Soma Intimates and the National Network to End Domestic Violence are partnering during the Soma Bra Donation event. From January 8th thru February 4th Soma stores are collecting bras with the goal of collecting one million bras. Bras are the most needed yet least donated item of clothing for women. All bras collected will benefit your local domestic violence shelter.
To get more information visit soma.com/givebras
XO Warrior
The idea for this weeks Throw Back Thursday came to me several weeks ago, I didn’t even think twice. My life overflows with sunshine everyday because of you. Every like, comment, follow, friendship, laugh, words of encouragement, allowing me into your life and above all your prayers. You have touched me deeply by allowing me to comment, knock on your door and allowing me into your life. There is not a day go by without thoughts and prayers for my WP family. My husband understands how important blogging is for me, what is hard for him is how people can touch my life without meeting. I started blogging to share my experiences with others. I didn’t have a clue where the first steps would take me. The thought of my heart expanding with joy never crossed my mind. I am thankful for so much and hope to see you often in 2015. XO Melinda
Gramps would skip my nick name “Pud” and go straight to first name asking why I wrote this. Because I love you and want to thank you for being the father I never had. You taught me thru love when I needed it most. Your rules strict and set in cement. You taught me responsibility by setting an example. The nuggets we learn and realize when we’re older. I work to live by your example except for telling dirty jokes and I cuss way more.
I went to work at 15 years old and drove his car. He had me pay $50 for yearly insurance and $8.00 a week for gas, gas cost 0.89 at the time. My first car was a puck green Dodge Duster, the car was ugly but the tunes blared out. I was jamming. The rules were clear-cut, I could only drive my car to school, work, journalism, girls basketball and granny to mall. Granny told me years later he checked to make sure I was working on school paper, I was, he never checked again. When I started dating at 17 years old my curfew was 12:00, not 12:05. No phone calls after 9:00 PM, no leaving the house after 9:00PM, “you could get into no good if leaving after 9:00PM”. If not working I was home by 4:30PM for supper. Both of my grandparents showed me their love. He only raised his voice one time. His temper a slow burn, when it blew there was no convincing him, he might be wrong. He and granny were both stubborn and I didn’t fall far from the tree.
Being raised by the generation who faced the great depression, dust bowl and WWII was a blessing. I heard how poor most people were, you took any job you could get because there went many. How the war effected businesses, many jobs were frozen which meant you could not leave for another job. All efforts at home focused on supporting the war, granny became a riveter, some women worked in large sewing areas and most struggled to keep their head above water. It seems hard to think about today, my grandmother cut tin cans to use for curlers, she had two dresses, every night she had to wash one.
I didn’t have designers clothes, phone in my room, Atari, pool or new car. I never expected nor did I care what others wore or drove. I thought everyone lived this way. Was I naïve.
I miss my grandparents everyday and blessed by the lessons taught. Most important was their love, showing me their love.
“Love is a verb, it ain’t a thing” John Mayer
XO Warrior
Gramps would skip my nick name “Pud” and go straight to first name asking why I wrote this. Because I love you and want to thank you for being the father I never had. You taught me thru love when I needed it most. Your rules strict and set in cement. You taught me responsibility by setting an example. The nuggets we learn and realize when we’re older. I work to live by your example except for telling dirty jokes and I cuss way more.
I went to work at 15 years old and drove his car. He had me pay $50 for yearly insurance and $8.00 a week for gas, gas cost 0.89 at the time. My first car was a puck green Dodge Duster, the car was ugly but the tunes blared out. I was jamming. The rules were clear-cut, I could only drive my car to school, work, journalism, girls basketball and granny to mall. Granny told me years later he checked to make sure I was working on school paper, I was, he never checked again. When I started dating at 17 years old my curfew was 12:00, not 12:05. No phone calls after 9:00 PM, no leaving the house after 9:00PM, “you could get into no good if leaving after 9:00PM”. If not working I was home by 4:30PM for supper. Both of my grandparents showed me their love. He only raised his voice one time. His temper a slow burn, when it blew there was no convincing him, he might be wrong. He and granny were both stubborn and I didn’t fall far from the tree.
Being raised by the generation who faced the great depression, dust bowl and WWII was a blessing. I heard how poor most people were, you took any job you could get because there went many. How the war effected businesses, many jobs were frozen which meant you could not leave for another job. All efforts at home focused on supporting the war, granny became a riveter, some women worked in large sewing areas and most struggled to keep their head above water. It seems hard to think about today, my grandmother cut tin cans to use for curlers, she had two dresses, every night she had to wash one.
I didn’t have designers clothes, phone in my room, Atari, pool or new car. I never expected nor did I care what others wore or drove. I thought everyone lived this way. Was I naïve.
I miss my grandparents everyday and blessed by the lessons taught. Most important was their love, showing me their love.
“Love is a verb, it ain’t a thing” John Mayer
XO Warrior
A special shout out to my gramps who served the Army with pride. Happy Birthday from Pud.
XO Warrior
A special shout out to my gramps who served the Army with pride. Happy Birthday from Pud.
XO Warrior
I thought it was important to post this recall. The bacteria in these baby wipes can cause a serious medical risk. Please see the highlighted names the baby wipes sold under. XO Warrior
FDA MedWatch – Baby Wipes by Nutek Disposables, Inc.: Recall – May Contain Bacteria
10/27/2014
Baby Wipes by Nutek Disposables, Inc.: Recall – May Contain Bacteria
Including brand names: Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings
AUDIENCE: Consumer, Pulmonology
ISSUE: Nutek Disposables, Inc. initiated a nationwide voluntary product recall at the retail level of all lots of baby wipes that it manufactured under the brand names Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings, because some packages may contain bacteria. These wipes were distributed by Nutek prior to October 21, 2014 to the following retail stores: Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, Fred’s, and Diapers.com.
After receiving a small number of complaints of odor and discoloration, Nutek conducted microbial testing that showed the presence of the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of these products. B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia.
As of October 3, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report of irritation. Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues, and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of these products.
BACKGROUND: The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but is continuing to investigate. In the interim, Nutek has stopped shipping baby wipes manufactured at the facility.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers who have purchased this product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-855-646-4351, Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM EDT. If you believe you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease and you have used one of the affected wipe products, you should call your doctor promptly for medical advice.
