tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27944217963976763172024-03-21T14:59:26.323-07:00DysautonomiaMDby Dr Margaret Aranda Ferrante: Dedicated to those affected by "invisible" Disabilities, this blog addresses the Pulse of the People.DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-32568047236714429122013-12-14T13:59:00.000-08:002013-12-14T13:59:41.927-08:00Press Release for Dr. Margaret Aranda, Author<br />
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Announcing a recent, local article about Dr. Aranda's two recent books that are launching nationwide. One is on Christian Living, called Stepping from the Edge. It is the Sequel to No More Tears: A Physician Turned Patient Inspires Recovery. </div>
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The Other is a children's book, Little Missy Two-Shoes Likes a Ladybug. </div>
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Also launching nationwide, her next book will focus on Women's Health from puberty past menopause, and you are guaranteed to learn at least 50 things that you did not know. Wait until February, 2014...</div>
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For now, it is good to see women highlighted in the news:</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.valleynewsgroup.com/final.pdf" target="_blank">Valley News Group</a> (See Page 3)</span></div>
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Never give up.</div>
DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-48892684862990481122013-11-26T11:40:00.000-08:002013-11-26T11:41:10.913-08:00Dr. Aranda as Cover Girl, 2014 Directory, Nancy Mills' Spirited DIrectory<br />
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<i>by Dr Margaret Aranda</i></div>
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<i><br /></i><i><br /></i>I can't stand up without midodrine, I can't eat without zofran, I get migraines and tinnitus without diazepam, and I would go into kidney failure without DDAVP. To name a few.</div>
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Despite all that, I use my fingers, my brain, and my computer to inspire, encourage, and educate doctors and patients alike. I won't forget the bed-ridden or the chronically ill, because I am both.</div>
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I am deeply honored that Nancy Mills called me to see if I would accept this invitation: to be in the <a href="http://www.thespiritedwoman.com/Directory" target="_blank">Nancy Mills' Spirited Women's Directory of 2014</a>. On the Cover, I am joined by 14 other lovely ladies. Launching on 12/12/13, please mark your calendar to see the chosen Spirited Women worldwide, who are bound to make you smile and inspire you to be the best that you can be, no matter your circumstances. It's FREE, for you my friend. Free inspiration from me to you so that you can strive your best to accomplish one baby step at a time. Just one day at a time.</div>
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Now what could be better than that? My gift to you this Holiday Season.</div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-41454625149169983622013-11-13T23:07:00.000-08:002013-11-13T23:07:59.388-08:00The Sequel to No More Tears: Introducing Stepping from the Edge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<i>by Dr. Margaret Aranda</i></div>
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<b>Photo 1. Book #2, Stepping from the Edge. </b>It doesn't just happen in the movies. It happens in real life, too. God can move mountains and He can stop airplanes, too. Dr Aranda's Book #2 can be ordered directly from Tate Publishing by going to https://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-62510-838-8. For author autographed copy, please go to www.arandamd.com or check the Home Page here.</div>
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Going through a struggle in your life? Or is every day a struggle? Or do you live with someone who has a chronic illness or has been through a devastating time? In Stepping from the Edge, I take you through that age-old question that so many have asked me in my life, "How do you do it?"</div>
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I share some very personal stories, from being a runaway at 16 years old, being a battered wife, being an abandoned wife in my first month of medical school, and being a single parent with no child support or alimony through medical school, internship, residency, or fellowship.</div>
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And then, as most of my friends know, I was in a devastating car crash that left me bed-bound for six years. It was humiliating to sit at a Conference Room table, look up, and see drooling people with head braces and reclining wheelchairs sitting with me at the table. I was one of them, as I had a traumatic brain injury with DI, vertebral artery dissection, dysautonomia, etc. I used to be the one standing up, giving the lecture. I was confused. How did this happen to me? What did this mean?</div>
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In 2012, I was finally beginning to get better; even got accepted to Stanford's Advanced Clinical Anesthesiology Program to start in August, 2013. It would have brought my profession back to me.</div>
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But God had different plans, and boy did he open the doors that needed to be opened and did he ever close the doors that needed to be closed. I woke up one day in January 2013 with a headache that turned into a migraine, and it lasted for 5 days. When I called my cardiologist and told him that something was wrong with me because I was ataxic and bumping into the walls, he admitted me to the hospital. During a neurologic exam in January 2013, a doctor dropped me to the hard wood floor and there it started all over again, the expressive aphasia, hypotension, and migraines. I developed dehydration and acute kidney injury from DI, barely surviving. My blood pressure was as low as 70/44 mmHg. I was placed on fluids and other spinal cord injury medications, finally leaving the hospital step by agonizing step. Back to Speech Therapy, and Physical Therapy at home.</div>
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Since then, I have my own little secrets that I use every day to keep myself persevering. In Stepping from the Edge, there are 10 Lessons and 10 workbook-type assignments for you to do yourself after each chapter. I received inspiration for this book from one particular scene in the movie, <i>Australia</i> with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. Watch the movie first, and then read the book. That's your first assignment. Then you will be inspired to Persevere, to conquer, to be a Lion, and to ROAR.</div>
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Try to guess which scene inspired me to write the book.</div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-89353671784394886032013-10-07T11:03:00.000-07:002013-10-07T11:24:09.501-07:00COMING SOON: Archives of the Vagina: A Journey through Time<br />
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<i>by Dr. Margaret Aranda</i></div>
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For my Caring Friends, here's a preview of my newest book, written before the doctor dropped me on the floor in March, 2013. I wrote this book (many of you will understand) because I'm not sure if I'll live long enough to see my daughter live through all the stages of womanhood: the maiden, the mother, and the crone.</div>
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Book Cover Photo. Archives of the Vagina: A Journey through Time.</div>
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The book starts with my first period, and is very tongue-in-cheek humorous, because we all know where we were when we started our first period. Then I go through history, sociology, anatomy, and the endocrinology of the ovaries.</div>
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I discuss what Aristotle thought of menstruation and menopause, how William T. Stead is a hero we never hear about for rescuing children out of prostitution in London's brothels. This book is filled with the sociology of menstruation, including whether women on their periods can fly a plane, and whether women who are camping on their periods attract bear attacks that lead to death.</div>
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One of the most surprising statistics that I learned in my research and interviews of women is that in the USA, in women over 45 years old, 40% have had a hysterectomy. Of these, nearly 50% have had normal ovaries removed without proper Informed Consent. I dedicate an entire chapter to "Ovarian Conservation" (i.e., keeping your ovaries), and give you all the risk factors you need to know so you can put yourself on the Chart to see if you are at risk for ovarian cancer, and hence should get them removed. So my next book will be Hysterectomy can be Hell. I hope to get an Army behind me on this one, because it will take a Movement to change our culture. And changing a culture always means that people won't like you. Believe me. I've been there before.</div>
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I discuss the HPV vaccination for girls aged 11-12, starting your period, how to put in a tampon, and introduce what most women don't know: the menstrual cup, and the nondisposable pad. I promote a certain program that helps girls in Africa obtain menstrual pads so they don't have to miss school, be drop-outs, get pregnant, contract HIV, attain a lower socioeconomic status, and die earlier than the girls that are more educated. So expect a Movement there, too, ladies and girls.</div>
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I go through the Women's Health Initiative and basically tear it to shreds, because it had, in my opinion, no application to women in menopause suffering symptoms of vaginal dryness and hot flashes. I let you skip a very medical chapter if you would like, but I also put it in there for medical personnel to evaluate it for themselves. I dissect menopause and give the man's perspective, too, hopefully leading men to more self-discovery and compassionate understanding. Pretty funny stories there, too, my friend.</div>
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The last half of the book is dedicated to such things as Invisible Diseases, the Low Glycemic Diet, Immunonutrition and Fish Oil, Telemeres, Living for not only Health & Wellness but also for Quality of Life, Caregiving (and the effects on women, by ethnicity), Long-Term care, and death and dying. I empower you to ask questions, eat Spoon by Spoon, and Don't Fall when you are elderly. I tired of seeing women come into the Operating Room for hip fractures from a fall. You need to know your bone density, and take your Vitamin D or Calcium. The role of an Endocrinologist in your care can not be underestimated. I also believe that Cenegenics has an excellent program for Concierge Medicine, private pay by cash, that is mostly utilized by Presidents and CEOs of companies. They are mostly men. This needs to change, because there are plenty of millionaire women out there. And women need to stop spending all their time nurturing others, and start spending some time nurturing themselves. So I took all this knowledge in my head and told it to you before my traumatic brain injury and DI occurred; and I thank God that I did it.</div>
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There. I said it. My opinion rings throughout this book, and it is backed up by over 200 Stanford-quality references that are NIH-funded. I list them all for you, and many of them are dated in 2012 and 2013. Nothing but the best for you, my friends. Nothing but the best. Be prepared to learn, to grow, and to ROCK your WORLD. You can PRE-ORDER the book (February launch date perhaps) on <a href="http://www.shop.arandamd.com/" target="_blank">The Aranda MD Shoppe</a>. <a href="http://www.arandamd.com/" target="_blank">My official site</a> is Coming Soon....and I hope you like it. </div>
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God Bless You in all that you do.</div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-80539544796563589722013-09-10T23:15:00.000-07:002013-09-10T23:16:48.321-07:00September 22: FIrst Dysautonomia Support Group in Los Angeles<br />
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<i>by Dr. Margaret Aranda</i></div>
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For an amazing and novel, inspirational time with salty snacks too, please come join us as we host the first Dysautonomia Support Group in Los Angeles.</div>
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The panel includes me as Patient and Advocate, Speaker and Expert (because I have it). I plan to skip church and rest in bed all day to make it, and I hope that those of you in Huntington Beach, L.A., Irvine, Fullerton, Pomona, and surrounding inland areas can come make it a day, too.</div>
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Caregivers and family members are welcomed, as long as the patient approves.</div>
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Now let's talk some Real Life here.</div>
