Celebrate Life

Living a Beautiful Life nominated me for Dragon Loyalty Award

My friend Danica of Living a Beautiful Life danicapiche.wordpress.com nominated me for the Dragon Loyalty Award.  I like this award because everyone can participate. The bottom line is how active are you on WP. I’m thrilled to run side by side with Dragons everyday. 

What is the Dragons Loyalty Award? The Dragon’s Loyalty Award is an award for the loyal follower/commenter, fan, whether the recipient is a fellow blogger or a blog-free someone who follows and comments regularly.

The rules for this award are: Put the logo on your post, Thank the blogger who nominated you. Share 5 facts about yourself and nominate 5-10 bloggers.

Five Facts About Me:

I’m waiting for Quisp cereal to come back. Little pink guy with blades on head, ready for take off.

My first ocean dive, I took can of spray cheese. When the cheese swirled, I was swarmed by fish. After the dive I was talking about the fish with big teeth. Everyone laughed, it was a Barracuda.

barracuda-retro_f1XmD28d

At the end of IV Infusion treatment, David promised me a Porsche. One of my favorite’s is the Bright Red Porsche 911 Targa 4 GTS, top speed 187 mpg and the best rear end I’ve seen. I’ll do one run to see what it can do. I will wear a diaper just in case. My childhood nick name was Speed Racer. I can’t drive a stick and it cost 133K.

Most Gluten Free snacks suck causing me to live on Gluten Free Pop Tarts & GF Chocolate Shakes.

I collect old cameras.

I’m following the rules (sort of ) this time by nominating Bloggers.

http://vanbyriver.wp.com

http://sedge808.com

http://caseyalexanderblog.wp.com

Congrats! Each of you make a difference in my life.   XO Melinda

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Hungry…Battlefield…Want Me*

 

concert-poster_zktvGy8uI hope you enjoy this weeks selection. “Hungry Like A Wolf” played every other song till ready to pull hair out. The song stands up and sounds great now. All the songs have meaning for me, I hope there are good memories for you.  XO Melinda

Celebrate Life

From Caregiver to Grieving in Four Days

 

old-truck-in-barn_MJoYNw_d
Reblogged from 3/24/10

As the population ages many will take on the role of caregiver. One of the most challenging for me was the transition from granddaughter to caregiver. Gramps was stubborn as an Ox and felt he didn’t need any help.

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My grandfather died in 2010 at 92 years old. I spent more time with him in 2010 than at home. I cherish the time we had, regardless how painful. His health declined so fast that for two days I did not realize that he was dying now, not in a couple of weeks. He was at home under hospice care and would not get in the hospital bed until two days before he passed. He fell out of bed that morning, which forced him to move in order to eat. He was so weak when he fell, it was difficult for me to get him back in bed. I was hurt more than him. He would have not have moved to the hospital bed if he had not fallen. For him the bed meant death and he was still fighting.

My grandfather had End Stage Kidney Disease. An earlier ER trip to for his AFIB is when we learned heard he about two months to live. What they fail to tell is the older patients die faster. We knew his kidneys were losing function but I was not ready for a timeline. His doctor had not given me the impression on last visit, I asked her to review the hospitalal records. I was saddened she agreed with the prognosis. It took a couple of weeks for my grandfather to believe the doctors were right. Kidney failure without dialysis, is a silent killer and luckily not a painful one. You start sleeping more until you sleep yourself into a coma.

I arrived on Sunday afternoon after two days of relief and he looked fine. Monday I knew he was out of it by the things he was saying. I called backup. Tuesday he was sick after falling out of bed. Dead weight, it took everything I had to get him back in bed. My grandfather died on Thursday. I’m so thankful that we had time together to say what we wanted, cry for the loss and enjoy the memories. I have no regrets.

Cleaning out the house was so hard, 46 years of memories everywhere. My grandmother left notes on everything, it was like mourning her death as I found each note. Notes on back of photos, on little pieces of paper and even masking tape. I knew all the notes were there, we had looked at them many times. Everything’s being packed and house cleared. My grandparents were like parents, they were the best you could ever pray for. The house is empty but I see my life in every room. The great memories with my grandparents are everywhere you look. 

