Today, while procrastinating, I took one of those little quizzes you see your friends taking on Facebook, and I was surprised by how accurate it was. It was called, "What Color is Your Aura?" and the result was, "Violet". The explanation is as follows:
"Violets are the inspirational visionaries, leaders and teachers who are here to help save the planet. Most Violets feel drawn to educate the masses, to inspire higher ideals, to improve the quality of life on the planet, or to help save people, animals and the environment. As children, many Violets imagined becoming famous, or traveling the planet, possibly joining humanitarian causes such the Peace Corp. Violets know they are here to do something significant. However, they aren't always sure what it is."
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Forgiveness & Love
Did you all see Miley Cyrus sing at the AMA's? What a great song!!! The world would be a MUCH better place if people lived their lives by the words of this song... Or even attempted to!!!
If you didn't see it, here it is on YouTube.
If you didn't see it, here it is on YouTube.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
QOTD
This hits really close to home!!!
"The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal."
~ Astrid Aloud
"The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal."
~ Astrid Aloud
Monday, November 15, 2010
I'm baaaaaack!!!
Hey guys! As you've noticed, I haven't been around in quite awhile. I'm hoping that will change, but we'll see. It all depends on my health, and my ability to set at the computer for any length of time. Right now, just sitting is STILL painful after almost 2 years since I had my gallbladder removed, and for some reason I've been having horrible pains in my hip joints. I pray it's from going off the gluten free diet, but as always, "We shall wait and see," since tomorrow will start Week 2 of my Gluten Free Rebirth!!
Since I've been doing so much research on HS & the affects of a gluten free diet, I've come to learn that many people I know, or someone close to them, suffers from some kind of gluten allergy, sensitivity. One of my sister-in-laws is allergic to wheat, and I never knew. In my defense, I don't see her very often, and I think we've eaten together all of TWICE in the almost 4 years she's been married to my brother. That said, Lesli (said SIL), turned me on to a book called, "The Gluten Connection: How Gluten Sensitivity May Be Sabotaging Your Health (And What You Can Do To Take Control NOW)". I haven't finished it, yet, but so far, I'm so GRATEFUL to have purchased it.
I wish everyone a very blessed & beautil week. Shalom!!!
Since I've been doing so much research on HS & the affects of a gluten free diet, I've come to learn that many people I know, or someone close to them, suffers from some kind of gluten allergy, sensitivity. One of my sister-in-laws is allergic to wheat, and I never knew. In my defense, I don't see her very often, and I think we've eaten together all of TWICE in the almost 4 years she's been married to my brother. That said, Lesli (said SIL), turned me on to a book called, "The Gluten Connection: How Gluten Sensitivity May Be Sabotaging Your Health (And What You Can Do To Take Control NOW)". I haven't finished it, yet, but so far, I'm so GRATEFUL to have purchased it.
I wish everyone a very blessed & beautil week. Shalom!!!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Words to Live By!
I just got this great quote in my email & I thought I'd share it, because when people ask me, "How can you be so upbeat & still think positively after everything you've gone through & are still experiencing?" this is basically what I say. I believe this with every part of my being!!!
"When life's problems seem overwhelming, look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself fortunate."
~ Ann Landers
*Please excuse me if the wording is a bit awkward. I'm still experiencing some symptoms of the flu & Phenergen makes me a little woozy!!!
"When life's problems seem overwhelming, look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself fortunate."
~ Ann Landers
*Please excuse me if the wording is a bit awkward. I'm still experiencing some symptoms of the flu & Phenergen makes me a little woozy!!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Mystery Diagnosis
On Tuesday night, Mystery Diagnosis aired an episode about HS in which a former college football standout suffered 16 years with HS before getting a diagnosis. If you want to watch the episode, you can view it here. The title of the episode (number 16) is "The Man Covered in Boils". If it isn't available for viewing yet, it will be soon.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Great Quote
I got this quote from a childhood friend today, and I thought it too great not to share. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.
"Give others a piece of your heart, not a piece of your mind."
