My husband has Multiple Sclerosis. For years we've lived in relative bliss. After struggling for so long with relapse after relapse, hubby was finally able to go on the 'new' medication, Tysabri, in September 2006. Since then, he hasn't had a single relapse. His MRI's come back looking exactly the same year after year! We've been so blessed!
...until now...
He had, what we're calling an 'episode', though it's been two days and he's still having MS symptoms. We think this might be a relapse. I've found this 'episode' or relapse (whichever it turns out to be) to be particularly unnerving. Maybe we put our hopes too much on a man-made drug and not enough on our creator? That's not to say that I haven't prayed or been faithful enough. It's just sobering to go from relatively no symptoms for so long, to such a strong display of MS (for lack of a better word) 'junk'. Yes, he still has MS and yes, it can rear it's ugly head whenever it wants...even at the most inopportune time.
It's been so long since we've had to deal with this that I've forgotten how emotionally taxing it is. What a good reminder to keep turning to the One who is the ultimate healer?! He can handle all of our frustrations, anger, tears, confusion, questions...He can take it all. It's refreshing to know that I serve a God who is big enough to take all of that and even conquer MS!!
Hubby is doing alright, but we appreciate your prayers right now as we're navigating through this new change. Please pray specifically that this is not a relapse and that he will not have to go on steroids. Also, as always, pray for healing.
It's going to be a low-key weekend at home with the puppy for us! Maybe that's not such a bad thing...
Friday, September 24, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Bella's 2nd week with us - 10 weeks
Bella has been with us for 2 whole weeks now. Wow...that first week was rough, but this second week has gotten so much better! We went for Bella's 2nd set of shots tonight. Bella did wonderfully! She was so brave! :) When we brought Bella home, she weighed 4lbs 3oz. Today, she weighs 5lbs 13oz!! She gained 1lb 10oz 12 days!!
We also had our 2nd training session tonight with Nancy from Applause for Educated Paws. She's fantastic! I can't say enough good things about her and her training methods. Bella is going to be an excellent dog, in part because of her breed and temperament, but also because of the training that she's getting!
This past Saturday, Mike and I grilled out and spent some time outside with Bella. We got a bunch of great shots with her. Here are a few:
That's all I have for now...
We also had our 2nd training session tonight with Nancy from Applause for Educated Paws. She's fantastic! I can't say enough good things about her and her training methods. Bella is going to be an excellent dog, in part because of her breed and temperament, but also because of the training that she's getting!
This past Saturday, Mike and I grilled out and spent some time outside with Bella. We got a bunch of great shots with her. Here are a few:
That's all I have for now...
Friday, September 17, 2010
Endocrinologists, thyroids and hormones...oh my!
I finally went to see an endocrinologist. I've been having weird symptoms (related to hormone imbalance) for about a year now and after some prodding, I finally decided to go to the doctor.
I had a nice appointment and she did a TON of blood work, as I suspected she would. Then, during the exam she said, "You have a nodule on your thyroid. I'm sending you to get an ultrasound.". What?!
So, I'm off to get an ultrasound this afternoon. I'm not worried...after doing much research, I don't have any of the symptoms and they say that 95% of them are benign. But still...it's a little strange.
I don't expect to know anything for another two weeks or so, but I'll be sure to update.
I had a nice appointment and she did a TON of blood work, as I suspected she would. Then, during the exam she said, "You have a nodule on your thyroid. I'm sending you to get an ultrasound.". What?!
So, I'm off to get an ultrasound this afternoon. I'm not worried...after doing much research, I don't have any of the symptoms and they say that 95% of them are benign. But still...it's a little strange.
I don't expect to know anything for another two weeks or so, but I'll be sure to update.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Life changes...
How do women with infants...or new puppy parents find time to do anything?!?!
So far in the last week, I've managed to do 3 loads of laundry, on three separate days, with help folding from my wonderful husband! Though the housework has been slightly lacking, I have found it's much easier to cook and keep the kitchen tidy. Why? Because we can lock the puppy in the kitchen with us and she can't get into trouble! Hooray!
Having Bella has caused a radical life changing shift for us...in lots of good ways!
1. I now go to bed at exactly 10:00 every single night. Bella goes out and in her crate and off to bed I go.
2. I get up promptly at 6:30 every single morning. Woah...I know! Gone are the days of hitting the snooze button for 30 minutes to an hour! The alarm goes off...and I get up.
3. I watch far less television. Though the TV is on almost all the time, I rarely pay attention. Why, you ask? Our little Bella is a bundle of energy from about 5-7:30, takes a short nap and then plays again from 8-9. So, unless I want to sit in the kitchen all night, I have to keep my eyes on her the entire time. Oh, and did I mention I'm sitting, crawling, running after her and kneeling on the floor the entire night!? :)
4. We eat at at home every single night. Now, we have ordered in a couple of times, but this is a MAJOR life shift for us. We're used to eating out numerous times during the week. This is one of the more interesting changes for us. While I love being at home and sharing our meals together there, I do miss some of the freedom to be able to just head out the door to grab a bite to eat and see a movie. I have to say though, this change has been good for our budget! ;-)
5. I don't go anywhere in the evenings...at least for a little while. Bella has to be restricted to being in our back yard or a small area at church until she gets her second, and more likely her third round of shots. We can take her places and hold her, but where is she going to go to the bathroom? So, I stay in. I also stay in because I don't want her sleeping all evening and then being wired all night. If you know me, you know I need my beauty sleep! :)
I imagine all of these changes happen when you have children, so we're just making the adjustment sooner. I suppose once she gets a little bit bigger, we'll have more freedom again, but for now, life has changed dramatically!
