Well i did it!!!

[HALEY]

I did it, today is my first day of not smoking, feeling good today.. it was a little strange this morning, all out of my routine, of smoking 4 smokes before Micah got up... but i'm pluging along here, the patch is helping alot, but making me kinda dizzy. oh well i guess its better than smoking, my doctor also called in a perscription for wellburtin, but i don't think i'm going to use that... i have if i need it. but these darn patches are so strong my damn arm is numb..

[judy]

GOOD LUCK HALEY!!!

CONGRATULATIONS

ONE DAY AT A TIME

:2party::coolsmiley::coolsmiley::2party:

[Janet]

Give your body time to get use to it. Most of all...try not to think about it and when you do...do something different even if it's walking to the bathroom or walking around your desk. Just do something different so your mind will switch to something else.

Keep going....you can do this!

[HALEY]

oh Janet, this morning was ruff, it was like i was so confused, like for example i was getting Micah ready, i forgot his socks, had to go back to his room to get his t-shirt, and he didn't want to get ready this morning, oh my,,, but i got thru it, i kept singing itsy-bitsy-spider, that's the first thing that came into my head that early..LOL...
i got my big old water bottle on the second one, ate a banana, some coffee and sucking on pretzel sticks.. im hanging in there, one day at a time...

and i have to get NOPE in my head!!!
NOT ONE PUFF EVER !!!!

I'm doing this for Micah.... Wow i just can't believe how gooooooooooodddd i smell...... i don't stink anymore!!!! YAHOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!

I think i'm just high on this patch!!! wow what a buzz.. i feel like i'm drunk or something....

[HALEY]

GOOD LUCK HALEY!!!

CONGRATULATIONS

ONE DAY AT A TIME

:2party::coolsmiley::coolsmiley::2party:



Thank you Judy,, i know i can do this... its just so stange today, i keep reaching for one, guess its just habbit, sucking on pretzels is helping... but im trying to keep busy, i got up this morning and the first thing i did was change the bedsheets, nice clean sheets tonight, i'm going to take a long bubble bath when i get home... i'm just going to take it one day at a time.. that's all i can do....

[Tiramisu]

You can do it, Haley! We'll be your support group. Get online at home and we'll be here for you!

OK - I haven't chimed in before, but I stopped smoking Memorial Day 2004, after smoking for 26 years. I somehow developed pleurisy and that caused my lung to collapse. I went to the doctor on Wednesday, the doctor on Friday, the ER on Sunday, and the doctor on Tuesday when she escorted me directly to Intensive Care, where they put huge tubes in my side to drain fluid, but it wouldn't drain because it had turned to gel. After two days at that hospital, they transported me to the Methodist Hospital where I had lung surgery. Yes, like open heart surgery, they pulled my ribs open on my back, took my lung out, scrapped it clean, and tacked it back inside.

I was in Pulmonary Intensive Care Unit for eight days and while I loved pushing the morphine button, I was aware of other patients in the unit with me. There was a woman who had a lung transplant and her body was rejecting it, so she was swollen hugh. There was a man who had emphezema so bad he was literally drowning, his lungs were so full of fluid and his extremeties were decaying from lack of oxygen. There was another man who coughed continuously, even on oxygen.

Haley, my condition was not related to smoking, but from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Everytime I think of a cigarette, I remember the smells and sounds and extreme pain and I know that I do not want to be back in that place. Most importantly, I know and commit that I will not put my loved ones in danger from my smoking.

Bless you for making this committment!

[DianaB]

Haley, I'm sure that today is going to be tough to get through and sometimes you may have to tell yourself that you just need to get through this minute, but you're a strong and determined woman and I know that you can do this!! You're doing a wonderful thing for your son, actually, your family!!! Keep us posted so we can give you lots of encouragement!!!

[HALEY]

Wow Sandy, i'm glad you quit also, i know its not going to be an easy road to go down, i went thru this before, but i have a very good reason for quitting this time. i have Micah!!! with his allergeries, i don't want to add to it by smelling like smoke around him, and really i don't want him to remember that i was ever a smoker.. i don't know how to explain it, i just feel great today, i thought this day would be horrible. but the patch is really helping me.. i'm just a little confused today, keep reaching for something that i know is not there.

I have a clip of an anti-smoking commerical i saved on my computer, its a little 3 year old boy and his mother in a train station, and the little boy lost his mother and the little boy is in tears, crying cause he can't find his mother and the ad says
"This is how your child feels after losing you for a minute. Just imagine if they lost you for life." actually in making this commerical they really did pull his mother off the set so they are real tears. I thought that was a little mean to do to a 3 year old. but boy did i get the point!!! scared the hell out of me..

[HALEY]

Haley, I'm sure that today is going to be tough to get through and sometimes you may have to tell yourself that you just need to get through this minute, but you're a strong and determined woman and I know that you can do this!! You're doing a wonderful thing for your son, actually, your family!!! Keep us posted so we can give you lots of encouragement!!!

Thanks Diana, i will, i already joined an on-line support group, there all so wonderful to me, i joined last week,,, so i'll be on here and on there site also. Nice to have friends pulling for me.. i know the cravings are going to be tough, but im strong and i know i can do this....

