Life Gets In The Way

 Life isn't always pretty and organized, nor are people.  

We make mistakes (hopefully learn from them) and struggle, but in the end it all works out!

Crap happens! It is life! I know this, but do I really have to accept it; all the time? I guess I do, but I sure as hell don't want to.

In the last two weeks:  My car failed inspection, I needed to pay for my personal property tax (on our cars), but until we can (over $400), my vehicle plates are dead. We found out the owner of our house is going to sell and I NEED a job. Instead of being a work at home mom, I need to find a job outside of my home this summer ( I pray someone is hiring).

I will say, we should have tried to pay gradually on the car taxes over the year but when you are having to juggle just to pay simple bills like power, rent, gas for working (hubby has to drive 2 hrs to work), etc, the personal property tax just doesn't enter your brain.

House: The owner decided to sell the house only after they found out they have A LOT of repairs because the property manager failed to do the yearly inspections that were required. We have been telling them on and off all the repairs that needed to be done (even wrote it all out so they had a list), yet nothing was done.

We are currently house hunting thanks to a contact my husband was able to make through his boss.  Use your network (family, friends, co-workers), you never know what information you may gain.

Car
My car needed rear brakes and a tie rod end, for those that know about cars. We didn't have the money at the time, so we had to bring it home, failed. The shop wanted to charge us between $300 and $400. What a rip off.

I had to ride around with a failed inspection sticker (only a few times) praying I didn't get a ticket. Although, I did tell myself; what is the worst that could happen? I would get a ticket, right? I just didn't want the hassle.

The brakes and tie rod end weren't so bad that it would cause a safety issue; yet, but I still did not want to drive it until the car was fixed (but as I said, I had to a few times, no choice).

I went this past Friday, purchased the rear brake pads and tie rod end along with renting the tool my hubby needed. Parts and tax: $75 I started in on the brakes Friday afternoon, had one side almost completely finished when hubby showed up from work.

He finished the side I started and the other side in less than 30 minutes. At most, with using manual tools (not the air/hydraulic tools the shop has), 30 minutes total for both sides to be complete. Yet, the auto shop wanted to charge almost $200 for my brake job.

Next, tie rod end. He was able to get to that Sunday morning; Saturday was crazy and he couldn't fit it in and he was finished before 11AM.

I swear, I do not even think it took him 30 minutes to complete that job and that  included taking off the front tire (manually, no impact wrench). The tie rod cost $18, renting the tool $15 (we got that money back when we turned to the tool back in) and 30 minutes at most of labor.

Was that really worth the almost $150 they were gong to charge us?

Car conclusion (warning about to type words I do not normally type): We saved a SHIT LOAD, I mean a SHIT LOAD of money taking an hour total of our time. Now I know not all vehicle repairs are that simple, but really; do they NEED to charge triple what it cost us? That is just going to far!

Still working on the personal property tax bill and job hunting!


*I did wonder as I wrote this whether anyone really wants to know such personal money issues, but you know; sometimes you just have to vent.  This isn't whining about how bad my life is, because I know I am truly blessed.  I have beautiful children, a caring, loving husband (with a good job), a roof over my head...you get my drift.  Sometimes life throws us curve balls we are not sure we can hit, much less get a home run from; so thanks for reading/listening!
 

Shoulder Update

Side note: This is a follow up on the surgery I received January 15, 2010 because of a tear of the labrum and bone spurs in my right shoulder.

I went to the doctors for another follow-up exam; 8 weeks from surgery. Have to return in two months. He stated that I am doing well and I seem to be doing better than he anticipated. Apparently I have progressed faster than most patients (he said this)and I say, THANK YOU LORD!

Frustration, a little depression were just two of the emotions I was experiencing at first. Frustrated because I was so limited in what I could actually do and depressed because the household just seemed to be going downhill quickly and I knew I could do nothing to save it from getting worse.

The upside, my children did help tremendously. They helped every way they could think of, the problem was me and my expectations. While they played a role in that frustration by not doing what I asked sometimes, the majority of the time they did accomplish tasks they were given.


Many moms/wives know though, no one in the house can do it the way they can, nor as well. Did we die because the floor wasn't the way I liked it or the bathrooms weren't quite as spotless as I prefer....no, but it sure felt like it at the time. Am I pitiful or what?

Ok, all complaining aside, much thanks goes to my family and friends who helped with dinners, cleaning and anything in between.