Side notes: My grandparents lived in the hood , major drug trafficking. They had little of value just antiques passed down. I would not leave the house empty at night so I stayed for two weeks until we could pack up. Everyone thought I was crazy, I thought I’m Rambo. I had my Colt 38 Revolver, would never stand up to drug lords today. I cousins husband Sgt. for department casually mentioned the houses around me where under drug/gang watch.

One night after midnight I heard this huge sound and had to check out. The streets were shut down in every direction, every yard, Black ATF truck and guy is tactical gear, paddy wagon. I had to laugh, with the whisper under his breath, I knew it was going down. I watched through the window to see what all they do is a big bust, at least 20-25 people in-house. They were zipped tied together. The entire yard was searched with high beams and guy with flashlight. 

I was having a blast, called to my husband, he didn’t find it funny. 

XO  Melinda

Celebrate Life · Survivor

Putting foot in the Dirt *Nominated Me For Liebster Award* Yay!

Michelle from puttingmyfeetinthedirt.wp.com  nominated me for the prized Liebster Award. Michele’s blog is informative, Christian based and makes you stop and soul search at times. I really enjoy talking to her and learning about her life outside of blogging. You have to check out her site puttingmyfeetinthedirt.wp.com , Michelle’s writing will inspire you.

11 facts about me

I watch true crimes programs on tv. I’ve learned so much about basic self-defense, stalking and how many family members kill each other. It’s very informative.

I’m concerned about underserved children in my community and shelters. My concern expands to children around the world. Working with children is the first initiative of the charity.

I love Pop Tarts, grateful for delicious gluten-free brands.

I loved jewelry as a child and have several necklaces made as a little one. Making  jewelry builds my confidence, growing when each piece comes out correctly.

A family of Hawks hang out on the bird bath. They enjoy drinking and cooling off. Sometimes three get in bath, making it a bit overcrowded.

I love to compost, worms and all.

Love to decorate and or planning changes.

Enjoy mapping my Ancestors, have found big surprises along the way.

Enjoy learning, there are thousands of free courses. I recently started a course at Stanford University on Human Trafficking.

Riding horses is a spiritual experience.

Love antique Leica rangefinder camera’s.

I have to duck out on nominations due to health. Take a look at your blog, have you worked hard to achieve original goals. If so you deserve the award. Follow the rules and pass the award along.

XO M

Celebrate Life · Fun

Sunshine…memories of Sail Racing topped with breathtaking sunset

 

OH HAPPY DAY!  Dedicated to you.

Recreational Sport Vacation Yachting On The Ocean In The Summer
Sport Racing In The Brilliant Sunshine

I am a Cancer and nothing could fit better. I love the water, sailing and joined a team to race on friends 30′ sailboat. Beautiful memories sailing and watching the sunset enjoying a deep red wine.  I hope you have sunshine in your life today.   XO  M

Marina

 

Images By Graphic Images

 

Celebrate Life · Fun

Happy Friday! Let's get the grove on…..*I'm A Champion*

IMG_1089Me in 10th grade, WOW those eyes. I didn’t see any beauty. My thoughts were shallow, a child walking blind. I’m free of past scars with an open heart. I am a champion!    XO Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

Happy Friday! Let’s get the grove on…..*I’m A Champion*

IMG_1089Me in 10th grade, WOW those eyes. I didn’t see any beauty. My thoughts were shallow, a child walking blind. I’m free of past scars with an open heart. I am a champion!    XO Melinda

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Words of Love…Your Interpretation*

concert-poster_zktvGy8u

ROCK ON

Love can look different on the outside. The words are beautiful, videos are your interpretation. Grab a drink, possibly a nice French champagne in good crystal, your snuggle buddy and relax to the sounds of the heart.   XO M

Celebrate Life · Fun · Moving Forward

Good Times On Highway To Hell

My name is Miss Trouble

Miss Trouble at six years old.

