Thursday, November 30, 2006
Ah! Moving....
Not sure the EXACT date but we are moving! So I will be busy busy busy now! Not like I wasn't busy before LOL. It's just that I am really freaking out now! WE'RE MOVING! WOOHOO! Might be a week, might be two... but We are moving. I found a place called One Bag that has a list for traveling anywhere, for any length of time with just one bag. So I am planning on implementing that and packing everything else. Of course we will have one bag for home education stuff too. I figured we can each carry our own towel, etc to keep down on luggage. I am really excited... oh, and did I mention WE'RE MOVING!
Monday, November 27, 2006
Pompholyx, how I hate thee
AKA Dishydrotic eczema! It's this condition that totally sucks! It's a severe dry rash that occurs on the hands (cheiropompholyx) and feet (pedopompholyx). It is intensely itchy and sometimes has a burning sensation. The cause is unknown. So of course, I am blessed with this curse.
I have it on my feet and ds8 has it on his hands too. He shows signs of it wanting to start on his feet... same signs as I had. Can't wear shoes without a horrible red look afterwards, shoes hurt his feet, skin is so dry it hurts, etc.
Each day, several times a day, we break out the lotion and lotion our hands, arms, elbows, knees, legs and feet (top and bottom). It's become a bonding moment, a time to help each other make sure we have enough lotion on our elbows and help rub in the lotion on the hands. We would not survive without lotion (and oatmeal soap!)
Usually I use Eucerin Plus for the skin. Occasionally we forget the Eucerin Plus and use other lotions. That is what this article is about. Different lotions for pompholyx. Which one works best? So here are my reviews of the lotions we have used.
I have been testing Eucerin Plus on one foot while trying Johnson's Baby Lotion (the pink kind) on the other foot to see which one works better or if they are the same. I also tried other lotions and I'll mention them if I can remember them all.
Eucerin Plus: it feels greasy and "heavy" and leaves a shine on the skin but it does work. Is it the best? I don't think so. As far as the other lotions go, my foot tends to feel hot and irritated when I am wearing it unless I go sockless. My ever present red ring of fire is usually BRIGHT RED after wearing it too, making it horribly painful. Think about gopping lotion on your foot and then walking across the floor. It makes the lotion pointless and I ended up having to put it on more times that day to make sure it stayed off. On the up side, it feels like it protects the skin with a layer that is visible. It works GREAT on my regualr dry skin, but NOT for the pompholyx! If I had to give it a grade: B
Johnson's Bay Lotion (in the pink bottle): I'm sure if there is any other colour Johnson's Baby Lotion but just in case... I use the pink kind. It feels soft and gentle and smells so good too! I put it on and it doesn't hold all the heat to my foot, which is very nice. My foot actually feels cool and I can wear a sock on that foot. I think it actually calms the area. Comparing it to the other foot, it is a light pink instead of flamingly brilliant red. And the font colours match my feet so you can really see the difference I am talking about. The dowside is that I need to apply it a few more times a day than the eucerin Plus. The upside is, I think it's helping! My grade for this one: A+
Equate brand lotions: don't waste your money. If you are trying to find something for extremely dry skin, this is NOT the lotion to get. My skin soaks it up and begs for more. It actually gets WORSE using this lotion. If you want to see how bad your pompholyx can get... buy it. If you want to have your skin heal and find relief, spend the extra money on Johnson's Baby Lotion. My grade for this one: D... it works for regular, every day, ho-hum kind of dry skin. But NOT for anything other than needing a tad of lotion. If you are actually trying to moisturize, don't bother.
Family Dollar Oatmeal Lotion: actually, I was surprised. This one worked rather well. It doesn't HELP, but it doesn't make it worse either. I bought some when I realized I forgot to pack lotion and I was going to be gone for 3 days. that many days DEMANDS that there is lotion around if I want to walk after 3 days away. So I ran to Family Dollar on a $2 budget and couldn't find my beloved Baby Lotion. I saw this lotion and thought of the oatmeal soap I use (that'll be another post) so I bought it and hoped that it wouldn't suck. It didn't. It wasn't like WOW, but my feet didn't totally suffer. My grade for this one: C... Great to use if you forgot your lotion and are on a budget. I use it now for my hands. They are regular dry skin. Nothing cracked or horrible... just need a little moisture every once in a while. Helps stretch the Johnson's Baby Lotion too. I use it on the extreme skin and the oatmeal lotion on the regular skin (even my face!)
