KateSpot

September 10, 2008

Youngest and her Allergies

The year is starting off quite well for Youngest. ::knocking wood:: Turns out there's another child in her class who is also allergic to peanuts. I was happy to hear about that. Not that I wish food allergies on anyone but at least there can be strength in numbers. I haven't met the other mom, yet. I have a feeling we will meet at the first class party.

I did sign up to be a class mom for her third grade class. The teacher usually chooses me only because of her allergies. If for some reason I do not get chosen, I will be at all the parties anyway. Just try to keep me out - lol.

Posted by Cate at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)

April 20, 2008

This is my nightmare

Direct from the AP:

An eighth-grader was charged with wanton endangerment after allegedly putting crumbled peanut butter cookies in the lunchbox of another student with a severe allergy to peanuts.

The allergic student, also an eighth-grader, did not eat the cookies and did not suffer a reaction.

Fayette County public schools spokeswoman Lisa Deffendall said the incident occurred Thursday on the Morton Middle School running track, where students had gone to eat lunch and enjoy the warm weather.

As the students neared the end of their lunchtime, a student was seen putting the crumbled cookies in the allergic student's lunchbox, she said.

It was well known the other student suffered from severe peanut allergies, Deffendall said. There was no known history of problems between the two 13-year-old students, she said.

After an investigation, the student was arrested on a felony wanton endangerment charge and has been removed from the school, Deffendall said.

I hope to God that this little bastard student is expelled. I am terrified that Youngest (who has life-threatening food allergies) could have some problems further down the road. In fact, this year has been most difficult for her. In the beginning of the school year, one of her classmates waved a peanut butter sandwich at her, taunting her. Another waved a cheese sandwich at her. Of course, I spoke to the teacher and, on each occasion, she had the students apologize to Youngest.

But, it made me so very angry. It's not her fault she has these allergies. I can see that this year has been more difficult for her. Thankfully, she is quite the social butterfly and a lot of kids still want to hang out with her. Those are the ones that are willing to not eat a PB&J sandwich or peanut butter crackers while sitting next to her.

::sigh::

Poor kid.

Posted by Cate at 08:49 PM | Comments (2)

January 30, 2008

T minus 20 hours

Tomorrow, Youngest, Husband, and I will be heading into NYC. We will be visiting one of the top specialists in the field of food allergies. Husband has been warning me that I may not hear what I'd like to hear and that the doctor might question why why we made the appointment. I'd like to hear more... more of what I can do to help Youngest's situation. I'd love to hear that her allergy scores are within safe levels and we can introduce certain foods back into her diet.

It's good to wish.

::sigh::

If anything, it will be a most informative day. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to meet this doctor as he is mentioned in a lot of allergy articles and, frankly speaking, he knows his shit.

We are leaving for NYC very early - 630am early. Like, getting on the bus at 630am. Oy. Hopefully, we will arrive in NYC at a decent time since we are leaving during rush hour. We mapped out the crosstown bus routes (MTA)as well as the subway lines (the 6 train). Husband and I even found all the McDonalds in Manhattan.

I've got the video iPod to be charged up and I will be adding a few Spongebob episodes. Youngest adores Spongebob. I've got to pack two sets of epi-pens (Youngest and Husband) and the other assorted medicines that we carry, all the medical records, some bagels and other snack foods, water, wipes, checkbook, hats, gloves and possibly an umbrella.

Lordy - please don't let it snow.

Ok - off to a chaperone a class trip for Youngest's class. WIll be back around 1-ish. Wish me luck!

Posted by Cate at 08:10 AM | Comments (5)

January 15, 2008

Food Allergy

I didn't mention that we (the entire family) are heading into NYC at the end of the month. Youngest has an appointment at Mount Sinai with Dr. Scott Sicherer. He is one of the leading clinicians in the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute. Husband and I need to know what our next move should be regarding Youngest's food allergies. I am very much looking forward to meeting Dr. Sicherer. I have read all about him on the Internet as well as reading his reports in working with the The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. I hope he is able to help us to do the right thing for Youngest.

Posted by Cate at 09:14 AM | Comments (1)

October 30, 2007

Ewwwwwwwww

I'm siiiiiiiiiiiiick [/end whine]

I had a great weekend, attending a Girl Scout dance and even a Halloween party. On Sunday, five girls from my third year Junior troop and myself visited a local nursing home to play Bingo with them. I don't know who had more fun - the girls or the residents! I was so very proud of my girls. They are all excited to go back again before Christmas and host another Bingo event. We provided all the prizes for the residents and they had a ball choosing through all the goodies - like scarves and earrings for the ladies, tshirts and ballcaps for the men as well as writing paper, a clock, cookies and mini chocolate bars. We also served snack - Thin Mints and Oreos. Gee, I wonder why they want us back?

I spiked a nice fever of 101 today, always fun to be sick right before a party. Youngest's class is having a party tomorrow and I will be bringing in cupcakes. I guess I neeed to make some cupcakes. I hope I feel better tomorrow or Husband will be dragging the girls around trick or treating.

Ugh - off to bed for me.

Posted by Cate at 09:20 PM | Comments (1)

September 28, 2007

Diagnosis for Husband

Well, Husband went for his MRI testin on Wednesday. I"ve got to say that I am quite thankful for our insurance. $1400 is a lotta coin to put out of pocket. Turns out that he has herniated discs (L3 and L4). So far, our chiro has been great and we've also had additional help and advice from my awesome friends Kathy and Todd who are chiros in California (Hi guys!)

So, for now, he will seeing Joe on a regular basis and I will need to set him up with a visit to an orthopaedic doctor and possibly a pain management specialist. Husband has been feeling a lot better. He's been icing the heck out of his back as well as taking the anti-inflamnmatory and muscle relaxant. He did get another script for pain and he has been feeling a lot better. Heck, he is able to lay down and sleep now.

What else.. what else.. well, things are starting to calm down around here. I am burnt out and I grabbed a nap yesterday for about 90 minutes. Then, I conked out by 11pm. I still feel like I could sleep for a day or two.. how funny.. I just yawned as I was typing out the previous sentence. Heee!

OK - off to work on some errands and chores. Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 08:19 AM | Comments (1)

July 17, 2007

Swimming Alert

My neighbor told me about this condition. She watched it on the news last night and thought about my girls when they are in the pool. It's called Shallow Water Blackout. Shallow water blackout, according to the Norfolk, Va.-based U.S. Naval Safety Center, which trains Marines and sailors on safety issues, happens when a swimmer such as Scofelia hyperventilates or takes a series of short breaths before going underwater. When I did a search on it, I came up with this article about a 15 year old girl and the results of when she was with her swim team. I also found the following tips on another website.

• Avoid taking deep rapid breaths (or hyperventilate) prior to swimming underwater.
  
• Avoid holding your breath underwater for an extended period of time.
  
• If swimming underwater, come up for air once you feel the urge to breathe.
  
• Avoid unnecessary or excessive exertion while holding your breath.


• Do not swim without a buddy or trained observer present at the pool.


• After holding your breath underwater, make sure to relax and breathe normally.


• Parents and swimming professionals should make all swimmers aware of the dangers of breath holding.

Posted by Cate at 11:22 AM | Comments (1)

May 03, 2007

Stir Crazy

I've been trapped on my couch for a few days. Someone please put me out of my misery. I hate just sitting there. I did work on some of my GS paperwork. I also cancelled the meetings for both troops for this week and next week as well. I have been hobbling around, using my crutches and now my hands hurt too.

Boy, can I get any more whiny and pathetic?

Yeah, I suppose I could. I have an appointment in the morning for the orthopaedist. I'll have to see what his recomendation is for my foot. Right now, it's still wrapped in the splint/ace bandage gear. I want to rip it off and scratch the hell out of my leg. I don't even like to sleep with socks on so you can imagine how much this thing is driving me crazy.

On a good note, I did get to spend the day with Husband. My poor husband has been working very hard around the house, cooking, cleaning, laundry, taking care of the girls.... He's just fantastic and I adore him for not even complaining, even a little bit. Husband and my mom have been doing so much for me. I feel guilty just sitting with my foot up while they hustle around my home.

Ok - off to bed. G'nite everyone!

Posted by Cate at 12:08 AM | Comments (9)

April 30, 2007

The diagnosis

Thanks to my mother, I was chauffered to the ER today around 930am. They x-rayed my foot as well doing some poking and probing. It's fractured along the top part of my foot. It's all wrapped up with a splint and ace bandages. They told me to keep icing it and gave me Darvocet. I've got an appointment on Thursday with a very good orth who will most likely to cast it up. I am now the owner of a pair of very shiny cruches. I hate them.

I think I am going to ask for a hot pink cast.

Posted by Cate at 07:00 PM | Comments (6)

January 18, 2007

Wiped Out

I've been getting some wicked headaches and today was no exception. So, please forgive the lack of posting and email responses and hopefully tomorrow I'll be feeling better.

Posted by Cate at 08:06 PM | Comments (5)

January 09, 2007

Attack of the Sickies

Husband was the first to catch the current cold du jour. At this point, I think it might have evolved into bronchitis. Needless to say, Youngesthas also caught "something" as well. She's been complaining of a headache for about three days and, last night, visited my bedroom three times. She's running a slight fever too, the poor kid. So, no school for her today and we'll be visiting the pediatrician later.

Thank goodness Eldest is feeling well! I'm not doing to bad either. I'm just exhausted from being woken up three time last night. Hmm, now that I think about it, Youngestis still asleep. I think it's time for a nap!

Posted by Cate at 07:32 AM | Comments (0)

November 10, 2006

Katespot - Silenced?

I had my appointment with the speech pathologist this morning. He had me pegged in the first 60 seconds upon entering his office.

"Vocal Abuse"

Vocal abuse is any behavior or occurrence that strains or injures the vocal folds (or vocal cords). This may include excessive talking, throat clearing, coughing, inhaling irritants, smoking, screaming, or yelling. Vocal misuse is improper voice usage such as speaking too loudly or at an abnormally high or low pitch. Frequent vocal abuse and misuse can damage the vocal folds and cause temporary or permanent changes in vocal function, voice quality, and possible loss of voice.

I done broke my voice.

Disorders of vocal abuse and misuse are the most prevalent and preventable of the types of voice disorders. Anyone, from infants to the elderly, who uses his or her voice excessively may develop a disorder related to vocal abuse. Lawyers, teachers, clergy, cheerleaders, and professional voice users such as singers and actors often develop these types of voice disorders.

In order to heal my vocal chords, I have to be quiet and modulate my voice. I can't yell, sing, talk quickly or loudly. I can't even chat on the phone for more than 5 minutes. I can't even talk a lot. :::sigh::: The kids are thrilled because I can't yell at them. Of course, I did tell them that I don't need to use my voice to beat them. JOKING

Husband is having a laugh over the fact that I was told to stay as quiet as possible. I know he's not being mean about it. As anyone who has ever spoken with me knows, I am pretty chatty. This is going to be very difficult for me for the next couple weeks. I will be living off emails for a while. I can speak, just not a lot.

Boy, I really have to choose my words carefully now, eh?

Posted by Cate at 09:59 AM | Comments (6)

October 18, 2006

Shop for a Cure

I saw this cute bag from Smith and Hawken.

Upon further investigation, I discovered that Smith and Hawken has several items for sale that have proceeds that specifically go the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Go on and check them out.. help raise money for a cure.

Posted by Cate at 08:11 AM | Comments (0)

October 17, 2006

The diagnosis is....

Bronchitis!

I've got scripts for Zithromax, some kind of decongestant and a new inhaler. I can't wait to breathe. YAY for breathing!