While I am not a hundred percent and won't be for months, at least I can wipe my own butt now with my right hand and not rely on my poor left hand which in all honesty was having a difficult time with tasks it was not use to performing.

The Motivator

Most of the time I cannot claim that title; Motivator. But today I managed to not only motivate the children in this house, but they seemed to do chores without me having to ask numerous times.

What pray-tel got into my beautiful children this Saturday morning? Especially when attempting to motivate them is like trying to make a crocodile one of my best friends? Well, they wanted something, in particular wanted to DO something.

I think those children; who surely did not act like my own, cleaned their rooms this morning with only one request from me. If aliens took over their bodies, I really hope those aliens stay for a while. I like this side of them. The yes ma'am, no ma'am, I will do anything you say ma'am children.

Just what tired mom needs! Thank you my beauties!

Every Year

The picture to the right shows the most important defense and offense to illness.

It seems the same time every year I end up with a sickness. I think my husband would say I always have a sickness *chuckle*, but I beg to differ.

Halloween last year one of my children was sick and I became sick not long there after. This year none of the kids were so sick they could not participate in the Halloween festivities, but I sure as heck was and still am...boohoo!

Yes, I am whining, but most of all, I want to thank my children for helping me when I needed it the most. Even my husband stepped up the other night and helped. While they may not do everything I would have done, they did help and allowed me to sleep; which I can say has been the best medicine.

I am not totally over it (lovely bronchitis), but I am getting there.

So a big THANK YOU to my hubby and children!

Image Source: http://www1.umn.edu/systemwide/enews/images/washhands.jpg

First Ju Jitsu Tournament

My hubby had his first Brazilian Ju Jitsu tournament on August 2, 2008. Don't laugh and no he isn't THAT old! Yes, he is 37 years of age, but has lost almost 20 pounds from Ju Jitsu training and is having a blast. I can honestly say that Ju Jitsu has definitely improved him not only physically, but mentally and I am sure it is a great stress reliever.

The point of this post is to showcase my husbands work and how proud we all are of him! He may not have won his first match, but he sure as hell tried and put his all into the match. His black belt even told him he did really well.

This picture shows the start of the match. My hubby is the one being taken down and his head/chin is on his opponents back. Fortunately, he did not get taken down, not yet at least. This match was exciting, amazing and our children loved watching their dad. It was wonderful to see our children rooting for their dad and we had a blast, as a family, supporting DAD!

Below is the slide show with the tournament photos:

Technorati Tags: brazilian ju jitsu,tournament,children,family fun,ju jitsu fight,opponent,dad

What Is Wrong With An Overactive Imagination?

The past couple of weeks I have been dealing with something I thought I would never, ever have to deal with; my 16 year old being in trouble at school. She has never been in trouble at school.  Not even detention!

 

I cannot get into the details, but suffice it to say, she is in "deep shit".  Yes, I said a bad word...as this is the only word that seems to express what is currently happening.

While my children are not perfect by any means, I do think the school system overreacted and now we are dealing with the consequences.

This child has had problems since she was little.  Not very expressive, likes to keep to herself, not very talkative (which I think is fine).  These by themselves aren't real "issues", but you put them with slow language learning, speech problems and attention issues; she gets very close to someone with a mild form of Autism.

I am not saying she has Autism, but some of her mannerisms and things she does reminds me of children and adults with mild Autism. 

 

One thing she has 'always' done:  When you punish her, she just looked/looks at you with an evil stare.  When I used (I don't use it anymore) corporal punishment, it didn't work, she wouldn't even cry. She does show emotion, but rarely and she is very attached to me; sometimes obsessively so.

Now, she has been in Special Education since 4th grade and even the Special Ed teachers noticed her "overactive imagination".  It is noted in her file.

 

So why is she in trouble for this supposed issue they already knew existed?  Well, because once the administration gets involved, it doesn't seem to matter what teachers and other experts say; they want to burn the poor child at the stake.

 

Why is an "overactive imagination" a problem now-a-days?  When did children stop being children; especially when one that is already a little different? 

 

She is a sweet girl, very loving; but she is more like a pre-teen in a 16 year old's body.  While she is very intelligent when it comes to computers; she does lack the social and emotional skills most of us have.  As her mom, I pray this doesn't scar her more than the bullies and administration at her school have already done! 

My daughter's imagination is a GIFT and I wish all the nasayers would all go to H-E-L-L!