So there you have it. My humble opinion. And if it helps someone with this HORRIBLE condition to feel some relief, I will be happy.
AKA Dishydrotic eczema! It's this condition that totally sucks! It's a severe dry rash that occurs on the hands (cheiropompholyx) and feet (pedopompholyx). It is intensely itchy and sometimes has a burning sensation. The cause is unknown. So of course, I am blessed with this curse.
I have it on my feet and ds8 has it on his hands too. He shows signs of it wanting to start on his feet... same signs as I had. Can't wear shoes without a horrible red look afterwards, shoes hurt his feet, skin is so dry it hurts, etc.
Each day, several times a day, we break out the lotion and lotion our hands, arms, elbows, knees, legs and feet (top and bottom). It's become a bonding moment, a time to help each other make sure we have enough lotion on our elbows and help rub in the lotion on the hands. We would not survive without lotion (and oatmeal soap!)
Usually I use Eucerin Plus for the skin. Occasionally we forget the Eucerin Plus and use other lotions. That is what this article is about. Different lotions for pompholyx. Which one works best? So here are my reviews of the lotions we have used.
I have been testing Eucerin Plus on one foot while trying Johnson's Baby Lotion (the pink kind) on the other foot to see which one works better or if they are the same. I also tried other lotions and I'll mention them if I can remember them all.
Eucerin Plus: it feels greasy and "heavy" and leaves a shine on the skin but it does work. Is it the best? I don't think so. As far as the other lotions go, my foot tends to feel hot and irritated when I am wearing it unless I go sockless. My ever present red ring of fire is usually BRIGHT RED after wearing it too, making it horribly painful. Think about gopping lotion on your foot and then walking across the floor. It makes the lotion pointless and I ended up having to put it on more times that day to make sure it stayed off. On the up side, it feels like it protects the skin with a layer that is visible. It works GREAT on my regualr dry skin, but NOT for the pompholyx! If I had to give it a grade: B
Johnson's Bay Lotion (in the pink bottle): I'm sure if there is any other colour Johnson's Baby Lotion but just in case... I use the pink kind. It feels soft and gentle and smells so good too! I put it on and it doesn't hold all the heat to my foot, which is very nice. My foot actually feels cool and I can wear a sock on that foot. I think it actually calms the area. Comparing it to the other foot, it is a light pink instead of flamingly brilliant red. And the font colours match my feet so you can really see the difference I am talking about. The dowside is that I need to apply it a few more times a day than the eucerin Plus. The upside is, I think it's helping! My grade for this one: A+
Equate brand lotions: don't waste your money. If you are trying to find something for extremely dry skin, this is NOT the lotion to get. My skin soaks it up and begs for more. It actually gets WORSE using this lotion. If you want to see how bad your pompholyx can get... buy it. If you want to have your skin heal and find relief, spend the extra money on Johnson's Baby Lotion. My grade for this one: D... it works for regular, every day, ho-hum kind of dry skin. But NOT for anything other than needing a tad of lotion. If you are actually trying to moisturize, don't bother.
Family Dollar Oatmeal Lotion: actually, I was surprised. This one worked rather well. It doesn't HELP, but it doesn't make it worse either. I bought some when I realized I forgot to pack lotion and I was going to be gone for 3 days. that many days DEMANDS that there is lotion around if I want to walk after 3 days away. So I ran to Family Dollar on a $2 budget and couldn't find my beloved Baby Lotion. I saw this lotion and thought of the oatmeal soap I use (that'll be another post) so I bought it and hoped that it wouldn't suck. It didn't. It wasn't like WOW, but my feet didn't totally suffer. My grade for this one: C... Great to use if you forgot your lotion and are on a budget. I use it now for my hands. They are regular dry skin. Nothing cracked or horrible... just need a little moisture every once in a while. Helps stretch the Johnson's Baby Lotion too. I use it on the extreme skin and the oatmeal lotion on the regular skin (even my face!)