Posted by Cate at 02:29 PM | Comments (4)

October 16, 2006

Sickie

I still have the cold I caugh from Youngestalmost ten days ago. It feels like I have a fifty pound weight on my chest. My right lung occasionally hurts when I breathe. I am so uncomfortable that I actually made a doctor's appointment for myself. I think I've got bronchitis or pneumonia. No fever - just can't breathe. I also have mild asthma so I've been huffing my inhalers, which haven't done diddly squat. Hope I get some good drugs tomorrow!

So - how are you all doing? Better than me I hope!

Posted by Cate at 10:29 PM | Comments (3)

May 04, 2006

Damn

I've got to get a cavity filled this morning.

Blah.

Before I head to the dentist, I've got to stop at all four schools and pick up registrations for our last (thank goodness!) Family Fun Night event. It's going to be a Wingo (Bingo) night and I think that it's going to be a lot of fun. I've just ordered a bunch of little giveaway prizes from Oriental Trading and the "big" prizes will be gift cards to local stores - Michaels, McDonalds, Walmart, Atlantic Books, and Blockbusters PLUS free dessert cards to Applebees.

Booyah indeed.

Posted by Cate at 08:23 AM | Comments (2)

March 15, 2006

It's a man, baby!

::cough cough::

Yeah, I'm the manly sounding one around here. I've finally succumbed to the cold that the girls and Husband had the past few weeks. So, I've got the wicked cough and a voice that sounds like Demi Moore after a few packs of Luckys.

Oh yeah - seeeexxxyyyy. rowr.

::cough cough::

Yeah - I'm so hot. Maybe I'm feverish.

Posted by Cate at 01:25 PM | Comments (3)

February 15, 2006

She's home

Youngest's procedure went smoothly this morning and we are already home.
Of course, when the nurses and doctors wheeled her away as she was crying, my heart was breaking. But, she's ok now and that's all that matters.

I'm off to tend to the munchkin.

Posted by Cate at 09:34 AM | Comments (5)

February 10, 2006

YES!!!!

Ok - I am totally psyched that I bought a pair of jeans that are TWO sizes smaller than what I was previously wearing AND THEY FIT!!

:::happy dance:::

My goal:

Posted by Cate at 11:04 AM | Comments (9)

February 04, 2006

Deja vu all over again

Today's entry is brought to you by the letter B, the number 2, (as in teaspoons)and sponsored by the Pfizer corporation. Don't you know the song that Cookie Monster sings? "B is for Benadryl"? It's the number 1 hit in my house this week.

Last night, while we were watching movies, Youngeststarted her allergy coughing. We had no clue what was causing it but we gave her benadryl (thank you Pfizer for creating benadryl. It's truly been a life saver) and a nebulizer treatment. She ended up falling alseep, wrapped in a blanket and all curled up on Eldest's beanbag chair. I carried her into bed and she was out for the night.

Later in the evening, Husband and I got ready for bed. I flicked on the tv and we watched tv for a little while. I must have fallen asleep because, the next thing I know, Husband woke me up. He was having an allergic reaction - hives everywhere on his body. Feet, hands, back, legs.. you name it. He took a large dose of benadryl and jumped into the shower. At this point. neither one of us knew what the hell was causing his reaction. It's been a long time since I've witnessed a reaction with Husband.

He got out of the shower and was still very itchy and quite uncomfortable. I had him take more benadryl and then I covered him with extra strength benadryl spray. He was certain there was something on or in the bedsheets. We sat in the couch, at 1230am, discussing what the hell might have caused this. He didn't eat anything different nor did I, therefore eliminating food contamination. We also realized that Youngestwas most likely affected due to her reaction earlier in the evening. We hashed it out and finally came to the conclusion that Husband most likely brought home peanut butter on his jeans.

Where Husband works, there are operators that work overnights. One guy, who worked overnight the past couple nights, makes himself PB&J sandwiches at work. Husband thinks he might have brushed up against a table that had trace amounts of peanut butter on it and got it on his jeans. It makes sense. Youngestwas all over Husband last night and it could have just been enough to trigger her response. When Husband got changed for bed, he most likely got it on his hands and rubbed his face or arms. His reaction was lightening fast. He had pulled out the epi-pen and was thisclose to using it. Thankfully, the benadryl worked quickly. Another ER trip avoided.

So, for every one of you who thinks that peanut allergies (or any other food allergies) are a load of bunk, well, you are sadly mistaken.

tags: benadryl + food allergies + peanut allergies + peanut allergy

Posted by Cate at 11:40 AM | Comments (4)

February 03, 2006

I'm going in

Yep - I've got a doctor's appointment at 945am. I can't take this neck pain. It's not at painful as it was on Monday but the pain is still waking me up at night. And that, my friends, that really sucks.

I'm going to drive Youngestto school, run to the bank, visit my doc, get some drugs (I hope!) and do some MUCH needed food shopping. I'm down to the bare bones!

Wish me luck!

Posted by Cate at 08:22 AM | Comments (6)

February 02, 2006

That was scary

Had a bit of a scare earlier this evening. Youngestwas invited to a friend's house after school today. I had no intention of just dropping her off and saying "See ya!" Oh no - not with food allergies. Until I know you better and I am confident you can administer an Epi-Pen, I stay.

So, the girls played while we, the adults, chatted. There is another child in the home, a two and a half year old boy. He's cute.. and spoiled. Maybe not spoiled but just busy. And loud. VERY loud. Good lord, that boy was loud!

I had a nice time, chatting with the other mom. She's very very pregnant and due right about now. We stayed for about ninety minutes and, right as I was getting stuff together so we could leave, Youngeststarted to cough. Not just any cough. It was "the cough", the type of cough that sends me on high alert. I hustled her out as quickly (and politely) as I could and we hauled ass home.

As soon as we got home, she ran into the bathroom to get a drink while I prepped her benedryl dose. She took it and then I changed her clothes and wiped her down. She was wheezing but able to speak to me. I prepped her nebulizer and watched her while she used it. Thankfully, it worked and we didn't have to rush to the ER. For a moment there, my nerves were shot. I knew I would be able to give her the epi but I do dread the day when I actually have to do it.

Youngestand I figured out that there must have been crumbs on the couch or rug where they were playing in the living room. Or, there could have been trace remains on the table where all three kids were coloring. Ahh - the joys of food allergies. Contaminates everywhere.

Thankfully, Youngestis fine. She ate a good dinner, is all showered and squeaky clean and now foraging around for a snack. I'm off to feed my "starving" daughter.

tags: food allergies

Posted by Cate at 07:34 PM | Comments (4)

February 01, 2006

WW update

Upon weigh-in this morning, I discovered that I am down three more pounds, bringing my total loss to 7.6.

Go me!

Gotta run - Youngest's got gymnastics.

Posted by Cate at 03:02 PM | Comments (3)

Achy Breaky

My neck is still hurting. I am going back to the chiro today and I really hope it helps more today. I am SO sore and the past 3 mornings have pretty much sucked. I can't lift heavy things.. can't go to the gym.. can't turn my head... bitch moan bitch moan.... I might have to actually break down and call my primary doc and see if he can prescribe something because 800mg of ibuprofen ain't touching the pain.

Off to Weight Watchers - I think I'm only down a couple pounds. Poo.

Posted by Cate at 07:53 AM | Comments (5)

January 31, 2006

It's official

Ear tubes. As early as next week too.

tags: ear tubes

Posted by Cate at 11:31 AM | Comments (4)

January 30, 2006

Got a crick....

in my neck. OW OW OW OW! Thank goodness I was able to see my chiro this morning. God, I love him. It still hurts like hell but at least I have some range of motion in my neck now. I will be seeing him again on Wendesday morning....

So, it's no gym for me the next few days. Damn. I am going to try to tackle some more cleaning in the bedrooms and maybe organize the mess that is my kitchen. Later!

Posted by Cate at 10:44 AM | Comments (0)

January 25, 2006

Not so bad...

Ok - so I managed to lose a 1/2 lb. Better than gaining, right? I know what I did wrong this past week. I didn't get to the gym as ofter as I would have liked and Saturday just ruined me. When I hopped up on the scale today, I was thrilled to have lost anything at all!

On the cookie front, Eldest is doing awesome! So far, she's sold 154 boxes! We're going to try to sell more on Saturday before Miss Mary comes down for a day of taping and spackling hell for a lovely visit. Shoot me an email if you are interested in purchasing some cookies!

tags: girl scouts + girl scout cookies + girl scouting + girl scout fundraiser + cookies

Posted by Cate at 07:27 PM | Comments (3)

Uh oh

Today is weigh in and I know I didn't lose anything this week. ::sigh:: I'm going to switch from Core to Flex. I am having a very hard time with the Core plan. It's the lack of carbs - I am having an extremely hard time with that. I guess I am addicted to carbs?

Anyway - off to feed the kidlets. WIll catch up later.

Posted by Cate at 07:13 AM | Comments (5)

January 09, 2006

Achy and Stuffy

Being sick really sucks. I've got to get to the store and pick up some more Robitussin. My head feels like it's going to explode. I've got a Daisy meeting for Youngest's troop this afternoon. I sure hope my head feels better by then or it just might explode from all the noise!My head is all stopped up with my nose running. I need to drink some more water. I think I might be slightly dehydrated as well.

I've managed to lose 2-3 lbs. Woohoo! I'll take it any way I can - dehydration or not.

::update::
Desperate times call for desperate measures. I just raided my stash filled medicine cabinent and found a couple doses of Robitussin Liquicaps. Booyah. I also found stuff that was 4-5 years old that needed to be flushed. But this, this is going to be my lifesaver. I'll take these babies tonight before bed.

Speaking of bed, I stayed up wayyy too late last night watching a stand up routine featuring Christoper Titus on Comedy Central. Holy hell, he is one funny sumbitch.

Ok -I've got to lay down. My head weighs a TON!

Posted by Cate at 09:38 AM | Comments (6)

January 06, 2006

Down for the count

Youngest's got another ear infection - the poor kid. And, to top things off, somewhere along the way, I picked up a cold, probably from going into Youngest's classroom Tuesday. Ugh - my head is all stopped up except for my nose, which is running like a sonofabitch.

:::running for the tissuebox:::

Better now. I made the executive decision to keep Youngestout of school and I cancelled attending my WW meeting with my buddy. I'd have to be there in one hour and there's no way I can even get dressed right now. I don't have a fever - just a bad case of pissandmoan disease.

I'm going back to bed.

Posted by Cate at 08:02 AM | Comments (5)

December 15, 2005

Support

Please help support the Kids With Food Allergies (KFA). There is an incredible amount of support to be found on that website. If you are interested, read the information in the extended entry.

Every little bit helps.

Dear Member of Kids With Food Allergies,

Asthma, food allergies, anaphylaxis. The diagnoses for my son, Matt, left me feeling both frightened and overwhelmed. I knew no one who had a child with severe food allergies until I started to find other parents on the Internet in the mid-1990s. I didn't understand the real value of those online connections, though, until one day when Matt had an anaphylactic reaction at school in first grade while I was out running errands.

I returned home that day to find the following message on my answering machine:

"Mrs. Mitchell, this is the school nurse. Matt's had a severe allergic reaction at school, and we've called 911. We've been unable to reach you. Please contact us immediately."

My heart sank. This was only the second week of school for my first grader - my baby - and I was not home when the school needed to reach me! My cell phone had been in a bad reception area as I ran errands. I called the nurse, who told me the paramedics had arrived and were ready to transport Matt by ambulance. I was told to meet the ambulance at the hospital.

I was devastated to think he was going through this without me. I raced to the hospital and met up with my wide-eyed, frightened 7 year old as he was whisked into the Emergency Room.

Thankfully, the school nurse, paramedics and hospital treated him expertly, and we went home later that day. Within a few days, Matt was as good as new and back at school. I was still reeling from the stress of his having such a bad reaction, though, while away from me and out of my care. I feared for his safety and health.

