Mini Health Update
Health and Wellbeing

Mini Health Update

Looking for the Light25 Comments

I have Thyroid & Parathyroid surgery tomorrow and will be out of pocket for a couple of weeks. Ok, it will be hard to stay completely away but considering moving my neck in any direction will hurt, I won’t spend much time on WordPress. Please don’t stop the comments, I’ll take all the encouragement I can get.

There are tumors on my Thyroid and four Parathyroids, the cut on my neck will be 4-6 inches and the surgery is performed with my head straight back. The surgery time is one to four hours with a recovery time at one to two weeks. The recovery time for the neck muscles is much longer. I wonder if Botox will help freeze the muscles to help with pain?

This is my first break from WordPress in 15 years, no telling what type of patient I’ll be. I’ll miss keeping up with the day to day in real time but I’ll catch up while on the mend.

Hugs

Melinda

Today in History
Moving Forward

Today in History

Looking for the Light3 Comments

Photo by Andrey Grushnikov on Pexels.com

 

Thank you for stopping by my blog today, I appreciate you. Have a great day, enjoy today and be safe. Melinda

1054

Chinese astronomers spot a “guest star” in the sky, so brilliant it can be seen in the daytime. It will remain visible for some two years, be observed in Asian, Arab, and possibly American lands, and later be identified as the SN 1054 supernova that births the Crab Nebula pulsar.

 

1776

The 13 American colonies throw off British rule as Philadelphia’s Continental Congress announces a new nation made up of united states. The anniversary of this Declaration of Independence, ratified one year into the Revolutionary War, will continue to be celebrated in the US as Independence Day.

 

1862

Alice Liddell, 10, asks Charles Dodgson to tell her a story while they’re boating near Oxford, England. He weaves a tale of a bored little girl who suddenly finds herself down a rabbit hole. Dodgson will later publish ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland‘ under his pen name, Lewis Carroll.

1976

A plane departing Tel Aviv is hijacked and lands in Uganda, where Palestinian terrorists threaten to kill passengers unless demands are met. Under cover of darkness, Israeli commandos rush the airport and rescue most of the hostages in a 90-minute lightning raid, Operation Entebbe.

Make Your Own Sea Salt Spray
Men & Womens Health

Make Your Own Sea Salt Spray

Looking for the Light11 Comments
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

What you’ll need

8-10 ounce Glass Spray Bottle

1 cup of warm water

1-2 tsp. sea salt or Epson salt

1 tbsp. coconut oil, Aragon oil or 1/2 of each less for oily hair

4-5 drops essential oil of your choice: mint, lavender, rosemary or lemon are good options.

Directions

In a measuring cup, add the water, salt, argan or coconut oils, and essential oils. Stir well to mix.

Pour mixture into your spray bottle and shake it for a minute or two.

Spray liberty to towel dried hair and scrunch up your hair. Let your hair air dry for some extra texture and beach waves.

Side Effect Indunced Illnesses
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Side Effect Indunced Illnesses

Looking for the Light4 Comments

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

 

 

All drugs, prescription, over the counter and holistic have side effects, short and long term side effects. One important fact to know is holistic, supplements and over the counter drugs are not put thru clinical trials or FDA supervised. Basically, these products can make any claim, true or false and it’s not backed by the FDA.

I’m not saying don’t take, I’m saying take with caution the way you should with prescription drugs. Short term side effects are ones that usually go away after taking, other short term side effects might not go away and you have to decide if you can continue to take. Long term side effects can happen anytime after taking the drug for a certain time period. There is no way to no how long that time period is.

Examples

Over the counter: diet drugs, cough and sinus medicine, Tylenol and baby aspirin.

Holistic/Supplements: Saint Johns Wart (which in many cases should not be taken with Psych medications.)

My experiences with long term side effects are from taking prescriptions Dexedrine and Lithium for over 20 years.

Dexedrine is basically speed, it’s a stimulant not dished out often. I’m Treatment-Resistant Bipolar 1 which means I suffer from depression more than mania. My depression is so bad Dexedrine is needed to keep me performing normally.

The long term side effect of Dexedrine is Mitral Valve failure. It’s a dangerous side effect but I could not live today without it.

