Ok, so I forgot to post on Tuesday about my neurology appointment. I was preoccupied with trying to sleep and then trying to figure out what 'Ambien Me' did with my hair brush, headphones, rescue meds, and half a jar of grape jelly. Anywho...
The eyeball stabbing came back, but it's not as bad as it was, and the dystonia seems ok. The migraines are still constant, but I'm not miserable. The fluid still pours out of my nose, and nobody's done an MRI. Still using the rescue meds, and the Zofran/Diet Coke/bucket combo. Dr.New-Neuro was pleasantly surprised that I had no side effects from the first round of injections, and wants to see me in two months for the next round. I think it's a good idea to give it a go, symptoms can take a few rounds to subside.
This is also kind of a shout out/thank you to health care workers: you guys put up with a ton of bullshit and still choose to do your damnedest to try and help people. And often times don't get thanked enough, especially those in emergency medicine. So, I try not to give you guys a hard time cuz if I don't want to deal with my crap, then I can't imagine that you would either.
It's important for me to get this out there. A few months ago, Dr.New-Neuro's office advised me to go to the ER. This never occurred to me-- I had been previously advised to just curl up with my bucket and since I wasn't bleeding profusely, I didn't think that was where I needed to be. But I went begrudgingly, and I had to go by ambulance for reasons that I won't get into. Let's just say that with my migraines I need to be near a bucket, throne, shower, and washing machine.
After a few trips, I felt like that was a major waste of time and resources for me to just be miserable when I could be miserable at home for free. I called Dr.New-Neuro's office and told them so. Then I asked to try a medication that we weren't sure I could safely take, since that's pretty much what the ER wanted to give me anyhow. Turns out I can tolerate it just fine, and got shuffled off to the ER...again.
One day when the call went out, an extra vehicle showed up with the ambulance. One of the EMTs recognized my address and wasn't even on call. He just happened to hear it on the scanner and came to make sure I was ok. I don't remember your name, but you are awesome and I want you to know that I am making progress. Seriously dude (and fellow medical professionals), THANK YOU!!!
Saturday, March 31, 2018
This is pretty stupid...
I have a state id issued through the RMV (or DMV, whatever it is in my state) that basically catalogues me as a blind person. It is a VALID STATE ISSUED ID. However, I am constantly having issues with places accepting it. There is a statement on the back that says a place can decline to accept the id, but only under the circumstances that they would turn away any other type of id-- driver's license, passport, military id, etc.
The thing comes with it's own disclaimer and seal from the governor, the only thing it doesn't have is a barcode. So I can't buy a money order, or Sudafed, or alcohol. It's frick'n stupid! Let me at least get my own beer, you know damn well I ain't driving home
The thing comes with it's own disclaimer and seal from the governor, the only thing it doesn't have is a barcode. So I can't buy a money order, or Sudafed, or alcohol. It's frick'n stupid! Let me at least get my own beer, you know damn well I ain't driving home
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Could have been a fever dream...
For some reason, my dystonia flares up in the spring. I tend to lose my voice and/or my neck will lock up for about a week. This has been happening since I was a kid and I would end up missing school a lot. As much as that sucked, those days ended up influencing my life in unexpected ways. Since I couldn't do much I was stuck with watching tv. I happened to be the weird kid that was always playing outside and never watched tv.
But, thanks to those days nine-year-old-me was introduced to 'Mork and Mindy' and 'Blazing Saddles'. Sure I was a little young, but boy did that beat the really weird kids programmes that were on at the time! Thanks to dystonia, I was introduced to....
'TELETUBBIES'.
I was pretty sure I was hallucinating at the time, but nope! The weird bright creatures dancing around with a sentient vacuum cleaner and the baby in the sun were totally real...
But, thanks to those days nine-year-old-me was introduced to 'Mork and Mindy' and 'Blazing Saddles'. Sure I was a little young, but boy did that beat the really weird kids programmes that were on at the time! Thanks to dystonia, I was introduced to....
'TELETUBBIES'.
I was pretty sure I was hallucinating at the time, but nope! The weird bright creatures dancing around with a sentient vacuum cleaner and the baby in the sun were totally real...
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Allergies
Yesterday I had my monthly visit with Dr.Heart-Strings. I grumbled about the usual stuff and we tried to come up with a plan. However, some of my food allergies got worse so I thought it was worth mentioning. This is how the conversation went:
Me: 'Yeah, the dairy thing isn't any better. I ended up getting really sick cuz it messed up my immune system. I get scary upper airway issues from it now.'
Dr.Heart-Strings: 'You know they can work on that by continually introducing it.'
Me: 'Yeah, but it's gotten worse since I've tried that. I ate something bad and then decided since I already messed up my diet, I'd have some pizza. That didn't go very well. And, yes I know- I'm an idiot.'
Dr.Heart-Strings: 'It has to be done GRADUALLY!'
Me: 'I know...'
Dr.Heart-Strings: 'I have a patient who was allergic to aspirin and he really needed it. So, he went and did this thing where they slowly introduced him to it over the course of 6 or 7 months. He's ok now, which is good since he's my accountant.'
Me: 'He's your accountant? No wonder he needed the aspirin...'
Me: 'Yeah, the dairy thing isn't any better. I ended up getting really sick cuz it messed up my immune system. I get scary upper airway issues from it now.'
Dr.Heart-Strings: 'You know they can work on that by continually introducing it.'
Me: 'Yeah, but it's gotten worse since I've tried that. I ate something bad and then decided since I already messed up my diet, I'd have some pizza. That didn't go very well. And, yes I know- I'm an idiot.'
