Back in the Tomb

Yesterday I went back in the tomb for another MRI but this time they were sending dye through to get a clearer picture of what is going on. It was a bit more complicated then what I thought as they had to x-ray me several times to make sure they were putting the dye in the right spot. Right before the procedure they had me sign papers and I know it was just in case of emergency. However, one of the questions I needed to mark was that I was willing to get blood if need be. I had no idea that there have been people that have needed blood because of bleeding problems during this procedure. They also warned me that sometimes they hit a nerve which then could give me months of pain. Therefore, I couldn't wait to get started with the whole procedure. Although I am a bit sore from where they injected me with the dye, every thing went smoothly. My time back in the tomb went fine as well. They always put headphones on and let you pick some kind of music to listen to so you have some thing else to think about while they are running the tests. And can you really put a price tag on the fun or wearing one of those stylish glue gowns?

The Dizziness Factor

I have lived with dizziness for a number of years. Today I was went back to Toronto General Hospital to go to a dizziness clinic. I went through three hours of testing to see if my dizziness is related to an inner ear problem. The first series of testing I went through were several different types of hearing tests. The second series of tests were the worst for bringing on dizziness. My head was turned this way and that. I also watched speeding lines going across the walls in one direction then the other, and back to the first direction but then faster, and then back the other direction again. The worst test in this series is when they put water in my ears. It felt like a pressure washer in my ears. First each ear was done with warm water and then cold. I felt like I was having an out of body experience at one point as the room was spinning around so much. I was very glad when those tests were done. The last series of tests I went through involved putting a tube down each ear. The end of the tube was sitting on the outside of my ear drum. Then I was plugged in and electronic impulses were sent to each ear. It was like a wood pecker in my ears. It's been about four hours since I left the hospital but I still feel totally worn out and exhausted, but they warned me I would. I am just glad that I was able to get all the tests done in one day as many people have to go in three different times. Hopefully with all the information gathered the doctor will now have a clearer picture as to what is going on.

Touch Down

Yes, I my feet have touched down here in Ontario again. It is good to be home again, although I am very thankful I was able to go to Chicago to help out my parents and spend time with them and my siblings. Unfortunately as soon as I unpack my suitcase Vern will be filling it up again. We have the weekend together and then he takes off for almost three weeks.

Another Year Older, Another Year Grayer

Tonight is the end of an awesome day. Although I did turn another year older and grayer my family and friends made it a very special day. I started off the day by receiving a special birthday message over the radio from my daughter. Then received four long distant phone calls from special people in my life, and I also received a couple of special surprise packages, and many email notes. Seth and Vern made an incredible supper for the family. I also got my first ever professional massage. And my children got together and bought me Wii Fit. That is something I have been wanting to try out to keep in shape during the LONG winter months. I am blessed with some pretty amazing family and friends. THANKS FOR MAKING MY DAY VERY SPECIAL!

Back In The Hot Seat

Yesterday came all too soon and I was back in the Hot Seat again. This time things were a bit more intense with the whole root canal process. I am wondering if I will ever be able to eat on the left side of my mouth again. I do have a LOT of trouble with my teeth so I am thinking dentures really doesn't sound too bad, does it? I actually have one more visit yet, to be done with this thing. What a process!

A Day At the Spa

Well I would have loved a day at the spa, but instead I spent the day at the hosptial having a procedure done. But, hey, they did give my a funky looking robe to wear and some "to die for slippers to wear", it doesn't get much better then that. (smile)

THE BIGGEST LOSER

I don't know how many of you have watched "THE BIGGEST LOSER" on t.v. We don't get the channel on our t.v. However, I have watched the show a couple of times when I have been in the States. I think the reason I enjoy watching the show is that I can totally relate to the contestants who are making every effort to lose weight. Although I would not be considered "THE BIGGEST LOSER" I have reached my goal of losing 30 pounds. I actually reached that goal a couple of weeks ago but I wanted to make sure I could still make it through Christmas without gaining any of it back. When we got home and I got on the scale, I had still lost the 30 pounds I had been working on. YES!!! This however has not been an easy process for me. I have a love of food especially chocolate and I do not enjoy exercise. Many people have asked me about my diet plan. Although official diet plans have helped many people, I know the only thing I needed to do to lose weight was to cut down on all food intake and up my exercise, which was nonexistent when I started. This has been a slow and painful process for me as I started my weight loss and exercise program the middle of July. And although I never had any setbacks there were weeks when it seemed like the scale stood still and would not move in the downward direction. I would like to thank both Vern and Ruth for the HUGE encouragement they have been to me. Besides the constant words of encouragement, there were many times they went for walks with me when they didn't feel like it, but they were doing it for me. I would like to encourage anyone out there who is wanting to or is in the process of losing weight and exercising, to stick to it or start today and set small attainable goals. I would like to think that I will never have a weight problem again but I do love food. So this will be a constant thing for me to make healthier food choices. I have to get up every morning and make that choice to exercise even when I don't feel like it. Although I am not "THE BIGGEST LOSER", I am "A BIG LOSER".

An Undeserved Blessing

Doesn't it sometimes feel like all you hear about is another person coming down with a serious illness; one more person gets added to the prayer list. At the beginning of the week I went to the doctor for a fairly routine type of visit and the next thing I knew I was getting tested for a fairly major disease. It seemed like several very long days of waiting with a wide range of emotions involved. I would like to say that my faith was unwavering, however I can not say that. There were many times during the last few days that I had to come to the Lord and confess that I was not resting. Yesterday the results came in negative. THANK-YOU LORD! I know that God could have very easily had the results been positive. And so in the world of much sickness and pain I wanted to give the Lord the Praise for this answered prayer.