~ author unknown
"Give others a piece of your heart, not a piece of your mind."
~ author unknown
Flour Tortilla Recipe
Gluten Free Flour Tortillas
(makes 8 tortillas that are gluten free and casein free)
2 c. Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour Mix
1 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 c. warm water
1. Add the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix the ingredients thoroughly. (I do this with my hand)
2. Add the cup of warm water to the bowl and mix the dry goods into the water with your hand. Just squish it all up until all of the dry ingredients are no longer dry. And then keep mixing a minute longer because it’s fun and we should all be pretend we’re kids once in a blue moon. =)
3. Separate the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Place all but one of the dough balls back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap until you’re ready to work with them.
4. Sprinkle a clean, flat surface with a bit of rice flour and then roll you dough ball into a roughly circular shape. Get is as thin as possible. (If you need some practice on rolling out dough, check back here Friday for a tortilla rolling tutorial)
5. Throw the tortilla onto a hot griddle (I use a cast iron griddle on medium heat with just a smidge of shortening or oil) and let it cook approximately 1 minute – or until it has started puffing up and the bottom side is developing those lovely brown spots. Flip the tortilla and cook the other side until is toasty as well.
6. Slide the cooked tortilla onto a waiting plate and repeat from step 4 until you’ve cooked all 8 tortillas. I generally roll one tortilla out while another is cooking, so that there’s is always a tortilla on the gridle.
Cook’s Notes: If you’re allergic to soy, I have substituted Fava/Garbanzo flour for the soy flour with success. If you’re allergic to corn, try tapioca starch instead of the corn starch and almond meal instead of the masa harina.
***My notes: I used Sweet Rice Flour to roll them out & keep them from getting too sticky. It worked perfectly. I also found that you don't need to use very much oil at all. I used butter, because I rarely use it in anything, and even 1/5 - 1/4 of a pad, was too much. It added flavor, but according to my housekeeper, you don't even need it as long as you use enough flour while rolling them out.
THESE THINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!! My housekeeper, who's from Mexico, even loved them. She was so surprised that there was no oil, and asked for the recipe immediately. I really can't tell you how great they are. I'll never have to forego breakfast tacos again. I'm even taking the "fixins" with me to Houston as we go to my aunt's funeral tomorrow...just in case.
(makes 8 tortillas that are gluten free and casein free)
2 c. Gluten Free All-Purpose Flour Mix
1 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum
2 tsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
1 c. warm water
1. Add the dry ingredients to a large mixing bowl and mix the ingredients thoroughly. (I do this with my hand)
2. Add the cup of warm water to the bowl and mix the dry goods into the water with your hand. Just squish it all up until all of the dry ingredients are no longer dry. And then keep mixing a minute longer because it’s fun and we should all be pretend we’re kids once in a blue moon. =)
3. Separate the dough into 8 pieces and roll each piece into a ball. Place all but one of the dough balls back into the bowl and cover with plastic wrap until you’re ready to work with them.
4. Sprinkle a clean, flat surface with a bit of rice flour and then roll you dough ball into a roughly circular shape. Get is as thin as possible. (If you need some practice on rolling out dough, check back here Friday for a tortilla rolling tutorial)
5. Throw the tortilla onto a hot griddle (I use a cast iron griddle on medium heat with just a smidge of shortening or oil) and let it cook approximately 1 minute – or until it has started puffing up and the bottom side is developing those lovely brown spots. Flip the tortilla and cook the other side until is toasty as well.
6. Slide the cooked tortilla onto a waiting plate and repeat from step 4 until you’ve cooked all 8 tortillas. I generally roll one tortilla out while another is cooking, so that there’s is always a tortilla on the gridle.
Cook’s Notes: If you’re allergic to soy, I have substituted Fava/Garbanzo flour for the soy flour with success. If you’re allergic to corn, try tapioca starch instead of the corn starch and almond meal instead of the masa harina.