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.htm
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 a link to the press release, at:
I thought it was important to post this recall. The bacteria in these baby wipes can cause a serious medical risk. Please see the highlighted names the baby wipes sold under. XO Warrior
FDA MedWatch – Baby Wipes by Nutek Disposables, Inc.: Recall – May Contain Bacteria
10/27/2014
Baby Wipes by Nutek Disposables, Inc.: Recall – May Contain Bacteria
Including brand names: Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings
AUDIENCE: Consumer, Pulmonology
ISSUE: Nutek Disposables, Inc. initiated a nationwide voluntary product recall at the retail level of all lots of baby wipes that it manufactured under the brand names Cuties, Diapers.com, Femtex, Fred’s, Kidgets, Member’s Mark, Simply Right, Sunny Smiles, Tender Touch, and Well Beginnings, because some packages may contain bacteria. These wipes were distributed by Nutek prior to October 21, 2014 to the following retail stores: Walgreens, Sam’s Club, Family Dollar, Fred’s, and Diapers.com.
After receiving a small number of complaints of odor and discoloration, Nutek conducted microbial testing that showed the presence of the bacteria Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia), in some of these products. B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, people who have certain health problems like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases, particularly cystic fibrosis, may be more susceptible to infections with B. cepacia.
As of October 3, 2014, the date of the original withdrawal, the company had received only one report of irritation. Numerous reports of complaints have since been received by the company that include rash, irritation, infections, fever, gastro-intestinal issues, and respiratory issues, though these reports have not been confirmed to be related to the use of these products.
BACKGROUND: The company has not identified the cause of the problem, but is continuing to investigate. In the interim, Nutek has stopped shipping baby wipes manufactured at the facility.
RECOMMENDATION: Consumers who have purchased this product can return it to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-855-646-4351, Monday through Friday, 10 AM – 4 PM EDT. If you believe you have a weakened immune system or chronic lung disease and you have used one of the affected wipe products, you should call your doctor promptly for medical advice.
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.htm
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 a link to the press release, at:
“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the water slide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” From BOSSYPANTS by Tina Fey
I wanted to drop a short note to let people know I’m ok. I have good and bad days however it’s easy for me to remember so many have life much worse. Today is one of the rough days which are frustrating and they fuel my desire to fight harder. I am planning now for activities once I’m well. I get very excited looking at my to do list, even at 51 yrs old there are so many things to learn and see. God has kept my depression at bay which makes each day a little better. I like to share with people what I learn on this Lyme journey, so there is a photo if you ever need to dispose of used needles. In the US LabCorp will take used sharps properly dispose as medical waste. I have also enclosed one of my fav photos. Getting a diving certificate was difficult for someone who is claustrophobic, I asked the teachers to spend extra time with me in the pool we trained in and this photo was taken the day I got certified. It was a big accomplishment not as much for the diving as for the self-confidence. I had not found my wings by 1987, getting certified was the first dream I acted on and accomplished. It felt great. Forget is was Feb. in Texas, F 45 and we tested in a rock quarry only 33ft deep. Three pulled out for hyperthermia. I did not realize at the time and it was a shock stepping out of the shower later. I had sever mask squeeze and both eyes were blood-red from the burst blood vessels. It was glorious day in my memory bank and have seen another life underwater. Thanks for standing by me.
Warrior
This past week I did everything the doctor said not to do. The backlash was frightening. One warning from doctor is not sit for longer than thirty minutes. I spent most of Saturday and Sunday in front of the screen with few walking around breaks. The edema took over most of my body. By bedtime my feet and hands were numb, the pain was excruciating. I knew my feet needed elevating. Our bed is adjustable, I raised the foot of bed as much I could stand. I kept raising my arms in air to get blood flowing, my legs hurt just touching each other. Once feet are raised the water moves up. I’m coughing, sounds like I have pneumonia, my head feels like it’s going to explode. I’m having cardiac pain, can tell my blood pressure was high. I get the BP Monitor to confirm its high,BP is to high, a blinding headache hits and I’m questioning how much higher my BP needs to go before I have a stroke. Do I need to go to hospital, digging around find my nitro which provides no relief. My whole body hurts, areas asleep earleyer are now tingling as the blood flows back in. During the worst point the seizures start. My husband is in full snore mode, never knew the light turned on twice or I was crying in pain. I knew something was bad when the cat would not move for me to get up. Requiring me to crawl over him adding to my frustration. Truffles didn’t move until I went to bathroom for a cold rag. He has never acted like this before, he could tell from my heartbeat I guess. The following day every muscle hurt, toes burning, my shins so full of water had to change from capris to wide leg PJ’s. The back of my legs burning, hurts to sit in chair. So strange,when you rub the bone on front of lower legs, it felt like leg broken. The next day the pain continues, maybe from the water making my legs so tight.
I brought all of this on myself. It’s hard to break old habits and let a disease dictate how to go about your day. My thinking is, get as much done now before I get really bad and body is not able to get out of beds on many days. Unless you’re a gluten for pain it’s a good idea to listen to doctor. These post are not a pity party. I truly believe someone will read the post and avoid getting Lyme. I want to educate on how serious the disease is. In the worst case scenario, it leaves you permanently debilitated. :) M
General Issues
Ice pick in temple headaches
Edema has moved up to knees, walking uncomfortable
Bruise very easily, finding bruises, don’t remembering hitting anything
Tremors part of week, hands shaking so bad would not have been able to feed self
Seizures during the day, not as bad as the ones at night
Tired of taking so many pills
Memory, forgetting multiple times during task, example spelling Rosacea took six looks at dictionary to get correct
Lyme Arthritis in hands all week, right hand worse
Less neuropathy after increasing RX dosage, stabbing needles when does happens
Rosacea and Psoriasis in full inflammation stage
Stayed up till wee hours several nights which contributes to all the above
God blessed me with the ability to feel empathy. He also filled my heart with sunshine. Today my husband participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge. My heart shines as I watch this challenge cross the globe. If we look, there is someone suffering more than ourselves. I work hard to keep in mind on the tough days. M
I’ve had a cold for a couple of days, germs rode in on my husband’s back. Thank you for the prayers and kind words, you lift me up. I have a positive outlook, no pity party here. Lyme Disease may kick me around but never down. A special shout out to my Twin in Germany, she keeps me rolling in laughter with vomit stories. You had to be there.
This is a list of probiotics, supplements, and shots taken in preparation for my antibiotic treatment. My next appointment is 9/17/14, I’m hopeful he will start the antibiotics.
Supplements
Magnesium Malate 1,250mg 1 daily
Omega 3,2126mg 1 daily
Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg 1 daily
Multi Vitamin 1 daily
Acetyl L-Carnitine 500mg 1 daily
Reservatrol 150mg 1 daily
B12 Shot three times a week
Methylocobalamine 25mg/ml injection 1cc 3 x week
Probiotics
2 pills in AM
One liquid probiotic packet daily
To improve my overall health, I started drinking all-natural beverages. I discovered the Suja Life brand, they are certified organic by CCOF. The drinks are cold-pressed, organic, have no growth hormones, all-natural, and no preservatives. I put the liquid probiotic packet in the Coconut Almond, my daily lunch staple.
