Saturday, October 22, 2005
Everything Hurts
I now have no less than 17 bumps on each hand. The bumps on my feet are appearing faster than I can count them. It hurts to walk. It hurts to do anything with my hands. It hurts to eat. It hurts to talk. And to top it off, my butt now has some pimple-looking things (or so Robert says) which are mildly uncomfortable. Oh, and also, my "bad" knee where I had surgery years ago is slightly swollen where they put the staple in, making it harder to walk. This Really Sucks. WTF?????????????? And my Mother is going on vacation Sunday to Mexico, so she is dropping my 91-yr. old Grandma off here this afternoon to stay with me for a week. I need to change the sheets on the bed and make room for her "stuff" on my nightstand. Robert needs to clear a spot for her suitcase. Grandma is sick too with a cold or bronchitis. Should be a real fun week. Anyone got any good drugs they can give me?
Friday, October 21, 2005
Hand-Foot-Mouth Disease
Well, the pediatrician may not want to call it this, but he does suspect that Tyler has something very similar to this. He said this to my inquiry about whether he may have this or not: "Without blisters on the hands and feet, we can’t call it that, but I suspect this is at least an illness very similar to that."
What got me to thinking he may have this disease was that I noticed a white "ulcer" on his tongue this morning. I knew my tongue had been sore since yesterday, but I thought maybe I had just been doing something "weird" in my sleep, like maybe sucking or biting my tongue. I already have to wear a night-guard when I sleep because otherwise, I would grind all the enamel off my teeth at night, or I'd break my porcelain veneers from the grinding. So when I noticed his "ulcer" this morning, I immediately started doing some internet research, first typing in "mouth ulcers" and that eventually lead to a link to Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (which by the way is NOTHING at all to do with the similar-sounding “foot-and-mouth disease”, which is a disease of cattle and is not related at all).
I have looked at his hands and feet, and he doesn't appear to have any bumps. He does still have some red bumps on his knees, but they appear to be subsiding. We initially thought it was maybe chicken pox. They say that HFMD is commonly mistaken for chicken pox. I can see why.
*I* now have not only "ulcers" on both sides of my tongue and inside my mouth, but also this afternoon, I noticed that bumps appeared on my palms (8 of them total) which feel like blisters. Then tonight, all of a sudden, I have 2 bumps that feel like blisters on the heels of my feet. So it definitely sounds like whatever he has, I've gotten also! At least it's not life-threatening, right? I know that eating has been difficult for the last 2 days (my tongue is so sore, and the inside of my mouth). I can see now why Tyler hasn't wanted to eat many solids for the last week, if he is feeling anything like I'm feeling.
I pulled the following symptoms from here:
Main Symptoms
· Small painful ulcers in the mouth, especially on tongue and sides of mouth (in all children). We both have ulcers in our mouth.
· Small, thick-walled water blisters (like chickenpox) or red spots located on the palms, soles, and webs between the fingers and toes (70%). I have spots on my palms and now my feet.
· 1 to 5 water blisters per hand or foot. I have 4 bumps on each hand that feel like blisters.
· Small blisters or red spots on the buttocks (30%). Tyler has this.
· Low-grade fever 100° to 102°F (37.8° to 39°C). Tyler HAD this when he was running a fever.
· Mainly occurs in children age 6 months to 4 years. He's in this age group.
So, as much as I like this pediatrician, and I trust his judgement, I seriously think we could "call" it HFMD. He just doesn't want to "call" it that due to Tyler not having bumps on his hands and feet. I think that sometimes these diseases affect people a little differently. Just because the typical location is a little off, that doesn't mean it isn't it. Hey, I'm no doctor, but it sure sounds like it to me. I read a bunch of other stuff at various web sites, and no matter what I kept reading, I was thinking, yep, sounds like it!
Oh well, at least we'll get over it. Apparently, there isn't really a treatment for it, other than symptomatic treatment, since it's a viral infection of sorts. It's typically not life-threatening, so we'll be ok. Isn't it weird though that it appears I've got it too? It happens in adults, but it just isn't as common. Of course it figures I'd be one of the few adults to contract it.
Oh, and by the way, when I mentioned this to the lady at his new childcare place, she immediately said it sounded like hand-foot-mouth disease. In my mind, I pushed that possibility out of the way, thinking, nah, it didn't sound like it to me. At the time, I had not seen the lesion on his tongue, and I had not shown any symptoms either. Turns out she may have been right! So this is what happens when he goes to daycare ONE TIME???? Can't wait to see what other strange stuff he picks up.