Dr.Heart-Strings: 'It has to be done GRADUALLY!'
Me: 'I know...'
Dr.Heart-Strings: 'I have a patient who was allergic to aspirin and he really needed it. So, he went and did this thing where they slowly introduced him to it over the course of 6 or 7 months. He's ok now, which is good since he's my accountant.'
Me: 'He's your accountant? No wonder he needed the aspirin...'
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Mondegreens
Ok, so you won't find the now infamous 'There's a bathroom on the right' or the late great Hendrix's 'kiss this guy' in this post. I never hear those things anyhow. No, these entries are all me. Enjoy!
I hear: 'We'll have lemonade!' During Rhapsody of Fire's 'Holy Thunderforce'. The real lyrics are 'We shall have their names'.
'Hypnotic creatures read my mind' and 'They told us not to sing, so we prepared a band!' from AFI's 'Greater than 84'
'Take the last train to Costco'
The Monkies, 'Last train to Clarksville'
'Touch me on my butt'
Shaggy, 'Boombastic'
'And with a token butter bean'
Peter Murphy, 'I'll fall with your knife'
'Everybody's got eczema'
L.L. Cool Jay, 'Head sprung'
'Hold me close and tie me down, Sir'
Elton Jhon, 'Tiny dancer'
'I'll never lechuga' (Spanish word for lettuce)
Third Eye Blind, 'Never let you go'
'Like a pack of wild desperadoes running from the mailman'
Bad Religion, 'Stranger than fiction'
Saturday, March 17, 2018
St.Patrick's Day seitan
I am unfortunately stuck to vegan options due to really stupid food allergies. So, here's a decent seitan recipe for something akin to the traditional fare of corned beef and cabbage. Happy St.Patrick's Day!
St.Patrick's Day seitan
Seitan
Washington's brown broth
Cabbage
Carrots
Onions
Potatoes
Bay leaves
Mustard seeds
Pepper corns
Coarse ground prepared mustard
Newcastle beer
White vinegar
Seeded rye bread
Chop up the veg and throw in a pot with about two cups of the broth. Add the seitan, bread, spices, 3-5 bay leaves, 2 slices of the bread, about 1/3 cup of the beer, and a teaspoon of the prepared mustard. Boil for about 5min, then taste. Adjust the taste with the vinegar if needed. You can also add more prepared mustard or beer if necessary. Boil until the veggies are cooked throughout.
St.Patrick's Day seitan
Seitan
Washington's brown broth
Cabbage
Carrots
Onions
Potatoes
Bay leaves
Mustard seeds
Pepper corns
Coarse ground prepared mustard
Newcastle beer
White vinegar
Seeded rye bread
Chop up the veg and throw in a pot with about two cups of the broth. Add the seitan, bread, spices, 3-5 bay leaves, 2 slices of the bread, about 1/3 cup of the beer, and a teaspoon of the prepared mustard. Boil for about 5min, then taste. Adjust the taste with the vinegar if needed. You can also add more prepared mustard or beer if necessary. Boil until the veggies are cooked throughout.
Mystery basket challenge...
If you've ever seen 'Iron Chef' or 'Chopped', then you're familiar with the mystery basket challenge. Frequently, that's a bit what it's like in my kitchen. A whole bunch of ingredients that one wouldn't normally combine to make something with, and about 20min to come up with something edible. Such was the genesis of 'meatball chili'.
I had just moved into a new apartment and wasn't completely settled yet. There was technically food in the house, but nothing that really went together. Just ingredients really. Some things in cans or packages, and enough spices to make the Silk Road traders jealous.
So, I opened the fridge and poked around then did the same with the freezer. There were cans of tomatoes with green chilies. There were cans of beans. And in the freezer, there were meatballs.
Hungry carnivores were on their way so I had to come up with something fast.
I grabbed my phone and made sure no one was adverse to chili. There was some confusion since the normal things that go into chili weren't around. I said not to worry, and no one objected. I present the results of that day, meatball chili...
Meatball Chili
1 package of meatballs
1 can tomatoes and green chilies
Cumin
Garlic powder
Onion powder
One or two cups of Broth or bullion (Washington's brown broth is great!)
1 onion
Sesame oil
Butter, oil, or something like that
Sauté the meatballs in the butter or whatever. While they're doing their thing, dice the onions. When the meatballs are evenly browned, take them out and put the onions in. Chop up the meatballs and add back to the pot when the onions are clear. Sauté them together for a few minutes, then add the can of tomatoes, beans, and broth. Start with one cup, add the second if needed. Simmer everything together and add the spices and a drizzle of the sesame oil. After a few minutes, taste it. If it tastes more Italian then like chili, add more of the cumin and a teaspoon of white vinegar to balance out the flavour. It's done once the taste is balanced out.
This can be made veggie/vegan by substituting the meatballs and butter for the equivalent
I had just moved into a new apartment and wasn't completely settled yet. There was technically food in the house, but nothing that really went together. Just ingredients really. Some things in cans or packages, and enough spices to make the Silk Road traders jealous.
So, I opened the fridge and poked around then did the same with the freezer. There were cans of tomatoes with green chilies. There were cans of beans. And in the freezer, there were meatballs.
Hungry carnivores were on their way so I had to come up with something fast.
I grabbed my phone and made sure no one was adverse to chili. There was some confusion since the normal things that go into chili weren't around. I said not to worry, and no one objected. I present the results of that day, meatball chili...
