Showing posts with label illness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label illness. Show all posts

Monday, January 11, 2010

My Grandson, Logan is hospitalized

My Grandson is ill with the RVS Virus. He had to be hospitalized today, due to complications with his asthma. He is only 7 months old. Please keep him, and my daughter, son-in law and her two other kid in your thoughts and prayers please.


I appreciate your thoughts and prayers so much. It is difficult for me to be this far away. They live about 30 out of Corpus, so they are ove 6 hours away from me. When I find out more, I will post and let you know...


Hugs to All, Rhia

Monday, June 15, 2009

A long winded post as I turn another page in my life..

sMy Dear Friend.... (some of this is about a group I have on the Care 2 website.) So, if pieces of this do not make sense, you will know it has to do with my Power over Chronic Pain and Illness group there... if you care 2 (now that was a play on words) :) know about Care2, the petitions, the news there, the network of incredible people... let me know and I will send you a link... there are thousands, millions of people on there daily trying to make a difference in all aspects of life for everyone....

Here goes.... thanks in advance for reading this... my best to each of you... you are a huge part of my inspiration and life....

Happy Monday and Good Week to everyone. I have been contemplating some things over the past three weeks or so, and am now down to making my decisions and moving forth with a couple of things I feel I am compelled to do, in order to truly feel I am making a difference in my own way.



Many of you already know I am a strong voice to try and help get laws changed, get Chronic Pain and Illness helped out with new research, with new laws, with proper training of patients, caretakers, doctors, and all involved. I am trying to debunk the "myth" in those with Chronic Pain. We are NOT a bunch of "drug-seeking" low lifes, that frequent doctors and ER's just to get "High". The majority of those like myself with Chronic Daily Pain, and Chronic Illness, just want our medications, we do not want to haggle over getting them with the insurance companies, with doctors, with the pharmacies, and with stupid laws that tend to make us look like we are horrible, terrible individuals. Thus much more needs to be done about the entire medical and health situation of all, but moreover, all of the stigma of having Chronic Pain needs to get reeled in. Yes, there are those that "abuse" the system. There are those that are not in pain that do go to doctors, go to the ER's and so forth for the wrong reasons. Yet, staticists show the numbers of "abusers" are extremely low, yet millions of people try and cope with their daily life, in horrible, excruiating pain, that harms their jobs, their relationhsips, families, and leaves them with little or no quality of life.

I am also an avid voice Against Domestic Violence, and Violence against Women and Children.. well honestly violence of any kind... but I stood in the fires of Domestic Violenc for far too long in my life... I was one of the fortunate ones, that did finally get out, but the scars in my mind, and on my heart, still remain at times.



Due to my Chronic Illness with Lupus, and Mixed Connective Tissue disorder, I also am an activist to get much more done about these life altering diseases. There has really not been any quality of studies done on Lupus in 40 years! You will read things here and there, but even though the rise of Autoimmune Diseases is rapidly increasing, we are almost in the stone ages in some ways when it comes to these illnesses (Diabetes 1, Multiple Sclerosis, Sjogren's, Lupus, Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder, and there are literally 100's more), and even my own Rheumatologist will admit, there is still so much not known about these illnesses and disorders. I just read an article about another "new" autoimmune disorder that children are born with, and it can affect them as quickly as after they are two weeks old.



Many of the autoimmune illnesses, are NOT that your immune system is "failing" and not working. Actually, like Lupus, my autoimmune system is overworking to the point my own cells are attacking themselves. Medications are few, and the majority of them carry side effects that over years can be worse than the disorders themselves. Corti-Steriods such as Prednisone is a huge one. It is almost like a miracle drug, when I have a Lupus "flare" yet the long term side effects can be awful. We have made much progress in the realms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, so that is great news. There is much research, many more new medications, and effective treatments to help deal with the daily symptoms of RA. Yet, as I said we lack much when it comes to many of the other autoimmune disorders.



Some of you also know that I am a writer and poet, "in heart". I have felt that my "mission" here on Earth since about the age of 13, is to touch others, and help them through life altering situations, by my poetry and writing. I was blessed with a wonderful gift, and I have tried not to allow it to go to the wayside. Yet, there are times in my life, my own "muse" per se, gets in the background, and I get caught up in other things of life.



