Doctor update 2

First off, please pray for my dad, who is going through recovery from back surgery. Pray that whatever infections and issues are handled quickly. Thanks!

I went to my neurologist to get a follow-up on two MRIs and blood work.
The good news- no blood disorders and nothing that stands out. Everything looks great on paper when it comes to the blood work. My carotid artery looks good and no issues seem to be present.

It's been almost three years since my last MRI which showed my main stroke damaged area and one spot in another area. This is the part that has been hard to take. I've had nine more small strokes sometime in the last three years. I had no idea as there is no physical change that we can tell. I'm still having other issues so it might be that my brain tries to re-write the connections and I have an episode that I cannot see so the connection is not form. However, as much as I can speculate, I will not.

So still no explanation except that I must watch my blood pressure and loose weight. Perhaps another opinion is best so going to speak with my primary care about the findings.

I admit I'm saddened and it's scarey. I'm young, 38, but whatever is going on, God knows. Please pray for me and my family, my husband and daughter. Thanks!

Thankful

Thank you for the comments, emails, prayers and requests. I'm thankful for a better day today. Updates in the coming weeks about all the tests and appointments. I have blood-work appointment this Friday for some special tests (Gene analysis, lupus, protein, etc) to see if any other issues I may have that might have an idea of why I had my stroke. Please pray for answers. Several doctors think it may be more then just the high blood pressure especially since this has been an issue since my teen years.
I leave this in God's hands.

"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

  Let your reasonableness be known to everyone.

 The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything,

 but in everything by prayer

 and supplication with thanksgiving

 let your requests be made known to God.

  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding,

 will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,

 whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,

 whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence,

 if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things." 

Philippians 4:4-8 

Spending Time Part 2

We have been spending time with our daughter the past few weeks before school starts back up next week. She wanted me to share what we have done as a family. We've watched movies and played different games. I haven't felt well (pain when walking/not much energy) and so we haven't gone many places but even still we make the most of our time together. Her and I have worked on chores during the day as best we can, teaching her about kitchen and laundry. A few days we had Grandma helping with us and that's always an adventure.

One of the fun times that we laugh together about and enjoy is Minecraft. We have a private server that we can play together and do lots of creating. It's about using whatever we can find from the block materials to make essential tools, building blocks to very complex objects.  Minecraft also gives me a chance to work on moving my right hand on the mouse and pressing the shift button. My right hand doesn't always want to do what I want it to do. I cannot feel definite objects so I have to watch what I'm doing with my right side. I'm getting better even if slow.

Here are some of our creations along with our characters:

Daughter's character outside our home base

Living Room/Dining area

Our Characters with our horses, sheep and cows

We enjoy what we can during this busy season. While I wish we could be out enjoying being with others, we have a great time together at home.

I hope you had a great weekend and all is well. If you have any prayer requests, send me an e-mail or comment. May the Lord bless you this coming week.

Wow! It's November!

Where did the time go? Last time I wrote was back in August. I had just started a new season of therapy. At that time I was walking with a 4-prong cane and barely getting around my duplex. I was not doing dishes and rarely went in the garage. I left almost all the cleaning to my husband and 99% of the food preparation/cooking. I didn't think I could manage with a right side that was not functioning in holding items or walking. Sure I get out and about but no where near what I did before my stroke. After my time was up at therapy, I'm doing so much more and have to watch it or I do too much.

I'm walking around the house about 90% of the time without any assistance - No Cane, or walker or anything - maybe a wall or door from time to time but thank the Lord! Outside I use a single prong cane and still working up the courage to walk unassisted. Yes I still have issues with my muscles and swelling in feet/legs but I'm walking and doing better as time goes on. I still need to work on my energy and getting out to church on Sunday. Please pray that my anxiety goes away being around people and that my brain will function when around crowds. Like I said, my energy is not the best and some days even just going and walking, end up in pain in my right foot and lower back. Please pray that we can get in a better routine.

I'm using my right hand more and some feeling coming back. I thank God for all He has given me! I cooked macaroni and cheese and brownies in therapy. Now to apply what I did, at home. Difficult to process what I'm doing at times and how to manage around our kitchen. I did make a moist chocolate cake, for my daughter's birthday, that I did everything except put in the oven. The cake was so yummy that by the next day it was all gone between family. I've even fixed a few plates for my family at meals and took plates from living room to kitchen. A work in progress but I'm happy to try and keep at it!

