tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-257506882012-02-06T11:50:12.383-08:00My journey went from being a bicycle tourist to a registered nurse to a sick disbled person. i am reopening my blog as I am attempting treatments and plan on writing about it.Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.comBlogger2041100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-16093172881309395952012-02-02T21:24:00.000-08:002012-02-02T21:24:54.143-08:00

I like to be in control. I have always been independant. I have shaken in my pants at time, but I have held my own. Out of home by 18, travelling alone (and enjoying it) and going after my dreams. This damn illness has never been part of the plan. Following yesterday's action, this morning I went through the list of emails to find Roche's rep one which I hurried to open. It ends up that I

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-40475287199018422582012-02-01T16:31:00.000-08:002012-02-01T22:05:30.319-08:00

I received an email from my dr in San Francisco this morning, answering my questions from last week. The email dates from 4 AM!!! So he said that yes my EBV levels warrant treatment in his books, and he would possibly trial me with a 2 weeks course of antibiotics to address the chlamydia and mycoplasma pneumoniae. That is left for discussion (!) because of course prescriptions do not come yet via

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-11832638474574081772012-01-27T00:15:00.000-08:002012-01-27T00:15:10.358-08:00

The days and nights follow each other... Over and over and over, and I am still waiting. The wait is killing me. Every day I look up for signs that could announce news, the list of new e-mails or the red light flicker on my phone base announcing a new message. Nothing yet. In the meantime for the benefit of my insurance company who may be reading this, I am still experiencing the same

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-9939020660751186842012-01-18T22:37:00.000-08:002012-01-23T13:35:36.645-08:00

I am very short of memory and concentration, it hurts! I can have all the intentions in the world, but it I walk towards the kitchen with a task, I can return to the couch with a project that was not related at all to what I intended to do. It can be terribly frustrating, but in the same time, I am innocent because I don't remember what I was supposed to do! Tonight in the midst of sorting out

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-21779832802263049922012-01-16T19:00:00.000-08:002012-01-17T09:13:39.125-08:00

Some of my blood work results has come back. It's not pretty. What I am learning is that the pathogens that patients with ME are infected with are controversial, it's not just the disease. See, I have antibodies to mycoplasma pneumoniae and chlamydia pneumoniae. These are intracellular bacterias that are really hard to get rid of. So hard that even Canada don't test for them... My question is

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-87505245661226811822012-01-06T19:51:00.000-08:002012-01-06T22:28:10.870-08:00

When someone is practically housebound and knocked out by a crippling disease that is MECFS, going on a trip is a source of excitement, anticipation, preparation to ensure well-being, and hope of life changing health care. Then you return home. I have experienced the "returning home" many times after 6 or 7 weeks long bike trips that took me up and down French Alps, across a whole continent

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-56213453673359708642012-01-05T18:32:00.000-08:002012-01-05T20:56:44.391-08:00

The number of view of this blog is telling me that patients are either curious or desperate, or maybe a bit or both in regards to getting health care, in this instance, Rituximab, for ME. (Don't jump too high if I call it ME/CFS, and comments to my blog pertaining as "there is no such thing as MECFS" will be deleted. This is my turf, I set the rules).(Just so I be clear, if I see my name and an

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-43876061426558286112012-01-04T20:17:00.000-08:002012-01-07T11:57:16.121-08:00

What a long day.... I didn't sleep too well, though the bed was comfortable.  The way to the Dr Kogelnik from the airport is not a short one. For me it started at 11 AM for my 2 PM appointment. First a shuttle to the airport.  2 different trains of the BART system. 1 train of 45 minutes which i must admit was quite comfortable.  Then a taxi with a strong odor of curry took me from the train

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-30998042730839223772012-01-03T20:41:00.000-08:002012-01-07T12:01:30.755-08:00

It's been a year since I took the plane. Last time was to prove my disability, so I travelled to Miami and undergo the 2 consecutive days VO2 max. It called for 7h 30 minutes of flights, 1 connection and I remember renting a car and getting lost while getting to the hotel. This time around I will leave the driving to others. Never realized how expensive it was to rent a car. And while I can

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-27453492847245085912012-01-01T20:13:00.000-08:002012-01-01T20:13:38.523-08:00