What got me to thinking he may have this disease was that I noticed a white "ulcer" on his tongue this morning. I knew my tongue had been sore since yesterday, but I thought maybe I had just been doing something "weird" in my sleep, like maybe sucking or biting my tongue. I already have to wear a night-guard when I sleep because otherwise, I would grind all the enamel off my teeth at night, or I'd break my porcelain veneers from the grinding. So when I noticed his "ulcer" this morning, I immediately started doing some internet research, first typing in "mouth ulcers" and that eventually lead to a link to Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (which by the way is NOTHING at all to do with the similar-sounding “foot-and-mouth disease”, which is a disease of cattle and is not related at all).
I have looked at his hands and feet, and he doesn't appear to have any bumps. He does still have some red bumps on his knees, but they appear to be subsiding. We initially thought it was maybe chicken pox. They say that HFMD is commonly mistaken for chicken pox. I can see why.
*I* now have not only "ulcers" on both sides of my tongue and inside my mouth, but also this afternoon, I noticed that bumps appeared on my palms (8 of them total) which feel like blisters. Then tonight, all of a sudden, I have 2 bumps that feel like blisters on the heels of my feet. So it definitely sounds like whatever he has, I've gotten also! At least it's not life-threatening, right? I know that eating has been difficult for the last 2 days (my tongue is so sore, and the inside of my mouth). I can see now why Tyler hasn't wanted to eat many solids for the last week, if he is feeling anything like I'm feeling.
I pulled the following symptoms from here:
Main Symptoms
· Small painful ulcers in the mouth, especially on tongue and sides of mouth (in all children). We both have ulcers in our mouth.
· Small, thick-walled water blisters (like chickenpox) or red spots located on the palms, soles, and webs between the fingers and toes (70%). I have spots on my palms and now my feet.
· 1 to 5 water blisters per hand or foot. I have 4 bumps on each hand that feel like blisters.
· Small blisters or red spots on the buttocks (30%). Tyler has this.
· Low-grade fever 100° to 102°F (37.8° to 39°C). Tyler HAD this when he was running a fever.
· Mainly occurs in children age 6 months to 4 years. He's in this age group.
So, as much as I like this pediatrician, and I trust his judgement, I seriously think we could "call" it HFMD. He just doesn't want to "call" it that due to Tyler not having bumps on his hands and feet. I think that sometimes these diseases affect people a little differently. Just because the typical location is a little off, that doesn't mean it isn't it. Hey, I'm no doctor, but it sure sounds like it to me. I read a bunch of other stuff at various web sites, and no matter what I kept reading, I was thinking, yep, sounds like it!
Oh well, at least we'll get over it. Apparently, there isn't really a treatment for it, other than symptomatic treatment, since it's a viral infection of sorts. It's typically not life-threatening, so we'll be ok. Isn't it weird though that it appears I've got it too? It happens in adults, but it just isn't as common. Of course it figures I'd be one of the few adults to contract it.
Oh, and by the way, when I mentioned this to the lady at his new childcare place, she immediately said it sounded like hand-foot-mouth disease. In my mind, I pushed that possibility out of the way, thinking, nah, it didn't sound like it to me. At the time, I had not seen the lesion on his tongue, and I had not shown any symptoms either. Turns out she may have been right! So this is what happens when he goes to daycare ONE TIME???? Can't wait to see what other strange stuff he picks up.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
In Your Ear!
Today at lunch, Tyler was trying to stick food in his ears. He's never done this before. And you know, the bigger deal you make of something, the more they are going to do it. So, I tried being nonchalant about it, pulling his hand gently away from his ear. Everytime I'd do it, he'd look right at me with that cute little devilish look, and try to stick the food right back in his ear!
Maybe that's how he got his first ear infection this week. He's been sticking food in his ears when I wasn't looking! Come to think of it, the doctor DID pull a big wad of something out of his ear in the office on Tuesday. Ick.
Maybe that's how he got his first ear infection this week. He's been sticking food in his ears when I wasn't looking! Come to think of it, the doctor DID pull a big wad of something out of his ear in the office on Tuesday. Ick.