I have been contemplating for years now, about writing a book or books. I even submitted many of my thousands of poems to publishers, and do have some that are published at a couple of sites online. I have been told my many, that my writing, the compassion and empathy that shines through my writing, and how I touch some is incredible. I only know and say this not to be patting myself on the back, but rather I know this, due to those that write me and tell me just how much my words encourage and help them. I even had one couple ask permission to read one of my poems at their wedding.



About 6 months ago, after having a long dry spell of not writing much as far as daily journaling etc., I made a vow to myself, that no matter what was going on, how I felt physically, how busy or not busy life was, that I would write daily, even if was junk.



To get to the point before running out of room, I am now making the desicion to split my "time", possibly do away now for some things I am doing online daily, and put the majority of my mind, heart, soul and time into writing my first book. I have contemplated what type of book I would write. Yet, from what others have said to me, along with my own husband & family pushing me, I will be writing my own life journey, through the abuse, the illnesses, the pain & suffering... tell my story, in the hopes that if I touch one persons heart, my "job" here on Earth shall be completed.



I am telling each of you this for a couple of reasons. First, I ask each of you to keep my in your thoughts and prayers, as I take a trip down memory lane. Some good, yet some not so good. I know there will be an outpour of emotions for me, as I tread through my heart & head. I also am having to choose what I will put on the backburner during this time. I don't know if it will take me weeks, months, or a year to write.

I have written since I was 13, yet I have no idea of how much time I will need to finish the book. I am also already looking into how to get it out to the public. I may try and send it out to publishers, but more than likely, I will try the self-publishing route. There are some really good self-publishing companies now, and they help out with promotion, and so much more. The expense varies, but I could save up the money to go with a self-publishing situation.



Here is where my main point of telling you this comes in. I am going to have to as I said in the first post at the top, put some of my efforts, causes, and pieces of life, kind of on hold during this time. I do know I will need to really focus much of my effort into the book itself, so that means less time on my blogs, websites, activist actions, my group here, and so forth. I really am having a difficult time with the entire "time" issue. I also have my own health problems that I never know how I will feel from one moment to the next. I can be fine and in a matter of hours, be in a full blown Lupus Migraine, be totally and completely fatigued and in a Lupus "flare"... plus a growing list of new symptoms that continue to crop up weekly it seems. I, along with my doctors, try and say it is all about the Lupus that is causing issues, yet a part of me feels there could be much more going on, other than the Lupus itself. Yet the symptoms mimic so many other illnesses, so I never really know.



One thing I know I will continue to work on, is my group here, Power Over Chronic Pain and Illness. I would love to have a couple of "co-hosts" that could say hello to new members, post information about illness, pain, and other subjects such as Domestic Violence.... and as you all know, I tend to discuss whatever is on my heart thus it could be anything from politics to gardening



So, if you feel like you might want to help me out here at Care2, with my ongoing group, I would love to hear from you. The group is relatively small now, but I would love to see it grow also. Yet, if I quit actively being here, I know for a fact, it would dwindle and be gone. Tis the life of being actively online... things are so lightining fast when it comes to blogs, groups, the internet, and technology. I also have a couple of other projects, other than being online, from quilting and crocheting, to our new garden, and all of my recent houseplant family I have purchased. Each of those things take up quite a bit of my time daily. Watering, feeding, keeping bugs away, and all that comes with having real houseplants, and gardens, plus daily errands, bills to pay, laundry to do, shopping, cooking, cleaning... darned I am tired just thinking about it.



As of yesterday, I got my software in order that will help me in organizing what I need for the book. Characters, chapters, thoughts, and all that I will need to get very organized first, the software helps with that. From there, then the actual book writing begins. So, my first things is deciding what I have to leave off my schedule, how long per day I will write (waxing and waning depending upon my health, doctors appts, and such)... then I have lots to learn about this book writing software. It is extremely detailed, and has lots to offer, yet it will also be a huge learning experience, to understand how I can use it to actually get my book completed.



