I have a lot of work cut out for me in transferring entries from here to there, but here ya go:
The Fight Against Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis
Comments are open until I start getting spammed or trolled by dummies.
I won't be deleting entries from here...nothing will change. I'm just making sure there is a blog available that deals strictly with the condition, for those who are only wanting thoughts on HKPP and don't want to weed through the cornucopia that is My Roller Coaster Life.
Whatever the case, thanks for being here!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
LONG week. Happy birthday Baby Jo, and my hospital update...
My precious niece, Layton Josephine, celebrated her first birthday this past weekend! I can't believe she's already one!!! Jo is such a baby doll, already walking, and so smart...love her so much!
Hooray that I was able to make the trip to Louisiana to spend Jo's birthday with her! I knew I was going to be there or die trying. I so want to be in this child's life and watch her grow up. There will come a day when I can't travel at all anymore, so I am going to do what I can for as long as I can. The trip there and back wasn't without its drama, but I managed and I'm super grateful.
I made it home a little before midnight Monday (the 6 hour trip ended up taking 10 hours...ugh), took a short nap, then had to turn around leave for the hospital in Jackson. Thankfully, my aunt and uncle were with me and did all the driving. They have been life-savers, literally, and I will never be able to thank them enough for all they have done and continue to do to help me find quality of life. I would surely be dead if they hadn't intervened. I'm at a loss for words beyond that.
My appointment Tuesday with the MDA Muscular Dystrophy Clinic went well. The new doctor I saw was very nice, asked a lot of questions, and we discussed several issues. I had a new series of blood tests, including a vitamin and mineral panel. B-12, Vitamin E, Copper, Folate, and Zinc were special concerns. I was also given a new script for emergency potassium to supplement my maintenance meds, and I spoke with the MDA concerning future medical equipment.
We had an awesome dinner at Julep, and stayed overnight.
Wednesday morning, I met with a team of doctors at UMMC to discuss my breathing and sleeping issues. Both docs were outstanding...thorough, respectful, and blunt in the nicest possible way. They both believe that I have sleep apnea in addition to the breathing problems that result from Periodic Paralysis. No oxygen has been prescribed by day (yet), but they urged me to proceed with testing so I can at least obtain a CPAP machine to use at night. Unfortunately, the testing is $2300 paid in full up front, and the CPAP is an additional God-only-knows how much. There is no financial aid or indigent care for this treatment at UMMC (or any other hospital that I know of), so I am at a stand-still until I figure out a way to make this happen. Other than that, I was prescribed yet another med. It will deal with my acid production, and I start it tomorrow morning.
Lord, I am so tired of pills. That's fifteen now, if anyone's counting. And to think, just a few years ago, I was only on one pill a day. ONE. If that doesn't put my situation into perspective, nothing will.
I'll keep you posted, and I will soon launch a blog that deals strictly with my battle against this disease. I greatly appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers on Twitter and Facebook. I promise I don't take you for granted. Thanks for caring.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
8 Surprising Sources of Sugar, and my (snarky) thoughts about Agave
Article courtesy of Toby Amidor at Food Network Healthy Eats (click here to view the original):
The American Heart Association recommends that women limit their added sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons (or 100 calories) while men shouldn’t consume more than 9 teaspoons (or 150 calories) each day. Americans blow these recommendations out of the water, consuming an average of 475 calories of added sugar each day! So take a good look at your pantry to see if you’re eating any of these hidden sources of sugar.
Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
In order to replace the fat, sugar is often added in the form of maltodextrin, corn syrup solids and molasses. Although 2 tablespoons will only give you 1 teaspoon of added sugar, choose natural peanut butter instead without any added sugar.
Barbecue Sauce
A quarter cup of barbecue sauce has 4.5 teaspoons of added sugar. Check out our tips for choosing a healthier barbecue sauce or make your own.
Salad Dressing
Oftentimes light salad dressings replace the fat with sugar. For example, two tablespoons of this Lite Honey French Dressing has 3.5 teaspoons of added sugar. Be sure to check the food label for the amount of sugar in your store-bought dressing or make your own.
Multigrain Cereals
You may think you’re eating healthy when you dig into your morning bowl of multigrain cereal. Although it may not have bright colors, chocolate or marshmallows, it may contain hidden sugar. Many popular brands have between 1.6 to 3.5 teaspoons of added sugar per cup. Check out our taste test to spot the lower sugar cereal choices.
Sports Drinks
According to the USDA, about 36 percent of the added sugar in our diet comes from soda, energy drinks and sports drinks. A 16-fluid ounce container of a sports drink has 7 teaspoons of added sugar (105 calories). There is a time and place for sports drinks — read more about it.
Ketchup
Sugar is a common ingredient in ketchup, but it’s the source that matters. Two tablespoons of ketchup contain 2 teaspoons of added sugar usually from high fructose corn syrup. Look for brands made with traditional sugar or make your own.
Baked Beans
One cup of canned baked beans contains about 3.75 teaspoons of added sugar. Use canned beans without any flavoring to minimize the amount of sugar.
Bread
Breads typically have a touch of sugar added to them. About half of the brands we looked at had about 1 teaspoon of added sugar per slice. Be sure to read the label and ingredients for the types of added sugar, and avoid those containing high fructose corn syrup. If you’re looking for whole grain varieties, check out our taste test.
Spotting Added Sugar
Reading the food label can get confusing as sugar goes by a lot of different names. There are some of the most common names for sugar that you should be looking for:
Agave nectar, brown sugar, cane crystals, cane sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose, dextrose, evaporated cane juice, fructose, fruit juice concentrates, glucose, honey, invert sugar, lactose, maltose, malt syrup, molasses, raw sugar, sucrose, and syrup.
Bottom Line: There are many hidden sources of added sugar. Read the labels carefully to ensure that you’re not taking in more than the recommended amount."
---------------------------------------------------
I have debated with people for two years about the dangers of Agave Nectar. Before my diet became so restricted, I tried it and it nearly sent me to the emergency room. My blood sugar spiked and I had a severe Hypokalemic attack. Sadly, it was my local health food store that recommended it to me, and sure enough, it even said "Low Glycemic - Safe For Diabetics!" on the bottle.
Ignorance can be deadly. Agave Nectar is processed exactly the way High Fructose Corn Syrup is, yet people are convinced that's it's healthier. Pretty scary if you ask me. Truth is, a food company in the U.S. can put whatever they want on their labels. They can say something is "healthy" and "natural" when it's not, and many, many, many companies do. It is a marketing strategy that works, so don't expect them to change unless we start educating ourselves, and act accordingly.
Somebody actually turned up their nose and exclaimed "it's from a plant, so it's healthy!" to me one time. Ha! Congratulations! Like so many others, you've been duped. Good luck with that...
"Move over salt, there’s a new bad guy in town: sugar. We know that sweet treats and heavily processed food tends to be laden with sugar, but you’ll be shocked to find out that these 8 common foods that contain more sugar than you think.
The GuidelinesThe American Heart Association recommends that women limit their added sugar to no more than 6 teaspoons (or 100 calories) while men shouldn’t consume more than 9 teaspoons (or 150 calories) each day. Americans blow these recommendations out of the water, consuming an average of 475 calories of added sugar each day! So take a good look at your pantry to see if you’re eating any of these hidden sources of sugar.
Reduced Fat Peanut Butter
In order to replace the fat, sugar is often added in the form of maltodextrin, corn syrup solids and molasses. Although 2 tablespoons will only give you 1 teaspoon of added sugar, choose natural peanut butter instead without any added sugar.
Barbecue Sauce
A quarter cup of barbecue sauce has 4.5 teaspoons of added sugar. Check out our tips for choosing a healthier barbecue sauce or make your own.
Salad Dressing
Oftentimes light salad dressings replace the fat with sugar. For example, two tablespoons of this Lite Honey French Dressing has 3.5 teaspoons of added sugar. Be sure to check the food label for the amount of sugar in your store-bought dressing or make your own.
Multigrain Cereals
You may think you’re eating healthy when you dig into your morning bowl of multigrain cereal. Although it may not have bright colors, chocolate or marshmallows, it may contain hidden sugar. Many popular brands have between 1.6 to 3.5 teaspoons of added sugar per cup. Check out our taste test to spot the lower sugar cereal choices.
Sports Drinks
According to the USDA, about 36 percent of the added sugar in our diet comes from soda, energy drinks and sports drinks. A 16-fluid ounce container of a sports drink has 7 teaspoons of added sugar (105 calories). There is a time and place for sports drinks — read more about it.