Sick Tyler
Poor baby. He's been sick since Sunday. I took him to the doctor Tuesday, and he has a mild ear infection, plus a cold (which I already knew), plus a "yeast" diaper rash. So he prescribed antibiotics for the ear infection, and an ointment for his diaper rash. It's really weird looking. Red splotchy-looking bumps. Then, I noticed the next day that he had these bumps appearing on his KNEES of all places. I sent the following email to the pediatrician:
"The red spots that you looked at on Tyler's butt yesterday have now appeared on his knees of all places. Some of the ones on his knees even look like they are pus-filled. I've put some of the Oxistat cream on both areas (butt and knees), but I'm wondering if this is even part of the yeast diaper rash that you diagnosed. Why would it now be on his knees? What could this be? Allergic reaction? He's never had any problems with food allergies. What do you think? In addition, he now has a sore on his penis in the fold. I put peroxide and vaseline on that. It seems to be really bothering him when I get near it.
My poor child! First the ear infection and the cold, and now this stupid rash and the sore on his penis. Help! I will bring him back in today if need be."
I also sent him some pictures (which weren't that good). (I wish I could figure out why even the macro setting on my digital camera won't take clear shots up close. Probably that the camera is just not a wamma-jamma high-quality camera like Kami's.) Anyway, here is one of the best shots of his knee bumps:
Today, they appeared to be subsiding somewhat. Thank goodness! For awhile there, we thought it might be chicken pox. But the dr. didn't think so, mainly because he said that chicken pox usually starts on the back or chest. Plus, they didn't appear to be itching him. Anyway, quite the relief. I'm so ready for this boy to be on the road to recovery. It's been a rough week for all of us. I've practically had to force-feed him at every meal, which is unusual considering Tyler is usually a real chow-hound. And of course, along with not feeling well comes the whiney-butt clingy boy. It has been nice on the one hand though, in a selfish sort of way, because that means I get to cuddle him more than he EVER wants to be cuddled when he's well.
"The red spots that you looked at on Tyler's butt yesterday have now appeared on his knees of all places. Some of the ones on his knees even look like they are pus-filled. I've put some of the Oxistat cream on both areas (butt and knees), but I'm wondering if this is even part of the yeast diaper rash that you diagnosed. Why would it now be on his knees? What could this be? Allergic reaction? He's never had any problems with food allergies. What do you think? In addition, he now has a sore on his penis in the fold. I put peroxide and vaseline on that. It seems to be really bothering him when I get near it.
My poor child! First the ear infection and the cold, and now this stupid rash and the sore on his penis. Help! I will bring him back in today if need be."
I also sent him some pictures (which weren't that good). (I wish I could figure out why even the macro setting on my digital camera won't take clear shots up close. Probably that the camera is just not a wamma-jamma high-quality camera like Kami's.) Anyway, here is one of the best shots of his knee bumps:
Today, they appeared to be subsiding somewhat. Thank goodness! For awhile there, we thought it might be chicken pox. But the dr. didn't think so, mainly because he said that chicken pox usually starts on the back or chest. Plus, they didn't appear to be itching him. Anyway, quite the relief. I'm so ready for this boy to be on the road to recovery. It's been a rough week for all of us. I've practically had to force-feed him at every meal, which is unusual considering Tyler is usually a real chow-hound. And of course, along with not feeling well comes the whiney-butt clingy boy. It has been nice on the one hand though, in a selfish sort of way, because that means I get to cuddle him more than he EVER wants to be cuddled when he's well.
Tyler's In School, well sorta
Well, I finally signed Tyler up for a Mother's Day Out (MDO) program at one of the local churches. He really seemed to enjoy it. He did cry some right when I left, but he quickly got over it. Then about an hour or so later, one of the ladies called me (voluntarily - so sweet!) to tell me that he had not cried at all since I left. I thought that was very sweet of her to do that. It eased my mind. Then when naptime came, the other lady called me (again, voluntarily) to tell me he had gone right to sleep. I was shocked! I mean, he won't even sleep at his Nana's house. She said she had told him that after they eat, all the children go to take a nap, and then she told him, ok now, I'm going to lay you in the bed. He layed right down. She rubbed his back and his head a little bit, gave him his bunny, and he went right to sleep. He ended up sleeping only about 30 minutes, and when he woke up, she was there, and she told him he had to be real quiet because the other children were still sleeping, and she said he sat there just as good, real quiet, until she finally got him out of the crib about 45 minutes later. What a good boy! I didn't take as many snapshots as I wanted to when I was dropping him off. I did tape the whole thing though. Here are a few pictures, including the first lunch I packed for him, haha!
So far he has only been to the one class. He has since then gotten sick, so he didn't go at all this week. I called the director today, and she agreed to let me apply the money I spent this month to next month. It just seemed a shame to spend all that money for ONE day in MDO, ya' know? I thought it was nice of her to work with me like that. I will probably keep him out of school next week, except I might take him Thursday for their Halloween Parade where all the kids do a parade in their costumes. Sounds like a good photo opp to me!
