Anyone who has seen me knows that I am still in the boot. And I am OVER IT. I mean, it has been since March 24th people. And although things got better for the first two weeks, it is still super swollen and it is not getting any better. As I told you in a post a while back, my current doctor is in the "wait and see" mode. That is real easy for her to say. She is not the one in this hot, stinky, not to mention heavy boot. And she is not the one who is unable to exercise and gaining weight by the minute (started a diet AGAIN by the way. I am just not good at stickng with them. I need to exercise, like yesterday!).
So I called a friend of mine whose husband is an orthopedic surgeon. It is so nice to finally have friends who are doctors and married to doctors so I don't have to call my parents friends any more. I talked to her and he is seeing me this afternoon. I even went and got a copy of my MRI that I had a couple of weeks ago. I certainly did not want to call my current doctor - not ready for that conversation ("um, I am losing faith in your diagnosis"). The group was happy to give me a copy and my report. I will let you know what he says!! Hopefully it is something along the lines of "you don't need that boot anymore." Fingers crossed.
5.09.2011
5.06.2011
Adoption update
The update is that there is really nothing to report. Early last week, before the tornados, I got in touch with our adoption agency for an update. Our social worker told me mid-March that she planned on having our finalized home study to them by the end of the month, so I was inquiring about whether they had received it. Long story short, our social worker had some medical issues and had not completed our home study. This, of course, is very frustrating on our part since we have been so diligent and quick at getting everything ready up til that point. Now we are depending on others to get things done and we have to go on their time.
So when I called the adoption agency last week they told me that she had promised the completed home study by the end of the week. But then the tornados hit on Wednesday. And our social worker lives in Tuscaloosa, one of the hardest hit areas in the state. And I have heard nothing.
I really want to call, but I feel like I am being insensitive. What if she was hurt? What if she had family killed? What if all our documents were sucked up in the tornado. That possibility makes me want to vomit. More when I know more. For now, we wait - an all too common theme with adoption.
So when I called the adoption agency last week they told me that she had promised the completed home study by the end of the week. But then the tornados hit on Wednesday. And our social worker lives in Tuscaloosa, one of the hardest hit areas in the state. And I have heard nothing.
I really want to call, but I feel like I am being insensitive. What if she was hurt? What if she had family killed? What if all our documents were sucked up in the tornado. That possibility makes me want to vomit. More when I know more. For now, we wait - an all too common theme with adoption.
5.05.2011
Celebrities
If you have talked to me in the last couple of days, you have probably heard me ranting and raving about celebrities. In, where are they? This state is devastated in ways we have never seen - in ways that we might never know. I just heard that people are finding body parts under the rubble. One person found a human heart. The implications of this is, obviously, that the storm blew people apart, literally, and tossed parts of their bodies all over Alabama and some even into Georgia.
The stories I am hearing and reading are heart-wrenching. I have cried every day since the tornados looking at pictures and videos. I want to help, and have helped in my own small way. But what about the big guns? Charlie Sheen, the laughing stock of Hollywood, got his butt down here. Where is Courtney Cox (she went to my high school)? What about those Alabama football and basketball stars? Shaun Alexander, Robert Horry, I am talking about you. Even Charles Barclay. You might have gone to Auburn, but there were people killed less than 30 miles away from Auburn's campus too. I mean, come on guys. Step up.
I was so happy to see this article this morning, however. You can always count on the country music stars. CMT is getting a group of them together for a tornado relief benefit concert. It might not be your kind of music, but at least they are doing something. Thank you - Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Sara Evans (who lives less than a block from me, by the way) and others - thank you for putting your star power to good use. And for caring.
The stories I am hearing and reading are heart-wrenching. I have cried every day since the tornados looking at pictures and videos. I want to help, and have helped in my own small way. But what about the big guns? Charlie Sheen, the laughing stock of Hollywood, got his butt down here. Where is Courtney Cox (she went to my high school)? What about those Alabama football and basketball stars? Shaun Alexander, Robert Horry, I am talking about you. Even Charles Barclay. You might have gone to Auburn, but there were people killed less than 30 miles away from Auburn's campus too. I mean, come on guys. Step up.