My brother was my best friend and I have hundreds of great memories. I laugh thinking how we came up with some of our adventures. Looking at the worst years of my life and finding happiness is liberating. These memories made my life feel normal. Some are a chuckle, others a belly roll, and most are just things kids do. I was often the mastermind, no time to waste. I hope it will brighten your day. Maybe spark some memories of your own.

We put sheets and blankets over our double-long clothesline making tepees to hide in. We could get a good thirty minutes of fun before having to look for real fun/trouble. Our dog Sandy got in on the action by pulling the tepees down.

While preparing my stepfather’s house for sale. My mother had finished moping the floor. With no thought on our part, we put pop tarts in our soda and they blew all over the newly mopped kitchen.

My brother was checking out a new Christmas BB Gun and shot me in the leg.

We always fought over who got to lick the cake icing bowl.

My Favorite We didn’t know why but our grandma was babysitting that day. Beyond bored, we start walking down the alley. My brother finds a bag of rotting potatoes, perfect for trouble-making. Our neighbors had a pool and were not home, we threw potatoes in the pool, and a dog bowl, on the house and back door. Little did we know our grandma was looking out the kitchen window watching us. We came into the house like nothing new. We had to wait until neighbors got home, apologize for what we’d done, and clean up the mess. It was nasty to clean but it was worth it.

Popping Bubble Wrap was a huge treat, we would fight over who got the bigger piece, We would lay in the front yard watching the stars popping our bubbles.

I would take Turtle Wax from the garage and mix in a little dirt to see how fast it would eat through a pie pan. Dixie cups melted quickly but pie pans took longer. It was difficult to explain the stains on the picnic table.

I never wore shoes unless forced. My grandfather came over and I was my usual jumping-around self. Looking at the flowers of the weeds in our yard. I enjoyed the simple things. Then I let out a scream, I stepped on a Bubble Bee. My grandfather said “Pud” you’ll be okay. I wandered off to find the bee. It was so pretty and I’d never seen that kind of bee. My grandfather called me “Pud” all my life, my guess is that it was an old people’s term of endearment.

At 4-5 years old, I was across the street playing and my mother started yelling there’s a tornado coming. I didn’t hear her so went to the middle of the street to see what was so important. A tornado is coming get in the house now. OK. My dad was at work so we gathered around the television. It wasn’t long before I had to go to the bathroom. I was so scared, I would not go because the Tornado Man might get me. An important note: my Easy Bake Oven went with the wind.

This was great, my brother came from the store with gum with a small poster in it. He asked if he could put it on the wall, NO! He snuck into her bedroom found a bobby pin, plugged it in an electrical socket, and caught the carpet in his bedroom on fire.

I matured early…..getting my mouth washed out with soap for saying fuck at 4 years old.

We’re on a teeter-totter at our grandparent’s house, I was in the air and spotted a snake. I was screaming like crazy. Gramps came back with a hole but I would not get off the swing. I still hate snakes.

When our teeth were loose we put a string around it, tied it to the doorknob, and then slammed the door. One time it took three tries to get one out. The tooth fairy didn’t leave any extra money.

Gramps and I would have a watermelon seed spitting contest, who could get seed all over the picnic table.

One of the methods of discipline my grandparents used was to go outside and get a switch. If you brought a wimpy one, it was back outside for another.

My grandparents would take us to Ponchos, and we raised the flag for more until we exploded.

We had pampas grass with long razor blades, on each side of our driveway. We made a bike ramp, the goal was to jump over both pampas grass, and the driveway and not get cut to shreds.

Singing to the radio with my dad driving 90 miles an hour, smoking a cigar with windows rolled up and constantly pushing buttons on the radio while changing lanes. We didn’t worry about his driving it was the cheap cigars we complained about.

I’m blessed to have good memories of my childhood.