So there you have it. My humble opinion. And if it helps someone with this HORRIBLE condition to feel some relief, I will be happy.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
I am having a pretty sluggish day. I think I'll stop sleeping in on Sunday's. While it is nice, I always drag butt on this day and then it trickles into my Monday. At least I am getting the morning and eveing routines downpat. I found that The Messies is a much more realistic site for me. I'm not windexing my sink now. I can feel guilt free with a clean sink, not one that could double as a mirror. I especially like the two versions of cleaning. They both suit me.
I have been working on eBay auctions. I have to get my butt in gear and finish uploading the pictures so I can upload the auctions from Turbo Lister to eBay. So I guess I am off for now since the boys are outside having a water fight :)
I have been working on eBay auctions. I have to get my butt in gear and finish uploading the pictures so I can upload the auctions from Turbo Lister to eBay. So I guess I am off for now since the boys are outside having a water fight :)
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Are you moved yet?
No, not yet. I am waiting to call teh detective on Monday to see what I need to do about possibly being subpoena'd to court. I don't know how well my testimony will help. But if it does, I want to give it. So our move is delayed, yet again. I'll keep you all updated on the new move date when something comes up.
No, not yet. I am waiting to call teh detective on Monday to see what I need to do about possibly being subpoena'd to court. I don't know how well my testimony will help. But if it does, I want to give it. So our move is delayed, yet again. I'll keep you all updated on the new move date when something comes up.
Thanksgiving was nice. The meal before the actual day was easier for us. I am teaching the boys to portion off their plates so they eat like "normal" people (as they say LOL) without Mean Old Mom standing over them telling them what they can and can't eat.
The first meal on Wednesday night had a LOT of stuff that we could eat with no problems. Mendel 2.0 had a plate full of veggies, meat, and then 2 small servings of carbs. Miles had his plate portioned off also but he did it a bit different. In each section he had two or three very small servings of each thing. But he still had it portioned correctly! I was so proud! And then we had 2 small dessert items. Blood sugars still looked good that night!
The next day on the mountain, it was harder for us. The food was good, but it was mostly pasta or bread dishes and then dessert. There was turkey and ham but only one vegetable and I couldn't eat it because of the potatoes in it. :( I still enjoyed the visit though. I was just sad that my meal was so limited. I guess if we ever move back to Tennessee, I'll have to have a "carb-friendly" Thanksgiving for everyone.
I found out a lot of the family members on dh's side are diabetics too. I knew some were, I just didn't realize how many. It seems to me that for a family with so many diabetics in it, they sure do serve a LOT of high carb foods. Delicious, but high carb. I did tell them about Byetta. Hopefully it will help someone there. They really need something. I checked blood sugars and everyone's was high, except J*... his was okay... on the higher side of OK, but okay nonetheless.
Well today I am working on eBay auctions now. I have to get some up there. I am waiting for the batteries to charge so I can add the pictures to the auctions and then I'll get them up there tonight. So far I have 6 auctions ready, but I really want to have 10 or more up tonight.
Well, Happy Leftovers Day everyone! I am off to be a work at home mom tonight.
The first meal on Wednesday night had a LOT of stuff that we could eat with no problems. Mendel 2.0 had a plate full of veggies, meat, and then 2 small servings of carbs. Miles had his plate portioned off also but he did it a bit different. In each section he had two or three very small servings of each thing. But he still had it portioned correctly! I was so proud! And then we had 2 small dessert items. Blood sugars still looked good that night!
The next day on the mountain, it was harder for us. The food was good, but it was mostly pasta or bread dishes and then dessert. There was turkey and ham but only one vegetable and I couldn't eat it because of the potatoes in it. :( I still enjoyed the visit though. I was just sad that my meal was so limited. I guess if we ever move back to Tennessee, I'll have to have a "carb-friendly" Thanksgiving for everyone.
I found out a lot of the family members on dh's side are diabetics too. I knew some were, I just didn't realize how many. It seems to me that for a family with so many diabetics in it, they sure do serve a LOT of high carb foods. Delicious, but high carb. I did tell them about Byetta. Hopefully it will help someone there. They really need something. I checked blood sugars and everyone's was high, except J*... his was okay... on the higher side of OK, but okay nonetheless.