Meatball Chili
1 package of meatballs
1 can tomatoes and green chilies
Cumin
Garlic powder
Onion powder
One or two cups of Broth or bullion (Washington's brown broth is great!)
1 onion
Sesame oil
Butter, oil, or something like that
Sauté the meatballs in the butter or whatever. While they're doing their thing, dice the onions. When the meatballs are evenly browned, take them out and put the onions in. Chop up the meatballs and add back to the pot when the onions are clear. Sauté them together for a few minutes, then add the can of tomatoes, beans, and broth. Start with one cup, add the second if needed. Simmer everything together and add the spices and a drizzle of the sesame oil. After a few minutes, taste it. If it tastes more Italian then like chili, add more of the cumin and a teaspoon of white vinegar to balance out the flavour. It's done once the taste is balanced out.
This can be made veggie/vegan by substituting the meatballs and butter for the equivalent
Thursday, March 15, 2018
For the vole unwelcome in my home
Oh little fucker, you'll soon be dead.
I tell you that I'll have your head!
How can such wee voles vex so?
I can't see you, but hear you though.
Across the floor and walls (I think),
though in Mount Everest in the sink-
there is evidence of you!
Menacing vole, I know your poo.
But what to do? No felines here
to slash you up from tail to ear.
You hate the traps, or love them so
since you take the bait and go
A skittering and shitting too.
Oh how I've grown so sick of you.
This madness has to end you know.
Even though outside there's snow.
I am begging, please just go!
It's colder here inside daft thing,
and with you do diseases bring.
I'll have your head yet, just wait and see!
Oh wait you can't, since dead you'll be.
I tell you that I'll have your head!
How can such wee voles vex so?
I can't see you, but hear you though.
Across the floor and walls (I think),
though in Mount Everest in the sink-
there is evidence of you!
Menacing vole, I know your poo.
But what to do? No felines here
to slash you up from tail to ear.
You hate the traps, or love them so
since you take the bait and go
A skittering and shitting too.
Oh how I've grown so sick of you.
This madness has to end you know.
Even though outside there's snow.
I am begging, please just go!
It's colder here inside daft thing,
and with you do diseases bring.
I'll have your head yet, just wait and see!
Oh wait you can't, since dead you'll be.
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
Things that happen around my house
I once saw a thing about a cardiologist that developed POTS, and was describing how things have changed around his house. Oh boy, can I relate to that! But in addition to all that, there are some other things that happen, which may or may not be relatable. Such as...
It's not unusual to hear singing in my kitchen or bathroom between the hours of 12 and 3am.
Sometimes it's throat singing
There's usually a bag of some sort of snack that's high in sodium hanging around. In every room
'There are spices in the bathroom...', as my landlord put it. Specifically, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. There's also baking soda, vinegar, and charcoal
Any surface that is flat becomes a table
Arguments typically happen in the bathroom...with inanimate objects
There is a lack of furniture. So much so, that I've had people get ticked off and not believe me. The smart ones bring their own chairs, buckets, and milk crates. And they also double as tables
Just about everything else that's edible goes in the fridge
There's only ever water to drink. Unless someone wants tea or 'cowboy coffee'
Objects in the house have been known to shift around with the tides
Tea cups = shot glasses
Anything about the size of a bucket or larger becomes a trash bin
My broom sees more snow than dirt
There's almost always a box of gloves and baby wipes around
Things tend to be multipurpose
Toilet paper is for guests
It's not unusual to hear singing in my kitchen or bathroom between the hours of 12 and 3am.
Sometimes it's throat singing
There's usually a bag of some sort of snack that's high in sodium hanging around. In every room
'There are spices in the bathroom...', as my landlord put it. Specifically, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg. There's also baking soda, vinegar, and charcoal
Any surface that is flat becomes a table
Arguments typically happen in the bathroom...with inanimate objects
There is a lack of furniture. So much so, that I've had people get ticked off and not believe me. The smart ones bring their own chairs, buckets, and milk crates. And they also double as tables
Just about everything else that's edible goes in the fridge
There's only ever water to drink. Unless someone wants tea or 'cowboy coffee'
Objects in the house have been known to shift around with the tides
Tea cups = shot glasses
Anything about the size of a bucket or larger becomes a trash bin
My broom sees more snow than dirt
There's almost always a box of gloves and baby wipes around
Things tend to be multipurpose
Toilet paper is for guests
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
My Hero
I present Gary Botting, a personal hero of mine...(couldn't get a pic to load)
This guy is the author of a rather a lot of books, plays, and essays. He is a Canadian extradition law specialist who just happens to have had an early international start as a journalist. All that is impressive enough-- and there's so much more!
Seriously, you gotta read up on this guy--but what makes him my hero is his work with saturniid moths. The most familiar of these critters is probably the luna moth. There's a very short list of things that I love as much as saturniids* even though moth feet freak me out. I know that sounds weird, especially since creepy crawly things don't freak me out at all. I can hold spiders, centipedes, beetles, and butterflies just fine. But for some reason, furry little moth feet weird me out.
Anywho, the reason why I dig this guy so much is (as I mentioned) because of his work with saturniids.
He is THE GUY who is responsible for the reclassification of the Polyphemus moth that is still recognized today. Gary Botting did this by crossing a North American Polyphemus moth with giant silk moths from Japan and India by surgically transplanting the female moths pheromone sacs, WHEN HE WAS IN HIS EARLY TEENS! He won numerous science awards, and began touring North America giving presentations on the subject. This lead to tours in Asia, and eventually his career in journalism.
