Wednesday, January 30, 2019

SORRY WE'RE AWOL

Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,

I'm sorry we've been absent from the blogosphere. We didn't have internet for a week or so. I thought I'd die without something that didn't exist when I was young.

My modem was old and needed to be replaced. I actually hooked up the new one without breaking anything.

I'm also not feeling my best. I enjoyed work over the holidays. It was pretty quiet, which made for a nice change.

We were closed on New Year's Day and then I had the next two days off. I got a migraine and started sleeping for hours and hours. I built my way up to staying asleep for 20 hours a day. Franklin and Penelope would wake me up in the wee-wee hours of the morning to let them out and back in so we could return to the cocoon.

I called a wellness program that my employer provides and told an adviser about my predicament. She said, I think this is a medical problem. Your doctor should check your thyroid.

That's how I found out that I have hypothyroidism. I started taking medication for it, but I continue to fight to stay awake. My doctor says it will take a while for the meds to build up in my system.

I'm also having frequent migraines. I've had migraines for years, but never so often and for extended periods of time (two or three days of migraine, a little time off, and then another migraine).

I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow so we can talk about the migraines. Her nurse actually volunteered to call me tomorrow to make sure I wake up for the appointment. How nice and helpful is that?

The following is something one of my sisters posted on Facebook. She asked other people to copy it and put in their own answers. So I did.

Now I share it with you, and I hope you'll copy it and enter your information. I'm curious about you. You can share in your comment on my blog, or on your blog, or on Facebook.

Or you can comment about how weird I am now that you know more about me.

How old are you: 59
Surgeries: 3
Tattoos: 0
Shot a gun: No
Quit a job: Yes
Ever been on TV: No.
What do you drive: Nissan
Hit A Deer: No, but a deer hit me.
Ridden in an ambulance: Yes
Sang karaoke: No
Ice skated: Yes
Rode on a motorcycle: Yes
Stayed in hospital: Yes
Favorite fruit: Banana
Favorite smell: Peppermint
Skipped school: Lots
Dogs or cats: Dogs
Last phone call: Robot
Last text from: Domino's Pizza
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Watch someone die: Yes
Pepsi or Coke: Diet Pepsi
Favorite pie: Chocolate
Favorite season: Autumn
Sunrise or sunset: Sunset

Penelope is distraught because she hasn't gotten to tell you about her Kissmas gifts. Her post will happen as soon as we can manage it. 

For those of you who wonder about Franklin and the not-a-doughnut, he still won't do anything other than step on it very, very carefully to retrieve his bedtime treat. When I feel better, I'll lie down on the not-a-doughtnut. My presence will make him more interested in it. 

Or he'll take my place in the bed.


Infinities of love,

Janie Junebug




46 comments:

  1. WI hope you feel better soon. My mother's family was plagued with migraines. Fortunately, I was spared. My mother swore by caffeine at the onset of a headache, but that was her cure and I'm not sure it's backed by science.

    I'll play!
    How old are you: 49
    Surgeries: 1
    Tattoos: 0
    Shot a gun: yes
    Quit a job: Yes
    Ever been on TV: Yes
    What do you drive: Hyundai
    Hit A Deer: No, but a deer hit me. (Same with me!! Ran right into the side of my car!!)
    Ridden in an ambulance: Yes, but only for fun
    Sang karaoke: No
    Ice skated: No
    Rode on a motorcycle: No...or does a dirt bike count?
    Stayed in hospital: Yes
    Favorite fruit: Cherry
    Favorite smell: the ocean
    Skipped school: Lots
    Dogs or cats: Dogs
    Last phone call: my husband
    Last text from: my youngest son
    Favorite holiday: Christmas
    Watch someone die: Yes
    Pepsi or Coke: Diet Coke
    Favorite pie: Coconut cream
    Favorite season: Summer
    Sunrise or sunset: Sunset

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deer are scary. Some migraine medications have caffeine in them so I think your mom knew what she was doing.

      Delete
  2. Hi Janie - I just hope you can start feeling better ... take care and look after yourself and the dogs - it sounds like your employer has a good wellness programme to help its employees. All the best - Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't make a lot of money but my job has great benefits.

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  3. Heartfelt hugs and oceans of caring. I too have hypothyroidism. The medication DOES help when it finally kicks in.
    Migraines outsuck Dyson. I hope your doctor can find something to help. Quickly.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The doctor sent in a prescription today! If my insurance company doesn't approve it, other possibilities exist. I'll take your heartfelt hugs and oceans of caring. Thank you.

