Brrrr. Is it as cold where you are as it is where I am? This is the coldest it's been all year, which isn't saying much, but I'm pretty sure it's colder than it's been since January 2011. We got spoiled here in central Ohio. At least all the bugs are dead now, right? Now if we could kill all the germs. The Catholic schools had a four-day weekend, which I am pretty sure is strategically placed on this past weekend every year so the germs can have time to die on all the school desks and doorknobs.
Faith had a four-day weekend too, which will make today just lovely (sarcastic). No good deed goes unpunished, right? We have some chili to make and deliver, and a doctor to visit, so our day will be broken up sufficiently for no productive activity. {wink}
I had my MRI yesterday and I'm sure you've just been dying to know if I flipped out. I did not. Fortunately my head never went through that space, as they put me in feet first, but I had a few heart-pounding moments when I was reminded just how tight a space that is. Whew. It was a long MRI -- an hour and some, with a heavy coil placed over my abdomen and my feet tied together. I'm pretty sure Geneva Convention would prevent us from treating POWs in such a manner. Not joking.
Since Doug took the day off yesterday and my family was all tucked inside our nice warm house when I got home from my before-dawn appointment, I spent most of the day in front of the fire watching episodes of Downtown for the third or fourth time (no joke) and not one bit -- not one bit -- of news. I felt like I had vertigo after lying flat on my back with earplugs in for over an hour, and sitting in an armchair with a roaring fire and the start of a knitted sweater in my lap was just the trick. I took a meclizine (used to treat vertigo) when I walked in the door, and by 4 p.m. I could not keep my eyes open another minute (meclizine would also be a great sleeping pill!). So I took a nap, with my knitting in my lap and the fire roaring. What a day!
Tomorrow I'll talk about the sweater as I join Ginny and friends for the first time in months. I quit knitting several months ago because of the tendinitis in my elbow. It never completely went away because I was still hand sewing and making rosaries. Now, after one big knitting day (because why would I start back in moderation?) it is back with a vengeance. Anyone have a sure-fire fix that does not involve taking a complete rest from all right-handed activity? I am using my brace, but not the one that presses on that point because I can't do anything with that on, except keep my arm straight. Yeah, right.
Speaking of ouchies (aren't I always?) do you "bust open your thumbs" every winter? I do -- little sore cracks in the skin around the thumb at the nail. It's like the flesh pumping up and busting out of the skin. They bleed and sting so badly. Any fixes? I use my homemade anti-bacterial salve, and it makes them feel better, but then I bust one open again and it bleeds and stings. Tonight I'll try avocado oil. I've heard of people using super glue but that sounds downright nasty.
I spent a couple of hours over the weekend making shampoo and hand soap. I feel like a real pioneer woman. I'll share those recipes soon. The shampoo is a little strange because it does not foam. The foaming is caused by one of the first ingredients in each shampoo -- sodium lauryl sulfate. We equate foam with clean, but it's possible to get clean without sodium lauryl sulfate. It's also an irritant, which is why when you get shampoo in your eyes, it burns. (Baby shampoo has less irritating ingredients) I tried my hand at dish soap this afternoon but it was a huge flop, so back to the drawing board there. I'll be sure to share my successes as soon as I know that they are.
PS I am finishing up this post this evening and I'd just had to tell you that the orthopedist I saw today looked at the MRI from yesterday and the cyst is still there. Remember when I told you that the ultrasound tech said the cyst was still there, and then the report that went to my doc said it was gone. I saw the report -- it said cyst resolved itself. The MRI done yesterday shows it's still there. I saw the MRI. I knew to trust the tech. I'm not really that concerned, but I am tired of doctors telling me that I am a medical mystery and that he/she is anxious to learn what the other doctor has to say. I feel like a dadgum tennis ball. The orthopedist can't help me because he says the nerve pain is not originating in my spine (though I have some arthritis there). Back to the drawing board there, too. I must have prayed for patience. ;-)
PSS I intended to write a post today about the anniversary of Roe v Wade, but I decided that snark was not called for today and that's about all I can come up with. Today is just plain sad. It doesn't matter the whys, all that matters is that something changes.
Yes, it is a sad, sad day. 55 million is not a number we can really imagine.
ReplyDeleteI too often bust my thumbs in the winter. It's a little better now that I wear gloves when dishwashing, but not completely better. I HAVE tried superglue and it works as well (or not well) as anything else.
Glad you handled the MRI and that is odd about the report when the test clearly shows the cyst is there. I hope that you get some answers soon!
I was going to tell you to use superglue on the cracks of your fingers too. I get horrid cracks all winter long and they hurt, and the superglue helps better than anything else. What I used to do was put triple antibiotic cream on them and cover with band-aids at night, that does help them heal quickly, but not as well as superglue. :)
ReplyDeleteI bet it's colder here....still doesn't kill those germs!
ReplyDeleteNot sure if it got above zero today. Always really cold on this day...every year, for those that march to the capital...
Sad, sad day.
Well, at least you are not a mystery? That's good news, right? I wouldn't do the super glue...oh, my, that would make it worse as it wore off. That avocado oil sounds great. I just use a really good, thick cream type lotion before bed and whenever I can.
You know me: coconut oil for whatever ails you. Inside and out!
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Surgeons use super glue on small and uncomplicated incisions! The glue wears off gradually and usually by the time it wears off, the cut is healed. :) And as soon as you put it on and it dries, much of the pain is gone and you can easily use your fingers again. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you updated. I would be terribly frustrated to hear that news...but I think you suspected the cyst was there. Incompetent technicians...grrrrrr. My poor dad is going through lots of doctors and no answers and no relief from pain -- I hate being an anomaly. If you're desperate, maybe Sherry A. Rogers "Pain Free in 6 Weeks" might have something that could help? It's a nutritional approach.
ReplyDeleteI get those cracks. No sure way to fix, just keep it moist and covered. I try to prevent them by using Neutrogena Norweigian Formula for my hands in the winter. I should try the coconut oil...I keep meaning to.
As far as the tendinitis, I think I said this before, but what kept it from coming back for me is staying away from Nightshade foods and wheat. The pain stays down when I don't have inflammatory foods. The pressure point thing worked for me, but like you said, you can't knit with it on!
But I do the same as you -- I knit like a vengeance at one sitting and always have sore hands and wrists the next day. It's nothing I can't work through, but still annoying.
Sad anniversary,yes. I only wish I could be in D.C. for the March. There is an over-the counter salve called "Crack Cream" (don't laugh; it really exists) that my friend Linda swears by for cracked skin on fingers and heels. Sorry; I don't know the manufacturer, but maybe your pharmacist can help. I'm praying for you and for your friend, Gina. I always love your posts, no matter what. Thank you for blogging! -- Rosemary
ReplyDeleteAfter I left here....I noticed my finger was cracked...I'm sure it was before, I was just ignoring it. For the last 2 nights, I put a dab of Neosporin on it, and 2 band-aids, one across the top and one around to hold it. It's all better today. I also had to do this when I got groceries, out in the freezing cold, I knew it would get worse!
ReplyDeleteThought of you and had to share!