I was so happy to see this article this morning, however. You can always count on the country music stars. CMT is getting a group of them together for a tornado relief benefit concert. It might not be your kind of music, but at least they are doing something. Thank you - Hank Williams, Jr., Alabama, Lady Antebellum, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Sara Evans (who lives less than a block from me, by the way) and others - thank you for putting your star power to good use. And for caring.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo in my book = great Mexican food. And who doesn't love Mexican food? I don't think that i know a single person who doesn't (well, I am lying. My nanny, from Africa, is not a huge fan, but generally, it is true.) In my book, it is THE BEST. I mean, as soon as you sit down, they bring you hot, salty chips with salsa and ask if you want cheese dip. Um, yes please. And don't even get me started on my love for margaritas. I could go on and on (and gain at least 10 pounds - but they would be a happy 10 pounds).
On my way to work today I saw our local , favorite Mexican restaurant setting up for the big day. They are on the corner of a one-way street, with our village clock tower right out in front of the reastaurant. They close off the corner and have an outdoor party. I am not sure what time it starts, but by the looks of things last year, some people came for lunch and never left. It is s kid-friendly event, which is nice, and I think that we will stroll up and check it out. Last year it was so packed that we couldn't even get a beer, but maybe I will sneak up there before Ted gets home and have a margarita. I mean, it only happens one day a year and someone has to do it.
5.03.2011
Kids room
As most of y'all know, I am a closet interior designer. I love to rearrange furniture, re-do shelves, and buy little things here and there from ideas I get from all the many design blogs out there. For instance, I bought these from eBay the other day for a mere $18 and rearranged the shelves in my living room. They look fabulous by the way and I think that I may have to buy some more.
I am also thinking a lot about the kids rooms these days. We have decided that we are going to move Sam into Ward's room and let our new little girl have Sam's room. That way the boys will share a bathroom and the girls will share one. I am probably not going to redo much in the rooms, but I came across this picture and thought that it was so fun! Would be great in a lake house or beach house as well.
It would take a little time (and some taping or stenciling) but how fun!!
I am also thinking a lot about the kids rooms these days. We have decided that we are going to move Sam into Ward's room and let our new little girl have Sam's room. That way the boys will share a bathroom and the girls will share one. I am probably not going to redo much in the rooms, but I came across this picture and thought that it was so fun! Would be great in a lake house or beach house as well.
5.02.2011
Why?
Our family headed to Tuscaloosa yesterday for our godson's (Gus Holt) first communion. It had been planned for months and I was so glad that the celebration was held, despite the disaster and devastation in many parts of Tuscaloosa. We got to see first hand some of the worst hit areas off of McFarland Boulevard. It looked like a bomb had exploded and thrown enormous pieces of metal like they were mere tissue paper. There was one area where huge billboards where bent and twisted and the metal signs were over a block away, mangled and wrapped high in the tree tops. We also took some items to the Temporary Emergency Services warehouse near downtown. So much was going on and so many people were donating - it was surreal at times. And all I could think about were all the people who died or are missing (over 400 are still missing in Tuscaloosa alone), all those who were left with nothing but the clothes on their back, all those whose lives are forever changed by a tornado that took mere seconds to destroy everything in its 1.5 mile-wide path across the state of Alabama.
Through all this tragedy, Ward has asked some hard questions. Particularly he has asked why God sent the tornados. Why did people have to die? Why did God allow them to lose everything that they had? Why mama? I didn't really know how to answer his questions. I have the same questions. I told him that God didn't send the tornados, but instead sometimes God allows bad things to happen, even to good people. And that we will never truly understand why. I told him that we have to trust and believe that there is a greater good to what is going on and that we can be a part of that good.
