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General Category => Grab Bag => Topic started by: LaurieS on February 12, 2011, 03:14:52 PM

Title: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: LaurieS on February 12, 2011, 03:14:52 PM
It's obvious when the little one line zingers do not show up for two days.  Circling around the PM system everyone is asking.. Where is Luise?

I've looked under my keyboard.. no Luise... I've looked into my computers dvd drive.. still no Luise. While I'm sure that everything is fine... we find this totally unacceptable little lady not to tell us when you are going on vacation without so much as a word.  And now you've gone and made me do it... I contacted Kirk and asked if his mother is ok.. hopefully he will reply here.... If I receive a PM I'll copy it to this thread.

Hoping that all is well with you and Val.. please check in with us. 
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 12, 2011, 06:59:34 PM
Here I am...here I am. Be back tomorrow. Had a scare re: my cornea transplant and have been resting my eyes since having some stitches removed. Honestly didn't know you would worry. Sending love...
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: LaurieS on February 12, 2011, 07:09:21 PM
Of course we'd be concerned.. glad all  is ok
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: holliberri on February 12, 2011, 08:14:02 PM
Ouch, Luise. I hope you heal quickly! Can't wait to see you back on here...I've missed you.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: JaneF on February 13, 2011, 06:52:56 AM
Hope all is well with you Luise!
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: LaurieS on February 13, 2011, 06:55:24 AM
Now don't make us call your son again :)

When did life become so reversed?
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Faithlooksup on February 13, 2011, 07:16:13 AM
Feel Better soon Luise~~You are our ROCK on here.....
Sending (((HUGS)))) your way...Faith :-*
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: seasage on February 13, 2011, 07:21:28 AM
Luise, you threw me a scare.  I'm relieved to hear it's not serious.

Laurie, your humor is charming and infectious.  And thank you for initiating this thread.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: courtney on February 13, 2011, 08:24:33 AM
hahhaha, didn't think we'd miss you or be concerned!  I never read grabbag first...saw Luise, are you there, that alerted me....sorry you had a scare too with your eye...Thanks Laurie for getting us an answer...feel better Luise.      -courtney
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 08:27:38 AM
Well, aren't I the lucky mama-bear! Thank you for your loving concern.  :-* I thought I could just step back and not worry anyone...and I worried you more.   :-X Lesson learned.  :-[

About 10 days ago, my left (cornea transplant) eye, started to burn. It was unusual but I wasn't alert enough to see it as needing immediate attention and waited for the burning to lessen and go away. It increased. I called my eye doc on Thursday and was seen on Friday because they don't mess with transplants. (Like I did.) I had been referred back to my original ophthalmologist after being tracked by my surgeon for four months post-op. It was the eighth time I have been handed from one doc to another in the five years since the shingles embedded themselves in my eye in 2006. And no, I didn't let the shingles get a head start back in 2006. In fact, since I am a nurse, I knew what the tingling was on the side of my face before it even erupted, saw my first doc that day and was under treatment before the sun went down. That may have prevented blindness or the virus traveling down the optic nerve into the brain and causing death. I thought I would be one of the majority who fully recovered...but that's not what transpired and the virus took up residency in the optic nerve-endings instead. Inflammation required steroid meds, the steroids caused glaucoma, the glaucoma meds caused hypertension and required glaucoma surgery (canaloplasty.) It just went on and on until a cornea transplant was done and I acquired a part of the eye of a a deceased person last Sept.

So, back to the present; what was wrong was that two of the16 stitches had loosened...(they are microscopic) and were scraping the inside of my eyelid when I opened and closed it. They are only removed if this happens and some are never removed. What kept me from suspecting that was happening is that Val had a cornea transplant in 1999 and he described his symptoms of stitches breaking loose and surfacing as having "something in his eye." That's my excuse for ignoring the problem and I"m going to stick to it. The doc did not accept it, of course, probably because he's heard them all, and I got a well-deserved lecture. After removing the two rogue stitches, he put me on a very strong eye-antibiotic, hopefully to prevent infection and rejection. I was uncomfortable and (after the fact) scared and so when he told me not to read for a couple of days, I left my computer turned off Friday and Saturday and disappeared" from WWU. I go back Thursday, if I remain asymptomatic until then. So far, so good.