XO  M

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Great Mix to Start Weekend*

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

Celebrate Life · Fun

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

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 · Fun

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

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*

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*

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*

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

 

 

 

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Caregiver Tips I Missed *What I Know Now*

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

Celebrate Life

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

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

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday *Rocking your way to weekend*

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

“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

Celebrate Life · Moving Forward · Survivor

Three Day Favorite Quote Challenge * Day Two *

I’ve been nominated by my friend Cosme, for a Challenge which includes three days of your favorite Quotes. It’s Day Two of the challenge and I am having so much fun. I’m saving the best for last. Thank you Cosme for nominating me. If you are not familiar with bclphotography.com, please stop by you are in for a treat. The requirement is to write three post, one each day, of your favorite quote.

“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light”

Aristotle Onassis

These Eyes

 

As a two-year old beaten by my mother, I had to think of brighter days. Eyes dead of emotion from an innocent child is heartbreaking. Over the years people entered my life leaving sprinkles of sunshine. At some point the sprinkles became a force within me. I would not live bitter or let my past control the future. I found sunshine as you can see from the photo above. The sparkle in my eyes and wide smile are my best features.  XO  Warrior

Nominees 

Noir  sedge808.com

Through The Open Lens  throughopenlens.com

Aniket Sharma Photography  aniketsharmaphotography.wp.com

If you have not visited each blog, stop by to find new favorites. 

Celebrate Life

Danica Piche Honored Me with Encouraging Lightening Award

 

Be jubilant, Be jubilant, O my soul, For thou art alive to the whole

Danica Piche of Living a Beautiful Life surprised me with the Encouraging Thunder Award. What I know: Danica has a great outlook on life and love music. She writes short stories and snippets of her life adventures. Visiting her site always makes me feel good, she has an infectious smile. She is living a beautiful life. Please check Danica’s site, danicapeche.wp.com .

Why I write

Three people who should have protected and loved me, abused me instead. I’ve been a drug addict, alcoholic and down on the curb. I survived and learned to thrive. I started the blog to talk about my experiences. Hoping to rid myself of the scars & shame of abuse. As I talked to bloggers it was clear many struggled with mental illness. I have Treatment Resistant Bipolar Disorder, diagnosed at 19 years old. I knew how mental illness had knocked me down and the consequences. As people left comments, I became encouraged to share more about my mental illness and help anyone who would take my hand.

I started writing journals as a pre-teen, started a newspaper ( The Tumble Weed Connection) for the private school (jail) I attended. I wrote for High School newspaper and City of Irving covering Sports. Writing and music took me away from my problems. I blog sharing my thoughts openly. Thank you for visiting and leaving your comments. A special thank you to my followers.  XO  M 

 Rules for this award:

Post it on your blog.
Grant other bloggers the award.

What you cannot do:

Abuse or misuse the logo.
Claim that it is your own handmade logo.

What you should do after receiving the Encouraging Thunder Award:

Enjoy the award!
At least give thanks via comments, likes and/or mentioning the blog that you received the award from.
Mention your purpose in blogging.

I’m honored to pass the baton forward to 

Sunflower Solace Farm sunflowersolacefarm.com

Better Not Broken  betternotbroken.com

The Starting End      poemsforherlife.wp.com

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Bucket List Friday * Hot Air Balloon Ride Mishap *

Jackie&Me Balloon Ride

Celebrating after Balloon Ride

 

I like Bucket List Friday, it jacks me up for the weekend. I can’t recall a time when adventure was not on my mind. Many years there wasn’t a dime to spare but dreaming was fun. I’m the thrill seeker who would travel half way around the world to bungee jump off the highest bridge. The ultimate scare you to death experience now marked off after two serious car wreaks. This my friend Jackie (curly hair) who lives in England. Our birthdays are close together and we enjoyed celebrating together. Jackie is a ski instructor back home, we spent a Christmas in Breckenridge, CO. Everyone was skiing, her kid didn’t use poles, she did Black Trails, they were having a blast. I fell getting off lift every time eating snow. Back to balloon adventure. We live in a large city with large cities around us, we lift off heading for the cow pastures in the distance. The sunset slowly went down giving a beautiful light display. We were landing and the wind picked up, turbulence is all. Before I know it we hit a tree and bounce up and over to another tree. I wasn’t scared of crashing, my interest was cow patties and cold champagne waiting.  The mishap added to the adventure. You will find Ballooning in French country side on my list.

