String's Atkin's Journal (Please Comment)

[toystoryduo]

Hey Beth,
I'm glad to hear that you are starting to feel better. Please be sure to rest and let Won and your mom do all the work for you. I bet that you are glad to be home, huh???

Sounds like you had an interesting night last night. Your roomie sounds like she was a real hoot! Sorry, you had to babysit her though. Didn't someone inform her that you were not on the clock last night????

That was so nice of your friends to bring all of that yummy food and drink! Good friends are such a blessing!

Sending lots of and extra healing your way. Take good care of you!

Tracy

 

[vald1977]

Hi there Beth,
I'm glad to hear you're home and your mom will be around to help out with everything for awhile. I hope being at home will be more relaxing than the hospital proved to be .

 

[LAinSEA]

Beth - oh my! I do hope you are recovering and starting to feel better. It must be difficult for you to be the patient. Let others take care of you for now.

Reading about PG really infuriated me. It is no wonder that even her husband now believes that there is a problem here. I can see Katie calmly explaining that she can't go with her because she's alergic to ice cream. You are so right, your daughter is an old soul, wise beyond her years.

I'm an old pro when it comes to pnemonia, so please take this advice. Do whatever it takes to make sure it is gone the first time. If that means going back in for a culture or X-ray after your course of treatment has been over a few weeks, then do it. I had pnemonia with symptoms off and on for nearly 3 years. I now have asthma because of it and will always be vulnerable to it. I can't take a regular strength antibiotics for even a sinus infection because of the resistance I built to each of the round of antibiotics given during that 3 years of treatment.

You are exposed to all sorts of nasties in your job. You need to be strong and that means you really need less stress in your life. I'm so happy to hear that your DH and your parents have stepped in to take some of the load off. Dealing with Katie's nightmares will be harder. You are dealing with the problems straight up with her and she will understand. Keep being honest with her about your health. She will find some comfort from knowing what is going on. Keeping children in the dark about the events that effect their lives feed their fears and result in nightmares.

I'm so sorry I was concentrating on my school work that last few days and not checking in. Please know that I'm there for you too. Rant away, it's always OK with me.

-Laurie

 

[AuroraluvsPhillip]

Hi Beth,

I was reading the last few pages of your journal, oh my...you are under an amazing amount of stress, and anemic to boot? yikes!

I hope you're feeling perkier now after some packed cells. My mom needed some blood last year...she was on some med that dropped her crit down. Being a retired nurse, she did spring cleaning, gardening etc. until my brother visited and noticed that her usual pale skin was somewhat pasty...hmmm..I talked her into getting a crit and it was , da-dum 15!!! Two transfusions later, she finally got taken off that med. Unbelievable. "Oh,my crit's always low" she says. Right!

Please take care of yourself and get that pneumonia cleared up. Your husband and DD will be fine while you heal. You have been through some crazy stuff lately; time for some ME time!

Take care,
Jean

 

[CheapMom]

Beth- I just got caught up. Your MIL really sounds ill. I am glad your FIL is finally on board with trying to get her medical help. I know this has to be terribly hard for Won also. You are doing everything right so just keep on doing what you are doing and hopefully if MIL gets medication/help she can have some limited and supervised (by Won) visits with Katie. It sounds like that is what she really wants. Hopefully you can just stay away from her. I would say after being called a b**** more than once and getting slapped by the woman you are under no obligation to visit with her and 'play nice' no matter how much of a transformation the woman makes.
I am sorry you have been so sick. It sounds awful. Now that you are on the mend be good to yourself- don't run yourself down and have a relapse. Maybe you could get out to a movie or something this week. I find that to be a great escape from my 'real life'
This is definately the gem of the day:

The little girl next to Katie threw hers off the stage by mistake and started to cry. Katie handed Julia her star and continued to dance without missing a beat. They got an aww.. then a standing ovation. I'm doing something right.

That warmed my heart!

 

[Strings]

Thanks guys,

Won had lunch with his dad today. I'll be intersted to see what has occured at PG's house. Sorry, I'm feeling b!@#%y today. I spent yesterday napping. I am feeling better, just tired. I do not have any voice whatsoever. In fact I am sneezing and coughing silently. It is odd. katie is getting frustrated by my lack of voice,but we're dealing with it. DM, Kate, and I are going to the park as soon as my antibiotic is done. I've increased my carbs, bit I am doing healthy ones. Dreamfields makes a really good whole wheat pasta,and the strawberries are awesome right now. I also have eaten an orange for vitamin C. I hate to think about the scale. We'll see if I get on the scale on Friday.

Have a good one.

 

[septbride2002]

I hope the lunch with Won and his Dad went well and that they were able to decide what the next course of action should be in regards to you MIL. I would still pursue the restraining order until she is either on controlled medications or has come to her senses. Trying to lure your daughter out of your yard is unforgiveable if you ask me.

Take care of yourself, keep eating oranges, and maybe try some orange juice.

~Amanda

 

[LAinSEA]

Beth:

We tried the dreamfields pasta a couple of weekends ago. It tastes so good and the texture is so much like "real" pasta that I'm afraid that the 5 net carbs is too good to be true. But I enjoyed it anyway!

Take advantage of all that good fresh fruit and veggies that are out now. To heck with the carb count, just get better!

Sign language? You and Katie could learn it together - it would be fun?

-Laurie

 

[wilderness01]

Hope you are feeling better and rested. That's ok you are feeling cranky, everyone does once and a while. Plus you have been going through so much, who wouldn't?

 

[lulu201]

Hello, Beth. How are you all doing today? I hope Won and his dad had a good talk and were able to come up with a plan to help PG. Let your mom take care of you and Katie, OK?

