#Trauma and #Rheumatoid Arthritis

August, 2011

My daughter, Liz and her friends, Brooke, Kinzi and Justin were visiting New Orleans.  It was just a normal day.  They wanted to walk the Quarter and because of the "nasty" (Rheumatoid Arthritis), I chose to park myself outside one of my favorite coffee shops in New Orleans, Envie.  It is a wonderful shop filled with all the characters of the local scene in New Orleans with a few tourists thrown in the mix.  I  had settled in for the duration with my latte and a book and my trusty camera.

Sitting on the sidewalk in the French Quarter, you should not be caught without a camera.

Great Halloween on St. Charles Avenue

Clever Halloween Decorations on St. Charles Avenue

Banksy's (Graffiti Artist) work in New Orleans after Katrina.  Most of his NOLA work was painted over

"Drag Queens" by Johnel - sold

Here is where my life flashed before my eyes...receiving a phone call from my daughter saying she and her friends were ready for me to pick them up on the Square, I grabbed my latte and headed a few steps to cross Decatur Street.  Looking to the left, there is no stop sign, but the coast was clear, as it was to the right (a one-way street, but you still look because it IS New Orleans and there are many bicycles and random people in the street) and across the street on Barracks there is a stop sign and there sat an F-250 pick up truck...stopped...I proceeded walking across the street and as I reached the middle of the intersection, the F-250 began moving, turning left.  within literally a blink of an eye, it was on me.  No where to go (you can not out run a moving vehicle) and the horror of knowing you are going to be hit moves within your body like waves crashing the shoreline.  Then a strange calm fell over my being and bam, I was on the ground.

Intense pain over-came my body and I closed my eyes.  I remember people being around and I told someone to grab my phone from my bag and call my daughter.  I kept my eyes closed because it felt like my legs were crumpled and I didn't won't to look.  The pain was overwhelming.  I also felt like the dress I had on was up around my neck and was sure everyone was looking in horror at my unmentionables, definitely Target, not Victoria Secret !!!

I remember someone holding my hand, and I still to not know who that sweet person was.  The girl who was driving was there and crying and telling me how sorry she was and asked me to forgive her and I did.  I later found out she was texting at the time.  (so DO NOT TEXT AND DRIVE!!!)

 http://www.itcanwait.com/

My daughter came flying on foot from Jackson Square and took over from there.  I remember being scared to ride in an ambulance, I guess because I had never been in one, who knows?  Liz (I can't imagine how she felt getting the phone call that her mother was hit by a truck) was a huge calming influence on me, but I was terrified and I kept thinking that I couldn't believe I was alive.  I was rushed to the hospital and much of that is a blur except for the pain.   Indescribable....every pothole made the pain rip through me like a knife.

I don't remember the Emergency Room.  When I was taken to a room, I was put in sort of make-shift traction to try to alleviate the pain by a nurse who was so kind and caring and no one else even tried to think of a solution.  It happened on a Saturday afternoon and they were planning for surgery (after x-rays showed broken bone in my hip) on Monday, but my daughter (mostly) and the powers that be, made that happen on Sunday. A titanium rod was inserted at the hip to my knee.

I was in the hospital for a couple of weeks and then moved to a re-hab hospital for another two weeks.   Still in excruciating pain, it was time to go home.

My husband was a Tour Guide and Buggy Driver in New Orleans.  Every day after a grueling day of handling tourists, traffic, mules and the heat, without fail, he showed up with my iced latte.  I have never felt so loved.  I could see the pain in his face through his smile.  This had been going on for weeks.  Never have I met a stronger man.  I was exhausted from physical therapy and the pain that was racking my body, but every afternoon, he would stroll me in my wheelchair around the grounds of the hospital and we would talk about our day.  This time WAS the highlight of my day.  Knowing I had his love and support helped me through my ordeal.

"Chanel" by Johnel - sold

"Garden District Lady" by Johnel - sold

"Attitudes" by Johnel - sold

My daughter...Liz   I have always marveled at this kid.  She has lived through a lot in her young life.  Always the rock.  She was working full-time and going to college and graduated in May, 2013.  I believe she inherited her fortitude from her dad. 