I suspect he's a very busy guy, but I'd love to shake his hand.
Since he's written over 40 books (including plays and poetry), I'm sure the talking book library has some of his works, which I will report back on. Anyhow, he's among my personal heroes and I just thought I'd share a bit of awesome :)
*Things I love as much as saturniids:
toads, and bioluminescent mushrooms
The Skylark
The brain is a funny thing. Especially when it comes to memory. I have no idea what made me think of this, but here's an account of the time a hot air ballon landed in my yard:
It was a summer day and I was outside catching bugs or running after frogs. These are things I still do. Anyhow, I was around 9 or 10 at the time. It was getting on in the evening and I was going to head inside, when I noticed a hot air ballon. Not too unusual, I'd seen a few come by before. But I have no idea where they originated from. This was in rural northern Ohio. We weren't even a town, we were part of a township shared with 3 other 'towns'. I have no recollection of being anywhere near a small airport or anything like that, but there were a lot of fields.
So, I'm watching this thing and it's quite a bit lower than it ought to be. And then it was rather close to the power lines. I'm still watching at this point in case I had to run in and call 911 if they came in and had issues. But, nope. Thankfully, they had enough clearance and landed safely...in my yard. It was pretty cool. I talked with them for a bit as they packed everything up. I don't recall much of the conversation, but the name of the craft was 'The Skylark'.
I guess they had either planned to come in around there and had a car following them, or used a neighbor's phone to call for a ride cuz they didn't use our phone. Or maybe it was aliens...
It was a summer day and I was outside catching bugs or running after frogs. These are things I still do. Anyhow, I was around 9 or 10 at the time. It was getting on in the evening and I was going to head inside, when I noticed a hot air ballon. Not too unusual, I'd seen a few come by before. But I have no idea where they originated from. This was in rural northern Ohio. We weren't even a town, we were part of a township shared with 3 other 'towns'. I have no recollection of being anywhere near a small airport or anything like that, but there were a lot of fields.
So, I'm watching this thing and it's quite a bit lower than it ought to be. And then it was rather close to the power lines. I'm still watching at this point in case I had to run in and call 911 if they came in and had issues. But, nope. Thankfully, they had enough clearance and landed safely...in my yard. It was pretty cool. I talked with them for a bit as they packed everything up. I don't recall much of the conversation, but the name of the craft was 'The Skylark'.
I guess they had either planned to come in around there and had a car following them, or used a neighbor's phone to call for a ride cuz they didn't use our phone. Or maybe it was aliens...
Tuesday, March 6, 2018
Bunnies! (an Easter PSA)
Easter is around the corner and as a companion to an amazing bun, I feel obligated to advocate for their health and wellbeing. If you're considering getting a rabbit, keep in mind that like any pet, they are a long term commitment. It's like having a toddler for 10+ years. Rabbits are in the top three most common pets, right up there with cats and dogs. This also means that for one reason or another, many of them end up in shelters. One of the biggest reasons for this is that people don't have a thorough understanding of what their needs are. I'll include some links at the end, but here are some things you should keep in mind:
1) Consider adoption. Your rabbit-to-be will have had a thorough check up and will be fixed. This is important because they are susceptible to reproductive cancers. Getting them fixed will reduce their risk, and can also help with any behavioral problems. Vets will also check for any tooth or jaw problems which are very common in rabbits
2) There are many places to adopt from aside from your local shelter. If you're near a college with a veterinary programme, you may try giving them a call. You can even ask at your local vet's office, or perhaps at a local groomers. There's also the House Rabbit Society (HRS). They have chapters nationwide and offer a wealth of information and resources as well. And of course, you can always check your local newspaper, pet finder, or Craigslist
3) You can also foster a rabbit, or even help to sponsor a bun that might not be able to be adopted. Check the HRS website for more information
4) Learn to 'speak' rabbit. They have a social hierarchy and many different ways of communicating. It helps to know where you fit in if you want well behaved bunnies
5) Rabbits are food! This is important to be aware of in a multi-pet home. However, they can coexist just fine with other critters. Voltaire herself is just fine with cats and dogs. In fact, I've seen her put a much larger dog in place by standing on her hind legs and whacking him right across his snout
6) Don't expect them to be cuddly. They have different 'personalities' just like we do. They can be aloof, grumpy, energetic, all of the above, or none of those things. Realize that they do things on their terms and work to correct their behavior if necessary. There are times when Voltaire doesn't want to be held and she'll squirm, grunt, huff, dig, and even nip. Just learn to listen to what your rabbit is telling you
7) They can be talkative. It's unusual for an older rabbit to talk much, but they do communicate with a variety of sounds. They purr, chatter, and 'oink' (it's actually referred to as 'honking', but it sounds like a piglet to me). Voltaire happens to be a chatterbox. All of my other buns were quiet
8) Keep them occupied! This is the secret to well behaved buns. They can be highly intelligent-- and just like a bored intelligent toddler-- they can be destructive when left to their own devices
9) Rabbits need a designated toilet spot and appropriate litter material. Clay kitty litter can bind up their digestive system and irritate their lungs. Voltaire litter trained herself- she went right to the cat box (we used the recycled newspaper pellet type litter). If she can't go in her cage for some reason, she'll go in her pet bed, a cat box, or in the bathroom. Specifically, she'll poop next to the toilet, and pee behind it cuz she's a goober :)
I put down a layer of newspaper in her cage followed by some pet bedding and hay. She's prone to getting sore hocks, so bedding is a must for her
10) If you elect to have a cage for your rabbit, be sure that there's enough room for them to take three good hops