Other things that have happened the last few months - I had a severe stomach illness in September/early October, that lasted for 4 weeks. Praises for giving the right meds and good doctor to check on my stomach area to rule out other possibilities. I admit that I had doubts about what we needed to do but God was right there watching over me, my fever and the pain.
My husband still looking for work. Praise that the unemployment was continued. Praise that he is able to go to college starting in January, still waiting on GI Bill confirmation but thankful for whatever God gives us during this time. We are trusting Him for provision for what we need. The unemployment will stop at the end of the year or sooner if work is found.
My husband had a small wreck in August and the car still needs to be fixed. We are saving up and almost have enough. Praising God for the safety of both my husband and the other driver and passenger. That neither party was charged and insurance has paid, now to get the damage fixed. Please pray nothing happens while we get our funds together.

Whew long post - Thanks for reading. I hope you all have a good week. For those that celebrate Thanksgiving, a wonderful Thursday and a happy, thankful day. May God bless you all.

May 28, 2012

Lovely view from Melbourne Beach, Florida

Hi my friends! I hope all is well with you and if not, may you find relief, comfort, in the arms of the Lord. He is our refuge and strength. (Psalm 46)

Words have come and gone, quicker then I can write them down. So what are we doing lately? Not a whole lot. Our time has included spending time together as a family unit, learning to manage the changes from moving, the challenges of my daily care but also getting our medical started in a new place and then there is school and ending quite well for moving and dealing with new ways of schools and teachers.

We made changes to the rental house (put in a hand rail on side of bath tub and my chair, added a step in garage with a hand rail) so that I am a little at ease but still dependent again for a lot of things that I need to work on and to feel more independent. We have had a semi-rough transition but we will get there in time.

Part of this journey I'm dealing with - what am I doing, what am I to do and where do I fit in to society, community and even family. For the most part I have been studying/reading my bible and really eager to learn and change my ways which can be a real struggle but I know this process takes His help in learning His ways. I have used Facebook to increase my faith through prayer and reaching out to share Jesus' love with others. I struggle with jealousy at times because I'm not fully functional however I'm learning.

This month is stroke awareness month and I have the need to share with others the signs (include face drooping, loss of feeling/function of arms and legs, slurred speech, vision loss and blur) and the need to act quickly in getting help. I am not perfect so please forgive me for not writing sooner.

Please also pray for our nation and that the Lord have mercy on us. This is an important time for us here in America and we need to get back on track.

Many hugs to all!

All kinds of Weather

Hi all. I hope I find you all doing well in whatever season you are in right now. Weather is a strong topic in my house especially with my dad around. We talk about the weather almost all day with updates from him while he is out and about the town. I've learned so much over the years that his fascination with the weather has rubbed off on me. brb (be right back)
Ok, my alarm was going off in the bedroom. I was up almost 2 hours earlier then my alarm. All the talk about the hurricane Irene and getting daughter off to school, I forgot to turn alarm off when I got up. I was almost confused about what time it was when the weather channel showed a live shot of Miami, Florida. At 10 AM Eastern cars had to have their lights on and it looked like it should be night time. They are experiencing the outer bands of wind and rain. Still rocky weather.

Please pray with me for the East Coast, the islands and anyone else affected by the weather issues.

This week we have had earthquakes, Southern Colorado, Virginia (felt all up and down the East Coast) and even here in Oklahoma City. Small tremor and very brief but I felt it and was confirmed a few hours later when reading. We also are into day 54 of 100+ temperatures, yesterday 109 High yikes!!
Not only the outside weather, we all have our own weather brewing inside. I came down with a cold and still battling it but so much better than last week. Sometimes I "feel" like I'm in a tornado, everything spinning fast, tightly, creating disaster in the path and then a calm, peaceful breeze even if physically not recovered. Love God's peace and shelter! Other times, like a hurricane, with waves of turbulence. Calmness, rain and wind, calm light rain, heavy rain and stronger wind, calm - continues until you get closer to the center of the storm strong wind, tornadoes, heavy rain and then nothing right in the center eye. But to come out, you have to go through the same but instead of increasing, decreasing.