So far he has only been to the one class. He has since then gotten sick, so he didn't go at all this week. I called the director today, and she agreed to let me apply the money I spent this month to next month. It just seemed a shame to spend all that money for ONE day in MDO, ya' know? I thought it was nice of her to work with me like that. I will probably keep him out of school next week, except I might take him Thursday for their Halloween Parade where all the kids do a parade in their costumes. Sounds like a good photo opp to me!
Rush 2112 (cont.)
I thought I'd go ahead and post the remainder of the Rush 2112 lyrics for those of you who are interested. It really is a fascinating album. I know it word for word, but in the interest of time, I cheated and copied this from here:
[V. Oracle: The Dream]
'...I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase...'
'...I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all these things...'
I wandered home though the silent streets
And fell into a fitful sleep
Escape to realms beyond the night
Dream can't you show me the light?
I stand atop a spiral stair
An oracle confronts me there
He leads me on light years away
Through astral nights, galactic days
I see the works of gifted hands
That grace this strange and wondrous land
I see the hand of man arise
With hungry mind and open eyes
They left our planet long ago
The elder race still learn and grow
Their power grows with purpose strong
To claim the home where they belong
Home to tear the Temples down...
Home to change!
[VI. Soliloquy]
'...I have not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know peace at last.'
The sleep is still in my eyes
The dream is still in my head
I heave a sigh and sadly smile
And lie a while in bed
I wish that it might come to pass
Not fade like all my dreams...
Just think of what my life might be
In a world like I have seen!
I don't think I can carry on
Carry on this cold and empty life
My spirits are low in the depths of despair
My lifeblood...
...Spills over...
[VII. The Grand Finale]
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
We have assumed control
We have assumed control
We have assumed control
------------------
WOW! If you have never heard it, go get it now! :)
[V. Oracle: The Dream]
'...I guess it was a dream, but even now it all seems so vivid to me. Clearly yet I see the beckoning hand of the oracle as he stood at the summit of the staircase...'
'...I see still the incredible beauty of the sculptured cities and the pure spirit of man revealed in the lives and works of this world. I was overwhelmed by both wonder and understanding as I saw a completely different way to life, a way that had been crushed by the Federation long ago. I saw now how meaningless life had become with the loss of all these things...'
I wandered home though the silent streets
And fell into a fitful sleep
Escape to realms beyond the night
Dream can't you show me the light?
I stand atop a spiral stair
An oracle confronts me there
He leads me on light years away
Through astral nights, galactic days
I see the works of gifted hands
That grace this strange and wondrous land
I see the hand of man arise
With hungry mind and open eyes
They left our planet long ago
The elder race still learn and grow
Their power grows with purpose strong
To claim the home where they belong
Home to tear the Temples down...
Home to change!
[VI. Soliloquy]
'...I have not left this cave for days now, it has become my last refuge in my total despair. I have only the music of the waterfall to comfort me now. I can no longer live under the control of the Federation, but there is no other place to go. My last hope is that with my death I may pass into the world of my dream, and know peace at last.'
The sleep is still in my eyes
The dream is still in my head
I heave a sigh and sadly smile
And lie a while in bed
I wish that it might come to pass
Not fade like all my dreams...
Just think of what my life might be
In a world like I have seen!
I don't think I can carry on
Carry on this cold and empty life
My spirits are low in the depths of despair
My lifeblood...
...Spills over...
[VII. The Grand Finale]
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
Attention all Planets of the Solar Federation
We have assumed control
We have assumed control
We have assumed control
------------------
WOW! If you have never heard it, go get it now! :)
Friday, October 07, 2005
Rush 2112
Ok, so you really want a piece a' me? You got a piece a'me here. Rush 2112. Who knows the storyline? Any of you? Huh? Well, when I've had enough to drink, I will sing it to whomever is in my realm. Now I'm thinking too much tonight. I'm dangling in space, wondering if I can type the next thought. Doing pretty good so far, huh? Wow. Ok, so you want a piece of me? Well it's about time you asked. Man this is hard to type. Too many backspaces to fix stuff. Well, 2112 is one of those songs that I always sing to people when I am drunk. I always try to get them tunderstand the meaning of it all, even though it is so open to interpretation, it isn't even funny. It is about what takes place in the year 2112. The Priests of Syrynx rule the world:
"We've taken care of everything--the words you read, the songs you sing--
the pictures that give pleasure to the eye.
It's one for all, all for one,
we work together, common sons,
never need to wonder how or why.
We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrynx.
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.
We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrynx.
