Julie C.

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ABSR pics:
http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn77/julienthesun/ABSR%202008/

Birmingham Dinner Pics:
http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn77/julienthesun/Birmingham%20Dinner/


Momma's Awards:
http://s301.photobucket.com/albums/nn77/julienthesun/Mommas%20Day/

Yep.. I'm in the Spring and Easter mood and since I didn't get to color any eggs this year I guess I'll just make my post bright, springy and those pastel Easter Colors that I just know everyone loves!
Spring is here and April is upon us and the ABSR at Oak Mtn.
I cannot wait to see all my OH Bama Board Friends and meet newbe's!
I am so excited.
I have had a rough month. I started off with an Elius (a twist or kink in the intestines) on March 11th which put me in my local hospital. After spending a week there I was transferred on March 19th by ambulance to Providence In Mobile.
My Elius healed- Praise GOD- and then it was discovered that I have pancreatitus.
Inflammation of my Pancreas. They are not sure at this point what caused it but believe it to have caused the elius which sent me to the hospital in the first place. Praise God for that because pancreatitus can be very, very serious without medical attention. I have been running fevers, vomiting, having severe abdomial pain and cramping with some dizziness and weakness. The good news is I believe I am on the road to recovery and that God is driving - Yes he is in total control and he is bringing me out of the forest!! WOOHOO!! AMEN!
I am having an Upper GI tommorrow and an MRI on Tuesday just to check for what may be causing the pancreatitus so that we won't have to deal with a chronic problem or damage to my pancreas or other organs.
I know that God is leading my Medical team and they will finding the answers they seek.
This was Holy week at my church but my family and I stayed strong in our faith and did not let the devil destroy what God has planned for us! 
Teddy and the boys were able to attend church all week and share with me the things I missed. Teddy and Gerry also sang at the Easter Services and at our special "Alive Forever" Concert. Which I cannot wait to see all the pictures and watch video!! Teddy said Gerry was so deeply moved by the whole experience and that alone blesses my heart and soul!! 
2008 is an Awesome Year for me and my family- Spiritually and Physically. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us!! 
I'm ready for our blessings and to see others receive theirs!
GOD IS SO GOOD ALL THE TIME! AMEN!! 

We started off to go thrift shopping..


We realized that more of our friends wanted to go so we upgraded to a bigger ride with more room and now we are off to shop!! 
I love shopping with friends!! 


Next time we head out we will be looking for you to join us

Wow!! Can't believe how long it's been since I updated!!
Here it is the holidays are upon us and as we celebrate the birth of our Lord I am Praising him for all the blessings he has given me.
Last year I wasn't able to eat and enjoy the holidays. I was in and out of the hospital with a groshon catheter. But today... Today I am riding my bike- listening to gospel on my IPOD and enjoying what GOD has given me.
I take nothing for granted and realize everything is a gift.
I am thankful for my gift. 

I went to the support group Christmas party this year..
Here is an updated picture of me dancing on the table:

We had our Birmingham Dinner today!
It was so good to see everyone!!! I had the best time.
I got to see of course, My CarMOM and Mr. John, I got to meet Ellen and her DH and Sherry for the first time, I got to see JuJu (Judy), MicheleLuv, Chelle and kids, Kathy, Beth & Bill G. and Louise.
We had such a blast!

Me and My CarMom


Me & Kathy


Me and My DH, Teddy

I had my follow up visit with Dr. Freeman today. We also met Noah, his son. Dr. Freeman has only been back to work this week as he recently underwent surgery to donate his kidney to his Mother. Praise GOD she should get to go home tommorrow - all is well - and her new kidney is working well!!! 
Dr. Freeman looks well and is doing really good too.
O.K. back to me.. LOL
He said all looks good and he is so excited for us! He prayed with Teddy & I and we know GOD has wonderous things in store for our lives. I give him all the praise and glory for healing me! GOD HEALED ME!! AMEN!

After our visit with Dr. Freeman we went to Starbuck's and met up with Carmen and Mr. John.
We also got to see Gina, Billy and the girls!!! They are so precious!!!!
After leaving Starbuck's Carmen and I went to have our nails done. Mine needed it none to soon!! Teddy & Mr. John headed off to Wal-mart.
Tommorrow we are meeting in Birmingham for an OH late lunch. I am excited to see everyone.

