Great to catch up on all entries. You're welcome, Sandy, for the shopping. I only saved you 50% between sales and coupons so I have a ways to go. but I also didn't buy random things just because I had a good coupon.

Karen called to make sure we were aware of the National dysautonomia Research Foundation site. I'd just found it tonight while going to the Cleveland Clinic site. I assume that's where you were getting a lot of your info, Sandy. If not, go there and check out their blog.

Bedtime. Night all. Cindy

WOW! EVEN MORE UPDATES!!!

LISA: Thank you for looking into the neurologist question for me! I know it's a long shot, but it really feels good to know that you're trying!!!! And, actually, you also got me wondering if I gave up too soon on out-of-state options (assuming GA doesn't prove to have exactly what I need). Mayo isn't the only excellent program out there, and perhaps others ARE in-network for me! I'm a bit foggy on what determines in-network versus out----is geography a factor, or do they simply have to have a contract with AETNA? If you know of any neurologists ANYWHERE that are experienced in the area of dysautonomia perhaps I should look into the insurance situation with them! Oh, and re: your gallbladder issues, is there any chance that going ahead and doing the surgery now when you AREN'T crippled by pain would actually improve your recovery time? If so, it may be a worthy pursuit indeed! It would also be a rare opportunity to CHOOSE when to fix the problem rather than have the problem suddenly announce (with much pain and suffering, and at the busiest time in your year) that it cannot wait another moment! The only thing I know is that I DO NOT recommend trying your hand at a homeopathic gallbladder-cleanse cycle. I was unlucky enough to let good old Dr. McGrath convince me (and Mom) to try that process. Everything was okay until we got to the grand finale, which was drinking down several ounces of olive oil. That's right, I said DRINKING it. I don't know about my gallbladder, but the resulting projectile vomit certainly cleansed my stomach! It also had the nasty side effect of inducing uncontrollable gagging and/or retching anytime I caught the scent of uncooked olive oil for the next ten years or so!!! On the plus side, my gallbladder is one piece of the digestive puzzle that HASN'T plagued me, so perhaps that process really WAS miraculous! Even so, if I were you, I'd stick with surgery!!
LISA AND BECKY: Being that you are the two cousins who boast the highest degree of scientific genius, when I saw that you had each left a response I must admit that I expected at least SOME sort of intelligent theorizing regarding the dinosaur mystery. Have I stumped you with my own insightful ponderings and pontifications? (By the way, I DID consult a dictionary before using that last word, and it's a bit of a stretch but I think it can be allowed.) Oh, wait! Now I get it-----You guys are still researching the matter, right? That's what scientists like you DO, right?! None of this jumping to conclusions or tossing out untested theories willy-nilly! Why, I bet even now you're busy consulting your equally brilliant spouses (and kids), contacting peers, and generally preparing an amazing response! Right on! No problem! Take your time! I'm just honored that you've chosen to focus all of your energy on answering my question instead of on other little things---you know, like raising your families, saving children's lives, keeping a children's ministry running......little things like that!!
EMILY: First allow me to say that I'm NOT simply shrugging off YOUR input on the dino issue----it was, after all, the most insightful of all input offered. But, let's see......how do I put this?......???......right. Ahem. Moving on.....I want to thank you for your new-found coupon enthusiasm (which means I should also be thanking Becky, right?). Not only do your money saving stories give an old bargain hunter that little vicarious thrill, but it's always nice to know that I'm only one degree of separation from someone ELSE who's managing to do some real good with their time!!! There has also been an unexpected side-effect of your new charitable hobby---Cindy has found your enthusiasm to be contagious, as well! (And she has the energy to do something about it!) So, thanks to your inspiration, Mom has recently given me the PRICELESS gift of not only going grocery shopping for me, but doing it while armed with sales adds and coupons (she clipped, no less)!!!! I had fun hanging out with her while we mapped out the Publix/Kroger sales the other night (I was sitting up at the computer and everything!), and then I woke up to the sound of a grocery delivery the next day!! Whoo-hoo!! Need I say more? Now, people may wonder why I'm thanking you instead of HER.....but since her good deeds can be traced directly back to your inspiration, I just wanted to make sure I went on record acknowledging the role YOU played before saying anything to her! So, thanks again!
MOM: I've exhausted my creative energies on everything else I wrote in this blog entry, so I'm afraid you're gonna have to settle for some good old-fashioned gratitude! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU! THANK-YOU!
Love to All, Sandy

LISA...