Ketchup
Sugar is a common ingredient in ketchup, but it’s the source that matters. Two tablespoons of ketchup contain 2 teaspoons of added sugar usually from high fructose corn syrup. Look for brands made with traditional sugar or make your own.
Baked Beans
One cup of canned baked beans contains about 3.75 teaspoons of added sugar. Use canned beans without any flavoring to minimize the amount of sugar.
Bread
Breads typically have a touch of sugar added to them. About half of the brands we looked at had about 1 teaspoon of added sugar per slice. Be sure to read the label and ingredients for the types of added sugar, and avoid those containing high fructose corn syrup. If you’re looking for whole grain varieties, check out our taste test.
Spotting Added Sugar
Reading the food label can get confusing as sugar goes by a lot of different names. There are some of the most common names for sugar that you should be looking for:
Agave nectar, brown sugar, cane crystals, cane sugar, corn sweetener, corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, crystalline fructose, dextrose, evaporated cane juice, fructose, fruit juice concentrates, glucose, honey, invert sugar, lactose, maltose, malt syrup, molasses, raw sugar, sucrose, and syrup.
Bottom Line: There are many hidden sources of added sugar. Read the labels carefully to ensure that you’re not taking in more than the recommended amount."
---------------------------------------------------
I have debated with people for two years about the dangers of Agave Nectar. Before my diet became so restricted, I tried it and it nearly sent me to the emergency room. My blood sugar spiked and I had a severe Hypokalemic attack. Sadly, it was my local health food store that recommended it to me, and sure enough, it even said "Low Glycemic - Safe For Diabetics!" on the bottle.
Ignorance can be deadly. Agave Nectar is processed exactly the way High Fructose Corn Syrup is, yet people are convinced that's it's healthier. Pretty scary if you ask me. Truth is, a food company in the U.S. can put whatever they want on their labels. They can say something is "healthy" and "natural" when it's not, and many, many, many companies do. It is a marketing strategy that works, so don't expect them to change unless we start educating ourselves, and act accordingly.
Somebody actually turned up their nose and exclaimed "it's from a plant, so it's healthy!" to me one time. Ha! Congratulations! Like so many others, you've been duped. Good luck with that...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
What's Goin' On
Crazy final semester at MGCCC, as I expected it to be. Classes are going well. I have A's and B's for now, with World Lit being my best class with a near-perfect score (I can do English. It's Algebra that I can't do). Sociology is somewhat interesting and our discussions about culture and crime have been passionate. Health & Wellness is challenging, as I can do nothing in the vicinity of exercise, but have to make it sound like I do. Hope my teacher likes fiction...hehe! No seriously, she is aware of my situation and she said it's fine. I'm doing my best and I think she is noting that. The first unit test was brutal...wow. I was afraid I had failed it (as others did) but I managed an 80 B. Hopefully the rests of my exams will go a little better. As for Algebra, I'm half way through the course, but the big test is coming up and I am not ready for it at all. I'll try to knock it out early next week before I head to Jackson for a couple days of evaluations at UMMC.
In Jackson, I will meet with Dr. V at the Muscular Dystrophy clinic, stay overnight, then meet with a sleep specialist to discuss the possibility of a CPAP or BiPAP. I am having significant trouble breathing lately...it's getting harder...and my Internist is concerned about me having Sleep Apnea. He doesn't want to put me on oxygen, but he obviously doesn't want me to die either. I can't pay for a sleep study (they already told me it's $3000 up front and they don't do indigent care), but I'll let ya know what the specialist says in our meeting.
I updated a few blogs:
A pitiful video blog on my Bob Ross page...ha! Glad my students love me unconditionally. :-)
A plea to the charities I sent emails to about the eBook I want to feature them in this year. I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU, CHARITIES!
This blog is on the back burner during my college semesters, and it's very amateur (as most of my blogs are), but I'll give it some TLC when I have more time.
And I launched a new blog. So far it's just my thoughts on a couple of social topics (inspired by my Sociology class), but there is much more to come. I'm going to be posting some very thought-provoking stuff in the future.
I can't sit up anymore...talk to y'all soon.
In Jackson, I will meet with Dr. V at the Muscular Dystrophy clinic, stay overnight, then meet with a sleep specialist to discuss the possibility of a CPAP or BiPAP. I am having significant trouble breathing lately...it's getting harder...and my Internist is concerned about me having Sleep Apnea. He doesn't want to put me on oxygen, but he obviously doesn't want me to die either. I can't pay for a sleep study (they already told me it's $3000 up front and they don't do indigent care), but I'll let ya know what the specialist says in our meeting.
I updated a few blogs:
A pitiful video blog on my Bob Ross page...ha! Glad my students love me unconditionally. :-)
A plea to the charities I sent emails to about the eBook I want to feature them in this year. I NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU, CHARITIES!
This blog is on the back burner during my college semesters, and it's very amateur (as most of my blogs are), but I'll give it some TLC when I have more time.
And I launched a new blog. So far it's just my thoughts on a couple of social topics (inspired by my Sociology class), but there is much more to come. I'm going to be posting some very thought-provoking stuff in the future.
I can't sit up anymore...talk to y'all soon.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Friday Funnies: Cardboard Kitty
Oh mercy, this made me laugh so hard. This artist is too clever. :)
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
see more Lolcats and funny pictures
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
HKPP Update: Bringing Out The Big Guns
I don't even know where to begin with a health update, but I'll try to give a summary of the last few months and hope it makes sense.
The 10mg of amiloride I was prescribed on November 1st gave me a few good days, and a lot of bad ones. All in all, it simply hasn't done its job in raising my potassium level. I've had a lot of rough moments, including nearly ending up in full paralysis again. So, I knew something had to change ASAP.
Dr F (Nephrologist/Internist in Jackson) is pretty passionate about finding something that works at this point. He had more time to spend than usual, so we discussed a lot of options. He kept saying this was "so unfair" to me and we need to find a combination of meds that will raise my potassium to a level where I can function again. He has the most endearing bedside manner of any doctor I've ever met, and is trying hard to figure this out. Anyone who knows what I've been through with doctors over the years knows how much I do not take this for granted. I'm so grateful that he listens, cares, tries, and hasn't given up on me. I pray he never does.
We negotiated on a new, aggressive regimen. I will stay on one amiloride a day, 5mg, and switch from potassium citrate back to chloride...100mEq a day. I will also stay on Avapro 150mg once a day, add a CoQ10 supplement, and start taking a new potassium-sparing diuretic called Inspra. It has done miracles for a few HKPP patients, and Dr. F wants me to take it as well as the amiloride in an attempt to force my body to retain the potassium I'm taking in.
It's safe to say we've officially brought out the big guns. Very risky, but it just might work. I'm hopeful.
I requested medication assistance through the local clinic today, because Inspra is nearly $300 alone. Med assistance is my only hope of following through with treatment. My meds total over $450 a month now, and I have zero income. Impossible, needless to say. I'm trying not to worry, but it's hard not knowing how this is going to happen. Not just now, but in the long run. This is a lifelong ordeal, but I keep reminding myself that all I can do is take one day at a time.
In summary: Potassium level still fluctuating between 3.4 and 4.2. I need to be in the 5's to properly function. Dr. F is on board with this goal.
Meds: Avapro 150mg, CoQ10 30mg, amiloride 5mg, KCl 100mEq spread throughout the day, magnesium citrate 225mg x 2, Inspra 25mg x 2, B-12 and Fish Oil when I remember, Fast-K on stand-by for acute episodes of paralysis (God forbid).
Diet: Low carb/sugar, low sodium, low gluten, high protein.
Zero exercise...my body is completely intolerant right now. On my best days, I can drive to the store and shop with assistance of a power chair. I can walk short distances on crutches but that always results in further weakness.
In other somewhat related news, I have been having significant trouble breathing and swallowing, to the point that it gets scary at times. I almost lost my voice again recently (in fact, I do lose it if I strain it too much). Dr. F asked me a series of questions, and became very concerned by my answers. He wants me to talk to a sleep specialist about testing for apnea. Without insurance, this probably isn't going to take place, but my eval is in March. My next MDA appointment is in March as well. Happy birthday to me, I guess.
The battle rages on.
The 10mg of amiloride I was prescribed on November 1st gave me a few good days, and a lot of bad ones. All in all, it simply hasn't done its job in raising my potassium level. I've had a lot of rough moments, including nearly ending up in full paralysis again. So, I knew something had to change ASAP.