Mr. John drove me to Dr. Freeman's this morning. I am still feeling icky. Not the same pain but my stomach just doesn't feel right. 
I see Dr. Freeman and we are still praising the days of success I have had but he feels that a PIE would help.
PIE stands for Pulsed Irrigation Evacuation. 
And it is not good!!
We also decided we would take out my groshon! Yes, it's time my groshon is abit leaky and could increase the chance of infection. And now I don't need it anymore that I have had a good past 3 days as far as food and vomiting goes.
It will be done on an outpatient basis and I will get to return home later in the day.
Off to the hospital. I called Carmen and Gina. Mr. John had an eye appointment and had to drop me off but Gina and Louise came to be with me. Mr. John came back but Gina told him he needed to go home his eyes had been dilated and she offered to stay with me and bring me home.
 Louise couldn't stay long but I sure did enjoy her company. Besides she didn't need to stay for any PIE it wasn't any good. Gina stayed and while she didn't get any PIE she saw enough to never want any!! lol
Dr. Freeman and Tim took me to surgery and sedated me well and removed by groshon we were all excited at the fact that this was closing the book on a long 15 months but the end was here and it was time! And we were victorous! I can eat and enjoy life again!! WOOHOO! But not PIE!
Afterwards I was awake for the worst procedure of my life. In California people pay for this procedure to cleanse their bodies of toxins but they couldn't PAY ME to have it again. 
WARNING: Do not read any further, maybe TMI!
The nurse puts on gloves and puts lidocane on one finger. This does not help with the pain or discomfort so they are misinformed trust me.  They then use a long hose hooked up to the Pulse machine and in 30 second intrivals instill water into your colon and then wait 60 seconds for it to drain and then again 30 seconds instill water and 60 seconds wait for it to drain. They do this over a half hour to 45 minute period. These 30 seconds will be the worst you will experience I can assure you especially if you are a week out from surgery already with laprascopic insicions. I wasn't sure if I was going to pass out, vomit, or die! I informed the nurse who said all patients experience this and she had another nurse get me a cold rag and something to throw up in. I didn't vomit. I did however beg for mercy. I wasn't sure if I would make it through the test and she would give me a few extra seconds of rest as we neared the end of the test and the pain seemed as though it would never end. She was so nice. She told Gina and me that they hate the test as much as the patient. Gina came in at the ending of the test, long enough to see how it is done and parts of me noone would want to see! After it was over I sat up and excused myself to the bathroom where I spent 20 minutes. PIE works! WELL! Gina said while I was gone the bag ruptured and they had to come in and clean up the floor. She said she started to tell them they were knee deep in $--t but she just smiled.
Gave me a laugh when I returned and I needed a smile I was terribly sore!! 

Gina signed the release papers and took me home. I was so glad to be going home to Carmen's. The ride home with Gina was nice and we got to talk some. After I got home Paul was picking on me because I was sore and couldn't set down - he's so good at picking on me. He's already adopted me as his sister so he's always picking! :-) Anyway, after Carmen got home (which was just a few minutes) we went to the nail salon. Carmen and Geni had a pedicure. I stood for awhile and rested some. Then Geni talked me into a manicure. My first EVER! I am so glad Geni did because I really enjoyed it and love my nails. I can't wait for Teddy to see it will be such a nice surprise.  After we left the nail salon we proceeded to a nice dinner at Logan's. I had the kids steak tips with a baked tater and a side salad. I was stuffed. I couldn't eat it all and had to bring it home. I enjoyed dinner with Mr. John, Carmen, Geni and Tim. It was fun and alot of laughs. And on the way home I learned all about how Mr. John and Carmen met, fell in love and got married! wow WHAT A LOVE STORY! :-)
I am really blessed to have them in my life. I am so glad GOD led me to Anniston, Dr. Freeman and Carmen.
GOD IS SO GOOD!!! ALL THE TIME!!

I am feeling really good! I went with Mr. John to Wal-mart and Home Depot. I enjoyed getting out today. I was a little tired though...
Gina came over when we got back to visit with me at CarMom's. She watched the video of my surgery and I got to see it again. It's something to see... not gross or bloody at all. 
We had dinner together leftover Mr. John's chili.
Then pain set in... bad stomach pain... but a different kind of pain. I felt like I needed to go but couldn't go. I had only 35 oz of fluid today. I have been trying to do better and with time that will be better. But it's been over 2 weeks since a BM this can't be good.
By 8:30 pm I had to call Dr. Freeman. I hated to call but I wasn't well and I had been doing great. And I knew I would be again if I could get over this hurddle. He told me he would admit me tonight but I told him I could do just fine at home and wanted no more hospital stays. He suggested 2 stool softners and to run a bag of fluids (IV Ringers) wide open. And then to be at his office at 8am in the morning and he would run over to see me in between cases as he had a 7am case. (I think that is Pam! ) And he would have his cell next to his bed if I needed him in the middle of the night to call. 
I did just as he said. I took the softners, Paul helped me start my IV (he's such a sweet young man) and I took some pain medicine. I laid in bed for a few hours and felt a little better. No bathroom though.. nothing! ;-(