 

Check out this article that I absolutely love about having an "overactive imagination", written my James at Men with Pens.

 

 

Technorati Tags: overactive imagination,autism,social issues,children

Nothing Too Serious, But Still...

I swear if my children didn't come down with some of the strangest illnesses my life would be so very boring.  At least they (my children) seem to offer a certain amount of "excitement" to my life. 

 

LO

My 11 year old daughter Lo started with some chest pains Saturday afternoon just before soccer.  No, she wasn't nervous or anxious.  Thankfully she doesn't get that way, but apparently it was really bothering her during her game.  I wasn't there, this information was relayed to me later, when she and my husband came home.  Anyway, she had to be pulled out of the game, so I know the pain was pretty intense.  Lo does NOT stop playing unless she absolutely has too or if she is on her death bed.

I was a little concerned because she did look overheated when they got home.  I made her rest for a while, drink more fluids and even put ice on her neck since her heart seemed to be racing a bit.  None of these things helped.  I had her take some ibuprofen, no help either.

At this point, kind of at a loss, but still not too worried. 

Now I am thinking allergies!  I had her take her allergy meds, nothing.  Hmmm, she kept complaining about this pain at night.  It is worse at night!  Reflux?  Could she be having some type of allergic reaction?  Nope!  No amount of antacids worked or allergy meds.  Well, I am totally baffled.  She is not sleeping well and the pain is pretty intense at times.  She complained of it being a stabbing type pain.

I decided it was time for a doctors visit yesterday.  Thankfully we were in and out of there in an hour.  She was easily diagnosed!  Costochondritis

I know, what the heck is Costochondritis?  Well, it is inflammation of the cartilage, where the ribs attach to the sternum (breast bone).  Only my daughter!  No, there is no specific cause; either overuse, allergies, virus...basically anything goes as far as the cause. So now she just has to rest, can't get too much exercise (yeah right) and take ibuprofen.  If she isn't better in a week they want to do an xray.  I am sure she will be fine, but this is just nuts isn't it?

 

Chels

On a GREAT note; my daughter Chels who had all kinds of inflammation and other symptoms that no one has been able to diagnose is feeling a bit better.  Her knee is doing well and although she is still experiencing occasional inflammation all over her body, we are learning how to handle it and treat it accordingly.  Recently she had what we thought was an intestinal virus.  I noticed though she was also having some rib pain again (Pleurisy).  I told her she needed to take the Prednisone just to see if it would help.  I had a hunch her intestinal issues may be another for of inflammation in her body.  Well, after taking the Prednisone she miraculously felt better. 

Hmmmm, I wonder if we are on to something here?

 

Technorati Tags: costochondritis,lo,chels,children,illness

My Daughter: Her Knee

Chel is still having problems, although, in the scheme of things, better than before.

The Chondromalacia Patella has not improved, yet I cannot say for sure if that is my fault of poor Chel's body?!  I will elaborate!

 

Good Mom/Bad Mom?

She is supposed to be receiving physical therapy to add in strengthening one side of her knee and until this week I just couldn't afford to send her.  It isn't necessarily expensive, but with everything that has been going on, an extra 20-30 bucks a week to visit the physical therapist was just a bit too much.  Because of this, Chels has had to wait and we have not been able to find out if the therapy will actually work.

On one hand I feel like a complete failure as a parent, on the other, I know it was either therapy or giving up something else, such as prescription drugs, food or gas.  Which one too choose?

Now, Chel has been moving around and trying to get as much exercise as her knee can handle, so it isn't like she sits on her butt all day; unfortunately, because school can be difficult for her to maneuver, she has missed quite a bit and it is causing her grades to suffer.  I personally feel she would have A's and B's right now, instead of C's and one D if it weren't for this problem.

I will be contacting physical therapy and her doctor today to see what we can do; hopefully the therapy will help and she will feel better in a couple of weeks.

 

Technorati Tags: knee pain,chondromalacia patella,chels,therapy

WTF? Teenagers Moody? Nawwh!

Please allow me to get through one morning without having to yell, fuss, or act in any such demeanor which is beneath me...*chuckle*.  Yeah, right; like that is going to happen with a teenager in the house.

For the past few mornings I have had the lovely pleasure of hearing my now 14 year old fussing at her siblings as though she is "The Almighty Mom". 

Nope, only room for one of those in the house....

And it is Moi, Me, Myself and I...Not HER! 

