JANET!!! Painting is NOT going to be good for your neck!!! Yes, this is Ms. Naggy Nurse here.

I know, I'm worried about it too, but we've got to get it painted. I do have a call into the Dr and just waiting on him to call me back this morning. Pain is slight, it's just the horrible tingling. I will take it easy and try to use my right arm, but we've got to get it rented pretty soon. Really it should only take a day to get the whole house painted.

You are the stubborn one, aren't you, Janet? You really need to list6en to Gayle, I think. You have been suffering with pain for quite a while. Surely you can wait a week to rent out the house!

I am going to get my hair done, then I haven't decided what. JC Penney is having huge sales! They are getting rid of merchandise because they are getting in less expensive stuff. They have a new owner? manager? buyer? One of those, anyway. I would like to go to Oneonta and see what's on sale. I cannot afford to shop though!!! Doesn't mean I won't.

Guess I'm going to wait to paint. The Dr. just called and said he is scheduling an MRI and will get back with me with a time. So until I find out the results...I'll wait.

And yes Judy....I can be very stubborn....at times...LOL

I think that it's a good idea to wait too. You sure don't want to aggravate your shoulder any more than is necessary.

Judy, Janet just takes after her Mom in the stubborness area!! Remember all of the times Janet was so fustrated with her? :sidesplit:

I hope you find some great things on sale!! I would like to get out and do something but really don't need anything. I'm just ready to go and do something fun and different for a change!! For us to go and do much shopping it's a 100 mile trip to a large city or 30 miles to a much smaller city with little shopping so I guess I'm staying home until I can come up with a really good excuse to head for the larger city!!! Wish I lived close by.....I'd go with ya'!!!

Actually tomorrow we're going bowling for Kera's birthday and I may head to Wal-mart while I'm there. Even a trip to Wal-mart sounds like fun!!!

Diana.....if you want to do something different.....come here!!!! I really miss you! Spring break is in March for our school!

Great day ... my BOSS LADY is giving me more responsibility and seeing that it's working much better for her. Still would like to transfer Sunday out of my group, but I think they've let her get away with too much. Her newest stunt is to use her work email system to invite several people (not me) to a passion party (sex toys). Bad apple in my basket!

Can't work outside and don't want to paint, so I'm going to bed!

Well let's see now....going on the 30th to the dr about my peeing....and then going for an MRI on the 31st.

Good deal Janet! I'm glad you are taking care of yourself!!

Sandy, I can't believe she mixes anything from work with her *passion parties* She MUST be stupid!!

Good, now don't do anything foolish between now and then!

Going to bed is GOOD Sandy, you are still recovering, even though you might think you are fine. I'm glad things are going better at work, seems like you and your boss and worked things out a bit.

Judy, I read where J.C. Penny's is going to change their operations and lower their prices by 40%, which means, I'm sure, they are going to sell cheaper merchandise. The article I read said they will have a weekly special, but will not have the massive sales like they have been doing. I hope so since I have thought their prices were too high, except when they had at least 40% off sales.

In also heard no more prices at $3.99, 18.99 Etc. It will be $4.00 or $19.00 did I hear that right?

Yep. That's what I heard too

Karlie came home from school today. She was pale when she got home and complained about a stomach ache but she seems to be fine now. We did have a bug here with Glen being sick so I'm not sure if she's sick or not.

Tonight we're going skating for Kera's birthday and I'm planning on going to Wal-mart as well. Tomorrow is my birthday (Kera's too) and I invited Jaci to go to some flea markets with me!! I'm not sure where but we'll find something good........if she can go!!! She's been busy helping Nate with field work........so I played my "but it's my birthday" card!!! So hopefully she'll get to go!!! I'm so ready to get out and away from the house.......and the kids!!!

Diana, happy early birthday in case I'm not on tomorrow!!! I hope you have a wonderful day and I hope you get to go to flea markets! Sounds like fun!

Janet, I'm glad you're waiting to paint! I hope you get your MRI soon.