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There will be refreshments (salty ones), drinks, and I'll even do </div>
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a Giveaway of my book, No MoreTears: A Physician Turned Patient Inspires Recovery</div>
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Be a part of life, part of the solution, and part of mentoring those who are new at this.</div>
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Together, we are strong!</div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-31564069704975418982013-08-31T11:39:00.000-07:002013-08-31T11:39:44.706-07:00Highlighting the IDA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Wayne and Sherri Connell have been some of my strongest supporters and an island of peace in a sea of unrest for many others with invisible disabilities. Here's my friend Milly, telling her story.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyADK0zrFTM&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">You Tube Video</a></div>
DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-3822323714108788282013-08-29T09:39:00.003-07:002013-08-29T09:41:05.247-07:00Cerebral Blood Flow Study by Ultrasound<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>by Dr. Margaret Aranda</i><br />
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For various reasons, I don't know why entirely, I ended up with quite an experience yesterday. I found myself like this:<br />
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The item that looks like an inhaler is actually producing a CO2 (carbon dioxide) curve with each exhalation. With each inhalation, the technician (who was very sweet indeed) slowly tortured me by first dilating my cerebral arteries by dialing in more CO2, then having me hyperventilate to get my CO2 down. This made my cerebral arteries constrict. As you can imagine, this mimicked the vascular vasospasm of a migraine headache. So of course that left me feeling like I just got a migraine headache.</div>
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After the CO2 portion, to test the vasoreactivity of the cerebral blood vessels, then the fun began all over again. But this time it was in a different way. We removed the inhaler circuit, I drank some mineral water because my entire mouth and throat were parched dry, and we kept the 'halo' on my head. It is actually an ultrasound, that can pick up pulsations from the Circle of Willis in the brain. </div>
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So they laid me flat. Then I sat up. Felt the world sway as the blood left my head and went down my body to my legs. Then I stood up. I balanced on the bed (and my Caregiver held me up), and I kept my eyes opened for fear that I would fall. I turned green, they said. I felt like vomiting but I didn't say anything. My Caregiver could sense it, though, and tried to joke about it, saying, "Now, you don't go throwing up on me." I was afraid to talk, too sick to answer. She was straight in the line of my projectory, sure to be hit with my vomit <i>if </i>I did vomit. As a trained anesthesiologist, no one understands the value of an empty stomach more than me. I never eat before any study that has any remote chance of making me vomit. Vomit in the lungs can lead to aspiration pneumonia and death, and that's not what any anesthesiologist wants to die from. Ever.</div>
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But you know me better than that by now, right? No one told me to be npo (nothing per os; or no breakfast), but I did it anyway. Because I knew this study would make me want to throw up and I wanted to have an empty stomach. And I didn't take my midodrine. Nor did I wear my Jobst stockings, nor my Spanx. I was raw. I gave them pure dysautonomia with my untouched brainstem disorder, my uncorrected vertebral artery disorder, so it would show up on their tests.</div>
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So no one can say I'm pretending. </div>
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But now I'm thinking (now that it's all over): maybe this is a good test, the cerebral ultrasound, to test for dysautonomia along with the Tilt Table Test that has been the gold standard for so long. Maybe this test would be good for those who do not get a positive Tilt, or for everyone who has dysautonomia and needs more documentation of the abnormality.</div>
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After all, who ever heard of any body being allergic to gravity? </div>
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Because we are. We are basically allergic to gravity. We are fine and we look so good in bed. It's just that getting out of bed and standing and walking are so hard. There's no blood in our heads, so we faint!</div>
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Maybe the scientific community would do more for us if they could actually find more that is <i>wrong</i> with us ~ in the sense that it shows up on their tests. This cerebral ultrasound, put together with the three orthostatic positions, amounts to a <i>dynamic</i> test, with the pathophysiology <i>in action. What a perfect test to show what happens to the blood flow in our heads when we stand up!</i></div>
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The test was ordered by a stroke neurologist at a large university hospital. So maybe my having this 'event' in January can be turned around to do some good for us all. I'll keep you updated on the official reading when it's in. </div>
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Bet they think I'm an "interesting case" now, eh? </div>
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There were no doctors around for the test. I didn't see a crash cart anywhere nearby.</div>
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The tech was safe, and talked to me, but I think I could tell you one thing. </div>
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They are not used to testing people who pass out when they stand up.</div>
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Maybe they should be.</div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-37289406063968081672013-08-27T13:55:00.000-07:002013-08-27T13:55:49.133-07:00Elder Care and Hospice Care<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<i>by Margaret Aranda, MD</i><br />
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The subject of eligibility for permanent disability, Medi-Cal, Medi-Care, and Hospice Care has been brought to my attention more often lately, so I thought I'd provide you with some resources. I'm giving you to Nursing Home Solutions, with Zoran K. Basich, Esq. as the Founder of Gray Law also. Committed to helping the elderly.<br />
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(And no, I'm not telling you that you need to go to a Nursing home. But you may have a loved one that is already there, or (s)he may be in danger of losing his/her house, retirement, or bank account assets.) So here it is, with other resources as well. I'll be picking different subjects as they come up to me, so be prepared for a little more variety with topics that may not be directly related to dysautonomia, but may still be worthwhile and important for some people who desperately need this information.<br />
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And since I'm trained as an anesthesiologist, I'll do a separate post on Hospice care, because I think the nation can do a better job at standardizing Hospice care (e.g., wet mouth swabs for dry mouth or lips). If it helps even one person, it is worth it. Thank you! </div>
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<u><b>Talk radio with Zoran Basich, Esq:</b></u></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">NHS on KNX 1070 News Radio: KNX Business Hour – August
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">NHS on KNX 1070 News Radio: KNX Money 101 – Hospice.
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">NHS on KNX 1070 News Radio: Business Hour – Bankruptcy
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-37765979326086527202013-08-16T14:39:00.000-07:002013-08-17T07:33:17.186-07:00Dysautonomia/POTS<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">by Dr. Margaret Aranda</span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">To understand either dysautonomia or POTS (postural
orthostatic tachycardia syndrome), one needs to know that these are disorders
of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). The ANS <i>automatically</i> performs
many functions that you don't have to think about. This includes things like:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">* The digestion of your food<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">* Your blood pressure<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">* Your heart rate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">* Keeping blood going to your brain
whenever you stand up<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">* Telling you when your urinary
bladder is full, and when you need to urinate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">* Holding in your stool until you can
find a restroom<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">* The erection of your penis<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">With the many different types of dysautonomias, of
which orthostatic hypotension and POTS are just two types, the primary
complaint is "almost passing out" (i.e., pre-syncope) or
"passing out" (syncope). One feels a typical 'headrush' but it can be
quite profound, as if someone is pulling one's hair down to the ground. It is
typical for a patient to undergo a 'gray-out', and retreat to a bed
immediately. Many of the patients are young females who would much rather trade
in their disease for a pair of high heels and go dancing. Yet it is a diagnosis
that is frustrating to the doctors, who are usually quite stumped, and who are
unable to come up with an ICD Code and a diagnosis. Some simply tell the woman,
"There's nothing wrong with you." Some blame it on hormones, on
stress, or on 'PTSD'. Some call us a 'malingerer' to our faces, because we Look
Good. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">(Shhhh! We look good while we are laying in bed!
It's that little thing called Gravity that bothers us. We stand up ~ we faint.)
The definitive diagnosis is the gold standard Tilt Table Test (TTT), where one
gets velcroed to a Herman the Munster table, then gradually tilted upwards
until one passes out. I passed out for 22 sec. So, I was one of the lucky ones
that got a diagnosis. And it only took 6 months, 30 doctors, and 20
hospitalizations. The doctors wanted to send me to a nursing home, and I think
they thought I would just die. I said the magic words, "You don't even
have a diagnosis." And that saved me. If I wasn't a doctor, I would not
have known the 'magic words' to say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">The treatment plan includes noninvasive devices
such as Jobst stockings (20-30 mmHg pressure), Spanx(R) from abdomen to lower
thigh, midodrine alpha-1 agonist to push the blood pressure up, fluorinef
mineralosteroid to help retain salt, which helps retain water, and a high salt
diet. I lived on an iv for 3 1/2 years to get fluid 60 ml/hr, and I
weaned myself off (with my doctor's permission) by going down 1 cc every 2 days
and increasing my oral intake). I still go to the ER sometimes for 1 liter of
Normal Saline iv fluid. My Caregivers say it turns me into a "completely
different person." I'm not sure if that's an insult or a compliment ;-),
but I do feel lots better with iv fluid. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">I can sit up for about 2 hours at a time, I can
walk one flight of stairs at home where I can hold on to both sides, and we
have wheelchair ramps at every door entrance to the house. I can walk a short
distance, usually holding on to someone, because of the brain injury and my
imbalance when I walk. I'm glad I met so many wonderful people after having
this horrible disease, and now I hope to do all that I can to meet the
challenge that lies before us: to make things better for the next generation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">And sure, it's Women Helping Women. There is a gap
in Health Care for us. We need to catch up. That's what the Medi-Basket(TM) is
for: Keeping you In the Community and Out of the ER or the Hospital. Because
virtually all of us learn to hate the ER. We know. We've been there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;">Medical Disclaimer:</span></b><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia;"> Not meant as medical advice, treatment, or cure for any
one individual patient. Before making any changes to your nutrition,
supplement, or medication, check with your doctor first. Your doctor may want
to evaluate you in person, so that (s)he can track your changes as you move on
to a healthier lifestyle.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">REFERENCES:</span></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">1.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK400/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">2.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysautonomia<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">3.
