A Detective Hunting the Culprit, or a Patient in the House TV Series Show?

I feel just like a detective on a hunt for an allusive culprit, or maybe one of those patients on the Bones Series who has some physical disorder that is a challenge to identify.  House, where are you.  I could take your personality if you can figure out what is going on with my body.  Here is where we are at so far:

I went to the urologist on Friday.  I got an all clear there.  

However, the roller coaster continues with ups and downs and it goes round and round.  I have been taking my antibiotics.  Sunday was a great day, Monday was a good day. Today, I felt lousy.

Today, I went to the neurologist.  Ruled out post polio syndrome. Very good!

Thursday, I go for a Doppler ultrasound imaging, which uses sound waves to check blood flow and measure the thickness of my carotid arteries. 

If that is an issue, we tackle it.

The next step will be to see an immunologist to see if I have developed an auto immune disease that could have been due to exposure to chemicals when we inventoried the house after it had burned.  After we had finished, we found out they could not demolition until a Hazat team came in to clean up the hazardous materials.

However, I had a nice surprise this morning.  I received an email that said I was a feature on the front page of the My Generation – Boomer Edition

Published by Boomer Life Media  May 29, 2012.

http://paper.li/BoomerLifeMedia/1311452367 which linked to my book video.  That was very nice of them to do that.



What a crazy ride, but I am charging full speed ahead in spite of the little rocks in the road.  I hope you are doing the same!

What next?  I haven't a clue...but, I will keep you in the loop if you want to visit back to check.

I have also received another invitation for an interview.  I let you in on that once it is all ready to go.

Sand, Ocean, Rocks, Boulders and Thunderstorms on the Rocky Road this Past Week and a Half

This past week and a half has been eventful to say the least.  I was having some major problems with my potassium level.  I got that up to low normal, but I was still not feeling my old self.  We decided to go ahead with our plans for the beach regardless.  We made sure we had a nice supply of  fresh tomatoes and avocados with us so I could supplement the potassium tablets.  Monday was a nice trip to Tybee Island.  It was a little windy and a bit of chill in the air, but very nice.  We arrived at our hotel that overlooked the beach, and stopped by the office to check-in.  Our room wasn't ready, so they gave us a room upgrade.  We had a super view of the ocean and the beach.  We went for a short walk along the shoreline once we got unpacked.  The hotel dining room is very nice, and the front of it is a huge arch (much like the St. Louis arch) that is all windows so that you have a fantastic view while you dine.  I had little access to the internet all week, but I did find out that on Friday, April 6th., the interview I had with Lloyd Paige was posted on his site, The Paige Today, at http://lloydpaige.com/?p=823.

Tuesday was a beautiful sunny day.  The sunrise was just gorgeous. Tom and I enjoyed every second of it and I was feeling fairly well.  We checked out the beach, and the shops.  We lounged on our balcony breathing the salt air, watching the people on the beach, and the birds.

On Wednesday, our friends showed up to spend a few days.  The day for the most part was very nice again until that evening when the storm clouds began to roll in from the east.  We had a couple of thunderstorms, and the wind picked up chilling the air.  I was having some breathing problems, but still doing fairly well. The sky was really interesting as the clouds for the second thunderstorm began to roll in over the beach.  There was one area that looked as if there was a large hole, the clouds were white and brightly illuminated.  The rain shower was heavy and short-lived.  The thunder and lightning did not begin until the storm was out over the ocean. The lightning shot out of the clouds like large ragged arrows aimed at the water out close to the horizon.  The waves began to build, and we watch them break farther and farther out on the ocean's surface. 

Thursday was cold and windy.  I tried to go for a walk about mid-day, but I just could breathe enough to do it.  It was as if the wind was taking all my oxygen.  I had to give up and return to the hotel.  The sea gulls and black birds were around everywhere, so we decided to have some fun feeding them.  We soon found out that the poor birds on the small parking area between our balcony and the beach didn't have a chance to get the bread we were throwing out.  The gulls that took to the air and swooped down as we would throw out a piece of bread would catch it in mid-air.  It became a game to see how close they would come to our balcony.  One of the black birds decided to even the odds by hopping on the rail to take his food before it was thrown up in the air. 

