Daily Chats and Encouragements

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  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    Our pretend gathering for a chat....Coffee, tea....it's all free....and a favorite color scheme too...w5yjeqbd8d3a.png
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    Oooo, love purple, and flowers! You know how I feel about your trying again and again to have a relationship with your Mom and sister when they just aren't interested. I hate it for you, but you need to figure something else out!

    Wow, I lost 1/2 lb! I've been dumping some of my carbs. This morning's breakfast was carby, an Aussie bite and coffee with creamer, but lunch was a spicy chicken thigh and dinner will be a bunless hamburger with a salad! My snack will be an apple. Lord willing I can keep up these changes.

    Love y'all.
  • kzrkzr
    kzrkzr Posts: 88 Member
    I'm sorry Bren that you went through that. Abuse is NEVER ok.
    I have tried hard to have a relationship with my mom and sister. I know ya'll get tired of hearing it. I suppose I must just give up! The last straw was when she didn't respond to my text. I sent the text for my daughter who wanted me to try one more time. Now she sees her aunt with her own eyes on how she is!
    Monday I will be starting back my healthy eating plan!
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    Wishing you well in your plans, Kim...I still find myself wanting a steak but even chuck steak is a reach these days. I joke about putting a rib eye on lay away for my birthday. LOL...

    Thanks Missy....you are right. It took a long time to reclaim a sense of self worth and love and that was done in my relationship with Christ. I didn't grow up with it and married a maniac and then hubby # 2 was a good man but neither of us had a normal, healthy base so didn't connect like we could have. I was so thankful that he got right with God before he passed away. They both died with cancer.

    Two days in a row, I skipped dinner as I'd had a heavier lunch than normal....so yesterday, I had 3 meals. I was actually hungry so that was good. B: was a sausage/cheese sandwich on LC bread, L: Salad with some beans and ground pork/cheese with peppers/onion...and D: Egg beaters w/cheese and toasted bagel w/light margarine and 3 candy slices. I suppose I like cheese?

    I got my fridge sorted again yesterday so it's tidy once again. Today, I need to get trash out, tend to my floors, dust and maybe sort laundry.....and deal with the dishwasher.

    Be blessed in this new day...prayers for us all, missing Marilyn...continued prayers for all of the places devastated by the storms and flooding...it's heart breaking. Be good to yourselves today....Love you!
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
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  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    I am so very thankful....With God's help, I managed to get my trash out and to the dumpster...I had two weeks worth and one was a very heavy bag. I got the dishwasher unloaded/reloaded /running. Those are two of my bigger tasks that require a lot from me....I always feel so much better when they are done.
    Today....I'll deal with the laundry prep and the floors....and do some decluttering. My imaginary maid needs to drop by and do some things...

    I sent a note to my endo guy....I need a refill on my Tresiba and an appointment scheduled. I don't "want" one but it's been almost a year now...so I need a run by I suppose. This year is hitting the 4th quarter tomorrow. Our time slips away so quickly.

    Hope you all are OK at your spots on the map....Prayers for us all for this new week and the time ahead...Love you all and am so glad you're here.
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    Happy Monday! Today begins the new life style changes. I'm working on lowering my carbs rather than jumping in a trying to do it all at once! I'll work on this for a month, and then drop some more. I want things to be habit before I move to the next step.

    Missy, what they are doing and saying is not okay but it is okay if you need to share it here! I don't always know what to say that would be a help to you, but know that we are here for you and are praying for you - and your family. Let's do these food changes together!

    Bren, woohoo, awesome getting all of that done. While I was reading what you were eating I thought that it sounded like you had quite a bit that was Keto friendly. You should love a Keto diet, basically meat, vegs and some less sugary fruit! You do that more times than not anyway! I'm not pushing that diet, I haven't been able to consistently do it, but now that I know more about my diseases I think I need to do whatever I can to get what fat I can control off of me! I think that I should be able to lose around 50 lbs and I believe that the rest of the weight is lipedema associated. It isn't going to be easy, but I have to try! I'll do some walking, whatever my right side will allow - today it's not being very nice! I'll also keep working with the light weights on my upper body. My starting weight is 240.