http://heartdisease.about.com/cs/womensissues/a/dysautonomia.htm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">4.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1501099/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">5.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23122672<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2669599/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">7.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3361090/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">8.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3295536/<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/preventive-medicine-after-diagnosis.html">Medi-Baskets(TM) used in Preventive Medicine</a></div>
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<i><u>Contact Information:</u></i></div>
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Aranda MD Enterprises, LLC</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
26500-102 Agoura Road</div>
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Suite 656</div>
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Calabasas, CA 91302</div>
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www.MyPerseverance.com</div>
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Copyright (c) 2013 Aranda MD Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved. </div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-49221236290236045162013-08-14T16:59:00.000-07:002013-08-16T14:41:11.347-07:00MENOPAUSE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In 2000, the average American woman went into menopause at 51.4 years of age. Menopause is a diagnosis of retrospect. By definition, we don’t know we had it or were in it, until it’s been officially <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one whole year</i> without a period. Until then, we may have hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, insomnia, depression, mood swings, and well, just hormone fluctuations that wreak a little havoc on our bodies. And we didn’t know it was menopause, unless we guess or someone tells us about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At Medi-Baskets™, we put together some items for you. These are items that we wish we would have had when we were going through “the change”. We have educational information, websites you can visit, books you can buy, and most importantly, we have items you may use. Items that you can peruse in the privacy of your own home, items that are there when you need them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Cold packs can be placed over arteries to cool down the body. They can go under the arms or on the carotid arteries of the neck for a quick ‘cool down’. This will undoubtedly alleviate some distraction and bring back that charming, sexy voice you used to have. That you still have inside you. That womanly and sweet voice that sets the tone for the entire home, the car, and trips that you take. You make a difference.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Surgical Menopause seems to be predominant in our culture, and a Second Opinion is not always sought. I believe in Second Opinions on a hysterectomy, because in America, 40% of women over age 45 have had their uterus taken out (i.e., hysterectomy). And the concept and science of Ovarian Conservation is one that is not new. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you keep your normal ovaries at the time of hysterectomy (assuming you had a 2<sup>nd</sup> opinion and normal ovaries without any risk factors), disruption of their blood supply may occur at the time of the hysterectomy anyway, causing you to experience menopausal symptoms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, night sweats, memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, irritability, mood swings, insomnia, depression, and more. Treatments are available for every symptom, and I know that if you could simply get a good night of sleep, you would feel better. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is now freely given to many peri-menopausal women who have few risk factors for endometrial (uterus) or breast cancer. So HRT is an <i>individual</i> decision that a woman makes with her doctor. And plenty of newer studies show that estrogen can save you from dying from a heart attack (#1 killer in America, with 1/4 deaths from heart disease), and progesterone can actually <i>decrease</i> your chance of breast cancer. So learn about it so you can have alternatives to improve your Quality of Life (QoL).<o:p></o:p></div>
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So don’t expect to be the same after a hysterectomy, or after your period stops. Expect changes, especially some tied to your womb, which represents womanhood and fertility. Many women suffer psychologic damage that they didn’t realize they would have, because either they feel they did not receive Informed Consent, or they were told their ovaries would be spared, but instead were taken out. So be careful here. You will require general anesthesia and all the risks that go with that (i.e., sore throat, cracked tooth, lip cuts, heart attack, stroke, aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs, aspiration pneumonia, and death). My opinion is that if it’s not cancerous, don’t take it out. There are plenty of alternatives to menstrual bleeding, cramps, fibromas, and endometriosis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In my Women’s Health Book that is now being published, I give you and your daughter and your mother, and your sisters, plenty of information (and stories) of being a female. As we look at spending 1/3 of our lives in Menopause, we have to get good at this, right? We have to live with it as best as we can. We can do this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We bring you unique and personal gifts via Medi-Basket(TM), to help you during this time. And we urge you to consider that there are millions of women worldwide that are going through this with you. And men, too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> We can't forget the men. </span>Andropause needs to be recognized and our guys need to continue to be our best friends. They need us, and we need them. And we are<o:p></o:p></div>
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Women helping women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can get good at this.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Medical Disclaimer: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i></b>Not intended as medical advice, treatment, or cure. Patients need to be seen by a physician in person, in order to receive an appropriate assessment. Otherwise, generalizations only are made, and are not meant to apply to any one individual. Call 911 in case of Emergency.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">REFERENCES:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><a href="http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/153/9/865.long">http://aje.oxfordjournals.org/content/153/9/865.long</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19384117">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19384117</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><a href="http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=26&compID=131">http://www.ourbodiesourselves.org/book/companion.asp?id=26&compID=131</a><o:p></o:p></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1;"><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12737673">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12737673</a><o:p></o:p></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><i>Just Click on the Link!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/concierge-medicine-together-with-medi.html">Medi-Baskets(TM) come with FREE "Ask a Doctor" Calls!</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/an-anti-inflammatory-salmon-dinner.html">Anti-inflammatory Meal</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/pre-diabetes-diabetes-and-foot.html">Diabetes and Foot Amputations</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/dysautonomiapots.html">Dysautonomias/POTS</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/heart-disease-in-women_12.html">Heart Disease in Women</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/invisible-disabilities.html">Invisible Disabilities</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/menopause.html">Menopause</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/mental-health.html">Mental Health</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/prayers-and-illnesses.html">Prayers and Illnesses</a></div>
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<a href="http://Pre-Diabetes and Foot Amputations">Pre-Diabetes and Foot Amputations</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/di.html">TBI with DI</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/caregiver-for-traumatic-brain-injury.html">Traumatic Brain Injury</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/your-period.html">Your Period</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/preventive-medicine-after-diagnosis.html">Medi-Baskets(TM) used in Preventive Medicine</a></div>
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<i><u>Contact Information:</u></i></div>
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Aranda MD Enterprises, LLC</div>
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26500-102 Agoura Road</div>
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Suite 656</div>
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Calabasas, CA 91302</div>
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www.MyPerseverance.com</div>
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Copyright (c) 2013 Aranda MD Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved. </div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-82671822166151631042013-08-13T19:10:00.000-07:002013-08-16T14:41:46.981-07:00Diabetic Neuropathy and Amputations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>by Dr. Margaret Aranda</i><b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I was finally diagnosed with dysautonomia, it was a
relief to have a name to put on my condition. When I was diagnosed with
Pre-Diabetes, I stared at the lab value in shock. It was then, that I
remembered that my Grandmother, who was <i>not</i> obese, died from diabetes and
kidney failure. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why didn’t I title this blog just ‘Diabetes’? It’s
because I want you to know that just taking a little extra insulin for that ice
cream isn’t going to make your diabetes better. It’s going to make it worse as
your body acquires <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">insulin resistance.</i>
When your blood is constantly circulating with high levels of insulin in it,
you can’t burn fat. Read that again. The only way to keep your insulin level
down is to not eat carbohydrates or sugars. Then POOF! Just like magic, there’s
no reason for your pancreas to make any insulin, and your body can’t become
immune to it. And the glucose molecules can’t damage your eyes to make you
blind. The glucose molecules can’t mess up your delicate glomeruli or nephrons
in your kidneys, so your kidneys won’t fail. Who wants to spend 4 hrs/day, 3
days/week getting to dialysis? With a headache afterward? Who wants to lose
their foot after waking up to green pus on the sheets? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hey, I don't want any of this for you; that's why I'm letting you know what millions before you have undergone. You aren't immune to disease, no matter how much money you have. But if you are at risk, you can do everything you can to <u>decrease your individual risk factors</u>. And that is what it is all about. Looking at You as an Individual and not applying Protocols to you. Providing you with some 'necessities' of life with dysautonomia, for example would be to get a loved one to give you a Medi-Basket(TM) with supplies and an armamentarium for your defense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I didn't know that black licorce increases blood pressure for a good two years after I was diagnosed with dysautonomia. I sure wish I had a package of 'stuff' for my home that would have made me feel less alienated, less isolated, and more connected. Maybe that's how I ended up with over 7,000 Facebook friends. It has been a positive network for me and many others with the same disease, both for advice and practical questions affecting Quality of Life, but also for just socialization with someone who understands. We can't just live at home alone and never get out unless it's a doctor's appointment. We have to keep socially adjusted so that our mental well-being is optimized. We aren't looking for a cure, although that will undoubtedly come in time as we learn more about the brainstem. So in the meantime, we have one another.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diabetes is an Invisible Disease. There are an estimated
25.8 million Amerians with diabetes, which is about 8% of the population.
About 7 million Americans are undiagnosed and continuing to sustain damage to internal
organs due to diabetes. <i>About 80 million Americans have Pre-diabetes.</i> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For diabetes and Pre-diabetes, obesity, fat
distribution in your body, and fat percent in your body matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diabetes and ethnicity matter, affecting 7% of Caucasians,
8% of Asians, 12% of Hispanics, and 13% of African-Americans. Some (not all) complications
include heart disease, "silent" heart attacks that you can't feel, stroke, high blood pressure,
blindness, kidney failure, neuropathy or nerve damage, which can lead to foot,
lower leg, or full leg amputations. Both genders doubled their rates of
diabetes from 1980 to 2011.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So put down that cake and get rid of that ice cream in the
freezer. Get the Medi-Bag ™ for grocery shopping, and fill it with groceries
that include plenty of apples and vegetables, salmon or tuna rich in omega-3 fatty acids,
and little in the way of processed food. Some say, “Shop the perimeter of the grocery
store”. Stay out of the soda (even diet soda with aspartate eats away at the bones, leading to early osteopenia and osteoporosis) and potato chip aisle. Don’t bring it home, and
you can’t eat it. You have to be strong. It’s your life and you can choose to
live healthy so your grandchildren can enjoy you more. So start now. Get your blood
lab, your Hemoglobin A1C level <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">down</i>,
as it reflects 3 months of glucose (sugar) on your red blood cells. Watch every
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">spoon</i> that goes into your mouth. Not
every <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">meal</i>. Ask your doctor for a
referral to a Nutritionist.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Live long, live healthy. We’re trying to keep you in the
Community with both your legs, your eyesight, and your kidneys. Wear anti-microbial
socks, check your feet <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">in the </i>mirror daily
for scratches or cuts, and use a hand-held mirror. We don’t want to see you in
the hospital. We want to see you stay in the Community with the people you love
at the places you love to be (like home). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And we don’t want to see your children growing up obese and
with diabetes, either. So welcome to your new world of lifestyle change. We do
hope you learn to enjoy being well. After a lifestyle change leading to
Pre-diabetes <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">going away</i>, or the need
for insulin <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">going away</i>, most people
say, “I’m never going back to the way I used to be.” Those words can come out
of your mouth, too. And, “Thank you no, my doctor said I can’t eat that.” You have to get used to saying that and then walking away. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We want you to feel so good with your new lifestyle changes,
and to know that you will never go back to what you were. You won’t want to. You
must live the second half of your life differently than the first half, so that
you are not overcome by disease. You can do it. If I can do it after a
diagnosis of Pre-diabetes, you can do it. One Spoon at a Time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Women, American men gained in life expectancy compared to us over the last couple of years. Why is that? It's time to take a close look at every <i>spoon you eat</i>, and evaluate everything in your world. Is it positive? Does it contribute to make your life easier? It is good and not evil? Let's learn to be good to ourselves. We are so good at taking care of others. It's time for a change.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let's focus on Women for a while. There's a huge gap in health care information dissemination for Women, and it is common knowledge that research and studies on women have been questionable (like the Women's Health Initiative, the WHI). I figuratively shred that article apart in my newest book on Women's Health, and it behooves every single perimenopausal woman to know her <i>individual</i> risk for hormone replacement therapy (HRT). You just look at the Chart that lists the risk factors, you put yourself down where you 'land', and make a decision from there (in conjunction with your doctor and possibly a second opinion). C'mon women, your life matters, and so does the Quality of your life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And spoon by spoon, every food, every bite you put in your mouth can either strengthen you, or it can be your slowest form of poison. What you eat matters. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can get it together.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know we can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">REFERENCES:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-21047318724807541952013-08-13T18:45:00.000-07:002013-08-16T14:42:08.376-07:00Heart Disease in Women<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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by Dr. Margaret Aranda<o:p></o:p></div>
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Heart Disease is the #1 Killer of Americans, both men and
women. Heart disease includes heart attack, congestive heart failure, coronary
artery disease, and heart disease from birth. Prevention is aimed at lifestyle
changes to include exercise, eating immunonutritional meals with dense value,
controlling hypertension, not smoking, getting cholesterol levels in check, and
avoiding obesity, particularly abdominal obesity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In women,
the risk of heart disease increases with age, particularly after menopause.