She is a good kid, but damnitall; can't she just be nice, for ONCE?  As soon as her feet hit the floor, I swear the mood regulator fails; if there ever was one. 

"Lo, get up!  It is time to get up!  Stop laying there Lo, why aren't you listening?  GET UP!," says the 14 year old mother of all.

"Little man, wake up!  No, you can't do that, you are not allowed!  Little man STOP THAT!", says the mean 14 year old again.

Of course Lo yells back at her, but it does no good; except get me riled up.  You would think they could let the "Almighty Mom" sleep in.  It isn't like I have a responsibility to take care of them after all; they are old enough, right?

Oh, wait, they haven't hit 18; shucks, I was hoping on an early reprieve. 

---------SIGH---------

 

On a totally off topic side note, I think I will be implementing something new for each day of the week like I see other blogs.  I haven't come up with what to do for Tuesday quite yet, but you will know when I know! 

 

Technorati Tags: children,teenagers,moods,siblings

Where Have I Been?

I want to thank everyone who has been stopping by even though I have not been here lately.

Most already know what "Spring Break" can be like; so the kids have definitely kept me busy with the "Mom, take me here, take me there" requests. The kids keeping me busy is not an excuse; just a fact.

What has really kept me from writing is ME.

My hubby was in a car accident last Thursday that totally through us for a loop. If every there was an accident to learn from, this one is it. He was drinking a smoothie, it fell and instead of just waiting until he was able to stop, he looked down for a brief second to pick it up off his leg. In that split second, all traffic suddenly stopped in front of him.

He wasn't even aware and he had no time to react; he didn't even get the chance to hit his brakes. Thankfully the couple he hit were okay and their vehicle only had some minor bumper damage. They even called us that evening to make sure my hubby was doing well. I thought that was very sweet.

While his injuries are minor, the repairs will not be minor. If we had full coverage insurance on this vehicle I am pretty sure they would have totaled the poor car. Not because the damage is so extensive, just the age and mileage of the vehicle.

The initial estimate to repair my husband's 1996 Cobra SVT; $5600. We have now found that this estimate was very high and not accurate. While quite a few items need repairing, thankfully it isn't going to be as much as initially thought. Here are a few pictures, taken with my brother in-law's camera phone:

I am constantly having to remember I cannot plan anything because hubby has to have the car for work, school and his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu classes. His work is over 30 minutes away, so driving him back and forth to work is just not feasible; especially with a work schedule of 7pm to 7:30am. The gas alone would kill our budget.

Let me tell you; while air bags are wonderful at saving lives, don't ever think they are safe. He was in a relatively slow crash (he had not even put the car in third gear), yet when those air bags came out, the driver's one caused a nasty 2nd degree burn (really close to third degree). The skin came completely off one spot on his forearm and was bleeding. As I stated though, minor in comparison to what could have happened. His eye glasses were knocked off his face. Hubby's face was pretty bruised too.

After seeing what these air bags can do, I am even more adamant about not allowing my children to sit in the front passenger seat.

All in all, I am very thankful no one was seriously hurt. I don't think hubby will be driving with a smoothie any time soon.

Technorati Tags: car accident,postings

Organizing The Kids Room

Have you ever walked into your kid's room and wondered what died in here? Or how about when you attempt to enter their room and you either trip over stuff on the floor or step on something and end up saying so not so nice words because your foot is killing you? Well, the last few months have been pure H-E-double hockey sticks (I try to keep it clean: sometimes).

So I mentioned in this post I am currently working on my daughters' room. Boy did it need some work. Well, I finally have a before picture.

Check these out and these are just part of the room:

While letting my children's room become like this is rather embarrassing, I do know I am not the only one who has issues dealing with their children cleaning their rooms. I also know getting a teenager and pre-teen to work together in this venture is almost impossible.

Image, just for a minute: Bull vs. Matador Get the picture? Well, 14 year old and almost 12 year agreeing on anything when it comes to cleaning their room is like that:

I found this picture (via Google images: crossingwallstreet.com), which so eloquently shows my dilemma with the girls.

So, even though I have felt like crap, I have been helping them get their room organized and clean. What a huge undertaking, but it definitely needed to be done.

This picture is from yesterday, which shows the bed in a different position. As you can see of course, the room has yet to be finished.

I worked on their room a bit today, boy what a difference. How do they manage to get it this messy? I just do not understand.

