Fibro and Fabulous™ is a blog about my life, my Fibromyalgia, and my feeling fabulous despite my condition. Come feel fabulous with me!
Sunday, August 17, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Dementia, A Child's Perspective
I can relate to how horrible this diagnosis
must have been for him. It's by NO MEANS fun-- neither is Alzheimer's, a
close cousin. It's a sad thing to say but, I'm just kind of grateful
that my mom was not clinically depressed along with her diagnosis. It gave me some more years to talk and relate to her and find out what made her sick.
She was very tight lipped about it. She kept EVERYTHING inside. It wasn't until I reached drinking age that she'd open up. We'd go out from time to time or stay home and share a bottle. At that time she was very open. It's sad that it took that, but sometimes it does.
My heart goes out to the Robin Williams family. It is not easy to deal with any kind of dementia. I have a second cousin, a Great Aunt, a deceased Grandfather, and a Mother with similar forms of dementia and Parkinson's. I am so sorry that your father made the decision he made.
BUT please understand, it's a normal process everyone diagnosed with that will go through. My Mom, who has Alzheimer's even questioned it and I was worried too with her depression. We ALL NEVER think it will happen.
We ALL think it will be okay, but sometimes it happens. And you should NEVER-- NOT EVER blame yourself. I am SO SORRY it happened to you! YOU HAVE no idea!
I stayed up late with my Mom, just as I'm sure you did with your Dad, when she was depressed trying to deal with what was happening to her, and sadly, I could never convince her to go to a doctor. I don't know if you could. But parents are a PITA (PAIN IN THE ASS).
I'm sure that Robin Williams's kids felt the same way I do.
I feel guilty because I was at least there in the beginning and the middle when she knew who I was. And I was trying, and trying real hard, to make sure she was in as good of spirits as I could get her to be in before she forgot me. Now? We are all nurses to her. It's tough! May God give the Williams family a ton of strength during this time of grief. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/robin-williams-wife-parkinsons-disease-24983386
Stay FABULOUS!!!!!!!
Love and friendship,
Kimberley
She was very tight lipped about it. She kept EVERYTHING inside. It wasn't until I reached drinking age that she'd open up. We'd go out from time to time or stay home and share a bottle. At that time she was very open. It's sad that it took that, but sometimes it does.
My heart goes out to the Robin Williams family. It is not easy to deal with any kind of dementia. I have a second cousin, a Great Aunt, a deceased Grandfather, and a Mother with similar forms of dementia and Parkinson's. I am so sorry that your father made the decision he made.
BUT please understand, it's a normal process everyone diagnosed with that will go through. My Mom, who has Alzheimer's even questioned it and I was worried too with her depression. We ALL NEVER think it will happen.
We ALL think it will be okay, but sometimes it happens. And you should NEVER-- NOT EVER blame yourself. I am SO SORRY it happened to you! YOU HAVE no idea!
I stayed up late with my Mom, just as I'm sure you did with your Dad, when she was depressed trying to deal with what was happening to her, and sadly, I could never convince her to go to a doctor. I don't know if you could. But parents are a PITA (PAIN IN THE ASS).
I'm sure that Robin Williams's kids felt the same way I do.
I feel guilty because I was at least there in the beginning and the middle when she knew who I was. And I was trying, and trying real hard, to make sure she was in as good of spirits as I could get her to be in before she forgot me. Now? We are all nurses to her. It's tough! May God give the Williams family a ton of strength during this time of grief. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory/robin-williams-wife-parkinsons-disease-24983386
Stay FABULOUS!!!!!!!