Specifically, the loss of estrogen may change the vessel walls, allowing blood
clots and plaque formation. The “bad” LDL cholesterol may increase over the
“good” HDL cholesterol. Blood clots may also form from increased fibrinogen,
which also puts us at risk for stroke. A 2012 CDC study showed that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>African American women have a 40% risk of
death than Caucasian women. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We don’t
want to see women dying of heart disease. Women are more likely to tolerate the
pain and not complain about chest pain. Women are less likely than men to go to
the doctor and take prescription pill for their heart condition. Women are less
likely to take their medications like they are supposed to. Women are reluctant
to go to the ER or call an ambulance for chest pain, but they’ll do it for
their husbands. Women usually have vomiting, fatigue, shortness of breath,
sweating, and discomfort of the neck, shoulder, or upper back. And when they do
get to the ER, women are less likely to be treated as if they had a heart
attack. It takes a longer time for the diagnosis to be made. Also, doctors seem
less inclined to send a woman to angiogram and Cath Lab, which is needed before
bypass surgery.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>So ditch
those potato chips and discover Immunonutrition and omega-3-fatty acids, put on
your walking shoes (after you ask your doctor), and break the statistics for
women! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">REFERENCES:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_men_heart.htm">http://www.cdc.gov/dhdsp/data_statistics/fact_sheets/fs_men_heart.htm</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ss/slideshow-visual-guide-to-heart-disease">http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/ss/slideshow-visual-guide-to-heart-disease</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.webmed.com/heart-hisease/guide/women-heart-disease">http://www.webmed.com/heart-hisease/guide/women-heart-disease</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12737673">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12737673</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><a href="http://www.mayoclinic.com/health">http://www.mayoclinic.com/health</a>
heart-disease/HB00040 <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/caregiver-for-traumatic-brain-injury.html">Traumatic Brain Injury</a></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.medibaskets.com/2013/08/preventive-medicine-after-diagnosis.html">Medi-Baskets(TM) used in Preventive Medicine</a></b></div>
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<b><i><u>Contact Information:</u></i></b></div>
</div>
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<b>Aranda MD Enterprises, LLC</b></div>
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<b>26500-102 Agoura Road</b></div>
</div>
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<b>Suite 656</b></div>
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<b>Calabasas, CA 91302</b></div>
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>www.MyPerseverance.com</b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Copyright (c) 2013 Aranda MD Enterprises, LLC. All rights reserved. </b></div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-49419854212522833732013-08-12T20:15:00.000-07:002013-08-16T14:42:59.165-07:00Why a Medi-Basket(TM)?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>by Dr. Margaret Aranda</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
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Medi-Baskets(TM): Diagnosis-driven, Individual Care Packages </h3>
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are a Novel Method to Prevent Complications and Optimize Quality of Life </h3>
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at the Time of a New Diagnosis</h3>
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When a person is given a new diagnosis, many times there is a lag of time between the day of diagnosis and the time that the patient acquires key ingredients and supplies that are tailored to the diagnosis. For bad arthritis, one may need a grabber to get things off of high shelves. Or, the patient may have a new diagnosis of Heart Disease or Diabetes. It may or may not have taken months or years to get that diagnosis, and that is why we exist. We are here to cater to your individual needs, because every patient is different.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXKbqnKKABVUaS6krb0ect2XxCXu8yPNjbcunS_9tOj5w-2Grud_giP8Z8-7W9-PqybF0Cptqemdfaxu26AolybU53Vk2FUImx-9nC2HY4vEdh63b-LiZHDMIEjRLnUaHekbNNq3vjAU/s1600/IMAGE+OF+THE+HEART.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc0033; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVXKbqnKKABVUaS6krb0ect2XxCXu8yPNjbcunS_9tOj5w-2Grud_giP8Z8-7W9-PqybF0Cptqemdfaxu26AolybU53Vk2FUImx-9nC2HY4vEdh63b-LiZHDMIEjRLnUaHekbNNq3vjAU/s320/IMAGE+OF+THE+HEART.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.496094) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 8px; padding-left: 8px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
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In the former days of medicine, the doctor gives the diagnosis, the patient may or may not receive a Brochure, peruse websites, talks to another doctor, and/or participate in an Educational Clinic or two. These are all great avenues to become educated about a Diagnosis and how important it is to watch the blood glucose levels, but they stop short from bringing practical and useful items into a patient's home and every-day life. These items are chosen for everyday use, to <u>prevent complications or to optimize health and Quality of Life</u>. Either way, we hope you have a little fun with it, and mostly, we hope you use it!<br />
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With MediBaskets(TM), we go beyond this continuum. We strive to supply you with key ingredients that are specific for your diagnosis. So, for diabetes, your insurance will pay for your a glucometer to check your blood glucose (sugar) levels, and you take it home with the insulin bottle and syringes. These are standard items that most people obtain to check their sugar levels. We don't just stop there.<br />
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If you are new to a diagnosis of diabetes, perhaps you do not know that a great pair of softening socks may help you keep your feet from cracking. It doesn't matter if you are rich or poor; diabetes will cause amputations in people of all societies. Foot cracking can lead to bleeding, infection, and gangrene. With diabetes, foot and leg sores can develop into severe lesions complete with eaten-away skin. In the worst case scenario, foot lesions can lead to gangrene and the need for emergency amputation. That is a medical fact. I've seen it in the Operating Room too many times. Then people suffer from phantom limb pain. And it all started with what you ate. What you put in your mouth. How much of it was green? How much of it came out of a box? Do you have abdominal obesity, putting you at risk of heart disease, chronic inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and death? What can you do now, today?<br />
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Some prevention or delay of kidney failure may be possible. Even if you don't have high blood pressure, studies from 20 years ago show that if you are simultaneously placed on an anti-hypertensive ACE-inhibitor, you will 'spill' less protein into your urine, protecting the kidneys. You're not supposed to spill <i>any</i> protein into your urine. So let's keep your kidney functioning normally for as long as possible, ok? We need you to visit your grandchildren or your children instead of spending 4 hours/day, 3 days/week going to a dialysis center. You'll have to have an iv port in, but you can buy special clothes that have zippers so you can hook your dialysis catheter up to the machine. But we don't think that was in your head as a real idea of a fashion statement. Your blood pressure goes down during dialysis, and the most common complaint after dialysis is a headache. Do you see how your Quality of Life will change? It's not funny. It's serious. And it's pretty much All in Your Hands.<br />
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So we try to think ahead for you. Whether you have a new diagnosis of heart disease, menopause, diabetes, dysautonomia, traumatic brain injury, hypertension, or you have a friend, relative, or co-worker who has a list of diagnoses we now serve, we can send them a MediBasket (from you or a group of co-workers, or a group of friends) to fit their needs. We know what it feels like to be suddenly athletic and then to be suddenly bed-ridden and sick, and we think we can make things better. </div>
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So our President and CEO, Dra. Margaret Aranda vowed to make use of what we <i>do</i> know, and to pass it along to you!</div>
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<b>Sample Medi-Basket(TM) for Diabetes.</b> Individually made per patient, the Medi-Basket(TM) comes in four ascending sizes. The goal is for Preventive Medicine to rule, providing the patient with needed supplies for the mind, body, and soul. Perhaps a dash of humor here, and some body-soothing products will ease the physical and mental aspects of a new diagnosis. A physician is available to ask questions, but please realize that the answers are not meant to provide a medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or cure.</div>
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But we think you are sure to feel loved by the person(s) that sent it to you, because our CEO knows what it's like to be a patient, having been bed-ridden from dysautonomia for 6 years. She was getting better until she sustained another head injury, giving her DI. But she pushes ahead on the Medi-Basket (TM) because of you. Because Keeping you in the Community and Out of the Hospital?</div>
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That's our goal. </div>
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We are doing our part to Keep You in the Community by sharing information and education with you, your loved ones, friends, and/or co-workers. This is only by your request or the request of a Caring Friend that you know. So, how wonderful is it to know that you are not alone. Others are rooting for you, so you keep up the good fight, and persevere!<br />
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How wonderful it is that people are helping people? We think that It's About Time! Of course we want to see you well, and we wish you all the Best in your Recovery. If you get bored, tune in to Medibaskets.com for some brainteasers and information, or comment, critique, or just be cranky. Don't let anyone tell you not to be yourself. There's nothing wrong with you; it's your injured body that you are living in that's just a little broken right now.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><b>Medical Disclaimer: </b>Remember that your new diagnosis needs to be managed by your doctor, to keep you In the Community and not in the hospital. Nothing is meant as medical advice, treatment, or cure. A doctor has to see you in person for a thorough examination, if needed.</span><br />
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-91664556260254265842013-03-07T14:11:00.002-08:002013-03-07T14:11:34.089-08:00The World of the Walking<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">by Dr. Margaret Aranda </span></i><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">She was a very ordinary girl, one you would never notice in a crowd. At twenty-six years old, her long brunette hair complimented her petite figure with a flair, and she smiled all the time. She woke up and no doubt, mind you. In thirty minutes flat, she would be turning the key and driving to her job. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Yesterday, she was in The World. The World of the Walking. In The World of the Walking, everyone in this World can just get up and walk whenever they wanted to. In the little self-centered minds of most people, it was all taken for granted. The World of the Walking is where everything is. It is the standard. The World of the Walking means that you can get up and walk and perform the activities of daily living. She went about her business in The World of the Walking, making phone calls, sending texts, writing, writing, going to work, running errands, writing again, forgetting to stop for groceries. She went anywhere she wanted to, and timed everything out by looking at her watch or her cell, and simply decided where she had to be, and WaLa! she was there. The World of the Walking was a "painless" or "free" kind of Heaven that it seemed only the formerly disabled seemed to appreciate the most. Today, she has dysautonomia and can't stand up without fainting. Walking now seemed more like flying. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">Now see that there is a doctor confined to a wheelchair. He's in the World of the Walking, too. He is there on time to work every day. He has to push buttons and everything is hard, but he does it. The function level is high. So he may be mad at me, and rightfully so, but he really <i>is</i> in the World of the Walking, because he operates within their guidelines virtually every day. He gets out of bed. He's not plastered onto the mattress. He is only able to move from <i>point</i> A to <i>point </i>B because he's in the World of the Walking. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px;">So I learned that this is the goal: </span></div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-62439786164396569692012-10-30T22:16:00.000-07:002012-10-30T22:16:02.280-07:00Age 15: The Last Thing I Remember<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18px;"><i>A Fiction Story by Dr. Margaret Aranda</i></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">This is Day 15 of the October Memoir and Backstory Blog Challenge, which is something about a 15 year old. To catch more on this, please visit <a href="http://janeannmclachlan.com/october-memoir-and-backstory-blog-challenge.html" style="color: #186188; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Jane Ann McLachlan</a>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">To start reading Articles from Age 1, Please Click Here:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://drmargaretaranda.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-baby-on-edge.html" target="_blank">Age 1: Sitting on the Edge</a></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">________________</span></i></div>