General Issues
Seizures often and are more intense
During a seizure episode, the eyes were closed but felt like a light bulb in the back of the eye. I experienced the same effect when my heart was in freak-out mode.
Neuropathy hurts like thousands of needles stabbing mostly my legs. Doubled neuropathy and pain meds
Edema in both feet, imagine not seeing your ankle bone, tight and painful to shins, hands are very bloated! :(
Severe headaches
Pimple face, look 13 again :(
Exhausted
Melinda
Countless hours spent making phone calls and letter writing to Federal and State Officials have fallen on deaf ears. Overwhelming support has rallied behind Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi petition yet more is needed. Please take a few minutes to read, sign and pass to all you know. We can turn the injustice around. The comments were taken from letter written by Pastor Rich Tidwell.
Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, has been unjustly imprisoned in a Mexican federal prison for nearly 5 months on weapons charges after accidentally crossing the border with legally purchased U.S. registered weapons. Since his incarceration, I often find myself imagining what it must feel like languishing in a foreign high security prison, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, suffering from PTSD, malnourished, and unable to effectively communicate with others.
Andrew’s plight should not be a burden carried alone as his treatment by Mexican officials demonstrates how any American could potentially be treated should one of us make a similar mistake. His sufferings could easily be shared by ourselves, our siblings, our families, our friends and our countrymen… a fearful thought to say the least. Furthermore, Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi is a decorated veteran, saving the lives of multiple Marines during combat. He is a man who has fought injustice on our behalf, actively securing our American liberties after volunteering to make the ultimate sacrifice should his nation need him to. He is a man worthy of our rescue and a man our nation cannot afford to do without.
Change.org petition link:
Thank You. M
Countless hours spent making phone calls and letter writing to Federal and State Officials have fallen on deaf ears. Overwhelming support has rallied behind Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi petition yet more is needed. Please take a few minutes to read, sign and pass to all you know. We can turn the injustice around. The comments were taken from letter written by Pastor Rich Tidwell.
Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, has been unjustly imprisoned in a Mexican federal prison for nearly 5 months on weapons charges after accidentally crossing the border with legally purchased U.S. registered weapons. Since his incarceration, I often find myself imagining what it must feel like languishing in a foreign high security prison, surrounded by unfamiliar faces, suffering from PTSD, malnourished, and unable to effectively communicate with others.
Andrew’s plight should not be a burden carried alone as his treatment by Mexican officials demonstrates how any American could potentially be treated should one of us make a similar mistake. His sufferings could easily be shared by ourselves, our siblings, our families, our friends and our countrymen… a fearful thought to say the least. Furthermore, Sgt Andrew Tahmooressi is a decorated veteran, saving the lives of multiple Marines during combat. He is a man who has fought injustice on our behalf, actively securing our American liberties after volunteering to make the ultimate sacrifice should his nation need him to. He is a man worthy of our rescue and a man our nation cannot afford to do without.
Change.org petition link:
Thank You. M
This petition disturbed many bloggers. Alarming the community to learn the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FMG) was happening in America. I find the savage practice disturbing for any female in any country. Please sign if you haven’t already and send to everyone you know. Thank you. M
First Victory
Over the past few months, more than 220,000 of you have signed this petition, urging the American government to end the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the United States, and commission a prevalence report on FGM’s impact on women and girls.
Important Change.org Petition
It’s not unusual for me to get jacked up reading the news or having a few choice words on the subject. Blowing a F@#&* gasket with my stomach rolling in disgust is unusual. It’s unacceptable no one was held accountable in this horrific crime. Two men responsible for Psychiatric prisoners killed man by locking him in the shower for two hours. The water temperature was 180 degrees. How does someone decide to torture a Mentally Ill man to death? Two people ignored his screams of pain, ignored as he begged for his life. After he was dead another prisoner had to clean the shower. The details to graphic for me to write. The inmate cleaning the shower will have horrific images to scar him for life. Their actions are deplorable. I can’t stop thinking of the family’s grief and anger. I hope you’re mad as hell, disgusted and ready to hold the prison and two workers accountable for their actions. Please sign the petition asking for justice and pass to everyone you know. We can’t accept abuse on any level Mentally Ill or not. If we do nothing, we lose civility. Thank you. M
Petitioning Attorney General Eric Holder
Investigate the 2012 death of Mr. Darren Rainey, a mentally ill Florida prisoner who died after prison guards locked him into a 180-degree shower.
On June 23, 2012 Darren Rainey, a 50-year-old mentally ill state prison inmate in Miami-Dade County, died after guards responded to his defecating in his cell by locking him into a 180-degree shower for two hours—at which point his skin was separating from his body. Local police, and the state, failed to properly investigate. The case was only brought to light in recent months by The Miami Herald. After two years, no one has been held criminally accountable, or even charged.
Darren was serving a two-year sentence for drug possession and housed in a psychiatric unit. After his death, guards forced another prisoner, Mark Joiner, to clean up the shower where Darren died, including chunks of skin.
“He was crying, please stop, please stop, Joiner said. And they just said “Enjoy your shower, and left.”
Only the U.S. Department of Justice can properly investigate this terrible crime, and a broader culture of abuse in Florida’s prisons that has led to other unnecessary deaths, and which falls especially hard on the mentally ill.
I only post petitions from Change.org that really disturb me. I feel strongly you want to see the injustice and take part in forging change. There are so many in my e-mail I can’t do individual post for each. I’m asking you to click on the links below or go directly to http://www.change.org to check currents petitions. Sign up for direct notices if you like. There are many opportunities to make your voice heard. One signature can make a difference. I will post an update on petitions which have seen victory and positive change. We have to make our collective voice heard, violence is not acceptable and people will be accountable for their actions with proper penalties. M
Violence Against Women
NFL must update policy against violencee.
High School Violence Against Women
https://www.change.org/p/steubenville-high-school-remove-convicted-rapist-from-big-red-football-team
End Teen Dating Violence
This week fatigue had a hold on me. A task requiring little effort takes twice as long. The extra effort is difficult for my multi tasking mind. Waiting on test results added to the stress. The doctor is making me wait until Sept. 19th to discuss the results. He gave me a nugget yesterday. I have Lyme, the co-infection Epstein Barr Virus and low Folic Acid. Requiring 2 new RX’s, for a total of 39 pills per day and 3 shots per week. The doctor surprised me with the Folic Acid RX, the red blood cell count was low. My grandmother could put all meds and supplements in one hand, throw them in mouth and swallow at one time. I am the opposite, one pill at a time shoved to back of throat, taking meds is a task. I’m not my best while being in limbo. I can hear gramps telling me, if you learn to enjoy reading , it will teach you patience. Mostly true.