[HALEY]

That's a good idea to Sandy, i'll have to get online at home, i'll try to make my name the same it might be like haley123 or something like that so you all know its me from home.... or i can put haleyhome...

[Lindsey]

I'm proud of you Haley!!! You can make it through this, we're all supporting you! :)

[DianaB]

That's a good idea to Sandy, i'll have to get online at home, i'll try to make my name the same it might be like haley123 or something like that so you all know its me from home.... or i can put haleyhome...

You don't have to change your name when you get on a different computer. All you need is your user name and your password and.............voila!! You're back on!!!

[gja1000]

Way to go Haley. I've never smoked so I don't know what you are going through - but I hope you can do it!

Congrats!

[Marilyn]

Haley, congratulations, girl!!!! You are soooo awesome. You're an ex-smoker now!!! Isn't that fantastic!!! After 3 days cold turkey, they say you are over the nicotine adiction, the rest is habit. Not sure about how this works quitting with the patch. Maybe this helps you overcome the habit while reducing the nicotine and then you can just quit the patch and in 3 days, you are done for good. We're all soooo proud of you!!! I have tears in my eyes for you. So, so happy!!! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[HALEY]

We'll im on day 5 here without a smoke,,, i can't believe what my body is going thru i fell like crap!!!!! coughing up a lung over here, miserable... but trying to stay possitive.... i have 5 days under my belt and i'm not going to let this get me down... it's just my chest feels like an ashtray!!! :( I forgot about all the side effects you have when you quit... all the withdraws are terrible...
But i have to keep thinking about the reason that i quit in the first place:

my health
my teeth
my son
the price for a pack of smokes $5.45, 2 cartons a week almost 120.00 a week almost 480.00 per month, almost 5,000 a year.

Every 3 months that i quit i'm buying myself and hubby a 1,000 CD. so i'm saving for our future!!!! i keep that in the back of my head...

i just need to get thru this day.. i'm going to go and try to find some tylenol right now....:rolleyes:
ps Mike is doing good he's down to 3 smokes a day, he said when he's done with his pack that will be it...

[HALEY]

You don't have to change your name when you get on a different computer. All you need is your user name and your password and.............voila!! You're back on!!!

That would be a good idea, if i can remember my password??? :rolleyes::rolleyes:

[HALEY]

Haley, congratulations, girl!!!! You are soooo awesome. You're an ex-smoker now!!! Isn't that fantastic!!! After 3 days cold turkey, they say you are over the nicotine adiction, the rest is habit. Not sure about how this works quitting with the patch. Maybe this helps you overcome the habit while reducing the nicotine and then you can just quit the patch and in 3 days, you are done for good. We're all soooo proud of you!!! I have tears in my eyes for you. So, so happy!!! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

AWWWW Thanks Marilyn, and thanks everyone for your support... i'm just having a bad morning today... :( Maybe i'll feel better after a couple cups of coffee, i don't know why i'm coughing up a lung over here.. just feel terrible today.....

[Marilyn]

Haley, sounds more like alergies or something than withdrawal. Or maybe your lungs are trying to help you clean them up.

Hang in there!!! You are doing great!!! Your strong, you've shown that to us several times on here. We know you can do it!!!!!! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

[HALEY]

Haley, sounds more like alergies or something than withdrawal. Or maybe your lungs are trying to help you clean them up.

Hang in there!!! You are doing great!!! Your strong, you've shown that to us several times on here. We know you can do it!!!!!! :cheer::cheer::cheer:

Thanks Marilyn, i'm hanging in there, i just had a bad morning it will get better, Micah was pushing my buttons this morning, he didn't want to get ready and i was running late, i just needed a good cup of coffee and i'm chewing on some nuts. i'm starting to feel better, it's just my chest feels so tight today, i don't know what the hell is going on.. my nerves maybe???

[DianaB]

I'm sorry that you're not having a good morning! It almost sounds like you're coming down with something. I'm so proud of the fact that you've gone 5 days without smoking!!! That's quite an accomplishment!!! I know that it's hard but I know that you have a lot of determination and can do this!!!! You go, Girlfriend!!!!!

[HALEY]

im feeling better now Diana, eating my lunch a grilled chicken wrap and a side salad. i went on a diet also when i quit smoking. so i think i'm stressing myself out, but i'm eating much better than i did...

[Tiramisu]

Haley, I'm really proud of you! Sounds like you're doing all the right things.

Do your best to stay away from smokers, at least for awhile! You'll be so tempted to "bum" a cigarette when you're around another smoker. You'll think "just one", but that breaks the process. I was very lucky that my DIL and one SIL quit smoking when I did. To my knowledge there are NO SMOKERS in my immediate family. A few weeks back, we had some septic tank work done. I almost flipped out when I saw that one of the guys had left butts back there.

[HALEY]

I wish i could stay away from smokers, but there all around me,,,, at work, my dad still smokes... that's ok, i'm going to bingo thursday they will be all around me, that will be a big test for me.. but i have my patch and my water and gum to take so i'll be ok....

[HALEY]

working on day number 6... on my smokers website we have a smoking meter here's what mine says :


5 days - 4 hours - 50 min.. im a non smoker
208 cig.s not smoked
$ 56.68 dollars saved....