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It was Mindy Abrahm's fault.</div>
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We were getting dressed at her house. We were all going to go to the Saturday night "50's Dance" at High School. Mindy said, "Hey, you need to drink some vodka before we go to the dance." I had never even tasted vodka before. Mindy mixed it with orange juice, and I had no idea this was called a Screwdriver. She handed me the glass. I looked at it.</div>
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I was weak. I didn't want her to think that I was weak. Slowly, I drank it. It smelled slightly, but the vodka was drowned out by the orange juice. The drink was cold, fruity, and wala! Down it went almost like it was nothing but orange juice.</div>
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By the time I finished the glass, she poured me another. I lost my mind. I didn't know what I was doing nor did I know what was happening around me. And by the time I finished the second glass, she poured me another. Again. Over and over this ritual continued, until I finished a whole quart of vodka. I don't remember the last drink. In fact, I don't remember anything past the first drink.</div>
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I don't remember getting in the car. I don't remember driving to the High School. I don't remember anything except this, which I do remember quite clearly:</div>
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The next thing I remember, I was sitting with Mindy and my other three friends. We were sitting up on the gym seats in this huge wooden-paneled auditorium, looking down below and to our left, where the band was. I remember a man playing a guitar. There were two of him. Come to think of it, there were two of <i>everybody."</i></div>
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<i><br /></i>"There's two of everybody."</div>
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This news apparently spread by wildfire to my friends sitting next to me, then to my friend's friends, then to who knows who.</div>
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Flash Forward and the next thing I remember, I was walking down a plain beige school corridor outside in the dark. One of the Nuns was yelling at me. I thought maybe she was yelling at me because I wasn't walking straight, but honestly, I was sleepy. I just wanted to sleep.</div>
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Another Flash Forward, and the next thing I remember was in the Emergency Room. I was a Patient. I only remember talking to my Father on the phone. Somehow, I was talking to my Father and he was asking me what I had, what I took, what I drank, anything. He was mad at me, so I lied. I told him I didn't take anything and that I was perfectly fine.</div>
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They drew my blood. They took me home. I didn't throw up. I slept.</div>
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I didn't have a hangover when I woke up, but the white cotton ball and tape were still hanging onto my left arm. My Father called and said, "You had a lot of alcohol in your blood. Where did you get it?" I told him the truth, and I was starting to feel like I shouldn't have let Mindy give me all those glasses of vodka. I was grounded.</div>
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I never drank a bunch of vodka again. I stopped drinking for a long time.</div>
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The next thing I remember, I got kicked out of High School.</div>
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For Article on Age 16, <a href="http://drmargaretaranda.blogspot.com/2012/10/age-16-graduating-high-school.html" target="_blank">Click Here.</a></div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-59610426368770092382012-10-30T13:39:00.002-07:002012-10-30T13:39:35.241-07:00Searching for an Ambassador of Each Invisible Illness<br />
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We are looking for an "<b>Ambassador"</b> for each of the following Invisible Illnesses:</div>
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Familial Dysautonomia</div>
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<b>Chiari Syndrome</b></div>
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<b>Lupus</b></div>
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POTS</div>
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<b>Lyme Disease</b></div>
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Pure Autonomic Failure</div>
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<b>Intracranial Hypertension</b></div>
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VasoVagal Syncope</div>
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<b>Fibromyalgia</b></div>
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Multiple Chemical Sensitivities</div>
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<b>Traumatic Brain Injury</b></div>
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Vertebral Artery Dissection or Aneurysm</div>
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<b>Mystery Diagnosis</b></div>
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<b>...and more. </b></div>
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<b><u>Duties:</u></b> </div>
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To be a Forward-thinking voice to the population. To keep abreast of major news and breakthroughs, and to be available to spearhead the dissemination of information both toward the population and toward organizational nonprofit, government, and/or licensing groups. All duties will be in conjunction with the other disease entities listed above. The person should be able to follow instructions, ask questions, do homework, and meet deadlines. The person should be able to research key people in positions of authority, such as organizations, hospitals, public officials, or medical professionals, and obtain contact information. The person should be able to professional address letters, send emails, keep an email list, organize letters to be sent to a government official or entity, and/or write an original letter representing others having the same disease. The persona should be able to post FaceBook posts or comments on a page, and share the same page with others having Invisible Illnesses. </div>
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<b><u>Characteristics and Traits: </u></b> </div>
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The person should have the ability to get along with others.</div>
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The person should have the disease, or should be recovered from having the disease.</div>
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The person should have been a patient, with official medical records. It is not necessary that the patient has a diagnosis; if the person has seen multiple doctors and still does not have a diagnosis, the Category would be, "Mystery Diagnosis".</div>
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The ideal person would have gone from doctor to doctor multiple times before a diagnosis was made.</div>
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The ideal person would have had the disease for a period of time before obtaining an official diagnosis.</div>
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The person should be respected as being an authority of the disease. This includes being a patient, a caregiver, an epatient, a nurse, a doctor, or other health care professional. </div>
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The person should have a presence on social media, which includes but is not limited to You Tube, Face Book, blogs, Twitter, MySpace, Friendster, Flickr, Photobucket, Vimeo, and Google Buzz.</div>
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The person should be a positive, outgoing, visible personality type that does not readily accept negativity, but embraces the positive side of life.</div>
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<b><u>Application:</u></b></div>
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<b>Part One.</b> To apply, please submit an Essay that includes information on your background, disease, achievements, characteristics, social presence, experience, and attitudes. Submit this in one paragraph of 500 words maximum. This is the first half of your Application.</div>
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<b>Part Two. </b>The second half of the Application is an Essay on growth. Submit this as your second paragraph of 500 words maximum. Answer some or all of these questions:</div>
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The main theme for this Application is: </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 19px; font-weight: bold;">"Time to Grow"</span></div>
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How do you want to grow as an individual? </div>
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How do you see your disease entity 'growing' in the future? </div>
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How do you see Invisible Illnesses grow as an entity? </div>
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What changes do you see in the future? </div>
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What changes can you make?</div>
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The maximum limit is 500 words.</div>
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<b><u>Rules:</u></b></div>
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1. Write your Essays, for a total of 1,000 words. There are two Parts, each with a maximum of 500 words. Please check spelling and word count before submission.</div>
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2. Submit it via email. On the Subject line of the email, write AMBASSADOR SUBMISSION: CHIARI if it is for Chiari Disease. Write AMBASSADOR SUBMISSION: FIBROMYALGIA if it is for Fibromyalgia. Do the same for all other proper disease categories. If you have an Invisible Illness that is not listed here please "comment" to this post below and provide the name of the Illness. If it is approved, it will then appear in the list above. </div>
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3. Write your Essay in the body of the email. Do not send Attachments or insert photos. Use regular-spaced lines, no double spacing.</div>
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4. Put your full name and phone number at the bottom of the Essay.</div>
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5. Submit your Essay to: chooseaction@yahoo.com</div>
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6. You may only submit One Application per person. You may only submit one email. To promote fairness, you must follow instructions or your Application will be automatically disqualified. We can not stress this enough. If you don't follow instructions, we apologize but your Application will not be considered.</div>
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7. We apologize but we will be unable to verify receipt of each Application.</div>
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8. By submitting your email Application, you agree that portions or the entirety of your Essays can be used to benefit society. This includes the rights to book inclusion, posting to social media, newspapers, blogs, or other internet or hard paper sites. You give up all rights to your Essay to Dr. Margaret A. Ferrante. Essays will be made public, although the person writing the Essay will not be identified unless prior consent has been made.</div>
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9. Copy and paste this information for use in your email:</div>
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NAME:</div>
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PHONE: ( ) -</div>
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AMBASSADOR FOR WHAT DISEASE:</div>
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PART ONE (500 words maximum):</div>
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PART TWO (500 words maximum):</div>
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<i>Please consent to use of your Essay by checking the box:</i></div>
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____ I understand that by submitting this email, I give up all rights to my Essays. Dr. Margaret A. Ferrante may use them in whole or in part for a book, posting, blog, newspaper, or other media without limitation. She will not use my name unless I provide previous consent.</div>
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8. <b> <u>The Deadline for Applications is Saturday, December 15th at Midnight.</u></b> Applications submitted on or after December 16, 2012 are automatically disqualified.</div>
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9. If you are selected as an Ambassador, you will be notified on Monday, December 24, 2012. </div>
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<b>Selected Ambassadors will be announced as soon as each one has accepted their position. </b></div>
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<b>Hat's Off to each one of you, and let the writing begin! </b></div>