Friday morning it was still chilly and cloudy. However, the sunrise was beautiful.  I was feeling worse, and I did not want to go farther that our balcony.  Minimal walking took all my air, so we stayed in room and I sat on the balcony off and on.  Once more the birds were the main source of entertainment.  It was a pretty uneventful day, but nice to enjoy the ocean breeze.

Saturday morning we began to prepare to leave for home.  I was still not feeling up to par.  We made the trip home, and I unpacked.  On Sunday, I sorted the dirty clothes to wash and to get ready for work on Monday.  I was still short-winded.  I took one load of clothing out of the washer and put them in the dryer.  By the time I put the second load in the washer, I was completely breathless and felt as if I would pass out.  I told Tom that he would have to take over because I couldn't finish.  I decided to check my oxygen level.  It was in the upper 90's, and that puzzled me.  I decided to take my blood pressure.  It was about 258 over 158.  That scared me.  I decided I had better tell Tom.  We decided that I had better go to the emergency room to get checked out to see what was going on with me physically.

We arrived at the emergency room at about 2:15 p.m.  I told the lady at the check-in desk.  They took me back and ran an EKG.  They sent me back to the waiting room.  About an hour later, they called my name to go to the check-in desk.  They sent me back to the waiting area.  Finally, about 9 p.m., I was put in a "Decision Making" room.  I was told they were keeping me to run blood work, an echocardiogram and do a stress test.  I had not had a thing to eat since breakfast, and nothing to drink since I had left home.  I was thirsty, and hungry.  They let me have two small packets of graham crackers and some ice water.  The lab person came in and set up an IV cannula, hook me up to a heart monitor, and oxygen.  Then, another person came in to draw about five vials of blood.  I cautioned her that if she took too much, I would charge for it.  I don't think she saw the humor in my quip.  She didn't even crack a smile.

The next morning at seven in the morning, they were back again for more blood.  I was only allowed enough water to take my medicine.  Some of my medicine, they didn't have in the hospital pharmacy, and they didn't want me to take it even though I had it with me. They gave me a shot of radionuclide injected into my bloodstream.  Finally, about nine-thirty that morning they came to take me for the tests.  The first thing they did was to put me on a machine that take multiple pictures of the heart at all angles.  That meant lying on my back perfectly still with my arms above my head for about thirty minutes.

Once that was complete, they put me back on the stretcher and wheeled me to a "holding room" for quite some time.  I didn't see a clock, but it seemed like forever.  Then, a lady came to get me to run the echocardiogram.  After that, it was back to the "holding room" again.  Finally, a nurse came to get me to take the second part of the chemical stress test.  A chemical stress test uses an isotope medication that is inserted into the body via an IV. Its purpose it to take the heart to its highest extremes of stress. This is accomplished by forcing the arteries of the body wide open so that blood is allowed to flow at maximum volume.

I was hooked up to an EKG machine during the test so that my heart was monitored at all times. The temporary side effects of the test were severe.  The chemical opens the arteries in the manner used ensures certain symptoms,  and I was told could include, but are not limited to hot flashes, tingling or burning throughout the body, sweats, severe headache, nausea (and possible vomiting).

I personally thought that nothing could hurt as much as what I had envisioned for the pain of a heart attack itself.  I have never had a heart attack, but I think this had to be worse!  This test has to be as severe if not more so. Although it only takes about six minutes, the agony and pain of the test makes it feel more like six months. I felt as if my heart, lungs and every vein and artery in my body was going to explode.  I know the  purpose of the CST is to determine how the arteries respond; how well the blood flows through the heart; and whether or not any blockages are encountered in the process, and it apparently works well because much later I found out that  the doctor was satisfied with the results.  I, on the other hand, was not since it left me with a raging migraine, but it subsided fairly quickly. 