At the time, I had no local support group, and knew no other parents who had children with severe allergies. I was shaken for weeks, and could barely talk about it with anyone except my immediate family and close friends. I felt very alone and afraid for Matt.

A week or so later, I logged on to an Internet allergy message board and posted, in heartfelt detail, my story and concerns about Matt's anaphylactic reaction. I checked back the next day, and found a number of other moms with severely allergic children who offered kind words and a sympathetic ear. They understood how frightening it was to have a child have a severe reaction like Matt did, and then send him back to school. They even suggested some ideas for helping me to make better school plans for the future.

It was then that I realized how online support could truly be a lifeline to a family raising a child with food allergies- if only to find other parents who understand.

Years later, this experience was the inspiration for founding Kids With Food Allergies: to make sure that any parent who wants to connect with other parents of food-allergic children can do so- in the comfort of their homes, just by going online. Having a place to go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to share recipes, parenting tips, coping strategies, humor and stories makes such a difference. KFA is also a place to find helpful articles, news and tips reviewed by our Medical Advisory Team.

If you have read this far then you probably already know how valuable a resource KFA can be for families like ours.

I now ask you to step up to help KFA meet its fundraising goal of $100,000 for 2006.

Launching and maintaining KFA has been a labor of love made possible by the kindness of its many volunteers, with work completed on a shoestring budget, and donations received from a small number of families and corporations. Yet it has not been enough for us to do all that we need to do to keep KFA thriving.

Please join us so we can keep KFA alive.

A lot of us are on tight budgets, having to pay for expensive formulas, doctors' visits and more.

However, let's try to put a price on how much KFA is worth. Is it $10, $20, $200?

Has KFA saved you from worrying needlessly, and eased your fears and anxieties about having an allergic child?

Has KFA helped you and your child have a happy first birthday party or his first safe "ice cream" treat?

Did KFA assist you in helping to find the right preschool or doctor for your child?

Has KFA taught you to ask the right questions when you take your child to the doctor?

If your answer is yes, I urge you to give today - $10, $50, $100 or whatever you can give (raid the change box!). One hundred percent of your gift will go to keeping KFA running, and since KFA is a 501(c)(3) charity, your donation is tax-deductible to the extent of the law.

Please help us reach our goal by sending your gift of support today.

You may donate safely online, by going to:

http://www.kidswithfoodallergies.org/donate.html

You may also donate by postal mail, by sending a donation to:

Kids With Food Allergies, Inc.
73 Old Dublin Pike, Ste. 10, #163
Doylestown, PA 18901

Together, you and I can work together so that families raising children with food allergies don't have to feel alone. Please help us stay online to be here for families.

Thank you and warm wishes for the holidays,


Lynda Mitchell

P.S. I encourage you to reach out to friends and family- please ask them to make a donation, too, to help support something you need for your child and your family. Help us achieve our goal with generous donations from you- and your friends and family!

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Yes, I want to keep Kids With Food Allergies thriving!

Here is my donation for

_____ $50 ____$100 ____$250 ____Other _________

Name: ______________________________________

Address: _____________________________________

City: ________________________________________

State: _____________

Zip: ______________

Telephone: ___________________________________

KFA Username: _______________________________

E-mail Address: _______________________________

You can mail your generous donation to:

Kids With Food Allergies, Inc.
73 Old Dublin Pike, Ste. 10, #163
Doylestown, PA 18901

All donations are tax deductible to the extent of the law.
You will receive an acknowledgment of your donation by mail.

Thank you for supporting Kids With Food Allergies!

Posted by Cate at 11:07 PM | Comments (1)

December 12, 2005

We have a winnah!

Strep with a side of scarlet fever vs Amoxicillan and Motrin.

There's gonna be a smackdown today.

Posted by Cate at 11:19 AM | Comments (8)

Good morning.... or is it?

Poor Youngestis still out of sorts. Luckily, she hasn't vomited any more since Saturday *knocking wood* Her throat is sore and, when I peeked in her mouth last night, I noticed some tiny red and white spots. Hmmm, that doesn't seem right. Plus, she has this crazy rash all over her body. It's raised and red. Infact, they look like tiny little hives and it's making her crazy. She's itching and scratching, my poor baby. When I called the pedi, she got right back to me and, after a long discussion, determined that Youngest's body is most like producing extra histamines. The doctor suggested giving YoungestZantac in order to stop the histamine production. Husbandand I were doubtful but when we researched it (thank you Google!), a lot of very helpful info came up about it. This particular link explained everything for us. Very interesting indeed.

I am still concerned about the sore throat and continuous fever. She woke me at 530am to tell me that her throat really hurt. I dosed her up with Motrin, gave her a cup of ice water and she was able to go back to sleep. I hope to God that Youngestdoes not have strep. I know there was a little girl in her class that was diagnosed with strep on Friday. Oy. I've got to stop reading WebMD. I'm freaking myself out!

I barely got Eldest off to school on time this morning, the poor kid. She didn't want to go to school and I almost didn't send her. But, Christmas break is not far away and she can hang in there. She's a toughie.

Will update later with the full details.

Posted by Cate at 07:50 AM | Comments (4)

December 10, 2005

Puke Central

Youngestmust have picked up some kind of stomach bug. She's vomited three times today, the poor baby. Her last episode was about 30 minutes ago. I've just tucked Eldest into bed and Husband is sitting with Olivia, having some Daddy/Daughter time.

I hope you are all doing better than Olivia!

::11pm update:: Another episode. I hope she's able to sleep tonight.

Posted by Cate at 10:22 PM | Comments (5)

November 29, 2005

Girl dies in peanut butter kiss

This happened to Husband when we first started dating. He picked me up at work and we ate lunch in the car while parked at the Manasquan Inlet. Unfortunately, I made the mistake and kissed him. Luckily (or foolishly), he was able to get some Benedryl into him quickly and, after driving me back to work, was able to drive himself to the local hospital. I am terrified that something like this could happen to Oliva when she is older.

A 15-year-old Canadian girl with a peanut allergy died after kissing her boyfriend who had eaten a peanut butter sandwich hours earlier, reports say. Christina Desforges, of Saguenay, Quebec, died last week after she failed to respond to days of treatment.

She had been given an adrenaline shot, a standard treatment for anaphylactic shock, almost immediately after she suffered a reaction.

A peanut allergist in Montreal said the case is "very rare and worrisome".

Ms Desforges' 16-year-old boyfriend had kissed her some nine hours after he had eaten peanut butter on toast, the AFP news agency reported.

"She was extremely allergic to peanuts and her boyfriend didn't know," a reporter for Canadian broadcaster TVA said.

Ms Desforges was taken to a hospital in Saguenay, about 155 miles (250km) north of Quebec City, where she died.

Hospital officials refused to comment. A post-mortem is due to be carried out.

Rhoda Kagan, a peanut allergist at Montreal's Children's Hospital, said some people have an "extremely low threshold" of resistance to peanuts and their traces.

"This varies greatly from person to person and is highly unpredictable," she was quoted by the Associated Press as saying.

Peanut allergy symptoms can include hives, a drop in blood pressure and swelling of the face and throat that can block breathing.

Posted by Cate at 11:29 AM | Comments (6)

November 03, 2005

YoungestDay

Youngest's home from school today - her eyes looks so red and weepy. We just got back from the pedi and she seems to think it's from her seasonal allergies. We've got Patanol drops for her. Youngest's not happy - she hates eye drops. Normally, she's SO good about taking medications. She just knocks it back and chases it with a drink of water. With eye drops, she's a little more freaked out. I can't blame her. I hate drops too.

I've got to clean up and knock off some laundry. Catch ya later!

Posted by Cate at 10:55 AM | Comments (4)

October 17, 2005

She should just move in with us

We're going back to the pedi this morning for Olivia. She was up a few times last night, coughing and barking. Ten bucks says that it's another ear infection.

Wheee.

Posted by Cate at 09:09 AM | Comments (4)

October 08, 2005

We're home

Husband is much better - thank you so very much for all of your kind thoughts and prayers. They must have worked wonders because he is fine. After all the tests and results came back, he has fluid in his inner ear which caused vertigo.

Phew.

Now I'm off to feed the monsters.. I'll write more later..

Posted by Cate at 05:21 PM | Comments (10)

Positive Thoughts

I'm bringing Husband to the ER as soon as my FIL gets here. Husband's dizzy and feels nauseous.

Good thoughts, 'k?

Posted by Cate at 09:17 AM | Comments (9)

October 07, 2005

Here a pox, there a pox

Everywhere a pox, pox.

Chicken pox that it. Poor Eldest.

It's going to be a loooooooooong weekend.

Posted by Cate at 12:04 PM | Comments (8)

September 30, 2005

Down for the Count

Remember when I said that Youngestwas home from school? She was hacking and coughing so Husband brought her to the pediatrician yesterday. Not only did I screw up the appointment time - I thought the receptionist said 5:45 instead of 4:45 - the poor kid has walking pneumonia AND an ear infection. What a way to start the weekend.

Obviously, she's home from school today. She was most upset because her table was going to be able to pick a prize from the treasure box. I told her that I was sure her teacher would let her pick a prize on Monday. She didn't look too pleased with my response but she'll get over it. Her teacher is pretty cool - I like her a lot.

Ok - I'm off to tend to the sick and needy, Catch ya later!

Posted by Cate at 08:10 AM | Comments (10)

September 27, 2005

You Give Me Fever

Youngesthas a low grade fever - 99.3.

Guess who is home from school today?

Posted by Cate at 07:11 AM | Comments (1)

September 02, 2005

To Be a Dentist

I'm off for my teeth cleaning. Luckily, this isn't my
dentist!

::update at 340pm:: No cavities and the dentist says I have great teeth. Unfortunately, my gums took a terrible beating from the heavy handed hygenist. She took flossing seriously. Ouch.

Posted by Cate at 01:00 PM | Comments (3)

June 08, 2005

Back home

We're back home from the dentist. Eldest did awesome. I'm so proud of her. I know it hurt her when she got the two novacaine shots but she was a trooper.

I bet the Tooth Fairy will visit tonight.

Posted by Cate at 04:00 PM | Comments (4)

May 12, 2005

Be a PAL

From the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN)

This educational awareness program is designed to provide educators with information for teaching students about food allergies and to help them learn how to help friends who have food allergies.

Anyone can be a PAL by following these five easy steps.

1. Never take food allergies lightly.
2. Don't share food.
3. Wash hands after eating.
4. Ask a friend what they are allergic to and help the friend avoid it.
5. Get help immediately if a schoolmate has a reaction.

A PAL Hero is someone whose actions help prevent a serious allergic reaction, or even save a life. Schools can honor PAL Heroes with special recognition and award certificates.

Bring the PAL program to your school today! You may download this reproducible brochure and PAL Hero award certificate for students. Please let FAAN know about your PALs as well.
PALBrochure.pdf
PALcertificate.pdf

Posted by Cate at 08:45 AM | Comments (6)

April 29, 2005

We're home

Eldest did fabulously. We have two baby teeth for the tooth fairy tonight. Thank you so much for all the good thoughts.

You guys rock.

Posted by Cate at 03:35 PM | Comments (9)

March 18, 2005

Ouchie

I still have that headache from this morning.
::sigh::
I bet it will subside right before my troop meeting too.

Posted by Cate at 11:02 AM | Comments (3)

March 16, 2005

I need a nap

Ugh - I've got a killer headache. Where'd I put my ibuprofen?

Posted by Cate at 12:48 PM | Comments (1)

March 04, 2005

Good news!

Well - thank God the doctor didn't find anything. But (heh - get it?), he did suggest that Husband has IBS. Looks like we need to do some research about this and see what needs to be done for him.

Thanks for all the kind thoughts. {{Hugs}} I appreciate it!