I have not slept well in days! Layla is having issues lately with getting water at night. I am not sure if she just doesn't want to get up and bother Kash or what (he is really alpha especially at bedtime and if he even sits and stares at her, she will leave her bed and go sleep in the corner on Scott's clothes). Anyways, at least once or twice a night she will cry and cry and cry. Scott sleeps through it, so I get up and try to push her along to the water dish. Sometimes she will go, sometimes she will refuse. Then I have to bring the dish right in front of her and she will have a huge drink of water. Then everything's fine and she'll go back to sleep. Last night she did it twice, so I got out of bed twice. I have tried to sleep through it but after a half hour I can't take the crying!

On top of Layla, we also had Scott's neice at our house last night and the night before. She turns one next week. She cries between 2:30 and 3:30 in the morning. Last night it was for the whole hour. Her parents picked her up and put her in their bed both nights, but she kept crying. It's a strange place so I understand, but it's tough when we have to get up and work the next day. One of these days our basement will be finished and we can put babies and their parents in the bedroom down there! I am just not ready for crying babies yet.

This weekend we are so busy! We have a free consultation on Saturday at the place where we are renting wedding decor. We are going to figure out linens for the tables and probably chair covers and things like that. Scott's cousin and his wife might come out that night to bring his grandmother's glider rocking chair (Scott's mom wants us to have it for babies someday!).

On Sunday we are having our snowy engagement pictures! I was worried when it was so warm this week that the snow would all melt, but there is still some left. I am worried if we leave it too long, we'll miss our chance. This just hasn't been a good winter for snow! It's so weird because we ALWAYS have snow. I'm sure this year will be going down in history for how warm it's been and how many records we've broken already!

I went to the doctor with Gary this morning, his lung doc. He has been having so much trouble with his asthma this winter. The doc started him on a medicine that he hates to take. It's an inhaled steroid, it doesn't have any systematic effects like prednisone or anything like that. But, you have to rinse your mouth after you inhale it and he doesn't like that :roll eyes: - yes, that is ME rolling my eyes. I'll have to keep after him (read NAG) to get him to take it on a regular basis.

Over lunch we had a meet and greet with our graduate students and that is always fun. Then I got away about 3:00, which is always nice on Friday to get away early.

When I got home Gary wasn't here, and I knew he was going to go to a movie, but he said he was going to the 1:00 showing, so when he wasn't home by 6:30 I was getting worried. He finally made it home and he had gone to TWO movies! LOL! He's such a geek.

Mike and I do that sometimes. We walk out of the theater, buy more tickets and go right back in, lol! It's fun:p I sure hope Gary feels better soon. I know this crazy weather doesn't help.

Betsi, unfortunately it's the cedar at the deer lease that seems to be causing the problem. He had problems breathing every single time we went out there. He is not going to renew this lease and try to find something a little south where there are fewer cedar trees.

Well, Jaci and I are heading to Wichita to go to flea markets!! She chose Wichita because she broke her wedding ring and it's guaranteed so we're taking it in to get repaired.

It will be a fun day!! No kids!!!! And Jaci's a hoot!!! Looking forward to laughing with her!!!

I hope you are having a fun day with Jaci! Happy Birthday Diana!!!

Happy birthday Diana!!!!

Thanks Betsi and Lindsey!! We had a lot of fun!!!

Hi all! I have been in so much pain that I haven't been able to do much. I can't wait for the MRI on Tuesday, not sure how much more I can take. The Lortabs or anything else is not taking care of the pain or the tingling. Sometimes it makes me feel like I'm losing my mind. Yesterday I spent most of the day in bed sleeping so I wouldn't notice the pain. It will get better.....it better get better!

Whenever I wasn't asleep, I was working on getting my All-in-One printer to work. When my computer crashed I forgot all about making sure my printer worked. The attorney in Florida called and wanted me to send a copy of the title down via email and I thought 'no problem'. Except....my scanner part wasn't working. I finally have everything working now and sent the information off to Florida. Not fun when I'm not feeling good anyway. Sure wish I had more of the Prednisone to take...after the first few doses I thought it was a wonder drug until the doses kept going lower and lower. Just another hurdle and it too shall pass.