,
Erin

 

[CheapMom]

Hi Beth- Don't worry about the scale- eating oranges and whole wheat pasta may not fit with your regular low carb plan but it will not do any irreversible harm either- Right now you have to heal, and you need to eat. I bet as cruddy as you have been feeling that you are probably down on the scale anyway. It sound like you haven't been eating much.
I agree about the restraining order unless FIL can promise to control MIL and keep her away. The weirdest thing about your MIL is I am sure she loves Katie but why does she have such a disregard for her dietary restrictions/allergies. Her husband is a medical doctor for God's sake- could you ask him to explain to her why she can't eat certain foods. It seems like she offers Katie ice cream... just beacause it is against YOUR rules. It is twisted.
Anyway- the misadventures of your MIL are pretty scary and I am sorry that you get the brunt of her meanness.
Hope your voice returns soon- in the meantime maybe you and Katie and Won can play a nice game of charades.
Mary

 

[Strings]

Just a quick update. The lunch yesterday wasn't as productive as hoped. FIL agrees that she is acting erratic, and it is probably a result of menopause. Excuse me she has been psychotic for the 12 years i have known her. Anyways, PG doesn't see where she has a problem, it is all my fault. She refuses therapy or meds. He won't pursue declaring her imcompetent and force her into therapy. Won and I have agreed that we need to enforce the restraining order. If she comes near Katie and I, we call the police. I have the feeling that FIL agrees with us now, but if she does come near Katie, he is going to change his tune. I've also started a journal of all contact. The assault and attempted kidnapping were entered into evidence for the restraining order, so it is in the record. She is being served with the restraining order today, which is why we're heading out of town, at FIL's suggestion. He is not sure how PG will react, but agrees that we need one. We were going to my parents house, but PG knows where it is. Mom, Katie,and I are going to my uncles cottage on Lake Michigan. I had my dr.'s appointment this morning, and it is ok. i need to take her pager number if there are any problems. I love3 my DO. We plan to have 4 day weekend at the beach, and we'll go to the dunes. Katie can go swimming in the freezing water. My dad is meeting us on Friday. I am bringing a few books that I have been meaning to read, and not overdo anything. I am bringing the laptop, so I'll update. I will fully admit that I will probably not get to journals. I hate dialup connections. I am very spoiled, and just don't have the patience. I am sending to all for a great weekend.
Beth

 

[septbride2002]

All I can say is Wow! I think it is a good idea that you are getting out of town. I also find it amazing that your FIL agrees with you getting the restraining order, agrees that she is acting irratic, but will not take proper steps to get her to see someone and possibly become medicated. Even if it is a menopause thing she could take Estrogen!

Enjoy your weekend, relax and take care of yourself!

~Amanda

 

[DoeWDW]

Beth, your plans for the long weekend sound just heavenly!! You get some R&R, you have your family to help take care of you and Katie, you don't have to worry about MIL for a few days - great idea!! Relax and enjoy!!!

I still practice the sign language alphabet - just in case I can't use my voice to communicate or in case I run into someone who can't hear me. It also came in handy at Girl Scout camp when we weren't allowed to talk late at night - we used our flashlights and signed back & forth!

I'm sending good thoughts your way today, Beth!!

 

[LAinSEA]

Beth:
I do hope that you and Katie will enjoy your opportunity to spend some time at the Lake. It sounds like a perfect place to rest and recooperate.

Your FIL is in a tough place. As is your DH. PG actually needs some support right now and some strong straight talk. She has amped up this situation and she needs to realize that the restraining order is required because of her actions. You are right to take flight while she deals with the delivery and ramifications. Eventually, you will have to return home.

When that happens, try to always have someone else, not involved, close by. A friend or neighbor that can be called upon at a moments notice to act as a witness. Hopefully, you will not need the witness, but it is important just the same to have independent collaboration.

Please rest, rest and rest some more. I'm sending my prayers and warm wishes for improved health.

I just read a great article on the physical manifestations of stress for my class. You could be the example used in the article. Listen to your body, it want some TLC!

take care and have a wonderful, relaxing weekend!
-Laurie

 

[toystoryduo]

Good morning Beth,
I am so glad that you are going on a mini-vacation with Katie and your parents. It sounds like it will be a relaxing time for both of you.

Sending lots of prayers your way for the situation with your MIL and for you to be completely healed and rested.


Tracy

 

[CheapMom]

Beth- Try to keep your mind on other things this weekend. It will be good for you.
Mary

 

[vald1977]

Hi Beth,
I hope you enjoy your long weekend. It will do you good to get away from everything for awhile and relax on the beach . Have a wonderful time !

 

[Castillo Mom]

Beth, I've just finished catching up on the last few pages of your journal. I'm sorry for all that you've been through. Without going into detail, just let me say that I can truly sympathize and understand how difficult this situation with your MIL has been. I've been through similar with a person very close to me and the emotional and mental instability of someone like that can be overwhelming to those around them, even those that love them. I pray that you get through this and that your daughter is safe.

As for your health, let me also say that you need to take it easy. I know it's hard to care for yourself sometimes when you're the caretaker. Nurses are notorious for thinking they're superhuman, and in many ways you are, but you need to take care of you. I know what I'm saying, I work with you caregiver types every day. And you of all people should know how stress can affect your health, especially when your resistance is down as it is. Please, please, please try to take it easy, ok? My prayers are with you Beth. Big hugs to you.

 

[wilderness01]

Thinking about you Beth and hoping you are relaxing this weekend. No stress remember and rest, rest, rest.