Sorry these pictures aren't the clearest. I had to use my cell phone camera because I cannot find the charger to my expensive digital SLR camera. I think I left it somewhere; because it is no where in this house. I know, how dare me!

I will post more pictures later of the progress. Just know, it is starting to look really good and I am excited to finally get their room looking, not only the way I like it to look, but the way they want it to look.

The girls will even get new curtains and such. Spring is in the air and I am feeling frisky...oops, sorry, that is for another post! *snicker*

Technorati Tags: spring,organizing,kids room,children

Feeling Blah

I was hoping to get that before picture uploaded from my kids room but I had my daughter Chels home again today because of her knee and I am just not feeling well.

While I am sure you can relate; I hate giving in to this feeling.  I just need a bit more sleep and I think I will be OK.

The picture and their room is just going to have to wait until tomorrow; see ya then!

 

Technorati Tags: tired,feeling blah

Spring Has Sprung

I love, love, love Spring!  Did I say I L-O-V-E, LOVE Spring? 

Oh, sorry I did!

Well, while I love the weather that we have had this weekend, it also brings out the need to change my house and clean.  Which of course means additional work.  Ugh, do I really have to work more?

Now, I haven't gotten to the actual Spring Cleaning quite yet, but I am getting there.  What I have started is the moving and organizing of items, furniture and in particular, my children's rooms.  It is amazing what they can accumulate in the their rooms in a short period of time.

I am weeding through their clothes, hanging new curtains and blinds and the girls have already rearranged some of their furniture.  Thankfully they do some of that heavy work and leave me to the lighter work.  They are extremely helpful!

Tomorrow, after I have checked if I have a new projects available; I will be working on their room again to try and help.  I do not really like them concentrating too hard during the week on a lot of chores.  I think kids really should be worried about homework and studying, not rearranging their room. 

Don't get me wrong; they do have chores.  I just do not think they need to be bogged down by chores during the week.  Grades are extremely important!

Once we get their room all fixed up, I will take some pictures.  Actually, I think I will take some before shots tomorrow and then once the room is finished...an after picture will be posted.

I love redecorating!  Woohoo!

 

Technorati Tags: pre spring cleaning,organizing,redecorating

Revisited Continued

I left off yesterday discussing that first visit to the doctor's office and them not really finding anything other than a possible virus; but definitely not the flu.

 

The First Night of Pain

Chels of course stayed up and I tried to keep her comfortable.  By dinner time she was in so much pain she cried and whined.  Now, this is not the type of whining and crying where you tell a child to hush and they stop.

This crying had that, "Mom, please take this pain away" type sound.  The type of cry that pleads for someone to help.  Yet there was nothing I could do!

I did call her doctor and upon discussing the situation, we decided we would take her back, again in the morning.  So, I did.

What The Doctor Thinks

This visit actually provided more information; but still no diagnosis.  Her pediatrician noted that her joints were slightly swollen, some were warm to the touch and upon manipulation Chels was in quite a bit of pain.

Not only were your toes, fingers, knees, neck and head hurting, but the muscles in her legs were also painful.

At this point the only choice the doctor felt we had, was to do extensive blood work.  Not only did they test for Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, but her doctor requested that Chels's blood be tested for Epstein Bar Virus (EBV), Cytomegalavirus (CMV) and I think that there was another one but not sure. 

After the blood was drawn, we (Chels, me and the doctor) had a discussion about what we should do next.  Her doctor decided to make Chels an appointment with a Pediatric Rheumatologist and we were left to go home and wait.

Watching your child in pain and having to take high doses of ibuprofen is not fun, but by that Friday Chels was feeling somewhat better.  Although most of the symptoms had eased up, they were totally gone.

By the time we found out Chels's blood results (which were negative) and she visited the Rheumatologists; the worst of the symptoms had subsided.

Isn't that always the case?  Our vehicles normally are the ones that act up then do not show any signs of problems when we take them to the mechanic. 

I was very happy to have Chels feeling better, but that didn't help with getting a diagnosis.

 

Her Knee

Right now we are dealing with her knee giving her problems.  While we do not know yet if her current knee issues are related; I do know they are bad.  Chels will go to school and by the time she gets home her knee is not only in a lot of pain, but is swollen and you can see on her face what it is doing to her.

Movement is still better than no movement at this point.  While it is painful, Chels says it does help some to move her knee around to keep it from getting stiff.

She had her MRI today and we have a visit Wednesday with the Orthopedist.  Hopefully soon we will know what is going on with her knee.