Backing up a little, the drive home was excruciating.  Every bump in the road caused pain.  When we made it to the house, one of my greatest fears at the time came to fruition, the five steps up to our house.  Now the appearance of another Savior appeared...Donny.

Donny was one of the first people I met in New Orleans.  He was a Barista at Envie when we met.  He made the best latte and was a bright spot in my day every time I entered that shop.   Needless to say, we became fast friends. Donny is one of those people who always has a smile on his face and exudes calm and happiness.  You don't meet many people that carry the joy of life on their shoulders.

Donny came to the rescue to help Pat get me up the steps with compassion.  For weeks, Donny showed up every morning at 8:30 a.m. (and he is not a morning person due to the fact that he is a Bartender and works until the crack of dawn) to relieve Pat and take care of me.  He greeted me with a smile and a hug and a personally prepared breakfast and lunch every day.  Usually eggs and bacon artistically arranged in the shape of a smiley face!!!

Smile !

A little Saints spirit for lunch !

 Poor Donny, we watched old movies, interior design shows and our all-time favorite, Cher.  Yes, I own all her concert DVDs.  We sang every song from her various tours and then came the movie "Burlesque"...yes, we know every word and do quote them every chance we get.  I don't know what my moods would have been like if I had looked at those four walls alone every day.  All I know is Donny has a place in heaven and in my heart.

Tuna Salad plate by:  Donny

The next few weeks were unbearable.  The dreaded trips to the doctor's office and out-patient re-hab.  I had never been confined to a wheelchair, but there was no way around it.  Living with pain every day and growing accustomed to it and then this.  This pain was debilitating.  You might ask, "didn't you have pain medications?"...yes, but I am not a person who likes to take them.  I was scared of how they would affect me.  I took one occasionally at night and usually only  when my husband suggested it.   Every movement was such a chore.  Getting in and out of the wheelchair was indescribable and taking a bath was hardly worth it.  Rehab was exhausting in it self and as I watched other people struggle, the stream of sorrow swept over me like an ocean wave.  My life didn't seem so bad, I survived and I would be strong.   We, who have been blessed in our lives, don't realize the pain and suffering that other people have endured.  What is the saying?  "Until you have walked in my shoes"...  After much work and the help of my physical therapist, eventually I graduated to a walker, then to a crutch (which had a brace on it that you strapped to your arm and helped alleviate the pressure from my hands and wrists because of the #RA).  I still have a limp, but that's OK.

I have such compassion for those who are bound to wheelchairs, crutches, etc.  You are stared at, pitied and whispered about.  And, handicapped parking..don't get me started !!!  In New Orleans it was worse because people didn't care, they would park anywhere and everywhere with no thought for the person who ACTUALLY did have a handicapped tag for a reason.  SOOO, the next time you think, I'm just running in the store for a minute, I'll just park there....DON'T DO IT...there are people who actually can't walk the distance and it could be you or a family member!!!

Here is a link to follow to properly acquire a handicapped hang tag:  http://arthritis.about.com/od/driving/a/handicapparking.htm

 I guess you have noticed I haven't mentioned Rheumatoid Arthritis.  Usually after a trauma, most patients have a "flare" immediately.   Well, not me, it waited until October and then wham.

When trauma affects #Rheumatoid Arthritis, it comes at you full force.  It happened to me in October after the accident.  The doctors were surprised that it didn't occur earlier after the accident.  But RA reared it's ugly head.   At that point, my doctor changed my medication from oral Methotrexate to injections and after a few weeks, it worked.  I have been on them since then.  I do deal with nausea and occasional dizziness.

Now it is January, 2014.   I still hear and see the truck bounding down on me and re-live the horror.  I guess it will never go away, but I AM grateful to be alive. 

I discovered the RA Warrior website and must admit, I read it occasionally, but this lady, Kelly Young,  IS  a true warrior and has more spunk than I.  Guess I'm not so good at facing my circumstances and sometimes too much knowledge on my part rears the ugly head of yet another malady in my life, #Anxiety and Panic Attacks. 

Here is the link:  http://rawarrior.com/

There are some days I can read and study RA and it not get me down, others, NO, but when you need information this is the website to seek the truth.

I still walk with a limp, probably because we left New Orleans and haven't completed #physical therapy.  So please, if you need physical therapy, DO IT.  