:bravo::cheer::cheer::cheer: you go girl !!!!!!

ok just patting myself on the back... needed that for today....

[Marilyn]

You are AWESOME!!!!!!! Way to go, Haley!!!!!!

:bravo::congrats::cheer::cheer::congrats::bravo:

We are all soooooo happy for you and your success!!!

[HALEY]

Thank you Marilyn, i also joined the YMCA yesterday,( with the money i saved from no buying cigs. for Mike and I.. :) and put micah in daycare there also, so i can workout after work, they offer so much more for Micah also, then where he is at now, the activities, and crafts, i think Micah also needs this.. so i will be working out also a couple days a week... All i see what daycare does with him all day is watch tv and i can't stand that!!! he don't even do that when im home, were outside. or doing something, i don't want my child to watch tv all day.. so i had to move him....

[HALEY]

ps: i got my first DOT on my smoking forum also, you get a dot for a reward for every week that you are smoke free, another reason to be proud of myself today!! :)

[gja1000]

Haley, it is quite an accomplishment to quit smoking. It is so wonderful that you are using your savings to benefit you, Mike, and Micah - that is so great! It sounds like things are going well!

[HALEY]

getting better everyday Gayle, there were other issues dealing with Micah and the daycare i had him at, i had to move him fast... before i killed the woman!!! but that is a long story,, still thinking about reporting her:mad: Talk about wanting a smoke MOnday, almost didn't make it thru that day!!!!!... But my son is safe now... and everyone at the YMCA are wonderful.. so Micah will have fun there.. lots to keep him busy.... and i will be working out.. so that will keep the extra pounds off, from eating jelly beans... are first time fees were waved and my husbands membership was free, cause of where he works, The company pays the memebership under his wellness program.. boy was i happy.. so i saved over 100.00 yesterday... so another plus for me.

Work still stinks, still down to 4 days a week... and still looking for another job, but other than that i'm just plugging along... one day at a time...

[gja1000]

I think it is really important to have Micah at a day care where he is engaged in stimulating activities. I have a 2 year old granddaughter and she LOVES TV - so much so that my daughter has to limit her exposure to it - she only gets to watch about 1 hour a day - two shows.

It is so important, as you mentioned, that children are in stimulating activities where they get to play and things to DO as opposed to watching things, also that they are moving and engaging with other adults and children, rather than the TV.

You've taken so many positive steps!!! :)

[judy]

You are fantastic Haley! Keep up the good work. This support groups sounds like a good thing. It makes it fun. WW is like that. You get prizes, and other people are doing the same thing.

The coughing and so on is very common when you stop smoking. My Dad had bronchitis after he stopped! I didn't have too much of a reaction like that. Hopefully, yours wont last long.,

I bet Micah is having fun. It is so important for them to learn and do things, rather than just sit in front of a TV. Has he made you a picture yet to be hung on the fridge?

[HALEY]

Thanks Judy, i'm hanging in there, its such a crappy day outside, raining all day so far, bringing me down.....
But they say you'll get worse before you get better, its just my chest feels like an ashtray, but again i did smoke two plus packs a day.. were allowed to smoke at work.. so i puffed all day long.. home was harder cause i went outside or down in the basement, cause of Micah...
but i just reward myself everyday with a nice long bubble bath... and think about how nice i smell... been bleching my teeth too there finally getting whiter :D

[judy]

Be careful with the bleach. Jessie did it too many times and now her teeth are sensitive to hot and cold.

[HALEY]

Be careful with the bleach. Jessie did it too many times and now her teeth are sensitive to hot and cold.

i don't think it matters with me Judy, my teeth were always sensitive i have to brush them in hot water, the cold water kills me, and my gum line is so messed up from smoking, my dentist told me years ago to stop, but i chose not to listen.. so there already screwed up from me! bleching them is just making them look better.. i have another dentist apt thursday again!!!!! oh boy!!

[Janet]

Sorry I haven't been here much....Haley, I'm so proud of you. What you are doing by quitting the smokes is one of the best ways to love yourself and show your family how much you love them. It will get easier...

[HALEY]

Sorry I haven't been here much....Haley, I'm so proud of you. What you are doing by quitting the smokes is one of the best ways to love yourself and show your family how much you love them. It will get easier...

Thanks Janet, its stressful at times, i just keep Micah in my head, i don't want to smell like smoke around him anymore... and my nice bubble bath a night, and sometimes a glass of red wine also helps :) that's how i reward myself everynight... i made it almost thru day 7.. joined the YMCA so i'll be working out again.. can't wait... just hope this weather gets better what a crappy week, been raining almost everyday... I want to get outside with Micah again.... we got some bubble guns i want to test out ... LOL

[HALEY]

Just checking in real fast, its been 15 days for me, smoke free,,,, feeling good...
:59::59::59::59:

[Janet]

Keep it up Haley.....so proud of you!!!