My husband and I are going through a hurricane season, waves of dealing with outside circumstances and sometimes rocky patches at home. Please pray for us, especially my husband. We are close to the center of our storm. Even if many more months left, the next few weeks are crucial. Please forgive me if I am vague and not around. I am needing time away to spend in prayer and with my family.

Seasons and all kinds of weather - Praying for you all and the season you are in now. May God's peace and light shine through and surround you.

“Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.”

Psalm 119:165 NKJV

"Trust in Him at all times, you people;
         Pour out your heart before Him;
         God is a refuge for us.  Selah"

Psalm 62:8 NKJV

August 1

Hi all! A short note today - it's Hot! and even the rest of the week even hotter. I'm a little bit behind in reading blogs and trying to stay in touch but it's hot!

Daughter had first day at school and was smiling this morning. She was all ready to go and got to see several friends from last year. They all have started a new school and season - the 3rd grade! My dad, Papa, took pictures and got to meet her teacher and see the school. I stayed home as I did not sleep well last night.

This heat is getting to me but I went to church yesterday. The best Sunday I have had in.. well years! I hope you all have had a great weekend. Time for a new month and time for me to sit in front of the fan.

Please pray for relief to all dealing with drought and this heat wave. Have a great week!!
God bless you all!

July

Hi All! I hope that you all are having a good month. I haven't kept up with my updates as much as I would like but there really isn't much going on here. We are having very hot days and that means I don't go anywhere unless I must leave our apartment. Talking 100+ temps the last 3 weeks if not more, I stopped counting. We have at least another week if not more according to our weather crew. I'm praying for relief!
School starts August 1st and registration is this week but there are issues at my daughter's new school. They are working on changes to school and getting the A/C working. No teachers have been assigned yet nor is there a bus stop. But kiddo is having some fun today at the local pool with a friend and his family. Pool, snacks and plenty of water! I'm glad she gets to do something even though it has been a hot summer.

As for my therapy, there is a hold so I'm doing what I can at home, daily tasks and trying to do what I remember. Progress is slow but to be honest - I would rather read my Bible and soak up God's word. My day goes so much better when I have spent time reading, asking questions and filling my mind with the Lord. Of course I need to balance my activities and I try. I spend some time on the computer in the afternoon/evening, catching up on blogs/facebook. I just can't get enough of God's word!
Progress - I was going to post some pictures but have not transferred them to the computer so I will tell you instead. I'm walking more without the cane in our apartment. I still have days where I need a little more stability but there has been less days. My husband's days can be filled with work so there are days that I need to take care of me by myself so another progress is - showers independently. Yes I use a chair but it's so nice not to wait on others. I make sure everything I need is in their place and I'm set. I feel good about my foot/stance getting in the shower and can actually use my right hand! Now to work on standing longer - not fun, muscles get tighter the longer I stand. I can feel some muscles but I don't have the outside feeling at least not fully. A little hard to explain that I can feel some things but not everything and not all the time. Makes for difficulties doing regular everyday tasks.

Having a stroke that affects many functions is the most difficult thing I have done in my life and I urge everyone to keep your health in check. I thank God for allowing me to be here and tell others!
So my question is - is there anything you want to know about? I sometimes don't know what to write.
You can e-mail me at sbatterton@gmail.com  or just leave a comment if you wish. I would like to know if there is something you wish to know about me or my blog etc.

Have a great weekend and try to stay cool!

Prayer requests -
1. That our daughter's school comes together and that the first week goes as smooth as possible.
2. The weather will rain or have some relief for those in drought.
3. For my husband - unspoken. God's direction and favor.
4. For my continued progress - feeling to fully return in right side, balance and use of functions, right hand and foot to work correctly, muscles to release when at rest.

God Bless,

June

Hope you all are having a great summer! I haven't been around as much this week but still think of you all often and reading blogs/comments when I can. May God bless you and that this weekend is a great one. The weather is hot, hot, hot!