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<b>We will open a new FB Page for all Ambassadors to represent Invisible Illnesses! </b></div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-47587457169826665052012-10-30T09:12:00.000-07:002012-10-30T09:12:52.483-07:00January 4, 2013: I Will be a Guest with Stephanie RiggsThis is just delightful! Stephanie Riggs and her radio station, Divine Calling with Stephanie Riggs, have interviewed and featured so many wonderful books, that I just must have you take a look at her FaceBook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/divinecallingwithstephanieriggs?sk=wall" target="_blank">Click Here.</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBQMLpX3u6eJla9R5e0tYS_om-1plH7JeRO9KuVhnDjAYxUj2xGCWSxHkhDu-Bd0fhDU3BKD_DTjEk2lSi-tca4kLlN2qzxhFga2uL7rua60XvHRmuSzJwofQ1PJUlFBWSrFMNDuLWxRP/s1600/Stephanie+Riggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoBQMLpX3u6eJla9R5e0tYS_om-1plH7JeRO9KuVhnDjAYxUj2xGCWSxHkhDu-Bd0fhDU3BKD_DTjEk2lSi-tca4kLlN2qzxhFga2uL7rua60XvHRmuSzJwofQ1PJUlFBWSrFMNDuLWxRP/s1600/Stephanie+Riggs.jpg" /></a></div>
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What a Blessing!</div>
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She will be interviewing me on my book, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/NoMoreTearsAPhysicanTurnedPatientInspiresRecovery" target="_blank">No More Tears: A Physician Turned Patient Inspires Recovery</a>.</div>
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Many of you have known me since the times I was still on iv fluid, and this represents an accomplishment for all of us! </div>
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Onward & Forward for Invisible Disabilities. Onward & Forward we Go!</div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-45298033934813021022012-10-17T11:53:00.003-07:002012-10-17T11:53:43.468-07:00Age 14: Too Young to Know<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">At 14 years of age, I left the solstice and serenity of elementary school to go to a private high school. We had red and black plaid uniforms with those pleats all around the skirt, and the white shirts with the rounded collars and short sleeves. I wore Wallabees and bobby socks. On the weekends, I was still making 35 sandwiches for 7 kids, and still did laundry for 9 people. I woke up each and every morning and made a full breakfast for all the children. The only thing I didn't do was to make dinner; my mom did that. But I was learning how to sautee onions, brown ground beef, cook lasagna noodles, and make lasagna. I knew how to make a pot of pinto beans, and fry up some great-smelling Mexican rice.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I was getting tired of it all. I had no one to talk to. My friends all had two parents, and mine were getting a divorce. They lived in separate rooms in the house, and my mom left on the weekends. She said she was going to Grandma's house, but I still remember her phone number and she was never there. When she did come home, she left wearing high heels and mini-skirts that she never wore before. So, she clearly had her own life, and she was living it. We didn't matter. I didn't matter.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">There was no such thing as a Counselor at school that you could talk to, so I started smoking cigarettes. I went to meet Andrea in the Girl's Room during First Period, and together we would sit and talk. She was one year older than me, had already had sex with boys, and she had big breasts that rather mystified me. I didn't know how she could sleep on her stomach because surely they would get in the way. I wanted to learn from her so that I could deal with boys in time. We talked about traveling, wearing regular clothes on the weekends, our parents, our siblings, music, movies, and boys. And we talked about sex. Not about real sex, but about kissing, holding hands, feeling a boy's arms around you. We had sweet talks where her voice would get all small and feminine, and she would smile an amazing smile that made you feel her happiness. I liked to see her smile.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Andrea lived a colorful life and with all my responsibilities, I lived my life vicariously through her experiences. I didn't know if she was lying or telling the truth about her stories, but nonetheless they all served a purpose in getting me to believe there was an outside world out there that had smiles, laughter, childishness, dancing, frolicking, and well, just happiness. Not people yelling at one another, no fights, no pulling hair, no screaming, no nothing. Just peace.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So we smoked our cigarettes and we never got caught. Same time, Same days, just like Batman. The weekends went by and I looked forward to Mondays now, to learn of her escapades.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Except one Monday came by and she wasn't there to smoke a cigarette. I didn't buy them, so I didn't smoke that day. I went along with my day, not thinking too much about it. She must be sick, I thought. I'll just catch her next time.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Another day went by and again, she wasn't there. I didn't have her home phone number, because I only saw her at school. I didn't know it, but her classroom desk was empty, too. The other kids didn't like her too much as she did not fit in. So her absence really did not make a mark and everyone went on with their day. We noticed, but we didn't care. I can see that now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">On day three, school line-up time was ended, the whistle blew, and they announced that they were taking us all in to the Chapel that day. Hmm. Ok. We all chatted nonchalantly, making our way up the stairs on a cloudy day that promised rain in the afternoon. We scooted indoors with our sweaters on, glad to greet the warmth of the Chapel heater, and taking in the smell of incense as well.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Speaker made his way to the pulpit, and we got ready to fall asleep. We looked at one another and thought this was going to be boring beyond belief. Well, it wasn't.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">With slow and deliberate words, he told us that Andrea had died. They told us. The System, the Church, the School, the Grown-ups, the Establishment all told us that she was dead. This was their way of doing it. She was never coming back, I thought. What happened?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She had been thumbing. She hitch hiked regularly, I knew this. I knew all her stories. Well, some one picked her up on a motorcycle was all they knew. Bits and pieces of information stunned me I didn't know how to comprehend, who to think of right now, who to go to, I can't believe it. She would never come back to the Girl's Room. I would never see her smile again. I missed her already. The man's words continued to roll out, louder now and seemingly angry. Yes, he was angry and it was making me angry, too. I looked to my right and to my left. They weren't my friends, not like Andrea. Gun shot. Gun shot in the head. The words echoed louder and louder and I didn't know where any one would get a gun. They found her in a ditch. That's what he said. In a ditch on the side of the road with a gun shot in her head. I cried.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It happened too fast. The Funeral was tomorrow. In a blur, the Funeral was now. Now I was sitting in the same Chapel with the same Man, the same voice, the same group of people. Only more crowded, more rain, more incense. Everyone was wearing black. We said goodbye to Andrea that day, I said goodbye to Andrea that day, and I felt guilty that I was still alive. It wasn't fair. This never should have happened. She was never coming back. I would wake up and go to sleep and wake up and go to sleep and wake up and go to sleep and she would never ever ever ever wake up again and she would never ever ever go to sleep again and never ever ever would I ever ever ever see her smile or ever ever ever hear her laughter or ever ever ever see her lips curl over her beautiful teeth while she laughed so softly, so beautifully. Ever.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I was too young to know. Too young to know what was happening, what had happened. I never got counseling, and the school never talked about her again. The big unwritten message was that if we thumbed a ride and left our parents on the weekends, we would end up dead with a bullet in our head and our body in some remote and ugly ditch somewhere, and it would be an awful way to die and our body would just be lying there for days and no one would know whose body it was.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Funeral was over now, and the classes began to file out. I remember the big, gigantic doors of the Chapel opening to let us out. Let me Out! The two doors opened in unison, and the sun cracked a stream of light into the Chapel. The stream turned into a door of light as the wood was out of the way. At first, we filed out slowly. As the sun began to envelop us in its enormity and warmth, we ran. Something was still inside us that we wanted to escape. We all did it at once, and together.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We ran away from the Chapel and into the light.</span>DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-19965713079439113492012-10-17T11:52:00.004-07:002012-10-17T11:52:49.840-07:00Age 13: Everything Just So<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She swiped mayonnaise on another piece of bread, then looked at the kitchen table, round and covered with a Thanksgiving tablecloth. It was another Sunday afternoon, turkey leftovers were stripped, the bones were bare, and little pieces of turkey dotted another sandwich.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She had five sisters and one brother, and she was the second oldest. No one really 'made' her do it, but she liked to cook and bake. So naturally, she had to make sandwiches for school, 1 1/2 blocks away from their home. Their home was a former convent for Catholic nuns, she knew, and so she just told herself that it was a good thing that she was doing. As if the goodness from the nuns still hung around the house.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Turkey meat here and there, separating the dark meat from the white meat, and she inquired of each child which they preferred. No, that was not possible. Living in a big family means that you get what you get, and if you don't want it, some one else is looking up with big eyes to eat if for you. So she didn't know that dark meat tasted different than white meat, and so she just mixed them both up on the same sandwich. None of the siblings would notice, either.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She opened the freezer. Thirty-five sandwiches, to be exact. They were all lined up, one sandwich per day for five days of school. She peered down at the kitchen floor now, noting all the piles. Red, white, and blue. And another one for patterns. She dumped the dryer, loaded the washer with the printed clothes, and added the detergent and softener to the machine. She knew to use cold water on the permanent press, and certainly and of course she knew one had to add bleach to the white clothes. Three more hours of laundry for nine people, and she took the load from the dryer and placed it on the living room sofa.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Folding each item was rather nice because it was cold and the wind was howling outside, leaves splashing onto the front steps for her to wipe on another day. The clothes were warm and soft, mildly scented. Mostly, they were warm. It was a side effect that on this cold Fall day, the clothes came out of the dryer and the warmth massaged her soul in a comforting kind of way.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She placed nine stacks of clothes on the top of the sofa, where the head rests. Starting from the littlest one, each pile contained the clothes of the respective sibling. Pants on the bottom of the pile, then shirts, then socks and underwear. Or, underwear then lastly, the socks. She rolled them up by matching pair, making sure that the exact sock had its own pair. She knew that one white sock differed from another white sock, and her Dad's blue calf socks had to be matched just so. So she did it.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She put the last socks on top of the last pile, finally, and went to brush her teeth, wash her face, and brush her hair.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Finally, she swiped back her bedsheets and blankets. It was her turn now.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">She gathered three pieces of bread, her favorite, and picked up the Nancy Drew book she was reading. Settling in, she had her own time. She was tired but pleasantly pooped, and no one could take this time away. It was hers.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-57400847118023478092012-10-17T11:52:00.000-07:002012-10-17T11:52:00.862-07:00Age 12: Keeping the Best of the 70's<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">My desk was right behind his. I think he was the smartest person in the class, and his brown hair was always clean. It happened the day that the Teacher had us move all our desks.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">You know one of those days? When the Teacher surprises us with wanting to move all our desks. At first, it is surprising and disappointing as we are settled into our chairs, our positions, and our little fiefdoms in the class.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We went to Our Lady of Mary Catholic school, all seven of us kids. I think that when my brother started First Grade, six of us were there at the same time. So naturally, I was inclined to note the other big families in the school, and the Marshall family was one of them.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So anyway, back on track. I had a crush on him. Brian Marshall was smart, funny, and classy. He didn't tell stupid jokes or talk loud or laugh too much. In fact, I think he was rather quiet. We went on a Field Trip in a bus to a Museum in Downtown L.A. That was the day that I got close to him because he sat on the bus behind me and Charlotte Winglet. Charlotte had crooked teeth and greasy hair and she didn't have many friends. But somehow, Brian and Charlotte began singing "...downtown..." over and over again and they were laughing so much that I had to join in.