11) Get your flea stuff from your vet! I don't care if it's more expensive. Flea solution is a poison, and isn't something you want to mess around with. Be sure that you're seeing someone that deals specifically with rabbits and that they weigh your bun before prescribing anything. Most medications are based on weight. You don't have to use a flea product, but it's a good idea if you have multiple pets, let your rabbit outside, or have a seasonal influx of rodents. The HRS website has resources for finding an appropriate vet in your area as well as information about anti flea medications
12) Rabbits are social creatures, but that doesn't mean they'll automatically get along with another rabbit. Love at first sight is rare and bonding two rabbits may take a while, if they even bond at all. It's possible to adopt a bonded pair. Doing it yourself can get ugly and result in both human and lagomorph injury. It's best to use caution when introducing any new critters or people. Even though Voltaire is super chill and loves traveling, I'm still a little cautious with her just in case. Most rabbits stress out very easily- she's one of the rare ones that doesn't
13) This one is a personal choice, but I'll never take her or any other rabbit on an airplane. I'm sure she'd handle the traveling just fine (I take her everywhere I can with me), but I'd be concerned about her ears being sensitive to the air pressure change. If it's uncomfortable for humans, I can't imagine how it would be for such a sensitive little critter
And there you have it, my Easter PSA. Here's the link to HRS website:
https://rabbit.org/
Link for finding a reputable veterinarian:
http://www.hopline.org/veterinary-referrals/
1) Consider adoption. Your rabbit-to-be will have had a thorough check up and will be fixed. This is important because they are susceptible to reproductive cancers. Getting them fixed will reduce their risk, and can also help with any behavioral problems. Vets will also check for any tooth or jaw problems which are very common in rabbits
2) There are many places to adopt from aside from your local shelter. If you're near a college with a veterinary programme, you may try giving them a call. You can even ask at your local vet's office, or perhaps at a local groomers. There's also the House Rabbit Society (HRS). They have chapters nationwide and offer a wealth of information and resources as well. And of course, you can always check your local newspaper, pet finder, or Craigslist
3) You can also foster a rabbit, or even help to sponsor a bun that might not be able to be adopted. Check the HRS website for more information
4) Learn to 'speak' rabbit. They have a social hierarchy and many different ways of communicating. It helps to know where you fit in if you want well behaved bunnies
5) Rabbits are food! This is important to be aware of in a multi-pet home. However, they can coexist just fine with other critters. Voltaire herself is just fine with cats and dogs. In fact, I've seen her put a much larger dog in place by standing on her hind legs and whacking him right across his snout
6) Don't expect them to be cuddly. They have different 'personalities' just like we do. They can be aloof, grumpy, energetic, all of the above, or none of those things. Realize that they do things on their terms and work to correct their behavior if necessary. There are times when Voltaire doesn't want to be held and she'll squirm, grunt, huff, dig, and even nip. Just learn to listen to what your rabbit is telling you
7) They can be talkative. It's unusual for an older rabbit to talk much, but they do communicate with a variety of sounds. They purr, chatter, and 'oink' (it's actually referred to as 'honking', but it sounds like a piglet to me). Voltaire happens to be a chatterbox. All of my other buns were quiet
8) Keep them occupied! This is the secret to well behaved buns. They can be highly intelligent-- and just like a bored intelligent toddler-- they can be destructive when left to their own devices
9) Rabbits need a designated toilet spot and appropriate litter material. Clay kitty litter can bind up their digestive system and irritate their lungs. Voltaire litter trained herself- she went right to the cat box (we used the recycled newspaper pellet type litter). If she can't go in her cage for some reason, she'll go in her pet bed, a cat box, or in the bathroom. Specifically, she'll poop next to the toilet, and pee behind it cuz she's a goober :)
I put down a layer of newspaper in her cage followed by some pet bedding and hay. She's prone to getting sore hocks, so bedding is a must for her
10) If you elect to have a cage for your rabbit, be sure that there's enough room for them to take three good hops
11) Get your flea stuff from your vet! I don't care if it's more expensive. Flea solution is a poison, and isn't something you want to mess around with. Be sure that you're seeing someone that deals specifically with rabbits and that they weigh your bun before prescribing anything. Most medications are based on weight. You don't have to use a flea product, but it's a good idea if you have multiple pets, let your rabbit outside, or have a seasonal influx of rodents. The HRS website has resources for finding an appropriate vet in your area as well as information about anti flea medications
12) Rabbits are social creatures, but that doesn't mean they'll automatically get along with another rabbit. Love at first sight is rare and bonding two rabbits may take a while, if they even bond at all. It's possible to adopt a bonded pair. Doing it yourself can get ugly and result in both human and lagomorph injury. It's best to use caution when introducing any new critters or people. Even though Voltaire is super chill and loves traveling, I'm still a little cautious with her just in case. Most rabbits stress out very easily- she's one of the rare ones that doesn't
13) This one is a personal choice, but I'll never take her or any other rabbit on an airplane. I'm sure she'd handle the traveling just fine (I take her everywhere I can with me), but I'd be concerned about her ears being sensitive to the air pressure change. If it's uncomfortable for humans, I can't imagine how it would be for such a sensitive little critter
And there you have it, my Easter PSA. Here's the link to HRS website:
https://rabbit.org/
Link for finding a reputable veterinarian:
http://www.hopline.org/veterinary-referrals/
Monday, March 5, 2018
The toaster story
I'm not a particularly loud person, and also I'm fairly chill. Nothing that I can think of demonstrates this more than the time the toaster caught on fire...