Posted by Cate at 11:26 AM | Comments (7)

February 24, 2005

Doctor Visit

Thanks for all the kind emails and commets regarding my previous post. I've been in a funk lately, just missing my dad.

I've got a follow up appointment with my doctor this morning. Fun fun. I think I am going to ask him to order a full blood workup. I haven't had my bloodwork done in a while. You know - cholestrol and all that fun stuff.
Youngestand I will need to stop at the supermarket to pick up graham crackers, chocolate, and marshamllows. Can anyone guess what can be made from those three ingredients? I cna give you a hint - they are yummy!
I watched Ben Hur last night. I love that movie. I watch it every damn time it's on television. Charleton Heston was a hottie. Rowr.

Posted by Cate at 08:41 AM | Comments (1)

February 18, 2005

State says preschool violated rights of boy with peanut allergy

This is exactly why I did not put Youngestin preschool. She was in it last year and I had a few issues with the teachers. I hope to God that kindergarten isn't a nightmare. Food allergies are no joke. My child can die if she ingested any dairy or nut products. Eggs as well. Read the article.

A Warren County day care center discriminated against a boy with a severe peanut allergy by denying the preschooler enrollment, the state's civil rights director has found.

Posted by Cate at 05:20 PM | Comments (1)

February 11, 2005

Diagnosed

I have bronchitis! Whee!

Posted by Cate at 12:24 PM | Comments (7)

February 10, 2005

So far so good

Youngestslept through the night - thank goodness. I was afraid the steroids would keep her awake. As for me, I broke down and actually made a doctor's appointment for me tomorrow at 10am. Husband is off so he will keep Youngestfor me. She has to see the asthma/allergy doctor tomorrow. I am waiting for them to call me back with an appointment time. I cancelled tomorrow's Girl Scout meeting. I don't think I can get through it.
Being sick sucks ass.

Posted by Cate at 10:25 AM | Comments (3)

February 09, 2005

On Call

I had to call the allergist tonight. Youngestwas retracting and coughing quite a bit. So, the doc had us start her up on oral steroids (eww - they taste awful!) as well as keeping up with breathing treatments every four hours. He also wants her to rest and have a quiet day tomorrow. Hah. I'd have to staple the child to the floor in order to keep her still! So, tomorrow, I will need to pull out the big guns - Play-Doh, glitter glue, and yes, even paints in order to keep her calm. That should keep her calm - never mind that the steroids will be coursing through her bloddstream causing her to act completely out of control and she tries to burn up energy by running around in a circle in the middle of my living room.

It's gonna be a loooong day tomorrow.

Posted by Cate at 10:35 PM | Comments (6)

February 03, 2005

Emerging for fresh air

Hiya kids. I'm still sick with a nasty cough. I think I am heading down the laryngitis highway. Wheee! ::cough cough::

I have been waiting for a package to be delivered to a friend for the past 7 days. It took a long time to actually get shipped OUT of the warehouse. Grrrr. Now it's WAY late and I am annoyed.

We counted up all of the boxes of GS cookies that Eldest sold. She sold 151 boxes! Big thanks to Mary and Jaynee for their purchases. You guys rock! {{{hugs}}}

Well - off to the couch to vegatate for a while. See ya!

Posted by Cate at 06:31 PM | Comments (1)

February 02, 2005

Someone put me out of my misery

I feel like crap. My throat hurts and my nose keeps running.

Waaah.

Posted by Cate at 03:15 PM | Comments (10)

Urgh

Me and Youngestare sick. Wah. Eldest has a half day of school today. I just let her stay home because I am too exhausted to even get changed out of my pajamas. She is thrilled to be home. Just wait until I give her a load of math and reading work to do for school.
Heh.

Posted by Cate at 08:17 AM | Comments (3)

February 01, 2005

So COLD

I am freezing. Like, sitting in my house and shivering. My house is 68 degrees, which I just jacked up to 70. I'm so cold I didn't want to go to the bathroom because I was afraid I would inadvertantly touch my hips or legs with my freezing cold hands. But, you can only hold it for just so long before you think "The heck with this - I gotta GO!". And yeah - I did let out a couple girlie screams every time my icicle mits hands touched something.

I think I'm getting sick. I need to find some Sudafed - FAST.

Posted by Cate at 12:00 PM | Comments (1)

January 11, 2005

We're back

Damn.

::update below::

We brought Youngestin for her allergy tests. She was skin tested for dairy, eggs, fish, peanut, tree nuts/legumes, berries, garlic, shellfish, and some other assorted ones - like wheat and rice.

She cried when they used the platic grids on her back. They have to press it pretty hard on her back, hard enough to break the skin. She had 24 little dots on her back. Some of them immediately puffed up into hives. Youngestwas so sad - it broke my heart. But, she was a trooper and she hung in there for the test. They measured all the hives and then wiped her back. She felt better once all the "itchies" were wiped off her back.

The doctor reviewed the results and told us pretty much what we already knew. She's still highly allergic to eggs, dairy, fish, peanuts and shellfish. My poor baby.

So, as a treat for being so damn cooperative, she got a hamburger happy meal - the only restaurant food she can eat.

Needless to say, I am bummed. We can have her tested in three more years and perhaps she might have outgrown some of these allergies.

I hope so.

Posted by Cate at 04:46 PM | Comments (13)

Good thoughts

I need all you guys out there to think good thoughts for us today. We are bringing Youngestin for her allergy tests. She will be skin tested for dairy, eggs, fish, peanut, tree nuts/legumes and a few others like mold, dust, cat dander.... I am praying that she has outgrown even some of these allergies. I am pretty damn sure that peanuts and tree nuts will still cause anaphylactic reactions for her. Husband also has the same allergy to peanuts and tree nuts. I would be thrilled if we were able to get back dairy and eggs. Oh my God - I think I would cry from happiness.
Yes, I am being totally selfish. I want her to be able to go to a party and be able to eat the cake or the chips without worrying if she will have a reaction. She would love to be able to eat a freakin' Twinkie. Kindergarten will be difficult enough for her when dealing with the peanut allergy. I don't want her to be the girl sitting by herself at the "peanut free" table. ::sigh:: Youngestis such a happy child. I know she will do awesome in school and make a lot of friends. I just hate the fact reality that she is so restricted.
So, if you could send out some good thoughts out for us around 3pm, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

Posted by Cate at 11:38 AM | Comments (8)

November 24, 2004

Pedi follow-up

Youngest's Pulse/Ox level was 95. Not very good at all. So, she is now on liquid steroids as well as the inhaled steroids (just like I thought).
The pharmacy filled the prescription for us very quickly. I think they bumped us up over a few people. They rock.

I love my pharmacy.

Posted by Cate at 12:34 PM | Comments (1)

Bah

I'm sick.. and whiny too.
I don't need this now. I'm cooking dinner tomorrow. I have a trip to NYC on Saturday. I am *SO* going to NYC.

But, I can't complain about being sick. Youngestis pretty damn sick. She's been coughing and coughing.. and coughing some more. She's on her breathing meds - albuterol with inhaled steroids twice a day. I think we might have to also give her liquid steroids for a couple days. I am going to try to call the pediatrician's office when it opens after 9am.
Oh - it's going to be a long weekend.

Update: Cool - I scored an 11am appointment

Posted by Cate at 08:37 AM | Comments (2)

November 09, 2004

Chiro

I was finally able to make an appointment to see my chiro. I don't think I have seen him for 4-5 weeks. My neck and back are killing me. I know the last time I saw him, when he asked about my dad, I started bawling in front of him. Lord - I was so embarrassed. So, when I called today to make my appointment, he answered the phone. We started chatting and, when he asked about my dad, I had to tell him that Dad had died 3 weeks ago. Of course, I start choking up and he squeezed me in for a 545pm appointment.
Then, after that, I have to interview a mom who wants to be an assistantleader for one of my Brownie troops. I bet I'll smell delish, all Bengay-ed up ...Mmmmmm! Yummy.

Posted by Cate at 08:53 PM | Comments (2)

November 03, 2004

More Medical Stuff

Husband had an endoscopy done about 2 weeks ago.

Tonight we met with the gastro doc to find out the results of the test. Good news - it's not stomach cancer. Bad news - it's an ulcer. A big ulcer. The doc was surprised that Husband wasn't in *that* much pain. I think he's had this ulcer for a looong time and he just got used to the pain. He's always chugged Mylanta and chewed up Tums as long as I have known him. (No wisecracks from the peanut gallery! LOL!) It's bad enough that it wakes him up in the middle of the night. He's wheezing and coughing. We both thought it was allergies. Heh - nope. It was reflux caused by the ulcer. So, in order to cure the ulcer - it's no drinking, no smoking and no coffee. Done. Finished.
My poor honey. He's going to be miserable. Hell, he's miserable now. I will do whatever he wants in order for me to help him quit smoking. He's smoked since he was around 15. He's 41 now. That's a long time to be smoking. I don't want him to die from lung cancer or emphysema. I want him around for a long time so I can torture him when I am 75 and he's 82!
Oh - just another reminder that I am updating my webhost so don't be alarmed when you come here and it looks WAY different.

Have a great night guys!

Posted by Cate at 11:18 PM | Comments (1)

October 11, 2004

Chiro

I just got back from my chiro appointment. Of course, I haven't been there in a month so he was asking me about my dad and how he was doing. To my chagrin, I started to cry while talking to him. He was quite sweet about it and offered to help me if I needed anything. He is really such a sweet guy. His fiancee is a lucky girl!
Off to make dinner! Ciao!

Posted by Cate at 05:45 PM | Comments (2)

September 17, 2004

Pediatrician

I brought Youngestto the pedi on Wednesday. She said her ear was bothering her. Again. She has been complaining about it for 5-6 days but has not been showing any other symptoms. The pedi said that her one ear tube was out and the other tube was in but non-functional. He also said her ears were clear but he wanted a follow-up in two weeks. Whatever.
I *hate* one of the two pedis that are in the office. He is such an idiot. The other pedi is very sweet. She has a fabulous manner with the girls and she will actually answer questions.
Of course we didn't get to see the pedi we like. Once I left the office, I got to thinking about Youngest's tubes. I wanted to bring her back to the ENT so he could evaluate her ears since the tubes were on their way out of her ears. I had an appointment at 1115am today.
He looks in her ears and says that the one tube looks great but the other ear has an infection in it and there's even some green pus on the other side of the tube. I say "Wait a minute. You are telling me that she still has both tubes in her ear?" It was all I could do not to scream. After all was said and done, we left the office with a script for antibiotic ear drops and an appointment for next week.
I swear to God, I wanted (and still want) to go back to the pedi's office and punch him in the face. What a stupid shit. I don't think he could find his ass unless I kicked him in it.
/rant

Ok - I feel a little better for writing this out. Now I know I won't be all over the evening news for beating the **** out of some retarded pediatrician.

Posted by Cate at 12:19 PM | Comments (1)

September 11, 2004

Draggin'

Oy - I feel awful. I just keep popping my tylenol cough and cold and alternate with Motrin. I am going to be trying to clean my house today and staying away from all the 9/11 news stories. I don't think I can handle it today. I am still too angry and feel so much sorrow for all who died.

Posted by Cate at 12:56 PM | Comments (3)

September 08, 2004

::cough::

I'm getting sick.

Posted by Cate at 03:16 PM | Comments (3)

August 30, 2004

Chiro

I felt much better after seeing my chiro this afternoon. I made another appointment for Monday... and P is coming with me. For his very <i>own</i> appointment.
Whoa.

Posted by Cate at 07:09 PM | Comments (0)

Chiropractor

I have an appointment with my <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/005420.php#005420"target=_blank>cute chiro</a> at 330pm. I need to drop off O's medical forms (for school) at the allergist's office. Plus, I forgot to pull out something for dinner.
Crap.
I think tonight will be spaghetti with meat sauce and a nice big salad.

Yum!