Again, I was taken to the "holding room" to wait my turn for more pictures of my heart.  I was finally returned to my room sometime after two that afternoon.  There was more waiting until a doctor came to give me the results, and to release me.  I found out about six that evening that I was going home, but it nine that evening before a doctor showed up to begin the hospital release for me to check-out.  The doctor who released me recommended that I make an appointment with a neurologist.

We arrived home about 9:30 p.m.  I stayed home today.  I am absolutely worn out, and I am not breathing any better than I was before I went to the emergency room???????  I did discover this morning that another review of my book had been posted on my Author's Den Page at: http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnews.asp?AuthorID=140046&id=38634

Who knows what will happen in the near future, but I will keep you posted.  I am still tackling it all with love, faith and guts.

More pictures taken at Tybee Island.

Check back who knows what is next.  Whatever it may be, it is never a boring minute! 

Press Release: Poplar Bluff author’s memoir to benefit American Bladder Cancer Society, SEMO Times

That was the headline in an article in the SEMO Times.  It is a newspaper in print and online that is in the town where I grew up.  I lived outside of town, but I went to high school there and it is where I started college and received my A.A degree. That was the first step on the road to getting my Masters degree.  I was a non-traditional student when I started college.  It took a while, but I made it all the way.  I tell about the hurdles and pebbles it took to get to that point in the book. You can see what they printed at:  http://semotimes.com/7813 .

Today,  I had more flyers and invitations made up.  I put up a couple.  I am going to go see my friend Jennie at one of the local television stations next week.  I am working on some more postings of interviews on my other website.

I read a lot of articles on how to market books today.  I found some very good information on the Mid West Review site.  I am waiting in anticipation of the book reviews.

I received an email from a lady who purchased the book.  This is what she wrote:

"Your new book arrived while we were in FL, and I read the whole book yesterday. It was wonderful!!! Thanks for sharing your story You have been such a gift from God in my life. Thank you. I'm looking forward to your signing at the Elks."

She may not realize it, but she has been one of the angels in my life. 

I have several things lined up to do tomorrow.  I dread daylight savings time. It really messes with my biological clock.  Monday is work, and I have an appointment with my doctor for a check-up. 

BTW, if you would like to purchase the book, or like my Amazon page, the link is:

http://www.amazon.com/Sylvia-L-Ramsey/e/B002BMJ5NI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1326569308&sr=1-1

Tune in later for more.....

Back to Work on the Rocky Road and Another Interview

It was back to work today. There was a workshop for the staff who work in the Academic Resource Center/Library. After the workshop, we went for lunch. It was nice to have everyone together. Because of the hours the center is open, there are different shifts, and they rarely get a chance to even see each other. They are a wonderful group of young people who are dedicated to what they do, and when I have had to be out because of illness, they have carried on just as if I were there . They deserve lots of Kudos!  

After lunch, I stopped by the pharmacy to pick up some of my prescriptions...can you believe it...one small bottle of pills and two inhalers over $200.00 with the co-pay. The inhalers would have been close to $500.00 without the insurance. It just doesn't sound right.  

I have an interview online today on Raychelle Writes blog, The Writer's Block Interviews. It was very nice and I appreciate the interview. If you want to check it out, here is a direct link to it:

http://raychelle-writes.blogspot.com/2012/03/writers-block-interviews-sylvia-l.html. 

Talking about interviews, I still have several that I need to set-up and schedule on my other blog, Thoughtful Reflections. I started it about a year-ago because so many people had been kind enough to help me that I wanted to pass it forward.  

Who know what will happen between now and tomorrow? Tune back in to find out!