Dr F (Nephrologist/Internist in Jackson) is pretty passionate about finding something that works at this point. He had more time to spend than usual, so we discussed a lot of options. He kept saying this was "so unfair" to me and we need to find a combination of meds that will raise my potassium to a level where I can function again. He has the most endearing bedside manner of any doctor I've ever met, and is trying hard to figure this out. Anyone who knows what I've been through with doctors over the years knows how much I do not take this for granted. I'm so grateful that he listens, cares, tries, and hasn't given up on me. I pray he never does.
We negotiated on a new, aggressive regimen. I will stay on one amiloride a day, 5mg, and switch from potassium citrate back to chloride...100mEq a day. I will also stay on Avapro 150mg once a day, add a CoQ10 supplement, and start taking a new potassium-sparing diuretic called Inspra. It has done miracles for a few HKPP patients, and Dr. F wants me to take it as well as the amiloride in an attempt to force my body to retain the potassium I'm taking in.
It's safe to say we've officially brought out the big guns. Very risky, but it just might work. I'm hopeful.
I requested medication assistance through the local clinic today, because Inspra is nearly $300 alone. Med assistance is my only hope of following through with treatment. My meds total over $450 a month now, and I have zero income. Impossible, needless to say. I'm trying not to worry, but it's hard not knowing how this is going to happen. Not just now, but in the long run. This is a lifelong ordeal, but I keep reminding myself that all I can do is take one day at a time.
In summary: Potassium level still fluctuating between 3.4 and 4.2. I need to be in the 5's to properly function. Dr. F is on board with this goal.
Meds: Avapro 150mg, CoQ10 30mg, amiloride 5mg, KCl 100mEq spread throughout the day, magnesium citrate 225mg x 2, Inspra 25mg x 2, B-12 and Fish Oil when I remember, Fast-K on stand-by for acute episodes of paralysis (God forbid).
Diet: Low carb/sugar, low sodium, low gluten, high protein.
Zero exercise...my body is completely intolerant right now. On my best days, I can drive to the store and shop with assistance of a power chair. I can walk short distances on crutches but that always results in further weakness.
In other somewhat related news, I have been having significant trouble breathing and swallowing, to the point that it gets scary at times. I almost lost my voice again recently (in fact, I do lose it if I strain it too much). Dr. F asked me a series of questions, and became very concerned by my answers. He wants me to talk to a sleep specialist about testing for apnea. Without insurance, this probably isn't going to take place, but my eval is in March. My next MDA appointment is in March as well. Happy birthday to me, I guess.
The battle rages on.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
I Will Always Love You
I have sung her songs passionately and obnoxiously to the top of my lungs for twenty-five years. She was truly gifted. There will never be another like her. What a tremendous loss.
Rest in peace, Whitney Houston.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
In better news...
School is going very well. I'm 6 1/2 weeks ahead in Algebra, 2 1/2 weeks ahead in World Lit, 1 week ahead in Health, and right on time in Sociology. I am so glad that I have competent, organized online instructors this semester...woohoo!!! Three of the four have allowed us to work ahead a bit, so I've done that. I have an A in World Lit and Health, no grade in Sociology yet (it's moving slowly), and a B in Algebra. Anybody who knows me knows how much I struggle with Algebra. I do well in almost every other class out there, but math has always been and will always be my Achilles' heel.
In a leap of faith, I've gotten back on the Saturday schedule at Hobby Lobby. Mind you, I am getting around on two canes that I use as crutches, and I have yet to complete a painting since my serious episodes of HKPP, but some of my students have agreed to an "open studio" where I will host and advise as they paint whatever they want. I will be sitting there at the table with them and (hopefully) demonstrating the technique. A few have signed up, including a friend who is making a three hour drive down here, so I had better be able to make it there. I am hoping to paint with them but I'm not going to hold my breath on that. I will give it another shot tomorrow, though.
I've got a friend who offered to take photos of some of my work...just have to find a day where I can get it all to her. It will be helpful to have actual professional photos of some of my paintings, so I can finally start selling prints.
My eBook is coming along, albeit, very slowly. I've made another appeal to the masses who received my initial email to respond asap before I drop them. Many of the charities have visited my website, so I know they're at least paying attention. I've said all I can say, though...it's up to them to allow me to feature them in the book. I will send out another 40 or 60 emails in February. Really hoping to reach my goal of featuring 100 great charities, but it looks like it may be much smaller. We'll see.
Math is for the left-brainers. Not for Kelli.
I've come to the conclusion that I was meant to be monolingual.
My brain has enough room for English, and that's pretty much it.
Sorry, folks.
I've come to the conclusion that I was meant to be monolingual.
My brain has enough room for English, and that's pretty much it.
Sorry, folks.
In a leap of faith, I've gotten back on the Saturday schedule at Hobby Lobby. Mind you, I am getting around on two canes that I use as crutches, and I have yet to complete a painting since my serious episodes of HKPP, but some of my students have agreed to an "open studio" where I will host and advise as they paint whatever they want. I will be sitting there at the table with them and (hopefully) demonstrating the technique. A few have signed up, including a friend who is making a three hour drive down here, so I had better be able to make it there. I am hoping to paint with them but I'm not going to hold my breath on that. I will give it another shot tomorrow, though.
I've got a friend who offered to take photos of some of my work...just have to find a day where I can get it all to her. It will be helpful to have actual professional photos of some of my paintings, so I can finally start selling prints.
My eBook is coming along, albeit, very slowly. I've made another appeal to the masses who received my initial email to respond asap before I drop them. Many of the charities have visited my website, so I know they're at least paying attention. I've said all I can say, though...it's up to them to allow me to feature them in the book. I will send out another 40 or 60 emails in February. Really hoping to reach my goal of featuring 100 great charities, but it looks like it may be much smaller. We'll see.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Rough week
Things have gone severely downhill again with the Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis. I'm in agony from head to toe and barely able to lift my legs or hold my body up. I'm back on crutches and I've been having trouble breathing and swallowing all week. Sometimes, I feel like I'm dying.
I'm still having nightmares about my visit to Infirmary West ER eight months ago. As much as I pray about it and try to get over it, I can't. I still hate their guts for what they did to me. I can't allow them to continue to hurt me like this, but the memories are not going away. Say a prayer for me, if you will.
My emergency bracelet broke a couple weeks ago, so as soon as I'm able to walk and drive again, I guess I'm headed to Walmart for a wristband or something. It's not ideal to go out in public without it anymore, so I need to make sure I do this. Maybe typing it out will help me remember.
I'm just rambling so I guess that's all for now.
I'm still having nightmares about my visit to Infirmary West ER eight months ago. As much as I pray about it and try to get over it, I can't. I still hate their guts for what they did to me. I can't allow them to continue to hurt me like this, but the memories are not going away. Say a prayer for me, if you will.
My emergency bracelet broke a couple weeks ago, so as soon as I'm able to walk and drive again, I guess I'm headed to Walmart for a wristband or something. It's not ideal to go out in public without it anymore, so I need to make sure I do this. Maybe typing it out will help me remember.
I'm just rambling so I guess that's all for now.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Little Miss Hannah
I am sad to report that little Hannah, who was fighting Gaucher's Disease, passed away in December. Much love and peace to the Ostrea family and all who loved this sweet little girl.
Her website is here. Her charity campaign is here.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
I want every person on the planet to watch this.
Years ago I was caregiver for a child who acted exactly like her, also autistic, but I knew he was so much more intelligent than anyone around him realized and I pray for the same breakthrough for him that Carly has been given.
Sensory Overstimulation is so complex and horribly misunderstood. ADHD, OCD, and Tourette's are also in this category. I wish the world could grasp the fact that people with (undamaged brain) sensory disorders are not mentally ill. This is physical and physiological. The capacity to function is absolutely there, but the signals that control nerve stimulation are confused due to severe chemical imbalances. Literally a "system overload".
I got choked up when she said she wished everyone could be in her body for one day. God, yes. I say that all the time. All the freaking time. I have Hypokalemic Sensory Overstimulation, a result of Neuromuscular disease. I can't describe how it feels to live in a body that feels like it's short circuiting 24/7/365. My symptoms don't present in the same fashion as hers, but it acts out of control in other ways. I admire this young woman so much for coming forward and sharing her story. She is a hero for the impact she is making in this ignorant world. We have barely touched the surface of Neurology...there is still so much to learn. I can't wait to read her book and her blog. I will be looking for it.