If you have Lyme Disease a great book is The Lyme Disease Solution. My doctor uses as a reference guide. It’s spells out the two schools of thought on Lyme treatment. What a Lyme Literate doctor means and why it’s important to seek this type of doctor. The life cycle of Lyme and why it’s difficult to diagnosis. The different paths doctors may take to heal you, this is very detailed down to the names of meds used. I like the pros and cons of each treatment, it allows you to work with doctor on which is best for you. Some doctors go far beyond a Gluten Free diet, which is outlined. Hopefully my doctor won’t fall into extreme category. There are recipes in the book, they sound great if you cook. I have lived on the same bars, granola snacks, yogurt and cereal. I like Suja drinks, cold pressed, no preservatives, no sugar, all fruit including berries with high levels of antioxidants. Taste great, is expense. My husband eats some Gluten Free snacks, in general we eat separate meals unless I feel like eating meat or eggs. I have not found it difficult to transitions, down the road may be a different story.
This week I’m focusing on the effects of Lyme Disease. Outlined below is not a pity party. I think if people see what everyday is like it will stick with them. If one person uses DEET and doesn’t get Lyme, I will dance to the music. Don’t forget to check pets including cats or any other outside/inside pets. This in the prime time of year for ticks.
The information on Epstein Barr Virus was taken from CDC site. After you get an EBV infection, the virus becomes latent (inactive) in your body. In some cases, the virus may reactivate. This does not always cause symptoms, but people with compromised immune systems are more likely to develop symptoms if EBV reactivates.
*The bedtime set by the doctor is 9:00 PM, I have not made the bedtime yet. I think 11:00 PM is the earliest.
*My husband has to be home for me to take a shower. That crazy shower chair has caused me to fall twice. It’s worse when I close my eyes, get disoriented.
*One of the probiotics is liquid form to mix in drink. I can’t recall a med ever smelling so rank. I can’t breath when taking a sip.
*I take 3-4 pain pills a day, one taken at night to help me sleep. As a sleeping aid it’s awesome, the brain fog when I wake up is not. It takes a good thirty minutes to join the world.
*The fatigue and I have a difficult relationship. I can’t vacuum my office or much else. I feel tremendous guilt for not contributing to the household work.
*The edema hung around this week, up to my shins. The skin gets so tight it hurts, bumping into something is painful.
*Neuropathy in my hands along with Lyme Arthritis makes my hands very sensitive. My fingernail or pen can barely brush a finger and it feels like a razor blade. Both have little strength, causing me to ask for help. :(
*I can’t tell you the last time I cooked or washed dishes, can’t stand that long. My husband has to do both.
*When I have a good weekend , I work on laundry instead of resting. Rest is hard, I feel totally lazy. :(
*The guilt and other emotions can strain a marriage. :(
*The unrelenting headaches can render you useless. All you can do is lay down, pray for sleep.
*I have ulcers in my mouth and nose, a side effect of one med. FUN!
*The amount of hair loss daily is depressing. Good thing I wear a ball cap most of time.
*Due to the level of inflammation in my body, infections pop up, this week it’s a bladder infection. So much fun!
*I stay positive even though I’m starting year five of being sick. A year spent on diagnosing Lyme. The remainder on heart issues. A lot of guilt builds up, it’s hard not to beat yourself up.
*In staying positive I think some new clothes are needed because I’m going to leave the house. It’s depressing to see the number of shirts with tags on them. In the big scheme I know I’m blessed.
*I have cut my hair for the past 8 months, good thing I watched my hair dresser. My hair is natural color with the grays out front. Why spend $125 on coloring and haircut when I don’t leave the house. Great use for ball cap.
*Reading lab results makes me crazy. I research every line, what does this mean, what is it connected to. I have worked hard not to play doctor this time. The time on internet is unproductive.
*A DNA test was performed. I didn’t know and a bit unsettling. I have gene mutations for two illnesses. I didn’t know what the gene mutations meant in detailed medical terms. WOW! Just seeing the number of doctors involved in verifying the result makes you blink. I did spend many hours learning about the mutations. I have to wait until appointment to see how the results impact Lyme or general health.
M
JOURNAL ENTRY THREE
This week had its share of challenges. I completely rebelled, Lyme won the arm wrestle. Caution: For those who did not read last week. Lyme is prevalent in America, Canada, Germany and many other countries are seeing an increase. Lyme Disease can take one to three years out of your life. I know many of you don’t care to use DEET, neither do I. DEET is the only product protecting you from ticks. Any area where there are trees, tall grass or any other shrubbery is where ticks hang out other than pets. You can think it’s perfectly safe, your pets can bring them right to you. Use a spray DEET or sunscreen with DEET. If out enjoying mother nature dress accordingly, tall socks, long pants and long sleeve shirts. If the temperatures are smoldering, cover yourself in DEET spray or sunscreen.
* I’m sick of taking supplements. I haven’t taken them all week. The numbers of Rx meds taken daily is enough without extra supplement pills.
* The neuropathy was worse this week. My legs experienced more needle stabs. Hands, legs and feet went numb if sitting for more than a few minutes.
* Lab took 24 vials of blood Saturday.
* I was scheduled Wednesday for a day of testing, to ill to keep appointment.
* Experienced a strange eye issue. The peripheral vision was cloudy, the cloud created a small hole allowing me to see looking forward.
* The nausea is an ongoing issue, carrying a bag of cereal is my defense.
* I was very tired this week, which brings on more symptoms. I was very cranky. :(
* The edema is back in my feet up to the shin. The skin is tight and red. The pain is magnified when I hit my feet on something.
* Seizures are happening during the day, not bad as nighttime seizures.
* I broke out in hives for a day due to stress.
* Massive headaches come and go daily. A step under Migraines.
I’m looking forward with a positive attitude knowing the doctors orders are the way to healthiness. I will fake it until I make it. Thank you for the outpouring of love and support last week. Every comment lifts my spirit. Have a Blessed weekend.