***My notes: I used Sweet Rice Flour to roll them out & keep them from getting too sticky. It worked perfectly. I also found that you don't need to use very much oil at all. I used butter, because I rarely use it in anything, and even 1/5 - 1/4 of a pad, was too much. It added flavor, but according to my housekeeper, you don't even need it as long as you use enough flour while rolling them out.
THESE THINGS ARE ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!! My housekeeper, who's from Mexico, even loved them. She was so surprised that there was no oil, and asked for the recipe immediately. I really can't tell you how great they are. I'll never have to forego breakfast tacos again. I'm even taking the "fixins" with me to Houston as we go to my aunt's funeral tomorrow...just in case.
Flour Tortillas
I have found a flour tortilla recipe that has rave reviews & I couldn't be happier!!! This girl from Texas is dying without Mexican food. I have yet to try them, because xanthum gum is so darn expensive, but I'm hoping to be able to pick some up today. Once I do that, and if I like it, I'll post the recipe and where I found it. :)
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Quote of the Day
People who know me well know that I love quotes & draw strength from them. I believe words have meaning, and even the simplest of words can be very meaningful. This is one of my favorite quotes to live by, especially when things get tough.
"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."
~ Dr Wayne Dyer
"How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours."
~ Dr Wayne Dyer
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Does a Gluten-Free Diet Help?
Ab-so-freakin-lutely!!!
After being on a gluten-free diet for a little more than 5 weeks, I went off it for an entire week while some of my family was in town visiting. Needless to say, I'm now in a lot of pain, the lesions have grown and are more inflamed than ever. I've definitely learned a lesson & won't be going down this road again!
Le chaim!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Magnesium Chloride - Day 2
As I'm writing this, I'm lying in bed with the MgCl on the larger lesions. All I can say is...
IT HURTS LIKE HELL!!!
If you don't deal well with pain, DO NOT try this! It hurts worse than when I had to have silver nitrate (I think that's what it's called) put on surgery #4, because it wouldn't heal. That pain lasted longer, but I think this one was worse. It may be because it's much larger area. I'm not sure, but whatever the case, the point is, it hurts... A LOT!!!
I decided to go ahead & try the rest of the area, because I really feel like it helped the smaller area I tested last night. I still can't say for sure whether it works, or not, but I'll definitely keep you posted.
Mazel tov!!!
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Magnesium Chloride
About a month ago I found a website that suggested using a 70/30% magnesium chloride & water solution on HS lesions that won't heal in order to "dry them up", and speed up the heeling process. Since the last doctor I went to, an ObGyn, through the county's medical system whom I'd never seen before & I will probably never see again basically said, "Too bad, so sad. You're just going to have to live with them," I decided I better try it. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to find MgCl in the liquid form at a store, at least not in the city where I live, even though it is one of the 10 largest in the US. But, since Amazon.com sells just about everything anyone would ever want, I ordered some from them, and got it today. I'm about to apply it to one of the smaller, but deeper lesions that I've had since March & see how it goes. Irregardless of how it turns out, I'll definitely post an update so everyone knows if it works.
So, wish me luck. Here goes...
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese
Yesterday I made the most amazing gluten-free mac & cheese, and I thought I'd share the recipe. I really cannot stress how good it tastes, and if it weren't for the milk I used, it would have been vegan, as well, which is something I also need to be careful of since my gallbladder removal, because I have issues with digesting foods high in fat & meats. I LOVE cheese, and it absolutely sends me over the edge with pain, but by using vegan cheese, it makes a huge difference.