I did let Kirk know...but I toned it down quite a bit.  ::) I know...I know...
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: seasage on February 13, 2011, 08:41:11 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 08:27:38 AM
It was the eighth time I have been handed from one doc to another in the five years since the shingles embedded themselves in my eye in 2006. And no, I didn't let the shingles get a head start back in 2006. In fact, since I am a nurse, I knew what the tingling was on the side of my face before it even erupted, saw my first doc that day and was under treatment before the sun went down. That may have prevented blindness or the virus traveling down the optic nerve into the brain and causing death. I thought I would be one of the majority who fully recovered...but that's not what transpired and the virus took up residency in the optic nerve-endings instead. Inflammation required steroid meds, the steroids caused glaucoma, the glaucoma meds caused hypertension and required glaucoma surgery (canaloplasty.) It just went on and on until a cornea transplant was done and I acquired a part of the eye of a a deceased person last Sept.

Scary story.  My best friend has shingles that keep erupting.  I have had the shingles vaccine and thus hope to prevent anything like this.

I wonder how many of our WW know about getting a shingles vaccination after age 60?
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: LaurieS on February 13, 2011, 09:06:42 AM
I've had episodes of shingles.. and no doctor has said anything about a vaccination.. more info please
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: seasage on February 13, 2011, 09:15:26 AM
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vacc-need-know.htm

Laurie, I think you're too young!  Luise probably knows a lot more about this than I.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: LaurieS on February 13, 2011, 09:16:48 AM
Quote from: seasage on February 13, 2011, 09:15:26 AM
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/shingles/vacc-need-know.htm

Laurie, I think you're too young!  Luise probably knows a lot more about this than I.
I'll lie and claim I'm older.. thought about doing that for a senior dinner the other day

Thank you for saying that I may not qualify based on age not because of the type of herpes that it is
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: holliberri on February 13, 2011, 09:18:15 AM
I tried to get it after my Shingles episode...my doctor told me no...but it could've been my age. They'll give it to you at CVS and Walgreen's if you're over 60.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 09:53:10 AM
There are lots of old-wife's tales about shingles. One is that if you get shingles, you are immune thereafter. Not true. One is that you only get them one one side of your body. Not true. Sometimes they are bi-lateral. One is that if you have had shingles, you don't need the vaccine. Not true. You do and I have since gotten it. They are a virus...Herpes Zoster, to be exact, and are related to genital herpes, cold sores and the rest of the herpes family. 
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Hope on February 13, 2011, 09:57:17 AM
Luise,
How is your eye today?  I was surprised to read that both you and Val had cornea transplants.  I think of them as a huge deal.  You are very brave and calm.  I like how you keep your head.
Enjoy your Sunday.
Hugs coming your way....Hope
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: holliberri on February 13, 2011, 09:59:42 AM
Just a question...I couldn't take anything except for Aquaphor when I had them b/c I was pregnant. Do you have some good tips about the management of them? I was in a lot of pain, and I don't think Valtrex helps with that at all.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Rose799 on February 13, 2011, 10:22:10 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 09:53:10 AM
There are lots of old-wife's tales about shingles. One is that if you get shingles, you are immune thereafter. Not true. One is that you only get them one one side of your body. Not true. Sometimes they are bi-lateral. One is that if you have had shingles, you don't need the vaccine. Not true. You do and I have since gotten it. They are a virus...Herpes Zoster, to be exact, and are related to genital herpes, cold sores and the rest of the herpes family.

...and they hurt like the dickens!  Holli, you had them?  I did at age 30.  I was told by a nurse (is it true, Luise?) that they occur in people with a lowered immune system.  I got a double whammy, shingles & Epstein Barr together.  I haven't been the same since  (both are herpes – Epstein Barr is similar to mono). 

Wishing you a speedy recovery, Luise...








Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 10:27:23 AM
When the eruption was at its worse and the line between my eye and my nose was an oozing mess I tried everything with no relief. I described it to my family as feeling like raccoon had dug its claw into my face and was hanging there. Kirk's ex-wife. Sonja, and my "forever-daughter," called her Naturopath and drove up with a lotion called Larrea RX Virox and said if it didn't work, her MD was standing by and she was taking me to Seattle. I put it on my face (not in my eye, of course...but that's not where the pain was) and it was over! Instantly! Forever! It never failed.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 10:30:32 AM
And yes, when your immune system is not what it should be, that's the invitation shingles are waiting for. I was on my way down from care giving at that time. I was about 7 years into my 11 year stint.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: holliberri on February 13, 2011, 10:42:09 AM
I had them last year, at 26. I was 23 weeks pregnant. I got lucky, I guess it causes problems for the baby if you get them and you're less than 20 weeks. Phew!