Monday, January 16, 2012
This guy is begging for a name
Pastel drawing in progress. I have no idea when I'll complete him, but he needs a name. Something strong like Rustic Rebel...you know, a good "horse" name.
Shoot me an email if you have suggestions. :-)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
A Day of Coincidences
College is upon me once again. I will be a Junior this year, and I can't wait to officially dive into my major. I was telling a friend that I wish I had been able to keep my Intro to Psychology textbook (from Psych 101 a year ago) because I liked it that much.
Would you believe I went to pick up my books for the new semester today, and that very textbook was on the "FREE" table outside the campus bookstore?
Before leaving the house to visit the campus, I shared this article on Facebook and in reference to it, I said "By the way, I'd be the one who mispronounced "Goethe". I am notorious for mispronouncing words." (Goethe is a word that I've seen before, but have never heard it so I am sure I would say it wrong. I'm bad about doing that.)
Anyway, when I arrived home with my textbooks, I found this on the back cover of World Lit!
Somebody cue the Twilight Zone theme. It's been one of those days...
Would you believe I went to pick up my books for the new semester today, and that very textbook was on the "FREE" table outside the campus bookstore?
Before leaving the house to visit the campus, I shared this article on Facebook and in reference to it, I said "By the way, I'd be the one who mispronounced "Goethe". I am notorious for mispronouncing words." (Goethe is a word that I've seen before, but have never heard it so I am sure I would say it wrong. I'm bad about doing that.)
Anyway, when I arrived home with my textbooks, I found this on the back cover of World Lit!
Somebody cue the Twilight Zone theme. It's been one of those days...
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Elizabeth Barrett Browning Had Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis!!!
The symptoms she described in her diary are textbook Familial Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis, just like my symptoms are. I find it incredibly sad that she went undiagnosed and untreated, eventually dying in her husband's arms. But how amazing that someone has acknowledged and given a name to this woman's illness after 150 years. This definitely puts HKPP on the historical map. What a find!!!
Discovering & Recovering - Part 1
This is something that I don't recall mentioning on this particular blog before. I have on others, but not this one. It's a tough subject for me to bring up at this time...tougher than I expected it to be...but I believe it's important that I share. So this is the first of a few blog entries that I'll devote to a widely ridiculed and often misunderstood condition that I and millions of others deal with. For once, I'm not referring to my systemic disease.
Over the past few months, I've been spending some time watching television (which is not common for me). I have to say a couple of the faces of Food Network have really struck a chord in me lately. One is a chef who is a tremendous perfectionist. In watching him closely, it became pretty obvious that he has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I'm not going to type his name because I don't want to risk this coming up in a search of him. He doesn't publicly acknowledge his OCD, so I'm certainly not going to disrespect him by doing so. But make no mistake...he has it. After only a short time, I recognized his behavior, and a few weeks later, one of his chef friends picked on him about it in detail on Twitter. It was a confirmation that my observations were right on the money.
This reminded me of my own challenges...things that I don't often think about until they blatantly slap me in the face. I have acknowledged in the past that I have mild OCD, but haven't talked about it a lot. Believe it or not, those who notice this in me the most are my students. I have mentioned it many times in class because I struggle greatly with creating paintings that are asymmetrical. I don't let things get too serious...my students and I always chuckle about it and move on. I do my best but I have found that when I compare my paintings to others, my paintings are borderline ridiculous because I can tell that I was trying to create a symmetrical scene in spite of my efforts not to. Frustrating, but a challenge that I knowingly chose in becoming a Ross instructor. Eventually, I started to deny that I had OCD because I felt my issues were manageable. As much as I hate to admit this, the last time I mentioned it while teaching, I said "I call myself OCD, but I'm really not." I had started using the word "quirky" instead. I had convinced myself that I didn't fit the mold, and that I needed to stop going on about it (because only those who have OCD should be allowed to make light of it, in my humble opinion).
Years before my symmetrical painting battles, I was an excessive hand washer. I couldn't walk by the bathroom without stopping to wash and dry (and dry, and dry) my hands. At some point, I recognized what I was doing and made a conscious effort to improve. I did so, and stopped dwelling on it. But when I think about it now, I realize that the mindset is still there, I'm only executing the habit differently than I used to. I'll go into more detail later. I don't want this entry turning into a novel.
That being said, OCD was back on my mind again for the first time in a while.
Then during the recent holiday season, "Unwrapped" came on. I had not seen it in a few years, but I love the show and I've always loved Marc Summers. I loved him when I was in elementary school watching Double Dare, and I loved him even more when he came forward about OCD years later. He wrote a book in the late 90's, but I didn't read it. Watching his TV interview(s) was painful, although I felt very proud of him for sharing his struggle. I don't think I had ever been so proud of a man as I was of him when he did that. It affected me deeply.
Anyway, that night when "Unwrapped" came on, I decided to Google Marc so I could read his Wiki page (I Wiki everybody these days) and his book popped up in the search. Cue my conscience tapping me on the shoulder. I said to myself "Okay, okay. Read the book, Kelli. You know you should." I promised myself that I would go by the library the next day and look it up, so I did and read it straight through.
Gut-wrenching. Profoundly unexpected. Life-changing.
I didn't even get out of the foreword before the tears started. The facts about OCD and the variety of ways that it manifests was like a punch in the throat. I felt like I couldn't breathe the entire time I was reading. I was sick to my stomach and couldn't eat until the next day. The issues of symmetry and hand washing are nothing...a drop in the bucket compared to the discoveries I've made about myself thanks to this book. One page suddenly made a lifetime of irrational fear and anxiety make sense.
I am completely overwhelmed. Broken. Thankful. Scared. A flood of emotions. If only I had read it in '99. I don't know if my life would have been much different, but I think I would have been a little less confused and felt a lot less crazy.
How much do I love Marc Summers for writing this book? I don't know. I'm just grateful.
I gave people my word that I would share more soon...still processing all of this. Right now, I'm at a loss as to what else to say. One thing I do know - I will kick some serious butt when I dive back into my college major soon. Lemonade will be made by the truckload. Bring it on.
Over the past few months, I've been spending some time watching television (which is not common for me). I have to say a couple of the faces of Food Network have really struck a chord in me lately. One is a chef who is a tremendous perfectionist. In watching him closely, it became pretty obvious that he has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I'm not going to type his name because I don't want to risk this coming up in a search of him. He doesn't publicly acknowledge his OCD, so I'm certainly not going to disrespect him by doing so. But make no mistake...he has it. After only a short time, I recognized his behavior, and a few weeks later, one of his chef friends picked on him about it in detail on Twitter. It was a confirmation that my observations were right on the money.
This reminded me of my own challenges...things that I don't often think about until they blatantly slap me in the face. I have acknowledged in the past that I have mild OCD, but haven't talked about it a lot. Believe it or not, those who notice this in me the most are my students. I have mentioned it many times in class because I struggle greatly with creating paintings that are asymmetrical. I don't let things get too serious...my students and I always chuckle about it and move on. I do my best but I have found that when I compare my paintings to others, my paintings are borderline ridiculous because I can tell that I was trying to create a symmetrical scene in spite of my efforts not to. Frustrating, but a challenge that I knowingly chose in becoming a Ross instructor. Eventually, I started to deny that I had OCD because I felt my issues were manageable. As much as I hate to admit this, the last time I mentioned it while teaching, I said "I call myself OCD, but I'm really not." I had started using the word "quirky" instead. I had convinced myself that I didn't fit the mold, and that I needed to stop going on about it (because only those who have OCD should be allowed to make light of it, in my humble opinion).
Years before my symmetrical painting battles, I was an excessive hand washer. I couldn't walk by the bathroom without stopping to wash and dry (and dry, and dry) my hands. At some point, I recognized what I was doing and made a conscious effort to improve. I did so, and stopped dwelling on it. But when I think about it now, I realize that the mindset is still there, I'm only executing the habit differently than I used to. I'll go into more detail later. I don't want this entry turning into a novel.
That being said, OCD was back on my mind again for the first time in a while.
Then during the recent holiday season, "Unwrapped" came on. I had not seen it in a few years, but I love the show and I've always loved Marc Summers. I loved him when I was in elementary school watching Double Dare, and I loved him even more when he came forward about OCD years later. He wrote a book in the late 90's, but I didn't read it. Watching his TV interview(s) was painful, although I felt very proud of him for sharing his struggle. I don't think I had ever been so proud of a man as I was of him when he did that. It affected me deeply.