[HALEY]

Aww Thanks Janet... i'm trying... seems like its getting harder... should be getting easier.. but i'm trying to get my frustration out at the gym.. i can tell already that im gaining weight.. but i'll work it off.... i just got to stop muching on things. and go back to one meal a day... been chewing so much gum it feels like my jaw is going to fall off !!! LOL

[DianaB]

Keep up the good work, Haley!!! You're doing great!!!! Fifteen days is quite an accomplishment!!!! Remember, you're doing this for a good reason!!!

[judy]

Congratulations Haley!!!

Keep up the good work!!!

:bravo::bravo::bravo:

[HALEY]

Thank you Judy,,,, 21 days now.. and if i didn't smoke the last couple with micah crying for 8 hours straight cause he had double ear infections and strip throat and had an reaction to the antibiotics with diaherra and a red ass ! i think i could keep it up but boy did i want one a couple days ago, i even searched mikes truck, if they were there i was smoking them, but i didn't find any...

[judy]

HURRAY FOR HALEY!!!

:coolsmiley::cheer::cheer::cheer::coolsmiley:

[HALEY]

HURRAY FOR HALEY!!!

:coolsmiley::cheer::cheer::cheer::coolsmiley:


yep girl i got my 3 dots, one more week and i get a star on my smoking website... its strange you get so excited for things like this, but its a big accomplishment for me, its almost a month already, boy does time fly.... i already saved $ 462.00 yahooooooo !!!!! can't believe i was wasting all that money !!!!!

[HALEY]

Keep up the good work, Haley!!! You're doing great!!!! Fifteen days is quite an accomplishment!!!! Remember, you're doing this for a good reason!!!

yep girl, i'm doing it for Micah!!!

[DianaB]

Haley, it sounds like you're doing so good!!! I can't imagine how hard that it must be!!! Three weeks is so fantastic!!!! Keep up the good work!!! You can do this!!!


:cheer: :cheer: GO HALEY!!! :cheer: :cheer:

[HALEY]

hard is not the word i would use, its more like HELL!! especially when Micah is sick and crying non stop for about 6-7 hours.... yep sounds more like hell to me... thank God i had some wine left.... i was shaking about time he fell asleep

[Janet]

Don't give in to the temptation Haley...you're doing so good. IT WILL GET EASIER!!! Get ya some gum and/or Tic Tacs...they really help.

[HALEY]

my jaw hurts from chewing gum,,,, :(:(:(:(:(

[Janet]

Wouldn't it be nice if we could chew gum with our butts and get skinny butts because of all the exercise?????? LOLOLOL

[judy]

Wouldn't it be nice if we could chew gum with our butts and get skinny butts because of all the exercise?????? LOLOLOL


wouldn't it?;)

[gja1000]

Wouldn't it be nice if we could chew gum with our butts and get skinny butts because of all the exercise?????? LOLOLOL

LOL! Janet, only you would think such a cleaver thought!!! LOL!!!

[HALEY]

That was a good one Janet, i feel like crap today, i am so sick, Micah is sick, he's going back to the doctor's again today... i dropped him off at daycare this morning, he was crying and screaming, i had my first anxiety attack this morning, i don't know if i can do this anymore, don't seem like it worth all this shit im dealing with... :(

[donna1990]

Bless your heart. Proud of you and I know you can do it? Hope you both get well.

[gja1000]

Hang in there - take deep breaths - take one minute at a time. You can get through this, you can. Be strong.

[HALEY]

im trying gayle, but this has to be the worst week ever!!! micah's been so sick, strip, ear infections, the antibiotics now has caused him to have diarrhea for 7 days now, the poor kid is dehydrating, and back and forth to the doctors, i missed 3 days of work.. my husband is taking him today, i can't even call off to go... i think i had an anxiety attack this morning, leaving him screaming and crying... this is just so freaking painful for me...

[judy]

Poor Haley!!! Here are some hugs for you.:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:.

I hope Micah gets better soon. Anxiety attacks suck!

Sometimes, we all have to take it one breath at a time.

[Janet]

Sounds like you're having a heck of a time right now with sickness, but please Haley, don't light one up. You'll get through this without a smoke and be stronger for it.

I'm no Dr. of course....maybe Gayle can answer this, but is there someway to boost her and Micah's immune system? Maybe ask your Dr. Haley.

[HALEY]

dont worry janet im to damn sick to smoke a cig right now :(

[gja1000]

I'm no Dr. of course....maybe Gayle can answer this, but is there someway to boost her and Micah's immune system? Maybe ask your Dr. Haley.

Some kids just have to get everything in order to develop their immune system. Some more than others. Micah's immune system is growing right now. It will get better as he gets older. We have to develop antibodies to germs and that's what's happening right now. It sucks, but is just the way it happens.

Some kids are luckier or just naturally have a hardier immune system and they don't have to get sick so many times. There's some schools of thought that we should let these illnesses run their course without antibiotics so the child will build more antibodies. I know when my daughter was little, the doctor would not give her antibiotics unless she had a temp of 103 :eek: I guess it worked though, she took very few antibiotics and she's pretty healthy now. However, with our super bugs, sometimes antibiotics are a must!

I agree Judy, one breath at a time!

[Janet]

Thanks Gayle. I was more interested in Haley getting her immune system built up. Poor girl...every time Micah gets sick, so does Haley. Can't be fun for her.

