Mommy Update

I'm a few days late on updating about my medical issues.

The very last diet soda I drank

was on the 19th.

Within 36 hours of no diet soda,

no artificial sweeteners of any kind,

I was able to not only walk,

but run with minimal pain.

When I went to the doctor on Friday

November 23rd

I found out my blood work came back great.

I started explaining  to the doctor about the article I had read,

http://mommyconfessionalinmyshoes.blogspot.com/2013/11/pain-pain-go-away.html

and he said he had just read that same article.

So after explaining how the pain had gotten so bad,

then better so quickly after stopping diet pepsi,

he too agreed that I had Aspartame poisoning.

With every passing day

I feel better.

I am still not quiet 100%

but I'm not far from it.

I am still in shock

that I could do such a horrible thing to myself.

I knew that what you put into your body could harm or help you,

but I never gave it any thought.

I thought I was just cutting back calories

and trying to loose weight

to be a better me.

Instead I was cutting back calories,

and potentially killing myself.

If I hadn't of read that article,

my condition would have worsened

until one day Id be dead.

But thankfully

I have a great support system of

friends and family who care

so when they saw the article they thought of me.

I will never touch another diet soda again,

nor anything with artificial sweetener.

I started reading labels

and you'd be shocked how many products you use daily,

that contain some form or another.

If its sweetened with anything but

SUGAR

its artificial and you should try to stay away from it.

I went to buy gum today and couldn't because just about every brand

uses artificial sweetener.

If the package says

"no cal"

"zero cal"

Its made with artificial sweetener.

Splenda

Sweet N Low

are both artificial sweeteners.

When it comes down to it,

products made with sugar

even though they have more calories

are actually healthier for you.

And the sugar is easier for your body to burn than

the fake stuff.

So what is Aspartame Poisoning?
Aspartame is artificial sweetener's
It's found in diet soda,
sugar free candy,
gum,
some coffee,
even yogurt.
FDA originally approved it for use in dry food goods.
Aspartame poisoning can affect you phycologicaly,
nurologically,
and physically.
 Among these symptoms are dizziness, numbness in the limbs, severe tremors, facial pain, seizures, headaches or migraines, confusion, fatigue, slurred speech and hyperactivity.
According to author Karen Hanrahan, a wellness educator and nutrition consultant, aspartame poisoning may cause nausea, vertigo, skin lesions, ringing in the ears, loss of taste, muscular and joint pain, irregular menstrual cycle, heart attack symptoms and menstrual cramps. Physically you may also experience diarrhea, abdominal pain, painful swallowing, asthma-like symptoms, thinning hair, hair loss, burning during urination, excessive thirst, fluid retention, high blood pressure, allergic reactions in the mouth, weight gain or loss, leg swelling and bloating.

Family Ties

Family is always something that meant alot to me.

Sometime I haven't had much of.

Until recently that is.

When I married my husband,

I gained his family.

Supportive,

Loving,

And caring.

I also had "my" family.

Which consisted of non-blood related family members.

Those that even though we don't have the same blood coursing through us,

or share the same genetics,

meant more to me than any of the blood relatives I know.

Still,

I wondered about the missing link.

I've searched for years and years for my dad's side of the family.

Honestly at the least,

I searched for 10 years without being able to find a single

blood related relative.

I searched social media sites,

ancestry site to no avail.

Then one day,

just days after Facebook demolished the

'Can't search for me' privacy option,

I get a major shock.

A message on Facebook

from my dad's mom.

MY GRANDMOTHER!

I jumped for joy.

Finally,

the missing link,

isn't missing!!

I have a whole slue of blood related family now.

I can't even begin,

nor will I try,

so explain the extent of my new found family.

Daily I learn more about them

and they about me.

Daily do I feel their love reach through the computer,

and phone to lift me up.

In the last few days,

my heart has grown enormously

to encompass my new found family.

They were my missing link,

and I was theirs.

In getting to know them,

I am getting to know more about  myself.

What physical and personality traits

came from them.

I am so happy that the circle is finally complete.

And that now we are back together again,

like we are meant to be.

I feel like I have everything in the world I could ever want.

Pain Pain Go Away

And unlike the nursery rhyme I Don't want it to come back another day.

I have no gotten better,

infact worse.

My whole body has been in pain since Saturday morning.

Friday couldn't come faster.

I am really anxious for those test results.

And now that a friend on FB has shared an article with me,

I am even more anxious.

This article could have potentially saved my life.

The article is about a woman who had Aspartame poisoning,

only they didn't know that.

Her doctors thought she had MS.

Here's part of the article and know that I have every symptom listed:

Systemic lupus has become almost as rampant as multiple sclerosis, especially with Diet Coke and Diet Pepsi drinkers. The victim usually does not know that the Aspartame is the culprit. He or she continues it’s use; irritating the lupus to such a degree that it may become a life-threatening condition. We have seen patients with systemic lupus become asymptotic, once taken off diet sodas.

