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