When are you going to be in Orlando? We'd love to see you guys!! Let me know of your plans. Are you staying in Orlando, or more to the Jax side of the world?

Sandy, I'm SOOO sorry to hear of your current insurance rejection. BIG UGH!! Don't give up the fight to find answers!!

Love you guys,
Becky

You Mean Dinosaurs are Real?

I personally think that some people that couldn't get a job made the whole dino thing up so that they could get a job. Well the Bruso's are doing well. We have had a winter of sick but are surviving. We said goodbye yesterday to Adam's employee. He has decided to move back to Michigan. Don't ask. He was crying about leaving the company and said that this was his dream job. A true testament to my hubby I think. We are back into the single man crunch as we decide what direction we want to take the company. We are feeling the economic crunch come in the form of people not paying on time. But God is good and the bills will be paid just not on time! We are still getting new clients though so I don't know what to think or expect. We will see who God brings our way next. In my life I continue to feel stretched by God. I am using my learned couponing skills to open a food pantry at church. It is mainly for the members that are struggling because of the economy. I find the coupons to be a good way to give way beyond my means because I can purchase so much with them. Lets see my best purchase was at Walgreens where I got $375.00 of goods for $42.00. It was an exciting day! I have a little more to do before I am running full force. I am also planning a women's retreat for our church this spring. A God led moment that is scary but exciting as I will be the speaker. I am hoping to get more than 2 women to show up. Actually because this is truly a God thing I am not too worried about numbers. God has been filling my mind constantly with scriptures to use and what points to make so I am very excited to share. Adam and I have also been helping a family that is in real need. There is abuse running rampant in it. We have been ministering and helping as best as we know how but it has not been easy. There is a light at the end of the tunnel though and I think that God's will is prevailing. Just another time consuming, not to mention emotionally consuming thing. Things with the boys are still good. They are ever entertaining/exhausting. Isaac's new word it Basketball Hoop. He still loves all things balls and cannot stand his brother getting attention. Brennan gave me a laugh the other day when he started screaming "Mom my thumb, my thumb" I came over and saw a blister. I asked where he got it. He told me that he drank too much juice and his body was leaking. I am not going to be encouraging him to be a Dr! Any way I can ignore the crying no longer. More later.

Good to Hear from Everyone

Nice to get an update on everyone.

Many congratulations to Thad and Emily! I will pray for guidance for them as they look to the future. Not sure about our schedule that weekend but will let you know.

Sandy, glad that you were able to find inner peace and calm in a very anxiety-provoking situation. I do not know any neurologists in the Atlanta area to help guide your search. I can ask one of my friends here who is a pediatric neurologist. Not sure if he will have any leads, but worth a shot. As a side note, turns out he grew up in Brookwood Hills.

We continue at a hectic pace. James is playing on a year-round soccer team and a basketball team. With school, piano, and Cub Scouts I am confused most days as to his schedule. Luckily he has a father that thrives on planning and replanning. Kathryn, in a bid not to be outdone by her brother, as always, continues with gymnastics and basketball. She is already lobbying for T-ball in the spring. We are all looking forward to Spring Break at Disney World and Bill is investigating tickets for the Shuttle launch currently scheduled for 3/12. He and the future astronaut will go to Cape Canaveral while the princess and I remain for more Disney. Her big activity will be breakfast with the Disney princesses on her 6th birthday.

Bill is currently applying for the Teach for Tennessee program that accepts people with math/science/engineering degrees and at least 5 years of work experience to be trained as teachers without having to return to college. Will keep you posted.

My work is quite busy. I just learned that another of my colleagues is leaving to take a great job in Boston. I suspect my work will be busier. If you remember the saga of the abdominal pain over Christmas. I now have no symptoms. My endoscopy showed gastritis and I continue on acid blockers. However, my ultrasound shows gallstones and another type of scan showed that the duct to my gallbladder is blocked. Next referral is to a surgeon. Hate to submit to surgery for pain that does not exist (at least at the moment). I am continuing to weigh my options but will at least go get the surgeon's opinion.

THANKS FOR ALL THE RESPONSES!!!!!

