Life as of Late

I do believe I left y’all hanging with some of the drama going on in our household before we left from our trip.  All of your thoughts, prayers, emails, calls and comments were just incredible.  So, here’s where we are today…   Ankle-gate 2.0 I had my MRI and completely FREAKED during it.  I think I almost had a nervous break down.  No joke.  It was open and I only went in to my waist, so it wasn’t the claustrophobia.  Rather, it was the incessant banging and having to be completely still for 45 minutes.  I just kept thinking be still.  Be still Amanda.  Don’t move.  OMG I’M GOING TO MOVE.  Awful.  It took me about 3 hours to calm down afterwards.  I do think a lot of it had to do with the perpetually stressed out state I was living in at that time, but I hope I never have to do that again.   When we got back from our trip I had my follow up at 8AM Monday morning.  We learned from the MRI that I have a deeply bruised bone almost certainly caused from the fall down the stairs back in April.  If that’s not enough in and of itself, the impact from the fall also caused an acute case of peroneal tenonditis.  So, I am back off of my foot for 6-8 more weeks.  I can get around this time as needed, but just no extra exercise or anything that would transfer all of my weight to that leg.  I am doing physical therapy exercises twice a day, icing it twice a day and am back on the anti inflammatory meds. My DR assures me I an make a full recovery, but I’m a bit skeptical after having done the exact same treatment for 6 weeks back in the spring.  Fingers crossed!   School We have made a lot of progress on resolving our issues at school.  The last two months have been some of the most stressful and gut wrenching days of our lives.  With every passing day, I see more and more of my confident, inquisitive and enthusiastic child coming back.  Maybe one day I can share the full story, but please respect that it wouldn’t be appropriate at this time.

And now… Shingles UGH!  Yep, Honey has the shingles.  Likely caused from stress from the aforementioned school problems.  It runs down his left shoulder and arm.  He’s in a LOT of pain and is only one week in to the 2-4 week bout.  That being said, he’s still going to work and tries to so as much as he can with the boys.  He subscribes to the philosophy that he can be miserable at work as well as he can be miserable at home.  And it helps to keep his mind busy and off of the pain.

So it’s not the most exciting or happiest update in the world, but we are making progress on all fronts.  Once we get Honey well I hope we can just ride out the year and be happy to put this crazy one (snowpocalypse, bats, ankles, school, shingles, etc.) behind us.

xoxo

By dixiedelights | Filed under Uncategorized | Tags:

36 thoughts on “Life as of Late”

  2. It really has been a doozie of a year, hasn't it?! I'm hopeful for the full healing of your ankle, happy to hear that progress is being made at school, and prayerful that the shingles clear up sooner rather than later as I know how painful that is!

    Hope you all have a beautiful, peaceful weekend! xo

  5. You poor thing. When it rains, it pours, doesn't it? Wishing only positive thoughts and energy your way! Double bummer about your ankle! I've been dealing with tendonitis in my shoulder, and have found that Curcumin (a derivative of turmeric) has REALLY helped. It's a anti-inflammatory, found at the health food store, and is the only thing that has made a difference! I'm not a big supplement person, but this one is a keeper! Hang in there!

  6. Amanda, I am so sorry you and your family are going through so much. That MRI does sound stressful. I think I would have totally lost it. And Shingles…wow. My husband's friend had it a couple years ago and so I have heard how painful it can be. Glad to hear you are resolving the school issues. We have gone through a few school issues ourselves and that quote definitely sums it up! Hang in there. As I was reading all this, I was thinking how healthy it is for you to be so open about things. You are helpful to others who may be going through similar situations and you are helping yourself by being able to express your feelings. I need to be like that a little more! Sending prayers and positive thoughts your way! Take care, Shelley

  7. Ok, I know it is cliche especially for us southerners…but Girl, BLESS YOUR HEART!!! We had a year like that when our girls were younger. My friends wondered what the heck happened as I don't think I left the house much from September to February!! I feel your pain. Yes, best to stay off the foot!!! Katie got back on hers too soon, then didn't rest long enough again and it was ongoing for over a year. She finally has stayed off it, and it is much better. That type of ankle/foot injury can be nagging if you don't give it enough time. Only you will know how long that is. I am sorry to hear school has been rough this year. Nothing worse than having a child dread school…they have to go, right?!! We have been there too. Praying all gets resolved. And oh my, poor honey. My mom got them last year and I remember her saying how painful it was!! Praying for a speedy recovery.
    As for us, I am on cloud nine today. Baby girl flew home to surprise me!! She planned it all on her own!!

  8. I think I would have to be sedated to have an MRI, open or closed!! So nerve racking. And then shingles for your husband. Oh my, so many of my friends have suffered with those and I think your cartoon says it all. I am glad you are seeing progress in the school situation. As a grandmother, I think I worry more about those things for my grands than I did with my own children. Our sweet three year old Baylor was diagnosed with Autism back in August and it has been a real trial for our family. We all want only the best for our children and grandchildren and when things take a different course it is hard. Hoping that foot heals up but I wonder if you will not have to baby it for quite a while for a complete recovery. Hope yall can rest and relax this weekend. My husband is absolutely giddy at all the good college football games on tv this weekend.