Anyway, that night when "Unwrapped" came on, I decided to Google Marc so I could read his Wiki page (I Wiki everybody these days) and his book popped up in the search. Cue my conscience tapping me on the shoulder. I said to myself "Okay, okay. Read the book, Kelli. You know you should." I promised myself that I would go by the library the next day and look it up, so I did and read it straight through.
Gut-wrenching. Profoundly unexpected. Life-changing.
I didn't even get out of the foreword before the tears started. The facts about OCD and the variety of ways that it manifests was like a punch in the throat. I felt like I couldn't breathe the entire time I was reading. I was sick to my stomach and couldn't eat until the next day. The issues of symmetry and hand washing are nothing...a drop in the bucket compared to the discoveries I've made about myself thanks to this book. One page suddenly made a lifetime of irrational fear and anxiety make sense.
I am completely overwhelmed. Broken. Thankful. Scared. A flood of emotions. If only I had read it in '99. I don't know if my life would have been much different, but I think I would have been a little less confused and felt a lot less crazy.
How much do I love Marc Summers for writing this book? I don't know. I'm just grateful.
I gave people my word that I would share more soon...still processing all of this. Right now, I'm at a loss as to what else to say. One thing I do know - I will kick some serious butt when I dive back into my college major soon. Lemonade will be made by the truckload. Bring it on.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
A New Year Vlog
Vicki passed away a couple days ago. Just another reminder of how fragile life is. Please embrace it while you have the chance, and do what you can to make a positive difference in the world.
I am so grateful to have so many kind and wonderful friends. Even if most of you are from a distance, you truly matter. Thank you for loving me, and I wish you all a happy and wonderful 2012.
God bless,
Kelli
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE! My 2011 Review and 2012 Goals...
Mercy, y'all. What a year it has been. Anyone who has been crazy kind enough to follow my blog in 2011 knows just how much my life transformed overnight nearly nine months ago. It has been a nightmare...the worst one I've ever known...but by the grace of God, I have survived it thus far.
I've gotten to the point where I no longer fully recover from my frequent paralytic attacks, and the MDA has given me no hope of doing so. It is impossible to accept this as my "new normal", so I continue to do what I can to learn about this disease and try to control and improve the symptoms. I am in my mid-30's. I can't give up, and I refuse to live in a prison of fear. There are days when I have no quality of life, but on the days I can function, I'm going to live with all that is in me.
Hard to believe it's the end of the year. In some ways, this year has dragged by (for the obvious reasons). In other ways, it's crazy to see that 2012 is upon us, ready or not. Every year, I give myself goals...resolutions, I suppose. And every New Years Eve, I review them and then make a new list. I'm a very serious "list" person, if you didn't know. Yep, I'm one of those.
That being said, it's time to review my 2011 goals! Drum roll, please...
1. Figure out what to do about my college degree, and make it happen.
I continued college and did very well considering my extreme decline in health. I am so happy I hung in there and didn't give up. I've completed 17 classes at MGCCC, 4 classes elsewhere, and have an overall 3.9 GPA.
I also decided on a new major, since I can no longer physically handle an Art degree. In 2012, I will move on to university where I will pursue Psychology and History. I'm more excited about this than I thought I would be...I really can't wait to dive into the curriculum!
2. Road trip out of state to visit family and meet my new niece due to arrive in March!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!
THERE IS NO ONE ON THIS EARTH MORE WONDERFUL AND PERFECT THAN BABY JO! I WISH SHE DIDN'T LIVE IN ANOTHER STATE...I MISS HER EVERY DAY!
3. Increase and become more organized in my teaching business.
This sadly came to a halt thanks to debilitating, life-threatening episodes of Periodic Paralysis. My life hasn't been the same since, but I hope and pray to return to some form of teaching in 2012.
4. Decrease my debt, whatever it takes.
Needless to say, this has been impossible as I have been ungainfully unemployed since April. I am surviving on the charity of family and friends, and I am eternally grateful for the help I have received. This has been a long road and there is no end in sight, but I am doing the best I can.
5. Put a dent in one of my manuscripts...article, short story, fiction, non-fiction...who cares! Just work on something!!!
I worked on a couple of new blogs (yet to be launched) and began work on my first eBook - IF I HAD A MILLION BUCKS. Further info on my eBook project can be found on that blog. I still have a cornucopia of manuscripts on the back burner, and I hope to be able to put a dent in at least one of them once I am finished with my current project.
6. Remain honest and aware, pray, and strive to improve myself each and every day.
Well, this goes without saying. It has been one of the worst years of my life. However, as long as I am breathing, I will strive to remain true to myself and others.
And now, my goals for 2012...wish me luck!
1. Wrap up my time at MGCCC and successfully (FINALLY, PLEASE) move on to university.
2. Publish my first eBook.
3. Return to teaching and working, God willing.
4. Complete all art, craft, and charity projects currently pending or in progress.
5. Become more organized in my home and daily life.
6. If I start something...no matter what it is...finish it!
And as always, I have four goals that I call "Mainstays", because they are the same every year:
7. Reach/maintain my ideal weight and keep my health under control as much as possible. Easier said than done, but I will do my best.
8. Stay involved in one or more charities/ministries. It gives me a reason to live.
9. Read more, write more, and learn more. This is thankfully inevitable, as I am in college!
10. Be a good friend/relative, and strive to improve myself every day.
May 2012 be a better, healthier, happier year for us all.
God bless,
Kelli
I've gotten to the point where I no longer fully recover from my frequent paralytic attacks, and the MDA has given me no hope of doing so. It is impossible to accept this as my "new normal", so I continue to do what I can to learn about this disease and try to control and improve the symptoms. I am in my mid-30's. I can't give up, and I refuse to live in a prison of fear. There are days when I have no quality of life, but on the days I can function, I'm going to live with all that is in me.
Hard to believe it's the end of the year. In some ways, this year has dragged by (for the obvious reasons). In other ways, it's crazy to see that 2012 is upon us, ready or not. Every year, I give myself goals...resolutions, I suppose. And every New Years Eve, I review them and then make a new list. I'm a very serious "list" person, if you didn't know. Yep, I'm one of those.
That being said, it's time to review my 2011 goals! Drum roll, please...
1. Figure out what to do about my college degree, and make it happen.
I continued college and did very well considering my extreme decline in health. I am so happy I hung in there and didn't give up. I've completed 17 classes at MGCCC, 4 classes elsewhere, and have an overall 3.9 GPA.
2. Road trip out of state to visit family and meet my new niece due to arrive in March!
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!
THERE IS NO ONE ON THIS EARTH MORE WONDERFUL AND PERFECT THAN BABY JO! I WISH SHE DIDN'T LIVE IN ANOTHER STATE...I MISS HER EVERY DAY!
3. Increase and become more organized in my teaching business.
This sadly came to a halt thanks to debilitating, life-threatening episodes of Periodic Paralysis. My life hasn't been the same since, but I hope and pray to return to some form of teaching in 2012.
4. Decrease my debt, whatever it takes.
Needless to say, this has been impossible as I have been ungainfully unemployed since April. I am surviving on the charity of family and friends, and I am eternally grateful for the help I have received. This has been a long road and there is no end in sight, but I am doing the best I can.
5. Put a dent in one of my manuscripts...article, short story, fiction, non-fiction...who cares! Just work on something!!!
I worked on a couple of new blogs (yet to be launched) and began work on my first eBook - IF I HAD A MILLION BUCKS. Further info on my eBook project can be found on that blog. I still have a cornucopia of manuscripts on the back burner, and I hope to be able to put a dent in at least one of them once I am finished with my current project.
6. Remain honest and aware, pray, and strive to improve myself each and every day.
Well, this goes without saying. It has been one of the worst years of my life. However, as long as I am breathing, I will strive to remain true to myself and others.
And now, my goals for 2012...wish me luck!
1. Wrap up my time at MGCCC and successfully (FINALLY, PLEASE) move on to university.
2. Publish my first eBook.
3. Return to teaching and working, God willing.
4. Complete all art, craft, and charity projects currently pending or in progress.
5. Become more organized in my home and daily life.
6. If I start something...no matter what it is...finish it!
And as always, I have four goals that I call "Mainstays", because they are the same every year:
7. Reach/maintain my ideal weight and keep my health under control as much as possible. Easier said than done, but I will do my best.
