My Life

Health Update

Before I start on my post, thank you from the very bottom of my heart to those who have mailed cards, sent emails or tweets, called or sent a text, or left comments here. I wish I could tell you how much these things mean to me. Since I’m not able to do a lot, it’s these interactions that make me feel like I’m still part of the human race.

It’s been twelve weeks since the accident {story here}. I’ve posted little updates, but I thought I would post everything up-to-date here. Please know I’m not posting this to have a pity party, or try to get sympathy…..I’ve had numerous people ask for an update, so I figured a post would be the best way.

After the accident I was sore and really tired, but it didn’t appear like there was much physical damage. About a week later, everything set in and I was really sore and in a lot of pain. I couldn’t move my neck at all {literally} and my left shoulder was practically to my chin since things were out of place. After a couple weeks of 6x a week of chiropractor appointments and massage therapy, I was able to start moving a little more than before. Driving was something far from my mind since I was still suffering from dizziness and nausea, not to mention major anxiety over driving since I was having flashbacks.

About a month after the accident, I started to feel even better so I started driving and life was semi-normal. Granted, I was still suffering from migraines, some nausea, soreness and dizziness, but it was bearable enough to start working more hours and get back to some of my old activities. I wish I could tell you how excited I was when I was able to drive to church by myself. MAJOR rejoicing.

While I was still rejoicing over feeling more normal, I had a set-back….a major one. I was driving home from work and then I felt super dizzy, nauseous, my vision started to blur and I couldn’t think straight. I pulled off to the side of the road and called my parents to pick me up. It was so discouraging and I felt completely deflated. Was hoping it was just a one day fluke and I would be back to normal…..sadly, that wasn’t the case.

It’s been about six weeks since I last drove and I’m still suffering from periodic nausea/ dizziness/ blurred vision, migraines, not being able to fully concentrate or retain memories and a lot of back pain. Sadly, my body hasn’t really been able to heal properly since I’m not able to sleep longer than a couple hours before waking up. The feeling of being so tired and not being able to sleep= frustrating.

We are still trying to figure out WHY I passed out in the first place. We thought it could have been an allergic reaction, but after an extensive allergy test, it didn’t turn out to be that. I had three MRIs, an EKG, two blood panel tests, a test for my nerves and those didn’t bring any answers either. One doctor suggested something I might have, but this isn’t a definite answer. Still doing some research and getting other opinions.

Tomorrow I have an appointment with a doctor who came highly recommended. I’m optimistic since I’ve heard great things– praying we can get some answers. Even if some of the ailments go away, that would be amazing. It’s all of them together that make day-to-day life rough.

That’s the short version of the story. You all are the best blog followers a girl could ever ask for. Again, thank you to those who have checked in on me and been keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. It means so much. If anything changes, you can be sure I’ll give you an update! :)

Things I’ve Learned

Hi all!

Today I have a MRI scheduled, so I’d appreciate prayers, happy thoughts, etc…. out of everything so far, this is the thing that scares me the most. I’m hoping it turns out “normal”, but then again, if it does, we’re onto more tests and such. I was hoping that almost three weeks in I’d have a few more answers… definitely learning patience in all of this.

Two weeks ago, while I was laying with a heat pack on my neck, I came up with this little list of things I’ve learned recently. It’s rather humorous (well, I think it is)– hopefully you can get a laugh out of it. :)

  • There’s a channel dedicated to game shows. Family Feud may have been watched for three consecutive hours a few days in a row.
  • There are still good people out there. So thankful those who found me were caring and nice!
  • Heat and ice packs don’t get the credit they deserve. Lifesavers for sure.
  • Popsicles make you forget your pain for approximately 4 minutes.
  • Even after eating pizza 6 days in a row, I still wasn’t sick of it.
  • Holding your neck up takes quite a bit of energy and muscle.
  • There is no such thing as too many naps.
  • Getting an EKG done reminds me of getting a car battery jumped.
  • There are some good looking paramedics out there. Just putting that out there.
  • Doctor visits sometimes bring more frustration than answers.
  • You can have the best nurse and doctor in the world, but it still isn’t fun to see them.
  • My sense of humor has not diminished….if anything, it’s gotten worse.
  • My OCD stays intact even when I’m in pain. I may have seen things on the floor and pulled out the vacuum. It took all my energy, but it was bothering me to no end.
  • Your true friends are made known during difficult times.

Yes, this was completely random. I guess that’s a little glimpse into my personality. My real life friends know I can be super random sometimes. Occasionally they’ll just laugh when I bring up an off-the-wall thought or comment. :)

Question: what is something you’ve learned recently? I can’t wait to read your lists! Thanks for sticking with me in this post. I promise, the next one won’t be so random!

