Friday, August 25, 2017

Living with Pain - A Long Rough Road

Living with Pain - A Long Rough Road

Be Strong

by Stacey Kuhns

Living with Pain - A Long Rough Road - Be Strong
Stacey with Service Dog Henson


As I embark on the road to a healthier lifestyle I reflect on the trails that got me to this point in life. After much research, reading, and just plain living, I realized that I have been dealing with the same health issues since I was a child.

Back then, doctors would have never guessed what was going on and no one ever looked at my issues globally, taking the entire body and its systems into account.

College is when everything came to a head for me and I was extremely sick, physically and well as depressed. My mom came down to the school a few times to take care of me and take me to and from the hospital. Still, no one figured out what was wrong with me. Doctors seemed stumped.

I got to the point where I assumed being in pain throughout my entire body was normal and something I would have to live with the rest of my life.

While working in law enforcement, I spent a year in a wheelchair, thinking I would never walk again. I still came to work every day (except when I had medical appointments), and I feel continued to work at 100%. When Defensive Tactics classes became a requirement for the County of San Diego, my doctor advised me that I could become permanently injured if I took the class. It didn't take the County long to decide I could no longer do my job (even though I was an investigator and they have since put those classes on hold). Anyway, water under the bridge. Point is, I had to retire 9 years early, giving up a 21 year career and losing a lot of pay.

It took until my 40's until I was diagnosed with one of my diseases and until my late 40's until a pain management doctor finally put the pieces together for me, diagnosing me with my second disease. That diagnoses also made me permanently disabled in the eyes of the state, but I do not receive a monetary payment for being disabled. I was not medically retired from work either, as they felt my conditions were not caused by the job. I do receive Medicare as my sole benefit of my "settlement".

It has been a long rough road. There is no cure for either of my diseases. There are lots and lots of medications that supposedly help ease the pain a bit and make me "comfortable." Some days, that is a laugh as comfortable is not even in my vocabulary.

Many days I wanted to die and felt there was no reason to go on. Why live every day in intense pain. What does being here serve when I can barely dress myself or get undressed by myself? And chores and grocery shopping...sometimes I cannot wait to get back out to the car so I could burst out sobbing.

My diseases are two of the long list of "invisible diseases*." People don't believe you are really sick. They think if you lose weight, you will be cured. If you just go out and exercise a lot, you will be cured. I was advised by my doctors to swim (as walking is extremely painful for me.) I love swimming but one hour of water aerobics would put me in bed for two days with excruciating pain. I persevered, went to counseling, cried a ton, and luckily have an amazing group of close friends who helped me and supported me. (You all know who you are). I also had many friends who dropped out of my life because of all this. People that I felt were almost family, that I had known over 20 years. I don't get it, but whatever. And I even had family members pull away because I was no longer the one doing everything for everyone and was no longer superwoman.

I am so thankful to Ed who loves me unconditionally and accepts me and has provided me with adventures I never thought I would be capable of doing. I am so thankful to my amazing parents for always being there for me, for Ed who loves me unconditionally and accepts me and has provided me with adventures I never thought I would be capable of doing.
Ed and Stacey
I am so thankful for the people in my life now and those who have remained by my side. I am thankful to the trainers at Kindred Spirits Dog Training who made me feel that training my service dog was possible (even though there were times I was overwhelmed and wanted to give up). I am thankful to David for suggesting a service dog might be a help to me. I am so thankful to my amazing parents for always being there for me, for Ed who loves me unconditionally and accepts me and has provided me with adventures I never thought I would be capable of doing. For Chuck who has always been there. For my amazing girlfriends old and new who I love so much.

I know that eating right and exercising as much as my body can handle will provide wonderful benefits for me. Losing weight has never helped my pain levels but I am finding alternative things that are helping. I am getting good medical care.

I plan to keep keeping on. I plan to live each day as it comes and listen to my body and do what I can.
Henson
I plan to keep keeping on. I plan to live each day as it comes and listen to my body and do what I can. I hope to keep volunteering (as I have come close to quitting so many times due to how physical the job is and how high my pain levels have been), and I hope to keep learning and growing with Henson, eventually completing the Therapy Dog class and taking him to make others feel better, even for a short time.

For all those suffering invisible diseases. I get it. I am with you. Be strong. Never give up because there are so many people to reach out to, people who really do care. Hugs!