In cases of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, most of the symptoms disappear. We’ve seen many cases where vision loss returned and hearing loss improved markedly.

This also applies to cases of tinnitus and fibromyalgia. During a lecture, I said, ‘If you are using ASPARTAME (Nutra Sweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc) and you suffer from fibromyalgia symptoms, spasms, shooting, pains, numbness in your legs,
Cramps,
Vertigo,
Dizziness,
Headaches,
Tinnitus,
Joint pain,
Unexplainable depression, anxiety attacks, slurred speech, blurred vision, or memory loss you probably have ASPARTAME poisoning!

You can bet Ill be asking the doctor friday about this.

As well as letting him know that,

up until today,

I drank DIET PEPSI

like it was water.

I needed my diet pepsi like an alcoholic needs his drink.

Up until today that is.

I refuse to drink another diet soda.

It's just not worth it.

Within 32 hours this woman who was in a wheelchair,

was able to walk again.

All because she stopped drinking diet soda.

She also reported that her muscle spasms went away.

No she wasn't 100%,

but it takes time.

She was also off all her medication

except one for the poisoning.

I know everything is in God's hands,

but I do hope that I will be able to report that my symptoms have started to go away.

The last diet soda I drank was last night,

so I'm almost 24 hours to her 32 hour mark of feeling better.

Please say a pray ;)

You can read the article for yourself at:

http://rhondagessner.wordpress.com/2013/09/02/a-killer-in-your-fridge-sweet-poison-a-must-read/

Joyful and Triumphant

2013 has been a

Joyful & Triumphant

year for Liam...

And the entire family.

Liam has made so much progress

and has grown so much.

God has been VERY busy

healing our Little Lamb.

We started out the year

with Liam struggling to walk.

He couldn't walk on his own,

let alone stand without assistance.

Still he was happy,

and playful.

The year started out rough.

Liam wanted to crawl everywhere,

but he was hooked to the feeding pump

20 hours per day.

Liam was approved for Physical Therapy.

His PT realized he has low muscle tone in his ankles.

She figured that was the reason he couldn't walk at age 1 1/2.

IFO's were recommended.

And thanks to a generous donation

from a prayer warrior,

Liam was able to get his IFO's.

Still is was a struggle.

We did leg strengthening exersizes daily.

He soon was able to walk holding onto things.

He climbed before he could walk.

Even learned to climb out of the walker

making is unsafe to use.

Which in turn made it very hard

to keep him from pulling out his feeding tube.

Liam wanted to walk so bad

and was so determined

that he even started spider walking. 

He'd stand on all fours,

and his head,

and "walk" across the room.

Then one day out of the blue

we were at the doctors office for a routine visit

when Liam stands up

using the wall to do so,

then starts walking down the hallway.

I sat there shocked.

Then I remembered to grab the camera.

I videoed Liam walking all the way to the back.

It was amazing!

This video was taken the day he decided

he wanted to walk.

May 28th 2013

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKGn2iRiUmQ&feature=youtu.be

It's so hard to believe

that its only been 6 months.

I remember swooping him up into a big hug

right after I videoed him,

then I cried.

I cried again on the way home.

And as I sat here now watching the video,

I am teary eyed.

Its AMAZING!

The same day he had Bright Start and PT.

They were shocked as I was.

Click to review the blog post:

http://mommyconfessionalinmyshoes.blogspot.com/2013/05/unexpected-surprise.html

Liam had several hospital stays

and setbacks throughout the year.

When he finally started eating we were thrilled.

Unfortunately every time he got sick

he would stop eating

and it would take months to get him to start again.

This past year we ditched the GJ tube,

and replaced it with an AMT mini ballonless button.

Hes gone from 20 hour continuos feeds,

to 12 cont night feeds,

and 3 bolus feeds during the day.

We also added Blended diet feeds during the day.

When we started that,

he started eating more,

drinking,

and gaining weight.

He's still super tiny for his age

but growing great.

He's taller and weighs more

than I did at his age.

So this momma isnt worried

about his tiny size as long as he continues to grow.

Liquids were really hard.

For awhile he would only drink

out of a honey bear.

Then it was a baby bottle.

He finally settled on a specific sippy cup.

He's been drinking out of the same kind for about 6 months now.

He's eating now,

but small amount at a time.

He loved dorritos,

french fries,

chicken nuggets,

almost all meats,

pizza,

spagetti,

beef jerky and so on.

We're still dealing with texture issues.

Oral and environmental.

He will let you brush his teeth now,

but not with tooth paste.

He gags and vomits if you do.

We're still having issues with his feet

and he's been reffered to a specialist,

who has yet to call.

Probably because were still waiting on isurance approval.

He can walk without his IFO's now,

but his ankles are so bad they practically touch the ground.

(Theyve gotten worse since this pic)

Verbally,

Liam is improving daily as of this last month.

We were getting worried about him.

His words still arent very clear

 but we understand them.

He speaks some sentences

and copies everyone.