Posted by Cate at 01:59 PM | Comments (1)

August 20, 2004

Bad news

Spoke to my stepmom yesterday... really bad news about my dad. They got his scans back yesterday and the cancer has spread even more on his liver and they believe there are nodules on his lungs. As far as treatment, he is really going to have to get into the clinical trials. None of the chemos have worked for him.

I am just numb. I think I am taking a break for a few days.. I have to get my head together. Try to think some good thoughts for us, ok?

Posted by Cate at 06:34 PM | Comments (27)

August 18, 2004

Sign of the Apocolypse

I just called my insurance provider and had the nicest, the most pain free experience with a very polite and helpful young woman.

I'm scared.

Posted by Cate at 12:22 PM | Comments (0)

July 29, 2004

Headache

I've got a killer headache. Oy.

M has a friend spending the night. I just shut the lights off in M's bedroom but I am sure they will be talking and giggling for a little while longer. O wanted to sleep in the same room with them but we, of course, said no. She was sad but got over it.

I think I will be heading off to bed soon... g'night ya'll!

Posted by Cate at 11:33 PM | Comments (1)

June 17, 2004

Such a pain

This hand,foot and mouth disease is such a pain in the ass. I am keeping O out of school <i>again</i> because she still has a few blisters. I don't think she is contagious but why take the chance. M wants to go to school. I offered for her to stay home one more day but she picked school. I think she wants to hand out all the goody bags for her "birthday".

[....]

<i>904am</i>Ok, I am back from school! I had to stop in the middle of my post in order to get M to class on time. God help me next year when the bus picks up almost an hour earlier. 725am. Ew.

No plans today. It's so hot and muggy outside that I just want to stay inside all day. Muggy weather sucks.

Posted by Cate at 09:03 AM | Comments (3)

June 16, 2004

One more day

I kept M home today. She still has some small blisters in her throat and it hurts her to swallow anything. Poor baby. She was going to have her "birthday party" today so she was all bummed out about it. I spoke to her teacher this morning and she said it was no problem to reschedule it to tomorrow or Friday. She also said that the class wasn't doing too much since school ends in a few days and M should study her spelling words and feel better.
So, M will help me make up goody bags today for her "birthday party" tomorrow. I hope she can make it in to school tomorrow.
My Dad has his chemo today. He will be getting Erbitux (produced by <a href="http://www.imclone.com/index_start.php">IMclone</a> - the Martha Stewart company) at the hospital today. I hope everything goes well... my Stepmom will be calling later.
Oh, and today is P's birthday too! I love you honey. Always.

Gotta jump in the shower. I am hoping to make it to Target today! Yippie!

Posted by Cate at 09:45 AM | Comments (2)

June 15, 2004

MRI

I had my MRI done today. Thank goodness it was an open MRI. I don't know if I could have done one in the regular tube. Oy - the noise.
We skipped 4-H tonight. I just couldn't do it.

Time for dessert - homemade chocolate cake anyone? Then, I have to get the kids showered and into bed.
Later!

Posted by Cate at 07:35 PM | Comments (5)

Home from the Dentist

I only have one tiny cavity - that's it. And, it's my very first cavity. My teeth are in excellent condition. Go figure. I haven't been to the dentist in years. YEARS!.
Phew - I feel better already.

Posted by Cate at 01:55 PM | Comments (4)

Doctor Day

I have a dental appointment for me at 1200pm. The girls get to come with me. Yes, they are both home from school. Joy. At 3pm, I have to pick up M's homework from school. Then, I have an MRI scheduled at 5pm and 4-H at 7pm. AND, sometime today I need to set up 24 party bags for M's birthday party at school. Since her birthday is in the summer, her teacher is allowing all the summer kids to celebrate their birthday before the school year ends. M's day is tomorrow.
Help me!

Posted by Cate at 11:04 AM | Comments (2)

June 14, 2004

Good news/Bad news

Good news: It's not Fifth's Disease.

Bad news: It's hand, foot and mouth disease.

Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww!

M is out of school until Wednesday..maybe even Thursday too. O isn't contagious anymore - she is just spotted and itchy.

Joy.

Posted by Cate at 06:00 PM | Comments (2)

What the..??

Youngestwas coughing quite a bit so I asked her if she needed the nebulizer. She said she wanted to use it so I set it up for her. She sat on the couch with no problems, using the nebulizer. As I was talking to her, I noticed a rash on her leg. Tiny little raised red bumps all over both legs, some on her feet as well. She also has some blisters on a couple of her fingers and hands.
I think she has the latter part of Fifth's Disease (picked up from one of Eldest's best friends- ugh!)with a nasty rash and Eldest is in the early stages with the fever and aches.
Should be a fun day today... NOT!

Posted by Cate at 12:10 PM | Comments (0)

Both girls home

M has a fever. She said she wasn't feeling well after the party she attended yesterday. I figured she ate too much pizza and cupcakes. Nope. Sore throat, fever, cranky... just like O was the other day. So, they both have an appointment to see the doctor today at 230pm. I hope it'a not strep.

Posted by Cate at 09:28 AM | Comments (2)

June 11, 2004

You give me fever

O spiked a temp of 103 last night.

Zoinks.

We managed to cool her down via Motrin and cool washclothes. Poor kid. But, because of the fever, she will be home from school today. Of course, she is thrilled. I have a bunch of cleaning to do in preparation for BirthdayPalooza (me, Mom and P) tomorrow. I am having a BBQ and my Mom, her boyfriend, my brother and his girlfriend and 2 family friends will be down around noon-ish. I will also be baking a chocolate cake and chocolate chip cookies today.

Busy busy busy!

Posted by Cate at 08:10 AM | Comments (1)

June 09, 2004

Nap

I had to crash out when we all got back home from the zoo.

O and I had driven to the zoo in my car. P and M arrived in the bus about 30 minutes after us. They ate lunch early and then we toured the zoo. It was hot. The kids were sucking down water. I refilled their bottles at the water fountains.
O and I left the zoo at 1230pm. P and M didn't leave until almost 1pm. A few groups arrived later then they were finally able to hit the road. Of course, O and I just came back home. I told P to call me when the bus was getting to school and we would come back out and pick them up. He called me at 2pm, we picked them up and we all came back home.
The kids just laid around on the couch - they were pooped. I had such a pounding headache that I had to lay down. Thank goodness P was home and was able to hold down the fort.
I have to go bathe the kidlets. They stink.

Posted by Cate at 08:20 PM | Comments (1)

June 04, 2004

Oh no

One of M's best buddies from school was just sent home sick. The nurse told her mom that <a href="http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/hw1039.asp?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}"target=_blank>Fifths Disease</a> is going through the second grade. Arrgghh! I hope the poor girl is ok. Apparently she was throwing up in school and had a 103-104 fever.
It's gonna be a loooong weekend.

Posted by Cate at 02:20 PM | Comments (5)

May 14, 2004

Ouch

While trotting out to fetch my mail, I stepped on a broken flag pole holder. It was on one of my trees that was cut down. I had wondered what happened to it since it was mounted on the tree. Hmm - nice to know that I found it instead of the kids. I cleaned the cut with peroxide and have a band-aid on it. Of course, I have plans to be walking through NYC so naturally I have hurt my foot.
Sheesh!

Posted by Cate at 05:18 PM | Comments (2)

May 04, 2004

Chiro

I saw my chiro tonight and brought him my X-rays from my trip to the ER last month. (Details <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/004971.php"target=_blank>here</a>, <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/004972.php"target=_blank>here</a> and <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/004974.php"target=_blank>here</a>)Basically, I have whiplash. He showed me what a normal spine looks like.. then he put up my xray and showed me my neck. Yikes indeed. So, I will be going to see him two times a week for a few more weeks. If no improvement, I will be getting an MRI and seeing an orthopedist. Yippie.
I am STILL coming to NYC baybeeeee for Bloggers Gone Wild 2004 NYC! I feel like we should have shirts or hats made up for the big event. Cafe Press anyone?

Posted by Cate at 09:32 PM | Comments (4)

April 28, 2004

Chiro

My third visit with him went well. I am still having some pain in my left shoulder blade area. He will most likely send me for an MRI. He also wants to look at my X-rays. He thinks that I might have a bulging disc. In fact, he said he's pretty sure I have one. I have a hard time tilting my head all the way back - I get pain that runs along my left shoulder. He wants me to exercise my neck by tilting it back as far as I can and then back to normal. I don't know if P likes the fact I am seeing a chiro so I am going to bring him to one of my next visits. I think I am not explaining the procedures correctly to P when I come back home and recap things for him.
I also see my regular doc tomorrow. Wheee. I will do my best to not slap the crap outta the receptionist. <a href="http://www.katespot.com/archives/005013.php#005013">Bitch</a>.

Posted by Cate at 09:15 PM | Comments (3)

Icky

I have been feeling queasy all day. O and I napped thi safternoon in my room while watching tv. I felt bad - today was tv day for O. She was loving it! Thank goodness I woke up when I did or I would have missed M's bus!!!
I have a 6pm appointment with the chiro - I hope I am feeling better.

Posted by Cate at 03:57 PM | Comments (2)

April 22, 2004

Visit with the Chiro

I am back from the chiro. He took it easy on me since it was my first visit, at least that's what he said - LOL. He had a big model of the spine, showing the different sections, the nerves, etc.. He had me lay down on this weird bench-like thing and then he used some really stinky stuff on my back that smelled like BenGay. He did adjust my neck.. the crack that it made scared me half to death. I though he was going to cripple me! LOL! He also used something (looked like a glue gun) and it sorta hammered on my spine. It felt weird.. but good. Overall, I was not unhappy with my visit. He is really very nice.. oh.. and he is WAY cute too. ::grin:: He knows my doctor and he asked me what I thought of him. I said that Dr G. (my doc) was ok but his staff sucks. The chiro said he was going to tell G about that and that he has heard other people complain about Dr. G's staff. Turns out the chiro and Dr. G are buddies. Good thing I didn't say anything bad about Dr. G! Heh! So, I am going back on Monday at 915am. I am feeling a little better and I can move a little easier and can even turn my head without screaming or flinching... I think I have been converted!
Oh and get this, his license plate is this: KRAX BAX

Posted by Cate at 08:21 PM | Comments (5)

"Doctor" - Part II

The office opened up at noon. I walked into the office, with O, at 12:01pm. I walked up to the counter, still wearing my sunglasses and waited for the magical sliding glass windo to open. The dip**** receptionist just looked at me. I said my name and that I was here to pick up my prescription. She opened a drawer, rummaged around and handed me the slip. I said "Thaank you" rather cooly and walked away. When I got to the car, I looked at the date on the prescription. It was dated 4/<b>21</b>/04. That BITCH never called me to tell me that the script was ready. I can't wait to find another doctor with a decent staff.
Bitch.

Posted by Cate at 12:50 PM | Comments (5)

April 21, 2004

"Doctor"

Warning -
Rant below.
Read at your own risk.

That ****-bag cocksucker I have for a doctor never ****ing bothered to call me back. I have spoken to them three times. The office is now closed. I am out of my mind. I am sitting here crying because I am so angry and I still hurt. WHY the **** didn't he even have a nurse call me back? The pain killers can't be called in to the pharmacy - the script needs to be picked up and brought to the pharmacy. I am ****ing stuck until noon tomorrow when the asshole opens his office.
I hope his nuts get torn off his body. Bastard.

Posted by Cate at 07:59 PM | Comments (7)

Pain

I am still in quite a bit of pain. The medications that were prescribed to me haven't done much at all. The muscle relaxer barely touches the pain. The doctor wants me to take 1 of these pills twice a day. It's not working. If I am lucky, it dulls the pain for about 2 hours. I called the office yesterday and the recptionist said she would leave a message for him. Of course, I didn't get a call back. I called again this morning and spoke to the receptionist again. I explained again that the medication was not working for me. I mentioned again that I was taking the anti-inflammatory twice a day as prescribed. So - I get to wait around for a call back. Fat ****ing chance. I have to go to the doctor's office to pick up a referral for the chiro so I will picking up a prescription for something. If not, I will be going back to the ER.
This sucks.