    Marilyn, I hope you are doing well. You are in our prayers. Love y'all.
  • kzrkzr
    kzrkzr Posts: 88 Member
    edited September 30
    Today was day 1 of my daughter going back to work. I enjoyed watching my sweet granddaughter. I have to be at her house by 7. My daughter gets home around 5:30.
    I'm tired lol I didn't get but around 3 hrs. sleep last night. I slept on the couch, because my hubby was screaming and yelling in the bedroom. He woke me up several times. He screamed like that the whole day. My nerves are about shot!!!
    When he becomes confrontational...I just walk away!
    hugs and prayers
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    I'm so glad you have a bright spot in your day with the grandbaby. Just keep praying for your husband, Missy, and loving him. He may not know what he is doing (just like with the brain damage that comes from dementia or Alzheimer's, they have no idea what they are saying or doing.) If he has damage to his brain then he probably has no idea what he is doing or how it is hurting you. We had to keep reminding ourselves of that with Mom, we had to remember that she wasn't intentionally being difficult or calling us at night ever five minutes, she just had no idea! She never would have done it if she were in her right mind. You and he are in my prayers.

    I have my CT scan tomorrow. Not doing too great today with pain and with breathing. Please keep me in your prayers as well. I love y'all.
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    Keeping you in prayer today Kim, as you go for your CT scan. May God go before you and hold you close and comfort you.

    ...and you, Missy ...in the midst of your trial and heartache.

    My Vexus internet went out yesterday...this morning at 2 AM, I thought to try thru Optimum connection I still pay for but didn't have for so long, hence getting hooked up with Vexus....and praise God, it worked. I had to find the last box they left when changing my modem, that had the code on it. At least Vexus sends a text message to let folks know when there is a problem.

    I have a bunch of meds and insulin to pick up this morning and an order from HEB... Wal-Mart will no longer deliver my ice...so will do an HEB pick up when I grab meds and have to be out.
    I got my endo follow up scheduled for Nov. 27th so all three appointments are made....now to "keep" them! The team has been patient with me...

    Love you all....53f61tfz0b08.png
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    Oh wow, that was nice, Bren, having that available when the other went out. Spectrum lets us know and usually gets it back on pretty quickly.

    I was thinking about the appointments I have coming up and couldn't remember when my mammogram was supposed to be. I looked in my calendar this morning and it's next Wednesday! Phew! I have a bone density test in Nov, as well as an eye appointment. I hope that they are able to find whatever is causing me to have to take these deep breaths that cause muscle stress on my chest, as well as not being able to catch my breath. I yawn a lot too, and that often doesn't catch. Just tiring. The Lord woke me in time this morning to get an Aussie Bite before I moved into my 6 hour fast! Praise the Lord. I laid there and thought I would just not eat before the test, but I knew my tummy wouldn't like that! Thank you for your prayers.

    I hope everyone is doing alright. You are in my prayers. Love you
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    Oh good! Having your Aussie bite, taming the tummy and still having the 6 hour fast time....you did good! Praying you come away with some answers to this current issue soon!

    I have to make myself notes for appointments etc. and am so glad the patient portal thing sends reminders! All my care team are great, about getting my scrips in, setting appointments etc. as needed....I am thankful for them. Doesn't make me want to go in, but I am thankful!

    I had 5 prescriptions to pick up...can't deliver insulin so waited until they were all ready...then got my order at HEB...It's been a good while since I did a pick up order and my tummy was acting up this morning so I was in need of prayer! Thank you! I was so glad to get that done and things tucked away. I sit on my stool some to put my fridge items away as my back screams in pain very quickly. That thing helps a lot! I do have to move it around a lot since my space is so limited in my teeny kitchen but it's a blessing to have it.