Monday morning... I awoke during the night and dry heaved.
I had dried cereal again this morning with some banana.
For lunch I had refried beans and a sf popcicle.
Dinner Mr. John made some homemade chili. YUM!
I threw up after drinking some water after lunch today. Not much just a small bit. I waited about 30 minutes after lunch to drink so not sure what caused that. I am still so pleased with the outcome.  Meat doesn't cause the pain I had before  and I don't vomit or dry heave daily!! And I am back to eating 3 meals! I go back to see Dr. Freeman on Wednesday at 2:30. Mr. John is going to take me. He is so sweet. Mr. John and Carmen have been so good to me. I am so glad God led me here and sent me them! I LOVE THEM!
I'm not sure when I will get to return home yet but I miss my family. Although, they have made it easy for me here by making me feel so welcome and comfortable. Not the same being with my men back home though..
I am not going to rush it and listen to Dr. Freeman. I know he is making me well and he knows what I should do and when it is right to travel. I know he is going to take care of me.
He called today to check on me. He is such a witness to everyone!

Louise comes early and brings me some eggs. She doesn't get to stay long but brings them hot and ready for me to eat.
I realize I am scared and actually.... to be truthful felt paniced! A full blown panic attack. I am so afraid to eat solid food. I feel flush....
I just couldn't do the eggs. Carmen and Geni are going to come by soon and bring me some applesauce and sf chocolate pudding. And some support...
Gina comes by just in time for my lunch. I am abit overly anxious and call Dr. Freeman who gives me something for the anxiety and comes by to talk with me about it. I realize this might not be as easy as having the surgery to fix my gut as my mind is having issues after 15 months of not much food and increased pain. I really associate food with pain. And the thought of looking at such a huge plate!  Gina came up with the idea of putting it on a small plate covering the big plate and cutting the meat in small pieces. So I enjoyed the first meat in a long time ... Roast beef. It was very tender and very good. A bite of carrots. And a few bites of apple (it was some kind of apple crumb desert). I had some jello and Gina enjoyed that it had fruit inside. I am alergic to pineapples and that wouldn't be good fruit cocktail!
I go take a shower because I want to go for a walk and Dr. Freeman heplocked my central line and said I could even walk around outside. The shower makes me feel much better.
Carmen and Geni come by for their visit and bring me some snacks : the applesauce, pudding and some peanut butter crackers (can't wait to eat those!) Crunch I need crunch! :-)
Carmen brought me a big stuffed dog, about the size of my Milo. I cried. I had been missing my Milo so much and this dog is so cute and I am sleeping with him until I go home and Milo is with me again! I love Carmen and Geni they are so special! God has really, really blessed me!!
Gina stayed all day with me. We went for a walk down the hall and found Vanessa got to go home! Lucky girl! She beat me outta here!
Gina and I go downstairs and visit the Gift Shop and I got some stamps to mail off some cards and I found the cutest bracelet that has an angel hanging from it holding my birthstone (garnet). So I bought it for myself. It's silver and I have a silver cross that has my garnet birthstone in the center and thought this would go well together. Besides I have such good angels around me!! 
Then Gina and I go to the snack shop and I find something crunchy (thank you Gina) animal crackers. I ate one YUM! and WOW! crunchy.. it was so good. I filled out my cards as I was thinking about so many things coming up that I did not want to miss out on even though I was in the hospital. 
We proceed outside and I mail my letters and we walk over to the Women's building to visit the nursery but the curtains were closed so we didn't get to see any babies but had a nice long walk! And I am tired so we go back upstairs so I can rest up abit. I am back on meds by mouth Thank Goodness! And well on the road to go home! Well.. home to my CarMom's anyway!
Dr. Freeman has invited me to church tommorrow and says that I may go home tommorrow. Carmen and Mr. John come back up to the hospital to bring me my dress, slip and dress shoes. I had brought a couple of dresses with me so that I could still attend church while I was here. I haven't missed much church and went while I was sick I've only missed when Gerry was in the hospital or I was hospitalized. I made a commitment to GOD and I plan on keeping that commitment. Not only to God, but to me, my family and my church family. There is always something new to learn, to share and to be blessed by. And I love hearing the blessings and btw GETTING blessed! Ok who doesn't?
Tonight is much better for me. I ate a bite of the applesauce, a bite of pudding (I dont care too much for chocolate) and then the peanut butter crackers which were my favorite. I just love crunch! I know each time I eat things will be better. I just need to make good choices.
Today is the FIRST day since January 16, 2006 vomit free! 
WOOOHOOO!!!
I had some dried cereal (for fiber and grain) TMI I'm sure but I'm into 2 wks no BM. Dr. Freeman doesn't want to give me anything to speed it up as it could trigger some vomiting. I have enjoyed the crunch of the cereal. I also ate some refried beans from Taco Bell, a sf Oreo (haven't had an Oreo in 3 years and sf are so good!) 1/4 a banana and at dinner homemade beef stew (Carmen makes the best!!) it was so good. I am finding I love everything that goes into my mouth. My stomach is having a party jumping up and down in such excitement!!