Well today I am working on eBay auctions now. I have to get some up there. I am waiting for the batteries to charge so I can add the pictures to the auctions and then I'll get them up there tonight. So far I have 6 auctions ready, but I really want to have 10 or more up tonight.
Well, Happy Leftovers Day everyone! I am off to be a work at home mom tonight.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Getting Ready For Turkey Day
Well, I am getting ready for Turkey Day here. I have 1 suitcase packed and the med bag done. I need to start the famous macaroni and cheese. Later today we'll pack up everything and head on out to Nana's house for a family dinner, then we'll sleep there for the night. Thursday we'll head up the mountain for Turkey Day dinner.
I had a few people get irritated at me for calling it Turkey Day. Well, 'scuse me for not having much to be thankful for this year! My best friend was murdered, my move is in lingo again, I won't be able to see my hubby this weekend and we're still waiting for the DNA test kit to make to TX so we can find out if the body is my sister or not. Which one should I be thankful for?
Okay, so I'll try to be upbeat. I can be thankful the house is still standing, that I have electric still, that I have email access, that my children are healthy (for the most part), that my pompholyx is getting better, that we have food, that we're alive, that P* is alive, that I have friends and all that good stuff. But this is not going to be my happiest Thanksgiving. At least I can be truly happy that I am not making the meal! I don't think I could handle all that under all this stress.
When we get home I need to kick but on my eBay listings and finish packing the two boxes I am working on, tape them and put them off to the side. I think I can handle it. Saturday will be a big trash run and Super Saturday Spick and Span! Every room gets vacuumed, the floors all mopped, the large laundry washed, each room gets a good clean up and wash down and then we get to watch movies! WOOHOO! I can't wait until the weekend!
Well, I am getting ready for Turkey Day here. I have 1 suitcase packed and the med bag done. I need to start the famous macaroni and cheese. Later today we'll pack up everything and head on out to Nana's house for a family dinner, then we'll sleep there for the night. Thursday we'll head up the mountain for Turkey Day dinner.
I had a few people get irritated at me for calling it Turkey Day. Well, 'scuse me for not having much to be thankful for this year! My best friend was murdered, my move is in lingo again, I won't be able to see my hubby this weekend and we're still waiting for the DNA test kit to make to TX so we can find out if the body is my sister or not. Which one should I be thankful for?
Okay, so I'll try to be upbeat. I can be thankful the house is still standing, that I have electric still, that I have email access, that my children are healthy (for the most part), that my pompholyx is getting better, that we have food, that we're alive, that P* is alive, that I have friends and all that good stuff. But this is not going to be my happiest Thanksgiving. At least I can be truly happy that I am not making the meal! I don't think I could handle all that under all this stress.
When we get home I need to kick but on my eBay listings and finish packing the two boxes I am working on, tape them and put them off to the side. I think I can handle it. Saturday will be a big trash run and Super Saturday Spick and Span! Every room gets vacuumed, the floors all mopped, the large laundry washed, each room gets a good clean up and wash down and then we get to watch movies! WOOHOO! I can't wait until the weekend!
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Dotchi's Diabetes FAQ
If you were directed here, it is because I am tired of explaining this to everyone. I'm not personally mad at anyone, but trying to explain to each and every person is time consuming and I would like to dwell on something other than health issues for just ONE visit! If you happened to stumble across this, read it anyway so you'll understand. If you have a question that is not on here, then feel free to ask and I will add it.
Q: So you're diabetic? What about the kids?
A: Yes, all three of us are diabetic. Miles and I are type 2. Mendel Latham is not really type 1, and not really type 2, he's more of a 1.5 (NP's words).
Q: So you have to take insulin, right?
A: No we do not. Mendel and I are on Byetta, which is a wonder drug for us!
Q: But Byetta is insulin, isn't it?
A: No, Byetta is an insulin mimetic. It basically tells your body when to start and when to stop making insulin. But it isn't insulin.
Q: What kind of diet do you follow then?
A: We follow a lower carbohydrate diet. I stay between 30-40 a day, Miles and Mendel stay between 40 and 50 a day. Sometimes we up our carb intake if needed, but this is our guideline.
Q: OH! So you have to watch the simple carbs?
A: No... we have to watch ALL carbs. We can eat meat, cheese, eggs, raw green leafy veggies and nuts without counting the carbs. After that, we count any carb going into our body.