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  4. You better feel better girl. Don’t make me have to come down there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I always get better. Nobody can keep me down for long.

      Delete
  5. Hi Janie; I hope you start feeling better, soon! I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism years ago and it's a little tricky to find just the right dose of medication. It will help, eventually. And, may they find something that works for your migraines. So debilitating! Sending love and hugs across the miles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Debbie. It seems as if thyroid problems are pretty common.

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  6. I never heard of hypothyroidism until your email the other day. But it seems it's not as rare as I might have assumed. In fact, a quick search on the internet says it's quite common.

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    Replies
    1. I'm learning about how common it is, too. I don't know of anyone else in my family who has hypothyroidism. Maybe at long last I'm first at something.

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  7. Glad they figured out the hypothyroidism! And I hope they get to the root of those terrible migraines too. May you feel better soon!

    How old are you: 61
    Surgeries: 1
    Tattoos: 2
    Shot a gun: No
    Quit a job: Yes
    Ever been on TV: Yes
    What do you drive: Toyota Yaris
    Hit A Deer: No
    Ridden in an ambulance: No
    Sang karaoke: Yes
    Ice skated: Yes
    Rode on a motorcycle: No
    Stayed in hospital: Yes
    Favorite fruit: Apple
    Favorite smell: Cinnamon
    Skipped school: Occasionally
    Dogs or cats: Cats
    Last phone call: My Rare One
    Last text from: I don't text
    Favorite holiday: Christmas Yule
    Watch someone die: No
    Pepsi or Coke: Coke
    Favorite pie: Lemon meringue
    Favorite season: Autumn
    Sunrise or sunset: Both

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm hypo; diagnosed fifteen years ago, but only because a stray doctor said he'd throw in a thyroid test. My primary fought it, so I go to an endocrinologist for it. I sent my sister to him. He diagnosed her as hypo practically since birth. Your thyroid is probably the most important hormone gland in your body; good you are looking after it.

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    Replies
    1. Wow! I learn something about the thyroid everyday. Mine was definitely okay a couple of years ago (last time blood work was done). Most recent blood work showed a big jump. I was shocked.

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  9. Migraines are so debilitating. Hope you figure out what it takes to avoid them, not just make the pain go away. I had horrible migraines for years. The pain med worked fine with no drowsy side effects, but there were other non-pain symptoms that still kept me down for at least a day. My neurologist prescribed a preventative that was almost perfect for me. I took it daily for 7 years and my migraines went from 3 a month to 3 a year and I was a functional human being again. A few minor side effects that I found quite tolerable. Hope you are as fortunate in your quest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The once-a-month medication that my doctor prescribed is supposed to help prevent migraines. She said the biggest side effect of this med is constipation. I can live with some constipation; I can't live a normal life with these migraines.

      Delete
  10. also -
    How old are you: 63
    Surgeries: 3
    Tattoos: 0
    Shot a gun: yes
    Quit a job: Yes
    Ever been on TV: Yes
    What do you drive: subaru, but haven't driven it in a couple of years.
    Hit A Deer: No
    Ridden in an ambulance: No
    Sang karaoke: no
    Ice skated: Yes
    Rode on a motorcycle: yes
    Stayed in hospital: Yes
    Favorite fruit: mango
    Favorite smell: no clear favorite
    Skipped school: as often as I could and not get expelled for poor attendance
    Dogs or cats: both
    Last phone call: neighbor
    Last text from: another neighbor
    Favorite holiday: not into holidays
    Watch someone die: yes. My sister and I held my mother as she died.
    Pepsi or Coke: whatever
    Favorite pie: key lime
    Favorite season: spring
    Sunrise or sunset: yes

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Skipped school as often as you could! I went to school during debate and forensics seasons because if I didn't, I couldn't participate.

      Delete
  11. I never had migraines until after I had cataract surgery.
    I hope they can get your thyroid regulated!