Love and friendship,
Kimberley
Saturday, August 9, 2014
The Reader Casualties in the Amazon/Hachette War
WARNING! THIS IS A LONG ONE AND IS OFF TOPIC! I don't know if any readers out there are following the whole Amazon and Hatchette war. Today I received a letter from Amazon and you can read the letter here: http://www.readersunited.com/. The problem I have is not about authors getting fair pay. We ALL deserve to be paid for our work, if and only if, we choose to. Some authors would like to offer work for free because it is their way of giving back and I don't begrudge them of that. MY problem with this is that this fight will hurt readers' buying power. I remember a time when I used to be able to go to a book store and purchase a lot of books in both hard cover and paperback. I was in my glory in those days, but as the prices skyrocketed, and my funds grew smaller because of bigger responsibilities, I found I could no longer read because I just couldn't afford to. I didn't think it was fair back then to be denied my pleasure of reading, and frankly, to be denied my pleasure of paying the author for their hard work! Sure I could go to the library, but the author doesn't get a cent from me taking out a book. That's not fair! I first got published in a local paper at the age of 9 and I'm a now a nationally recognized writer for my articles, blog, and books on Fibromyalgia. BUT just because I'm recognized it DOES NOT mean I have a right to over charge people who want to read my books! These people who suffer from chronic disease are already suffering high medical costs-- why on Earth would I want to burden them any deeper? And it's not just the Fibro community, many others will be denied access to reading if prices go through the roof. Big book companies forget that kids read too and kids are limited to what their school or their parent can afford to put in front of them. Is it fair to "dumb down" our growing society just to make money now? What happens when these "dumb downed" children grow up? Do you think they will have money for books? NO THEY WON'T because they won't have good paying jobs to buy books! Reading is very important for growing children and very important for adults wanting to continue to exercise their brain. It is a proven fact that Alzheimer's can be prevented if you read, do cross word puzzles, etc. Are big book companies thinking about that? OF COURSE NOT! They want their money now and they don't care about the consequences this may cause our society or even their pocketbooks down the line! And finally, are big book companies thinking about crime? Surely we as a society have more than enough crime. Why add to it by denying books to the ones who need them the most! There is a community trying very hard to promote literacy because they have linked high illiteracy to high crime rate! Here's a little about this organization: The Book 'Em Foundation was founded by suspense author p.m.terrell and Waynesboro, Virginia Police Officer Mark Kearney as a partnership between authors and law enforcement. The mission of The Book 'Em Foundation is to raise public awareness of the correlation between high illiteracy rates and high crime rates. The Book 'Em North Carolina annual event brings together at least 75 authors under one roof to speak on a variety of subjects and to sell their books. A portion of the proceeds raised from the event (a minimum of 40%) is given to the community - Robeson County and Lumberton, North Carolina - for the purpose of increasing literacy and reducing crime. For more information on Book 'Em Foundation please visit their site! http://www.bookemnc.org/. And also please consider sending a letter to Hachette if you are a passionate reader that doesn't want to see eBook prices skyrocketing to an average of $14.99 to $19.99 per book. Authors are caught in the middle of this. Some are under contract and are not capable of telling off the big book companies. Many indie authors like myself are trying to fight this, but ultimately it really is going to come down to the readers and what they are willing to pay for a book.
We Have Winners!
We have winners for the #ForeverFriends Book Giveaway! Congrats to Catherine Lee, Paula Johnson Harp, and Jessica Collamati! I have sent you all a message with the emails you provided. Please respond to them with your contact info so I can get the goodies out to you!
Friday, August 8, 2014
Guest Author Jennifer Beilis
Guest Author Jennifer Beilis has stopped by Fibro and Fabulous today to talk a little about her latest book Hear I Am!!
“Hear” I Am!! “is a powerful book that shows the author Jennifer Beilis’ strength, perseverance, and optimism. “There are many traits that she has exhibited throughout her long-term battle with hearing loss, disability and illness. In the face of great challenges that would defeat even the strongest and healthiest of people, Jenny has found ways to repeatedly survive, redirect her life, and flourish.
Book Link: http://bookstore.xlibris.com/Products/SKU-000778742/Hear-I-Am.aspx
About the Author:
Jennifer Beilis received her Associate’s degree in Social Sciences from Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. She also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey and her Masters degree in Education and Deafness Rehabilitation, SCPI (Sign Language Proficiency Interview) from New York University in New York. “She has weathered more storms than most people. Yet, she still perseveres and conquers her fears, never letting an ounce of weakness tell her that she cannot do something… Because she knows that she can.” – P. S., College graduate in New Jersey.
Website: http://www.hereiamjennifer.com/
Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/heariamjennifer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferBeilis
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Beilis/e/B00LQ25BS2/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
“Hear” I Am!! “is a powerful book that shows the author Jennifer Beilis’ strength, perseverance, and optimism. “There are many traits that she has exhibited throughout her long-term battle with hearing loss, disability and illness. In the face of great challenges that would defeat even the strongest and healthiest of people, Jenny has found ways to repeatedly survive, redirect her life, and flourish.
About the Author:
Jennifer Beilis received her Associate’s degree in Social Sciences from Brookdale Community College in Lincroft, New Jersey. She also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey and her Masters degree in Education and Deafness Rehabilitation, SCPI (Sign Language Proficiency Interview) from New York University in New York. “She has weathered more storms than most people. Yet, she still perseveres and conquers her fears, never letting an ounce of weakness tell her that she cannot do something… Because she knows that she can.” – P. S., College graduate in New Jersey.