8. Stay involved in one or more charities/ministries. It gives me a reason to live.
9. Read more, write more, and learn more. This is thankfully inevitable, as I am in college!
10. Be a good friend/relative, and strive to improve myself every day.
May 2012 be a better, healthier, happier year for us all.
God bless,
Kelli
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Home from the ATL
Although I didn't accomplish nearly as much as I had hoped to, my road trip was successful. The HKPP acted up quite a bit and I am still recovering, but I am thankful that I made it to Marietta/Atlanta and back home in one piece. I'll post a ton of pics soon.
Hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas. I'll be blogging a good bit this week, so stay tuned if you wish.
Hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas. I'll be blogging a good bit this week, so stay tuned if you wish.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and all the rest
Whatever you celebrate, hope it's a great one.
As for me, I visited with my family tonight and had my uncle's awesome seafood gumbo, as is the Christmas Eve tradition. Tomorrow early morning, I set out on my first road trip since my serious episodes of Periodic Paralysis began in April. Prayers for safe travels appreciated, and I'll blog again soon (with pics)!
Until next time...enjoy!
As for me, I visited with my family tonight and had my uncle's awesome seafood gumbo, as is the Christmas Eve tradition. Tomorrow early morning, I set out on my first road trip since my serious episodes of Periodic Paralysis began in April. Prayers for safe travels appreciated, and I'll blog again soon (with pics)!
Until next time...enjoy!
Thursday, December 22, 2011
I Hate Cancer
I hate it so much.
My friend Vicki is dying.
She had previously fought and won.
Three weeks ago, a spot was found.
It is happening so fast.
She may not make it to Christmas.
I hate cancer.
I hate it.
My friend Vicki is dying.
She had previously fought and won.
Three weeks ago, a spot was found.
It is happening so fast.
She may not make it to Christmas.
I hate cancer.
I hate it.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Mock Mashed Potatoes
I've been trying to find a successful recipe for mock mashed potatoes since I can't have the real thing anymore. Thanks to some tips from Food Network enthusiasts on Facebook, I finally got it right!
Mock Mashed Potatoes:
Bag of frozen cauliflower (or fresh if you want)
Stick of butter
Block of cream cheese
8 oz light sour cream
Sharp cheddar, sliced or shredded (as much as you want)
Parmesan, sliced or shredded (as much as you want)
Handful of bacon bits
Tsp roasted minced garlic
Couple of shakes of garlic powder
Salt (or in my case, salt substitute) to taste
Fresh cracked peppercorns to taste
Steam the cauliflower in 1/2 stick butter until soft. Drain very well. Place in blender with cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and remainder of butter and blend. (I used "cream" mode as "blend" mode did not work). Once mixed well, I switched to "whip" mode to fluff it up a little. Pour into a microwavable container, add parmesan and bacon bits, and reheat (the cheeses and sour cream cool it off quickly in the blender, so it has to be warmed back up).
Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Mock Mashed Potatoes:
Bag of frozen cauliflower (or fresh if you want)
Stick of butter
Block of cream cheese
8 oz light sour cream
Sharp cheddar, sliced or shredded (as much as you want)
Parmesan, sliced or shredded (as much as you want)
Handful of bacon bits
Tsp roasted minced garlic
Couple of shakes of garlic powder
Salt (or in my case, salt substitute) to taste
Fresh cracked peppercorns to taste
Steam the cauliflower in 1/2 stick butter until soft. Drain very well. Place in blender with cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, garlic, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and remainder of butter and blend. (I used "cream" mode as "blend" mode did not work). Once mixed well, I switched to "whip" mode to fluff it up a little. Pour into a microwavable container, add parmesan and bacon bits, and reheat (the cheeses and sour cream cool it off quickly in the blender, so it has to be warmed back up).
Enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Saturday, December 17, 2011
If I Had A Million Bucks, the eBook update
Hey folks, thanks so much for all the charity suggestions. The eBook is going to take MUCH longer than I expected, as I have around 150 charities to research and contact. I'd like to say it will ready for publishing in January, but I would be surprised.
Stay tuned, though. It will be done. I look forward to making this free eBook my first publication (not counting all my blogs, of course). Thanks for your patience!
Stay tuned, though. It will be done. I look forward to making this free eBook my first publication (not counting all my blogs, of course). Thanks for your patience!
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Lost.
I found this little one in the yard, unable to move.
His eyes were scratched out and his legs were limp.
I walked up very close to him (but was careful not to let him touch me) and he tried to move but couldn't.
He started shaking, so I stood there and talked to him softly until he stopped.
He then leaned over and started playing with his tail, and my heart broke because I knew there wasn't a thing I could do to help him.
All I could do was accept that this was a wild animal who got in a fight with another wild animal, and lost. :(
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Diet Impossible
Yes, the title of today's blog is a play on Robert Irvine's Restaurant: Impossible. It may even be a sneaky, shameless plug because it's one of the greatest shows on television and if you don't watch it you're missing out on epic amounts of excellence. And you're crazy too.
But that's not what this blog entry is about.
At least it wasn't until I started typing just now.
Oops.
Oh wait...forget the oops. I regret nothing. :P
Recipe for Restaurant: Impossible -
1 part TOUGH
1 part LOVE
Shaken, not stirred :)
Seriously...such a good guy and you know me, I support good people. Robert and I would totally be pals in real life. He has mad whisking skills, too.
*AHEM* Now where was I...
I used to be able to eat like a somewhat normal human. I was running the roads, teaching painting classes, going to lunch beforehand and dinner afterwards. I even drank cola whenever my blood sugar was normal or low, and handled it fine.
How things have changed.
Since the Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis kicked into high gear this year, I have a completely different life now. As a result, I've had to drastically alter my relationship with food. Colas are a huge no-no. I was already on a fairly low sodium, moderate glycemic, low oxalate diet, but I discovered that even complex carbs were suddenly causing weakness, including most wheat products, and I had to cut sodium even further. At the same time, I found that most fruits are also a problem. I also learned that I needed to take in more protein than the average person due to my specific channelopathy. A lady with HKPP who is doing well suggested that my issue with wheat is gluten, so my brother is getting a nice box of groceries from my pantry and my kitchen is now almost completely gluten free. So as insanely difficult as it sounds, I'm now on a low sodium, low gluten, low glycemic, low oxalate, high protein diet.
The new stash...
Salt free marinades and broths, brown and wild rice, quinoa
No salt added beans galore
Black bean and corn-based pastas
Mung beans with asian spices make an awesome soup
This gluten free no salt added cereal is tasteless, but Stevia helps
I always use unsweetened almond milk...Blue Diamond makes the best
Big thanks to Spices, Inc for having salt free spices, and I'm eternally grateful to Bruno's for having a nice variety of gluten free and no salt added groceries, as well as a decent selection of lean meats.
I realize that it's not going to happen overnight, but I hope and pray this will be a key factor in my recovery and maintenance of this disease. If nothing else, it's a healthier way of life overall. I reached my goal weight recently and considering that I cannot exercise whatsoever, the diet receives 100% of the credit. It hasn't been an easy transition at all. Some days, it's pretty frustrating. Some days, it really does seem impossible and it's hard not to give up. But I'm striving to keep my eye on the prize...potential for improvement and quality of life. It may very well not lead to that, but what if it did? I'll try anything to win this battle. I have to.
I will consider sharing some recipes soon, and more information on why food plays such a huge role in my systemic disease, especially Periodic Paralysis.
P.S. - None of these product companies have paid me to promote their stuff. They don't know me from Adam and Eve's house cat.
P.P.S. - Comments are open if you wish to discuss HKPP & food, or if you have any questions.
But that's not what this blog entry is about.
At least it wasn't until I started typing just now.
Oops.
Oh wait...forget the oops. I regret nothing. :P
Recipe for Restaurant: Impossible -
1 part TOUGH
1 part LOVE
Shaken, not stirred :)
Seriously...such a good guy and you know me, I support good people. Robert and I would totally be pals in real life. He has mad whisking skills, too.
(Photo belongs to Food Network. Don't sue me.)
*AHEM* Now where was I...
I used to be able to eat like a somewhat normal human. I was running the roads, teaching painting classes, going to lunch beforehand and dinner afterwards. I even drank cola whenever my blood sugar was normal or low, and handled it fine.
How things have changed.