Today, I'm not planning on doing anything except getting some laundry done and soaking in a nice hot bath.

Since I wasn't on yesterday I have a lot of reading to catch up on.

Oh Janet I hope it starts feeling better soon! Hopefully they will find something out quickly with the MRI.

Today we did our engagement photoshoot! We met our photographer down by the river in the city. We did a few locations down there and he made us feel really comfortable so that was nice. It was soooooooooo cold though! I thought my fingers would fall off because of course I couldn't wear mittens and show off my ring :rolleyes: I really enjoyed it though! It was lots of fun to do happy looks and serious looks lol. Scott and I both had lots of fun with it. He doesn't smile on cue very well so I had to dance around behind the photographer to make him laugh lol!

Janet, I'm so sorry. I hope they find out what is wrong. I also hope it is something that might be helped with injections. I hope they don't think it needs surgery. But if they do, neck surgery is pretty successful. Gary goes for his neck injection today. I hope it works as well as the last one 10 months ago.

Janet, I don't like to hear that you're in pain again. I am praying that the doctor is able to figure out what the problem is without surgery. A big hug!! :hug:

Lindsey, your photo shoot sounds like it was fun!! I hope that you're able to post the pictures where we can see them!!

I know at Jaci's wedding they took pictures before the wedding (separately) and Jaci really hammed it up and the photographer got some really great pictures of Jaci acting silly!! That's her personality and I loved it!!

Just Dean and I again today!! The weather is suppose to be in the upper 60's!! So I think that we'll be outside later. Glen keeps saying that I need to be in the greenhouse.......but there's really nothing right now to do until it gets closer to spring. I have it cleaned, sealed, and ready!! Right now I just need to get supplies to have on hand when I'm ready to start planting.

I also have to get the house cleaned up because we're having a young marrieds and singles party here at the house on Friday night and I need to get things done ahead of time. On Friday afternoon I have to be in Bartlesville to go to court with my neice. She's going through a really dirty custody case and I want to be there to see what's going on. So I have a busy week ahead of me!!!

Linds, when will we see a peek of the pictures?

Janet, update, please ... hope you're better!

As soon as I'm released from the doc for the pneumonia, I'll have an upper and lower GI. The gastro doc didn't like that I've been on prevacid for 12 years and thinks he'll find esphogeal corrosion. And, somewhere in there they want to look again for why I'm anemia. Can't get them to believe that it runs in my family and that we're ok as long as we eat right and take our iron. Mine is done now and I'm bruising really badly because I've been sick. Really

Over the beautiful weekend, I planted 2 blueberries, 2 blackberries, 1 grape, and 2 live oaks. I decided on the vinyl (peel and stick) planks for my dining/living room. I did my home paperwork and am almost done turbo taxing. Almost every week, I've been shoveling some of the burn pile I inherited into my trash can, so I'm down to about 4 more cans full. Oh, I drove to my old side of town and had lunch with my daughter and her family. Christian and Delaney are almost as tall as me and quite the young ladies.

Life is so good!

The pictures should be all touched up and ready in 4 weeks. He just did 3 weddings and is still working on those for now :) I'm excited to see how they turn out!

Sounds like you are all keeping busy. Sandy, I wish I could plant already! I can't wait to see how the vinyl planking turns out. We've thought about it for our basement.

Diana, your party sounds like fun! You always have something going on. It makes me feel lazy reading about the fun things you do all the time lol!

Ha!! Ha!! Ha!! I make YOU sound LAZY!!!! That's so funny!!! Out of all of us I'm probably the most inactive one here!!! We do try to keep up with things at church though!! That's about the only thing that I do much of!!! I just have to get the house cleaned up and with Dae Lynn and the kids that's quite a project!! It's surprising how hard the extra people are on the house and furniture.