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*According to one study, more than 125 million Americans have at least one chronic condition (defined as a condition that lasts a year or longer, limits activity and may require ongoing care) and nearly half of those have more than one. These chronic illnesses often share one major characteristic: they are not visible to an onlooker; thus the term “invisible illness.”

Thursday, August 24, 2017

Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service

Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service
Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service 
I ordered a pair of Mayari Birko-Flor Graceful Toffee Size: EU 41 / US 10-10.5/8-8.5 Width: Regular on August 15th for an event I am attending on August 25th. Part of the purchase price included shipping cost. Since I live in a rural area twenty miles from the nearest town, I do not mind paying the extra shipping cost as it saves me the time and cost of a forty mile trip.

I was thrilled when I was notified by email that my order would arrive on August 22th. However that joy evaporated quickly when I open my package. Birkenstock had sent a pair of brown Gizeh!?!

Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service
Birkenstock Mayari
After double checking my order, I confirmed that the error was on the company’s side and immediately email them at the email address provide. Birkenstock did not even bother to respond. (Super bad customer service)

On the 23th, I called Birkenstock’s 800 number. Nickey, the Customer Service Representative, confirmed that I had ordered the Mayari not the Gizeh and said she was “sorry.” Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do until after they received the Gizehs back!!!

Birkenstock - Good Sandal - Horrible Customer Service
Birkenstock Gezeh
I explained that I had wanted the shoes for Friday; I explained that I would have to spend my time and gas to make a forty mile round trip to the UPS store; I explained that I would have to lose a couple of hours from work to drop of the shoes – all because of an error Birkenstock made!

Again Nicky stated that she was "sorry" but she could not help me in any way. She emailed me a return label and stated that they would ship out the correct shoes only after I returned the ones they shipped to me in error. Nicky made it seem that they were doing me a favor by supplying the return shipping!

After spending $102 to have a pair of sandals shipped to me, I expected better customer service. I would not recommend that anyone order shoes from this company via the internet. If you want the shoes drive to a store that stocks them. You will have to make the trip anyway and not be charged for shipping that does not deliver as promised!!!!!

You can buy the same shoe, online at Nordstrom for the exact same price but with free shipping!!!

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Family Camping - Lake Hemet

Family Camping - Lake HemetLake Hemet, one of the most popular vacation spots in Southern California for waterpark play, camping, fishing, RVing, festivals and weddings.



Photos from our weekend:













Sunday, July 2, 2017

Bodysuits by Starlight Baby

Bodysuits by Starlight Baby

Starlight Baby - Helping Your Little Star Shine


https://shop.starlight-baby.com


Starlight Baby was launched in May 2016. Founders James and April McAllister believe there is nothing more important in life than spending time with those you love, and the relationships parents share with their children is unlike any other. Oma agrees wholeheartedly.

Starlight Baby premium quality baby bodysuits are for your babies - ages ranging from newborn to 18 months old.

Sizes Available:
  • 0-3 months
  • 3-6 months
  • 6-12 months
  • 12-18 months

All the bodysuits are made of 100% cotton and are up to 50% thicker than traditional bodysuits. Their quality is noticeable and stand up well. I love the robust snaps because they stay fastened.

Of course, the best part of the Starlight Baby Bodysuits are their cute sayings!

Click Here to Purchase



https://Shop.Starlight-Baby.com

Product Description



  • • 100% Cotton
  • • The Bodysuit That Has It All - Whether you’re looking for the perfect baby shower gift, premium quality baby clothes, the softest fabric or just something for your baby to wear around the house, Starlight Baby bodysuits have it all.
  • • Your Baby Deserves The Best - Made from 100% boutique quality cotton, Starlight Baby bodysuits are up to 50% thicker than traditional bodysuits and are less likely to tear or deteriorate. Strong snaps will always stay closed until you decide it’s time to open them. Enjoy the comfort of knowing your new bodysuit will last as your baby - and even your family grows!
  • • Premium Designs - Hand applied and hand inspected in the USA, your designs are guaranteed to last. You will never find a Starlight Baby bodysuit with a cracked or faded design. Looking just as good as the day you got them, everyone will love and want to talk about your baby’s outfit.
  • • 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEED We believe so strongly that you will love our premium baby bodysuits that we offer a 100% money back guarantee with every purchase. If for any reason you aren’t satisfied with our products, we will refund your entire purchase with no questions asked.





It is Starlight Baby’s goal to provide products that are not only a great value, but are the highest quality and safest available on the market. Because let’s face it – our children are worth it. 

 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe would be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."