Posted by Cate at 10:43 AM | Comments (5)

April 12, 2004

Finally

I got a doctor's appointment... for Friday. To the receptionist's credit, she did say she would call the ER, get my records and give them to the doctor in hopes to try to get me in sooner.
Sheesh.

Posted by Cate at 01:33 PM | Comments (2)

April 07, 2004

Crazy

I promised P that I wouldn't lift anything or overdo it. But, I am going crazy around the house. At least O is outside, blowing bubbles. I think I am going to stand around and watch her have fun.

Posted by Cate at 11:55 AM | Comments (5)

April 06, 2004

Feeling a little better

<i>I am blogging while standing so please forgive any spelling errors..</i>

Percoset and Naprosyn are good. I am starting to feel human again. I took a shower and it felt like I was being reborn. I have been hitting the percs every 4 hours on the nose. The naprosyn is twice a day. The ice has really made a big difference for me as well.
Now - to clear up exactly what happened to my back -
I spent all day Saturday at Six Flags, riding the coasters and walking the entire park. On Sunday, P and I cleaned the house like crazy - moving furniture, cleaning the carpet, the works. So, when I reached across the table to help M color, that's when I pulled those muscles.
Normally, I would not have run to the ER. I have never experienced nerve damage (or so I thought) so P called our doctor on Monday and he was on vacation. The covering doctor was already overbooked and he was going to refer us somewhere else. The covering doctor was 25 miles away. There was no way in hell I was going to sit in a car for that length of time. I could barely make it to the hospital and back and it was only a 10 minute ride TOPS from my house.
My fingers and arm are still tingling but I have been applying ice 20 minutes/4 times a day and the back muscle spasms has been lessening. I can tell you this - I would not wish this on anyone.
P has been beyond awesome. He has done everything around the house. Cooking, cleaning, laundry..plus getting the girls to school and helping my bum ass out around the house. I am SO in love with this man. P - I adore you.

Posted by Cate at 12:30 PM | Comments (7)

April 05, 2004

Thank you so much

For everyone who left a kind thought.. thank you so very much. I don't know what to say....

I was helping M with her school project last night, around 730pm. She needed help coloring it so I knelt on a kitchen chair, reached across the table and POP! Pulled something in my back. By 10pm, my fingers, hand and arm were tingling. I couldn't get any sleep - I think I dozed. By 330am, I got up and took one of P's percosets and moved out the the couch so I wouldn't keep P up all night. He had come out and checked on me a few times, making sure I was ok. He woke M up and got her ready for school. O stayed home - she was up coughing very late last night too.

I was pretty sure I wanted to go to the ER but I needed to do something with O. My friend Liz came through for me and very graciously offered to watch her. She even bought her McD's for lunch. Luckily, Liz's daughter is O's buddy... her "best friend".
P and I got to the ER around noonish. Got Xrays, poked, prodded and left by 2pm. Diagnosis - Muscle spasms. Boy, they suck. I got 2 scripts - percosets and naprosyn. I need to ice my back for 2 days.
I got home, chatted with <a href="http://www.bookblog.net">Mary</a> - who was supposed to visit today, sorry! At 4pm, I went in for a nap. A 4 hour nap. I had to get up and eat something before my next dose of percs. Bleech. Now, I feel gross, like I want to puke, so I am going to wrap this up for tonight.
Again, thank you so much for your good thoughts. {{{hugs}}}

Posted by Cate at 11:38 PM | Comments (12)

Hospital

I hurt my neck and back last night. Couldn't sleep. I am in so much pain, shooting pains into my left arm.. my left hand and fingers are tingling... P took the day off and I will be going to the ER..
Will try to write more later...

Posted by Cate at 10:23 AM | Comments (18)

March 29, 2004

South Beach

Ok - who is on it and is it really as good as it seems?

Posted by Cate at 02:39 PM | Comments (6)

Ugh

I still feel like crap but I am going to take O out so she can ride her trike. She is so excited - you'd think I never take her anywear. : - )

Posted by Cate at 01:25 PM | Comments (3)

Ick

I feel gross - my throat is sore and my sinuses... ew... let's just leave it at that..
I am going to lay on the couch for a little while..

Posted by Cate at 10:06 AM | Comments (2)

March 03, 2004

Medical Article

P found <a href="http://www.ajc.com/health/content/shared/health/ap/ap_story.html/Health/AP.V4811.AP-Earaches-Antibi.html"target=_blank>this link</a> regarding ear infections in children. Basically, the article states that the two leading medical groups (AAP and AAFP) are expected to recommend this spring that doctors stop treating most ear infections in children with antibiotics, federal health officials said Tuesday

Further in the article is this:
<i>About half of all antibiotics prescribed to preschool children are for treating ear infections. Health officials believe if they can reduce child antibiotic use for such infections, they can stop the rise of antibiotic-resistant germs created by overuse of the drugs.

"It will mark a dramatic change in appropriate antibiotic use,'' said Dr. Richard Besser, acting chief of the meningitis and special pathogens branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Practice must be formally approved by the medical bodies before they are published for doctors.</i>

I have to say that I do agree with the article. I hate the fact I had to give O so many different antibiotics for her ear infections. In her situation, the damn infections never went away - even with medication. Last year, she had what seemed to be one very long ear infection. The pediatrician and I figured that she had about 7 or 8 infections between October and June. That's approximately one a month. She would never recover fully from one when she would get hit with another. She was taking all different kinds of antibiotics - amoxicillin, augmentin, zithromax and a couple others that were even stronger. Finally, we (P and I) decided to have O get ear tubes. They are wonderful. She gets colds but nothing, <B>nothing</B> like she used to get last year.. no more midnight trips to the ER with 104 fevers and vomiting... thank God.

<i>About 10 million prescriptions each year are written for ear infections in children of all ages.

A specific definition for doctors of what constitutes a serious ear infection also is expected to reduce antibiotic overuse.

"Antibiotics only will be considered if it's truly acute otitis media and not every abnormal-appearing ear," Lieberthal said.

Medical studies have found the antibiotics do very little for a child's ear infection pain. Common painkillers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofren are effective for that, said Lieberthal, also a pediatrician for Kaiser Permanente in Panorama City, Calif.

"Since the discovery of penicillin, when there is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are given,'' Lieberthal said. "Because of the increasing resistance of common bacteria to antibiotics, the importance of limiting their use is essential.'' </i>

Did anyone read "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0451169530/qid=1078329681/sr=2-3/ref=sr_2_3/102-8390133-8664923">The Stand</a>" by Stephen King? Most of the world gets wiped out by a super germ, unstoppable by antibiotics.

Creepy indeed.

Posted by Cate at 10:44 AM | Comments (2)

February 19, 2004

Still kickin'

Feeling crappy but somewhat better. I had to run out to the store and the library. I am exhausted.

Posted by Cate at 03:43 PM | Comments (1)

February 18, 2004

:::whining:::

Still sick - ugh.. I can't kick this damn cold. My nose is clear but my head feels like it weighs 50 pounds. And, to make matters worse, I have a lovely cold sore on my lip. Disgusting. I hate when I get them. Nothing more scuzzy looking than a cold sore. I only get them when I am getting sick or when I don't get enough sleep. And, I am thirsty <i>all</i> the time. I feel like I can't get enough to drink. ::sigh::
O wants to go outside and play in the snow. I can't think of anything more unappealing than going outside. Poor kid. I think today will end up being another tv day - just so I can get some rest. I had such a hard time sleeping last night too.
Oh - I am gonna shut the hell up and stop annoying all you lovely people. Have a great day people.. have fun <b>for</b> me. Please. Tell me a joke.. anything!

Posted by Cate at 11:43 AM | Comments (7)

February 17, 2004

Slept

O and I curled up in my bed for a couple hours. I was able to sleep and she watched tv. I feel like bad mommy but I needed to get some rest. ::sigh:: It's been tv day here in my house. I hate doing that.

Posted by Cate at 02:30 PM | Comments (0)

Yuck

I hate being sick.

Posted by Cate at 10:55 AM | Comments (5)

February 04, 2004

Tired`

I was just fried today... I had a headache all day. I finally took a nap and P picked up M from the bus stop, kept them busy and even made dinner.
What a guy.

Still feeling gross so I don't know if I will be writing any more tonight... I hope everyone had a great day.

Posted by Cate at 07:00 PM | Comments (2)

January 27, 2004

Medical

P can go back to work Monday February 9th. Until then, he is home with me.
::::insert scary Psycho music here::::::

Posted by Cate at 03:38 PM | Comments (4)

Appointment Day

P has a doctor's appointment with the ENT today. O and I will be going with him. <strike>I</strike> We have a lot of questions for him.

M just got to school about 30 minutes ago. She had a two hour delay this morning. The weather is actually warm, well, warmer than the past few days. It's also raining. It would totally suck if all this rain freezes. I think that is the forecast for tonight. Crap. Another "snow day".

Double crap.

Posted by Cate at 11:11 AM | Comments (3)

January 15, 2004

Pain

Oh man - my leg is aching. I am gimping and limping around the house. In fact, the hell with gimping.. I am going to bed!
G'night!

Posted by Cate at 10:45 PM | Comments (1)

January 14, 2004

Much better

P has been awake and moving around for a couple hours. He has eaten quite a few bowls of ice cream - I think the girls are pretty jealous. LOL. I have to finish getting the girls ready for bed. It's shower night. Ugh.

Posted by Cate at 07:05 PM | Comments (4)

January 13, 2004

Time set for tomorrow

I got P's surgery time for tomorrow - it's at 830am. He needs to be there by 730am. I think my Mom is coming down and possibly even my FIL. The entire procedure is done rather quickly. All in all - he should be out and hopefully on his way home within two hours. ::fingers crossed::
He can't eat or after midnight. I am sure he will be chowing down big time tonight. The poor guy - he can't afford to lose any weight. Lucky bastard. The next couple days are going to suck big time for him. I need to stock up on ice cream, potatoes and jello. Do me a favor and please keep him in your thoughts.
Thanks : - )

Posted by Cate at 04:42 PM | Comments (6)

January 12, 2004

Getting things prepared

P is having his tonsillectomy on Wednesday. The surgical center will call us tomorrow with the exact time and give us any needed instructions for him. He is starting to get a little worried about the procedure which, according to all information that I read, is rather simple. He will be quite uncomfortable when he gets back home. My FIL will be down that morning as well as my Mom. I think, depending on the time, I might need my FIL to baby-sit P in the evening as M has a belt test on Wednesday at 5pm. ::sigh:: I will need him to baby-sit the girls and P on Thursday night too. I have a Girl Scout service unit meeting that I cannot miss. Well - I <i>could</i> miss it but it is an important meeting. This week is gonna suck for me and it will be even worse for P. The poor guy. I just need to keep the kids out of his way - a challenge in a three bedroom ranch house.
Well - off to do more laundry. Bye!

Posted by Cate at 01:29 PM | Comments (3)

December 31, 2003

Bad news

My MIL is at the hospital. She is having chest pains. My FIl is with her now while she gets situated and in a room. He will be calling us later when he gets back to their house. Oy.
Happy freakin' New Year!

Posted by Cate at 04:55 PM | Comments (9)

December 04, 2003

Feelin' fine

Well - you'd never know she was sick. She is just bouncing around the house. She is having a "pajama day" but I will change her before we go to the bus stop. Of course, I had wanted to go food shopping while she was in school but that didn't happen. So, I get to go tonight. Ick.
I have managed to get a lot of laundry done. I still have to change M's sheets. Great. I get to climb up on that loft bed and roll around on it, tucking in the corners of the fitted sheet. Wheee! That is the one disadvantage of a loft bed. God help me if she gets sick in it. Ohhh man - the thought grosses me out completely. Bleeeech.
Back to the grind!