June has been another fast month but this week seemed to have slowed down for me but very busy for my husband. Our daughter is visiting her biological dad for the last few weeks but will be home the first week in July. I'm thankful that she is able to have some time with him and hope they are having some memorable times. I'm thankful that my schedule (not that I had one full schedule) has changed some. From sleeping a lot to now I'm having more energy to get up and actually make a routine. A routine of some time in God's word (reading through the New Testament of the Bible in a Summer Session and doing a Bible Study on Romans 8 with Precept Ministries.) and therapy times (from writing, stretching, walking and other exercises).

Speaking of walking, praise the Lord! I have had more good days this week! My walking seems to have improved some and I could have lots of moments without my cane in our apartment. This sudden change has helped me prepare my own food and drinks, deal with our cats (play toys and food/water), straighten up a few places that I hang out and put my own trash, dishes etc away. Even standing longer without as much pain, still sore but much better! I can only thank God for allowing continued progress!

Our prayer requests - Praises for progress but also for continued healing of my right side, for safe journey home of our daughter, and for God's direction for some unspoken decisions. May there be doors either open or close but His will be done.

"But those who wait on the LORD
      Shall renew their strength;
      They shall mount up with wings like eagles,
      They shall run and not be weary,
      They shall walk and not faint."

Isaiah 40:31

Thankfulness, Teeth and Tornadoes

Today is Wednesday, May 25, 2011... almost done with the month of May, wow! So today I'm thankful for another day to share the Lord's glory and more opportunities with my family and friends. For the storms, needed rain but that they weren't as bad as they could have been, they were bad enough. Thankful for God's strength and a place for refuge.

"God is our refuge and strength,
         A very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

Thankful that my Cardiologist visit was good, EKG was good and strong, waiting for blood tests to come back, whether good or not so great. For the last year have seen my Dr. every 3 months but now it's every 6 months, yay! Kiddo's last dentist visit is tomorrow and then she will have a good mouth again. Thankful she is following directions and doing so well. Thankful that we were able to get our medical needs met.

Yesterday started out as a good day. Good weather, a little windy, good Dr. visit and dealing with walking around the parking garage, to the different floors of the hospital and back to the windy parking garage. I had energy and did not stop except to sit in the waiting rooms and ride elevators. That is a first since my stroke. Yay I'm happy to know that I am improving with my breathing and walking. Another thankful! We did cancel my therapist appointment due to Dr. appointment and we did not know about the weather. Hubby took me out to lunch at Applebee's and was yummy chicken and rice. Then we went home and had a short nap. But I'm glad we cancelled my appointment as my daughter's school let out early and at the same time the first storm flared up. We decided to go to our friend's apartment but as time ticked on we realized that if the tornadoes came this way we would be in trouble. Hubby and I decided it was best to leave. We found our local television station on the AM station and listened while we road. Watching maps and tracking where storms were, from west and so we headed south. Then a storm from south so east we went and glad we did. Between the maps, listening to radio and calling my dad in Florida, we escaped to a McDonald's about 100 miles from home. We watched and waited, two storms went around us and then we had a feeling it was time to head back. Whew dodged two more storms on the way back. Did I freak out, nope! Did my emotions flare, nope! All at home was okay but there are those who were less fortunate.

Yes I'm thankful but I'm praying and ask you to do the same, for those who have lost their family and friends, their homes and necessity items and dealing with the emotions that come with storms. Please pray for a mother and two sons, who are in critical need and her 3 year old son who is still missing after a tornado came through their neighborhood in Piedmont, OK. Pray today for those having storms to deal with and that everyone stays safe. Thank you and God bless!

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us,
         But to Your name give glory,
         Because of Your mercy,
         Because of Your truth."

Psalm 115:1

Title?

Hi all! I hope you are doing well today. I couldn't think of a title but I wanted to post a little update. I've had a writer's block or something going on that I can't place my finger on but not sure what to write.

1. First and a big first - Thank you all that have commented and prayed for me. I have many praises and only through the Lord do these praises exist. For the holy spirit guiding you all to pray and His faithfulness to answer. My blood pressure has come down and have had some really good readings. Blood pressure is crazy business and I must keep tabs on it but so far doing good. I place my trust in God to help me. The second praise is that my disability went through and now my bills will be paid and I can help those in need. I've been praying for this for almost a year, going through an appeal but He made it happen. Ask and we shall receive in His timing! Hallelujah!