To be honest, I did not like my answer. (I don't think he did either as he asked Ted and my mom the same questions.) Why does all this stuff happen? And why does it keep on happening? Katrina, the Tsumani, the earthquake and floods in Japan, and now these tornados, just to name a few. Ted and I have been talking about this since Wednesday and I am at a loss for answers. Ted pointed to a devotional he read by C.S. Lewis which talks about pain, suffering, and hardship in general. To paraphrase, C.S. Lewis thought that without hardship, we would never truly apreciate good. Of course that is true, but it still does not satisfy my logical, legal mind.
But I know that good things have come from these horrible disasters. Some of the absolute best parts of humanity are awakened. The volunteers and the outpouring of people and supplies from around the country has been amazing. Not so sure about Charlie Sheen, but we will take all the help that we can get. Ted forwarded me a letter from the Greek Organizations at the University of Alabama who have mobilized and are doing great things. Here is a portion:
Today, we prepared 1/4 of the total amount of hot food plates delivered to the affected Tuscaloosa area. We made over 8,000 hot plates, gathered and distributed thousands of canned food items, and distributed hundreds of truckloads full of medical supplies, baby supplies, hygiene supplies, clothing, and toiletries. Even as late as 8:00 pm tonight we were receiving donations from UA alums in Jackson and Nashville, TN. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity.
To our volunteers, thank you for your continued and tireless work. Our efforts are making a difference for those who have lost so much. Please see these important notes regarding tomorrow's operations.
. . .
If someone would like to make a donation to the UA Greek Relief Fund, they may visit https://www.grsconnect.com/rush/rlf/. Your donations will be used to purchase much-needed food and supplies for the relief efforts in Tuscaloosa. (When making a payment, please select "0007 Psi - Alabama" for chapter, for contribution type, please select "Alabama Greek Relief Fund")
. . .
If you or someone you know wishes to ship supplies to Tuscaloosa, please send them to:
Attn: Temporary Emergency Services
1705 15th St.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
And the amazing part is that the University is closed. No exams (for the most part - students who wish to take some exams to raise their grades have the opportunity to do so later in the summer). These kids could go home and start their summer. But they stay and help.
Please help. I am sure that most of you already have. But if you have not, no donation is too small and every penny is appreciated. There are so many out there who lost everything.
Through all this tragedy, Ward has asked some hard questions. Particularly he has asked why God sent the tornados. Why did people have to die? Why did God allow them to lose everything that they had? Why mama? I didn't really know how to answer his questions. I have the same questions. I told him that God didn't send the tornados, but instead sometimes God allows bad things to happen, even to good people. And that we will never truly understand why. I told him that we have to trust and believe that there is a greater good to what is going on and that we can be a part of that good.
To be honest, I did not like my answer. (I don't think he did either as he asked Ted and my mom the same questions.) Why does all this stuff happen? And why does it keep on happening? Katrina, the Tsumani, the earthquake and floods in Japan, and now these tornados, just to name a few. Ted and I have been talking about this since Wednesday and I am at a loss for answers. Ted pointed to a devotional he read by C.S. Lewis which talks about pain, suffering, and hardship in general. To paraphrase, C.S. Lewis thought that without hardship, we would never truly apreciate good. Of course that is true, but it still does not satisfy my logical, legal mind.
But I know that good things have come from these horrible disasters. Some of the absolute best parts of humanity are awakened. The volunteers and the outpouring of people and supplies from around the country has been amazing. Not so sure about Charlie Sheen, but we will take all the help that we can get. Ted forwarded me a letter from the Greek Organizations at the University of Alabama who have mobilized and are doing great things. Here is a portion:
Today, we prepared 1/4 of the total amount of hot food plates delivered to the affected Tuscaloosa area. We made over 8,000 hot plates, gathered and distributed thousands of canned food items, and distributed hundreds of truckloads full of medical supplies, baby supplies, hygiene supplies, clothing, and toiletries. Even as late as 8:00 pm tonight we were receiving donations from UA alums in Jackson and Nashville, TN. We cannot thank you enough for your generosity.
To our volunteers, thank you for your continued and tireless work. Our efforts are making a difference for those who have lost so much. Please see these important notes regarding tomorrow's operations.