We absolutely love our little bundle of fuzzy puppy! She brings joy, smiles and laughter to everyone that sees her and these life changes are worth it for her! :)
So far in the last week, I've managed to do 3 loads of laundry, on three separate days, with help folding from my wonderful husband! Though the housework has been slightly lacking, I have found it's much easier to cook and keep the kitchen tidy. Why? Because we can lock the puppy in the kitchen with us and she can't get into trouble! Hooray!
Having Bella has caused a radical life changing shift for us...in lots of good ways!
1. I now go to bed at exactly 10:00 every single night. Bella goes out and in her crate and off to bed I go.
2. I get up promptly at 6:30 every single morning. Woah...I know! Gone are the days of hitting the snooze button for 30 minutes to an hour! The alarm goes off...and I get up.
3. I watch far less television. Though the TV is on almost all the time, I rarely pay attention. Why, you ask? Our little Bella is a bundle of energy from about 5-7:30, takes a short nap and then plays again from 8-9. So, unless I want to sit in the kitchen all night, I have to keep my eyes on her the entire time. Oh, and did I mention I'm sitting, crawling, running after her and kneeling on the floor the entire night!? :)
4. We eat at at home every single night. Now, we have ordered in a couple of times, but this is a MAJOR life shift for us. We're used to eating out numerous times during the week. This is one of the more interesting changes for us. While I love being at home and sharing our meals together there, I do miss some of the freedom to be able to just head out the door to grab a bite to eat and see a movie. I have to say though, this change has been good for our budget! ;-)
5. I don't go anywhere in the evenings...at least for a little while. Bella has to be restricted to being in our back yard or a small area at church until she gets her second, and more likely her third round of shots. We can take her places and hold her, but where is she going to go to the bathroom? So, I stay in. I also stay in because I don't want her sleeping all evening and then being wired all night. If you know me, you know I need my beauty sleep! :)
I imagine all of these changes happen when you have children, so we're just making the adjustment sooner. I suppose once she gets a little bit bigger, we'll have more freedom again, but for now, life has changed dramatically!
We absolutely love our little bundle of fuzzy puppy! She brings joy, smiles and laughter to everyone that sees her and these life changes are worth it for her! :)
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Pictures of Bella
I don't have a ton of time and I'm exhausted, so I'll keep this short. They're not the best, but here are a few pictures of our new puppy!
Exhaustion sets in...
We've survived night number 3 with Bella! Praise God!
We went to the vet yesterday afternoon and the vet shed some light on Bella and her breed. Apparently cockapoos are very (what I call) 'clingy'. They want to be wherever you are, touching you if at all possible. This describes Bella exactly. So, I asked her about crate training and what we should do because I think she was crying all night long. Vet asked where we kept her (in the kitchen) and she strongly recommended moving her to the bedroom with us (NOT in the bed!). She suggested that we always allow her to sleep in our bedroom because that's where she'll be happiest and without much hesitation, Mike agreed! I'm completely amazed - but he loves her so much so I know he just wants to do what's best for her.
For those of you with infants - I have a new appreciation for what you do! It's not easy running on too little sleep and having little to no time to unwind before doing it all again!
Bella is a joy, but I'll be glad when crate training is over! :)
Starting training with Nancy at 'Applause for Paws' next week. Can't wait!
Pictures coming soon!
We went to the vet yesterday afternoon and the vet shed some light on Bella and her breed. Apparently cockapoos are very (what I call) 'clingy'. They want to be wherever you are, touching you if at all possible. This describes Bella exactly. So, I asked her about crate training and what we should do because I think she was crying all night long. Vet asked where we kept her (in the kitchen) and she strongly recommended moving her to the bedroom with us (NOT in the bed!). She suggested that we always allow her to sleep in our bedroom because that's where she'll be happiest and without much hesitation, Mike agreed! I'm completely amazed - but he loves her so much so I know he just wants to do what's best for her.
For those of you with infants - I have a new appreciation for what you do! It's not easy running on too little sleep and having little to no time to unwind before doing it all again!
Bella is a joy, but I'll be glad when crate training is over! :)
Starting training with Nancy at 'Applause for Paws' next week. Can't wait!
Pictures coming soon!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Bella is here!
I don't have any pictures uploaded yet, but we brought home our beautiful chocolate cockapoo, Bella, yesterday! She's 8 weeks old today -born July 13th. She's super smart and so so sweet!
Our first night was rough but we made it! She cried when we put her in her crate. I need to continue to do training with her so she doesn't associate the crate with us leaving her alone. I think I'll work on that some tonight. Mike stayed up and took her out at midnight and I got up to do the 3am shift. She only cried for 15 minutes and then went to sleep. I'm hopeful that she'll keep getting better. It's SO hard to hear her crying for us!
Bella is a very 'cuddly' puppy. When she sleeps, she must be touching one of us. Her favorite is to put her head on a foot! This makes it so hard to leave her when she's crying.
We're reading the Dog Whisperer's new book, "How to raise the perfect dog". It's been really insightful. I'm looking forward to using his techniques with Bella.
Sorry no pictures. I'll get some up soon! Stay tuned! :)
Our first night was rough but we made it! She cried when we put her in her crate. I need to continue to do training with her so she doesn't associate the crate with us leaving her alone. I think I'll work on that some tonight. Mike stayed up and took her out at midnight and I got up to do the 3am shift. She only cried for 15 minutes and then went to sleep. I'm hopeful that she'll keep getting better. It's SO hard to hear her crying for us!
Bella is a very 'cuddly' puppy. When she sleeps, she must be touching one of us. Her favorite is to put her head on a foot! This makes it so hard to leave her when she's crying.
We're reading the Dog Whisperer's new book, "How to raise the perfect dog". It's been really insightful. I'm looking forward to using his techniques with Bella.
Sorry no pictures. I'll get some up soon! Stay tuned! :)
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