Macaroni and Cheese
Makes 4 servings (if you're a BIG eater. I've had 4 servings AS MEALS, and only half of it is gone, so I don't know who they're talking about)
Ingredients
•3 cups milk (cow’s, rice, soy, potato, or nut)
•3 tablespoons sweet rice flour (4 tablespoons if using rice or potato milk)**
•2 tablespoons unsalted butter or buttery spread, such as Earth Balance
•2 cups (12 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese or cheese alternative, such as Vegan Gourmet
•1 cup (6 ounces) grated Monterey Jack or mild white cheese or cheese alternative, such as Vegan Gourmet
•2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or soy alternative, such as Soyco
•1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Frank’s (I used a favorite GF chipotle)
•1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
•1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (I didn't use fresh. I am on a budget. :))
•2 cups (about 8 ounces) gluten-free elbow macaroni, such as Pastariso, cooked al dente in salted water according to package directions (I used Ancient Harvest Quinoa Organic Pasta, Elbows)
•1 cup store-bought gluten-free bread crumbs, such as Ener-G, or homemade Plain Bread Crumbs (see below)***
Paprika, for garnish
Directions
1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease a 2-quart ovenproof baking dish.
2. Place all but 1/4 cup of the milk in a heavy medium saucepan. In a small bowl, stir the sweet rice flour with the remaining 1/4 cup of milk until it is smooth and then whisk it into the milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens. Add the butter and stir until it is melted.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheeses, hot pepper sauce, mustard, and nutmeg until the cheeses are completely melted. While the pasta is still hot, add it to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta thoroughly with the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
4. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and a dusting of paprika. Bake 15 minutes more or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are browned. For speedier results, place a broiler rack about 6 inches away from the heat source. Preheat the broiler and broil the dish until the bread crumbs are browned and crunchy. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
** I had a difficult time finding Sweet Rice Flour in a store, so I looked up what I could use as a substitute, and I found cornstarch is also used for thickening sauces, but for every 1 Tablespoon of "regular" flour or sweet rice flour, you are to use 1 1/4 Tablespoon of cornstarch. At first I forgot to add the extra 3/4 T, and the milk, starch & butter would NOT thicken. I thought my arm was going to fall off. Once I added it, it came together quickly.
*** I didn't have the energy to pull out the food processor, so I just toasted some of the more dense bread I have (the kind I use as back up when I run out of Udi's) and toasted it. Then I just chopped it up on the cutting board. I probably didn't need to toast it first, but it's kept it from becoming moist in the fridge over night & the bread crumbs really add to it!!!
Homemade plain bread crumbs
Ingredients
•4 cups gluten-free bread of choice, torn in small pieces
Directions
Place the bread in a food processor and pulse on/off until the crumbs reach desired consistency. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer up to 3 months.
This recipe if from 1,000 Gluten-Free Recipes by Carol Fenster, a GREAT book and well worth the money.
Here are a few extra tips I learned while making this:
1. Don't make your noodles too far in advance, or at least don't drain them too soon.
2. When thickening the milk, use a 3 or 4 qt saucepan, because if the milk rises too quickly, it can easily boil over a 2 qt pan.
3. If you are using vegan cheese, make sure all of it is melted before you put it in to cook. It doesn't melt like real cheese in the oven. Once you serve it and mix it up, it will melt, but it isn't very pleasing to the eye.
4. Read the directions carefully!!! I put the breadcrumbs on before I ever stuck the dish in the oven, so mine wasn't cooked in the oven the entire time, although I think it didn't make a huge difference since I toasted my bread crumbs & everything else was already cooked.
If you follow this recipe, I promise you, you will have an amazing dish that EVERYONE in your household can enjoy!!!
Mazel Tov!!!
***UPDATE***
Some people have requested the calorie count, and after adding everything together, the total comes to 2700!!! I know it sounds like A LOT, but if you break it down into 4 servings that's 675 calories, and there is 4g of protein in every 2oz of the corn pasta. Plus, as I stated before, I can't imagine anyone eating 1/4 of this in one sitting, not even my ex-husband, and he eats more than any person I've ever seen. There are also ways to cut down on the calories, such as low fat cheese, non dairy milks & imitation butter. I hope this information helps.