Purpose in Life…..

You all know, I write from the heart. Whether it be something I’ve struggled with in the past, things I’m going through now, I lay it out there. Sometimes I feel vulnerable putting myself “out there” like I do, but then it is those times when I get the emails and comments saying what I’ve written has helped someone, or that they can relate to me. Hearing how my struggles/ journey has helped others has impacted me in such a big way. It’s humbling, mind boggling, amazing and crazy all wrapped into one. :)

In the past, I won’t pretend I didn’t write for the blog comments. It’s ALWAYS reassuring to get some blog love and see that someone actually reads your posts. However, lately, I’m not so much concerned with the number of comments I receive as much as what those comments are saying. Hearing “your post inspired me to _________” or “your outlook on __________ really challenged me”- THOSE are the things I strive now here on the blog. I absolutely love that I’m able to inspire people through my blogs- whether it be in my weight loss journey, crafting endeavors, or making the most out of life. My goal is to do my best to continue this. But moving deeper…..

Being at the age I am, I struggle with knowing my ultimate purpose in life. The things beyond sharing the love of Christ to those around me. Beyond being a loyal daughter/friend/sister. I’m talking about what does God have me placed on Earth to do? I know so many people around me that have felt their calling in life, but I have yet to experience that. Honestly, it’s been lingering in my mind for a couple years, but with the accident, it’s in the forefront now. It’s completely obvious that God has SOMETHING still here for me to do, or I wouldn’t have survived. The question is: what is it? Will He reveal it to me soon?

Have any of you struggled with this in the past? Or possibly you’re going through this now? Have a story on how you knew YOUR calling? While I may inspire some of you, many of YOU inspire me. :) I would LOVE to hear about your stories or even thoughts on this subject.

That’s going to wrap up this post. Big, big hugs to you all. ♥

  

Car Accident

There are some things you never want to be involved in. One of them: being in a car accident. The story I have for you may sound crazy or unbelievable, but I promise it’s the truth.

On Thursday, I had my full work day. It was a good day and I was so excited to start my weekend off afterwards with a trip to Target, my favorite store. I was making my way there and started to not feel very good, so I headed in the direction of home. I was feeling clammy, nauseous and dizzy on the drive home and was planning to pull off into a driveway to rest. As I was praying to get parked safely, the next thing I know I can’t see anymore and I’m waking up to a stranger talking to me. “Are you okay? Do you know where you are?- those were the first things I heard when I gained consciousness. After coming to, I learned I had passed out while driving. There was someone talking to the 911 dispatcher, people peering out of their apartments and many people gathering around my car.

Many moments later, the paramedics came and started taking vitals and information. Shortly after, a police officer came and got details and started assessing the damage. The miracle? I had crossed FOUR lanes of traffic (crossing the street with oncoming traffic coming towards me), jumped the curb, narrowly missed a tree and hit two parked cars. On top of that, this is one of the busiest streets in the city I was in and there are practically always pedestrians walking on the sidewalks. It’s a miracle that I didn’t get hit by an oncoming car, didn’t hit any walking pedestrians or hit the tree. Everyone around kept stating that they didn’t know how there wasn’t more damage.

It’s another miracle that I didn’t get more injured. In all reality I shouldn’t still be alive. I know for a fact that angels were watching over me. I went to the doctor on Friday and thus far, there isn’t any signs of lasting injuries. I’m SUPER sore, exhausted, dizzy and nauseous, but I know it could be so much worse. I think the fact that I wasn’t conscious helped since I wasn’t able to tense up beforehand. Also, I was wearing a seat belt so I didn’t fly out the window.

I never wanted to be in an accident- after nine years of driving, I haven’t ever been in an accident while I was the driver. Yes, all of this is a hassle, the pain is almost unbearable today and it’s not cool that my car has to be in the shop. However, I’m blessed to be alive. I’m thankful that my friend was able to come quickly and help talk with insurance while I was still recovering, that my sister was able to come from Seattle and take care of me that night, that there are no broken bones, all the cars involved are still drivable and overall everything should be okay within a few weeks.

I’ve been on mostly on my back these last few days- standing and walking aren’t things I can do for very long right now. I would so appreciate prayers for healing and the pain, along with being able to get back to “normal life” soon. I have a test coming soon to see if they know why I passed out, so I’m hoping that will answer questions.

I’m hoping that I can do what I normally do, but just bear with me if there are gaps between posts. :) I’ll be in contact with Ginny so we can announce the winner of the 10 Minute Craft Dash in the next day or two.

I know this is a super long post and I should go lay down again. I’ll talk with you all soon.

*updates can be found HERE, HERE and HERE.