Website: http://www.hereiamjennifer.com/
Facebook Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/heariamjennifer
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JenniferBeilis
Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Beilis/e/B00LQ25BS2/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1
Thursday, August 7, 2014
Power Morcellator Under Scrutiny
It isn't everyday that I get an email from someone asking me to post about products or a recent topic concerning health related to chronic disease, but when I do and I research what they have to say, and agree, I feel compelled to post.
This latest email request hits very close to my heart because I know what it's like to experience the pain of menorrhagia and many with Fibromyalgia experience this type of period http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2011/09/27/fibromyalgia-the-women-only-symptoms.htm. Menorrhagia is heavy or prolonged periods, and with that, I have also experienced two miscarriages within the past couple of years that required me to have two dilation and curettage, as well. My doctor was, of course, concerned, and rightly so, because this change in me was very sudden.
But through all of the tests, visits, and surgeries, one of the things my doctor was very adamant about was the fact that he did not want to perform a hysterectomy due to my heavy bleeding. He truly feels that hysterectomy should be an absolute last resort, and I agree with him.
Thankfully, I was one of the lucky ones. My issues reversed as soon as I was put on a low dose birth control pill and I changed my diet by eliminating wheat. But some woman are not as lucky and sometimes a hysterectomy is in order.
Hysterectomies are only second to cesarean sections as the most common surgery for women in the US. And by the age of 70, one out of three American women will undergo a hysterectomy. 90 percent of these surgeries are done to remove Fibroids, a non-cancerous tumor found in the uterus, but the other 10 percent of these surgeries include uterine prolapse, cancer, Endometriosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding (menorrhagia), chronic pelvic pain, and Adenomyosis, or a thickening of the uterus.
Just recently a new study came out about a particular device that is used in the hysterectomy procedure to cut tissue into small pieces to be removed from the body. However, uterine cancers can go undetected before the procedure, and in those cases, the device used may spread cancer to other areas in the woman's body. A particular type of cancer known as sarcoma is of major concern and is potentially linked as a much higher risk than previously perceived to this device used in the surgery.
The device is called Power Morcellator. A JAMA article written in March of 2014 explains the risks, http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1828691 . Within the past week further articles have come out about this particular device and it is under further scrutiny. So much so, that Johnson and Johnson, one of the manufacturers of this device, has pulled it off the market.
For more information about Power Morcellators, please visit: http://www.recallcenter.com/power-morcellator/.
Stay fabulous!
Love and friendship,
Kimberley
This latest email request hits very close to my heart because I know what it's like to experience the pain of menorrhagia and many with Fibromyalgia experience this type of period http://chronicfatigue.about.com/b/2011/09/27/fibromyalgia-the-women-only-symptoms.htm. Menorrhagia is heavy or prolonged periods, and with that, I have also experienced two miscarriages within the past couple of years that required me to have two dilation and curettage, as well. My doctor was, of course, concerned, and rightly so, because this change in me was very sudden.
But through all of the tests, visits, and surgeries, one of the things my doctor was very adamant about was the fact that he did not want to perform a hysterectomy due to my heavy bleeding. He truly feels that hysterectomy should be an absolute last resort, and I agree with him.
Thankfully, I was one of the lucky ones. My issues reversed as soon as I was put on a low dose birth control pill and I changed my diet by eliminating wheat. But some woman are not as lucky and sometimes a hysterectomy is in order.
Hysterectomies are only second to cesarean sections as the most common surgery for women in the US. And by the age of 70, one out of three American women will undergo a hysterectomy. 90 percent of these surgeries are done to remove Fibroids, a non-cancerous tumor found in the uterus, but the other 10 percent of these surgeries include uterine prolapse, cancer, Endometriosis, abnormal vaginal bleeding (menorrhagia), chronic pelvic pain, and Adenomyosis, or a thickening of the uterus.
Just recently a new study came out about a particular device that is used in the hysterectomy procedure to cut tissue into small pieces to be removed from the body. However, uterine cancers can go undetected before the procedure, and in those cases, the device used may spread cancer to other areas in the woman's body. A particular type of cancer known as sarcoma is of major concern and is potentially linked as a much higher risk than previously perceived to this device used in the surgery.
The device is called Power Morcellator. A JAMA article written in March of 2014 explains the risks, http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1828691 . Within the past week further articles have come out about this particular device and it is under further scrutiny. So much so, that Johnson and Johnson, one of the manufacturers of this device, has pulled it off the market.
For more information about Power Morcellators, please visit: http://www.recallcenter.com/power-morcellator/.
Stay fabulous!
Love and friendship,
Kimberley
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
Monday, August 4, 2014
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