Well, ER....so we meet again!

Friday night, August 26, I had myself a little visit to the local ER. Before I alarm everyone, I am perfectly fine. But Friday night I wasn't so sure. I was vomiting, diarrhea, massive headache, stiff neck and low grade fever. All of these are signs of my migraines but also signs of meningitis. So, I took a migraine pill as I was instructed by Iowa. When my migraine pill failed to work, I went in panic mode. One of my post kidney transplant meds put me at high risk for meningitis. So, if I even think I might have it, I have to go to the hospital. This is the LAST place I wanted to go because if I didn’t already have meningitis, then I was probably going to catch something else in the ER. The ER was very quiet that night and they got me straight back to a private room. They did labs, urinalysis, observation and CT scan. Everything looked good in my favor and the ER doctor saw no reason to do a spinal tap.....thank you Jesus! So, I had a little scare but everything is fine. But I will continue to be on the lookout for any signs of Meningitis because that is something I do not want to mess around with!

Oh and before I forget, thank you to my HH nurse for taking me to the ER and staying with me until my mom arrived. I am so thankful for you and you went above and beyond the call of duty Friday night!!! xoxo

Life Changes

The last two weeks have been a roller coaster of changes with our family. First, my baby started Kindergarten. She loves it but I really miss the Pre K days when it wasn't real school yet. It's sad not being able to walk her in the building in the morning. Everything is so official now. But she has a great teacher, is learning a lot and making friends, so I really can't complain. I also stepped back into my role as an Occupational Therapist (part time of course). I love it though and am amazed at how much energy I have during the day with my patients and especially the amount of energy I have after work. It is great to see my kiddos, their sweet parents and my coworkers. I have a fabulous work environment!

On a sad note, I lost my sweet Gracie Mae on August 25. She passed away at 5am that morning. She had been to the Vet earlier in the week and been diagnosed with pneumonia. We were on several meds to help make her better and her prognosis was good. The veterinarian taking care of her said she probably had an aneurysm because of all of the pressure caused by the fluid in her lungs. He said this wasn't a very common occurrence. Which, after thinking about it, she is MY dog and she and I were a pair....rare you might say. I take comfort in the fact that I was there with her, holding her and singing her Gracie song I made up 10 years ago when she was a puppy. She had been through a lot with me. College, OT school, car accident, marriage (she wasn't wild about him because he kicked her out of the bed), baby, more dogs and a cat, and my kidney failure. She was by my side when I was first sick and fighting to stay alive. I remember Chris putting her in bed with me when I was near death. She was always right under my bed once I started dialysis at home. She really wasn't supposed to be there but she was a part of me and would growl if anyone tried to remove her from the room. She protected me. And in the end, I tried to do the same for her. 10 years of my life with her and very sweet memories. That's 1/3 of my life! She is truly one of the dearest, sweetest and most loyal friends I have ever had. And I will miss her greatly. We laid her to rest beside her best dog friend, Gabbie Lou and planted a dogwood tree in her spot. So, she will continue to be in our backyard, keeping a watch on everything. Until I see you again someday, Good bye Gracie Mae, I love you!

Lots going on.....

I haven't been faithful in updating my blog lately. I guess it's because I am too busy doing normal mommy/wife things. I clean our house, play with Madeline and actually cook dinner at night for my two! I can run errands without getting exhausted and even went on a shopping trip with my mom last week. She said about half way through shopping, "the old Jill is for sure back" I asked her what she meant? She said, "You've been dragging me in every store just like you use to when you were in high school and college!" And SHE was the one who was tired! I was just getting warmed up. It feels really good to be able to participate in my most favorite hobby, shopping.

But to shop you need $$$. Well, I get to go back to work next week!!!! I am only working Tuesday and Wednesday but it feels so awesome to get back into one of the main roles that define who I am. I get to be the one helping others, the one wearing the scrubs!

Last week, my mom treated Madeline and I to a Girls Beach Trip! It was fun. Madeline loves the beach and had been once right before I got sick. She has begged to go the last few years. SO mom and I packed up and took that baby to the beach! She had a great time. We all did. But if you ask Mad her favorite part, she will tell you, the swimming pool! Kids!!!!!!

I am looking for to Friday. I get to go to Lindsey's church and film our story and testimony to be shared with others. I hope it touches someone and gives them the strength and faith to keep fighting and hang in there. Whatever battles they are facing, God will come through for them. You just gotta believe.

And, my baby girl starts Kindergarten!!! Where did the time go? I had promised her all along, mommy would have a kidney before starting kindergarten. So I can be a more involved mom at school this year.

Everything is so normal and I love it! Couldn’t be happier!!!!!