Aside from that...it was the easiest pregnancy in the world! I think the prenatals helped my recovery, even if they didn't minimize the pain. It only lasted three weeks, the docs told me with no medication, it would probably be 8 weeks.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Hope on February 13, 2011, 10:44:56 AM
holliberri,
You were very young to get shingles from what I know.  I bet three weeks seemed like eternity under the circumstance.  I have heard of people having them for ten years.  I hope I don't have to find out first hand.
Hugs, Hope
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: seasage on February 13, 2011, 10:48:05 AM
Quote from: holliberri on February 13, 2011, 10:42:09 AM
.... I think the prenatals helped my recovery, even if they didn't minimize the pain. It only lasted three weeks, the docs told me with no medication, it would probably be 8 weeks.

What is a prenatal?
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Hope on February 13, 2011, 10:51:31 AM
Seasage,
I took it to mean her prenatal vitamins.  Was I right, holliberri?
Hugs, Hope
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Rose799 on February 13, 2011, 10:54:49 AM
Quote from: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 10:30:32 AM
And yes, when your immune system is not what it should be, that's the invitation shingles are waiting for. I was on my way down from care giving at that time. I was about 7 years into my 11 year stint.

When my nurse friend asked if I'd been under a lot of stress, I answered, "No."  I assumed it the norm to be all things to all people & do it on very little sleep.  Everybody needs backup from time to time...  I went from Epstein Barr / Shingles / chronic debilitating fatigue / fibromyalgia

Glad to hear you didn't have lasting repercussions, Holliberri~  The shingles were a warning -- keep your immune system strong. 

Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: LaurieS on February 13, 2011, 11:01:07 AM
Holli.. I do developed shingles with two of my pregnancies.. the doctor thought it was due to a combination of mental stress, and physical stress... needless to say it was not fun.  My son also developed shingles while in flight training, once again he was told that it's not uncommon in a field of high stress situations for months on end.

I had another go round about a year ago.. after doing a whole lot of searching on the net (so you know it's true) I found that it's believed that a system lacking in vitamin C and L-lysine is more vulnerable to an outbreak... once the outbreak occurs I was taking a lot more L-lysine and massive dosages of Vit C.. and while there are many lotions out that that will help, would you believe that vinegar is also recommended.

Here's to all of us never having to deal with this virus again.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 11:01:18 AM
Yes, HB...Whew!!!
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: holliberri on February 13, 2011, 11:04:12 AM
Yep, prenatal vitamins. What do you know: Vitamin C in there and a little L-lysine as well. Just checked the old bottle!
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: LaurieS on February 13, 2011, 11:11:12 AM
Quote from: holliberri on February 13, 2011, 11:04:12 AM
Yep, prenatal vitamins. What do you know: Vitamin C in there and a little L-lysine as well. Just checked the old bottle!
I now include additional vitamind C and L-lysine to my daily regiment
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 11:20:54 AM
I take, among other supplements, Lauricidin for immune system support.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 12:44:55 PM
I got caught up but my eyes are tired, so I am signing off for the rest of the day. Not to worry...OK? Sending love...
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 13, 2011, 08:09:37 PM
Reading posts before I go back to bed and feeling inadequate at the moment because I obviously am.

My attempts to catch up have brought eye strain and headache. That's not anyone's fault, it's mine. My attempts to keep or restore the peace have likewise failed. Probably poor judgment on my part. My attempts to find ways to keep people from messing with each others work and continuity have also been unsuccessful. My fault again. I need to step away but that didn't work, either. It's my job and I am at present having trouble doing it well.

This is just a time of overwhelm and it is about me.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Pooh on February 14, 2011, 07:31:57 AM
What the?  I haven't been on for two days and no one is tattling to my Son!!!!   ;D  I am totally joking as you guys have become aware I don't get on much on the weekends cause I spend quality time with DH!!!