M
We are in the home stretch for Cigna’s approval for Nikki’s Cochlear Implant. Please pass post to everyone you know and if you didn’t sign first time please do. President Obama made a promise, all petitions with over 100K signatures would get attention. She received almost 170K first time around. Let’s get Cigna’s attention. We can deal with Obama later. Warrior
We are in the home stretch for Cigna’s approval for Nikki’s Cochlear Implant. Please pass post to everyone you know and if you didn’t sign first time please do. President Obama made a promise, all petitions with over 100K signatures would get attention. She received almost 170K first time around. Let’s get Cigna’s attention. We can deal with Obama later. Warrior
I have learned several lessons since the last journal entry. A word of caution. For those who enjoy the outdoors anywhere in the US, Canada, Germany and parts of England, please educate yourself on Lyme Disease. If detected early doctors can usually treat with a short round of antibiotics. It is hard to think a tick the size of a period used in a sentence could do so much damage. I can’t imagine looking for a tick that size or a larger one the size of rice. The classic symptom doctors look for is called a Bulls Eye Rash. Up to 50% don’t get the rash, slipping thru during the early phase. The CDC acknowledges there are flaws with in Lyme Test. DEET and proper clothing are your only defenses against ticks. Other critters like mosquitos and fly’s carry the Lyme Virus. Protect yourself by using a spray or a sunscreen containing DEET. Read about extra precautions you can take. Here are resources recommended by my doctor, lymenet.org, lyme.org, lymediseaseassociation.org (Great site for locating a Lyme Literate doctor)
* The doctor was right, when giving yourself a shot you have to go with gusto. I made the mistake of going slow, I had a little blood, a slight pain at the entry spot and medication stained my shirt. You don’t have to stab yourself hard, pick your spot with enough stomach fat and when you aim keep going.
* Managing the number of probiotics, pills requiring an empty stomach, pills with food, working in my normal meds can cause a challenge. The key reason for the probiotics is to prepare your “gut” for the antibiotics. I’ve been told long-term use of high levels of antibiotics will take your stomach for a ride. I hate to throw up, it’s high on my list of things I dislike. I watched justinandchristavanderham.ca It took almost two years for Christa’s diagnosis, their entire ordeal took five years. Justin filmed the journey, it’s very powerful. It’s motivating to anyone battling Lyme. The video is an awesome education, if think you have or want to educate yourself. Christa threw up for nine solid days, more than once. That means my husband of 13 years will have to hold the bucket and see me throw up. I don’t look forward to that. I’m not including the jello thru the nose incident as throwing up.
* Enjoy the good days remembering overexertion and lack of sleep can make the symptoms worse. I was fooled last week, staying up till 1:00 or 2:00, one night 4:40 AM. The past three days are a reminder, the lack of sleep catches up. If you wake up late it throws your med schedule off the next day if you sleep in. I’m the queen of sleeping in, there is no discipline to force myself to set an alarm to get out of my comfy bed to take meds.
* You could have several doctors on your support team. I can’t drive while drugged and jerking, my husband has to take the day off to shuttle me to appointments. I’ve had appointments one day every week for the past month.
* When you’re enjoying the good days, you don’t think about what day the symptoms will return. Upon return this time my symptoms are like an early Parkinson’s’. I’m herky jerky making typing difficult. I have to realize at this point the diseases is in the front seat driving me. I have little control.
* As the virus invades my brain the neurological symptoms increase, last night I experienced 15-20 seizures before they let up. My memory is getting foggy. I picked a song for Throwback Thursday over the weekend. It’s Wednesday morning and I still can’t remember name of band. I see the signer on stage, some of the lyrics to songs yet the band name escapes me. It is hard to accept the disease is invading your body. I try to keep positive, looking at this as a growing experience. When you read my post or comments and I use the wrong word or make no sense at all please remember it’s the virus in me speaking.
* My doctor handed me a brochure for a Healing Center with a new state of the art HYPERARIC THERAPY. Maybe Michael Jackson can sleep in one, not me. The therapy is 1 1/2 hours long, laying in this weird chamber receiving 100% oxygen. I am claustrophobic, not to worst degree however put my in one of those and someone will not see the better side of me.
This morning 8/6/14 is the first time I cried, just lost it. I was reading the beautiful feedback from long-term friends/followers. I mentioned to my CTC Brother Willy last week, my fear of not being able to blog. I can’t express in words how much it means to be accepted for who I am. I’ve shared many of the worst experiences leaving myself raw and vulnerable. My heart overflows reading the comments expressing prayers and support.
Warrior
This hurdle has been on my mind for days. I’m not afraid of needles, it’s the thought of drawing the med out of bottle then injecting into my stomach. I cleared the hurdle with room to spare. I was diagnosed with Lyme Disease last week, it’s been a whirlwind of new meds, supplements and schedules. I will post more after I adjust to the meds, right now I’m so out of it. I also plan to document the long journey. If one person avoids this crippling disease, every post and struggle is worth it. For all of you who pray, please pray for me. I’m in extreme pain and the journey is long. Thank you.
Warrior
Change.org Petition Update
Here is the link to sign the petition at Change.org https://www.change.org/petitions/release-u-s-m-c-sgt-tahmooressi-imprisoned-in-mexico
Petitioning John Kerry (Secretary of State)
Release U.S.M.C. Sgt. Tahmooressi imprisoned in Mexico
Petition by Jill Tahmooressi
My son Andrew Tahmooressi is a Marine veteran fighting for his life and freedom in a Mexico jail after being wrongfully imprisoned for over a month after he accidentally crossed the border with three legal US purchased firearms in his truck.
Andrew suffers from PTSD and had just traveled from Florida to San Diego to seek V.A. evaluation where he was diagnosed in March and started his treatment plan. He had all of his belongs in his car with him, including three firearms as he was searching housing and hoping to secure employment.
On March 31 he got lost while driving, made a wrong turn in the border town of San Ysidro, CA and within yards of that wrong turn, found himself approaching the Mexican Customs lane with no obvious way to turn around. Stopping, he states immediately, “I got lost, made a wrong turn. I do not want to be here. May I go back to the border (USA)? I have 3 weapons in my vehicle.”
Instead he was arrested and imprisoned on weapons charges even though the ATF traced the firearms back to him within days.
Andrew’s tours took place in (2010 & 2012) Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Marine, and he is a Reservist until 8/24/2016 in the Individual Ready Reserve. His experiences left him with PTSD and this situation is making things so much worse. Since in prison, his life has been threatened, he sustained a neck laceration and has been restrained by handcuffs to bed for 35 days.
Our family is calling on Mexico’s Attorney General to realize a mistake has been made and release Andrew immediately. So far more than 21 members of Congress have called for my son’s release. Officials here in the U.S., including Secretary John Kerry and President Obama should join these calls so this veteran can be reunited with his family.
If you would like to watch a video message from his mother use link: http://andrewfreedomfund.com
Our military men & women deserve all the support Americans can give. This petition needs to land on Obama’s desk, let’s see if he can secure the release of Andrew. If you haven’t signed the petition, please do. If you have financial resources no matter how small please consider donating to help pay legal fees. Andrew served two tours for our country, he suffers the invisible scars of PTSD. No one deserves the treatment he is receiving. Here is our chance to support the fight for Andrew’s release.