All the gifts of life are held within our walls."
That's how it starts. Then, this guy finds a guitar, and he plays with it, and he's thrilled, and he brings it to the Priests, and says,
"I know it's most unusual to come before you so,
but I've found an ancient miracle
I thought that you should know.
Listen to my music, and hear what it can do.
There's something here that's as strong as life
I know that it will reach you."
And they say,
"Yes we know, it's nothing new.
It's just a waste of time.
We have no need for ancient ways--
Our world is doing fine.
Another toy will help destroy
the elder race of man.
Forget about your silly whim.
It doesn't fit the plan."
And he says,
"I can't believe you're saying
these things just can't be true.
Our world could use this beauty.
Just think what we might do.
Listen to my music
and hear what it can do.
There's something here that's as strong as life.
I know that it will reach you. ."
The Priests:
"Don't annoy us further!!
We have our work to do.
Just think about the average--
What use have they for you?
Another toy will help destroy
the elder race of man.
Forget about your silly whim--
It doesn't fit the plan. Noooooo.
Then, lots of instrumentals...and then is where it gets really interesting and open for interpretation.
I LOVE THIS and always will. It's almost like this album is a PART OF ME AND WHO I AM. It is so weird how many poeple have simply heard of it, and not really HEARD it. And I love to sing its lyrics to anyone who wants to listen (and by the way to you grammar freaks like me, "its" is exactly as it should be in this instance: "its" is a possessive pronoun just like "him" or "her," and so there is no need for the apostrophe. Man I am a freak.). Especially when I've had a few.
Ok, so you want me to go on or shut up? The 2112 story isn't done yet. Yeah, as if I'll shut up and not finish later.
"We've taken care of everything--the words you read, the songs you sing--
the pictures that give pleasure to the eye.
It's one for all, all for one,
we work together, common sons,
never need to wonder how or why.
We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrynx.
Our great computers fill the hallowed halls.
We are the Priests of the Temples of Syrynx.
All the gifts of life are held within our walls."
That's how it starts. Then, this guy finds a guitar, and he plays with it, and he's thrilled, and he brings it to the Priests, and says,
"I know it's most unusual to come before you so,
but I've found an ancient miracle
I thought that you should know.
Listen to my music, and hear what it can do.
There's something here that's as strong as life
I know that it will reach you."
And they say,
"Yes we know, it's nothing new.
It's just a waste of time.
We have no need for ancient ways--
Our world is doing fine.
Another toy will help destroy
the elder race of man.
Forget about your silly whim.
It doesn't fit the plan."
And he says,
"I can't believe you're saying
these things just can't be true.
Our world could use this beauty.
Just think what we might do.
Listen to my music
and hear what it can do.
There's something here that's as strong as life.
I know that it will reach you. ."
The Priests:
"Don't annoy us further!!
We have our work to do.
Just think about the average--
What use have they for you?
Another toy will help destroy
the elder race of man.
Forget about your silly whim--
It doesn't fit the plan. Noooooo.
Then, lots of instrumentals...and then is where it gets really interesting and open for interpretation.
I LOVE THIS and always will. It's almost like this album is a PART OF ME AND WHO I AM. It is so weird how many poeple have simply heard of it, and not really HEARD it. And I love to sing its lyrics to anyone who wants to listen (and by the way to you grammar freaks like me, "its" is exactly as it should be in this instance: "its" is a possessive pronoun just like "him" or "her," and so there is no need for the apostrophe. Man I am a freak.). Especially when I've had a few.
Ok, so you want me to go on or shut up? The 2112 story isn't done yet. Yeah, as if I'll shut up and not finish later.
Monday, October 03, 2005
Ready to Work!
Here are some pictures of Tyler's new "work belt" or whatever you want to call it. Isn't he CUTE!!?? haha
And here he is with Rick's sunglasses on. Rick ADORES him, can you tell?
And then this one, I just like for some reason, but I am not sure why.
And here he is with Rick's sunglasses on. Rick ADORES him, can you tell?
And then this one, I just like for some reason, but I am not sure why.
Turn your back for a second!
Here's what happens when I turn my back for a second. Also, it happens when *I* forget to take up the cat food. So, it really is *my* fault, not Tyler's. He just can't help himself.
And here's another picture that I've been meaning to post. I bought this chair for Tyler. I thought he would be really comfy in it. He doesn't sit in it much, but Ops, the Cat, does.
Really Freaky Picture
Ok, am I the only one that is freaked out by this picture from my digital camera??? You can see right through Tyler's head to the picture on the wall!!!!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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