  9. Amanda,
    I guess the old saying about things happening in "Threes" is pretty much true. Sounds like you are starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel though. As far as having shingles, I hope Honey has a mild case because it can be very painful. My hubby and I both had our shingles vaccine last year and I would recommend everyone having one. Many people think that shingles is something that just older folks get. WRONG! Younger folks get shingles as well. The vaccine doesn't guarantee 100% you will never get the shingles, just a milder case if you do get it.

  10. Girfriend, you need to get yourself a valium (2 of them) before you ever go in there again…trust me, you will be fine. I flipped out too and when rescheduled a week later, a valium had me recalling the music that was playing on the beach in Waikiki I visited four years prior. As for that annoying banging.. well, that just added to the beat of the music.

  11. i'm extremely claustraphobic and the 2 times i've had an "open" MRI were awful…even on medication! the first one, my sweet husband told the tech he needed to sit next to me and hold my hand. i only went in waist deep too but thankfully the tech was very understanding and played classical music, put a rag over my eyes and talked to me about each step. my husband held my hand and spoke to me about things we loved (grandchildren, trips we'd made, etc)…made the experience a whole lot easier.

    as far as your leg injury, i had knee surgery summer of 2013 and had 2 rounds of PT….i'm much much better but it will never be the same (but i'm a lot older than you and the "old" bones won't heal like a younger persons).

    i certainly do respect your decision to not overshare with the situation with your precious boy….but i will keep praying for him and your entire family….hang in there sweet girl….i promise things will get better!

    oh, and i thought i had shingles this past summer….turned out it was a "stress attack" due to all i'm going through with my sweet mama…..life can really throw us some curveballs!

  12. I have been writing for about forty- five minutes on my IPad and keep hitting the wrong button, starting over or deleting! So I will simply try again later. Ugh. I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you and praying for your family. Just relax and enjoy a lazy weekend of football, reading and some good comfort food. It's getting better day by day, Amanda. Tell Honey to have a few sips of some aged scotch and feel better soon!

    Sincerely, Jane, SD

  14. I am so sorry to hear of your health issues and I hope that you will be all mended really soon. I can identify with the MRI trauma as I have had my share of them and CT scans, etc. No fun at all! I hope your little fellow will be totally over the woes from school. I know how things can affect an otherwise happy go lucky child. I got the shingles vaccination last year, as so many people I know had developed it and told me how painful and awful it was to deal with. I will say a prayer for you and your precious family that all will be better very soon!

  15. I am so sorry that you have so much on your plate all at once. What is that old saying—when it rains it pours? We will just all pray you through the stress and recovery. xo Diana

  16. Sweet Amanda, please know that all of these things will pass and cherish that abundant blessing.

    In regards to scans, allow me to offer some tips to all out there, base on my colon c….. experience in 2007. Believe me, I had too many to count and can tell y'all some great colonoscopy tips too (another time!)

    Request a mild sedative beforehand when your doctor orders the scan. Wear earplugs. You can still hear the attendant but it helps calms you down. Also, ask the attendant to talk to you frequently throughout the procedure and don't be afraid to ask questions. If you do it while remaining very still, it's fine. Also, wear a glamorous eye mask so you can't see and to block out the glaring light. During it all, recite every poem, scripture and favorite songs you can think of and breathe! You should thank your lucky stars you weren't fully inside but if you ever have to be, I hope these tips help.

    I will continue to pray that your son hurdles over his problems and becomes even stronger because of them. Tell Honey to hang in there too and keep a snifter of nicely aged scotch nearby this weekend. ;)

    Keep the faith and don't hurry your ankle. Be careful with it even after the doc gives you the all clear and go easy on yourself. Get yourself a golf cart reserved for Halloween ~ you have plenty of time to decorate it!

    I hope you all feel in better spirits soon. Warm regards, Jane ~ San Diego

  20. I bruised my ankle and it took over a year to heal. I'm older than you so maybe you'll have better luck. I know what you mean about the MRI. I close my eyes and put myself in another place (Wayn

  21. Amanda, I am so sorry to read about your family's struggles, but take heart in knowing when you're down, there is nowhere to go but up! Sending warm wishes your way from Syracuse!

  22. Shingles are horrible at anyu age. Do not let your husband think the vaccine (at the age of 60) is unnecessary since he has had the shingles; he still needs to get it. My mother (age 93) has had them twice. I had them 5 years AFTER I got the vaccine; it was a "mild" case and I was miserable. I hope your other situations clear up soon. It has been a rough year for all of you.

  23. Totally agree with the advice Jane gave you for MRIs. The ONLY way I make it through them is with valium! My last MRI they gave me headphones and asked me what music I liked to listen to. It made all the difference in the world.