Warrior
Words can not express the gratitude in my heart for the men and women who keep America strong and free. I would like to tell every soldier they are not forgotten. Since I’m not about to travel to the middle east, remember you have a loyal supporter in Texas. Lets not forget the wars are not over. Soldiers are fighting at home with burns, amputation, PTSD and many other life altering challenges. Now that you know I carry you in my heart, let’s party. Warrior
Words can not express the gratitude in my heart for the men and women who keep America strong and free. I would like to tell every soldier they are not forgotten. Since I’m not about to travel to the middle east, remember you have a loyal supporter in Texas. Lets not forget the wars are not over. Soldiers are fighting at home with burns, amputation, PTSD and many other life altering challenges. Now that you know I carry you in my heart, let’s party. Warrior
As many of you know I’m a Rock Star in my head. I didn’t think I would meet anyone as competent as Eric Clapton. I did, he’s a young buck named John Mayer. EC invited John to stay for a couple of months at his house in Antigua. He mentored John, trying to break him out of his shell. What a success. I have every John Mayer tune downloaded and sleep with him most nights. Including a slower version of Gravity. I can not vouch for John’s taste in clothing. I hope you enjoy because it’s almost 2:00 a.m. and having a blast picking videos. Get your air guitar ready! Leave you’re feedback. Warrior
Being diaognosed with Chronic Lyme Disorder in 2014/2015 changed my life and my husbands forever. After 18 months of IV Antibiotic Treatments, I survived, and in remission at this time. Since the spirokettes remain in your body, your body can continue to decline whether in remission or not.
Over a 12 months of testing, my Neurologist has performed every test in her arsenal except a spinal. Every test she ran came back abnormal yet not able to pin down a diagnosis. She refered me to a Rheumatologist to start on the tread mill again. I started researching illnesses which included brain wave abnormalities to weed out my more common symptoms. There were the ones I expected, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis or other autoimmune disorder. I didn’t think the answer would come from the crazy searches by using the abnormal test results and symptoms in every combination possible, I thought I had the answer and I did.
More reasearch and what I found was alarming, not the illness alone, the politics and witch hunt taking place. The illness is Lyme or other tick borne illnesses. The CDC rates Texas as med-high concentration. The east coast is at epidemic levels with some articles stating we are facing epidemic levels across the country. I had a different idea for this post yet feel it’s critical to get this information out ASAP. When I learned of the divide in the medical community over Lyme, I shook my head. What is the controversy? The CDC establishes treatment standards for doctors and the standard Lyme test is based on 30-year-old information. What happens is you go to doctor for a Lyme test, it comes back negative. You then find out the test is 30% +/- correct. The CDC acknowledges the test has false positives yet the standard for testing hasn’t changed.
With a lack of confidence in the test, I wanted to see a Lyme Literate Doctor. This blew my mind, a current day Salem Witch Hunt is happening. On one side of the controversy are doctors who specialize in Lyme and tick borne illness. If a tick bite is not caught right away it grows in your system. Lyme looks like a long skinny curly worm. It bores thru your body damaging your organs or brain depending where it lands. The symptoms can move around your body as the virus spreads. Lyme is hard to kill, it can encapsulate itself in an invisible cocoon and is near impossible to see under microscope. The Lyme doctors take the approach, attack the virus aggressively for long periods of time to prevent a relapse. People who are very ill from Lyme can require years of antibiotics. Not only to kill the virus more importantly to save your life. Heres the rub, the CDC states 2 weeks of antibiotics will cure Lyme and doctors can prescribe an extra 2 weeks if needed.
Medical insurance companies only pay what the CDC approves and the CDC doen’t recognized Chronic Lyme Dieases nor in IV treatments. Some Lyme doctors are getting called before the Medical Review Board having their license taken away for a year. Insurance companies are cancelling people’s policy and they are left with 150k+ in out-of-pocket expenses. There are many patients who have to lose their house or get their loved one treatment.
There are two main thoughst on Lyme Dieases, doctors that do not believe in Chronic Lyme Dieases and the others that do and are treating patients. The CDC hasn’t changed their rules on insuring Lyme treatments but I don’t think doctors are not under as big of a microscope.
When I decided to see a Lyme Literate doctor it was a process. I called the association, they took info on where I lived and would call back. The next morning I received a call with a doctor’s name and phone number. I later found out the doctor I’m seeing was the first to lose his licenses for a year. I didn’t know if I should jump for joy or not.
I’m battling over 50 symptoms on any given day from a tick that is smaller than a sesame seed. When you’re doing tick checks on you and the kids, ticks are hard to see. Around 30% to 50% of people get a bull’s-eye rash. If you get the rash go to the doctor right away and ask for a Lyme panel test.
Please remember to check your scalp, they can hang out in your hair. A flashlight might help with this task. I’ll keep you up to date on how my appointment goes. I’m not worried about what, I need an answer to move on to the next hurdle. I will do a f/u post including more information about treatments.
