-------------------------------------------------------
The bad news is: Both of my tests came back positive yesterday for a heart virus. It is not contagious (thank goodness!) --but it is serious. Until it runs its course (usually 6 weeks to 3 months) I am in danger of going into cardiac arrest. I can go about my normal routine--I just have to do it slowly and rest whenever and as soon as I start to feel like I'm working my heart. I am not happy about this. It's going to mean accepting a lot of help from people I would rather be helping. It's going to mean some pretty boring days for my kids. It's going to mean trying to find another outlet besides exercise (which I have ALWAYS used) to deal with stress. I'm going to a cardiologist later this week and can give you more details when I find out. In the meantime, I figure being miserable won't do me any good--and so I'm choosing to focus on the happy things around me....
First of all...I FEEL GREAT!!! For the first time in almost three weeks, my joints don't hurt. I have gone from 110 mg of Toradol (anti-inflammatory) a day (the most a body can tolerate without overdosing) to a mere 10 mg (only at night). That is pretty amazing if you ask me! If I didn't feel the pain in my heart, I would be up and dancing today! It is an incredible feeling! I am so happy that "taking it easy" doesn't mean laying in my bed all day. The doctor stressed my ability to get up LIVE--just to do it very slowly, and plan on about a quarter to half of what I would normally do.
------------------------------------------------------
Second, my kids can go OUTSIDE again! It was a bit cool and windy today-- but it wasn't too horrible--and it wasn't snowing! I got to be a very happy spectator to a soccer match, trampoline tricks, and sandbox art. My daffodils and crocus are popping up, and I don't even care that the melted snow revealed the poor shape the backyard was left in this Fall ;)!
There are PRETTY FLOWERS in my house.....
I got these when I thought Lee Ann was coming for a visit--but she ended up sick with strep. Thought she'd appreciate pictures of them anyway! And flowers always make me smile!
------------------------------------------
I also got this cute Dick and Jane BAG from my homeschooling buddy Corrie.
She owns a really neat shop called Quilt Taffy (I'll link it when she gets her internet site up and running!), and she always has the best things in stock. She knew I loved Dick and Jane and got this over to me. Jane is on the other side riding a tricycle.
----------------------------------------------------------
Finally, I found a screaming deal on a CHAIR. I went out for the first time in weeks by myself last night, and VERY SLOWLY walked around the Homegoods. And what did I find but a buff colored, quilted leather chair sitting there looking all lonely. She needs a little touch of love though....photos coming soon. I loves me a good deal!
-------------------------------------------------------------
Here's to finding random happiness all around you!
23 comments:
Man, did they check you for mono? I read that it can get to the heart. (But don't know anything more than that.) Your flowers area lovely and springy! Take it easy and get well!!!!!
I don't know if they checked me for mono. I doubt that's what it is though, because I'm not really tired. I get wiped out by about 3, but I'm not sleepy--just weak feeling. I guess I could always ask them to test for that though. Who knows where I would have caught it from though--I'm not a teenager running about kissing everyone :)!
♥ Holy cow a heart virus I didn't even know there was such a thing out there!
I also go for the bad news first and then the good!
Loved your post! Way to look at the positive. I need to do this way more often!
Have a great week!
Well this works nicely with your slow grocery shopping habits. Still though, a heart virus? I, too, have never heard of that. I'm glad to see that it hasn't kept you from finding a good deal!
I'm so sorry to hear of your latest health condition! It's good to know that it is curable and WILL end in the near future, hopefully. At least it's not happening around the Christmas holidays. That's the worst time to be sick! Take advantage of those around you for now. It's YOUR turn to be helped for a change. Then.....the tables will be reversed and you'll be back on your feet and your old self again. Sounds like you have a good support group though. Wishing you a speedy recovery and only GOOD news from you, from here on out! Ha!
Kelly
Crazy Jennifer, of all of the weird things... I am slightly stunned and speachless... this does not happen often.
