Happy Valentine's Day everyone! Today has been an interesting day for me so far. Last night I was woken up by another severe pain, reminiscent of the one I had on Tuesday, but in a different location. I was going to let it slide again, but my roommates convinced me to call President Heyes. He told me to take a couple of Tylenol and see if that would help. I did so, but I couldn't get back to sleep and 30 minutes later I felt like it wasn't getting any better. So, once again my roommates convinced me to call President Heyes. I did so and I decided to go back to the clinic. A little after midnight, President Heyes called to let me know that our driver was there. We headed up to the garage entrance where he was waiting. Sister Galbraith joined us. The weird thing was, by this time the Tylenol had started to kick in and I felt silly for having made such a big deal out of it, though when the pain was at its strongest, it was just as painful as Tuesday morning. Still, we decided to go since we had made the arrangements and everything.
It turned out to be good that I did go. When we arrived, we had a little time to wait before I was seen. They repeated the same tests as the first time and then put me in a room. The results came back and the doctor came in to check on me. He had me stand up and he started tapping on my back. When he got to the point where the pain had been the strongest, it hurt. That is how he decided that I have a kidney stone (or possibly multiple). He said that the first time was probably a kidney stone as well, but that it must have passed with the help that I got.
Well, that wasn't too much of a surprise because President Heyes had talked about kidney stones as a possibility since the first visit and I have a history of kidney stones in my family. He had a nurse give me a shot of pain reliever (in the rear. I haven't had one there since kindergarten! And sorry, but no pictures!) and they gave me some pain pills to take later, basically Tylenol but with codeine. The doctor also said I need to go in for an ultrasound, but since I was there in the middle of the night, they couldn't contact my insurance to see about it. So, sometime, I don't know when, I will have to go in for an ultrasound. In the meantime, I have a prescription to fill and a few more of my Tylenol/codeine pills.
Right now I feel fine, though there is still a slight ache where the pain was. People keep asking me how I feel, so I guess I don't look fine. But I will be. I also have to keep drinking lots of fluids because dehydration can aggravate and cause kidney stones. Other than that, I'm glad to have an answer and a way to keep myself out of pain!
I have learned a few things from this experience. The first time, I was in pain so long I went to the clinic. The second time, the pain didn't last as long, but lasted long enough to get me where I needed to be to find a solution. Sometimes in the smallest ways (that can even make us feel silly, like I did for making such a fuss) the Lord helps us along so that we can have the things that we need. If only that was a lesson I could keep learned!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Spam comments
I've been getting a few spam comments lately, so I've adjusted the comment settings to see if that will make a difference. I don't want to discourage actual readers of my blog from posting, but I don't want people posting links to pornographic websites from my blog. So, only registered users will be allowed to post on my blog. If that doesn't get rid of it, I will have to go to comment moderation. So, if you've been commenting and aren't registered, I'm sorry but you will have to register to comment and no anonymous comments will be allowed anymore. Sorry about that, but some people like to abuse the system!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
An Israeli Adventure
WARNING: This posting is not for the faint of heart. Read at your own peril! To not spoil the surprise, don't read the captions until you've read the story.
Well, I had quite an adventure today. I was woken up this morning at 5:45 am by severe abdominal pain. I tried to make myself feel better, but I couldn't get comfortable. No matter what I did, I was in pain. I also had severe nausea that caused me to spend time in the bathroom hoping that something would come out and relieve my suffering. I don't want to get to graphic, but I did puke a couple of times, though it didn't help at all. I was just going to suffer it out, hoping that it would get better. I tried soaking in a hot tub to relieve the pain, but when even that didn't work, I knew something had to be done.
Finally around 8:25 am I decided to call our
resident doctor. He came to look at me and told me that there really wasn't anything we could do, but if the pain was enough, we could go to the clinic and see what they could do. (Right - an Israeli nurse starting me on an IV. See the jackets? I was really cold). I was in so much pain, I agreed. He made some arrangements and around 9 am we left for the Temen Emergency Clinic in West Jerusalem. We took a shrute and I was never more relieved to arrive some where in my life. We had to wait a few minutes to check in, but during that time I had another vomit attack. We tried to make it to the bathroom, but the nurses and attendants weren't very helpful. I kept it in for about 2 minutes or so and we were almost to the bathroom when I just couldn't. I didn't even feel bad about it, though vomiting usually makes me cry because I feel gross. I got it all over my hand, a little in my hair, and even a little on my clothes, but it was mainly watery, so no big deal.