Lithium is the foundation of all my Psych medications. Some people who are Bipolar only have to take Lithium to balance their moods. It’s most often the first medication prescribed for Bipolar Disorder.

There are many long term side effects from Lithium, for me, its tumors on all four Parathyroids and two tumors on Thyroid. Though there is no way to know for sure Lithium caused my tumors although it is a long term side effect. I’m having surgery on 7/8/19 to remove the tumors from both Parathyroids and Thyroid.

Know what your taking, know the side effects, short and long term before making a decision to take or give to children.

M

Today In History June 27
Men & Womens Health

Today In History June 27

Looking for the Light3 Comments

Photo by Andrey Grushnikov on Pexels.com

 

1971

Concert promoter Bill Graham hosts the final show at the Fillmore East, with performances by Albert King, The J. Geils Band, The Beach Boys, and The Allman Brothers Band, among others. The venue had featured iconic acts since 1968 but proved to be too small for the growing concert industry.

1972

Nolan Bushnell and Ted Dabney, designers of the first arcade video game, ‘Computer Space,’ incorporate their new firm, Atari. It will help transform the industry as Atari’s design engineer Al Alcorn gets things rolling, or at least gliding, with his first creation, ‘Pong.’

1985

It’s too late to get hip to timely Route 66 tips, as the once heavily travelled highway spanning the US heartland from Chicago to L.A. (California) is officially decertified. Formerly stretching more than 2,000 miles, the giant US interstate highway system now renders the route obsolete.

BIRTHDAYS

 

ROSS PEROT 1930

HELEN KELLER 1880

J.J. ABRAMS 1966

BOB KEESHAN (CAPTAIN KANAGROO) 1927

 

Moving Forward

Looking For The Light’s 10 year anniversary

Looking for the Light22 Comments

I started blogging with WordPress in 2005 with a blog called Defining Memories. After grieving my granny the blog took on a different look and a name change made sense. Looking For The Light is the name of my blog but also how I look at life. My life’s history is not completely resolved hence Looking For the Light.

Through blogging, I have grown in ways never imagined. Bloggers have provided support, another view, similar backgrounds to learn from and most of all a sense of community.

I’m a more understanding person, a less shallow, open-hearted, and loving person from blogging. Thank you and let’s keep rocking!

10 Year Anniversary Achievement

 

Happy Anniversary with WordPress.com! You registered on WordPress.com 10 years ago. Thanks for flying with us. Keep up the good blogging.

 

Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates…..What?
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates…..What?

Looking for the Light4 Comments
photography of a persons hand with stop signage
Photo by Joël Super on Pexels.com

There are toxins in many of the products we buy every day, baby lotion, shampoo, makeup, lipstick, deodorant, the list goes on. Here are a few toxins to avoid, Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, and Sodium Lauryl. You’ll have to look closely at the ingredients to find the toxins listed. M

Phthalates

Health Risks of Phthalates. Aside from increasing inflammation in premature babies, phthalates are endocrine-disrupting chemicals that have been linked to a wide range of developmental and reproductive effects, including Reduced sperm counts. Testicular atrophy or structural abnormality.

Sulfates

Sulfates derived from petroleum are often controversial due to their origin. The biggest concern is the long-term side effects of sulfate production. Petroleum products are associated with climate change, pollution, and greenhouse gases. Sulfates can also be found in some plant products.

Sodium Lauryl

Some products containing SLES contain traces (up to 300 ppm) of 1,4-dioxane, which is formed as a by-product during the ethoxylation step of its production. 1,4-Dioxane is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a Group 2B carcinogen: possibly carcinogenic to humans. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that these levels be monitored,[8] and encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, though it is not required by federal law.[9]

Parabens

Parabens are a class of widely used preservatives in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. Chemically, they are a series of parahydroxybenzoates or esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid (also known as 4-hydroxybenzoic acid). Parabens are effective preservatives in many types of formulas. These compounds, and their salts, are used primarily for their bactericidal and fungicidal properties. They are found in shampoos, commercial moisturizers, shaving gels, personal lubricants, topical/parenteral pharmaceuticals, suntan products, makeup,[1] and toothpaste. They are also used as food preservatives.