[gja1000]

Thanks Gayle. I was more interested in Haley getting her immune system built up. Poor girl...every time Micah gets sick, so does Haley. Can't be fun for her.


Oh Janet! I misunderstood! LOL! It's a tough thing when you have little ones. We don't have immunity to "baby bugs" so we have to build antibodies!!! We've gone through it with both our grandchildren - because they are 10 years apart. All of us get sick the first 2-3 years with whatever they brought home. Then after about 3 years, we have baby bug immunity and bam! we are healthy again! I think it is a right of passage.

There are a few herbs that are supposed to boost immunity - e.g., garlic (I think), but I'm not sure how effective they are. One thing is for sure, stress DEPRESSES the immune system. The more stressed you are, the sicker you become.

[Marilyn]

Oh, Haley, I know you can do it!! You are one tough cookie!! I know it's hard. I remember when the girls were small and sometimes both of them were sick. Once all 4 of us were sick at the same time and could barely take care of each other. There were times when it just seemed like it was too much, I was just too tired to keep going, but this time will pass, and you will be so glad you made it through smoke free!! You can do it. Know that you have people who are here for you and are keeping you in thoughts and prayers. Love ya, girl!!!

[HALEY]

well Marilyn, keep the prayers coming, cause im still stick, i found 875 mg antibiotics and some cough med. i had when i was sick last time, so im self medicating myself. No time for me to be sick right now!!!
As for Micah... i got a shocker yesterday!!!!! His ear infection cleared up, but still fluid build up behind the one ear.. a little cold, no fever, throat looking good..
and are you all ready for this one...
She is sending him to get a autiology evaluation ( hearing test) and she also ordered him early intervention,, Micah only knows about 10 words, and can't but two words together ( which i was well aware of, but they told me last visit not to worry about this cause some kids learn slower than others), so she also ordered him speech therapy... how much more can i take right now before i crack!!!! :(:(:( poor kid been thru hell this week, now more doctor's...

[Marilyn]

Haley, hopefully his hearing is fine and he's just not ready to communicate too much. I was really worried about our youngest. She was hardly talking by two. We had her hearing checked, and it was fine. Then one day she started talking and hasn't quit since. They all do things in their own time. It's great that you are having his hearing checked though, because if there is a problem, now is the time to know it so you can help him as much as possible to do well in the future. Sounds like you are doing all the right things for him.

(Just be sure and take him to Bible class, too. That's even more important.)

[HALEY]

Marilyn, he's talking but not putting the words together like he should, he saw his old pediatrician, that i love but she changed her schdule and i can't get her in the evenings anymore... she is the only doctor up there i swear that has a brain... all the other doctors want to be in and out... but they want your money $$$$.. i'm sorry i just hate doctors!!!! seems like they don't care anymore, they just want to pack you in like cows and see how many of us they can fit in one day.... but anyways. i told my husband not to leave unless you get more drugs off her for his ears or he goes for a hearing test cause there is something wrong with him, he's waking up in the middle of the night again crying and screaming,,, i was ready to take him to childrens' hospital myself... you can tell he's trying like hell to put words together but can't get them out.. i told the doctor this the last time and he just blew me off... Thank God i got Tina this time,,, i'm only going to see her from now on, i don't care if i have to use all my vacation days, those other doctors don't know there ass from a hole in the ground!!! pisses me off, how many times i had to take Micah up there.. they wanted me to take him up there friday so they could weigh him !!!! yea right i'm going to drive 35 min. so you can wiegh my child... should have done it when i was there thursday !!! see why i hate doctors!!!

[donna1990]

Girl, you are really having a rough time.
Don't they put tubes in their ears anymore?
My oldest son had problems, he had tubes put in when he was 18 months old, then again when he was older. He had a hard time too, his teacher told me he was retarded in the fourth grade but it was due to hearing loss. After special classes he caught up.
Sure hope things start changing for the better real soon.

[HALEY]

Girl, you are really having a rough time.
Don't they put tubes in their ears anymore?
My oldest son had problems, he had tubes put in when he was 18 months old, then again when he was older. He had a hard time too, his teacher told me he was retarded in the fourth grade but it was due to hearing loss. After special classes he caught up.
Sure hope things start changing for the better real soon.

I asked that question to, or so they can just drain the fluid in his ears, they will NOT put tubes in his ears unless he has had 4-5 ear infections. PERIOD !!! or if he fails his hearing test... i have it scheduled for Friday, and they don't even want to do the hearing test because of the fluid in his ears!! i called the doctor back, and she said to schedule it and to forward her the results... so i'm doing what she tells me to do, i'm sick of fighting with these people, i just want my son to hear things right not like he just go out of a pool... and be able to say more than a dozen of words... i don't know maybe its to much to ask for... my next step is to run him to the emergency room and tell them my son can't hear period!!! and see how fast they move....

[donna1990]

Do you have a ENT DR?

[judy]

You are really in the middle of major stress Haley! I am very proud of you for keeping off of the cigarettes in the middle of this.

I know what you mean about the "doctor game." You will straighten it out, but it takes a lot of energy. My daughter is just figuring out how to deal with it up here.
In NYC, she could pick and choose doctors.

