More POTS in the News

It seems I come across a lot more articles about POTS that are written in the UK, than the US.  I wonder why that is...Anyways, here's the latest POTS article I found.  I tend to look for more info about POTS when I am struggling with it more myself.  I really hope that articles like this can continue to spread awareness.  Yay, Dr. Grubb!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/8596450/How-gravity-can-knock-you-sideways.html

Driscoll Theory

Whether or not this will prove factual, as more studies are completed, it is awfully exciting to me.  I have to say that a lot of what she says makes sense.  Thank you, Dr. Driscoll for your hard work and continued advocacy!

Five For Friday 6/24/11

1.  Medical Stuff:

• I love finding EDS and POTS success stories.  Here is a link to one of the latest uplifting stories I found...

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2007276/Fainting-fits-Student-22-collapsed-time-stood-finally-standing-tall.html

• Dentist appointment.  No cavities but I am too switch from using regular floss to using the floss picks so I am able to hold them with one hand.  I showed my dentist how I flossed with my hand that doesn't have feeling and he suggested I switch to the picks so I can use my right hand only.
• 3 days of Home Rehab.
• 1 Day of PT.  On Thursday, I started using this....

A Pilates Reformer to help strengthen my core and prevent me from being so quad dominant.  It is my new torture chamber.  (Just joking, Katie!)  We do have a love-hate relationship so far though.  In all seriousness, I am always so thankful that Katie constantly tries to find new ways to challenge me and help me get stronger.

2.  I saw Bridesmaids with Theresa.  Can you say HILARIOUS?  I loved it and we both really, really needed that laugh!  I am trying to convince Brad to go see it with me for a second time, but so far, my convincing is not getting me very far.  This song is for you, Theresa!

3.  Speaking of Brad, he is officially on summer vacation.  He finished up coaching MSU basketball camps this week.  On the last day of camp, Holly, Katy, Khristy, and I went to Breslin to watch Brad coach his final games.  We also bugged Doug of course.

(I was taking these pictures from the balcony with no flash, so please excuse the blurriness).

Katy looking for Papa in the balcony

Coach Garland on his scooter with his pink basket. Ha!

Katy, Holly, Khristy 

Holly, Katy, Papa

Katy just wanted to blow her whistle too.

4. I got sooooo bummed today when I felt like a truck ran me over at Kohl's and I couldn't form a coherent sentence...My Mom had to run and get the ginormous Kohl's wheelchair because she and I both thought I was going down.  It has been a while since I have had to ride in that Kohl's wheelchair; which is promising I guess.  After beating myself up enough, I am now officially over my pity party, and back to recognizing the progress I have made since last June.  Sometimes I just wish I could find a way to pump blood to my brain myself.  I think I'm gonna work on inventing something.  I welcome any ideas.

5.  I celebrated Father's Day with my Daddio.  He chose Falsetta's for dinner and we gave him a Kindle.  He is having a grand time ol' time exploring his new toy.

Guess Who's 1!

Miss Cecilia Jane turned one on June 5th.  We were not able to be there for her actual birthday, but we were able to celebrate with her a couple of weeks later.  We missed Dad (too soon after surgery to travel), Brad (coaching at MSU Basketball camp), and Andy (at OCS).  Jake was quite the out-numbered one!

As Told from CeCe's point of view...

We hung out and had fun at home.  We ate a lot, and played a lot, and watched "Yo Gabba Gabba."  My Aunts had me dancing up a storm.  They are crazy.  I have to admit that I threw a couple of tantrums.  I just learned how to do this.  I arch my back real far so no one can hold me, then I sit on the floor and put my head on the ground.  After a minute or two, I calm myself down and hold my arms up for someone to hold me.  I'm not sure why people laugh when I do this. 

Grandma and Grandpa got me a lot of clothes and a bike!  Aunt Allie got me blocks and an outfit.  Aunt Katie and Uncle Brad got me a dress and a puzzle.  We played our hearts out.

When we watched the "Yo Gabba Gabba" sleep episode, I fell asleep during the nap time song on Aunt Allie.  I'm not sure why this was so amazing to everyone.  They were singing about going to sleep after all.

The girls and I decided to take a trip to the zoo.  I ate one of my favorite power foods before we left...Yogurt!  Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm!

 

I loved watching the monkeys

That water felt oh so good

The ducks mesmerize me

Some guy came up to us and said, "Ladies, please move to the side.  We are going to bring the camels through and get them out of the rain."  Have you ever heard anything so silly?

Aunt Katie was so excited they had zebras

The hippos didn't do much

He just wanted to hang out with us

We were happy sunflowers

I loved watching the giraffes with Grandma

A zebra and a zebra. Get it?

I was getting tired so we took a break.

Getting sleeepppyyyy

Before I nodded off, Aunt Katie wanted me to look all Hollywood.

So, naturally I worked it.

Finally.  I was dreaming of lions, and tigers, and bears, and DUCKS!

 After my nap, everyone chatted on the patio while I played in my water table.  My Grandma did not like that my Aunts gave me a mohawk but I kinda dug it.  

The next day we went to lunch at Champp's.  I was such a big girl and ate a cheese quesadilla and fruit.  Guess who came to lunch?!   Aunt Allie's boyfriend, Gabe.  Then he had to leave to go do more Army stuff. I love that guy.

After lunch we went to the splash pad.  I wasn't sure about it at first, but then I decided I loved it; even when the big kids would dump water on my head.  We also played on the playground for a while.  For the record, my cup from Champp's made a great water toy. 

 

Afterwards, we got a nice, cold treat from John's.  Water Ice is a big deal here in Philly.  I loved to take bites from everyone's cup.

Aunt Katie, Aunt Allie, and I were asleep right after we got home.  My Dad caught my Aunts sleeping in this crazy position so he snuck a picture.

For the rest of the time that my Aunts and Grandma were here, I made sure I soaked up all of the lovin' I could.  Grandma and I always had our special alone time in the morning.  Since it was Father's Day, I also gave my Daddy the Phillie's shirt he wanted.  

My Mom, Dad, and I walked my Aunts and Grandma to the car when it was time for them to go home.  It was hard to say goodbye again, but I will see them soon in Grand Haven for a whole week!  The countdown begins!