    I haven't been scheduled yet for the exterminator but am OK with that...They will take care of it....
    We are having highs in the 90's all week with one day at 89 expected. I check weather for my appointments and don't schedule anything for the winter months at all! I just tuck away in my inner sanctum and praise God that I can!

    I'm off to have some lunch....be blessed!
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    I got my notice today and they are coming tomorrow at 8 AM to do the bugs with 3 follow ups, 2 weeks apart....so much for several days advance notice. Oh well....I will check and repack my bag so I can scoot out of here when they come. I'll be back Saturday AM...
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    edited October 2
    I've got my room reserved, will stay 2 nights...my list is ready for pack up/checking, and will take a food bag so not all meals will be fast food. They have a light breakfast at the Motel, a fridge and microwave in the room and hopefully a coffee pot to play with. My room is ground floor and has a walk in shower...hooya! I told the guy I'd like that with my mobility issues and ground floor was a necessity. I'll tidy up a bit in the morning before the bug man comes.
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    Praying that all goes well, Bren!

    Had the CT scan yesterday but haven't heard the results. I'm afraid it will say nothing is wrong and I then won't have an answer to why my breathing is not right! The Lord knows either way and He has a plan and a purpose. I just want to respond in a way that will please Him!

    I hope Missy and Marilyn are alright. It's been awhile since we've heard from Marilyn and I know Missy is busy most of the day with that beautiful new baby girl! Y'all are in my prayers. Thank you for yours.
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    My heart and prayers are with you dear friend! Glad the CT scan is done...and hope for results soon and perhaps a plan of action, some relief...I wonder if your rounds with COVID have a part and now another round of pneumonia? God does know...and has all the details...and He has us all in His loving care!

    Bug man told me I could come home a couple hours after they were done so I needed just the day and 1 night at the motel. Came home this morning at 5:15 to mass destruction!
    However: It is what it is and while I expected some...just not this much, I will clean up as I can, as God gives me strength. A task at a time, a day at a time...and am praying for total eradication of the beasts that have tormented me for so long!
    I will need help with some heavy things. They got my mattress and box springs in the really nice encasement bags...that thing weighs a ton so am not sure I can scooch it back in place once I clean behind it. Oh well....one thing at a time. I was glad my computer was still plugged up and ready to go.

    I will survey the damages and make my plan of action....and be so very thankful the worst was not as bad as it could have been! God is SO awesome! First...I will make more coffee and give God thanks!

    The motel: I had to pay $40 extra for checking in at 8:30 AM but that was fine. I needed a place to hang out for the day! The walk in shower was great. I'm just really sad to be in such pitiful shape that showers are so very difficult! I know you understand!
    The beds were comfy, but too high for my short legs. BUT....what joy to not have a bug at all...except the cricket in the bathroom.
    I was very thankful they had a little coffee pot/coffee for this morning, no CC on the TV so was glad to get home to mine. I had my Kindle, so read some, napped some, got up at 2 AM...my normal time. I had one meal out....Chicken Express: the fish filets/coleslaw and fries. Was so delicious. I did lust for Burger King all day but didn't have any, Thank God.

    I'm off to have my coffee and put together my pan of action for today....and will get up and do it again tomorrow. Love you all...
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    Yesterday was a big carb day for me, but the scale still read 237, so around 3 lbs down (- a few ounces).
    I called my doctor's office this morning and my results are in but the doctor hasn't looked at them yet, so I don't know when I'll hear. I've left it in the Lord's hands, but feel like I need to get back with them, since they close at 12 on Friday, and make sure the doctor got the note that I want to know what's going on. I'm having quite a bit of trouble today with my breathing, but praise the Lord, the pain in my leg and hip is doing better. I'm afraid, in one sense, that it won't show anything (which should be a good thing) but then I won't know what's causing the problem still. Sigh. God knows and I need to trust Him and lean on Him. Nothing is impossible with God.