Since the Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis kicked into high gear this year, I have a completely different life now. As a result, I've had to drastically alter my relationship with food. Colas are a huge no-no. I was already on a fairly low sodium, moderate glycemic, low oxalate diet, but I discovered that even complex carbs were suddenly causing weakness, including most wheat products, and I had to cut sodium even further. At the same time, I found that most fruits are also a problem. I also learned that I needed to take in more protein than the average person due to my specific channelopathy. A lady with HKPP who is doing well suggested that my issue with wheat is gluten, so my brother is getting a nice box of groceries from my pantry and my kitchen is now almost completely gluten free. So as insanely difficult as it sounds, I'm now on a low sodium, low gluten, low glycemic, low oxalate, high protein diet.
The new stash...
Salt free marinades and broths, brown and wild rice, quinoa
No salt added beans galore
Black bean and corn-based pastas
Mung beans with asian spices make an awesome soup
This gluten free no salt added cereal is tasteless, but Stevia helps
I always use unsweetened almond milk...Blue Diamond makes the best
Big thanks to Spices, Inc for having salt free spices, and I'm eternally grateful to Bruno's for having a nice variety of gluten free and no salt added groceries, as well as a decent selection of lean meats.
I realize that it's not going to happen overnight, but I hope and pray this will be a key factor in my recovery and maintenance of this disease. If nothing else, it's a healthier way of life overall. I reached my goal weight recently and considering that I cannot exercise whatsoever, the diet receives 100% of the credit. It hasn't been an easy transition at all. Some days, it's pretty frustrating. Some days, it really does seem impossible and it's hard not to give up. But I'm striving to keep my eye on the prize...potential for improvement and quality of life. It may very well not lead to that, but what if it did? I'll try anything to win this battle. I have to.
I will consider sharing some recipes soon, and more information on why food plays such a huge role in my systemic disease, especially Periodic Paralysis.
P.S. - None of these product companies have paid me to promote their stuff. They don't know me from Adam and Eve's house cat.
P.P.S. - Comments are open if you wish to discuss HKPP & food, or if you have any questions.
Added a few pieces to the portfolio
It's not much, but at least I finally updated Gulf Coast Art Studio a bit. Maybe one of these days, I'll have professional photos taken of my work. Until then, you got lil ol vision-impaired me and my lil ol pink Canon Powershot.
Works that I hope to add to the portfolio in 2012:
Cape Hatteras acrylic design on illustration board
Pastel drawing of a horse...still deciding on a name for him
Several baby name door signs for family members
That dang Cracker Barrel tribute drawing from 2010 that I have yet to finish (I did share a preview on the portfolio...it's a nostalgic candy still-life collage)
Several Bob Ross style paintings, if I can return to teaching
I miss my art terribly and hope to be able to return to it soon.
Works that I hope to add to the portfolio in 2012:
Cape Hatteras acrylic design on illustration board
Pastel drawing of a horse...still deciding on a name for him
Several baby name door signs for family members
That dang Cracker Barrel tribute drawing from 2010 that I have yet to finish (I did share a preview on the portfolio...it's a nostalgic candy still-life collage)
Several Bob Ross style paintings, if I can return to teaching
I miss my art terribly and hope to be able to return to it soon.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
The Algebra Chronicles (Part 1)
BREATHE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ah, I am so very happy to be finished with my first (of four) math classes. Anybody who knows me knows that math is my Achilles' heel to an epic degree.
The course started out well. I made an A and a couple of B's. Was feeling pretty good about that:
Then I nosedived, and things got scary:
(Thank God the practice tests didn't count towards my grade. I would have failed miserably.)
That 73 was once a 61. The instructor reset everyone's test and we took it over. Boy was that a lucky break!
The final had me very nervous, considering that I failed the first practice test and got a C on the 2nd one. Miraculously, I managed to get a B on the real test! That helped pull my grade back up and I ended up with an overall B+ in the course. Woo!!!
It's my first non-A at MGCCC, but I am MORE than happy to accept a B in ANY math class! I'm taking that B and running like the wind. That is, until January...when I start the next level of Algebra. *SHUDDERS*
I'll be so glad when I'm finished with math so I can focus on Psychology and History again. I realize it's all a part of the process, though. I'm going to continue to do my best and try not to stress (<-yeah right)! :)
Ah, I am so very happy to be finished with my first (of four) math classes. Anybody who knows me knows that math is my Achilles' heel to an epic degree.
The course started out well. I made an A and a couple of B's. Was feeling pretty good about that:
Then I nosedived, and things got scary:
(Thank God the practice tests didn't count towards my grade. I would have failed miserably.)
That 73 was once a 61. The instructor reset everyone's test and we took it over. Boy was that a lucky break!
The final had me very nervous, considering that I failed the first practice test and got a C on the 2nd one. Miraculously, I managed to get a B on the real test! That helped pull my grade back up and I ended up with an overall B+ in the course. Woo!!!
It's my first non-A at MGCCC, but I am MORE than happy to accept a B in ANY math class! I'm taking that B and running like the wind. That is, until January...when I start the next level of Algebra. *SHUDDERS*
I'll be so glad when I'm finished with math so I can focus on Psychology and History again. I realize it's all a part of the process, though. I'm going to continue to do my best and try not to stress (<-yeah right)! :)
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Where I am today
It's no surprise, really. The past few days have been fairly productive for me. By the time I returned home from my brother's house last night, I knew what was coming. Turns out, I was having heart arrhythmia as a result of my potassium level shifting downward. I'm having mild paralysis, and now I'm too weak to drive.
I'm bummed because my Kansas City family is still in town, except one of my cousins who is flying out today. Tyler was my side-kick/teaching assistant/cooking buddy a few years ago...we used to hang out every weekend. Now that he has grown up and lives and works in Kansas City, I see him once a year at Thanksgiving. At the risk of sounding over-dramatic, I feel like part of my heart lives 860 miles away. Such a great kid (who's not a kid anymore...God, I'm old).
So today will be spent in bed. It's better than spending it in a hospital, on the street, or worse, however. By a mile. I will choose to be thankful always, even in the midst of pain.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Just Another Cheesy Blog Entry
CHEEEEEEEEEEEEESE!
Yes, I've become a ham in my old age. And I am OK with that. I like ham. Although I like bacon more. A lot more. Mmmmmm...bacon. Wait, what was I talking about again? Never mind.
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I was driving home this evening, saying "Thank you Jesus", because I have been somewhat functional over the past few days. I was able to drive around town and run some errands, as well as visit family in Pascagoula, Grand Bay and Bayou La Batre. My muscles are weak and I'm in constant terrible pain, but so incredibly grateful that I am not bedridden at the moment. I don't take it for granted. So blessed.
Thanksgiving pics and tired rambling to come. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
My favorite person in the world came to see me today! Happy Thanksgiving to meeeeeee!
Tis my one and only niece...Baby Jo!!! :) She has the most fearless and sweetest personality. I'm grateful that I was having a fairly functional day so I could get out of bed and play with her for a few minutes. I don't get to see her often since she lives in Louisiana, so this day is special.
I hope all of my U.S. readers have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. To my non-locals, smile and enjoy the rest of your week. :)
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
4AM. Not asleep. Bucket Listing...
For those who have been following for the past few years, you already know that I have a Bucket List. I found my most recent list (modified in 2010) and it is now posted in my sidebar. I will revisit it at the end of the year, as I always do on New Years Eve, along with my resolutions and such.
I think it's going to be a painful review, considering what has happened to me this year, but I will take a look at it nonetheless and share my thoughts on December 31st as usual.
Some folks knock it, but making resolutions is nothing more than setting goals with a reasonable deadline...nothing wrong with that. Everybody should have goals. "Without a vision, my people perish." ~Proverbs 29:18
Been a rough couple days. Time for sleep. Talk to you soon.
I think it's going to be a painful review, considering what has happened to me this year, but I will take a look at it nonetheless and share my thoughts on December 31st as usual.
Some folks knock it, but making resolutions is nothing more than setting goals with a reasonable deadline...nothing wrong with that. Everybody should have goals. "Without a vision, my people perish." ~Proverbs 29:18
Been a rough couple days. Time for sleep. Talk to you soon.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
College Finals & Food Network Love
After a long outage, I am finally back online at home here in the backwoods. I feel like I can breathe again. Ahhhhhhhh! I'll spare you the drama, but I'm just relieved that I can log in to my math class at any hour of the day and study in peace and quiet again. Believe me, people, I need all the help I can get. Kidneys Smidneys, ALGEBRA just might be the death of me.