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I remember looking at Brian and thinking, "He is so nice to be kind to her, because she is rather dowdy and not too pretty." I thought he was being benevolent, but I knew that he was not. He was just being himself and I recognized that these moments were ones that he cherished not, not as much as I. For he became human to me that day. Touchable. Human. Not too far away.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And it happened. I had a crush on him that would not go away. I watched him finger his Bic pen in class, putting it to his lips in slow motion, and I wished I was the actual pen! I saw him put it in his mouth and of course I had to imagine what it would be like to kiss him. I had never been kissed by a boy before, and I thought that my First Kiss should be...well, it should be dramatic and special.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So my friends, a small cluster, ended up knowing I had a crush on him. I don't think I was much prettier than Charlotte, and I wasn't too developed for my age, either. Of course we were wearing Training Bras and thinking that we were going to be starting our Periods any day. We were growing up and becoming ladies, and soon we could wear high heels.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It was a day I'll never forget. It was lunch hour, and we were finishing up the last 10 minutes of time. School kids were running around, people were throwing away the brown bag lunches they would never eat, and we were getting ready to go back into class. I was standing with a few friends and some how, I don't recall how, one of them dared me to go up to Brian and kiss him.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wow, I thought. I really do want to kiss him.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So in a split second of nonsensical thought, I skipped over to him. He was standing on the other side of the benches and school tables, talking to some one who was across from him. I rounded my way about, so that eventually I was standing to his right. I poised myself just kitty corner to his right elbow, so that I was situated in his peripheral vision. I waited just two seconds, before I changed my mind.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I took three steps. I inched up to his soft cheek. I kissed it ever so softly.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I hardly had a moment to bask in the glory, as I had won the bet!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Immediately, he began to chase me. He chased me, this Brian Marshall, so fast that I thought he was going to pull my hair and then I don't-know-what-he-was-going-to-do! In my mind, the thought flashed that he played football and was a great runner</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>who was now chasing me!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> I had no glory in this. I feared for my reputation, my glory of the kiss was not yet gone and never would be, and I wondered how long I could stay ahead of him.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I took a sharp turn to the right when his hand reached for my hair, almost grabbing it. He stumbled ohhhh such a small bit, putting me one second in front of him further, widening the gap between us. Oh, but he was fast! Five more steps later, he was gaining on me again. So I sideswiped another swerve to the left this time, very calculated to stumble his efforts and gain more distance. It worked. He chased me and I swerved over and over and over again until eventually, I was so far ahead of him that he would never catch me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">By this time, we were away in the distance and the school bell rang its big "Bzzz! Bzzz!" We each sauntered over to our respective lines, the boys line for him and the girl's line for me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I won the bet.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I kissed Brian Marshall.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">He chased me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I ran away.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">But I still kissed him, and that was my first kiss that I gave any one.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I still kissed him.</span>DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-47704463511458280062012-10-17T11:51:00.000-07:002012-10-17T11:51:06.492-07:00Age 11: Chasing the First Kiss<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">My desk was right behind his. I think he was the smartest person in the class, and his brown hair was always clean. It happened the day that the Teacher had us move all our desks.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">You know one of those days? When the Teacher surprises us with wanting to move all our desks. At first, it is surprising and disappointing as we are settled into our chairs, our positions, and our little fiefdoms in the class.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">We went to Our Lady of Mary Catholic school, all seven of us kids. I think that when my brother started First Grade, six of us were there at the same time. So naturally, I was inclined to note the other big families in the school, and the Marshall family was one of them.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So anyway, back on track. I had a crush on him. Brian Marshall was smart, funny, and classy. He didn't tell stupid jokes or talk loud or laugh too much. In fact, I think he was rather quiet. We went on a Field Trip in a bus to a Museum in Downtown L.A. That was the day that I got close to him because he sat on the bus behind me and Charlotte Winglet. Charlotte had crooked teeth and greasy hair and she didn't have many friends. But somehow, Brian and Charlotte began singing "...downtown..." over and over again and they were laughing so much that I had to join in.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I remember looking at Brian and thinking, "He is so nice to be kind to her, because she is rather dowdy and not too pretty." I thought he was being benevolent, but I knew that he was not. He was just being himself and I recognized that these moments were ones that he cherished not, not as much as I. For he became human to me that day. Touchable. Human. Not too far away.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">And it happened. I had a crush on him that would not go away. I watched him finger his Bic pen in class, putting it to his lips in slow motion, and I wished I was the actual pen! I saw him put it in his mouth and of course I had to imagine what it would be like to kiss him. I had never been kissed by a boy before, and I thought that my First Kiss should be...well, it should be dramatic and special.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So my friends, a small cluster, ended up knowing I had a crush on him. I don't think I was much prettier than Charlotte, and I wasn't too developed for my age, either. Of course we were wearing Training Bras and thinking that we were going to be starting our Periods any day. We were growing up and becoming ladies, and soon we could wear high heels.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">It was a day I'll never forget. It was lunch hour, and we were finishing up the last 10 minutes of time. School kids were running around, people were throwing away the brown bag lunches they would never eat, and we were getting ready to go back into class. I was standing with a few friends and some how, I don't recall how, one of them dared me to go up to Brian and kiss him.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Wow, I thought. I really do want to kiss him.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">So in a split second of nonsensical thought, I skipped over to him. He was standing on the other side of the benches and school tables, talking to some one who was across from him. I rounded my way about, so that eventually I was standing to his right. I poised myself just kitty corner to his right elbow, so that I was situated in his peripheral vision. I waited just two seconds, before I changed my mind.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I took three steps. I inched up to his soft cheek. I kissed it ever so softly.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I hardly had a moment to bask in the glory, as I had won the bet!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Immediately, he began to chase me. He chased me, this Brian Marshall, so fast that I thought he was going to pull my hair and then I don't-know-what-he-was-going-to-do! In my mind, the thought flashed that he played football and was a great runner</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>who was now chasing me!</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> I had no glory in this. I feared for my reputation, my glory of the kiss was not yet gone and never would be, and I wondered how long I could stay ahead of him.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I took a sharp turn to the right when his hand reached for my hair, almost grabbing it. He stumbled ohhhh such a small bit, putting me one second in front of him further, widening the gap between us. Oh, but he was fast! Five more steps later, he was gaining on me again. So I sideswiped another swerve to the left this time, very calculated to stumble his efforts and gain more distance. It worked. He chased me and I swerved over and over and over again until eventually, I was so far ahead of him that he would never catch me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">By this time, we were away in the distance and the school bell rang its big "Bzzz! Bzzz!" We each sauntered over to our respective lines, the boys line for him and the girl's line for me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I won the bet.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I kissed Brian Marshall.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">He chased me.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I ran away.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">But I still kissed him, and that was my first kiss that I gave any one.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I still kissed him.</span>DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-65505119236266144602012-10-17T11:50:00.000-07:002012-10-17T11:50:03.621-07:00Age 10: Mr. Bubble<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Taking a bath with two sisters was fun. There was the warmth of the water, and nothing was more special than pouring in those flakes from the pink box of Mr. Bubble. The flakes were really light in the box; it wasn't a heavy box at all, and you really could not spill it. When the flakes poured out, some of them stuck in the bubbles as an intact flake, just sitting there in a little piece that would not dissolve.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><br />
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Perhaps this is where her interest in chemistry began. She got into the tub and the bubbles departed, moving left and right to dispel their presence from her invasive steps. Once she sat in the water, the two sisters would be talking and yacking and throwing things. They always wanted to play one game or another. Hide toys under the water, fill the toys with water, or float them on top of the water. She didn't want to do that.</div>
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If she was the first one in the tub, something she tried to be since the others were slower and not really aware of her goal, she could be the first on in the tub. Once she sat down ever so carefully, she simply listened. She closed her eyes and sat back, head on the cold and rounded edge of the tub. Ahhh. Shhhh. </div>
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Glistening. Popping. Microscopic pops. So tiny, so minute were these pops, and there were so many of them that there must have been thousands and thousands of them popping in one accord, each off step yet still on beat. Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop. Mmmmm. It was the only time she could be by herself to listen to the relaxing and mesmerizing sound. Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop Pop. It just went on and on and on, like a thousand stars in the mountain air on a fall night with the wind softly howling. It was comforting and stimulating at the same time.</div>
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The sound reverberated in her brain, sending chemical release of encephalons and endorphins. The morphine-like molecules relaxed her muscles, increased her pupil size, and increased her awareness of her surroundings. It was as if she were hyperacute in her sensations, listening with wide eyes as thousands of little tiny bubbles danced in the waters, each one clamoring to be the next one to burst. And over time, the wave of a mountain of a bubble diminished in size. The volume of the bubble bath decreased, and then sound slowed down. Pop Pop pop pop. Pop. There were only a few bubbles left now, and the other two sisters opened the curtain and complained that there weren't any bubbles left.</div>
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She turned the hot water back on, as the bath temperature was not quite so cozy now. The bubbles stopped making their Popping sound, the water was tepid, and it was time to restore the mood. So down went more bubble flakes, tumbling down from the pink box, tumbling down and down and down. Again, the bubbles were packed with little flakes of flakes of bubbles that did not have either the time nor the inclination to well, to form a bubble. So bubbles in all stages of life stood still, while other bubbles ending their lives went Pop and pop and soon, once again, there were no bubbles left.</div>
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But she knew that all she had to do was to pour the flakes from the pink box back into the hot water, and splash them about a bit to make more mountains form. It was a cycle, kind of like waking up in the morning and then going back to sleep at night. The same steps repeated themselves again. Night and day, morning and night, bath after bath until one day she took a shower instead. It was faster, and she did not have to share the shower with another sister, so she preferred it over time. Over time, she forgot about the bubbles until one day when the Pop pop Pop pop Pop Pop echoed in some part of her brain again.</div>