    I'm so sorry you have such a chore ahead of you! Please don't try to do things you know you can't, and rest between tasks! Love you
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    edited October 4
    I hear you! I too, like knowing what's going on with me...what contributes to an issue, what I might do to alleviate some troubles. My weight is a major issue right now...has been for awhile, but getting a gander at myself in all those mirrors at the Motel was a wake up call...and a call for repentance! I'm thinking 25 pounds of my gained weight is all smoked sausage! LOL....oh I do like it a lot!

    Thanks, Doll! I am....doing wee bits at a time and asking God to give me the strength and will to "deal with it all"! I'll get help with the bed when needed...I do know things could have been a lot worse!
    There's a huge bag of my bedding and stuffies from the sofa, chair cushion and the like in the living room that will need to be washed. I'll check with my laundry service to see if they will handle it...they've been doing my laundry still, just have me on the permanent bed bug list. I can let them know I'm being treated.
    I'm working on the living room and bedroom first...the kitchen wasn't bad as they didn't have to throw things around in there! I'll need to make my bed before I can get a nap. I should rest better tonight, being home and all.

    The bug guys lost my TV hearing aid! Oh no! It has to be somewhere in the living room, as it was on the TV tray I keep by my recliner, that had been moved quite a bit, so I feel sure it may be under the recliner. God knows where it is! I use the right one in my left ear, to save wear and tear on my left one which is the side I have about 30% hearing on...none on the right. I did order one from Amazon as a fill in, just for the TV time...praying it works as needed. Due to come in the 8th.

    I'm going to get the bed made up so I can rest/read awhile since I got up at 2 AM and am ready for a nap. Be gentle with yourself today! Love and prayers...

    PS: I just laid down and the boys flipped my mattress when they put the encasements on! Hooya! The hole I've slept in is now far from me and it feels like a new mattress! It is awful high tho!

  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    Wade built a step for me so I can more comfortably get into my bed! I'm so glad that they turned your mattress though, that may help some of the back issues. Hope the new hearing aid works out well. They are coming up with improvements in that kind of stuff all the time. I want to get one of those out of ear, or bone conductive headphones/pod thingies. I don't want one that goes behind my ear because my glasses get in the way, gut I've seen some that clip onto the side of the ear. That wouldn't help you unless your TV has blue tooth and it can connect with it. Maybe at Christmas time. I'll keep using what I have though until it gives up the ghost.

    Well, two pounds of the loss came back. I think it's just back and forth with water gains and losses. Between each knuckle on my hand is a little pocket of fluid, kind of weird! My hands are a little bit
    swollen as well.

    I hope that y'all have a wonderful weekend and are able to be in worship or spending time with the Lord. Love you

  • kzrkzr
    kzrkzr Posts: 88 Member
    I have been enjoying taking care of my sweet grandbaby.
    On my days off I have been Fall Cleaning inside of my house.
    Today, I actually pressure washed one side, the whole front, and 1/4 of the back. I still have to finish the siding, and then I plan on doing my driveway and sidewalk.
    I have been dealing with a very painful boil. Please pray it will heal. I have had it for about a month!
    My hubby has been having very loud outbursts. Getting in my face and screaming. Yesterday he got in my sons face and mama bear kicked in!!! I will not let that happen!
    It is so hard. He knows exactly what he is doing! He will do it and then apologize and then 10 minutes later he is doing it again! Today, he has talked to his "voices" all day long! Please pray God will heal him.
    love and hugs
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    Thanks Kim...I too, hope the hearing aid works....My analog set doesn't work anymore, one has the door broken and the wiring messed up and can't be repaired, the other is dead. I've never liked the digital ones but it's all they do now, no more analog. Mine are the full shell, in the ear. I wouldn't like the over the ear ones for the same reason...my glasses. I don't bother wearing my aid unless I have an appointment...or am watching TV. 90% of my time is spent in silence.
    I'm still waking at 12:30 or so....am hoping my sleep patterns will improve to the normal state once my things are restored to order and cleaning is done.

