These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Stuff

Last week I had an appointment with my doctor, not because something was wrong, but a general touch-base with him after the wreck and on-going physical therapy. However, a couple nights before, I woke with leg cramps, and they were the worst I've ever experienced. I had cramps in both legs, but the worst was the left. My calf was pulled up almost to my thigh. I tried to get out of bed to put my feet on the floor, the usual remedy for leg cramps. I couldn't get the left foot to the ground! Even when I managed to get the foot down, it was pulled back, so I was putting my toes en pointe! My right leg was cramping so I couldn't stand on it alone. I finally managed to squat on the floor, resting against the bed with my shoulder, and used both hands to pull my left foot into position so I could get it on the floor, but the cramps were so bad I couldn't rise from the squat. I eventually pulled myself up with the bed as leverage, and the spasms released as I walked around in the bedroom.

I'm sure it all lasted seconds, but it seemed as if it took forever. And it scared the pee-waddling out of me. So I did some reading, then discussed it with the doctor when I was there. I've had lab work to see if there is anything to indicate a problem, such as magnesium deficiency, and now awaiting the results. I've had a few more minor cramps, nothing debilitating. I'm drinking tonic water for the quinine, and I'm sure the folks at Walmart think I'm drinking an awful lot of gin and tonics, because I'm buying it in huge amounts! I'll be glad to learn if there is something that can be done for this.

At physical therapy yesterday I had spasms in the muscles of my left hand while working on the weights. grrrr. This is ridiculous!

Also at the doctor's office, we found my blood pressure was up. I don't remember exactly, as I've taken it a ton of times since and the numbers are blurring, but it was around 168/103. Not good! Doc suggested that I take it a couple times a day, and we would consider that along with the lab results. For the next couple days, it bounced around between highs like those and almost normal. I was really concerned about it. Happily, the BP has been normal (low 130s/70s) for the last three days, so I'm guessing there was stress (ya think???) or an involvement with the muscle spasms or both. I'll find out soon.

Damn! Is my body going to hell in a hand basket?? I hope not! I have too much to experience in this life to have a collapse now!  

On a positive side, I'm  excited about the coming weekend. I'm going to be taking the 4th level of Healing Touch training. It is an intense four day training. It is a "retreat" but the instructor is allowing those of us who live locally to come home at night. Thank goodness. I can have time with my puppy-babies, and I don't have to pay the "accommodations" fee. It's not high, but every buck counts. We will be working from 8:00 am till 9:00 or 10:00 pm, with some rest/study times built in. I'm dreading the hours (I'm usually in pjs and chillin' by 8:00), but looking forward to the experience. After this training I will be required to do 100 documented sessions with clients in the next year (or longer) before taking the final class for certification as a Practitioner of Healing Touch. Yesssss.

One of my friends who is in the class with me is also in training to be a certified flower essences practitioner, and she has made me some mixtures to help with the heart, blood flow and lungs. I've been using them almost a week, and I'm amazed at how well my body is responding. It's not just those three things, but several others that are being adjusted. She has done some other mixtures for me, but this one is amazing. I've been sleeping better than I have in quite a while. In fact, the alarm has gone off several mornings before I wake! That is very unusual for me! Good stuff!

We are having rain on a regular basis. Love the monsoons! Well, as long as they don't get too strong since the bare earth following the fire allow too much runoff. There is the beginning of grass and weeds, but it's not enough to keep the runoff from becoming flash floods. Our lakes and rivers are all full of nasty ash and silt, and useable water is scarce. It's a weird balance .... rain and bring us regrowth and cleansing of the burned earth with dirty, undrinkable water vs. dryness and risk of drought coupled with the soil just laying there, dormant. sigh. Regardless, it is nice that the rains have cooled the air and begun the fresh cycle.

How's your world?

 

15 comments:

  1. I've missed reading your blogs. Between your activities and mine we have had some gaps. Wow you scared the heck out of me with those leg cramps. I certainly hope they are out of your life forever. Good luck with healing touch. I think that is something my daughter in law's mother is doing also. She's from the Bemidji Mn area. Sounds interesting. You are so busy and have so much to do. Good for you!! Stay well!!