I will tell you, my time will be limited here. Rather than spending 3 hours plus here daily with all of your incredibly emails, cards, posts and so forth, I am not disappearing, but if I happen not to answer an email, post or something for a day or two, you can be sure, I have read it, or will, but I may be a little slower in answering. I probably will hand some of the gardening, watering and such over to my husband. I will not be able to spend as much time keeping up with all of the petitions, causes and so forth, but more focus on just a couple, more about Health Care issues, and Domestic Violence. I also intend on keeping my group here for now, yet my "Myspace" and Facebook pages, may not get as much updating of information as they do now. Plus I have a couple of Yahoo groups I am a member of, and I will put those kind of on hold. I intend on telling everyone that I email etc. about my intentions. I don't want to lose any friends throughout this, so I want all to know my plans.



As I start to learn this software, pick and choose my times for activities, decide what to take off the stove for now, and so one, I ask each of you to please post or email me with suggestions, tips, what you see as something I could benefit from, help me get organized as far as my causes and times... and the book... and anything you feel that I probably have not throught about... that would help with time and so forth....



LOL, as I think about what I am writing here, I have to wonder how the heck will I fit everything in, even though I am cutting back things. I am sure as I begin the book itself, all will fall into place... I will fall into pace.. and even though it may never be published... it is two fold for me. I am encouraged by many of you, my family, and others that I can do this, and I do have something to say, that could help others.... and then I can prove to myself, I am capable of writing an entire book. It may not be an awesome book, but I can write it... start to finish... and learn a great deal about myself, life, and writing in the process.



I close this for now, since it is already a small novelette... in asking again, for your thoughts and prayers as I begin this endeavor, for any suggestions you may have, if you care to help on my group, please let me know... anything you feel might benefit this cause will be so incredibly appreciated.


Thanks again... and please keep in touch.... Rhia




"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."
- Immanuel Kant, German philosopher

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

New Strain of Swine Flu concern here in TX/Around the globe

It sounds like we are really in a spot of the unknown when it comes to this new strain of swine flu. It looks like it began in Mexico, but now has spread in TX, CA, NY, and around the globe to other foreign nations. I realize the CDC does not want panic, but they have raised the level to "4", which 6 is the highest alert as far as a pandemic.

I know I am certainly concerned. I live not far from Dallas, and there are many people living here that commute and work in Dallas. So, between people that have relatives in Mexico and have visited... even our neighbors were there not too long ago, to those who could carry it here from their work place or from shopping in the Dallas area... it does worry me. Due to the fact that it is actually killing "healthy" people, and those in the age range of about from 25 to 45... what does that mean for the elderly, the small children, and those like myself with compromised immune systems? Since I have several autoimmune illnesses, including Lupus, Sjogren's and Mixed Connective Tissue disorder... anyone with a less than healthy immune situation certainly I would think could be at higher risk of contracting this new strain, as well as having a more difficult time trying to get over it.

Lots of links and updated information coming in... take care... try and stay out of public places, away from those that are coughing and sneezing... wash hands frequently, try and not put your hands around your eyes, mouth and nose, especially when out and about in town... if symptoms arise that you feel could be flu in nature, contact your doctor or ER immediately, let them know they symptoms, so they can be more prepared to be extra cautious when someone who is possibly infected comes into the office or hospital.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/28/swine.flu/index.html?eref=rss_topstories


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090428/ap_on_he_me/us_med_swine_flu_us_cases


http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/city/dallas/stories/042809dnmetflulocal.3fde1ea.html


Take care and be extra cautious....

Thursday, April 23, 2009


Current mood: distraught
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes
This card is just to say I am thinking of you, wishing you the best, hope that life is well with you and your family, & hope that what is going on with this world, this economy, the war, and so many more things that are not so great at this, are not impacting your life at all, or if so, just a little. I realize there are so many people that are facing "dire straits" in their lives. Each and every day we are overwhelmed with issues that can dramatically put more stress on us, than we already have.

From the continuance of war, realizing the threats of terrorism we face, job losses, illnesses, the global warming situation, losing homes, many people that have worked a lifetime watching their retirement go down the drain, a not just broken, but a health care system that is totally failing many of us, strange weather that has brought droughts, floods, hurricanes, tornado's, loss of crops to farmers, and for some taken it's toll by wiping out their home and all of their belongings.
We face rising gas prices, rising grocery prices, prescription medications that are almost impossible to afford without insurance, that is if you can afford the insurance, companies going down the tubes, higher credit card rates, which is totally unfair, people so stressed over life that they are to the point of hopelessness, taking their families lives, and then their own.
Each morning I awake, I wonder if the nightmare for so many around our nation, and the world will be able to recover, regroup, and once again have "normal" back into their lives. I continue to try and keep hope and faith alive in my life, as well as pray my family and friends can make it through the nightmare of what all hits them with the economic, financial, job, bills and home situation they face.