And we made progress in spreading CDH Awareness!!

I sent in a letter to our Mayor.

After reading she declared CDH awareness week in March every year!

Unfortunately I couldn't be present to accept the reward.

But Liam's Grandma was.

Its been an amazing year for our amazing little boy.

Hes come so far!

As you can see

it's been a triumphant and joyous year for us.

What will next year bring?

Exhausted

Everyday I am faced with a new hill or mountain to overcome. I feel I've done a great job. From turning cheek at rude comments to working with a hurt foot/hip without complaint. We have a scan per hour goal we have to reach and daily I'm taken off register to do other tasks. I know my numbers are going down and it's painful to walk around and complete these task yet I do them without complaint and I do them well. To the point I'm getting complimented on how I go further and do more than anyone else.  My foot however is slowing me down. It's painful. Today it not only hurts but I burning up. Thats not a good sign so tomarrow I will be going to the doctor to find out what's going on. I've got to get it taken care of. When in in pain I'm tired. 

2:07pm

Only 2 hours into a 9 hour shift and I'm in so much pain. I hate my foot right now and just wish it would stop hurting. I've haven't complained or winced. The only thing giving away that I'm in pain is my limp. My foot is tingling and feels swollen and the back part of my heel is throbbing pain. Only 2 more hours till my hour lunch then I can rest it. On break now, thank God and I have my foot propped up. Unfortunately my allergies are also playing haywire and causing a slight sore throat and eat ache. My foot hurts so bad it overpowers the horrible mental cramps. 

On the plus side Liam gave me a huge hug and kiss before leaving with daddy to go get Lanie from school. He's such a lover boy. 

Lanie ended up in bed with us around 4am. She said she had a nightmare. She snuggled in tight between us then fell fast asleep. She was so tired this morning she didn't want to get up. I didn't either and ended up sleeping until 10am. I don't get any time with the kids today but I made up for that yesterday when Lanie and I made felt flowers. She's a rockstar at making the rosettes. She told me I should sell them in my online store. I think I will then give her the money for her piggy bank. 

4:40pm 

I hurt so bad in dizzy. I also think I tore something. I'm taking Tylenol every 2 hours and nothing. I've ha my foot elevated all lunch break and it still hurts. The heel worse. I definitely made it worse. I wish I could just go home and sleep but I'm too hard headed and determined to never miss work to do what probably needs to be done. I'm praying its not too serious but it feels like a serious injury. 

Work Work Work

A mommies job is never done, weather at home or on the job, especially with a new addition to our home!

Meet Willie, our Duck Dynasty lovin Boxer puppy. 

Willie was born 8/06/13 and is the sweetest, calmest puppy I have ever met. He's not mine, he's Justin's but by how much I spoil him you'd think he was mine. I claim him anyhow. 

Our Willie boy dressed to resemble Duck Dynasty's Willie complete with stuffed duck. I also bought him a camp bandana to wear around him neck as well as a red Bow tie for Christmas pictures. He's an early Christmas present for all of us. 

Haro and Willie get along great. Willie loves playing with him and Haro enjoys having a playmate. 

More importantly is he doesn't jump, Liam's not scared of him and.....

Liam an Willie are best friends. Willie is great therapy for Liam. We're teaching him how to love the puppy and take care of him. Liam loves to pet him. At first the texture of Willies fur was weird for him but everyday that goes by he handles it better. (Liam still has texture issues but he's been doing great).

Miss Lanie loves Willie so much she wanted him to sleep in her room. We said no but did make a bed in the laundry room for him since he's too small to be outside. 

Everyone loves Willie boy. 

I've officially put my foot down and said "no more!"  We've way too many pets. This momma is at her limit. 

2 dogs (Haro & Willie)

1 rabbit (Droopie)

1 cat (Jack)

1 beta (Swimmie)

Work is going good. It's keeping me busy, has helped break my depression streak. I enjoy working. Justin has done great taking care I the kids. Liam is getting fat cheeks thanks to Justin. My job has paid for the kids Christmas presents. I'm proud to say that they are done! (A few stocking stuffers from Santa is all) I feel good that I was able to provide that for them. Everytime I think "I'm too tired to go to work" I think of them and it gets me through. 

Day 5 I am thankful for

Day 5: I am thankful that Liam is eating so much by mouth. He was a non stop eating machine today. 

I'm pretty sure Liam is thankful for Doritos today, and Lanie is thankful for pizza lunchables. 

Took Liam to the pedi for his first shot of synagis this morning. He weighs 22lbs and 7oz and is 34 1/2" tall. I looked at my baby book today and he weight more and is taller than I was when I was age 3 and he's only 2. Good job little man!!

Day:4 I am thankful for being able to work again. 

Day 3: I am thankful for being able to spent time with family. 

Day 2: I am thankful for both my children. 

Day 1: I am thankful that Liam survived CDH and that he blesses the world with his smiles and laughter everyday. I am thankful our family survived CDH.