It's hard to describe the wonderful feeling that comes from peeking at the blog page and seeing so many sweet responses (and updates)!!! I suppose I have my Mom to thank for that?! And even better, my reading was accompanied by a lovely soundtrack ("Together At Last, Together Forever") because Will's watching the tale end of "Annie" even as I type----for his SECOND time today (add that to the 3---or was it 4---times he watched it yesterday eve/night, and I think I've finally tired of that darn little red-headed orphan!)!! I put it on in yesterday evening in the hopes that it would distract him enough to stay awake just a little while longer. But I'll be darned if this little boy doesn't think Carol Burnett (AKA "Miss Hanigan") is downright hilarious!!! And he clearly shares his Aunt Emily's childhood affinity for the ridiculously overdone dance and song numbers (along with his own, masculine, appreciation for the silly fight scenes)!!!!
ANYWAY....... The MAYO appt has now officially been canceled due to insurance snafus (they canceled their contract with AETNA a few months ago). I was on hold with my insurance company this afternoon (the first of many calls today) and found myself frantically begging God to make this doctor be in network for me. Just as my mild anxiety was beginning to morph into full-on panic, I was surprised to find my thoughts interrupted by the voice of reason. I realized that in light of the number of times I have submitted (and re-submitted) my life---my fate---to God's control, there need be no panicky pleading involved in my hour of prayer!!! If I truly want Him to do what is right in His OWN eyes when it comes to my life circumstances (both present and future), I have to give Him room to do what seems all wrong in MY eyes! Reaffirming my desire to have His Hand move (in whatever direction it sees fit) resulted in an immediate sense of relief. All of that building apprehension was instantly lifted........just in time to hear the disappointing news from Mayo's Billing Dept.! What could have easily been an incredibly heavy load to bear---and inspiration for hopelessness---was instead received as a temporary set-back on a CONTINUING pursuit for answers and (maybe, just maybe) relief. When I look past all factors except for the only one that actually matters (in the big picture), I have to consider today's disappointment a personal triumph. I remembered Who's in charge, and what's important, just in time. Instead of falling apart when life didn't go my way (and then having to beg God to come put my emotional pieces back together), I managed to reset my internal compass so that "My Way" was aligned with "YOUR WAY" and weathered the storm just fine! As spiritual triumph experiences go, this one may be a rather uninspiring example. But my joy is in knowing that the more often I get this "You before me" process right, the more likely it is to become second nature for me! Wouldn't THAT be a triumph?!! As for next steps, at my insurance co's suggestion I'm undertaking the daunting task of researching every in-network neurologist in their records. (From what I've been able to ascertain, Neurologists seem to be the ones diagnosing the Orthostatic Intolerance Syndromes, while they often then recommend follow-up care to be handled by Cardiologists. If you, instead, start with a Cardiologist they are more likely to get "side-tracked" by ONE of the myriad of symptoms/dysfunctions rather than stepping back to see if ALL of the issues might be part of one BIG problem.) I'll basically look each Neurologist up online, and then call them if need be, until I find some that sub-specialize in the dysautonomic disorders. (By the way, dysautonomia is sort of a blanket term for disorders that are now being distinguished from each other---sort of like "Autism" now refers to several disorders on a spectrum. So the Orthostatic Hypertension/Intolerance labels still fall under the umbrella of dysautonomia. It's actually all quite fascinating when you start googling!!) If I completely strike out with in-network doctors, I will revisit the Mayo Clinic idea. I found out that if I make an appointment at least 3 wks out, I can then request a line-by-line estimate of service and charges; that estimate can then be taken to my insurance company who'll be able to tell me exactly what I'm looking at spending for each service. Then I can make a truly informed decision---and possibly see about picking and choosing tests where possible---so there won't be a $20,000 surprise waiting for me on the other side!!
LAURIE----before I forget, I feel VERY strongly that Will needs to be in the sanctuary with us for the wedding. I mean, he might cause a few disruptions......but if he gets restless I know he'll LOVE walking up and down the aisles, or tapping out a delightful tune on the piano for you. It's all in the name of therapy----the more exposure he has to new social situations the better, right? Of course, I'd also like to be able to ENJOY the wedding myself, so I was thinking you could maybe spare one of those babysitters to sort of shadow him during the ceremony? Two birds with one stone, right?
Okay, well it's high time I figure out why Will isn't showing the slightest sign of sleepiness yet. (I know it wasn't the ill-fated late nap!) But before I go I feel the need to pose a theological/ scientific question to my learned audience. (Becky, I'm counting on you to have a theory, here!) Okay, as you can imagine I've been watching a good bit of TV lately, and APL has had all sorts of the dinosaur-themed shows lately. Tonight I watched a few minutes of yet another one, and found myself puzzled. I've never considered dinosaurs to contradict our interpretation of the creation myth---(just testing......did I scare you?)---I mean, the creation story. When scientist announced that dinosaurs and man never actually coexisted, it didn't phase me either. After all, animals WERE created prior to man, and when the account says "day" it doesn't specify that it's a day according to our human understanding of time! (Of course, I think some scientists are now changing their minds on the whole human/dinosaur coexistence thing. But setting that fact aside.......) If dinosaurs existed, and then ceased to exist, entirely PRIOR to man why were there CARNIVOROUS dinosaurs? I've studied the Biblical text in all translations available to me, and they all seem to agree that prior to the fall ALL life was in a utopian "vegan" state. The plants of the earth and the sea were plentiful enough to satisfy and sustain all life. Blood wasn't spilled until after the fall. So what's with the big reptiles with the rows of jagged, flesh-tearing, teeth? That question led to another one, and this one should be easier for someone to answer! The shows all depict an earth that's literally teeming with dinosaurs, but how much evidence does science actually have to support that? (One thing I DO know is that even though they've only FOUND evidence of 350-500 individual dino-species, scientists don't hesitate to teach us that anywhere from 1,000 - 1,000,000 other species ALSO existed! Based on what? Psychic readings?!) So how many complete, or even mostly-complete, fossils have ACTUALLY been found (worldwide, in total) so far? Are they projecting modern species population data onto dinosaurs, even though only several specimens of each species have ever been found? Because if they don't have millions of fossils to back up their own theories, I don't think the whole carnivore question is such a mystery after all. If the dino-extinction actually had more to do with the flood (and whatever natural devices the Lord may have used to set in motion the chain of events necessary to trigger such a catastrophe), dinosaurs would have had many hundreds of years to be establishing themselves (along WITH mankind) post-fall but pre-flood. Carnivorous reptiles could have emerged AND had time to both breed and get REALLY big! I know science has evidence to support meteor involvement in the dino-demise, and they'd like us to see that as also being proof against the flood's culpability (you know, the flood that didn't happen). But then they sit there and list off all of the likely after-effects of a catastrophic asteroid encounter, and one of the possible "global-killer" scenarios is....... wait for it.......massive tidal waves and coast-to-coast storms resulting in entire continents being......that's right, flooded. HELLO! So maybe the Bible gives us the Cliff-Notes version by simply saying "it rained" (which it surely did) rather than blowing ancient minds with a detailed accounting of all the steps leading up to that rain.......but that doesn't mean the flood of the Bible is different from the floods of extinction science is proposing! Right? Okay, enough of that talk! I'm afraid I couldn't resist sharing my mental ramblings with you all because I just get too excited whenever I actually have the energy to do so!!! It's like a micro-christmas! Well, here's hoping I'll have the energy to sit at the computer again soon! SANDY