 

Technorati Tags: knee pain,chels,joints,orthopedist

Chels's Symptoms: Revisted

For those of you who have been reading about my daughter Chels on here and her recent health issues, this may be repeat of some information.  Those that are just stopping by, well, hopefully some of this information can help or even, maybe, someone will have some insight.

Chels just turned 14 yesterday...woohoo!  Yet another teenager in the house!

I say this because I already have an 18 year old in college and a 16 year old who drives us absolutely batty with laziness.  Although the older two live with their father in Northern Virginia, I talk to them quite often and we visit as much as possible. 

That all being said, we 'think' Chels's symptoms began months ago.  As early as last year Chels has had issues, but we were not aware they  may be related until recently.

 

The Beginning

She began with strange back pain in the middle of her back (thoracic region) that was quite debilitating.  The doctors were so concerned they sent her for an MRI, to a Neurologist and put her on Neurotin which is a medication used for nerve pain.  While nothing was 'officially' diagnosed, they did know 'something' was going on.

They were concerned because we have Anklosing Spondylitis in the family, along with other joint, bone, spine problems.

 

Chest Pain

The last six months have been filled with strange occurrences of chest pain.  First it started on the right, back, kidney region.  Even her doctor thought it was kidney related.  As usual though, all tests came back normal.  No infections, kidney functions were perfect.  This pain would travel from one side to the other.  Sometimes in the front and sometimes in the back. 

While the mention of constipation came up, I determined this was not the case.  Chels was not constipated. 

How could this be?  She not only loves vegetables and other fibrous foods, but drinks plenty of water.  She was using the bathroom frequent enough not to be constipated, although this can happen since she has Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  This just didn't feel right to me.

 

Recent Issues

Chels woke up on February 11th in extreme pain.  She could barely walk her legs were hurting so bad.  Her fingers, hands, feet, knees....all were hurting, slightly swollen and she couldn't make fists.  She had a migraine type headache and really bad neck pain and stiffness.

I thought to myself and even told her, "Oh no, you have the flu."

I figured some ibuprofen and rest would make her feel better.  Since she does have Hashimoto's, I felt I should take her in for the doctors to give her a flu test.  At least then they could treat her with a viral drug if she indeed had the flu.

Well, no flu! 

Me:  "What, no flu?"  "No, this can't be!"

Doctor:  "No flu."  "Let us do a finger prick to see if she has something viral or bacterial going on."

Me:  "Ok, sure, why not." 

Now at this point I am a bit concerned, but nothing dramatic.

Finger prick results came back in about 15 minutes with a 'possible' viral something or other showing up.  Nothing major was evident though; meaning nothing really stuck out to anyone.

We went home, continued with treatment....

More to come tomorrow!

 

Sites for reference:

Mayo Clinic:  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hashimotos-disease/DS00567

American College of Rheumatology:  http://www.rheumatology.org/public/factsheets/as.asp

 

Technorati Tags: chels,health,pain,swelling,stiffness,joints

Nothing New...Yet

Well, I have been hoping for that phone call telling us we can bring Chels in for her MRI earlier than Saturday; but I am not sure that is going to happen.  So far, no phone call.  Bummer!

While she is being a trooper and handling the situation really well, she is still having difficulties. 

Chels does get up and walk around a little in the house without the crutches because she needs too; not because it doesn't hurt.  At school though she requires crutches because it is even more weak and tries to give out on her. 

She wakes in the morning with pain and keeps describing it as though 'something is stuck in her knee'.  She is having to take prednisone just to get through and by the time she comes home from school, her knee is swollen and requires her to elevate it for an hour or so.

Once the swelling is down some she can play a little.  What I mean by play is; she tries to run around and have fun, but it is more of a limp run.  We chuckle about it when we can.  She is playing spring soccer so we will see she how that goes.  I am not sure how much she will get to play at this point, but at least she is trying to get some exercise.  As I stated, she is a trooper! 

I think I would be whining more than kid in a toy store not getting their way at this point. 

So, we are still in the waiting phase, yet again!  I do feel bad though because she is having to deal with kids at school picking on her and telling her how she is faking.  You cannot fake something like this and I know my kid...some kids are just mean.  Thankfully, I am not in middle school anymore!

Thanks for all of the well wishes!