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So she closed her eyes as she smelled the smell, heard the Pop Pop Pop pop pop again, and she smiled ever so slightly as she put a soft towel under her knees. Then she leaned over to turn off the water as the little toddler stuck his hand in the bubble that carried the most volume. Again and again, the toddler smashed the biggest bubble and seemed unaware of the thousands and thousands of Pop Pop pop pops that echoed in the room.</div>
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But she did not miss the sound, as she heard it all. And when the bubbles faded and the water became more cool, she turned the water on again, letting hot water in. And she poured more flakes from the pink box and watched as once again, the bubbles were saturated and the extra bubbles simply hung on to the biggest bubbles that existed as long as they could.</div>
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And she thought, "How fine is this, that her son gets to play in the same bubbles as I did when I was young."</div>
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And she poured more flakes into the warm water.</div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-1219193246945523462012-10-16T17:38:00.001-07:002012-10-16T17:39:08.991-07:00The Book Cover is Completed Today!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T5uFwXnG_jjAFame91K-Lmxm-gaqyqKAmdPHiuTxJexlvKUzKlJdMV8gpKznB4lmjeXjIBq6UTH3cI_jhnLRP2PuSwsdxhBxxF8O6h0vtHXYzm8KxUkf47i0SFnlsAWxUabEa7fXGJvr/s1600/No+More+Tears+Book+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7T5uFwXnG_jjAFame91K-Lmxm-gaqyqKAmdPHiuTxJexlvKUzKlJdMV8gpKznB4lmjeXjIBq6UTH3cI_jhnLRP2PuSwsdxhBxxF8O6h0vtHXYzm8KxUkf47i0SFnlsAWxUabEa7fXGJvr/s320/No+More+Tears+Book+Cover.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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Thank you Tate Publishing and Shawn Collins!</div>
DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-81565361541746655782012-10-12T03:10:00.002-07:002012-10-12T03:11:06.566-07:00Age 9: Sitting on the Edge of the Cave<br />
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<i>by Dr. Margaret Aranda</i></div>
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I was in medical school, and it was the summer of 1986. Besides the fact that I needed money and drove an Ice Cream truck (yes, an Ice Cream truck) that summer, a more important thing happened. I drove from Tulsa, Oklahoma to Los Angeles, California in my little Chevy Sprint car. It had 3 cylinders just like a motorcycle and got great gas mileage. There was not a real gas shortage, but I was short on money. (Hence I drove an Ice Cream Truck ~ a pink one. No one would do that unless they really needed the money ~ actually it was quite fun but that's another story.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllxtzWXoPpyyuPjhIqMH4D9chLvnMKTOIAwF2Rorp2R5plFr3LMNejeutFgk04c6UBe3o6qEpPEqTEY0RhgZOnSE6sYa-uMoRAAXEEQSe-TbmUOz9AfAGYzaK_UZQuMYsuRGEQ9aO414/s1600/ice-cream-truck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #186188; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllxtzWXoPpyyuPjhIqMH4D9chLvnMKTOIAwF2Rorp2R5plFr3LMNejeutFgk04c6UBe3o6qEpPEqTEY0RhgZOnSE6sYa-uMoRAAXEEQSe-TbmUOz9AfAGYzaK_UZQuMYsuRGEQ9aO414/s320/ice-cream-truck.jpg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border-bottom-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-color: initial; border-left-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; border-width: initial; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div>
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In California for the summer with my son who was then 9 years old, he had a best friend named Milton. Milton was two years older than my son, putting him at 11 years of age. When I drove back to Tulsa go finish out another year at Oral Roberts University School of Medicine, I thought it would be nice for my son to have a friend with him. So we all drove back from Los Angeles to Tulsa, coursing along the 10 Freeway day and night. It was a long, hard drive. Milton started asking questions.<br />
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Mountains appeared before us. In the heat of the summer, one looked to the left and then to the right. Heat waves glistened their form above the arid desert. "When are we stopping to eat?" Milton asked. We stopped to eat, and we stopped to drink. Then we drove another 100 miles of flat desert as the mountains before us appeared closer and closer. Just as we passed the next mountain pass, yup. You guessed it. Another mountain pass was just in front of us, again. Again and again we went through this abyss of endless road and mountain passes. Milton was having a hard time, as this was quite monotonous. "Are we there yet?" I couldn't believe it when I heard it, as my son had never asked me that question before. "Wow, I said, you're not going to keep asking me, are you?" Well, you would have to know Milton to know what I did to stop him from asking me the same question.<br />
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"You Gotta Have Faith". I turned up the music. I had George Michael in my car, a tape. There were no DVDs, no CDs, no movies to watch. Only music. So I played the same tape, over and over again whenever Milton asked how long the drive was going to be. Each, time, I was hoping it was negative reinforcement, but I actually liked the tape so I just turned it up louder and louder each time it played. "Ugh!" they said in unison. "You are going to thank me for this when you grow up", I said, "because every time you hear George Michael, you are going to remember this trip to Carlsbad Caverns." They looked at one another, as I peered at them in the rear view mirror. Shaking their heads no, they were certain this was endless torture and it would never be a funny memory.<br />
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We stared at another mountain pass before us. One could not help but wonder about the frontier, the cattle and the wagons that had to tread across this ground hundreds of years ago. How did they do it on foot? It was hot. It was dry. It was cold at night. The pioneers didn't have Rest Stops and hotel rooms, and it seemed like such a hard drive.<br />
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To provide some relief on this unending trip, I told the boys that I would take them to Carlsbad Caverns. I had them look at the map as we turned off the 10 to drive south. Little Milton was beside himself with "You Gotta Have Faith" and as we neared the Caverns, he threatened, "This better be worth it." Again, you had to know him. My son, the ever-patient one, simply took it all in stride.<br />
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So we finally arrived at the Caverns, took the staircase and elevators down down, down, and it got cooler and cooler with each step. A welcome relief from the scorching heat, soon the stalagmites and the stalactites were jutting out in beauty all around us. "Oh, this is <i>so</i> worth it!" Milton exclaimed.<br />
I just smiled.<br />
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At the evening's end, we were sitting on the edge of a cave. It was time for the bats to fly out. We waited and waited and you guessed it. Milton kept asking, "When are the bats going to come out?" The audience peered at him in frustration and then several people told him to "Hush!" Just then, we could hear it. My son sat patiently waiting, trusting me on this one, too. I'll never forget how much I realized who he was as a person just now. I really liked him.<br />
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Like the ripples of water at a stream, it was smooth and soft at first. Then as the bats neared, the enormity of their wings en masse revealed themselves. <i>Whoosh! </i> A giant swoop echoed throughout. There they went, just as fast as they came and in an instant or two, they were gone far away to look for food and stretch their upside-down wings from the effects of gravity.<br />
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Milton looked up at me and said, "This was <i>Sooooo</i> Worth it!"<br />
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I just smiled.<br />
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Milton never asked another question the whole way home from there.</div>
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DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2794421796397676317.post-76900806693821092652012-10-11T08:50:00.002-07:002012-10-11T08:50:57.444-07:00Age 8: Selling Cupcakes<br />
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In 1968, it was okay to go door-to-door with a plate full of cupcakes. We sold them for 5c each. I don't thing we needed the money, but with six girls and one boy, maybe my Mom just wanted us to do something productive.<br />
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My older sister stayed home, leaving me with Martha and Louise. That also left me in charge. Martha was one year younger than me, and in turn, Louise was one year younger than her. We were properly dressed with white socks and shoes, sleeveless plaid shirts, and crisp pants that had a line down the middle as my Mom liked to iron. Our hair had ribbons and bows, our teeth were brushed, and we were ready to go. We lined up in the avocado green-and-mustard kitchen, waiting for Mom to give us the cupcakes. We thought this would be fun, although it wasn't clear who would get the money. Figured it would just go to Mom, but why did we need money, anyway? We shrugged our shoulders in unison as she walked in the room.<br />
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She wasn't tall, but to us, being kids, she loomed above us. We straightened up. She gave us a huge plate of cupcakes that we had not even helped to make or decorate. She did it all. She gave us detailed information on what to say when the person opened the door, how to sell them, and then she instructed us to give a napkin to each person, too. So I had two plates of cupcakes, Martha had the napkins, and Louise held nothing, so she opened the door. We determined that if the house had a screen door, Louise would be the one to open it so that people could see the cupcakes.<br />
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So off we went! The outside air greeted us with anticipation and excitement as we made our way with a variety of cupcakes. We had two plates, each colored with blue, pink, green, yellow, and then a coconut cupcake. There were multicolored sprinkles and little red sugar flakes that melt in your mouth right away. We didn't get to eat any before we left, so we briefly contemplated just eating one or two. But we quickly discarded that idea because there were three of us and it would be a noticeable difference if we didn't get the right amount of money before we went home.<br />
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The three of us went, the three "big ones", walking up the street, then around the corner on a Saturday afternoon in Redondo Beach. As usual for the month of July, it was overcast and droplets of water were visible in the air as we walked through them with ease. If we weren't on an official journey, we would have looked for cigarette butts on the ground and pretended to smoke, because when we exhaled, 'smoke' from the mist came out. It was fun to pretend to be a grownup.<br />
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So we went to the first door. A nice lady opened the door, peered at the cupcakes with glee, and bought a few. She was wondering what we were going to do with the money, so we just told her we were giving it to our Mom. It didn't occur to us that we could be making the cupcakes ourselves and saving the money to give to the poor, or to build a treehouse or something. She took the blue one, the coconut one, and the pink one. We had 15c. Off we went to the next house.<br />
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We did this again and again. Several people were not even home, and we had to walk a long way to get from one door to the next. I guess the houses were farther apart than they looked. Or maybe the plate was getting heavy. Three more houses, 7 more cupcakes sold. The sun was coming out now, heating up the place, and we were getting tired. And hungry. The jingle of nickels and dimes in my pocked did nothing to make us feel any better.<br />
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I put one plate under the other when one plate sold, because it was easier to carry. But that made for one heavy package that was getting heavier and heavier with each step. My arms were tired. We were really hungry now, and we thought maybe we could lie and say a few of them dropped. We were just discussing the plan, when the next door opened to our knock. The door was already opened and we looked up to give our speech and ~~~~~~ uhmmmm.....~~~ @P(*%Y(@T)#!*%^_$(@*&!!!<br />
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Our eyes opened more than they could open! We gasped! The lady had a mustache. What!? It was a real mustache! It was thick and gray and it went up on the ends. It was a Real Live Mustache on a Lady! She was old, peppered gray hair and I don't know how tall she was or what she was wearing or what she said, and actually I don't know if she said anything at all. For an instant we thought we were being punished by God for thinking of lying about the cupcakes. Honestly, maybe she was a witch! Maybe she had evil powers and she would try to grab us and pull us into her house and stick us in a brew of some kind!<br />
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We glanced sideway at one another. We didn't say a word. I simply dropped the plate of cupcakes on the ground as I jetted away, and one cupcake after another was toppling down down smash crumble oh my! We ran! We ran and we ran all the way home. We weren't laughing, we weren't being mean, we were just plain scared.<br />
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We ran and we ran and we ran.</div>
DysautonomiaMDhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18375820606912900379noreply@blogger.com0