Crochet 'n Go...#Crocheting with #Rheumatoid Arthritis....

JLo's Throw

As a little girl, my grandmother taught me to crochet.   She was a professional seamstress and all-around talented lady.   I didn't realize how talented and artistic she was until I was much older.  She would go into a department store with me and I could show her a dress, pair of pants, blazer or any item of clothing and she would go home and make the pattern.   No iPhone with cameras back then....it was all in that beautiful mind of hers.  I guess I thought all grandmothers sewed and could make anything your heart desired.

From shorts to prom dresses, she made it.  Back to crocheting...she made me chain to infinity and back.  Now I know she was not just keeping me busy and out of her hair she was teaching me the basic chain but also how to work on proper tension.   When she felt I had learned, we began with basic stitches.   I did rows and rows of single crochet.  This is a skill you never forget and will give you hours of "me" time and being lost in another world.  We began with afghans (now called "throws").   Choosing the colors was the key.   Also, reading patterns....ugh, but well worth the studying.   I could make anything from throws to sweaters, but I never liked making clothing.   I have tried handbags but I still get the most satisfaction from throws.    Color and texture are the most important factors beyond your stitches that you can acquire.

I learned to knit a few years ago, but found #crocheting was much easier on the joints than knitting.

JLo's Throw

JLo's Throw was worked vertically and all single #crochet. Directions:  Chain in a simple color (I like basic grey) and Size J hook (also crochet loosely throughout because you are using two yarns) for your foundation chain.  Remember you are crocheting vertically so your chain should be long enough to cover your body from head to toe.  Row 1 -Turn then *chain one, single crochet in first BL (Back Loop) until the end, turn and repeat to turn.  Now is where the fun begins. Pull out your "stash" (I know you have a bunch of yarn stashed from other projects or you just buy great yarn when you see it) and let your imagination take over.  You will always use a base yarn like Caron Simply Soft and now you add a "#funky" yarn with it to begin the next row.  With both yarn choices together turn and chain one, then single crochet in first BL until the end. Then drop the "Funky" yarn and continue for a couple of rows with just your base yarn.   NOW, change color of base yarn and crochet another row, then add your choice of "Funky" yarn, crochet another row, drop Funky yarn and continue with a couple of rows.   This all there is to it.  Continue until you reach the width you would like your throw to be.  As you can see, every five to six inches I used black and white...it tends to pull the whole throw together and be aesthetically pleasing.  Also, I try to end the throw with the base yarn color I began with, so make sure you have enough yarn to end your project.  Below is a photo of some of the "Funky" yarns I used with my base yarn.  Not many stores carry these yarns anymore, so the Internet is the way to go.

"Funky" yarns

I found it much easier to work vertically since you change yarn so often.   When it was possible, I used #Caron's Simply soft yarn which is a good weight because I used one strand of the #Simply Soft along with one funky yarn.

Now for the fringe:  You can put the regular fringe (many guides on Internet or get a copy of  "#The Crochet Answer Book" by Edie Eckman  Love this book especially when you haven't crocheted in a while and forget symbols or certain stitches.  It is pocket-sized and easy to carry in your crochet bag.  Prices range from ‎$8.49 to $11.89 and even cheaper on Ebay) or go with my choice of crocheted loops.   I chose black (Caron's Simply Soft) and H size hook for my fringe to make it cohesive with the colors since I used black and white throughout the design.

Single crochet across the bottom of your throw, when you get to the end, turn and chain 30 (you can use more or less chains but in my opinion, you need at least 30 (because your finished loop will be 15 chains) for the size of the throw or it will look skimpy), *SL ST in first SC (front and back loops), (NOW you have your first loop fringe) then SC in next SC, Chain 30, slip stitch into same SC, SC in next SC*  Repeat until end..VOILA fringe.   Now repeat on other end of throw.

To this day, browsing in a yarn store is like a shot of adrenaline for me.  There are so many gorgeous yarns made today and the possibilities are endless.

War Eagle Scarf

 This scarf is also worked in single crochet throughout.  The stitch I used was the Grit Stitch.  Just follow the link for free instructions:   http://newstitchaday.com/how-to-crochet-the-single-crochet-grit-stitch/ 

I used the Blue and Orange (Auburn Fan) and a funky orange yarn.  I found a good video for instructions on this type of fringe.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsG_4LbnAng

Scarves are great, fast and simple projects.  Easy to throw-and-go when you are on the move and need to busy yourself while waiting in the #Rheumatologist's office. 