2011 will have proved difficult on many levels. On a personal level, a full year of fighting my disability insurance company for legitimacy of my claim has taken its toll. January 2011 saw me travel to Miami to get tested on a 2 consecutive days cardio-pulmonary exercise test. I was found to be in anaerobic mode before even starting the test. This trip was physically and mentally demanding, I

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-4610297812640191532011-01-01T22:52:00.000-08:002011-01-01T22:54:00.657-08:00

Patients with ME got a double, and sometimes a triple hit for the Christmas holidays. Pressure from families and expectations, desire to push their limits in order to enjoy Christmas and its celebrations are just enough to make patients “crash”. A synonym of crash would be “neutralized, K.O. Relapsed, hungover-like” For Christmas 2010, not only patients with ME had to deal with the holiday,

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-53386214937179951062010-12-16T23:35:00.000-08:002010-12-17T07:21:22.432-08:00

This movie has been put on You Tube recently, in 9 parts. Made in the late 1990's and still not obsolete, sadly. I watched and I cried. I am part of them too. review by Leonard Jason: http://www.cfids-cab.org/MESA/reviews1.html

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-59766429555600085342010-12-03T22:25:00.000-08:002010-12-03T22:37:11.141-08:00

So I received the official letter from my disability insurance company this week: they want to cut me off from their payroll and send me back to work in a sedentary position. The reason for that is they say they have no evidence that I am sick. Different doctors assessed me and found no abnormalities to my ears, nose, throat, nails, skin or abdomen, so I should be fit to work. They probably

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-14221041812584156332010-11-19T22:56:00.001-08:002010-11-19T22:57:55.827-08:00

To our health minister Ms. Leona AglukkaqIt's been over a year now that a new retrovirus called XMRV has been associated with the disease chronic fatigue syndrome. The blood transfusion services have banned CFS patients from donating blood. Yet, the doctors are not even aware of the presence of a new retrovirus and patients with CFS are still left waiting, and without health care. This is a

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-56982742072333362572010-11-18T00:19:00.000-08:002010-11-18T21:53:53.674-08:00

It was 8 PM when I presented myself on the 5th floor and at the end of the hallway of a medical floor for my sleep study. There was a patient who's bed was parked in the hallway - it sounded like the unit was overflowing. I met Noella who was to be with me overnight and hook me up with all the necessary wires. At first I had to fill out this 3 pages long questionnaire, and I forgot to mention 3

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-89246621438304659462010-11-13T00:31:00.000-08:002010-11-13T00:32:23.592-08:00

The second class citizen She went to university. She worked as a nurse all of her life. She's dutifully paid her taxes. She treated her patients with respect and care, just the way she'd like to be treated should she become sick herself. She had passions in her life. Keeping fit was her duty. Arts. Travel. Good food. She enjoyed life. She enjoyed challenges. When the disease hit, it

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-55913939546701569872010-11-03T13:15:00.000-07:002010-11-05T21:00:38.783-07:00

Yesterday I had a very long day to town, with a pulmonary test called methacholine challenge test, it's supposed to determine whether you have asthma or not. It's a bit like a pulmonary function test but they make you breathe this product and it makes you cough, and irritate the airways and then they measure the air you can push out in 1 second. It's crazy they can tell the difference between

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-82543191997483079022010-11-01T23:14:00.000-07:002010-11-01T23:32:09.863-07:00

Today I chose hope. I feel crappy, but there is hope down the road. I can't wait to feel better and to get on with my life.So today I thought... what if I planned my well life, in the meantime? One of the things I missed in my life, is to be fit, trim, and to bike. I miss my photography. I miss seeing the world. Travel. See the world. Live outside! So I thought, how about I bike to my next doctor

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-41995256336434736372010-10-09T10:58:00.000-07:002012-01-01T23:54:50.207-08:00

Looking for CFS literate physician Patient with myalgic-encephalomyelitis, sadly known as chronic fatigue syndrome, looking for a ME/CFS litterate doctor for continued care. Said doctor will be fearless in recognizing that ME/CFS is a serious disease likely of infectious origin. Said doctor is not worried if patient is complicated, in fact looks at it as a challenge and mental stimulation. Said

