Saw this coming a mile away...

Have you ever just KNOWN something was going to happen.  So much that you just wanted to - with all your being - make it STOP.  And, maybe you could have? But, probably not.  Either way, it happened.  

I'm feeling that way over this depressed feeling I am having.  I am fighting it with all I can.  But, it is still happening.  I am absolutely feeling it.  Being stuck at home, sleeping a ton, fearful of social situations ~ these are things that most happen as RESULT of depression...not the other way around.  I think that's the reason I can feel it coming and have been able to mostly hold off the major troubles of it.  I do cry...but sometimes that is due to the pain in my joints.  I also cry because I'm humbled.  I'm grateful that I haven't had health issues before now....that it's not worse....that this will pass soon.   

Mono-logues

So I decided that my update yesterday could have been called vague....and that is surely not ever my goal.  I prefer to be clear, pointed and transparent.  So, let me seriously give you the lowdown.  

• I am tracking along with this illness.  (If you're just learning of my mono issues, you can see the old news here.)
• I can expect another 2-3 weeks of feeling bad....but hopefully will make the turn soon and be able to join the living again.
• For the next 6-9 weeks I will be especially susceptible to pneumonia, bronchitis, strep, colds and have the increased risk of hepatitis so my liver functions will be tested regularly.
• I have an ear infection so he gave me antibiotics for that, which of course go great with anyone's tummy right?  (Blah!!)
• Since I have a "weakened immune system", I am to limit exposure to known sick individuals and to go to the doctor if I have the teeny tiny beginning signs of a cold, sore throat or any fever.
• I am normal.  Several symptoms made me wonder if I was...and I am.  Not sure if I'm happy or sad about that!!!  
• The dizziness should get better over the next few weeks.  He is hopeful that it will not last the duration of this illness (which is about 12 weeks total).
• I should not be taking anything for sleep.  I asked because I am so off on my sleep patterns.  He wants me to sleep when I am sleepy and not worry about when that is.  

That's all, folks!  I seriously want to thank those of you who ask about me daily, who have called, emailed, texted to check on me, those who've sent things, those who have prayed.  I appreciate you all so much.  This has been more than I ever could have imagined so I truly am most grateful for one thing - PATIENCE.  I'm not really good at it....but I've learned more than ever who is...my husband has been so loving and patient through this, I can't even express how much of a difference that makes.  My sweet  mother has been especially kind and helpful.  My kids have been totally understanding and have seemed to enjoy doing little things for me and I have to tell you that their handmade cards are the most treasured.  My boss has been amazing and easy on me.  My colleagues have been absolutely wonderful and have picked up where I left off in a big way.  My employees have been receptive to the changes that they have had to endure and have stepped up to make sure things didn't fall through the cracks.  My friends and family have been sweet to check on me.  I have had cupcakes, spaghetti, lemon pound cake and flowers delivered....(ohhh thank you to my sweet cousin Diane Thomas for that spaghetti...it was timely and so so so so good!)...and I am so very humbled by the kindness of my loved ones and of strangers as well.  From people who have contacted me privately through my blog or people who have found other ways...I just can't say enough how much it means to me.  This has been a hard thing for me  for which I've had no control.  (Possibly that's the hardest part.)  Thanks to you guys for making it a little easier on me.  Love you all!!!

Update or notsomuch

So here is the update.  

I am normal.

(For someone in their third week of mono.)

That's all.  Thanks for playing.

Prayers for today!

If you've been following my mono progress...you will know that it's been almost THREE WEEKS.  Which, by the way, is tooooo long!  From what I have heard/read that's about normal, though many people (women, especially) do experience issues far longer than this.  But we are not going there.  Nope!

I have a follow up appointment with my Doctor this afternoon.  Pray that it goes well, I feel good enough to be there and that I don't fall out.  Being "up and about" has been the issue lately.  Getting up too quickly and getting dizzy or feeling hot and like I'm going to pass out - those are the things that keep me home.  Well, that and feeling like I need to sleep 16 hours a day.  During the day.  It's no fun, y'all!!!!

Thanks for the prayers so far...

Grateful Post 9-27-12

I have been doing these for a while and started sharing them on IG.  It occurred to me that not everyone is there and that I want to be sure I have them in a safe place!  I love looking back on them...especially on a bad day!  

Mono Teachings

Mono has taught me a few things.  I have listed some here.  I honestly could do one of these a DAY!!!  (Maybe there are more than a few here.  The rest are free, too, y'all!)

• You can actually feel like you've rested TOO MUCH.
• Beds are actually kinda boring after a few weeks in them.
• Online retail therapy is actually as satisfying as being in public.
• You can spend more than you make in a day on a down comforter.
• My hubby loves me more than I realize.  He has taken SUCH good care of me!
• Buying hairspray online is cheaper than in real life.
• I say "in real life" a lot, like the internet is FAKE.
• I really do depend on social interaction.
• Mono is worse than you think.
• Sometimes when friends/family say, "call me if you need something", they actually do mean it.
• Lowes Foods to go is the best thing everrrr.  (Okay, already knew that.)
• Short term disability is not just for pregnancy. (I didn't wanna. Nurse at Pentair said I should.)
• My boss is one of the most compassionate, understanding people I know!
• My employees are so capable of stepping up and taking on more in my absence.  Thought it probably but know for SURE now.
• Cards are really seriously one of my fave things.  I have gotten a few and I treasure them so much!!!
• Reading the Bible is so much better in a Bible study format.  I like instant reassurance that I know what the Bible is saying.

Friday Note of Praise

Guess what happened last night?  I went to sleep at 9:45 PM, EST.  I mean, BEFORE TEN PEEE EMMM.  WHAT?  I know, it doesn't sound like that early.  But for me, that's early for non-mono.  For mono, that's basically a day ahead of time.  :-)  I was up at 5:30 which is a tad early but I will take it.  I can't even express the feeling of hope that I have for today.  I still feel so silly for feeling so horrible with this thing.  When so many others are suffering from so much more.  I also know that this is my reality for right now.  The joint pain, the exhaustion, the sore throat, the brain-sluggishness - all those things are more than any symptoms to me.  They basically are abnormal.  They don't make me feel like Jamie Jones.  I happen to like Jamie Jones.  :-)  That's what I miss most.  Feeling like me.  I hope I find me again...really soon!

Mono y Mono

So in Spanish, that means "hand to hand" or denotes a fight between two people without weapons.  

I feel like that's what my body is doing to me!  Fighting me.  However, I feel like it might have weapons.  Like:

• fatigue
• dizziness
• joint pain
• back pain
• headache
• loss of appetite
• swollen spleen

I am just totally spent.  I feel like I've been run down.  Also?  It gets in the old noggin.  So, add depressed to all of that up there.  Thankfully, I'm smack dab in the throws of a Beth Moore Bible study and nothing makes you feel like a loved, treasured child of the King like the Bible.  So, I'm going to start on next week and try to ignore that bulleted list up there.  Night...err...mornin....