At the time, I was living with my first ex-boyfriend's aunt. I used to work with her doing after school and weekend programmes. She also did foster care so her 'kids' were usually around. Even after they outgrew the system, they'd still come by to visit 'mom'. That was the case this particular day when I went downstairs to make some toast.
We had a well loved toaster and as it usually goes in big families, it wasn't emptied out very often. I didn't know that at the time, so I innocently went about making my toast. There must have been a lot of crud at the bottom, cuz this thing was blazing like crazy.
So, I unplugged it and went to put it outside but couldn't open the door since I was holding a flaming toaster. One of the outgrown foster kids was sitting in the living room (we'll call him Dave) and so I called out to him for help.
Me: 'Hey Dave, could you come and help me?'
Dave: (sitting on couch with laptop) 'Why? I'm busy.'
Me: 'Because the toaster is on fire and I can't open the door.'
Dave: 'Yeah, whatever.'
Me: 'Seriously, I can't open the door because I'm holding a burning toaster.'
Dave: 'Yeah, right.'
Me: (walks over with toaster) 'Could you please open the door? The toaster IS on fire.'
He finally looked up and realized that the toaster was in fact on fire, and gave me the 'well, why didn't you say so?' look afterwards.
I really didn't see the point in yelling or anything like that. I very clearly said what the matter was, and if you didn't want to listen, I don't think anything I said or did would have made a difference.
At the time, I was living with my first ex-boyfriend's aunt. I used to work with her doing after school and weekend programmes. She also did foster care so her 'kids' were usually around. Even after they outgrew the system, they'd still come by to visit 'mom'. That was the case this particular day when I went downstairs to make some toast.
We had a well loved toaster and as it usually goes in big families, it wasn't emptied out very often. I didn't know that at the time, so I innocently went about making my toast. There must have been a lot of crud at the bottom, cuz this thing was blazing like crazy.
So, I unplugged it and went to put it outside but couldn't open the door since I was holding a flaming toaster. One of the outgrown foster kids was sitting in the living room (we'll call him Dave) and so I called out to him for help.
Me: 'Hey Dave, could you come and help me?'
Dave: (sitting on couch with laptop) 'Why? I'm busy.'
Me: 'Because the toaster is on fire and I can't open the door.'
Dave: 'Yeah, whatever.'
Me: 'Seriously, I can't open the door because I'm holding a burning toaster.'
Dave: 'Yeah, right.'
Me: (walks over with toaster) 'Could you please open the door? The toaster IS on fire.'
He finally looked up and realized that the toaster was in fact on fire, and gave me the 'well, why didn't you say so?' look afterwards.
I really didn't see the point in yelling or anything like that. I very clearly said what the matter was, and if you didn't want to listen, I don't think anything I said or did would have made a difference.
Friday, March 2, 2018
How I saved a finger
Before health issues became a problem for me, I was taking some training courses to lead all sorts of multi-day trips. Anything from backpacking, skiing, rock climbing, white water and flat water paddling, to all kinds of other neat stuff. One of the things that we had to take was a medical certification course. Oh man was that super cool! I'm so thankful I got to do those things. I still use my outdoor gear and on occasion some of the things I learned from the medical training. This is how I saved a finger:
I was renting a room in a very large house with a communal kitchen on the second floor. One of the other boarders was cutting up some vegetables with a crappy knife. The blade was too light, so it wasn't very stable and jumped around a bit. I happened to be sitting in the kitchen at the time, with a few of the other folks. As we were talking, the guy chopping veggies had cut his finger and there was blood on the counter. Since the knife blade was so light, it jumped around a bit while slicing a potato and also got Veggie Guy pretty good at the same time. There wasn't a scary amount of blood, but it was enough to freak Veggie Guy out. I jumped up out of the chair, grabbed some towels, and had him wrap his finger up and apply pressure.
It didn't seem too bad, so I started looking for some cayenne pepper which is a very powerful styptic.
Apparently while I was looking, Veggie Guy kept putzing with his finger and so there was more blood on the counter. I went back over to show him how to put pressure on the thing. His finger flopped to the side in a very unnatural way. I let him know that everything would be fine, but he needed to hold pressure on the finger to control the bleeding, and that I would be right back.
I ran up to my room and grabbed my super glue.
When I got back to the kitchen, he was still putzing with his finger and still getting blood all over the place. So, I calmly walked him over to the sink and rinsed off what I could. I explained that I needed to glue his finger and that would help get things under control. Then we could get a better idea of how bad it was. He gave me permission to glue him back together, and I got to work. I kept explaining what I was doing and why I was doing it, which kept Veggie Guy occupied enough to not interfere with the super glue doing its thing. One of the other guys brought up a clean towel and took him to the ER.
A few hours later, he was home and came upstairs to thank me. He even asked if I could look after the finger until it healed. I didn't mind at all, and told him it wasn't a big deal at all. I did want to take a look at it, though given how deep it was. Then I remembered what that could mean, and I asked him a few questions about feeling and circulation. He smiled and said they had asked him similar questions and that the blood supply was fine--all thanks to super glue!