Again.....just another day of me and Dean!!! Karlie has had a loose tooth for forever........she's afraid of blood and pain.....so she has refused to wiggle it but the new tooth is behind it and already in so she's been in a lot of trouble for not getting it out. Anyway.....last night it was really, really loose and this morning it FINALLY came out!!! This is her second tooth and it amazes her that it really doesn't hurt!! You should have heard her bawling and squalling over it before though!!! Dae Lynn had a hard time pulling her own teeth so she's had problems with even wiggling Karlie's!! So funny!!! Anyway.....we're done with THAT drama!!!

Tooth Fairy time for Karlie!

Janet,how did the MRI go? I am so sorry you are in pain! I hope the doctor figures it out and gets you feeling better right now!!!

I had terrible pain in my neck a few years ago. I even bought a cervical collar because there was just no position that my neck didn't hurt like crazy. It was a pinched nerve. I finally found a wonderful chiropractor who got rid of the pain in about a week, and then kept my neck pain free at a once/month visit. You just never know where you will find help! At this point, my neck has been fine for at least 2 years!

Sandy, you are like the Energizer Bunny! With all of these things going on in your body, you just keep going and going and going! Good for you!

I went to my writing workshop this morning, and then got my nails done this afternoon. It is just beautiful outside! I have a busy week, and it sounds like the weather is going to be great.

I had the MRI done this afternoon. Thought I was going to die of the pain lying in that tube, it hurt so bad. The Dr. called me later and told me that there were some bulging discs and something about slid forward. It involves C3, C4, C5 and C6 and also said something about one touching a nerve. Doc said he's not wanting to rush any kind of surgery, but wants me to see a surgeon on Tuesday at 2:30. Turns out he is the same Dr that did Rick's back surgery. He's very nice. I'm anxious to learn exactly what is going on and what I'll need to do. I swear I can't take this much longer. The pain is in my lower left neck, into my shoulder and then pulsates (sp) into my arm with lots of tingling. Driving me crazy at times.

I usually cry on the way home in the bus, but I can't afford not to. So, until I find out what the plans are I have to drive. I just take plenty of non-drowsy pain pills to help, it just doesn't help much.

Tomorrow I have 3 different couples/people coming to see Mom's house. I already have someone picked out that I would love to have live there, but I want to check out the others too. I have to be careful who I let in there.

Other than that....when I'm home...I usually drug myself to sleep...lol. No pain when I'm sleeping.

Janet, I'm glad you have some answers. I wouldn't rush into surgery either. They may want to try the injections first to see if they will reduce the swelling so that the nerve is not pinched. The injection uses steroids and since they helped you when you took them by mouth, there is a good chance when they are injected right into the C3,4,5, and 6, that it will really help (don't worry, it's only one injection, but it will travel to all those areas). If you do have to have surgery, I know several people who have had great success with neck surgery.

Janet, I'm anxious to see what the surgeon says about you. I'm sorry you are in so much pain:o

Gayle, how did Gary's injection go? It must have been the couple of days for medical tests. Mike had an upper GI done today. Everything looked ok, but the doc changed his meds a bit.

Mike is having surgery Thursday. Remember I told you he was having hormonal problems? Well, he has a mass on his left breast that needs to be removed and biopsied. It is day surgery, but it makes me nervous for him to be off his blood thinners for 5 days. My husband never has anything "normal" with his health:rolleyes:

Oh Betsi, I'm so sorry Mike has to have surgery, but i hope everything is OK. I know exactly what you mean about worrying about our guys. Gary has to go off blood thinners for this injection, so I understand what you mean about worrying about that.

It will take a couple days for him to get relief from the injection, but he said it was already better today, just 24 hours post injection.

Let us know about Mikes biopsy. You are right, this is medical test week! Gary also has an appt. with his cardiologist tomorrow, but it is just routine.

Betsi, I'm so sorry that Mike has to have surgery. What a scare!! Keep us posted.