Macaroni and Cheese
Makes 4 servings (if you're a BIG eater. I've had 4 servings AS MEALS, and only half of it is gone, so I don't know who they're talking about)
Ingredients
•3 cups milk (cow’s, rice, soy, potato, or nut)
•3 tablespoons sweet rice flour (4 tablespoons if using rice or potato milk)**
•2 tablespoons unsalted butter or buttery spread, such as Earth Balance
•2 cups (12 ounces) grated sharp cheddar cheese or cheese alternative, such as Vegan Gourmet
•1 cup (6 ounces) grated Monterey Jack or mild white cheese or cheese alternative, such as Vegan Gourmet
•2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese or soy alternative, such as Soyco
•1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce, such as Frank’s (I used a favorite GF chipotle)
•1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
•1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (I didn't use fresh. I am on a budget. :))
•2 cups (about 8 ounces) gluten-free elbow macaroni, such as Pastariso, cooked al dente in salted water according to package directions (I used Ancient Harvest Quinoa Organic Pasta, Elbows)
•1 cup store-bought gluten-free bread crumbs, such as Ener-G, or homemade Plain Bread Crumbs (see below)***
Paprika, for garnish
Directions
1. Place a rack in the middle of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease a 2-quart ovenproof baking dish.
2. Place all but 1/4 cup of the milk in a heavy medium saucepan. In a small bowl, stir the sweet rice flour with the remaining 1/4 cup of milk until it is smooth and then whisk it into the milk. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens. Add the butter and stir until it is melted.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cheeses, hot pepper sauce, mustard, and nutmeg until the cheeses are completely melted. While the pasta is still hot, add it to the sauce and toss to coat the pasta thoroughly with the cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish.
4. Bake 15 minutes. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and a dusting of paprika. Bake 15 minutes more or until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are browned. For speedier results, place a broiler rack about 6 inches away from the heat source. Preheat the broiler and broil the dish until the bread crumbs are browned and crunchy. Let stand 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
** I had a difficult time finding Sweet Rice Flour in a store, so I looked up what I could use as a substitute, and I found cornstarch is also used for thickening sauces, but for every 1 Tablespoon of "regular" flour or sweet rice flour, you are to use 1 1/4 Tablespoon of cornstarch. At first I forgot to add the extra 3/4 T, and the milk, starch & butter would NOT thicken. I thought my arm was going to fall off. Once I added it, it came together quickly.
*** I didn't have the energy to pull out the food processor, so I just toasted some of the more dense bread I have (the kind I use as back up when I run out of Udi's) and toasted it. Then I just chopped it up on the cutting board. I probably didn't need to toast it first, but it's kept it from becoming moist in the fridge over night & the bread crumbs really add to it!!!
Homemade plain bread crumbs
Ingredients
•4 cups gluten-free bread of choice, torn in small pieces
Directions
Place the bread in a food processor and pulse on/off until the crumbs reach desired consistency. Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and in the freezer up to 3 months.
This recipe if from 1,000 Gluten-Free Recipes by Carol Fenster, a GREAT book and well worth the money.
Here are a few extra tips I learned while making this:
1. Don't make your noodles too far in advance, or at least don't drain them too soon.
2. When thickening the milk, use a 3 or 4 qt saucepan, because if the milk rises too quickly, it can easily boil over a 2 qt pan.
3. If you are using vegan cheese, make sure all of it is melted before you put it in to cook. It doesn't melt like real cheese in the oven. Once you serve it and mix it up, it will melt, but it isn't very pleasing to the eye.
4. Read the directions carefully!!! I put the breadcrumbs on before I ever stuck the dish in the oven, so mine wasn't cooked in the oven the entire time, although I think it didn't make a huge difference since I toasted my bread crumbs & everything else was already cooked.
If you follow this recipe, I promise you, you will have an amazing dish that EVERYONE in your household can enjoy!!!
Mazel Tov!!!
***UPDATE***
Some people have requested the calorie count, and after adding everything together, the total comes to 2700!!! I know it sounds like A LOT, but if you break it down into 4 servings that's 675 calories, and there is 4g of protein in every 2oz of the corn pasta. Plus, as I stated before, I can't imagine anyone eating 1/4 of this in one sitting, not even my ex-husband, and he eats more than any person I've ever seen. There are also ways to cut down on the calories, such as low fat cheese, non dairy milks & imitation butter. I hope this information helps.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Here's a great video of a woman who has done so much for everyone with HS!!!