I would love to hear what you have on your Bucket List. Have a great weekend.  XO  Warrior

Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Lyme Disease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Survivor · Tick Borne Illnesses

Lyme Journal Entry Eleven *Lyme Winning Me..Mad As Hell*

Wild Crazy Hair
Wild Warrior Hair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Four months ago I wrote the last Lyme Journal Entry. I thought my strength would allow me to blog through the illness. Then the 5-6 month point turned my life upside down and it’s been hell. I fired my Lyme doctor and not taking meds at this time. I know many are wondering why the hair photo? I was losing hair by the handful and showering was nearly impossible with longer hair. When you can’t stand, lift your arms or sit down without falling, showering is a problem. I planned a nice Army shave but David would not help. I grabbed the scissors and cut eight inches off. Feels great, looks like crap. Who cares? 

I’m sure people have noticed my positive attitude is quickly sliding. The mounting problems are not all Lyme-related. My cat Truffles is dying, lack of communication from my doctor, getting so sick, and walking some days is extremely painful. Our bed was too hard so I moved to a couch months ago. I live on the couch now. Not bad for sleeping except all the animals want to go out, poke me in the back, and the cat wants to attack me. Even attempting to get enough sleep is impossible. With Chronic Lyme Disease sleep is your best friend and a key to survival.

 Let me share some Lyme politics for newbies.

Most of the expert Lyme Literate Doctors, are not practicing. Several years ago doctors were watching people die using CDC standards, which state patients can only receive 2-4 weeks of antibiotics at most.  The Lyme doctors who understood how the viruses worked knew 4 weeks was a joke. The doctors worked together helping each out calling in antibiotics for the other patients. I have Chronic Lyme, and it can take 1-3 years to get well. Medication is one of the many ways to heal. Getting enough sleep is number one after the meds., take supplements, gluten-free diet and eat foods to help your body heal. No Coffee and drink only electrolyte water. 

There was a huge division among Lyme doctors when the CDC allowed several doctors to patent the virus. Makes no sense to me. For years patients were clueless of the division. Both sides fought hard with the CDC to prove their data, from the videos on YouTube it looks like the battle was lost before the presentations started. The expert Lyme Literate doctors were quite vocal and a witch hunt is what followed the meeting. Doctors appeared before the Medical Board and were not able to practice, some for up to a year. Several doctors lost their clinic and everything they owned trying to keep their patients alive. It is a complete mess the CDC let happen, needless to say, I’m pissed. Just a little more background info to burn into your brain.

Many Chronic Lyme patients become so sick they are not able to work. The first reality is you no longer have insurance and can not afford new insurance if you could buy. I’ve watched video after video on YouTube of people with good-paying jobs, racking up several thousand dollars in doctor bills and many having to file bankruptcy, losing everything. One video told of a couple who owed their parents $500,000. Lyme affects everyone in your family, friends, your health, and financial security.

It’s going on Spring in some parts but summer will be here quickly. I don’t want any of you or your family members to struggle with a virus that looks like a worm. The viruses travel through the blood until they can find a way to your major organs. Lyme likes to get cozy in the liver, kidney, heart, and brain. I have three tick-borne illnesses and Epstein Bar Virus. I have cognitive issues, my eyes constantly see things moving by my peripheral vision and balance are fleeting. I was in the bathroom two days ago about to reach for the medicine cabinet. I slammed into a wall hurting my writs and several fingers. If that wasn’t enough I slid down the wall falling on the toilet and hurt my leg. The doctors don’t know how much of your ability will come back if any. You have to keep fighting.

Why I fired my doctor. My husband and I formed an impression at the first appointment, not so good. I was desperate to start treatment and had no other options.

* I start a couple of drugs until the Lab work is back. At the follow-up appointment, the first words out of his mouth are you are in a great deal of pain. REALLY? His communication and organization skills are lacking. No pain meds were prescribed. He has to call someone in to bring him something several times during the appointment.