I was renting a room in a very large house with a communal kitchen on the second floor. One of the other boarders was cutting up some vegetables with a crappy knife. The blade was too light, so it wasn't very stable and jumped around a bit. I happened to be sitting in the kitchen at the time, with a few of the other folks. As we were talking, the guy chopping veggies had cut his finger and there was blood on the counter. Since the knife blade was so light, it jumped around a bit while slicing a potato and also got Veggie Guy pretty good at the same time. There wasn't a scary amount of blood, but it was enough to freak Veggie Guy out. I jumped up out of the chair, grabbed some towels, and had him wrap his finger up and apply pressure.
It didn't seem too bad, so I started looking for some cayenne pepper which is a very powerful styptic.
Apparently while I was looking, Veggie Guy kept putzing with his finger and so there was more blood on the counter. I went back over to show him how to put pressure on the thing. His finger flopped to the side in a very unnatural way. I let him know that everything would be fine, but he needed to hold pressure on the finger to control the bleeding, and that I would be right back.
I ran up to my room and grabbed my super glue.
When I got back to the kitchen, he was still putzing with his finger and still getting blood all over the place. So, I calmly walked him over to the sink and rinsed off what I could. I explained that I needed to glue his finger and that would help get things under control. Then we could get a better idea of how bad it was. He gave me permission to glue him back together, and I got to work. I kept explaining what I was doing and why I was doing it, which kept Veggie Guy occupied enough to not interfere with the super glue doing its thing. One of the other guys brought up a clean towel and took him to the ER.
A few hours later, he was home and came upstairs to thank me. He even asked if I could look after the finger until it healed. I didn't mind at all, and told him it wasn't a big deal at all. I did want to take a look at it, though given how deep it was. Then I remembered what that could mean, and I asked him a few questions about feeling and circulation. He smiled and said they had asked him similar questions and that the blood supply was fine--all thanks to super glue!
Life lessons I learned from backpacking
1) Invest in rain gear! Get pants with full side zips and gaiters. It is totally acceptable to rock the latest from the EMS clearance rack
2) If said rain gear does not fit in your pocket, get some that does. It's worth it
3) If something only has one purpose, consider if it's worth having at all. There are few exceptions
4) Live deliberately
5) It's ok to let someone else scratch your butt
6) Baby wipes and baking soda have multiple 'freshening' virtues
7) Invest in winter gear, especially good pants with gaiters 'cuz frozen laces are a pain in the ass
8) It's ok if your winter gear doesn't fit in your pocket
9) Don't let duct tape steal the spotlight! Be aware of the uses of superglue, shoelaces, dental floss, and tampons. Any or all of those things could save a life
10) Respect everything around you. Life is full of things that are bigger than you are
11) Don't take more than 10% of something that isn't yours, if you have to take anything at all
12) Treat things that aren't yours with more respect than things that belong to you
2) If said rain gear does not fit in your pocket, get some that does. It's worth it
3) If something only has one purpose, consider if it's worth having at all. There are few exceptions
4) Live deliberately
5) It's ok to let someone else scratch your butt
6) Baby wipes and baking soda have multiple 'freshening' virtues
7) Invest in winter gear, especially good pants with gaiters 'cuz frozen laces are a pain in the ass
8) It's ok if your winter gear doesn't fit in your pocket
9) Don't let duct tape steal the spotlight! Be aware of the uses of superglue, shoelaces, dental floss, and tampons. Any or all of those things could save a life
10) Respect everything around you. Life is full of things that are bigger than you are
11) Don't take more than 10% of something that isn't yours, if you have to take anything at all
12) Treat things that aren't yours with more respect than things that belong to you
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Migraines part 3
While I was waiting for my insurance to approve the Botox injections, I was doing some investigating about my treatment options. I was told the insurance approval wouldn't take all that long, but I know my insurance. It ended up taking about six months for approval, and I was the only one that wasn't surprised by this*.
There are a few nifty devices I came across that are pretty similar to a TENS unit. I've used TENS units in the past for TMJ, the dystonia in my neck, and lower back/sacral joint/hip pain. We had that thing maxed out and it felt like someone put some several purring kittens on me. If you're not familiar with this 'lil gadget, its about the size of a pager and works by over stimulating the muscles with a controlled electric pulse which causes the muscles to contract. After a little bit, your body goes, 'Oh! I don't have to keep sending out these impulses 'cuz that's already happening.'
After your muscles get the memo, they stop freaking out and pain from the spasms dissipates. I doubt that most people would compare the experience to kittens. In fact, I've heard of folks that can't tolerate it, or say that it feels rather unpleasant.
I came across two devices that are designed specifically for migraines, and there's some limited reports of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. I forgot the name of the first one I came across, but the one that I went with was the Cefaly device. It's been available for about ten years and is FDA approved. There's some folks that have been able to get their insurance to cover it, but I paid out of pocket. Cefaly also comes with a money back guarantee. I did end up returning mine, but I'll get to that in a minute. I don't want to put anyone off from trying it if you have the funds to do so. They aren't sponsoring me or anything, I'm just a regular 'ol consumer.
I purchased the Cefaly dual, which has two set 'programmes'. The acute setting runs for an hour at high intensity impulses, while the prevention setting runs for twenty minutes at a lesser intensity. However, you can adjust the intensity of the programmes. The acute setting is meant to be used during an attack, and the prevention setting is meant to be used daily. I only had it for about a month before I ended up returning it, so my experience is a bit limited. Over all, I think it did help somewhat.
I didn't get complete relief using the acute setting, but keep in mind that my migraine has been constant since September 2016. I suspect that it may work better for folks who get them occasionally.
Also, I was using that setting a few times a day two hours apart as they recommended. I was able to tolerate it just fine at the maximum setting on the first use. I wasn't trying to go full force at once, but they say to steadily increase the intensity as tolerable. I just happened to be able to max it out. It felt a bit more intense than kittens, but not by much. Again, that's just my experience.