Glad to hear you were able to get out and about! Take it easy!
I sincerely hope you take your doctor's advice and take it easy!
Rest up and enjoy the journey into Spring...
Take care,
Linda xoxo
Please don't think me callous for commenting on the shopping...
I love a good deal! Especially at Homegoods/TJ maxx. Oh My. I spent three hours in there one day before Christmas looking at virtually everything. I didn't spend hardly anything, but I had the best time. Happy new chair to you!
I am glad you are feeling better.
Well, I just had to wish you well after you cheered me up when you are ill!
Get well soon, and thank you for blogging. You are making the world a better place.
suzanne
Yuck!! Just remember, other people need blessings from service, too. Now it is there turn to get some. Do you knit? Or quilt? Or dare I say it, scrapbook? Want to learn how? They are great low-impact stress relievers!! I hope you feel better!
sorry about the diagnosis! let me know if i can do anything for you from over here. glad your boys are bringing you joy and that you're being taken care of. and, that you found a cute chair-can't wait to see pics. have a good one!
karli
wow! that is a little scary. take it as easy as you can. not an easy feat with four boys running around like mad-men! wish i was closer to help take your four and add them to my two for an afternoon...now wouldn't that be a treat!?! :)
hang in there....
btw i find it utterly amazing that your SIL spells her name just like mine. i've NEVER met any other Tamie that spells their name like mine...great mom's think a like!
the Gatto books is great. i want to go and buy it so that i can highlight...i'm thinking that that is what it is going to come down to, eventually. i recomend going and getting it. even if it is just a chior book (like he's preaching to the choir...since you already homeschool....)
Whoa, a heart virus?!!!! You take good care and I will pray for your quick and cardiac arrest free recovery.
p.s. Thanks for stopping by Make Room For...I can't wait to see your Home Goods find!
Hi Jennifer...a HEART VIRUS! You're scaring me. The fact that my throat still hurts is nothing compared to what you are going thru. Your outlook is so cheery...what a blessing you are to your boys and husband during this most difficult time! I will pray for you and your family! I hope it disappears SOON. And I cannot wait to see your new chair. I am dying to go shopping...I haven't spent any money on anything other than medicine and co-pays for a month! Oh, and I, too, prefer bad news first...
I am wishing you a quick recovery...take it easy, enjoy the quiet moments with your boys - you sound like such an awesome mom! The picture of your boys from your previous post is so adorable - love it!
I am soooo glad that others out there share my obsession with Michelle. I use her first name and not her last because we are tight like that! Ha.
I anxiously await pics of the chair....
Bounced over from Simply, after her recommendation! :-)
First, four boys and they're telling you to take it easy?? I also have four kids, three boys and a girl. I rarely sit to even eat, it seems. This will be hard, but you can do it. Pray for God's strength. I once heard that sometimes God brings us to our knees, to give others the opportunity to lift us up. It gives openings for ministry.
Second, I LOVE your site. LOVE, love, love it!! I love Dick and Jane (although I think my kids are pretty sick of the stories now!! ;-) )
Third, a single father in our Sunday School class also was diagnosed with a heart virus. That was 5 months ago, and he is doing wonderfully now. He had to humbly accept help, but we all became closer friends as a result!
May God put people in your path that will be uplifting and helpful as you recover!!
I have never heard of someone having a heart virus. it sounds kinda scary. If it isn't contagious how did you come about getting it? Please heed the doctors warning to not overdue. That is a hard one for mom's but you deserve the break!
Smiles!
prayers for you! a heart virus, wow. Love this blog,
d meyers
I am so sorry...I will keep you in my prayers...
so glad to hear they found out what is wrong...and I'm glad to hear your feeling better :o)
blessings to you and your family,
~simply~
I'm glad that they found out what was the problem...now, just take care of yourself...always a difficult thing for any mom. Will be praying for your swift recovery!
I'm thinking of you, Jennifer. You will be in my daily thoughts.
xoxo
steph
Post a Comment