Documenting Long Complex Journey With Lyme Disease Journal Entry One
Health and Wellbeing

Documenting Long Complex Journey With Lyme Disease Journal Entry One

Looking for the Light3 Comments

Repost from 2014

So much time has passed since this first Lyme blog, I found it interesting and naive. I hope you enjoy reading. Maybe you’re at the beginning of your Lyme journey. I’m always here for you. M

 

Scheduling probiotics, medicine, and supplements is a challenge. With probiotics you have to wait before eating or taking meds, then juggle of what goes on an empty stomach, which with food. Can’t forget the shot to stomach three days a week. Adjusting the new meds has not been fun, I’m stoned out of my mind the bulk of the day, then massive headache moves in, then time to get stoned again before bed with the headache.

My gripe, it’s not a being stoned, its brain fog with the floor moving under your feet. David has to take me to appointments since I can’t drive. I’m a sight to see, women stoned out of her mind trying to maneuver a cane while walking.

I had my first appointment with new Cardiologist yesterday, he has Lyme Disease experience with a specialty in blood flow. He is one of three doctor’s who will manage my Lyme journey. The RN performed an EKG, then his Assistant reviewed my medical history, asking what seemed like 1000 questions.

The doctor is next, we talk about how Lyme can affect blood flow in the heart then out the entire body. Then general exam with discussion on the test he has ordered. I left wearing a Holter Monitor which comes off at 2:45 PM today. I push a button on a small device, put up to my chest anytime I feel dizzy, cardiac pain, trouble breathing, etc, etc.

I leave with the schedule of test for next week which take 3 1/2 hours when to pick up medicine for test and the great news to show up fasting. A couple of tests I’ve done multiple times due to my heart condition. The Tilt Test is what it sounds like, the table moves to a head down position for 30 minutes. The test is more frightening than giving me a shot. They may see a panic attack instead, that’s a lot of time without control and no way to escape.

Echo Cardiogram

Q Sweat Test-Study of Sudomotor response assisting in the diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy’s

Tilt Table with-Trans Cranial Doppler monitors mean blood flow velocity

Tilt Table with ANSAR-Determines how well Autonomic Nervous System is functioning

Tilt Table with BIOZ-Determines the heart’s ability to deliver blood to the body

Tilt Table with QST-Assesses sensory neuropathy’s

Metabolic Stress Test

Lipid Profile

I have blood work from last week to complete, 20 plus vials get me as excited as the stool sample that requires freezing! I’m now 1 hour 45 minutes before the monitor comes off. Then time for a shot and hand full of pills. Are we having fun yet?

My heart and soul goes out to those struggling with Lyme, it’s a long complicated journey. I know you’re strong enough to fight the virus in your body, though it may not feel like it today. I look to the survivors before me for support during my journey. Let’s all pray for each other, that’s what support is about.

Warrior

 

Men & Womens Health

Learning Doctor Talk

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Repost from 2014

I started seeing my Psychopharmacologist in 1992 and he intimidated me. He’s not a chipper guy and it took years to see through his shell. I was in a very dark place and spiraling down. I didn’t think he understood how depressed I was.

He only provides medication management, 15-minute appointments at most. We had a couple of frustrating meetings. I didn’t know how to reach him, I didn’t know doctor talk. He is one of the best in Texas and finding a Psychopharmacologist is difficult. I wasn’t walking away. During another frustrating meeting, he left the room to talk to a therapist he worked with. He did me the biggest favor and no doubt saved my life by asking me to talk with the therapist.

I sat down with her and expressed my frustration in getting thru to him. They had worked together for 13 years, she could provide insight into his personality and how best to communicate with him. Once we were on the same page, he was able to give me the help I needed.

Psychopharmacology:  is the scientific study of the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, and behavior.The field of psychopharmacology studies a wide range of substances with various types of psychoactive properties, focusing primarily on the chemical interactions with the brain.Psychoactive drugs interact with particular target sites or receptors found in the nervous system to induce widespread changes in physiological or psychological functions. The specific interaction between drugs and their receptors is referred to as “drug action”, and the widespread changes in physiological or psychological function is referred to as “drug effect”. These drugs may originate from natural sources such as plants and animals, or from artificial sources such as chemical synthesis in the laboratory.