The prevention setting didn't seem to prevent much, but I already mentioned that this has been ongoing. Neither of the settings made it any worse. The biggest difference I noticed was that it did help the spasms in my face. Which is exactly what I expected from a TENS unit. The device itself was quite small--about 3in, or half the size of a dollar bill. It had a USB charger and attached magnetically to an electrode on the forehead. I had some trouble with getting the electrode to stick to my forehead even after wiping my face with alcohol. Adhesives either really like me or don't stick at all. I just used it while lying down and that kept it in place just fine. I do recommend ordering extra electrodes. Especially if you're an oily mother f***er like I am. I didn't notice any irritation from the adhesive, which was nice. They do have electrodes for sensitive folks available. However, I think that the one provided with the unit is just the regular kind.
The reason I ended up returning the device is because of an ongoing problem that I have with electronics: I tend to short things out. This isn't a new problem, it's always happened. I avoid watches and other devices like iPods, high quality laptops, and expensive phones. I've even fried multiple holter monitors. I do have a small talking watch, but its on a keychain. The main reason I was attracted to the Cefaly was because of the warranty since I expected to fry it. And that's exactly what happened--just like my first cellphone, it was zapped within a month. Now, I don't want to dissuade anyone from trying it. But specifically, I shorted it out and it electrocuted me. I'm pretty sure that it was just due to my weird problem and I was fine afterwards. The company was great about the refund, and I only have positive things to say about their customer service. I may try it again in the future, but that's all for now! Unless anyone knows anything about why I fry stuff...
*and that was just a straight up approval. There weren't any appeals or anything else filed. But as I said, I knew it would take a bit. Hence, investigating other options.
There are a few nifty devices I came across that are pretty similar to a TENS unit. I've used TENS units in the past for TMJ, the dystonia in my neck, and lower back/sacral joint/hip pain. We had that thing maxed out and it felt like someone put some several purring kittens on me. If you're not familiar with this 'lil gadget, its about the size of a pager and works by over stimulating the muscles with a controlled electric pulse which causes the muscles to contract. After a little bit, your body goes, 'Oh! I don't have to keep sending out these impulses 'cuz that's already happening.'
After your muscles get the memo, they stop freaking out and pain from the spasms dissipates. I doubt that most people would compare the experience to kittens. In fact, I've heard of folks that can't tolerate it, or say that it feels rather unpleasant.
I came across two devices that are designed specifically for migraines, and there's some limited reports of treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. I forgot the name of the first one I came across, but the one that I went with was the Cefaly device. It's been available for about ten years and is FDA approved. There's some folks that have been able to get their insurance to cover it, but I paid out of pocket. Cefaly also comes with a money back guarantee. I did end up returning mine, but I'll get to that in a minute. I don't want to put anyone off from trying it if you have the funds to do so. They aren't sponsoring me or anything, I'm just a regular 'ol consumer.
I purchased the Cefaly dual, which has two set 'programmes'. The acute setting runs for an hour at high intensity impulses, while the prevention setting runs for twenty minutes at a lesser intensity. However, you can adjust the intensity of the programmes. The acute setting is meant to be used during an attack, and the prevention setting is meant to be used daily. I only had it for about a month before I ended up returning it, so my experience is a bit limited. Over all, I think it did help somewhat.
I didn't get complete relief using the acute setting, but keep in mind that my migraine has been constant since September 2016. I suspect that it may work better for folks who get them occasionally.
Also, I was using that setting a few times a day two hours apart as they recommended. I was able to tolerate it just fine at the maximum setting on the first use. I wasn't trying to go full force at once, but they say to steadily increase the intensity as tolerable. I just happened to be able to max it out. It felt a bit more intense than kittens, but not by much. Again, that's just my experience.
The prevention setting didn't seem to prevent much, but I already mentioned that this has been ongoing. Neither of the settings made it any worse. The biggest difference I noticed was that it did help the spasms in my face. Which is exactly what I expected from a TENS unit. The device itself was quite small--about 3in, or half the size of a dollar bill. It had a USB charger and attached magnetically to an electrode on the forehead. I had some trouble with getting the electrode to stick to my forehead even after wiping my face with alcohol. Adhesives either really like me or don't stick at all. I just used it while lying down and that kept it in place just fine. I do recommend ordering extra electrodes. Especially if you're an oily mother f***er like I am. I didn't notice any irritation from the adhesive, which was nice. They do have electrodes for sensitive folks available. However, I think that the one provided with the unit is just the regular kind.
The reason I ended up returning the device is because of an ongoing problem that I have with electronics: I tend to short things out. This isn't a new problem, it's always happened. I avoid watches and other devices like iPods, high quality laptops, and expensive phones. I've even fried multiple holter monitors. I do have a small talking watch, but its on a keychain. The main reason I was attracted to the Cefaly was because of the warranty since I expected to fry it. And that's exactly what happened--just like my first cellphone, it was zapped within a month. Now, I don't want to dissuade anyone from trying it. But specifically, I shorted it out and it electrocuted me. I'm pretty sure that it was just due to my weird problem and I was fine afterwards. The company was great about the refund, and I only have positive things to say about their customer service. I may try it again in the future, but that's all for now! Unless anyone knows anything about why I fry stuff...
*and that was just a straight up approval. There weren't any appeals or anything else filed. But as I said, I knew it would take a bit. Hence, investigating other options.
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