Since my #Rheumatoid Arthritis is in remission at the moment, it is much easier to crochet and actually finish a project.  I have used ice bags many times after crocheting for long periods of time.  If you haven't discovered, ice works wonders for inflamed joints....NO HEAT for me.

Follow this link for more information on #Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day, February 2, 2014:

http://rawarrior.com/what-would-rheumatoid-awareness-mean-to-you/

Art, cooking and a brief summary of living with RA during the holidays!!!

"Deer Me" by: Johnel (sold)

Since I live in an area where #wildlife abounds and I love to photograph all the creatures in the landscape, I decided to begin a series of wildlife abstracts.  These are aimed at all the ladies who are married to hunters and are trying to decorate their homes without an abundance of "dead heads" looking at you all around the house!!!   These #wildlife paintings appeal to both hunter and their female counterparts.   

For you Rheumy's out there taking #Prednisone....let's blame everything on it......worst Christmas on record for me......No. 1...RA...it sucks....I feel like an old woman stuck in a middle-aged body....and every one acts like I'm old .....and why shouldn't they think I'm old.   No one wants to drag an old bitch around with them.   I don't get asked to go have fun and I wonder, why?   I know why, who wants to hang out with me, I don't even want to hang out with me.

I am mean.....not on the inside.......but no one can see that far into my being.   It is the best defense mechanism because no one bothers you.   The only time I let people in is when I cry.   Crying can be a good thing, therapeutic, they say....not so much.  Crying drains me of every bit of life left.....and makes others miserable, because they want to help and can't.   The question, what is wrong?    The answer, I don't know.   I really do know but my heart doesn't let me talk. (This is where the professional comes in...TELL your doctor how you feel)  Because of insurance problems, (upon which I will not elaborate, just upsets me) I haven't been able to see my Rheumatologist, but I have an appointment in January, YAHOO)

Instead of being the Griswold's this year and laughing about the tragedies of the holidays, I'm crying... I am miserable......For any of you out there that have been diagnosed with RA, you know that worry and anxiety only exacerbates your symptoms.

Now the good news, all that said and done....2014 is going to be a better year!!!   Turning over a positive leaf!!!

Let's get to the good stuff!!!

Dinner tonight...#Salmon Croquettes.....yum..

Recipe

3 -14 3/4 oz. cans of Double Q Salmon
3 eggs
3 heaping T Worcestershire Sauce
1 tsp - Tabasco Sauce
1 large Russet or Idaho potato, peeled and cooked
1 tsp - salt
pepper
3 or 4 handfuls of crushed (much better than bread crumbs for bonding agent) Kellog's K cereal

Directions

Drain and remove salmon from can....carefully remove bones...and put in large bowl
add rest of ingredients and mush together.  Heat 1/2 inch of canola oil in skillet and shape mixture into oval shaped croquettes.  Fry until browned and flip...cook til golden brown.  Only turn one time.

Drain on paper towels and enjoy.  These have been approved by picky kids!  (Dipping sauce:  Heinz Ketchup, but you can get fancy and use your own dipping sauce)

Heart of Dixie says:  "no Southern cornbread has sugar or flour in it"  !!!  Got that?

Mack's (my grandmother's) #Cornbread Recipe:

Basic....you can double or triple recipe and use an iron skillet (which I prefer)

6 cornbread muffins:

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cup of Self-Rising Cornmeal (White)  do not buy one with flour in it!!!
1 Egg
1 cup buttermilk (I use non-fat)
Canola Oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Put 1/2 tsp canola oil in each muffin tin and place in oven....(for iron skillet, just cover bottom with canola oil (of course by grandmother used bacon grease!)

Mix eggs and cornmeal then add buttermilk a little at a time (mixing with a spoon not a mixer).  Do not put too much milk in to make it runny, should be thick.

When oil in muffin tin gets hot and starts to smoke, fill each cup 3/4 of way full....

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown around edges.  Remove from oven and butter...Enjoy

"Fleur de Lis" by Johnel - sold