Anyway, now that I've grossed you out enough, I'll move on to my next adventure. I had to give a urine sample. I told the nurse that I didn't know if I would be able to do that since I hadn't been able to get anything out all morning. But, I had to try. I got a
few drops and the result showed that I was dehydrated. I didn't understand the rest of the results, but that was the main thing. (Left - Me feeling better with the IV working its magic, but I was still cold!) It was dehydration brought on by gastroenteritis (look it up if you want to know more about that) more commonly known as stomach flu (though not related to influenza). The severe pain was a muscle spasm caused by the dehydration. But because of the pain, I was vomiting thus leading to a potentially never ending spiral without help.
Next, they started me on an IV. It was a saline solution with medication for the nausea and muscle spasm. I tell you one thing that is horrible to hear from a doctor or nurse: "Oops, sorry!" Yeah, that was what the tech said when he was starting me on my IV. I think he just missed the first time, but he didn't do too bad. They started me on a drip and it took a long time before I started feeling better, but eventually I did. I
guess with IVs people tend to get cold. I got very cold. (Right - I have to drink a lot of fluids. This was just one group, but I have had much more than this!) At first President Heyes and Sister Galbraith (don't worry, I wasn't alone - these two service adults came along for the ride) tried covering me with the jackets we had, but I was still cold. I finally asked if they had a blanket and President Heyes went to find out. The doctor had to have someone go look for a blanket because she didn't know which ones were clean. (By the way, on my tests it had me listed as a VIP. That made me feel special). Finally, after what seemed like a long time (which was probably only 10 to 15 minutes) I was brought a blanket. That was so much better. After the first IV finished, they wanted to get another sample, but I didn't think I could give a better one yet, so they started me on a second one. I slept for awhile during those two and that felt so nice because I was actually warm and not in pain. By the time the second IV was almost finished, the doctor came back to see if I could give another sample. That time went a lot better. I rested and waited while they tested it. It came back a lot better and the doctor said I was ready to go but that I would have to drink a lot of fluids and not eat normal food for awhile.
So, now I am on a liquid diet. Besides my 2 liters of saline solution, all I had today was a bottle of grape soda drink
(not really carbonated) a can of Exotic Fanta and a can of Sprite (both opened to let the fizz out), and then two bowls of chicken broth. (Left - You can't really tell very well from this, but my bruise started turning purple. I thought I would give an update on that since I had room). I feel very full (j/k). I'm not sure if I will be able to eat anything tomorrow. We have to ask the doctor. In one week I have to give another sample to make sure that everything is alright.
That is my Israeli Adventure for today. I missed one class today, but at least I feel so much better. By the time the second IV had finished, my pain was almost gone. At least by then it was tolerable (just a dull ache). Since then it has completely gone. So, yeah. I have a couple of pictures that President Heyes took at the clinic, and I will post those here as soon as I get them from him. Hope you enjoyed hearing about my adventure, but remember, I warned you!
Well, I had quite an adventure today. I was woken up this morning at 5:45 am by severe abdominal pain. I tried to make myself feel better, but I couldn't get comfortable. No matter what I did, I was in pain. I also had severe nausea that caused me to spend time in the bathroom hoping that something would come out and relieve my suffering. I don't want to get to graphic, but I did puke a couple of times, though it didn't help at all. I was just going to suffer it out, hoping that it would get better. I tried soaking in a hot tub to relieve the pain, but when even that didn't work, I knew something had to be done.