Anyone who has experienced HS knows exactly what Patricia has gone through and continue's to go through. Every day is a struggly, and you don't know from day to day what tomorrow will bring. One day you will be completely cyst-free, and the next day you can wake up with a huge break out unable to walk, move your arms, or get out of bed. If someone you know doesn't understand HS, I highly suggest having them watch this.
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Anyone who has experienced HS knows exactly what Patricia has gone through and continue's to go through. Every day is a struggly, and you don't know from day to day what tomorrow will bring. One day you will be completely cyst-free, and the next day you can wake up with a huge break out unable to walk, move your arms, or get out of bed. If someone you know doesn't understand HS, I highly suggest having them watch this.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Side-tracked & Frustration
It looks like I wasn't able to post as much as I thought I was going to be able to, but that's okay. I haven't been feeling well emotionally, my father went into the hospital the day after I made my first post, I've been trying to do more physically and I have completely changed my diet. I've been 100% gluten free for 10 days and 11 days with a brownie. Oh, I also have a new family member. One of my nephews and his wife had a baby girl on Monday, so we've been busy texting, talking on the phone and looking at pictures online.
In addition to all of the things I mentioned aboved, I've also been doing A LOT of research on gluten free diets & tried HS remedies. It's amazing what has popped up on the web within the past 6 months about HS, because a year - 2 years ago I couldn't find anything other than medical websites. Now there's so much compared to back then. Granted, it's no where near winning any awards for having so much information, but it's definitely incouraging to see the progress. Now all we need is $$$ for research, so we can find a cure!!!
Since it's been awhile, let me update everyone on where my condition stands. I wasn't able to make it to the clinic to see the PA due to my father getting ill & being admitted to the hospital. By the time he came home, it was the end of the week, and the clinic is closed on the weekends, and I'll be damned if I'm going to wait all day & night in the ER of the community hospital just to be told there's nothing they can do for me. I don't know if that's being stubborn, but it's me. There are far sicker people than me who need to be there, and if the staff can't do anything, why should I go? I also remembered I had a well woman's appointment scheduled for June 22, so I decided to hold on until then, if I could. As it turns out, I was able to hold on, and just as I suspected, the doctor told me to keep doing what I've been doing. Ummmmmmm, thanks!!!! Or, not!!!
Let me put it to you this way, and if you are squeemish, you may want to skip this part, because I'm about to explain to you what's going on "down there". I have a 6 inch, give or take, scar on the panty line/pubic hair line on the right side of my leg/groin from my last surgery. For MORE THAN 3 MONTHS, I've had cysts all along the scar that will fill up with infection, rupture and then ooze puss for weeks on end until they do the same thing over again all along this scar. Then, below that scar, on the bottom of my butt cheek near my parineum, I have another cyst a little smaller than a golf ball that does the same thing, over & over & over & so on & so forth. And on the right side, I have one in "my hair" that does the same thing, but NO ONE within the community health system will do a thing while I sit here in excruciating pain!!! They just keep telling me to take the antibiotics which, by the way, make me sick if I don't eat a substantial amount of food with them.
And with that, folks, I need to hit they hay!!! The 'ol common bile duct is hurting something fierce, and I have a LONG day tomorrow!
Mazel Tov!!!
In addition to all of the things I mentioned aboved, I've also been doing A LOT of research on gluten free diets & tried HS remedies. It's amazing what has popped up on the web within the past 6 months about HS, because a year - 2 years ago I couldn't find anything other than medical websites. Now there's so much compared to back then. Granted, it's no where near winning any awards for having so much information, but it's definitely incouraging to see the progress. Now all we need is $$$ for research, so we can find a cure!!!