Janet, It's good to finally know what your problem is but it's not the kind of news you want to hear. I hope that you're able to get some relief from the pain and tingling. Hugs....GF!!!

Betsi, I will keep you and your husband in my prayers too. You also Janet.
My husband Gary is going to need back surgery too. He has had 4 shots in the last year. But he wants to put it off till after our sons wedding. Which is in May.
Plus during the slower time at work. He has only been there working for 5 months. SO hope it does not put his job in jeopordy. You are all in my prayers.
I give Thanks that you are all so special. Thank You.

So many health issues!

Betsi, I am so sorry Mike has to have surgery.
Janet, I agree with Gayle about the injections before having surgery. Can you ask your doctor to get you the injection before your consultation with the surgeon? Why should youi have to be in such pain until everyone decides what to do? He means well, but that is a week away, and then you have to set up an appointment for the injection. That is too long to wait for relief!

Linda, your poor hubby is also waiting for back surgery!

Gary sounds like he is behaving Gayle! Thank goodness for that! It just never ends!

I am praying for all!

I went to the gym for the first time today. I have a trainer, and she is really good! I was so tired afterwards though, that I came home and took a nap! I want to go 3 times/week. I can only afford the trainer once/week for 30 minutes, but that is fine. I hope I remember what to do. She put me on some machines, I used weights in 3 different ways, and then crunches on a pilates ball. She said I have to be very careful with any kind of crunches because of my neck. I liked that because a lot of people just tell you to be careful. She said there is no way to do any kind of crunches without straining the neck.

I enjoyed the exercise, and MUST force myself to get there 3x/week.

There is also a community center nearby that is offering all kinds of great activities. My friend took over runniing it, and everyone is happy with it. I haven't gotten myself over there yet. I need a boot hanging on the wall so that I can make it kick me to get out of the house!!!

We are on 2-hour delay this morning due to dense fog. Since I've been in so much pain driving the bus I have a sub this morning. I may ride with him, but the reaching while drivinng is jus a bit too much. I may ride with him since he's never driven my route before and hopefully it won't be as painful riding as it is driving.

My appt is at 2:30 this afternoon and I'm anxious to find out exatly what my dr was talking about all this C3, C4 etc. stuff and I hope something can be done immediately. I'm really getting tired of all this pain. I'll be sure and let you all know as soon as I find out.

Janet, C3 and C4 are locations on your neck.

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I'm praying that you get good news at the doctor's office and some relief from your pain. Sorry to hear that it's so bad that you don't feel like driving.

We sure do have a lot of aches and pains on here lately. Either us or our husbands. Prayers for all of us and our families to stay healthy.

We have the party tomorrow so I'm busy trying to get things cleaned up.......that's what my goal has been all week!! I'm going to be gone tomorrow so I'm trying to get as much done as I can today.

The weather has been so beautiful but I haven't hardly been outside because of trying to get things done. And wouldn't you know.....it's going to rain tomorrow and afterwards!!! I don't mind as long as it gets cold. We've hardly been cold and if it doesn't we'll have bugs like crazy next summer!!! I'm so ready for snow!!!

I got some plant starting trays and heat pads ordered so I can start seeds in the greenhouse soon!! I'm excited!!! This nice weather makes me want to start but it's way too early!!

I have a niece that's going through a nasty custody case with her almost ex-husband. Her grandmother has called DHS on her and they came and searched her house and checked the kids!!! AND she's paying lawyer fees for her ex-husband!!!! I'm so furious over all of this!! My niece is a wonderful mother!! Her first child is half black and her grandmother tried to get her to give him up for adoption!!! She's back with his Dad and the grandmother is upset!! It's a mess......but I do know that my niece is a good mother. Having kids has certainly made a change in her life......for the better. Anyway.....I want to go down and see for myself what's going on!! I swear that some producer could make money off of the drama that goes on in our lives.......OK......maybe not mine but definitely my brother's family!!!!