Q: But you can have fruit because of the complex carbs, right?
A: Sure we can have fruit as long as we count the carbs. A carbohydrate is a carbohydrate and it doesn't matter how simple or complex it is. It is still going to be counted as a carbohydrate when it is eaten.
Q: But you can have the Atkins Shakes and stuff like that, right?
No. They have too many carbs. While I know they are going by "net carbs", there are still 30+ carbs in the drink. They don't just disappear because some professional decided they weren't that important. They are still counted.
Q: Oh my. You must get hungry. How do you handle the hunger?
A: We eat. Plain and simple. Do you think we sit around hungry? No.
Q: You aren't really a diabetic if you aren't on insulin.
A: I'm sorry you feel this way. I am sure all the diabetics who are on metformin or other diabetic meds that are not insulin, will be thrilled to find out that they are no longer considered diabetic b/c they aren't on insulin. I am sure my insurance will love to know this too. And my children are going to enjoy it much more now because they won't have to check their blood sugar 3-6 times a day just because you think we aren't diabetic. I'll call my doctor tomorrow and let her know to cancel my refills on the lancets and strips. Thanks for freeing me!
Q: Do you have a carb counter or book you go by to count the carbs?
A: Yes. I use the Atkins Carb Counting book. Although I can pretty much tell by looking now. I'll try to find the actual name of the book and post it here.
Q: So you're diabetic? What about the kids?
A: Yes, all three of us are diabetic. Miles and I are type 2. Mendel Latham is not really type 1, and not really type 2, he's more of a 1.5 (NP's words).
Q: So you have to take insulin, right?
A: No we do not. Mendel and I are on Byetta, which is a wonder drug for us!
Q: But Byetta is insulin, isn't it?
A: No, Byetta is an insulin mimetic. It basically tells your body when to start and when to stop making insulin. But it isn't insulin.
Q: What kind of diet do you follow then?
A: We follow a lower carbohydrate diet. I stay between 30-40 a day, Miles and Mendel stay between 40 and 50 a day. Sometimes we up our carb intake if needed, but this is our guideline.
Q: OH! So you have to watch the simple carbs?
A: No... we have to watch ALL carbs. We can eat meat, cheese, eggs, raw green leafy veggies and nuts without counting the carbs. After that, we count any carb going into our body.
Q: But you can have fruit because of the complex carbs, right?
A: Sure we can have fruit as long as we count the carbs. A carbohydrate is a carbohydrate and it doesn't matter how simple or complex it is. It is still going to be counted as a carbohydrate when it is eaten.
Q: But you can have the Atkins Shakes and stuff like that, right?
No. They have too many carbs. While I know they are going by "net carbs", there are still 30+ carbs in the drink. They don't just disappear because some professional decided they weren't that important. They are still counted.
Q: Oh my. You must get hungry. How do you handle the hunger?
A: We eat. Plain and simple. Do you think we sit around hungry? No.
Q: You aren't really a diabetic if you aren't on insulin.
A: I'm sorry you feel this way. I am sure all the diabetics who are on metformin or other diabetic meds that are not insulin, will be thrilled to find out that they are no longer considered diabetic b/c they aren't on insulin. I am sure my insurance will love to know this too. And my children are going to enjoy it much more now because they won't have to check their blood sugar 3-6 times a day just because you think we aren't diabetic. I'll call my doctor tomorrow and let her know to cancel my refills on the lancets and strips. Thanks for freeing me!
Q: Do you have a carb counter or book you go by to count the carbs?
A: Yes. I use the Atkins Carb Counting book. Although I can pretty much tell by looking now. I'll try to find the actual name of the book and post it here.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
diabetics
>>>Are y'all diabetic? His birthday menu sounds pretty good!<<<
Yes, we are all diabetic. Lil Mendel and I were Byetta for months. Miles is on a controlled diet. The Byetta seems to have helped both Mendel and I. We have stopped taking it completely and as long as we eat a proper diet, we don't have anymore issues with our blood sugar. so I am SO happy about that! We enjoyed his birthday meal! And we look at meals and celebrations in a different light now too. No more munching cookies when we are sad, no more eating dessert with every dinner, etc. It has really helped with a lot of things besides health issues.
Dotchi
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