Since it's been awhile, let me update everyone on where my condition stands. I wasn't able to make it to the clinic to see the PA due to my father getting ill & being admitted to the hospital. By the time he came home, it was the end of the week, and the clinic is closed on the weekends, and I'll be damned if I'm going to wait all day & night in the ER of the community hospital just to be told there's nothing they can do for me. I don't know if that's being stubborn, but it's me. There are far sicker people than me who need to be there, and if the staff can't do anything, why should I go? I also remembered I had a well woman's appointment scheduled for June 22, so I decided to hold on until then, if I could. As it turns out, I was able to hold on, and just as I suspected, the doctor told me to keep doing what I've been doing. Ummmmmmm, thanks!!!! Or, not!!!
Let me put it to you this way, and if you are squeemish, you may want to skip this part, because I'm about to explain to you what's going on "down there". I have a 6 inch, give or take, scar on the panty line/pubic hair line on the right side of my leg/groin from my last surgery. For MORE THAN 3 MONTHS, I've had cysts all along the scar that will fill up with infection, rupture and then ooze puss for weeks on end until they do the same thing over again all along this scar. Then, below that scar, on the bottom of my butt cheek near my parineum, I have another cyst a little smaller than a golf ball that does the same thing, over & over & over & so on & so forth. And on the right side, I have one in "my hair" that does the same thing, but NO ONE within the community health system will do a thing while I sit here in excruciating pain!!! They just keep telling me to take the antibiotics which, by the way, make me sick if I don't eat a substantial amount of food with them.
And with that, folks, I need to hit they hay!!! The 'ol common bile duct is hurting something fierce, and I have a LONG day tomorrow!
Mazel Tov!!!
Monday, June 7, 2010
Welcome - Day 1
I'd hoped I'd be able to write a more formal "Welcome" post, but due to a storm, a fallen oak tree & 20 hours without power last week our computer has suffered some technical difficulties, and I'm left to posting via Blackberry. It only reiterates that I need a new, working laptop, but that will have to wait.
Today is Day 1 as I start my homeopathic cure - elaps corallinus. I'm starting with 10 200c pellets twice a day as recommended by others who have HS. My hope is that after a month and a half, and after I get someone to do something about these 4 or 5 spots I've had that won't heal for more than 3 months now, I won't have any new break-outs. In addition, I'm in the process of going 100% Gluten-Free. Unfortunately, I haven't been as vigilant as I should be, but I will be, because at this point, I feel like I have no other choice. If the medical community isn't going to help me, I have to do it myself. That being said, I am going to the clinic in the morning to see if the PA will, at least, pack & drain these spots, since the plastic surgeon flat out told me not to come back, that he couldn't do anything but a 10 hour reconstructive surgery & to have them or a general surgeon (the people who sent me to plastics) deal with it. So, we'll see what happens. I'm hoping they don't say what they've been saying for months, "It's draining, so we don't need to do anything," even though it's been doing that for THREE MONTHS, I'm on 2 strong antibiotics & the plastic surgeon said for them to do a, b, c, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? And with that, I'm off to sleep.
Mazel Tov!!!
Today is Day 1 as I start my homeopathic cure - elaps corallinus. I'm starting with 10 200c pellets twice a day as recommended by others who have HS. My hope is that after a month and a half, and after I get someone to do something about these 4 or 5 spots I've had that won't heal for more than 3 months now, I won't have any new break-outs. In addition, I'm in the process of going 100% Gluten-Free. Unfortunately, I haven't been as vigilant as I should be, but I will be, because at this point, I feel like I have no other choice. If the medical community isn't going to help me, I have to do it myself. That being said, I am going to the clinic in the morning to see if the PA will, at least, pack & drain these spots, since the plastic surgeon flat out told me not to come back, that he couldn't do anything but a 10 hour reconstructive surgery & to have them or a general surgeon (the people who sent me to plastics) deal with it. So, we'll see what happens. I'm hoping they don't say what they've been saying for months, "It's draining, so we don't need to do anything," even though it's been doing that for THREE MONTHS, I'm on 2 strong antibiotics & the plastic surgeon said for them to do a, b, c, but hey, nothing ventured, nothing gained, right? And with that, I'm off to sleep.
Mazel Tov!!!
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