. . .
If someone would like to make a donation to the UA Greek Relief Fund, they may visit https://www.grsconnect.com/rush/rlf/. Your donations will be used to purchase much-needed food and supplies for the relief efforts in Tuscaloosa. (When making a payment, please select "0007 Psi - Alabama" for chapter, for contribution type, please select "Alabama Greek Relief Fund")
. . .
If you or someone you know wishes to ship supplies to Tuscaloosa, please send them to:
Attn: Temporary Emergency Services
1705 15th St.
Tuscaloosa, AL 35401
And the amazing part is that the University is closed. No exams (for the most part - students who wish to take some exams to raise their grades have the opportunity to do so later in the summer). These kids could go home and start their summer. But they stay and help.
Please help. I am sure that most of you already have. But if you have not, no donation is too small and every penny is appreciated. There are so many out there who lost everything.
4.28.2011
The Power of Weather
This is an image of what came through Birmingham last night. It was the same tornado
that roared through Tuscaloosa. The images this morning are devastating, to say the least.
Praying for all those families who lost loved ones and their homes and all their
belongings. Over 200 confirmed dead - 149 in Alabama alone.
4.27.2011
Safe Place
If anyone is watching the weather right now it is BAD in Alabama. Tornados took out a large part of Tuscaloosa, very close to where Ted lived while in law school. And we watched it all live on a tower caera. Very scary. We are praying for our cousins in Tuscaloosa and hope that they are safe. Although we hav tried to get in touch with them, they are not answering their cells, presumably because all the cell towers are on the ground at this point. The devastation is widespread. I pray no one was killed.
And as I type we are under our staircase, our "safe place." I am thanking God for iPads right now. Although the kids are a little nervious (except for Sam who has no clue), they are having fun watching "Despicable Me" and "camping out" under the stairs. Ted is periodically going out to watch the TV and check the radar (love me some J.P Dice!). Thank goodness we have not lost power. Grandmom has not had power all day and I doubt she will for the next few days. It looks like the worst of the storm is going to track north of us, but it is the real deal. Over 200 mile per hour winds. I am nervous. And requesting a bottle of wine. No telling how long we will be in here. Again, thank God for iPads. Oh, and the next thing we are adding to our house is a generator. We have had too many scary storms this month not to get one.
And as I type we are under our staircase, our "safe place." I am thanking God for iPads right now. Although the kids are a little nervious (except for Sam who has no clue), they are having fun watching "Despicable Me" and "camping out" under the stairs. Ted is periodically going out to watch the TV and check the radar (love me some J.P Dice!). Thank goodness we have not lost power. Grandmom has not had power all day and I doubt she will for the next few days. It looks like the worst of the storm is going to track north of us, but it is the real deal. Over 200 mile per hour winds. I am nervous. And requesting a bottle of wine. No telling how long we will be in here. Again, thank God for iPads. Oh, and the next thing we are adding to our house is a generator. We have had too many scary storms this month not to get one.
4.25.2011
Easter
The kids had a great time this Easter, although it was pretty exhausting for Ted and me - Easter egg hunt at the club on Saturday, Easter bunny presents, another egg hunt at church, lunch and another egg hunt at Cher Cher and Papa's, and then the final hurrah (and 4th egg hunt) at Grandmom's with the Holts and all (well, some of) the fun cousins! Oh, and I apologize in advance - I got a little carried away with all the pictures!
AT THE CLUB:
AT THE CLUB:
with Richard Monk waiting for the hunt
loving my new sunglasses!
and they're off!
not so sure about this egg hunt thing!
oh but look at all the eggs I got!
examining their loot
Sam checks out the Easter bunny. He wasn't scared at all, and went up to give him a hug and a high-five
EASTER MORNING - The Easter Bunny came!!:
coming down the stairs
LOOK!
a little chihuahua!
Ningago! How did the Easter Bunny know?
so happy!
Sam got monster slippers and was so pleased!