My grandson was tested and they said he has all kinds of perception problems, focus problems, and on and on. The school worked with him, and he is doing beautifully! He may have these problems, but he has probably learned to compensate. Or...he may not have all of the things they listed.

Keep in mind that children are amazingly resilient. Please give Micah a hug and kiss from me, and take a couple for yourself.

[HALEY]

Do you have a ENT DR?

No Donna, its whoever i get stuck with Friday when they send us down to Children's Hospital for testing.... (that's if i like him or not!)

[HALEY]

You are really in the middle of major stress Haley! I am very proud of you for keeping off of the cigarettes in the middle of this.

I know what you mean about the "doctor game." You will straighten it out, but it takes a lot of energy. My daughter is just figuring out how to deal with it up here.
In NYC, she could pick and choose doctors.

My grandson was tested and they said he has all kinds of perception problems, focus problems, and on and on. The school worked with him, and he is doing beautifully! He may have these problems, but he has probably learned to compensate. Or...he may not have all of the things they listed.

Keep in mind that children are amazingly resilient. Please give Micah a hug and kiss from me, and take a couple for yourself.

TThanks Judy, i'm calling about his speech classes today, i called Friday and they didn't call back, i'll try again today... here will go again with about 2 hours on the phone again today..

[2tiredmom]

Haley,

I hope you get some answers and everyone is feeling better soon. Your in my prayers.

[HALEY]

Thank everyone, i hope i get some answers too...

[gja1000]

The evaluation by a speech therapist is a really good thing - even if his hearing turns out to be normal. Everyone is right, kiddos develop at individual rates - but the therapist will be able to tell if his particular development is normal. My nephew didn't talk (much less than Micah) and they didn't know why, so he had speech therapy and now he is perfectly normal. I think he had therapy for a couple of years. They didn't know why his speech was delayed, but it was.

Good luck, I understand 2 hours on the phone - or playing phone tag - I do it all the time with Gary's doctors. It is maddening!

[HALEY]

we'll girl i already know he's going to fail the hearing test, with fluid in his ears still from the ear infection, maybe that's what my peditrician wants? oh well ,, I guess i'll see what her madness is when she gets his results.. i think i know she is pushing for him to get tubes, but i really don't want tubes in his ears.. but i don't want that fluid in his ears forever either..

ok its almost 9 am... have to start calling for his speech therapy now wish me luck....

[HALEY]

good lord, i called the number and it was metal health department :eek: but they connected me with intervention, and she said someone will get back to me within 24 hours, and i was like hold on, this is the second time we are calling, my husband called friday!!! i want someone from this office to call me back today to schedule and appointment!! and she did apoligize and say someone will call back today, well they have until 2:30 and i will call back again !!!

[HALEY]

they called back, her name is Amy, she is coming to my house monday, to do an intake??? whatever that is, then if micah falls within the 25% delay, they will start classes a couple times a week, this will be nice they will come to the house, wonderful :)...

[Tiramisu]

they called back, her name is Amy, she is coming to my house monday, to do an intake??? whatever that is, then if micah falls within the 25% delay, they will start classes a couple times a week, this will be nice they will come to the house, wonderful :)...

What's this for?

[gja1000]

Hearing assessment and possibly speech therapy, I think.

[Tiramisu]

How do you get home checks?

[Janet]

Haley I sure pray that everything is fine with Micah. I think it's great they are coming to your home. With all you're going through it must be touch kicking the habit, but I believe you can do it.

[gja1000]

How do you get home checks?

I don't know!!!

[judy]

I'm so happy for you Haley! Home visits! That's something I bet you didn't expect.

How are you feeling?

[HALEY]

Its for speech therapy, the state pays for home visits if he falls within 25% range of being behind what a "normal" 2 year old range of speaking. Thanks to the No child will be left behind, thing.. oh well i have good insurance so i guess for once in my life the state is paying for something.

[HALEY]

Haley I sure pray that everything is fine with Micah. I think it's great they are coming to your home. With all you're going through it must be touch kicking the habit, but I believe you can do it.

i was bad this weekend, i had a hit of my friends smoke :( oh well i didn't like it much, but im back to thinking about them all the time.... i guess that's what happens when you go out and have a couple of beers with your friends....
anyways.. we took micah to get his hearing test he fell within "normal" hearing range she was concerned about the fluid in his ears.. (imagine that!! this is what i been bitching about for a couple months now!!!) so she told me to move up his apt with his peditrician and get the fluid out of his ears, (probably needs tubes in them) and she wants to do another hearing test on him.. so this visit like i thought was a waste of time... oh well here we go again with doctors visits!!!!! there going to get so sick of seeing me.... oh well again, i'm not going to stop taking him until all that fluid is out of his ears...

[HALEY]

I'm so happy for you Haley! Home visits! That's something I bet you didn't expect.

How are you feeling?

Nope i really didn't expect home visits, i lucked out on this... but she is going to be there at 3:30, i'm going to have to leave work early today to go pick him up and rush home.. i hope these classes help him, i feel so bad all the crap he's being going thru lately... but we stopped at toys r us on the way home and got him a nice car to drive around in.. boy was that expensive,, i still want to get him a swing set. can't believe toys rus was out of wooden swing sets already!!!

i'm feeling ok, this cold wants to hang on for dear- life here can't seem to sake it...