Helloooooooo.....

I, too, join with prayers and "go get 'ems" for new, HELPFUL medical info. Persistent, difficult circumstances certainly take a toll on everyone--it's hard, I'm sure, to even remember "normal". May this be the beginning of better days!!!

For those who may not have heard (since I really haven't "advertised" much), Thad and Emily are engaged and a Sunday a.m. wedding on cindy's 60th b'day (Aug. 16 for those of you who don't care as much about cindy as I do) is planned. I hope many of you will be able to join us! As a little heads up, we are limited in numbers so will be providing babysitting at my house for the GREAT-nieces and nephews unless there is a need/desire that some be in attendance. [A return heads-up to me regarding that will help in invitations and PRE-numbers counting!]

Thad and Emily and her folks are all going to Charleston this week-end to look at apartments. Thad is very excited about one option he has found. He has also booked their honeymoon and is very excited about that as well. NOW he needs to find a job here soon, and an even more real one there in August. As a career, he is CONSIDERING jump shifting to chiropractic. We'll see what blossoms in his heart.

Ryon and a friend stayed a night with us and we enjoyed visiting and listening to both of their music productions. There was also a "chance encounter" at our Mexican restaurant with another musician we know who just moved up here and is a little farther down the road so to speak (I think!). Anyway, who knows what fruit that might end of bearing.

Gene remains VERY business--working long hours and traveling quite much at the moment. He heads off tomorrow again for a week-end seminar.

Nothing else jumps to mind and I'm tired, so more later.