    I'll play!
    How old are you: 67, 68 in two months.
    Surgeries: 5
    Tattoos: 0
    Shot a gun: no
    Quit a job: Yes
    Ever been on TV: No
    What do you drive: no car anymore
    Hit A Deer: No
    Ridden in an ambulance: No
    Sang karaoke: Yes--even sang three songs on stage with country band a few times, believe it or not. (I'd wait till third or fourth set because by that time anybody would sound better to the crowd--LOL!)
    Ice skated: Tried and tried, but spent most of my time on my knees or ass. Same with roller skating. Guess I am meant to have my feet firmly on the ground--LOL!
    Rode on a motorcycle: Yes
    Stayed in hospital: Yes
    Favorite fruit: Don't eat a lot of fruit, but I guess bananas or apples
    Favorite smell: Ian's hair
    Skipped school: Never, I loved school. Waaaay better than being at home.
    Dogs or cats: cats
    Last phone call: my mom
    Last text from: Leah
    Favorite holiday: Christmas
    Watch someone die: No--been with lots of animals, though.
    Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi
    Favorite pie: chocolate with whipped cream
    Favorite season: Fall
    Sunrise or sunset: They are both beautiful but, being a born night owl, I'm much more familiar with Sunsets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awwwww! Favorite smell is Ian's hair. That's adorable. I'm impressed that you got up in public and sang. I'd have to be drunk and I don't drink, so it's not happening. When I skipped school, I didn't stay at home. I went out running around with my friends.

      Delete
  12. How old are you: 75
    Surgeries: 8 I can remember
    Tattoos: 0
    Shot a gun: Yes
    Quit a job: Yes
    Ever been on TV: Yes
    What do you drive: Dodge
    Hit A Deer: Yes
    Ridden in an ambulance: Yes
    Sang karaoke: No
    Ice skated: Yes
    Rode on a motorcycle: Yes-Still have my license
    Stayed in hospital: Yes
    Favorite fruit: Raspberry
    Favorite smell: Rain
    Skipped school: Lots
    Dogs or cats: Cats
    Last phone call: Sister
    Last text from: Laura's high school
    Favorite holiday: None
    Watch someone die: Yes
    Pepsi or Coke: Neither-coffee
    Favorite pie: Elderberry
    Favorite season: Spring
    Sunrise or sunset: Sunset

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yet another school skipper. We should have a Bad Girls Club.

      Delete
  13. Missed you, Janie!!
    How old are you: 84
    Surgeries: 2
    Tattoos: None yet, but I’m going to get one
    Shot a gun: No
    Quit a job: Yes
    Ever been on TV: Yes
    What do you drive: Mustang until I gave up driving
    Hit A Deer: No
    Ridden in an ambulance: Yes
    Sang karaoke: No
    Ice skated: No
    Rode on a motorcycle: Yes
    Stayed in hospital: Yes
    Favorite fruit: Are avocados a fruit?
    Favorite smell: Bread baking
    Skipped school: Lots
    Dogs or cats: Dogs
    Last phone call: My son Blake
    Last text from: Blake’s girlfriend
    Favorite holiday: All of them!!
    Watch someone die: Yes
    Pepsi or Coke: Diet Pepsi
    Favorite pie: Fresh strawberry
    Favorite season: Autumn
    Sunrise or sunset: Sunset

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I miss you, but I have to limit my time on the computer. The light is one of the triggers for the migraine. My eyes have been sensitive to light for many years. Yes, the avocado is a fruit. Apparently a lot of people think it is a vegetable. They also think the tomato is a vegetable.

      Delete
  14. How old are you: 56
    Surgeries: 3
    Tattoos: 3
    Shot a gun: No
    Quit a job: No
    Ever been on TV: No
    What do you drive: Don't
    Hit A Deer: Nope
    Ridden in an ambulance: Yes
    Sang karaoke: No
    Ice skated: No
    Rode on a motorcycle: Yes as a child
    Stayed in hospital: Yes
    Favorite fruit: grapes
    Favorite smell: Rain
    Skipped school: Never
    Dogs or cats: Dogs
    Last phone call: My Mum
    Last text from: My Mum
    Favorite holiday: Christmas
    Watch someone die: No
    Pepsi or Coke: Pepsi Max
    Favorite pie: Cheese & bacon
    Favorite season: Spring
    Sunrise or sunset: Sunrise

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never heard of Pepsi Max. I'll have to Google it.

      Delete
  15. Hope you feel better soon. I've been taking meds for my thyroid for ages now but didn't realize how much and ended up in the ER! Not good. Glad you're getting this taken care of :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm curious about ending up in the ER because I don't want to end up in the ER.

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    2. I left out part of that story, lol. I meant, I stopped taking them at one point due to insurance issues and ended up in the ER.

      Delete
    3. I'm sorry that happened to you.