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    1. The leg cramps were scary, let me tell you! Hopefully it is past. I'll update when I know more. The Healing Touch is amazing! If you have a chance, let her work on you.

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  2. I'll be curious to see what they find out about those leg cramps. That's scary stuff, and painful too. Now, about that blood pressure, you need to keep on top of that! Are they putting you on meds? I find exercise and cutting the salt really helps.

    I am going to a massage therapist who is very knowledgeable about oils and essences. I am amazed at what her oils do for my stomach issues and for my headaches. She is going to have a class soon. I look forward to learning more.

    Take care of yourself.

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    1. No, no! The blood pressure is back to normal. I think it was likely caused by stress, and is under control. The leg cramps are what I'm more concerned about, but within a day or so we should know something.

      Isn't it interesting and rather amazing about the things we are learning about "alternative" healing methods these days? What is comical is that they have been around forever, but most of us didn't know about them or considered them "witchcraft"!!

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  3. I've had to mark all my blogs as read without reading them for the last almost three weeks. Now we have DSL on our property so I'm catching back up with friends. All I can say is EEEEKKK - hope you're better soon. My latest is insomnia...ugh.

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    1. Insomnia? Ick. Been there, too. Try a visit to a natural/herb shop. I have a mixture of essential oils (lavender, geranium, and rose). I put a drop on my 3rd eye (middle of the forehead) at bedtime, and I sleep wonderfully. I also take a concoction that includes, among other things, valerian root. This is because I was waking after a couple hours of sleep. It all works so well, and I'm sleeping like the proverbial baby. Best of all, there is no "hangover" as there is with chemical sleep aids. Most any herb shop can help you with it.

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  4. Been there. Leg cramps are always a mystery! I've done all of the things you have mentioned. Some seem to work, particularly the tonic. I also take a cal-mag combination. Lots of just plain water is good too. Cramps are sometimes dehydration related. Please tell us all what the doctor says. Mine just blew me off!

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    1. Merikay, I drink a lot of water anyway. The tonic water seems to be helping in general, although I've had a few minor, fleeting cramps. I'll be glad to hear about the labs, so we can decide on a plan of attack!

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  5. My world is great. Getting excited about heading back to school. Maybe your potassium is low that happens to me sometimes and my body cramps more.

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    1. Yes, potassium is one of the essentials being checked. I will see my doc at a meeting in the AM, and I hope he has something to tell me then.

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  6. Yes I was going to suggest eating a banana everyday! Also, I hope the flower extracts couldn't have inadvertently caused the cramping. I am so sorry to hear about that I'm sure it was very painful.
    Jake's on vacation this week so I haven't been around much this week. I have lots to post about when he leaves though! I sure hope your tests come out alright Lyn. Maybe the cramps were just a fluke. Take care my friend.
    Love Di ♥

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  7. Good luck with the leg cramps. They sound horrible. Just thinking of my last bad "charley horse" makes me dizzy...I cannot even imagine something worse and more involved. Ugh.

    Have a wonderful weekend in class! I cannot wait to hear how it goes for you!

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    1. Thanks, Dakota. I'll be posting a new one soon, about all the above, and it is good!

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  8. Don't ya just love when you leave a comment and it never shows up? NOT!! I was here last week Lyn and left one but I don't have a clue where it went. Anyway I was going to suggest a banana everyday and the quinine. My mom used to take a supplement but for the life of me, I don't remember what it was. She suffered from leg cramps at night. I know they are painful. I have only had a few but had to give up wearing heals years ago because of them. They would trigger them. I hope your test come out alright.
    We've had dribs and drabs of rain here and there. The grass is greening up but the corn crops are totally ruined. They look devastated.
    Oh I forgot, I take a mega dose of potassium daily as my B.P. medication has a diuretic in it which is potassium depleting which can also cause itching. That's when they put me on it. Good Luck, Love Di ♥

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    1. As you see, you comment was there, just awaiting my release. Don't forget I have this on "comment moderation" mode, so it will sit until I get here to do it. The weekend, beginning Thursday, was so busy I just didn't get here till now.

      Heels. gag. I haven't worn them but a half dozen times in 25 years! I used to be the Queen of Glam, right down to the shoes!! No more!

      I'll be posting updated information soon.

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If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!