:::&lt;i&gt;update&lt;/i&gt;::: she now has a 101.3 fever. She got another dose of Motrin and an ice pop. She is still pretty perky. I don't know how she does it.

Posted by Cate at 01:07 PM | Comments (3)

Be vewwy vewwy qwiet

O woke up at 430am, complaining about her throat. I had her drink from her sipcup of water and lay back down. She was pretty much out of it.. sleepy.. so I thought.
At 6am, P goes into her room after she calls out to us. He takes her temp - 102.5. ****. He loads her up with Motrin, gives her ice water and turned on the light to let her read in bed. She conked out within 15 minutes and is still asleep now.
I woke up M and she managed to actually get dressed and not cause any trouble this morning. I called my neighbor and she brought M to the bus stop for me. She is the BEST. Her son, N, and M play together all the time. They are good people.
Now, I have to keep an eye on the little miss and see what is going on with her throat. Ever since &lt;a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/004289.html"&gt;P's illness&lt;/a&gt; from a couple weeks ago, I have been watching the kids like a hawk. Every sniffle, every sneeze, every cough. Yuck.
I need a vacation.

Posted by Cate at 08:39 AM | Comments (7)

November 21, 2003

More medical messes

P has his visit with the ENT this afternoon. Guess who needs his tonsils removed as soon as possible? Yeah - lovely. Oy.

Posted by Cate at 07:21 PM | Comments (8)

November 20, 2003

Two down

Well - looks like O has picked up strep. She lasted about 30 minutes at school today. She spiked a fever AT school (not at home) and was crying. Her throat hurt. Did she say anything to me about that this morning? Noooooooo. I got a 315pm appointment for her. She is already passed out on the couch. I got some Motrin into her and had her take a few sips of ice water. Man - this weekend is gonna suck.

Posted by Cate at 10:10 AM | Comments (5)

November 19, 2003

He's home

I was right. He has an abscess and an ear infection to add to his strep throat. They &lt;i&gt;still&lt;/i&gt; didn't do a throat culture but it's pretty obvious he has strep. I looked down his throat - ugh. The poor guy. He got a different antibiotic as well as ear drops for the ear pain. I will be trying to get him in to see the ENT doctor tomorrow or Friday.
Thankfully, I am feeling fine. I am still nervous about getting sick. I am cooking Thanksgiving dinner next week. I can't afford to be sick!

Posted by Cate at 10:16 PM | Comments (6)

Back to the ER

P is on his way back to the Emergency Room. He has taken three doses of the antibiotic, Motrin every 6 hours as well as Tylenol for the pain. He is still running a 101 fever. Now his neck hurts, it hurts him to open and close his jaw and his tongue is still swollen. I think he has an abscess. I hope he sees a doctor who speaks freaking English. I hope that the doctor runs a throat culture on him too. Oy - I am worried about him.

Posted by Cate at 07:36 PM | Comments (5)

Nerves?

I have had a headache all morning.. please God, don't let me get sick.

Posted by Cate at 12:31 PM | Comments (3)

November 18, 2003

Still home sick

P woke me up this morning. He was going to the hospital because of the pain in his throat
&lt;i&gt;
Yesterday, he had called his primary care doctor (Dr.G) yesterday only to be told that our doctor was unavailable due to a back injury. He got the phone number for the covering doctor. When he called &lt;i&gt;that&lt;/i&gt; doctor (Dr.M), the receptionist sounded surprised. She probably had no clue that Dr. M was covering for Dr.G. Alas, there were no available appointments to be had for P. He called Dr. G's office back and they didn't really have any other options for him.&lt;/i&gt;

So, he was off to the hospital. He would not go unless he was in an incredible amount of pain. P gets back home at 830am with a diagnosis of &lt;i&gt;&lt;a href="http://my.webmd.com/content/healthwise/56/14030.htm?lastselectedguid={5FE84E90-BC77-4056-A91C-9531713CA348}"&gt;Acute Pharyngitis&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/i&gt;. Fricking strep throat! Of course, the dumbass doc didn't take a throat culture, nothing. In fact, he never even TOLD P he had strep. He read the diagnosis (pharyngitis, acute) on his goddamn discharge papers. He said he could barely understand the doctor. No one &lt;i&gt;ever&lt;/i&gt; told P he was strep. It was only when he came home and looked up his diagnosis on WebMD when he figured out he had strep.
This pisses me off to no end. I have NO problem if someone has an accent. Hell - I don't care if he/she is from another country. My dad came from Iran when he was 18 or 19 and has an accent. He learned to speak English. You can certainly understand him. I admire people who legitimately want to come to America and work for an education. But - COME ON! You have to be able to be understood by your patients for God's sake.

Posted by Cate at 12:40 PM | Comments (10)

November 10, 2003

Feeling better

Thanks for the kind comments and emails. I am feeling better thanks to several ibuprofen tablets, a huge glass of water and 30 minutes of dozing on the couch. Luckily, P had come home early and he brought M to tae kwon do for me. Tonight, he will be setting up my island/counter in the kitchen. YAY!

Posted by Cate at 08:40 PM | Comments (4)

Out of commission

Bad headache. My brain hurts.

I'll be back later.

Posted by Cate at 03:39 PM | Comments (3)

October 29, 2003

Nooooooooooooo!

(repeating like&lt;a href="http://www.kazoofus.com/archives/2003_10_01_index.php#106726447492360322"&gt; Kathy Howe&lt;/a&gt;)
I am not getting sick. I am not getting sick. I am not getting sick. I am not getting sick. I am not getting sick. I am not getting sick.......

Posted by Cate at 07:51 AM | Comments (3)

October 13, 2003

Diagnosis

Well - the doc just confirmed what we already knew. O has asthma. Usually when she gets a cold, she ends up with some slight wheezing. We are to keep up the albuterol nebulizer treatments. I have a script for Prednisone in case she gets worse.
Well - M and P are back from tae kwon do - it's dinner time!

Posted by Cate at 06:06 PM | Comments (3)

Sickies

Oh man - O is getting sick again. She sounds like she is getting laryngitis. It's so cute but yet so sad - she's squeaky. M was running a low grade fever last night. So - they are both home today. P is off for Columbus Day. Ai yi yi. A full house. I have to call the doctor's office and try to weasel an appointment for O. They are usually pretty good about getting is squeezed in.
We did manage to find costumes for the girls. O will be a cowgirl and M is going to be a wizard. I waited too long to get their costumes. The selection was pretty crappy. I think I am going to order costumes from a catalog (like Lillian Vernon) next year.
Well, off to feed and medicate the troops.

Posted by Cate at 08:28 AM | Comments (8)

October 03, 2003

Allergist

Well - I finally made it back home from the allergist's office after 3 hours of skin testing, breathing tests and talking with the doctor. I am now the proud owner of Allegra, Advair, Proventil and Nasacort. He wants me to get a chest xray just to be sure my lungs are ok. Apparently, I have a lot more sinus problems than I realized. Ew.
Off to eat lunch!

Posted by Cate at 02:29 PM | Comments (4)

October 02, 2003

Feelin' PUMPED

I just got back from the gym. Boy - I've missed going there. I am going to get there at least 2-3 times a week and get my butt in gear PRONTO!

Posted by Cate at 09:56 AM | Comments (6)

September 29, 2003

Medical Update

Well - P is back from the &lt;strike&gt;quack&lt;/strike&gt; doctor. He told P that his chest is quite congested (duh) and that he has a virus. He gave P three prescriptions - Proventil, Biaxin and some kind of expectorant dm stuff. Lovely.
He's resting now and I will run out and drop the scripts soon.

::update:: P says that the doctor never said it was a virus. He doesn't have an infection because there is no fever. But, the guy gave him antibiotics anyway.

Posted by Cate at 12:17 PM | Comments (5)

Got one!

P has an 11am appointment to see the doctor. I told him if we couldn't get an appointment, I would be taking him to the hospital. He actually agreed with me! Thankfully, we have an appointment. He still sounds like crap. I hope the doc helps him out and doesn't just toss some cough medicine at him.

Posted by Cate at 10:04 AM | Comments (6)

September 22, 2003

Back home from the doctor

Well - O is on a daily dose of Orapred and nebulizer treatments every four hours. I managed to get her in to see her allergist/asthma doctor. I can't stand her pediatrician - the jerk. But, there is another doc in the office that I like and I think she's a helluva lot more competent than O's primary care doc.
Did I mention that O is all hopped up on 'roids right now? Oy - what a day.

Posted by Cate at 01:45 PM | Comments (5)

September 19, 2003

My neck!

CRAP! I am falling apart. Now my neck is killing me. I have to get so much stuff done in order to prepare for tomorrow's block party. Arrrgghh!

Posted by Cate at 09:14 PM | Comments (4)

Sick

Ohhhhh - I am getting sick. I am either going to lose my voice or get bronchitis. If I am lucky, maybe just a damn sinus infection. Of course, the &lt;a href="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/archives/003879.html"&gt;block party&lt;/a&gt; is rescheduled for tomorrow.
I am supposed to go to Mom's place tonight to do more sewing but I feel like total crap. I should go back to bed and stop whining.

Posted by Cate at 09:24 AM | Comments (8)

September 05, 2003

Crap

Now M and I both have sore throats. Just in time for a beautiful weekend.

:::sigh:::

Posted by Cate at 07:17 AM | Comments (3)

August 28, 2003

AWESOME news

I am at my Mom's house right now. She just got a phone call from her oncologist's office. The test results from her PET and CAT scans came back. Negative. Nothing. No signs of cancer. Thank you God.
It feels like a HUGE weight was just lifted off my back and I don't HAVE cancer!

Thank you all so much for keeping Mom in your thoughts and prayers. It obviously worked! **smooches**

Posted by Cate at 04:35 PM | Comments (18)

August 25, 2003

Medical

I spoke to my Stepmom and Dad yesterday. For a man who has cancer, he is in amazing health. SM said that if people didn't know he had cancer, they would never believe it. He's running, working, gardening, washing the cars... all that jazz... good for him. He should be the IronMan of Colon Cancer. LOL. Seriously, I am so happy he is feeling great while on chemo.
My Mom, well, not so good there. For the past month, she has been feeling worse and worse. Her oncologist moved up the date for her PET scan. It was originally scheduled for the end of September and now she's getting it done today. She has been having a lot of bone pain - especially in the places where the NH lymphoma was originally detected. Also, problems sleeping and excessive sweating. I am pretty worried about her. She said she didn't want to have to get chemo again. I don't know if she has much choice.
She will get the results from her doc next week. It seems like every autumn is a let down. A time when all the **** hits the fan. Of course, she had plans to visit people.. to do things.. and now they are also on hold as well. I am just so angry that I can't do anything to fix it.

Posted by Cate at 11:53 AM | Comments (12)

June 30, 2003

Checked Up

Well - everything is in the right place and in proper working order. All that was missing, at the end of the appointment, was that quick flick of the wrist with a towel for a nice shine. SNAP! LOL.
Luckily, that didn't happen.

Posted by Cate at 04:20 PM | Comments (3)

Going to the doctor

I have a doctor's appointment today. Yes. For &lt;i&gt;me&lt;/i&gt;. I have been lax on my annual exams. With both my parents being ill, I decided that I had better move my substantial ass and get back to the doc. Ooooh boy, I can't wait. Ugh. I hate going. Plus, I will also be seeing a new ob-gyn so I am a little nervous.
I think I need more coffee.