Candy in the morning? Life doesn't get any better!
CHURCH:
The best I could get of the three of them. Sam is not an easy subject!
see what I mean?
No Mama!
Ann Park and her best friend, Francie
weeeeeeee!!!!!
Swinging like a monkey!
AT CHER CHER AND PAPA'S:
Mom had the table looking so great and the kids loved the balloons!
Another Easter egg hunt!!
Sam eating m&ms off the ground after they spilled out of the egg!
Sam and daddy having some fun!
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST AT GRANDMOM'S HOUSE:
Again, Sam was not cooperating, and remember that this is only about half of the cousins! LIfe is always fun and exciting at the Holts!!
So if you have gotten through this entire post, I am sure you are exhausted as I am. Good night!
The Good, the Bad and the Booted
So I have been to the doctor at least twice since I wrote about the boot situation. Well, the situation is still there, but at least now I have an accurate diagnosis. I went to the doctor last Wednesday thinking that after almost 3 weeks I would finally get the boot off. I saw some improvement in the swelling and a lot of improvement in the tenderness so I really was looking forward to wearing two shoes again. No such luck. She wasn't nearly as pleased with my "improvement" and decided to do an ultrasound to see if she saw any tears, etc.
When she did the ultrasound there was definitely something going on in there. She showed me what the healthy areas looked like which was like nice little lines - what you would think healthy tendons would look like really. Then you could see hte large bags of liquid - or the swelling. It was all over the place. Finally, when she got to the area that was the most swollen and tender to the touch the strainght lines kinda started looking more wavy or cloud-like. So off I went to get an MRI.
I got the MRI on Thursday morning and had to wait until today to get the results because of the Easter weekend. I really didn't want to wear the boot over Easter, but I did. See - you can even see it as I was hobbling away from Sam in this picture (proof that I am wearing it!):
When she did the ultrasound there was definitely something going on in there. She showed me what the healthy areas looked like which was like nice little lines - what you would think healthy tendons would look like really. Then you could see hte large bags of liquid - or the swelling. It was all over the place. Finally, when she got to the area that was the most swollen and tender to the touch the strainght lines kinda started looking more wavy or cloud-like. So off I went to get an MRI.
I got the MRI on Thursday morning and had to wait until today to get the results because of the Easter weekend. I really didn't want to wear the boot over Easter, but I did. See - you can even see it as I was hobbling away from Sam in this picture (proof that I am wearing it!):
So I went this afternoon and got the results. As usual, there was good news and bad news. The good news is that there is no fracture (which we knew from the x-rays) and no damage to my tendons. So where is the pain and all the swelling coming from you ask? Well, the first radiologist totally missed it. His report noted nothing but swelling. My doctor was not convinced that this persistent swelling after being booted for an extended period of time was from a simple sprain. Instead, she got a second opinion from the first radiologist's boss and he confirmed her suspicions. I have an injury, or small tear, to the retinaculum. Huh?
From the way she described it (and what I have read on the internet, which has proved to be a bad thing, as usual) the retinaculum is a webbing like membrane that covers the ankle bone and tendons and prevents the tendons from shifting all over the place, resulting in consistent rolling of the ankle, especially when exercising. Injuries are common - especially in bad sprains - but usually resolve without any help from a boot, etc. on their own. The bad news for me is that mine is worse than most and not resolving on its own, as of yet. That is mainly because there is not much blood flow to that area, according to my doctor.
Because this is actually a pretty important area of the ankle, healing is essential. So I am in the boot for at least three more weeks. I don't even go back to see my doctor for three more weeks. Looks like me and the boot are forming a long-term relationship. One that I did not want, but will agree to if it prevents surgery (something that I read all about on the internet so I am staying away from there!)
The thing is that we are going on our annual Upchurch family vacation in four weeks. I go back to the doctor on Monday, May 16 and we leave on Sunday May 22. I really really really don't want to be in Palmetto Bluff (one of my favorite places in the universe) in this boot. So pray. Pray hard. This thing has got to heal.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