*I’m loaded down with over 50 pills to take a day plus 15-20 supplements and sleep all I can. The equation doesn’t work. I have gastro issues and the high-powered antibiotics made me nauseous all the time. I asked to have a PICC line in my arm to give my stomach a break. He did not plan to use a PICC line? Almost every patient gets a PICC line so they can fill you full of drugs and bypass your stomach. My wheels are turning. He had lab work for me to do, but I didn’t do it. He never asked about the Labs. He said my Lead levels were three times higher than normal, in the dangerous range. No follow-up test was ordered, it was like “So you know”. I’m scared, my brain is on overload, the test said current and ongoing exposure. I spent about two weeks looking for an answer. I looked at the top of the report one day, it wasn’t my report. Admin acted like no big deal. HIPPA laws are not new.

With the list of experts I start going down the list, ONE of the leading Lyme Literate Doctors still practices. The doctors called before the Medical Board and CDC. Now are full-time advocates/researchers. I phoned his office in DC and they are taking patients. When you have cognitive issues filling out 50 pages is crazy. I stayed up last night to get everything I could without waking my household. With God’s help, I will finish the paperwork tomorrow and get an appointment in the next month.

ILADS is the professional organization Lyme Literate doctors belong to. I saw the tab on site for ILADS Protocol on Lyme. I jumped for joy. Let’s hit them with our best shot. We have boxing gloves on and the truth will come out. The document was extensive for the different stages of Lyme or other tick-borne illnesses. I felt so happy that others may not have to suffer shortly. The document was well-researched by leading scientists, leading hospitals, and large populations of people. I cheered when I read research that outlined how the current system is incorrect, and they went all out. On the issues of insurance, extensive research with real patients exposed what the CDC is keeping from the public. If you want to learn more about Lyme, YouTube has so many videos, you might not have to go anywhere else. If you like the medical jargon go to the ILADS site. 

A shout out to others who suffer from Lyme or tick-borne illness. I think of you, pray for you, and send good karma your way.

XO Warrior

Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Chronic Pain · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Travel

What is on your Bucket List? 2015

I had many adventures in my head and wrote my first Bucket List in 2015, it was invigorating to have it in writing yet I was struggling with Chronic Lyme and IV Therapy, my joy didn’t last until I went into remission years later.

A sincere thank you and a big hug for all the well wishes. I love hearing from you, you bring a smile on days when there are none. It will take a while but “I’ll Be Back”.   XO Warrior

BUCKET LIST STARTED 2015

Tango Lessons

Visit Germany where my family lived before coming to America

Dive again, in 1999 I had panic attack and have not tackled fear

Enjoy Argentinian Wine Country

Be a RAINN Advocate Speaker for Child Abuse and Rape

Volunteer for RAINN to offer support to women while going thru Rape Kit process

Provide pastoral support as Ordained Minister with a focus on dying children and the elderly.

Swim with Manatees, Dolphins, and Sharks, Sharks only while in a cage.

Ride a Camel and Elephant in a native environment, treated ethically.

See every inch of Australia. Australia is several countries in one.

Hot air balloon ride through the French countryside.

Visit countries safe for American women traveling alone. To build confidence, I like to travel alone to foreign destinations. Germany, Istanbul, India, Dubai, and Alaska, that’s a good start.

Learn to rescue animals who coexist in our neighborhoods, like ducks, rabbits, owls, bobcats, and coyotes.

See fine Turkish rugs being made

See Silver Back Gorillas in Uganda

My organs save a life

I think seeing photos of past adventures will jack up my motivation.

 

Church of the Spilled Blood St. Petersburg, Russia
Church of the Spilled Blood  St. Petersburg, Russia

 

Sydney Opera House
Sydney Opera House

 

Gulf Shores, Alabama Sunset

 

Toys for Tots yearly Run

 

Melinda

Celebrate Life

Throw Back Thursday * Best of best thru the years*

It’s 5:02am, I’m jamming picking Thursday tunes. I have so much fun deciding what to play each week. I hope you enjoy as much. I cover the years this week. Set back, adjust headphones, volume up and flash back to the memories.  XO Warrior