    I am resting so much better and I do believe having a solid, comfy mattress will indeed help my back issues. And I'm not up 3 times in the night chasing and taping bugs and that's such a relief. I am taping the ones I see and keeping count somewhat.... like 24 yesterday as opposed to 300-400 a day! Wow!

    I was in a lot of pain and exhausted yesterday so did no "work"...will do some puttering today and get a couple of spots restored to order to make me feel more at home.

    Missy, you are surely in my prayers...I had a run with boils once and was so very miserable and in such pain for a very long time. It was a bad staph infection. I finally went to the Dr. with it. The issue with hubby is major! Prayers for deliverance, healing, strength and provision in your household.
    Prayers for us all in the new week ahead. Love you....
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    I liked this, a lot!gv13ycicktvb.png

    I got laundry sorted for pick up and my big bag of trash started. The mattress cover and set of sheets from my bed are in it. I can't salvage the cover and the sheets are pretty horrid as well and I'd rather trash them than send them to the laundry service. I have 2 sets in reserve and that's enough.
    I'll deal with the kitchen and put my living room back in order....and hope to vacuum and spot clean the bathroom. As always, I am so very thankful to be an apartment dweller! Hooya! I couldn't handle a house and yards....tho I do miss having a washer/dryer in my spot! I am thankful for my laundry service 4-5 times a year and that is a great gift to me!
  • kzrkzr
    kzrkzr Posts: 88 Member
    I'm sorry for complaining guys....I feel like literally mentally collapsing...my mom and sister being so hateful to me...then now my husband...
    He says awful things....I wish there was a way to force him to get mental help...cause the mental abuse he does to me and my children is heart breaking...
    He hasn't seen his grandchild going on 3 weeks!!!! His excuse is that he does not want to be around me!
    He will get in the vehicle and just leave. He admitted that he went to the mall and started up a conversation with a woman!!
    God help me!
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    Are there any places you could get some help, Missy? When others are beyond our influence, care, control, love....the focus has to change to our own care in my experience. What can Missy DO for Missy?

    It took me years to collect all the pieces of myself I'd given away or discarded in my two "marriages"...I had one super abusive and one cold and withdrawn tho he wasn't abusive in the sense the maniac was, it was still abuse...where I felt he had one foot out the door at all times....I say I ran away my first one and the second one ran away from me.

    These people are not interested in changing their views or behavior and there has to be an opening for God to get a grip and turn them...as He has turned us in our lives.
    I pray for the conviction of the Holy Spirit, for release of bondage, for strength, wisdom, protection and provision in your life and theirs. God knows the depth of your sorrow and pain, Sister....Hide in Him and rest....God bless you in this trial by fire. Love you....errrvaqad4xj.png
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    I'm so sorry that you are going through this, Missy. You and your family are in my prayers. Lean on God, Missy. Just keep spending time with Him, in the Word and in prayer. Let Him minister to your spirit. Praying that the boil would not get septic! You might need to get it lanced!

    Bren, so happy that there are so many fewer bugs and that your rest is much better as well! Praise the Lord. I like your picture too. I often think of the Lord as my High Tower, a place I go for refuge when the devil is trying to beat me up! That Tower is always there and stands strong, just for me! I'm so blessed to have a Church family that is there for me as well! That is so important!

    Well, it's almost time to call about my CT scan and see if the doctor has seen it yet. Love y'all bunches.
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    I am in so much pain from my "little labors"....My hips and back have been complaining loudly. I just took a couple of my Tylenol 3....and will rest awhile. I'm not feeling so spiffy today.

    I see my cardiologist's NP tomorrow....will use my walker. I had to do a hunt in my walk in closet for the carrier bag for it....It has pockets for my wallet, phone and the like. It will give me more stability than the cane.