"Ask, and it will be given to you;

seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you"

Matthew 7:7

2. My mother's visit was a good visit. Emotional but we got to share feelings, ideas and life together in person. We got a few things done and while there are always things needed I'm thankful she was able to come here for a few days. My daughter on the other hand is having a hard time with her grandmother leaving. So hard to watch your child cry and be upset. I'm lucky that she will allow the Lord and myself comfort her. It's hard sometimes living so far away. Reminds me when I was little living 8 hours away from some family members.

3. Therapy starts again next week, twice a week. I also have a Neurologist appointment next Thursday. To go over what I need to do and what tests still need to happen. Maybe I can get some relief with something. From pins and needles, to tight muscles and muscles that cannot seem to disassociate themselves. Stand/walking makes arm/hand react. I'm still trying to loosen muscles on my right side but there are signs of new growth (returning sensation, function). I still have a ways but continue to pray for direction, manifestation of healing to be seen and felt, and the ability to help my family around the apartment. I'm not good with exercises *laughs*. I'm great when in the gym but at home, no. I can't picture doing them with the furniture we have and little space we do have here.

4. We are still on waiting list for a house on base and I am looking towards. To help prepare, we are going through boxes and "spring cleaning".

"Wait on the LORD;
         Be of good courage,
         And He shall strengthen your heart;
         Wait, I say, on the LORD!"

Psalm 27:14

Have a great week! God bless you and keep you!

Then Sings My Soul Saturday - Potter's Hand

Praising God!
Visit Amy's post here or join with us!

Please say some prayers for my sister and brother-in-law and his family. They are dealing with the loss of his dad right now. I do not know all the specifics however they truly need to have prayer.
Also, short update on me, still sick and dealing with blood pressure (odd readings). Praising the Lord for great reading this morning and thanking Him for many things. Also my mother is visiting so I will not be around as much. I pray you all are doing well and may the Lord bless you this weekend!
Much love,

Crazy Day

When I awoke this morning I thought today was going to be an average day.

Today, we have floods happening in the Northeast, earthquakes and flooding in the West/Japan, in the Central plains wild winds with fires, in the South more fires. Crazy - I am sadden by all that is happening but through my faith and constant reminder, "Do Not Be Afraid", I will believe God has a plan. Pray for those overseas in Japan and our west coast areas. Fires in Oklahoma are on the east side of town, near Midwest City and Harrah, with evacuations. As of this afternoon, winds are very high and the fires are not contained. In Jacksonville, Florida another fire and NJ is dealing with flooding. Praying.

No matter what our circumstances are, no matter what is going on, keep our eyes on the Lord. God is our provider. He answers prayers in His time and He is never late. He knows what is best. Believe in Him. To His glory!

"Holy Is The Lord God Almighty" by Chris Tomlin

Prayer Requests 3/7/2011

Please pray for the following special needs:

Garren -continued progress to open eyes and respond to touch, sounds, any reaction; for guidance, wisdom and path to bring home Garren (soon!) with continued rehabilitation at home; his dad, Geoffrey Janes, has a blog with updates and specific needs.

Joanne - Her pain has increased; encouragement and her spirits lifted while dealing with all that she is going through and will go through when in full rehab; strength, courage, wisdom for her family and rehab team (doctors, therapists, etc.); Positive visit with neurosurgeon; see her blog for updates and her husband Toben's requests.

Stacy - please read if you have time, her last radiation day was 2/21, I do not have an update however we still need to continue prayer, lift her up to the Lord, pray for comfort or any way God leads you to pray, thanks!

There are pictures on my right to go to there story and updates.
If you have a prayer request please e-mail me @ sbatterton@gmail.com - sbatterton at gmail dot com

Thank you! May God bless you as you go through this journey!

 

Praying for Joanne

Click on Joanne's picture to read more about updates on her status. Joanne is not much older than me. She too has had a stroke but all strokes are different. Her family and she need your prayers as she has had a battle to become stable.


The latest update from her husband Toben on twitter: "Your prayers are working! Joanne ICP (inter-cranial pressure) have dropped from 37 to 4!!! What an answer to prayer! Still in a coma."
Amazing! There is information on her blog about how to help the Heim's. Thank you!!