Posted by Cate at 10:43 AM | Comments (4)

June 23, 2003

Home from the hospital

We're back! Everything went just right. The nurses all fussed over O, she loved it. They let her take her surgery cap and johnny gown home. O also wanted to take home the mask and tube from when she got the gas. They said no problem. LOL. Goofy kid.
She's a little cranky and was feeling a little uncomfortable after the procedure. They gave her some Tylenol before she left and hopefully it will kick in pretty soon.

Posted by Cate at 09:03 AM | Comments (12)

June 19, 2003

We're home

Everything went well. The meniscus was essentially shredded so the doc cleaned it all out. She is passed out in the recliner now. Dan, her boyfriend, is getting her prescription (Percosets) filled.
I've got some calls to make so I will catch up later. Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments {{{hugs}}} I love you guys!

Posted by Cate at 02:38 PM | Comments (0)

June 17, 2003

Allergist

The girls' had an appointment with their allergist today. I love this guy - he is SO on the ball. He actually ::gasp:: LISTENS to me. Imagine that. A mom that is able to accurately describe her child's health problems AND be taken seriously. Christ - some doctors really suck. Maybe it's me. I doubt it. I like doctors to discuss treatments &lt;i&gt;with&lt;/i&gt; me, not just scribble out a prescription after a 10 second evaluation. It is so frustrating. I know I must come off as a crazy mom but I don't goddam care. I hate the fact I have to give my girls medicine. I wish they didn't have to take them. Wishing won't make it go away. I will find out the best way to have them treated. I can't even find a pediatrician that I like. I think it is important that *I* like them and I am comfortable with them too. There was one doctor the girls had that was wonderful. The girls loved her. We loved her. She left the practice to have a baby and that was the end of her. ::sigh::
Well - off to tae kwon do. Bye!

Posted by Cate at 03:35 PM | Comments (1)

June 12, 2003

Hack and Wheeze

I think I have bronchitis. I sound (and feel) like I have been smoking for 20 years. Ugh. When I exhale with some force, it sounds like a train's whistle. Maybe I should call my doctor. Oh, speaking of doctor, I got my referral for bloodwork! Yippie. I get to see how high my cholesterol levels have become.
I skipped the gym because any time I move faster that a quick walk, I start coughing. What fun.
And, like the big moron I am, I stayed up too late watching "Death to Smoochy". Again. I love that movie.

Posted by Cate at 09:09 AM | Comments (4)

June 06, 2003

Still Sick

Geez - P and I are like a couple old farts... he's going to bed. Alone. What a romantic anniversary... lol..

Posted by Cate at 10:16 PM | Comments (3)

Tired of doctors

Things went well at the pediatrician's office today. Her ears are still red but her O2 levels are normal. She will be taking the steriods for 4 more days and he wants us to wean her off the nebulizer. Ok with me!
The ENT, well, that's another story. Today, he looked in her ears and agreed with me that O's ears really couldn't wait. So, she is scheduled to get tubes on June 23rd. The doc was very reassuring about the procedure. Says it only takes 5-10 minutes and she would be running around like her normal self in two hours. I wonder if I will get any drugs too. ::sigh:: I remember when she had to get her renal u/s when she was two years old. They gave her some serious drugs to knock her out. I was holding her and I could see exactly when the drugs kicked in. She was just smiling at everyone. Heck, she couldn't even hold her head up. Now, it's funny but I was in tears looking at her. All I could think about was my poor stoned out baby! LOL!
I took her out to McD's - she was thrilled. Life is good.... for now.
: - )

Posted by Cate at 03:04 PM | Comments (4)

June 05, 2003

Medical Mess

I have a pediatrician appointment for O for 215pm. It was one of those come in &lt;i&gt;right now&lt;/i&gt; or 215pm. Let me explain why &lt;i&gt;right now&lt;/i&gt; wasn't a viable option for us.

O finally fell asleep last night at 10pm.
She woke up at 1215am, crying and coughing. She got a breathing treatment. P and I went to bed by 1245am.
330am - she wakes up again. Another treatment and then P brought her into the bathroom for a massive dose of steam.We set her up to sleep on the couch. P volunteered to sleep out there with her so I could get some sleep, saying that I would need some rest for later that day.
415am - M wakes up.
5am - O got a dose of Pulmicort via the nebulizer. She is retracting and pretty much out of it.
630am - P comes in and wakes me up, letting me know what happened in the 2 out of 3 hours I was able to sleep.
730am - I roll out of bed and jump into the shower.
750am - M informs me that O (finally) fell asleep on the floor in front of the tv. Great. Especially since she has to catch the bus in 30 minutes.
755am- I call my awesome neighbor and asked if she could take M to the bus stop. She says no problem.
8am - M is picked up. Neighbor tells me if I need her later to just call and to take a nap. God - I just love her.
805am: P had put down a bunch of blankets and pillows on the floor earlier that morning. After making sure O was ok on the floor, I went BACK to bed.
848am - O starts crying and runs into my bedroom. She climbs up and cuddles with me, still wheezing and retracting. She falls back asleep.
935am - I get up to take something for my massive headache. O wakes up, starts creaming and runs out to the kitchen.
945am - After calming her down, she gets another breathing treatment while I call the doctor's office.
As you can see - my morning from hell hasn't been very productive. Of course, I feel like total crap but I am really worried about O. I think tomorrow night's plans are going to be postponed. I don't want to leave a sick kidlet with my Mom. We'll have to see how it goes after the appointment.
So - how the hell are you normal people doing?

Posted by Cate at 10:22 AM | Comments (5)

June 02, 2003

Pity Party

Still feeling icky. Wah. All I want right now is some ice cream :::drool::: I just know that would make me (and my scratchy throat) feel better.

The night passed somewhat smoothly. Very weird. I think the girls aren't feeling well either. M's voice is almost gone - she sounds terrible. I have a feeling she will be home tomorrow too. Ack.
I put a ton of braids in M's hair last night. She looks adorable. Tonight, O wanted &lt;i&gt;her&lt;/i&gt; hair in braids. Even cuter. Check 'em out below:

&lt;img alt="mckbraids.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/mckbraids.JPG" width="288" height="384" border="0" /&gt;

&lt;img alt="ogkbraids.JPG" src="http://sugar-plum.net/kate/ogkbraids.JPG" width="411" height="455" border="0" /&gt;

Posted by Cate at 09:19 PM | Comments (13)

::sniffle::cough:::

Made an appointment with my gynocologist for June 30th. I know, TMI. I also called my PCP to see if he would give me a referral for blood work. I want to get my cholesterol checked. It's been several years since I have had it done. Frankly, with my family's medical history, I need to get everything checked!
I just talked to P and he is feeling gross too. Sore throat, runny/stuffy nose. Yay. Either the four of us are having allergy attacks or we all have a cold.
Crap.

Posted by Cate at 04:29 PM | Comments (4)

April 07, 2003

The verdict?

We have an official diagnosis of pink eye. Yippie. I have eye drops that I need to use for 7-10 days. Fun fun!

Posted by Cate at 07:05 PM | Comments (6)

Scored an appointment

Finally - for 5pm. P is going to leave work early so he makes it home with some time to spare. He usually gets home around 445pm. I hope I get some drugs for this. Bleech - my eye is all achy. I just want to crawl into bed and sleep. I think I am going to miss my crochet class tonight. Damn.

Posted by Cate at 02:03 PM | Comments (2)

Well - I called the doctor

and the office has no electricity. :sigh: I never go to the doctor. The one time I go, the power is out. WTF? So, I have to call back after 12pm and try to get an appointment at that time. Great. So I have to drag Miss O with me. Loads of fun - NOT!

Posted by Cate at 09:30 AM | Comments (1)

Aggghhh!

I have pink eye!! ::insert scary Psycho music here::

I skipped the gym so I can try to get a doctor's appointment this morning without O. They won't be open until 9am. I don't see any snow or even chances of snow. We will probably get rain or sleet, thank goodness. I know that up north is supposed to get anywhere from 4-10"! Heehee! Better you than me! :laugh: I am DONE shoveling snow.

Posted by Cate at 08:52 AM | Comments (1)

March 25, 2003

Pounding Headache

I am feeling awful.. gotta lay down..

Posted by Cate at 08:25 PM | Comments (2)

March 12, 2003

Imagine that

O (still) has a double ear infection. Well - duh. The doc prescribed Amoxicillan. I hope this works. We have a follow-up in 10 days.

Posted by Cate at 11:11 AM | Comments (4)

March 06, 2003

Back from the gym

I got the kids off to school pretty much on time. Not bad since I woke up 20 minutes later than I should have! :eek: I hate when I run behind - especially when O has school. Luckily, M hasn't missed the bus on O's school days or it would be a rather large hassle having to re-coordinate the schedule.
Anyway - O did fine when I brought her into school. She said "I want to walk you to the door Mommy" so she and I walked to the door. She gave me a sweet hug and kiss and I took off running before she had the chance to sniffle!
Curves was great - I get measured/weighed tomorrow morning. They do it every month to help keep you on track. OH - totally forgot to mention that I lost 3.4lbs!! I went to WW on Tuesday night. I am down 9.8lbs since I started WW 7 weeks ago. I was hoping to have lost more by now but I know what I have done wrong. Hopefully, the combination of WW and Curves will give me a great outcome.
I had a great breakfast today - I had an egg! Woohoo! Now - I know some people are thinking &lt;i&gt;So what?&lt;/i&gt;. Well - we don't normally eat or cook eggs because my 3 year old is very allergic to eggs. She is also allergic (mostly anaphylactic)to all nust, peanuts,beans, all dairy products and fish. Hey - no one would ever know that I bake cakes/cookies or even a meatloaf with NO eggs. Try cooking with no milk!! Actually, it's not that hard - Cooking does become a slight challenge but I can work around it. It's the going out to eat part which really sucks. We eat at McDonalds. That's it. No quick runs for pizza or Chinese food. We can't ever just pop into Subways or Dunkin Donuts. Ever.
:sigh: It's hard to even just up and go over to someone's house for the day. Forget the movies. Geez - I am depressing myself now.
Well- I gotta run. Have some things to do before I pick up Miss O! Bye for now! :hug: :puckerup:

Posted by Cate at 10:18 AM | Comments (6)

March 04, 2003

News about my Mom

Today was her last chemo treatment! :goofy: Hooray! She will be getting her PET scan done soon and we will &lt;i&gt;hopefully&lt;/i&gt; have NO return of the lymphoma. Go Mommy! Go Mommy!

Posted by Cate at 10:23 PM | Comments (7)

February 27, 2003

Ugh - feeling icky

My eyes - ack. They are still dilated from this morning's eye doctor visit. I did get a new perscription so I will be getting new glasses sometime soon.
My eyes are super sensitive so getting them dilated was certainly no fun. Driving from the doctor's office to my mom's house (only 15 minutes away) was a pretty scary ride. Thank goodness I didn't get into an accident. All that a police officer would have to do is look into my mega-dilated eyes and I'd be whisked off to the police station and processed for driving under the influence of drugs! I was wearing my sunglasses ALL day today. :shades: Cuz, well, I'm cool like that.
Well - gotta get some stuff done around here. My head is killing me. It's the light man... the light is killing my eyes... :shades:

Posted by Cate at 07:10 PM | Comments (1)

Eye doctor

Well - I am off to bed. I started dividing cookie orders up but I kept yawning through it. Plus - they were making me hungry! :lick:
I have an eye doctor appointment tomorrow so I won't be able to check out blogs until much later. Don't post anything &lt;i&gt;too&lt;/i&gt; exciting, ok?
:hug: G'night!

Posted by Cate at 12:47 AM | Comments (1)

February 03, 2003

Back from the gym

I stopped at Curves after I dropped O off at school. Curves is awesome!! I *heart* Curves. I will be joining Curves!
::Go Me::Go Me::
:crazy:

Posted by Cate at 10:12 AM | Comments (4)