[HALEY]

How do you get home checks?

you have to get a perscription thru your family doctor or peditrician.

[DianaB]

Haley, I'm so sorry to read about all that you're dealing with right now. As you've been told every kid learns to talk at his/her own pace. I wouldn't be too concerned about Micah's lack of speech right now. Some kids just learn a lot slower than others. My daughter, Amy, had problems with being understood when she did finally talk. We worked with a speech therapist for a year or so to help improve her speech. One of the most important things that I remember learning was to have them look at your mouth and how you form words so they can see how you speak and say words. I checked into right before she went to kindergarten. Good Luck!!

[HALEY]

That's what the speech therapist told me yesterday that boys are sometimes slower, but she was also concerned with the fluid in his ears also that he might be hearing words different and thats why he might be having a hard time saying them, but he's no dummy, you tell him to go get something like his shoes and he will go get them, he understands you, just having a tuff time saying it.. well he fell into the range for speech therapy so they will start next week, they will come to my house one day a week for an hour, so that will be nice i can see what there doing with him and try to work with him also the rest of the week.. and he also has another peditrician apt friday again at 4:30 to see what there going to do with that fluid in his ears, apparentley the antibiotics didn't clear it up and i think that's what the doctor was waiting for, i think the only thing the can do now is put tubes in his ears, which i don't want but i really don't think i have a choice right now, its that or him feeling that fluid in his ears forever and i know its driving him crazy.. so i'll let you know what they say Friday...

[judy]

It sounds like he really needs the tubes in his ears. I know you would rather not have that, but it is so common, and usually works. Please take pictures of that little angel if he gets his tubes! He is just going to look as cute as ever.

I posted somewhere on this thread(?) about some of the problems my grandson Brandon was diagnosed with. He was also left back in kindergarten. Jessie was so worried! We all were.

She had a school meeting with their team and Brandon scored a 93% in his State wide reading test! His lowest test score was 85% in math. His teacher and the rest of the team think he is just doing beautifully, has caught up, and now he's into Little League. Their school is amazing. They got a team together and took the doctor's evaluation and assessed it, delegated different staff members to work on various things with him, and so on. You really could not ask for better. He may still have some perceptual issues, but they are not affecting him at this time.

So, even if Micah has any issues, they will work with him and he will be just fine. I do not think he has any issues. If his hearing is affected, of course his speech will be.

[HALEY]

your right Judy, i think all the problems he is having are all going back to the fluid in his ears, i moved up his doctors apt to Friday, so tom. i will be taking him this time, not Daddy. and im not leaving until they get the fluid out of his ears or schedule an appointment for tubes... i'm sooooo sick of doctors right now, its not even funny,, then monday he starts speech classes at my house.. then i have to get to the doctors soon,, i been so damn tired lately, no energy at all, have leg cramps.. stuffed up,, can't take it.. im so ready to start smoking again, i felt better when i smoked !!!! :mad:

[donna1990]

You have really had a long stretch of stuff. Hope it ends soon. Proud of you for not smoking through all of the stress. Thinking of you.

[HALEY]

You have really had a long stretch of stuff. Hope it ends soon. Proud of you for not smoking through all of the stress. Thinking of you.

thanks Donna, but if i gain one more pound or wake up feeling sick again, im going to the store and buying a carton !!! had it... :(

[Janet]

Haley....young lady!!! Please!!!! don't go buy any smokes. Think of Micah! They are not worth it believe me.

We know so many kids that have tubes in their ears. Like Judy said it really is a common thing now. He'll feel so much better.

[HALEY]

well janet, took micah to the doctors friday, he has double ear infections again!!! i can't win.. just can't....

[Janet]

That poor baby must be miserable and you too. Hopefully if he gets the tubes, he won't have this as often. I just hate the thought of him being so sick, ear infections are not fun.

[HALEY]

I told the peditrician, when this ear infections clears up, i am taking him to a ear, nose and throat specialist, that i need him to write me a perscription so my insurance pays for it, i told him im done playing these games every week back and forth, that's 15.00 a trip, plus gas and a 45 min. drive!!!!!! im done!!! now i have to take him down pittsburgh thats an hour away, plus gas is going up.. just can't win Janet... i don't think the peditrician liked my tone of voice last visit, but i'm to the point i really dont give a s*** !!! :) my son my call!!!

[Marilyn]

Haley, why wait, take him now. The specialist may have a better approach to dealing with the infections.

[HALEY]

Haley, why wait, take him now. The specialist may have a better approach to dealing with the infections.

I can't take him with double ear infections. i have to wait till they clear up, and he needs to go back to the peditician, and they will write me a perscription, can't do anything without the perscription.. so i'm a little screwed right now... Plus i don't think they can test him with ear infections anyways...

[gja1000]

When my granddaughter had multiple ear infections, they sent her to an ear nose and throat doctor to treat the infections. I think that is what needs to happen in this case and that is what Marilyn is saying. The pediatrician has tried and tried and tried and the infections keep coming back. You need another opinion on how to treat them. I'd get him to the ent as soon as possible.

