Autoimmune Disease

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1299128/

I have begun my research. Distressing to seek answers and only have more questions. I will prevail.

Winter in Georgia

Weather in Georgia February style. Shorts to sweaters in the same week. The past 3 weeks we added snow apparel.  You can read about the beginnings of the first snow storm wave here:

http://www.wsbtv.com/ap/ap/south-carolina/winter-stormcanceled s-wrecks-gridlock-in-the-south/nc5r2/?nmredir=true

There has been criticism, hearings and plans for the next snowstorm. Basically, Georgians are not equipped to handle anything except hot, muggy weather. Yell "Fire" in a crowded room and see what happens. Warn of snow in Georgia and we experience January 28, 2014.

Notice the time stamp 12:09 AM!

Two weeks later we were threatened with snow, again. We listened. Stores shelves empty. Essential personal in place and prepared to stay for several days.

The Forecast was accurate. Schools and businesses in Georgia sent everyone home early or cancelled before the day began. We were homebound for 3 lovely days. 

Snow does not last long here. Melted and roads clear. We were free to enjoy a wonderful Valentine's dinner in Atlanta Friday night.

 It is 4 am Friday February 21. Rain and Tornado Watch.

Like I said, Fickle Georgia Weather.

People Watching

I am a people watcher.
I enjoy examining and analyzing their movements and interactions.      
       
Are they
     in love or indifferent
     exuberant - downcast      
     relaxed - troubled     
     confident - indecisive

Jealous of the couples in love.
Relieved those children are not mine.
Intrigued with the business transactions.
Curious why he is alone; wondering if he should be.  

Human nature is complicated.      
Emotions, experiences and culture influence us. 
                       
Life stories waiting to be experienced.

  2/21/2014

The Heart

The heart is fragile

Given freely in youth

Exuberant in love

New experiences

Innocence evaporates

 

Torn apart by misunderstanding

Gut searing pain

Tears, sobs, a mist around my brain

Time stops

Swallowed by grief

Sleep eludes

Food unwanted

Just to feel your arms around me

Holding tight

Never letting go

The Patient Exposed

I wait with the others to be called

Known by our name, birthdate, medical record number

The color of my hair and eyes do not matter

Fashion is forgotten

Our uniform is open backed gown accessorized with a thermal blanket and no slip socks 

We avoid looking at each other

though we look the same

Hospital gown

Legs exposed

Hair unbrushed

Some patients have

multiple Hospital arm bracelets 

I only have the first two

Identification

Medication Allergy

Latex allergy

Fall Risk

Infectious Disease

Blood Bank

DNR - do not resuscitate

I only have an INT

Some have Central  Lines

fluids dripping via a pump

Medication bags

Alarms, beeps and dings

Sleep deprived

Hungry

Too loud to sleep

Too tired to concentrate

The room is too cold

The room is too hot

Please send me home soon

I want to get back to normal life

Go to work

Hug my family

Until then I will wait for my turn in the big scary machine while I avoid contact with other patients in this room

 November 2013