Melinda
Repost
Over the past 6+ months my Neurologist has performed every test in her arsenal except a spinal. Every test she ran came back abnormal yet not able to pin down a diagnosis (see post Are Those My Brainwaves). She refered me to a Rheumatologist to start on the tread mill again. I started researching illnesses which included brain wave abnormalities to weed out my more common symptoms. There were the ones I expected, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis or other autoimmune disorder. I didn’t think my answer would come from RA Doctor. More reasearch and what I found was alarming, not the illness alone, the politics and witch hunt taking place. The illness is Lyme or other tick borne illnesses. The CDC rates Texas as med-high concentration. The east coast is at epidemic levels with some articles stating we are facing epidemic levels across the country. I had a different idea for this post yet feel it’s critical to get this information out ASAP. When I learned of the divide in the medical community over Lyme, I shook my head. What is the controversy. The CDC establishes treatment standards for doctors. The standard Lyme test is based on 20-year-old information. What happens is you go to doctor for a Lyme test, it comes back negative. You then find out the test is 30% +/- correct. The CDC acknowledges the test has false positives yet the standard for testing hasn’t changed. With a lack of confidence in the test, I wanted to see a Lyme Literate Doctor. This blew my mind, a current day Salem Witch Hunt is happening. On one side of the controversy are doctors who specialize in Lyme and tick borne illness. If a tick bite is not caught right away it grows in your system. Lyme looks like a long skinny curly worm. It bores thru your body damaging your organs or brain depending where it lands. The symptoms can move around your body as the virus spreads. Lyme is hard to kill, it can encapsulate itself in an invisible cocoon and is near impossible to see under microscope. The Lyme doctors take the approach, attack the virus aggressively for long periods of time to prevent a relapse. People who are very ill from Lyme can require years of antibiotics. Not only to kill the virus more importantly to save your life. Heres the rub, the CDC states 2 weeks of antibiotics will cure Lyme and doctors can prescribe an extra 2 weeks if needed. Medicare pays based on the standard set by the CDC. Insurance companies only pay what Medicare pays. Doctors treating patients until they are well started getting called before the Medical Review Board having their license taken away for a year. Insurance companies are cancelling people’s policy and they are left with 150k+ in out-of-pocket expenses. People have to decide do we lose our house or get their loved one treatment. It is heartbreaking to watch the videos on YouTube. There are two main associations which doctors join, it has become one assoc. for long-term treatment and the other against. Most doctors go underground and do not list themselves as Lyme Literate. When I decided to see a Lyme Literate doctor it was a process. I called the association, they took info on where I lived and would call back. The next morning I received a call with a doctor’s name and phone number. I later found out the doctor I’m seeing was the first to lose his licenses for a year. I didn’t know if I should jump for joy or not. The information below includes a heartbreaking story of the death of founders son. I can’t stress enough how serious the illness can get. I’m battling over 50 symptoms on any given day. The size of tick you are looking for is a nymph about the size of sesame seed. When you’re doing tick checks on you and the kids, these are hard to see. Around 50% of people get a bull’s-eye rash. Please remember to check your scalp, they can hang out in your hair. A flashlight might help with this task. I’ll keep you up to date on how my appointment goes. I’m not worried about what, I need an answer to move on to the next hurdle. I will do a f/u post including more information about treatments. Warrior
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Lyme Disease Foundation http://lyme.org
The LDF has worked tirelessly helping others since its formation in 1988. Together, we have trailblazed a wide path of awareness and assistance by educating millions through our media programs; hundreds of thousands in our direct contact programs (e.g. phone calls, letters, faxes, internet), and hundreds of thousands through our medically-accredited education programs. During this time we have obtained millions of dollars for government-administered research and education programs and have assisted others around the world in starting their own foundations, non-profits, support groups, and the like. Empowerment of the public was vital in order to help people protect their families from the devastations that wrecked havoc with my son, Jamie. When he died, a few weeks before his 6th birthday, he was unable to talk, feed himself, sit, crawl, hold his head up, and he fed through a tube in his stomach. It was with that concept of education and empowerment, that I wrote the book, Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease.
The LDF was established at a time when only a handful of researchers and patients knew of the “new” illness known as Lyme arthritis. The illness was considered harmless, affecting only joints, could only be contracted in several towns in Connecticut, and one where one cured oneself without medication. The LDF shattered that paradigm and many more that were subsequently proclaimed. Remember when people thought one dose of oral antibiotics cured everyone at any time during the disease? That was proved to be inaccurate. Remember when the disease was considered to have “stages” and it took months to years for the disease to move from one “stage” to the next? That was proved to be inaccurate when our scientists proved dissemination could occur within minutes.
The LDF’s main focus was to bring the diverse groups together (researchers, practitioners, veterinarians, and patients) to help them have a better understanding of the realities of Lyme disease.
We set a course that made sure that basic science findings were matched with the medicine being offered to patients. We made sure that over 100 years of “Lyme” history was reproduced and available for all to read in order to debunk the concept the disease was “new.” Now, we know that a 5,300 year-old Neolithic frozen mummy found in the Alps was proven to have Lyme disease. We made sure that all of the other Lyme manifestations (brain, heart, eye, etc.) were placed on posters and in brochures for all to see and consider. When this disease was portrayed as only a “white persons” disease, we made sure that healthcare professionals also realized that people of many other colors and heritage also suffered from it and were at risk.
People now know that Lyme disease is a multi-system illness that could be life-threatening, the standard antibody blood tests do not predict who has or did not have an infection, and sometimes antibiotics did not clear the infection out of patients. Indeed, some mainstream practitioners were rigid in their beliefs and did not like the message, so they attacked the messenger. But, mainstream basic research proved that science supported the LDF’s message. Even in 2012, we read that a “new” study coming out of Tulane University [http://www.plosone.org/article/info:doi/10.1371/journal.pone.0029914] proves the persistency of Lyme disease infection despite aggressive antibiotic treatment. This harkens back to a prior study, of 15 years ago that showed the same thing.
The tick-borne disease world has changed since our first scientific meeting held a mere 3 months after our formation. Within the first two years, the LDF moved the public’s, employer’s, government’s, and media awareness of “Lyme disease” from an unknown unrecognized mystery illness to one that is universally recognized at over 90%. While science still has a long way to go to find permanent solutions, our mission has been accomplished. There are now many wonderful tick-borne disorder nonprofits throughout the United States, Canada, and around the world. Many wonderful people have joined the community as leaders and are now on the forefront trailblazing new scientific exploration and providing support for those in need. The government has and still is funding many diverse research programs, between that and private scientific funding, I believe the solutions will soon be here. There are enough strong advocates within and outside the medical community to ensure that innovative research is an ongoing reality.
My husband and I co-founded the LDF, when my son Jamie was diagnosed with congenital Lyme Disease. Since then, I have volunteered about 1,000 – 2,000 hours a year for over 24-years to keep the LDF’s doors open. I volunteered throughout the many times Jamie was in and out of the hospital. I continued volunteering despite Tom, Jamie, and my being right in the heart of San Francisco during the 1989 earthquake. When my son died in 1991, I continued volunteering at the LDF. When my daughter was born in 1993, I was still volunteering. Presidents, Congressional members, government personnel have come and gone, and still I was volunteering. Then, I went to law school and spent time between classes answering LDF mail and conducting media interviews from the campus. As time passed, my dad got sick and died and subsequently my mom became sick and died. Despite this, I was still volunteering and conducting LDF business. Throughout the years, the wonderful Board members and other volunteers were also volunteering, fitting their efforts in around their family’s own trials and triumphs.
Unfortunately, in February 2009, I fell on black ice and broke my kneecap and arm. Despite being in a cast, wheelchair, and leg brace, I continued to volunteer at the LDF, attend meetings, design brochures and programs, and attend professional programs (all with the help of my daughter). I was in physical therapy, to relearn to walk, until October 20, 2011, when I was finally walking. Unfortunately, on November 1, 2011, during a long-term power outage from a freak Halloween snowstorm, I fell and massively broke my femur. After multiple surgeries and an extended time in a wheelchair, walker, and nursing home, I find I am now, once again, in physical therapy to re-relearn how to walk. In reflection, since founding the LDF, I have lost my son, mother, father, 5 pets, and father-in-law. I have had the joy of recently celebrating my 38th wedding anniversary and have been lucky to have an incredibly wonderful daughter who just turned 18 and is just finishing her first year of college. Based on the unique lifetime I have had, I find it is time for me to move on to the next chapter in my life.