So sorry to hear about your eye Luise.  I am glad you had it looked at and here is HUGE thoughts, HUGE hugs and HUGE wishes for a quick recovery.  As far as everything else, you do a wonderful job and you will never be able to please everyone and can only do your best....WHICH YOU DO!!!!!!!!  MUAHHHHH!!!!!  :-*

Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 14, 2011, 07:36:34 AM
Thanks, Pooh. (I get really jealous of you on the weekends.)  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: jill on February 14, 2011, 07:38:13 AM
Hope you are feeling better today, Luise, and thanks again for everything you do.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Pen on February 14, 2011, 08:00:35 AM
Luise, I'm glad to know you are taking good care of yourself and feeling better. Through the ebb and flow of this site you are our steadfast captain, and we can put up with you being indisposed for a couple of days if it means we get you for the long haul!
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 14, 2011, 08:11:03 AM
Thank you, Pen. Sending love...
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: courtney on February 14, 2011, 07:33:35 PM
Hi Luise, all.
Luise, I'm hoping you don't read this until you are rested and feeling much better. So sorry this complication with your eye happened to you!
  Thank you to all for this info about shingles.
Of course, never having had the virus, I couldn't fully understand the discomfort. But I have had 3 different relatives who did get shingles, and it seemed they suffered horribly.
I am going to pass along the name of that lotion to them, just in case.
  My thoughts are with you Luise to be well soon.      -Courtney
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: Hope on February 14, 2011, 07:38:47 PM
Luise,
I hope your eye is all better or at least much improved.  And you do a fabulous job managing this forum - I couldn't come close.  Keep up the great work!  You are amazing! :D
Hugs, Hope
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on February 14, 2011, 07:42:18 PM

Thanks, you guys!  :D
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: mariakajsa123 on April 10, 2011, 03:22:06 PM
So glad you are on the mend Luise. Thank you for this site.Is there a page that explains what all the abbreviations mean? I'm new here and having a challenge following who is who with abbreviations.  I have another question. I have been checking to see if I have any replies to my post and I did receive one . (Thanks Pen)  Thats been it. I clicked on replies on left hand side. Is  that the correct way to bring those up ?  Sorry I'm such a novice!
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on April 10, 2011, 04:11:27 PM
Go to the Home page and scroll down to Resources. You will find posts there about the abreviations...all of which are new to me and were brought here by others. I especially like FOO - Family of Origin!  :D You should be able to go to your post and read the answers right under what you wrote. Please be sure to go to the Home page and Open Me First and below that Modified Agreement. Sending love...
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: BrokenHope on April 13, 2011, 10:31:31 PM
Laurie  your just way to funny.
I know I am a newbie here and this is an old post but I am trying to read as much as I can to try and get to know everyone.
Luise, I trust that you have healed and you are feeling much better now.
I just have a question about the shingles. everyone was referring to the age 60 to get this and you said it is a virus" Herpes" to be exact.
My son had shingles when he was 12. Is that unsual?
Just curious
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: LaurieS on April 13, 2011, 10:38:05 PM
I know this wasn't addressed to me but I've heard of young adults getting shingles.. while I've never known of a child who had an outbreak I know that it's possible.  The medical field says that your chances increase dramatically over 60 years of age.  While it can often be pinpointed to severe stress both physical and mental, this is not the only cause for outbreaks.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: BrokenHope on April 14, 2011, 08:05:30 AM
Quote from: Laurie on April 13, 2011, 10:38:05 PM
I know this wasn't addressed to me but I've heard of young adults getting shingles.. while I've never known of a child who had an outbreak I know that it's possible.  The medical field says that your chances increase dramatically over 60 years of age.  While it can often be pinpointed to severe stress both physical and mental, this is not the only cause for outbreaks.

Well that makes scense now. Afterall the enviroment we lived in wasnt the best. He also got Bells Pasly at age 14 and I think that is a related to Shingles as well if I am not mistaken.
:) sad to think how it effected him.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: luise.volta on April 14, 2011, 11:31:56 AM
My doc said there are a lot of old-wives tales about Shingles. Like you can only get them once - not so. Like you can only get them on one side of your body - not so. Like kids don't get them - not so. And like the shot for shingles won't help if you have had them - not so.
Title: Re: Looking into my monitor.. Luise are you there?
Post by: BrokenHope on April 14, 2011, 12:09:50 PM
All I remember is he was in alot of pain thats for sure.