Love to all,
Laurie

Guest Room Ready

Hi Sandy (and cindy, and Will),
I'm glad that you are empowered to take more strides toward your best health! At first I thought that is the same day for my 1st appt. with a new primary care Dr. there...but I go on Thurs. at 8 am! I hope the insurance issues are working out favorably. Just want you to know that I have our guest room ready if you all would like to stay here...don't know what time your appt. is, but this is at least a bit closer. So it's a Neurologist rather than a Cardiologist there, eh? That sounds like a good approach. I'm praying for you and for real solid help for this condition. Very proud of your efforts. --Wendy

Hi from Cindy

Well, Becky has talked me through posting on this site, so here I am. Unfortunately I don't have anything new to add other than to say that I'm glad we have a direction to go with trying to find solutions for Sandy. We have Wendy to thank for encouraging us to continue searching under orthostatic hyypertension (because we'd reached dead ends with dysautonomia.) Hopefully Sandy's been able to investigate all the insurance options today. I'm heading over to see what her status is. Love to all, C

Hi Sandy!

So, you have an appt that quickly? You're coming down to our neck of the woods? (Well, sort of. A few hours away might as well be a million, huh?) Have you arranged someone to drive you down to Jax? I assume Mom will do her duty? I hope you get some answers. That's great that you were proactive about getting help. I can't imagine living in the state you have to persist in. I would be depressed, too!

Sorry I didn't check sooner. Mom probably knows by now, huh? I mean, it's been at least a few hours.

Love ya,
B

HELLO! ANYONE OUT THERE???

Well, we had our first REAL camping trip weekend before last. From Friday night through Monday afternoon we braved Amacalola Falls' nocturnal high winds and sub-freezing temps (during the day it was perfect hiking weather.....jeans and a tank!). The campsite was gorgeous---essentially perched on a leveled-out portion of a mountaintop. The steep drive too and fro made us grateful for ice-free roads, and relieved that we'd invested in a secondary brake system on the camper itself!! We even brought Hope along, as she had recently resumed her status as "Only-Dog" in our household (a sad fact for us because we loved her silly old sister, Joy---but as far as Hope's concerned, life is finally as it should be again!). Both Hope and Will surprised us with their stamina and vigor on the difficult mountain trails (and long, steep, waterfall-side staircases), and both blessed us with quiet, solid, sleep all but the first night. Overall the trip was a smashing success, in more ways than one.........on Sunday evening Will suddenly requested to put his pee-pee in our in-camper potty!!! We got him situated, sat him on the toilet, and encouraged him for the next EIGHT TO TEN WHOLE MINUTES while he waited for the pee-pee to show itself! ("Come out, pee-pee, come out!!! Mommy, squeeze pee-pee out?!") He was entirely dedicated to the process, but had a disappointingly empty bladder. That was the only time he was willing to try on the trip, but apparently he's shown brand new interest and enthusiasm in the classroom when they practice potty time at every pull-up change!!! YES!! A few more trips and surely diapers will be a thing of the past.........right? Well, at any rate it's the first positive step we've ever really seen, and we'll take it!!! We got some nice pictures---especially of mountaintop sunsets. But I'll have to download them another time.
As far as life on the home front goes..........since returning from that amazing adventure I've spent frustratingly little time out of bed and functional. Consciousness at its most basic level is really the only difference I currently experience between using my narcolepsy (wakefulness-inducing) medicine and skipping it. (And I'm already at the highest dose allowed.) I could go into great, descriptive, detail about what this situation does to a person from the inside out, but it's just depressing. So suffice it to say that this is no life.....literally. My desperation.....despair.....has definitely reached new heights as my patience for a miracle cure, or miraculous healing, begins to grow weary. So despite the potentially high financial cost I've contacted the Jacksonville Mayo clinic for a full neurological evaluation, and they called me back to set an appointment this afternoon (while I was writing about the trip, actually). The doctor I'm seeing specializes in dysautonomia and related issues, and I can only hope that he'll be able to shed some light and possibly recommend some steps to bring symptom relief. ANY relief will be monumental. I haven't told anyone yet, but the appointment is set for NEXT Wed. So if you read this before I have a chance to call Danny and Mom, etc, you'll have the privilege of being the first to know! (I figured it was safe to post now since anyone who still looks in on the blog page will probably not do so until tonight!) Love to all, SANDY

APRIL WORKS!!

Becky,
As we told you before (and this goes for all who read this), we'd love to let others enjoy the camper whenever they want to! And if you'd like to schedule in a little camping come April, you're more than welcome to it!!!!! S

Welcome Back, Sandy!

And, when do the Eyres get to borrow the luxury home on wheels? We are coming your way in April...

Love you,
b