Hope is the ability to hear the music of the future. Faith is having the courage to dance to it today.- Dr. Peter Kuzmic, theologian

Navigating a Few Pebbles in the Road, but Getting Some Sunshine Rays along the Way

Interesting things keep popping up as I travel this journey.  I was contacted by a very nice young woman who found my poem, "A Tired Vagabond", and asked if she could share it on her blog.  I was very flattered that she had found it and liked it enough to wish to share it with others.  Christy ask if she could put the poem on her blog, Poetic Parfait.  I felt very honored that she had found my poem which is also in this book as well as in the Pulse Points of a Woman's World book.  Christy is in British Columbia and has quite a following. 

I have had more invitations to interview on blogs.  It is nice to know that fellow authors reach out to help each other.  Sometimes one can get so caught up in their personal goals that they fail to reach out to their fellowman. 

 Sometime ago, I wrote a blog series on bladder cancer and women.  Today, I wrote to  thank the managing editor of Healthy Women, Marcia Mangum Cronin, to thank her for allowing me to blog about bladder cancer and women.  It was that blog series that re-kindled the urge to write the book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts.  I heard back from her and could not believe that she was gracious enough to write a follow-up on my story and how it has led to writing of this book.  I will keep you posted on when the article is online.

BTW, I am enlisting my husband Tom to be my secretary to help me with all the emails coming in on the book.  :)  I am overwhelmed by all the responses.  It is wonderful, maybe my dream to create awareness of bladder cancer and inspire others will all come true.

There are more updates on the way.  Stay tuned!!!

News on Charlie's Story and My Book's Status

          Today, I was told that one of the instructors at the college where I teach is using “Charlies Story” in her new student success classes to inspire them that no matter what, if they want it, they can succeed.  She said it made an impression on her students, and it also opened the class up for a great discussion. 

                     What a fantastic compliment!

Update on the book. 

My book is at the publisher’s, and I am waiting to hear from them.  I have a couple of consultation calls that I am waiting to receive.  I wonder what the cover design will turn out to be.  I am working on putting together marketing ideas, and creating a plan.  I have decided that I would like to have a book trailer for the book.  I am not sure that I want to tackle that task.  I wonder if I can afford someone to create it for me.

It is a time of waiting, planning and contemplation.  I am working on getting my other blog (Thoughtful Reflections Blogspot) up-to-date on scheduled interviews.  There is a press release in the works.  I love to write, but I really am not crazy about the phase of the process.  I am a doer, and waiting is not one of my virtues. However, the success of this book is important because I really believe it can help others in many ways.  Regardless, I feel as if I am caught up in a time warp that has me suspended in time. In a way, I rather feel like this poem I wrote once when I had writer’s block: 

         

The Silent Muse

Silence surrounds the muse

like the murky veil

            on a smoke-stained rose

            that enfolds a city’s dawn

            as the elegant words

            of pomp and circumstance

            are as voiceless

            as the cry of a city’s neon lights.

In agony, he craves respite

            from the tyranny

            of a need

            that makes him a wanton, helpless pawn

            that lures him tauntingly

            like a siren lures a ship

            toward the hidden craggy rocks

            on cold, rainy, foggy, nights.

Thus, taunts this siren

            tricking the mind

            with ghostly strains

            of lilting rhyme

            to entice the muse,

            causing the need to be stirred

            when the mind’s curtain is drawn

            to suffer silent, voiceless nights.

Overcoming the Rocks in the Road

“Opposition is a natural part of life. Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition - such as lifting weights - we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.” ~ Stephen R. Covey

 My new computer is scheduled to arrive tomorrow.  I can then begin the final polish on my book.  I have an angel who is proofing it.  I must thank Dr. Aman Kay who is an Internationally published author who has encouraged me along the way to completing this work.  He has been a mentor, an encourager, and now has volunteered to serve as an editor to make sure the book is ready to be published.   

He keeps telling me that my story is one that must be read by all.  He says that is tells an honest story of survival , faith and perseverance that will inspire others to hold on to hope and to not give up.  I hope he is right because I have been honest in the telling even though it is simple and a "literary" work of art.   

Cynthia Kinsella who is the President of the American Bladder Cancer Society has contributed a message recalling our first meeting, and the importance of the messages within the book.  I have added this message as the epilogue to the book.   