    Take care...rest easy and be blessed best where needed most. Love and prayers for us all.
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    Oh, Bren, I'm so sorry. Rest is best! heehehehe. I got the results from my CT scan back - what they saw last Oct is gone, but I do have resolving pneumonia, which I am trying to figure out what that means, do I still have pneumonia, or is it the junk left over after I've had pneumonia? Still having breathing issues, but that could take time to go away. I guess I did have pneumonia this last time! They also found a cyst on my pancreas, which, after my research, I found it's fairly common and most of the time benign. They are scheduling an MRI for me so they can get a closer look. I hope they catch my hip since it's not that far from my stomach area! LOL! The MRI for my arthritis will probably no happen until January. Okay, the MRI for the pancreas is the 18th of this month. My Mammo is tomorrow afternoon. Eek. I'm going to be lit up like a Christmas tree from all of these tests! That's what happens when you don't have insurance for awhile!

    I'm back down to 237-238. I had my Aussie bite and coffee for breakfast. I've cut around 200 calories without having my protein drink also. I had some BBQ chicken and some cheese for lunch. Not sure yet what supper will be! Probably a salad. I got some Raspberry Vinaigrette that I really like for my salads and I use nuts instead of croutons. I cut up some baby carrots and put sno peas on there too. Yummers.
    I hope that I will get some results from these efforts. I think this is the first time I feel more determined to stick with it.
  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    I'm planning on a nice uptown salad for dinner...I love the raspberry vinaigrette. I use Newman's Own. I'd like the chicken and cheese too....I'm supposed to keep protein lower due to my kidney function but we know I've not behaved well in that regard.

    Well, these things linger longer than what we deem necessary. You've picked up pneumonia several times, covid a couple of times etc. You've been thru the grinder! I\m glad you're getting YOUR tests done! I need a proxy for mine!

    I was in so much pain this morning that I cancelled my appointment....again. Ack....This is day 2 of recovery and I'm still not there yet.

    I got a bit of bad news....Mary came by...the exterminator recommends I dispose of my recliner, desk chair and my bed. To comply seems wisest. She said they will haul things off for me and she will let them know I am agrreable....so I need to find replacements, have them delivered and uhm....pay for them.

    She said my desk was infested as well, but I may not have to replace it. My bed is so comfy now, with the hole gone, the great encasements on....and the bugs are way fewer than they are on the two chairs. I'd be happy to keep the bed if the bugs were gone but I'll do as he says and deal with it....I have been resting so much better the past few days, in spite of the pain. Looking at some furniture sites online and the prices are nuts! Oh well....it could be worse, for sure!

  • bren5535
    bren5535 Posts: 920 Member
    Add On:
    I had a great night's rest, am up at 3 AM...more normal, and the severe pain has eased up. The two days of extra movement , shoving, bending, lifting, cleaning... was what got my body irritated, yet I have so much more to do! I will pace myself for sure. I have my laundry ready for pick up this morning and that will clear some space. I have 5 medium tubs with lids to tuck things in and put in the walk in closet for now.

    I have my cardiologist's appt. reset for Nov. 4th which is great. That will put all 3 in November and I'll get labs done prior to my endo appt. on the 27th. I should be more stable by then.

    I had just 2 bugs on the bed last night! That's awesome! I am looking at a mattress set, recliner and desk chair online tho....to be prepared for replacements. It would be great if that wasn't necessary after all.

    Wishing you a blessed day at your spots...0il90rulptya.png
  • Restfinder
    Restfinder Posts: 2,691 Member
    Amazon has bed frames, just the bottom part, made of metal that you can put your mattresses on. You won't have a headboard though, but I haven't had one for quite awhile and it hasn't seemed to matter. That may be cheaper than buying the whole bed. Chairs can be gotten for good prices at charity or thrift stores. Most of our furniture in Hickory came from Habitat for Humanity! LOL! I know, looking around isn't something your body will be happy about! Oh, I got my recliner from Big Lots, during a sale, very good price. I feel for you, sister! Praying you can find a deal.

    Time to go to the imaging center. Love you