Finally around 8:25 am I decided to call our
resident doctor. He came to look at me and told me that there really wasn't anything we could do, but if the pain was enough, we could go to the clinic and see what they could do. (Right - an Israeli nurse starting me on an IV. See the jackets? I was really cold). I was in so much pain, I agreed. He made some arrangements and around 9 am we left for the Temen Emergency Clinic in West Jerusalem. We took a shrute and I was never more relieved to arrive some where in my life. We had to wait a few minutes to check in, but during that time I had another vomit attack. We tried to make it to the bathroom, but the nurses and attendants weren't very helpful. I kept it in for about 2 minutes or so and we were almost to the bathroom when I just couldn't. I didn't even feel bad about it, though vomiting usually makes me cry because I feel gross. I got it all over my hand, a little in my hair, and even a little on my clothes, but it was mainly watery, so no big deal.Anyway, now that I've grossed you out enough, I'll move on to my next adventure. I had to give a urine sample. I told the nurse that I didn't know if I would be able to do that since I hadn't been able to get anything out all morning. But, I had to try. I got a
few drops and the result showed that I was dehydrated. I didn't understand the rest of the results, but that was the main thing. (Left - Me feeling better with the IV working its magic, but I was still cold!) It was dehydration brought on by gastroenteritis (look it up if you want to know more about that) more commonly known as stomach flu (though not related to influenza). The severe pain was a muscle spasm caused by the dehydration. But because of the pain, I was vomiting thus leading to a potentially never ending spiral without help.Next, they started me on an IV. It was a saline solution with medication for the nausea and muscle spasm. I tell you one thing that is horrible to hear from a doctor or nurse: "Oops, sorry!" Yeah, that was what the tech said when he was starting me on my IV. I think he just missed the first time, but he didn't do too bad. They started me on a drip and it took a long time before I started feeling better, but eventually I did. I
guess with IVs people tend to get cold. I got very cold. (Right - I have to drink a lot of fluids. This was just one group, but I have had much more than this!) At first President Heyes and Sister Galbraith (don't worry, I wasn't alone - these two service adults came along for the ride) tried covering me with the jackets we had, but I was still cold. I finally asked if they had a blanket and President Heyes went to find out. The doctor had to have someone go look for a blanket because she didn't know which ones were clean. (By the way, on my tests it had me listed as a VIP. That made me feel special). Finally, after what seemed like a long time (which was probably only 10 to 15 minutes) I was brought a blanket. That was so much better. After the first IV finished, they wanted to get another sample, but I didn't think I could give a better one yet, so they started me on a second one. I slept for awhile during those two and that felt so nice because I was actually warm and not in pain. By the time the second IV was almost finished, the doctor came back to see if I could give another sample. That time went a lot better. I rested and waited while they tested it. It came back a lot better and the doctor said I was ready to go but that I would have to drink a lot of fluids and not eat normal food for awhile.So, now I am on a liquid diet. Besides my 2 liters of saline solution, all I had today was a bottle of grape soda drink
(not really carbonated) a can of Exotic Fanta and a can of Sprite (both opened to let the fizz out), and then two bowls of chicken broth. (Left - You can't really tell very well from this, but my bruise started turning purple. I thought I would give an update on that since I had room). I feel very full (j/k). I'm not sure if I will be able to eat anything tomorrow. We have to ask the doctor. In one week I have to give another sample to make sure that everything is alright.That is my Israeli Adventure for today. I missed one class today, but at least I feel so much better. By the time the second IV had finished, my pain was almost gone. At least by then it was tolerable (just a dull ache). Since then it has completely gone. So, yeah. I have a couple of pictures that President Heyes took at the clinic, and I will post those here as soon as I get them from him. Hope you enjoyed hearing about my adventure, but remember, I warned you!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Another lazy day
I don't really know what to say here. I am still kind of sick, so I've been sleeping a lot. The real reason I decided to post here is because I wanted to show you my bruise from the field trip we had a few days ago. I mentioned that we slung stones in the Valley of Elah; I don't remember if I mentioned that I was hit by a stone slung by someone else. 
It was a huge stone and obviously really hurt. It has turned into a nice-sized bruise. The real pain goes deeper, though. Its been hard to lift my arm, though that is getting much better now. Basically the size of the bruise is the size of the rock that hit me. Now I know how Goliath must have felt! Just kidding, but now I really can get a t-shirt that says: I was stoned in Jerusalem! Yeah, that will be funny. Anyway, I have a lot more appreciation for the pain of a stoning after this. And that was just one stone!
It was a huge stone and obviously really hurt. It has turned into a nice-sized bruise. The real pain goes deeper, though. Its been hard to lift my arm, though that is getting much better now. Basically the size of the bruise is the size of the rock that hit me. Now I know how Goliath must have felt! Just kidding, but now I really can get a t-shirt that says: I was stoned in Jerusalem! Yeah, that will be funny. Anyway, I have a lot more appreciation for the pain of a stoning after this. And that was just one stone!