I have found reaching out to touch others is a small way I can let them know, there is someone out here that really cares.

I am an active voice Against Domestic Violence, and Chronic Pain and Illnesses. Many of you already know that. I am also active in trying to clean up our world, make it greener, and do the things I can do to stop global warming, polluting our water, soil and air... as I try to educate myself online about what other things I can do for our Mother Earth, and the people here.

I have a new group here on Care2. The main "subject" is about Chronic Pain and Illness. I thought about opening a 2nd group about Domestic Violence, but rather than do that and spread myself too thin, I decided my one group can be a voice for other things besides Chronic Pain. So, there are posts about other things, from Domestic Violence, being "greener", and other subjects that weigh upon not just my heart but yours.

I realize we get bombarded these days with blogs, groups, personal websites, twitter, messengers, MySpace, Facebook, and gosh, I have lost track of all of them. When chat and groups were first online, we have like one basic one, which was MSN. I believe Yahoo joined in, and from there, there is an epidemic of all kinds of places to find others like minded, discussions on everything from health to space, and they can take up a great deal of time for the "owners" of the groups etc... plus lots of time for members, if they want to participate.

I am inviting you to join my group. You can take from it as much as as little as you like. I am NOT making it manditory for any members to have to post, but I would love to read a little about you, when you decide to join.

I have just began this group here on Care2, which is not just a site about "blogging, friends, and chatting". It serves a greater purpose in bringing those that like a place to find out lots of information, from politics, health, greener living, and so much more. You can write your own petition on something that you feel is important, whether it be about animal cruelty, protecting our waters, you name it, you can start a petition here for it.

So, Care2 serves a greater purpose... you can do free clicks daily, that will help so many causes, from breast cancer, to animals that are becoming extinct.

Your voice can be heard here... to the ones such as politicians and other non-profit groups helping so many needy causes.

I would love to have you as a member, even if you join, and prefer not to do much participation, but just enjoy what I and others post. If you feel passionate about a subject, whatever it may be, feel free to post it.

Here is the URL: http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/power_over_chronic_pain_illness
That is where you can join.

Thanks for all you do, as a friend, as a member of society, as an activist if you are one...plus all of the other million things each of us do that gives us hope, faith, and a new outlook each day at life.

I look forward to having you as a member...

With a huge hug, and sunshine for this day and many to come...


Rhia

Saturday, April 18, 2009

These incidences are beginning to be Epidemic it seems.

This issue of contaminated medical equipment and reusing equipment that is supposed to be thrown completely away has become an all out epidemic lately. From the latest, which is this one in South Dakota, which potentially put over 5,000 people in possible jeopardy of contracting HIV, Hepatitis and any other blood borne diseases, to VA hospitals, clinics in Vegas, just to name a few. Our nation is NOT some "3rd world" country, that is so poor that hospitals and clinics need to save instruments. Further more, even if it is a piece that is re-used, what ever happened to complete and thorough sanitation and the autoclave of them?

After personally undergoing more than 10 surgeries and procedures over the past two years, this terrifies me, and I am sure it terrifies others also. We go in with confidence that the hospital or clinic we visit, along with our doctors, nurses, and other staff that care for us should be using sterilized EVERYTHING! What are we going to do? Go into the operating room before surgery and check to see if all of the equipment is either disposable or clean? We have enough worry on our plates anytime we go in for a procedure or visit the doctor when some type of invasive tests will go on, about the risks, and our health, without having to add more stress on patients and their families that equipment is contaminated. Between this, and all of the hundreds of food, toys, animal food, and other things that continue to pile up with diseases, or possibly deadly additives, and now this every day announcement of yet another large group of people exposed to blood borne diseases, it makes me wonder what the heck the FDA is doing? What is going on with the board that certifies these health care places? I also in the back of my mind wonder if all of this is not just a coincidence, or is it possibly some type of "attack" on us as citizens of the US? I realize that may sound far fetched, but with these happenings being almost epidemic in proportion, I really wonder about a link to terrorism on our own soil again.

Here is a link to the latest :

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/17/south.dakota.urology.infection/index.html?eref=rss_health