I am busy securing all of the LDF documents and plan to place them in a format so that the information will not be lost to posterity. As of last week, we no longer accept donations and consider the LDF closed. We wish everyone well and hope to see you’all in the future. We appreciate the vitality and strength of all who have worked so hard to help find solutions to all tick-borne diseases.
I am thanking the LDF friends for their incredible support. I am especially thankful for the LDF Board members who helped change the face of the world, specifically Willy Burgdorfer, PhD, MD (Hon.); James Miller, PhD; Paul Lavoie, MD; Joe Fisher, MBA, CPA; Len Schuchman, DO MPH, FAAFP (who is also our fabulous webmaster!); Julie Rawlings, MPH; John Anderson, PhD; Congressman Berkley Bedell; Thomas E. Forschner, MBA, CPA; Paul Duray, MD; Fran Newman; Frank Demarest & his wonderful family; and Ed Bosler, PhD. I want to make a special mention of Ms. Johanson, an incredible woman who has supported the LDF through all of our great times and lean times. She has been our single most ardent silent supporter throughout the years.
Also, I should thank a variety of leaders in the Lyme community, including, Randy Sykes; Monte & Gregg Skall; Mary Halinski; Linda Lobes; Linda Rinaldi; Sandy Cifone, Bea Szantyr, MD; Elsie Anderson; Ruth & Irwin Vanderhoof, PhD; Linda, Stephanie, & Shane Gordon; Renee Thaler; Dave Kazarian, R.Ph.; Diane Kindree, RN; Amy Jones; Gloria Wenk; and Linda Weiss. Celebrities have also been instrumental in helping, including Kevin Bacon, Billy Joel, Emilio Delgado, Christy Brinkley, and Gianni Russo.
There were many sponsors that donated to the LDF and asked nothing in return, these include: The Society of Actuaries; the Actuarial Foundation; Cutter; Hartz; Walmart; Country Cape Antiques; the No Frills Foundation; and various Rotary clubs. We thank our research partners, such as NIH’s Rocky Mountain Labs; Tulane; Texas A & M; Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station; and many others.
While many members of Congress have tried to help in numerous ways, Senator Joe Lieberman, Sen. Chris Dodd, Sen. Rick Santorum, and Representative George Hochbruckner and Rep. Joe Courtney have been instrumental in transforming the world’s understanding of ticks and the dangerous pathogens they can transmit.
I also want to thank my daughter, Christy Vanderhoof-Forschner, for the last several years of help in getting me, my wheelchair, and luggage through the airports and to various programs. I am so very glad your life has been tick-disease free! And, a special thanks to Jamie in heaven, for his endless love to us while we tried to make his time on earth one of Joy and Hope.
I thank the patients for their persistence in seeking their proper diagnosis and to the doctors who believed in them, even to the point of risking their own licenses and reputations. I apologize that I have not included everyone’s names. But, I wanted to thank some people now. Once again, I thank you all for your efforts to work together to improve our world for the next generation.
I find I have many fond memories, as well as some sad times. We all have met very wonderful people, some who are here and some that are gone. We will all carry their stories with us. Maybe, someday, I will document the past 24-years of my life so that you can all know the real behind-the-scenes stories during my journey at the tip of the iceberg known as “Lyme disease.”
Sincerely,
Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner
My Two Cents
This a brief update from NAMI, National Alliance Mental Illness. I can’t wrap my head around 267,000 students restrained or secluded, the majority with Disabilities or Mental Illness. It’s not a punishment I can get on board with. The parents are accountable for their children and how they act in school. Do parents have alternative schools? My mind is over flowing with questions. Do schools have a process, is the process monitored, by who, documented, are there defined actions, limitations? Are teachers and principals discussing the process of punishment with parents face to face? Are parents notified before school starts? Is the child involved in meetings to give input and ask questions? What grades are included or all? How many offences allowed before the child needs to transfer to school capable of meeting their needs. Is a detailed report required for each incident and discussed with parent? Do the disabled students understand why their being punished? Are the disabled students from a different learning environment? Which organization determined this punishment was Best Practices? Are investigations performed by governing organization? I strongly believe parents are accountable for their children which includes providing an appropriate learning environment. The other students deserve a healthy learning environment. I feel like all students lose with this policy and abusive. Warrior
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NPR just wrote an article that highlights the need for immediate action to regulate restraint and seclusion in our nation’s schools. Data from the U.S. Department of Education shows that there were 267,000 instances of restraining or secluding children in schools in one school year.
Some schools reported restraining or secluding students dozens and even hundreds of times each year. In 75 percent of these cases, restraint and seclusion was used with children who have a disability such as mental illness.
Contact your Senators and Representatives and ask them to co-sponsor the Keeping All Students Safe Act (S. 2036 and H.R. 1893) which will regulate the use of restraint and seclusion in our nation’s schools and protect children from harm. There are currently no federal laws regulating the use of restraint and seclusion in schools.
Take Action
Thank you for your dedication to mental health advocacy
There’s a new petition taking off on Change.org, and we think you might be interested in signing it:
Jana Duty: You promised to “restore integrity to the Williamson County District Attorney’s office” & use alternative sentencing. Reduce Jacob’s charges to misdemeanor possession.
By Robert Butler
Round Rock, Texas
Jacob Lavoro is a teenager facing life in prison for baking marijuana brownies in Round Rock, Texas. He’s a young man who has never been in trouble with the law before, and has always been a great kid who we love very much. I live in the same city as Jacob Lavoro and I felt a responsibility to help stand up for him. Our county has a history of excessively punishing minor crimes or even innocent people to “send a message” that has little do with justice or the best interests of the community. In this case, the sentencing rules are being abused and stretched to increase a punishment that does not fit the allegations. The police apparently included the full weight of the brownies: flour, sugar, water, etc and the plastic containers that held them to determine the weight of the illegal hash oil used to bake the brownies. If our petition can convince Jana Duty, the District Attorney in Williamson County, to follow through on her campaign promises to clean up Williamson County’s justice system and offer alternative sentencing options then we hope that there will be justice for Jacob Lavoro and that county residents can breathe easier under a less oppressive atmosphere. If Jacob Lavoro receives a harsh sentence, it will destroy this young man’s life and leave a permanent mark of injustice in Williamson County, Texas. Please join us today to stand up against unfair sentencing and ruining a young man’s life. Sign and share the petition today!
Please go to Change.org to sign Robert’s Petition.
Warrior
lookingforthelight.blog 