 

Technorati Tags: knee pain,RA,health,children

Kidazy: A Great Toy Review Site

For all you mom's and dad's who need a little help with that next toy purchase; head on over to Kidazy.

Not only does this site have some excellent reviews, but they also do giveaways.  Who doesn't like free stuff?  Well, Kidazy is currently having a $100 ToysRUS gift card giveaway.  I don't know about you, but I can always use a $100 for my kids, whether birthdays or other holidays, they are just darn expensive. 

All you need to do is post about Kidazy and provide a link back to the site and there ya go; you are entered.  Well, you do need leave a little comment so they know you posted about Kidazy and the giveaway.

Let me know what you think!

 

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Update: Life's Dramas

Chels is scheduled for a MRI.  The Orthopedists stated her knee is stable (which means no ligament damage), which I am grateful; but because of her symptoms she could either have some torn cartilage or this pain can come from growing.  I had no idea that pain so severe could come from growing. 

 

This is how it was explained:

Chels had a large growth spurt over the last year; approximately 3 inches.  So, when that happens the muscles, tendons, ligaments etc. cannot accommodate and strengthen as quickly. 

The muscles and other soft tissue behind the knee become stronger, while the soft tissue on the front side become weaker.  When this happens it becomes difficult for the leg to be fully extended.

We will know for sure after the MRI, but he seems pretty sure this is the cause; especially after I told him about her sudden height jump.  We have been seeing these Orthopedists for the last two to three years and so far they have always hit the 'nail on head' so to speak.

Thankfully, if this is the case, she will only require some physical therapy to get the muscles and tendons back in working order.  While researching this new information I found what the doctor was speaking of: 

 

                          Osgood Schlatter Syndrome/Disease.

 

We are still dealing with the swelling, stiff joints.  When I mentioned to him about her symptoms he felt this could be related, but also agreed with me; if Chels has JRA (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis) it may not show in her blood for a couple of years. 

For the moment it looks like we may have a diagnosis on the current knee pain (once we get the MRI next week), but it just happened to coincide with all of her other symptoms.

All in all, I feel better today and feel ultimately everything will be A-OK!  Thanks for all of the well wishes.

 

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Life's Dramas

Well, we were back at the Rheumatologist office yesterday because Chels woke up Monday morning with swollen, painful hands and feet; again. She couldn't make a fist at all. By mid day her knee was hurting so bad she could barely walk and when she lay down to try and relax she would wince in pain every few minutes.

I finally broke down. I cried so much because I just don't know what to do anymore. I have to take her now to the Orthopedist office tomorrow afternoon because of her knee. The visit with the Rheumatologist wasn't as productive as I would like. She(the doctor) felt that the knee pain was either mechanical in nature or due to emotional stress. Well, other than the pain and swelling Chels has been experiencing, I just do not think stress is a factor. I know in my heart something is going on; we just don't know what it is yet.

So, the purpose of this Ortho visit is because her knee has not only been painful, but she cannot fully bend or extend her leg. Any pressure for more than a few minutes practically sends her to the floor and when she got home from school today it was swollen. The predisone isn't working as far as we can tell and Chels is in tears every time she moves.

I just hope we find out why her knee is hurting tomorrow. I can't stand to see my daughter hurting. She is a trooper though and she is doing all of this without the aid of narcotic pain meds. I am very proud of her!

Chels is the tallest, Lo next to her and their goofy faced brother I (shown in the picture).

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On a Positive Note!

We went and saw Chels's Rheumatologist today and it seems, all is well.  While her blood work is showing her to be relatively normal (if you know 13 year olds you understand this statement to be only somewhat true) we do have to start keeping a journal of her symptom, when they occur and if there is anything she does or does not do that helps.

The doctor seems to think Chels contracted a virus, which in turn caused her immune system to go haywire because it is already compromised from her Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.  I am glad she is feeling better.  Chels is still having some minor swelling and stiffness in her hands when she wakes, but compared to what she was going through, this is great news. Oh, I almost forgot the pain she has been having around her kidney area.  Well, we thought it was her kidney area; even the pediatrician thought this.  Apparently pleurisy causes the same symptoms that Chels has been having and this would make since as it kept going from the right lung to the left lung area.  If you are not familiar with the term pleurisy, this is a condition in which the pleural lining of the lungs becomes inflamed; which seems to be common in people who have these immune responses.

Thanks to everyone for the well wishes and hopefully after a few visits (she has to return every three months for a while) we won't have to deal with the issue any longer. 

 

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