M

Men & Womens Health

#SoCS Prompt for week *Leaves

Looking for the Light10 Comments

I don’t like all the leaves falling in Winter.

I really don’t like when my husband leaves his lunchbox on counter.

I love when he leaves money for me on the table.

This is the best I could do today, I’m in severe pain.

Have a great weekend and be safe. M

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “social.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

Join us for the fun and sharing good media stories  

For more on the Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit Linda Hill’s blog. Here’s the link:https://lindaghill.com

Here are the rules for SoCS:

  1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing, (typos can be fixed) and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
  2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
  3. There will be a prompt every week. I will post the prompt here on my blog on Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The’,” or simply a single word to get your started.
  4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.
  5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read everyone’s! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later, or go to the previous week, by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find right below the “Like” button on my post.
  6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
  7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
  8. Have fun!

Dementia Thoughts
Men & Womens Health

Dementia Thoughts

Looking for the Light10 Comments

Dementia sucks, it’s fucking life sucking. I watched my granny die from Dementia, you don’t wish that type of death on anyone. Once she no longer knew who she or anyone else was it was crushing. I don’t want to die that way and have been vocal about it to the surprise of my husband, Therapist and Psychiatrist. My decision is between me and God.

I say with no emotion, I will kill myself once my mind slips and life becomes fuzzy. One day while sitting with my granny, she broke out into a rage about why gramps left her at someone else’s house. She was in her own home, I’m taking photos off the wall, she continued to escalate, banging her head on the door jam saying gramps left her and she wanted to die. I had to medicate her before she hurt one of us.

Yesterday, I watch a new show, while falling asleep I replayed the show in my mind and forgot a line the maid said. My first reaction was my memory was slipping again but as I thought about the show, I didn’t remember because the line wasn’t significant to the story. A wave of relief came over me.

Knowing when it’s a memory loss or something else can be confussing. If you know someone with memory problems, give them a break and reaffirm the statements or questions. The affirmation will help you better understand if it was a normal memory lapse or something more concerning.

Melinda

Men & Womens Health

Why Do Women Get More Migraines than Men?

Looking for the Light11 Comments

National Migraine Institute

Posted on August 27, 2018 by Staff

Researchers have found a potential mechanism for migraine that may explain why women get more migraines than men. The study, in Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, suggests that sex hormones affect cells around the trigeminal nerve and connected blood vessels in the head.  They found that estrogens, which are at their highest levels in women of reproductive age, are particularly important for sensitizing these cells to migraine triggers.

“We can observe significant differences in our experimental migraine model between males and females and are trying to understand the molecular correlates responsible for these differences,” explains Professor Antonio Ferrer-Montiel from the Universitas Miguel Hernández, Spain. “Although this is a complex process, we believe that modulation of the trigeminovascular system by sex hormones plays an important role that has not been properly addressed.”

Ferrer-Montiel and his team reviewed decades of literature on sex hormones, migraine sensitivity and cells’ responses to migraine triggers to identify the role of specific hormones. Some (like testosterone) seem to protect against migraines, while others (like prolactin) appear to make migraines worse. They do this by making the cells’ ion channels, which control the cells’ reactions to outside stimuli, more or less vulnerable to migraine triggers.

Some hormones need much more research to determine their role. Estrogen, however, stands out as a key candidate for understanding migraine occurrence. It was first identified as a factor by the greater prevalence of migraine in menstruating women and the association of some types of migraine with period-related changes in hormone levels. The research team’s evidence now suggests that estrogen and changes in estrogen levels sensitize cells around the trigeminal nerve to stimuli. That makes it easier to trigger a migraine attack.

Ferrer-Montiel cautions that their work is preliminary. The role of estrogen and other hormones in migraine is complex and much more research is needed to understand it. The authors emphasize the need for longitudinal studies focusing on the relationship between menstrual hormones and migraines. Their current work relies on in vitro and animal models, which aren’t easy to translate to human migraine sufferers.

Nonetheless, Ferrer-Montiel and his colleagues see a promising future for migraine medication in their current findings. They intend to continue their research using pre-clinical, human-based models which better reflect real patients.

“If successful, we will contribute to better personalized medicine for migraine therapy,” he says.