      Delete
  16. I hope you feel better soon. Sending you lots of hugs xo

    How old are you: 53
    Surgeries: 1
    Tattoos: 0
    Shot a gun: No
    Quit a job: Yes
    Ever been on TV: No
    What do you drive: KIA
    Hit A Deer: No
    Ridden in an ambulance: Yes
    Sang karaoke: No
    Ice skated: Yes
    Rode on a motorcycle: Yes
    Stayed in hospital: Yes
    Favorite fruit: Watermelon
    Favorite smell: Vanilla
    Skipped school: Lots
    Dogs or cats: Cats
    Last phone call: My mom
    Last text from: My brother
    Favorite holiday: Christmas
    Watch someone die: No
    Pepsi or Coke: Diet Coke
    Favorite pie: I like too many to settle on one
    Favorite season: Spring
    Sunrise or sunset: Both!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Martha. I appreciate everyone's good wishes. I almost said vanilla as my favorite scent. My cologne is vanilla scented and I love it.

      Delete
  17. Oh, Janie - I'm sorry you've been having such a rough time. Several people in our family have hypothyroidism - my mother-in-law, my brother-in-law, our niece, and our daughter. (Seems to run in my husband's family.) Hopefully those meds will kick in soon. And I hope your migraine prescription works for you, too. It's miserable being ill, and especially with more than one thing going on, it can be hard to tease out what the problems are and how to fix them. You've gotten some answers, now you just need the solutions to kick in. Take care of yourself.


    I'll play :)

    How old are you: 61 but only for another three months
    Surgeries: 0
    Tattoos: 0
    Shot a gun: yes, it was a magnetic arrow gun, lol, otherwise no
    Quit a job: yes, but on good terms - I was about to have a baby
    Ever been on TV: no, I think I'd faint
    What do you drive: Cobalt and I highly recommend them
    Hit A Deer: no, but live in fear of doing so, there are so many around here
    Ridden in an ambulance: yes, but just to accompany my dad
    Sang karaoke: no
    Ice skated: yes, quite a lot as a youngster
    Rode on a motorcycle: no, but do I get credit for a snowmobile?
    Stayed in hospital: yes
    Favorite fruit: cherries
    Favorite smell: clean air - I like the smell of "nothing"
    Skipped school: only once (my mother was a teacher!) but the whole class skipped so I didn't get into trouble
    Dogs or cats: cats
    Last phone call: *&%#@!* scam call telling me something was wrong with my internet connection and that they had noted, quote, fraud-U-lent, unquote activity on it . . . it was a very poor recording, tsk
    Last text from: my aunt; I rarely text, period
    Favorite holiday: Christmas although I nearly chose Canada Day because I am not required to make any big meals on that one
    Watch someone die: yes, my dad
    Pepsi or Coke: root beer
    Favorite pie: all of them; if I don't like the filling I'll scrape it out and eat the crust which is the best part anyhow
    Favorite season: they all have good points and bad points
    Sunrise or sunset: both, although I see more sunsets - not a morning person

    Well, that was fun :) And I think what we've learned here is that I am ambivalent about many things and talk too much . . .

    You don't sound weird to me at all. Wait, does that mean you're NOT weird or I AM weird? Mmmm, chocolate pie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't think you're weird. One of the servers at the neighborhood diner told me that her teenage son asked her if I was crazy. She said, No. She's just like that. (whatever that means) I'm sorry you didn't get to skip school more often. It was fun!

      Delete
  18. Oh honey, I'm very sorry about the migraines. I hope today's doctor's appointment offered some helpful suggestions or direction. (?)

    Love,
    Robyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My doctor is always helpful. I started seeing her at the end of 2018 and now I'm in love with her. Her nurse is great, too. I was afraid I wouldn't wake up for my appointment so the nurse called me to make sure I was up. How nice is that?

      Delete
  19. I'm so sorry about your health issues. Frequent migraines must be awful. I hope the doctor can help. Have you thought about Botox for migraines? I think it has helped some people. Take care and I hope you will feel better soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My doctor prescribed a once-a-month injection that helps prevent migraines (or at least that's what it should do). I don't have the medication yet. I'm going to call about it tomorrow because I haven't heard from my pharmacy. I've heard about Botox, too, so if the first medication doesn't work, then we can always try something else.

      Delete
  20. Sorry you haven't been feeling well! Hope things get better!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Sorry you're not feeling good. I hope your doctor is a good diagnostician, and if so, the thyroid medication usually takes a minimum of two weeks to begin to make a difference. If that doesn't solve the situation, make sure to pursue it until something does.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the information. I'll make sure I get what I need.

      Delete
  22. Wow, you've been through it, Janie! Here's hoping you feel better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Well by now I hope you have found a migraine solution and that the meds are working! I've missed you!!!

    ReplyDelete

Got your panties in a bunch? Dig 'em out, get comfortable, and let's chat.