Friday, February 8, 2008
5 Valleys and 1 day
We went on another field trip today. I'm still gett
ing over my cold, so I was a little worried about it, but it turned out really well. (Left - Tel Bet Shemesh). where an ancient fortress guarding the Sorek ValleyWe basically toured the valleys of the Shephelah, the hill country. There are 5 valleys, Aijalon, Sorek, Elah, Guvrin, and Lachish. We didn't actually go to Aijalon, but we went to the other 4. We began our trip at Tel Bet Shemesh, was. That was pretty interesting. Bet Shemesh is also the city where the ark was returned to after the Philistines
captured it. Next we went to Azekah, a fortress city in the Valley of Elah. (Right - Tel Bet Shemesh). The Valley of Elah is where David fought Goliath. We reenacted that famous battle in the valley below. Next was a place called Mareshah in the Guvrin Valley. There were a lot of interesting things there. We saw a Dove Cote. That is a place where people kept and raised Doves. It was underground. There was also a mansion built on top of a huge cistern. I can't imagine one family having a cistern that big to itself! We saw a family burial. Inside of that is a picture of a three-headed dog. It was very interesting. Finally at Mareshah, we saw the Bell Caves. I guess there is one place inside there where a Rambo movie was filmed. 
That is just what I was told, anyway.
Our next stop was Tel Lachish. That was really interesting. (Left - The Valley of Elah). We saw the siege ramp built by Sennacherib when he took the city. We also saw the palace complex. It was huge. Our final stop for the day was Micah's cave. It is a huge complex of caves built to hold doves and also as a place for secret rituals. That means that the entrance was very tiny and so were the passageways. It was very fun to explore, though. I didn't have a flashlight, so I stuck with people who did. We all were filthy by the time we were done, but we had fun. That is one of the reasons why I am surprised I did so well. With all that climbing in and out and around and wherever, I'm surprised I wasn't completely wiped out by the time we got back to the center.
ing over my cold, so I was a little worried about it, but it turned out really well. (Left - Tel Bet Shemesh). where an ancient fortress guarding the Sorek ValleyWe basically toured the valleys of the Shephelah, the hill country. There are 5 valleys, Aijalon, Sorek, Elah, Guvrin, and Lachish. We didn't actually go to Aijalon, but we went to the other 4. We began our trip at Tel Bet Shemesh, was. That was pretty interesting. Bet Shemesh is also the city where the ark was returned to after the Philistines
captured it. Next we went to Azekah, a fortress city in the Valley of Elah. (Right - Tel Bet Shemesh). The Valley of Elah is where David fought Goliath. We reenacted that famous battle in the valley below. Next was a place called Mareshah in the Guvrin Valley. There were a lot of interesting things there. We saw a Dove Cote. That is a place where people kept and raised Doves. It was underground. There was also a mansion built on top of a huge cistern. I can't imagine one family having a cistern that big to itself! We saw a family burial. Inside of that is a picture of a three-headed dog. It was very interesting. Finally at Mareshah, we saw the Bell Caves. I guess there is one place inside there where a Rambo movie was filmed. 
That is just what I was told, anyway.Our next stop was Tel Lachish. That was really interesting. (Left - The Valley of Elah). We saw the siege ramp built by Sennacherib when he took the city. We also saw the palace complex. It was huge. Our final stop for the day was Micah's cave. It is a huge complex of caves built to hold doves and also as a place for secret rituals. That means that the entrance was very tiny and so were the passageways. It was very fun to explore, though. I didn't have a flashlight, so I stuck with people who did. We all were filthy by the time we were done, but we had fun. That is one of the reasons why I am surprised I did so well. With all that climbing in and out and around and wherever, I'm surprised I wasn't completely wiped out by the time we got back to the center.
Behind me between the trees is the city of Gath, home of Goliath
Slinging in the Valley of Elah
Dove Cote
Funny sign at Mereshah
Three-headed Dog in the family tomb at Mereshah
Inside the family tomb at Mereshah
Tel Lachish
Slinging in the Valley of Elah
Dove Cote
Funny sign at Mereshah
Three-headed Dog in the family tomb at Mereshah
Inside the family tomb at Mereshah
Tel Lachish
Entrance to Micah's Cave
P.S. I finished typing my entries for Egypt, I just have to add pictures, which of course takes a long time. I did post one entry already, and I finished adding the pictures of the JC. I hope that is enough.
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