 

Men & Womens Health

American My Home Sweet Home *Military Families You Are Not Forgotten*

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DC FLAG_edited-2copy.jpeg

 

The American flag is a symbol of freedom. Freedom we have enjoyed since the birth of our country. Military families have made sacrifices every time called to duty. If your boots are on the ground, you’re on my mind. We want you on American soil soon. A hug to all who’ve fought for our freedom. You are not forgotten! Sending a laugh.   XO  Melinda

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Rocking your way to weekend*

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I tapped the way back machine and found some goodies. Grab your beverage of choice, air guitar and killer headphones. Thinking about it, you might need two beverages to listen thru more than once.  XO Warrior

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward · Survivor

Third and Last Day of The Quote Challenge

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“This to shall pass”

Believed to originated in writings of the Medieval Persian Sufi Poets. 

The quote appeared in tales by the English Poet Edward Fitzgerald and in speech by Abraham Lincoln before becoming president.

Abraham Lincon

 My granny used the quote probably before I was born. Times were very difficult for the family when her father died in 1930, granny was 9 years old. They had no money, insurance and no idea what tomorrow would bring. Both my granny and her mother were deeply religious, my guess this quote comforted them. I started using at some point simply because if I can survive, tomorrow can bring a blessing. The quote was not a religious quote to me. Fast forward to being a caregiver to both of my grandparents. I loved my gramps so much but several times a day I wanted to strangle him. I’d say to myself  “This to shall pass”. I tell you the above because the quote “This To Shall Pass” is religious to me now.  I changed in the 10 years taking care of my grandparents, what came after depression, ECT, hospitalization, Heart problems and Lyme Diease…….One day I woke up and the quote felt different, like God sent a message I’m at the wheel. Today there is a warmth in my heart to help others. The awakening gave the strength to become an Ordained Minister and start charity, God’s Tree of Life Ministries. I have enjoyed the Quote Challenge and hope you have to.   XO  Warrior

Nominations

Noir  sedge808.com

Through The Open Lens  throughopenlens.com

Aniket Sharm Photography  aniketsharmaphotography.wp.com