    Keep the faith and remember….This Too Shall Pass.

    ~Kim

  24. Poor Honey! A few years ago, when my boys were the ages yours are now, I had shingles on the left side of my face. I was in the hospital for a week hooked up to a morphine pump, followed by two more weeks in bed, before I could even think about maintaining anything close to a regular routine. Everything Honey does – wearing a shirt, showering, seat belts – must be excruciating. The connection between your stress level and your health is profound; I wish you peace and discernment in this trying time.

  25. I never thought I was claustrophobic until I had an MRI! Those are the worst!! You just can't move, and not being able to move is awful!
    I am sorry that a son is having some hard times. My son started kindergarten this year, and I worried so much for him! It is hard to send your heart into the world unprotected. I hope it all works out for you, but I'm glad you are proactive to help him!
    Your life appears so perfect, so it's strange to see you deal with problems just like us!
    Good luck with your recovery, and your family!

  26. I just realized I suggested the scotch twice so I guess Honey will just have to make it a double!

    Crazy Jane, San Diego

  28. Bless all your hearts!! I sure wish I could hug every one of you, but I'll have to settle for some virtual, blogger message ((hugs)). You seem to have a fantastic outlook on the whole thing, so keep your head up and remember that this too shall pass! And in the meantime, there's wine.

  29. I don't even remember how I found your blog but I have enjoyed it so much. Recently I lost a dear friend at only 37 to breast cancer. She inspired me to live each day to the fullest. I was able to read about your recent trip and it reminded me that I need to start living more. My family and I now our planning a trip to Disneyland. Thank you for your wonderful site.

  30. Oh, friend I am so sorry!!
    The MRI…I have never had one, but I am a freak so I totally can relate…I had to go take a nap after my first mammogram it stressed my nerves so bad! I hope you heal quickly & can get back in action soon!

    With our youngest having severe dyslexia, I can also understand stress & anxiety about school. I will be praying for your littles & I hope that is dissolved very quickly.

    AND about four years ago I had shingles (at 37). The pain was absolutely awful, I lived for that 6-8 hours to pass so that I could take another 800 mg ibuprofen!! The worst part was after the 2 weeks of pain ended, my energy was just SUCKED RIGHT OUT of me, I have never been so freaked out! I bought Kris Karr's Crazy Sexy Cancer book & applied her dietary changes for a brief time to help strengthen my immune system. It is an excellent read.It took about 3-4 months to get my energy level back up to normal.

    For a long time I just clung to this verse:

    Philippians 4:6-7

    6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

    Philippians 4:8

    8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

    It will get better.
    Praying for your sweet family here in TN.
    Take care! ♥

  31. Oh girl, I'm sending lots of prayers, offering Novenas and lighting all kinds of candles for you and your Honey. That Man had shingles 7 years ago on his face and inside his right ear. He It was awful and he still takes medication for the pain from the residual nerve damage. Praying, praying, praying Honey's eases up soon!

  32. I am a new follower but had to post when I read the part about shingles….definitely most painful and prayers for Honey but also for you in taking care of your family during this time. My youngest had shingles when she was 15 and the doctor was so stunned, he called all partners in to see her! def. embarrassing to her! And her's too was stress related…so here's to a more relaxing fall and early winter in your family

  33. My primary care Dr ordered an MRI a few years ago and I can certainly sympathize with your feelings! I told him how claustrophobic I am and he gave me 1 Xanax to take prior. :) The noises drove me up the wall (in my mind) and I thought it would never end. I had an open MRI last year for my back ~ no problem.

    There's nothing worse than worrying about one or both of your children. I so hope that the school issue is being resolved and that precious boy will feel better again.

    My daughter has had shingles for years ~ so, so painful! Not sure what the treatment prescribed is but ask the Dr for Lydocaine patches. My daughter says it's instant relief. I recently spoke to my Dr about the shingles vaccine for her as I really didn't think it would be effective once you had an episode…or 20+. He said it was effective and she should speak with her Dr. about it. Your hubby might check into that.

    Lastly, I can only imagine how frustrating your own injury is. As much as you do all the time I feel sure it's a huge hindrance. Will hold all of you in prayer and send tons of positive energy your way!

    xo
    Pat

  35. You are in my thought and I continue to pray for progress with all that's going on with you. I am so glad that things are getting better with your boy. From one mother to another, I can understand why this can definitely break your heart!

  36. Ack, I keep meaning to come back and tell you that y'all are in my thoughts and prayers. I don't know how you do it. I had shingles in law school a long with a ton of other random things and it was the worst. I got over it pretty quickly so I'm hoping the same for your hubby. So glad things are getting better with your son. There's nothing worse than worrying about your children especially when you really have something to worry about. You are such an amazing mommy that your kids will get through all of life's troubles with you at their side. Praying for better days ahead! (and get that leg healed girl!) xo

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