Courtesy of my other-side-of-the-brain, I wrapped up Art History last night, and thankfully I am walking away with a 99 in the class. My instructor worked with me where my condition is concerned. Had I known a museum tour/critique would be required, I wouldn't have taken the class, but I was well accommodated after explaining my situation. My alternate assignment was a research paper on Roman Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora, who was one kick-ass lady.
Think "The King and I" meets "Moulin Rouge"...no joke. It is a fascinating piece of history, and I made a 100 on the paper.
I also missed a proctored test due to a paralytic episode, but was allowed to make it up a couple weeks later when I was able to drive to the proctor center. So grateful for that, because it saved my grade. Whew. I've been very lucky to have such understanding teachers at MGCCC. In January, I will officially be a Junior, and will take a few more classes there before transferring. I am so antsy because I know the clock is ticking. I can't help but operate with a sense of urgency, but I keep trying to remember to keep my eye on the prize, breathe, and take one day at a time.
Anyway, while offline at home, I got the urge to turn on the television. I know I know...crazy, right? I have a borrowed 13 inch basic-cable-ready TV that I have forgotten about more often than not. I'm a rock music radio geek, and sometimes I even prefer to sit in silence as I'm surfing the world-wide-web. But I turned on the TV a couple months ago, and I immediately fell back in love with...you guessed it...FOOD NETWORK! :-)
Call it irony, since I can't eat anything that these people cook, but my heart hasn't changed. I am forever a food nerd, whether my body agrees or not. There aren't too many shows on too many networks that I can stand these days. On FN, I like everything and everyone. I want to live with Ina Garten she's so comforting. I feel like Paula Deen's neighbor, and let's not forget the Deen boys *smooch* (oops...that smooch came outta nowhere...I swears!), Giada and her "mini-me" Jade are sweet, I gotta love Guy (I voted for him!), and Lord knows how much I positively ADORE Robert Irvine. If you haven't watched Restaurant Impossible, it is seriously your loss. I'm also a big fan of Sweet Genius and Chopped. The haters can shove it. These shows rule.
But my favorite at the moment is...
The Next Iron Chef!!!!!
It is my dream come true for FN, because I've wanted to see the stars and judges duke it out in a competition for quite some time. Looks like I wasn't alone in that, and the viewers were heard. The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs is the ultimate challenge. Who knew food could be so exciting?
I just love it. Unlike other competitions, where there is usually a bad apple in the bunch, every one of these people are adorable. I want them all to come to my house in the backwoods and cook and laugh and hang out. Such a great bunch of peeps...all of 'em.
I haven't been this passionate about a TV show in years. I not only refuse to miss an episode, I watch the same episode more than once to make sure I didn't miss anything. I'm reading everyone's banter on various sites, and I'm having a blast following several of these folks on Facebook and Twitter. While I do like everyone on the show, I admit I am rooting for someone in particular:
I adore Robert Irvine
Anne Burrell is hysterically funny
Chuck Hughes is hilarious as well as a cutie-pie
I want to kiss Geoffrey Zakarian's face (but you didn't hear that from me)
And the site of Michael Chiarello has brought back memories of watching Easy Entertaining with my late grandmother. It's a profound feeling...I smile when I see him because I think of my hero. I was my grandmother's part-time caregiver and she didn't have a clue who I was, but she sure thought Michael Chiarello was pretty. Ha! She is the greatest person I've ever known, and I'm grateful to have those memories of her.
But in spite of all of the above, I am on...
That's right, punks! I bet y'all thought I was voting for one of the gorgeous male contestants...eh??? WRONG! I'm voting for a CHICK! And not just any chick...Alex freakin' Guarnaschelli! She's freakin' awesome! She's gonna freakin' win! Yeeeeesssss!
OK so I don't know if she's gonna win, but dang it I want her to. I just do. I think she really wants it. I think she deserves it. In a perfect world, Alex and I would be BFFs and we would laugh and eat chocolate and she could teach me to cook and I could teach her to paint happy trees although she probably already knows how to paint happy trees since she can do damn near anything. Alex rocks. I'm just saying.
All silliness aside, I'll miss this show when it's over. It has been a fun distraction from the depressing sick-bed I've been merely existing in this year. It's the little things sometimes that make a difference. I'll take whatever I can get to make it through another day, and be thankful.
I now return you to your regularly scheduled program. :-)
Courtesy of my other-side-of-the-brain, I wrapped up Art History last night, and thankfully I am walking away with a 99 in the class. My instructor worked with me where my condition is concerned. Had I known a museum tour/critique would be required, I wouldn't have taken the class, but I was well accommodated after explaining my situation. My alternate assignment was a research paper on Roman Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora, who was one kick-ass lady.
Think "The King and I" meets "Moulin Rouge"...no joke. It is a fascinating piece of history, and I made a 100 on the paper.
I also missed a proctored test due to a paralytic episode, but was allowed to make it up a couple weeks later when I was able to drive to the proctor center. So grateful for that, because it saved my grade. Whew. I've been very lucky to have such understanding teachers at MGCCC. In January, I will officially be a Junior, and will take a few more classes there before transferring. I am so antsy because I know the clock is ticking. I can't help but operate with a sense of urgency, but I keep trying to remember to keep my eye on the prize, breathe, and take one day at a time.
Anyway, while offline at home, I got the urge to turn on the television. I know I know...crazy, right? I have a borrowed 13 inch basic-cable-ready TV that I have forgotten about more often than not. I'm a rock music radio geek, and sometimes I even prefer to sit in silence as I'm surfing the world-wide-web. But I turned on the TV a couple months ago, and I immediately fell back in love with...you guessed it...FOOD NETWORK! :-)
Call it irony, since I can't eat anything that these people cook, but my heart hasn't changed. I am forever a food nerd, whether my body agrees or not. There aren't too many shows on too many networks that I can stand these days. On FN, I like everything and everyone. I want to live with Ina Garten she's so comforting. I feel like Paula Deen's neighbor, and let's not forget the Deen boys *smooch* (oops...that smooch came outta nowhere...I swears!), Giada and her "mini-me" Jade are sweet, I gotta love Guy (I voted for him!), and Lord knows how much I positively ADORE Robert Irvine. If you haven't watched Restaurant Impossible, it is seriously your loss. I'm also a big fan of Sweet Genius and Chopped. The haters can shove it. These shows rule.
But my favorite at the moment is...
The Next Iron Chef!!!!!
It is my dream come true for FN, because I've wanted to see the stars and judges duke it out in a competition for quite some time. Looks like I wasn't alone in that, and the viewers were heard. The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs is the ultimate challenge. Who knew food could be so exciting?
I just love it. Unlike other competitions, where there is usually a bad apple in the bunch, every one of these people are adorable. I want them all to come to my house in the backwoods and cook and laugh and hang out. Such a great bunch of peeps...all of 'em.
I haven't been this passionate about a TV show in years. I not only refuse to miss an episode, I watch the same episode more than once to make sure I didn't miss anything. I'm reading everyone's banter on various sites, and I'm having a blast following several of these folks on Facebook and Twitter. While I do like everyone on the show, I admit I am rooting for someone in particular:
I adore Robert Irvine
Anne Burrell is hysterically funny
Chuck Hughes is hilarious as well as a cutie-pie
I want to kiss Geoffrey Zakarian's face (but you didn't hear that from me)
And the site of Michael Chiarello has brought back memories of watching Easy Entertaining with my late grandmother. It's a profound feeling...I smile when I see him because I think of my hero. I was my grandmother's part-time caregiver and she didn't have a clue who I was, but she sure thought Michael Chiarello was pretty. Ha! She is the greatest person I've ever known, and I'm grateful to have those memories of her.
But in spite of all of the above, I am on...
That's right, punks! I bet y'all thought I was voting for one of the gorgeous male contestants...eh??? WRONG! I'm voting for a CHICK! And not just any chick...Alex freakin' Guarnaschelli! She's freakin' awesome! She's gonna freakin' win! Yeeeeesssss!
OK so I don't know if she's gonna win, but dang it I want her to. I just do. I think she really wants it. I think she deserves it. In a perfect world, Alex and I would be BFFs and we would laugh and eat chocolate and she could teach me to cook and I could teach her to paint happy trees although she probably already knows how to paint happy trees since she can do damn near anything. Alex rocks. I'm just saying.
All silliness aside, I'll miss this show when it's over. It has been a fun distraction from the depressing sick-bed I've been merely existing in this year. It's the little things sometimes that make a difference. I'll take whatever I can get to make it through another day, and be thankful.
I now return you to your regularly scheduled program. :-)
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