[HALEY]

oh i am, as soon as this ear infection clears up, i have to go back for a follow-up to his peditrician, and he said he is going to send us to Childrens Hospital to the specialist for more testing. I can't do anything right now without the perscription from his Peditirician.. my insurance will not pay for it... we are going but have to wait.... They can't see whats going on in his ears with this infection, they can't see the fluid... i have to wait until his antibiotics are done with and take him back and then they will send us to the specialist...

[DianaB]

{{{{{Hugs}}}}}} It sounds like you're dealing with a lot right now and need a BIG hug. Please don't buy another pack of cigs. Remember the reasons that you're wanting to quit. Nothing has changed and your reasons are still there. I'll be praying that Micah's ears will get better and that your stress will lessen. Remember we're all here for you!!!!

[HALEY]

Believe me i wouldn't buy a pack, i'll be going for a carton!!! :( today is my first day without the patch, and its yukkie :( i'm going to try and workout at the gym after work today... see how that goes..
as for Micah. the antiobiotics seem to be working better than the last ones, he was so sick on those, i think they were too strong.. last night was the first time he slept thru the night in a while, but then again he had motrin, antibiotics and clairton, no wonder he slept thru the night... and so did i the first time in a long time also, first night without the patch i ripped it off yesterday after work, couldn't take it anymore, sick of the strange dreams... boy did i need that sleep, went to bed at 8:oo...
micah also had his speech classes yesterday, they went well,, boy the stupid things you don't think of, to teach your child, she amazed me yesterday.

[donna1990]

So sorry that things are not getting better for that baby.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::justahug::justahu g::justahug:

[HALEY]

So sorry that things are not getting better for that baby.

:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::justahug::justahu g::justahug:

Hopefully soon Donna, i know he's going to need tubes, but i tried to keep him away from that.. but even his ped. said its likely now cause of all the infections he has had...plus the fluid stuck in his ears.. i will know in a couple of weeks when he goes back...
It was crazy when i took him there i didn't even know he had ear infections, he showed no sign, no fever or anything, well he's always sticking his fingers in his ears cause of the fluid, but that was it...
but it will get better i keep praying... and he will be going down to Childrens' that's the best hospital around my area.. they were so nice when we went down for his hearing test (but like i said waste of time with the fluid in his ears)... but i'm glad now i know where its at.. it was hard to find the first time down..

[judy]

Haley, you are such a strong woman. I know it feels like there is no end to this, but you will find a way for Micah to get well.

You are also under a lot of stress because you aren't smoking anymore. I think that was one of the two hardest things I ever had to do in my life. (The other was deciding to end my second marriage). You might be getting sick because your lungs are clearing the toxins and so is the rest of your body.

Spring is coming, and you can walk in the sunshine, sweet Haley!!!

[HALEY]

thanks Judy, i don't know if you read the other thread i started, but now micah has a fever the morning so he is home with grandma, i told her if it goes any higher to call me and i'll pack him up and take him to the doctors again... always something.... wow i can't believe it 43 days without smokes... can't believe it... but boy have i been craving them lately,, i just hope i make it thru the holiday weekend. going to be hard Monday with my friends coming over the house.. two of them smoke... so well see if i can do this :(

[DianaB]

When your friends that smoke come over ask them nicely to smoke outside and explain that you're trying to quit. Being friends they should understand.

[HALEY]

When your friends that smoke come over ask them nicely to smoke outside and explain that you're trying to quit. Being friends they should understand.

your right, one thing we never smoked in our house, i still have some ashtrays and they will be outside in the yard when they come over ..

[Janet]

Stay strong Haley. While others are smoking just stay out of the smoking area. You can do this, just like Judy said....you are a very strong young woman. It will be two years come this August for me not smoking and I have to tell you there are still times I would love to light one up. Those times are few and far between though now. You can do it.

[donna1990]

I just don't know what to say, hard to believe that he has been sick this long.
Prayers for you guys.

[HALEY]

Janet i made it... i didn't smoke, i'm very mad at my quit partner, she started back up this weekend...
As for Micah we all had a wonderful time this weekend i tried to load up the pictures on my home computer and it froze, i have a call in to the girl who fixes my computer hopefully she will call me back...
Micah seems to be doing better, but still pulling those ears :( going to make him another apt to have them checked to see if the infection is gone and what the doctor wants me to do next.. will keep you all posted...

[DianaB]

Haley, I'm so proud of you for making it through the weekend!!!!!!!!!! I know that it was probably hard expecially with all of your friends around, but you did it!!!!!!! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: Way to go!!!!!!!

[HALEY]

Haley, I'm so proud of you for making it through the weekend!!!!!!!!!! I know that it was probably hard expecially with all of your friends around, but you did it!!!!!!! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer: Way to go!!!!!!!

not to mention that my "smoking partner" starting smoking again this weekend, it really got me down.. but... have to keep marching i guess.. and i have my fat pants on today,,, another bummer :( but i'm off to the gym... talk to you tom.

[HALEY]

I just don't know what to say, hard to believe that he has been sick this long.
Prayers for you guys.

Thanks Donna, its been tooo long!!!