If  my story can be helpful or inspiring to others, that is all I can ask.  I am a firm believer in what Edward Everett Hale said, "I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do".

More about Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

By the time I was born, my family had built a small modest home, and lived in a very rural area.  My mother and father had survived the depression, managed to buy some land, and start a business.  My family was not rich by any definition of the term, but during my childhood and considering the time when I grew up, we were comfortable. When I was about four-years-old, I traversed my first personal rocky road of illness.  There are some memories that are vague about the experience, and some remain very vivid in my mind.  I remember that I was very ill, and because we lived in a fairly remote rural area, the medical facilities were limited.  Our family doctor’s diagnosis was polio. 

There is more about this journey in the book, and how faith and determination made a difference.  Coming in 2012.

I remember that he told my mother that I needed to go to a hospital where I would receive the care I needed.  He said he would try to find one, but it may be difficult because there were so many children with polio.  It was during the time there was a polio epidemic around the country, there was no vaccine, and hospital beds for children were hard to find because the beds were full with so many children who had this disease. The doctor finally found Saint Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis that had a bed in the children’s ward open.  During those days, it was a very long trip to travel to St. Louis by car or by train.  My father took us to St. Louis where I was admitted into the hospital.  

Traveling a Rocky Road of Child Abuse

           One thing I discuss in the book was why and how my mother was abused as a child.  I am surprised that she survived it all.  She suffered everything from beatings to a stepmother who tried to poison her.  She was removed from the home at the age of twelve to be reared by a couple who had never had children.  In the book, I talk about the way she was abused.  It is abhorring what the stepmother did to her.  She was treated less that a dog. 

            My father met her for the first time when she was twelve-years-old.  She had run away, and he found her sitting on a log in the middle of the woods crying.  Little did he know that this would be his future wife. 

            My father tried his best to make up for all the years she had suffered abuse, but no matter how much he tried and no matter how much he loved her, it was not enough.  He showered her with gifts.  In 1929, he bought her a fur coat.  She never had to ask to go shopping for clothes or the get her hair done because he was always there to say, don’t you think you need a new outfit nor wouldn’t you like to go to the beauty shop.  Even with all the attention he lavished on her, she was never satisfied with what she had.  Finally, he stopped giving her gifts because she did not appreciate them. 

            By telling her story, it helps me, and the reader to understand why she abused me verbally and physically.  I wish that things had been different because I never felt loved by her, or good enough to measure up to what she wanted me to be. Even in the end of her life, she only could think of one thing, and that one thing was to be with my father.  It would just be him and her once again, and I would be out of the picture.  However, learning to cope with these things gave me strength to cope with other things in life such as a rocky marriage.

My first blog about my book, Traveling a Rocky Road with Love, Faith and Guts

As I have traveled along life’s highway, I keep running into people who have let the rocks that have been thrown in their life’s road giving up on themselves, or life in general.  The truth is that life is harsh, and it is not like the movies that give a false impression that it is smooth sailing.  Being the hero that toughs it out and keeps on regardless of the situation is difficult, but with faith, it can be accomplished. It often takes a backbone, humor and a wishbone to survive it all.

Because of this, I decided to write a book to share my life’s experiences so that it may inspire someone to come back fighting when life knocks them down.  The book is a journey though time from childhood to mature adulthood.  The stories and poems in this book reflect the lows and highs of life.  The loving memories, the hardships and the things we learn as we travel the road of life.  It covers an abusive mother who had mental problems because of being abused as a child, childhood polio, a rocky marriage with a husband who was often abusive, the role of caregiving, death and grief, coping with bladder cancer, asthma, losing a home and more.  Therefore, to not to scare you off with gloom and doom, there are funny stories along the way and an ending that I never dreamed would happen.

My hope is that the book will bring about understanding to others, and be inspiring to even more.  Our journey in life has a purpose, finding it is often the most difficult task of all.