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-63829280301227098972010-10-09T10:46:00.000-07:002010-10-09T10:56:22.288-07:00

At the end of June I saw Dr Klimas in Miami, and was diagnosed with POTS. POTS stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, that's an autonomic nervous system disorder. I was started on Atenolol and Florinef for this, with recommendations to find a specialist in town. Did I ever find one. The same night, in my hotel room, I not only found a specialist in town, I e-mailed him and asked if

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-7829818972505172122010-10-02T22:19:00.001-07:002010-10-02T22:20:46.613-07:00

It's fascinating if you think about it that we get hundreds of thousands of people who have an illness where they are really sensitive to stress and then we put them in a situation where they're deprived of all types of resources have incredible needs and they're incredibly distressed... we wouldn't do that to laboratory mice. - Leonard Jason, Invest in ME 2010As many of you know I am fighting

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-66480505834383808622010-09-30T08:38:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:23:50.153-08:00

I returned and see Dr Press, this infectious disease doctor at the center of excellence in HIV at St-Paul's hospital. Sigh. She doesn't want to prescribe Imunovir. Just like my family Dr, she is worried about her license because it's off-label.

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-86120773127674206522010-09-30T08:36:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:21:15.800-08:00

Looking for CFS literate physician (Lower Mainland)Date: 2010-09-30, 7:58AM PDTReply to: job-3uy9q-1981468564@craigslist.org [Errors when replying to ads?]Patient with myalgic-encephalomyelitis, sadly known as chronic fatigue syndrome, looking for a ME/CFS litterate doctor for continued care. Said doctor will be fearless in recognizing that ME/CFS is a serious disease likely of infectious origin.

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-2639237150947960112010-09-21T22:54:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:24:10.392-08:00

I have already had a bad week. We are Tuesday. Last week, after 10 weeks of waiting for my dr to fill out my insurance papers, I showed up to find out if my forms were all filled. Not yet she said. When can I pick them up? (word for word) Thrsday, she said. I phone in on Thursday, the papers were still not ready,but the doctor was in so the MOA would ask her. On Friday I phone again, said papers

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-71237843770210591602010-09-19T18:35:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:24:25.764-08:00

Today was the skype visit with Nancy K, exactly 1 month after my visit in Miami.The week waiting for this appointment has been really stressful. I was anxious that nothing would be found- probably my first nightmare. Then my blood results came in and I spent 3 days trying to figure them out before the professional interpretation from Nancy. We reviewed the blood work and the tests I've had. I

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-69566591939116886392010-09-19T18:32:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.107-08:00

It's been a while since I have written. This has been because controversy over here at this very forum with how long time members including me have been treated. I have been suspended because I was too loud. Not aggressive, not abusive, just too loud. That was unfair and no one apologized.After putting some thought into it, if I don't come back they win huh? And the church of false illness

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-29858328373534903672010-09-19T18:28:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.111-08:00

This month has been tough so far. I has barely started.To be honest, forum issues are bothering me. Tones are off, people are ripping each other, the community is dividing. Some had to remove themselves totally. No one wins. Everybody loses.In my case, there is a bad taste in my mouth, I am definitly sad and feel this immense sense of loss.Meanwhile, the Whittemore-Peterson is scrambling to

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-77761746906660649782010-09-19T18:23:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.115-08:00

The last couple of weeks left me angry, sour and also distressed that no one in my province could actually care for me or even refer me to someone that knew how to take care of patients of my kind. On top of that, a very disappointing CFSAC meeting .So I am a gal of action. I phoned Dr Klimas's clinic and decided to book an appointment. I could have gone with someone on the West Coast, but

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-36225828913873180142010-09-19T18:20:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.120-08:00

For the long timers, I am sorry that I am complaining about the long wait for I know that I haven't been ill for decades. Forgive me. I am impatient and never ever expected to have such reduced quality of life at a time I am supposed to have if all together. Well, I don't.I thought that by now, there would have been a few positive replication studies and excitement about the retrovirus all over

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-89981296176119990942010-09-19T18:19:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.125-08:00

In the morning I double checked my day timer. I was convinced it was at 2 PM but I am glad I checked, it was written 1 PM.I was a bit nervous. Walking slowly down the halls of the hospital, I noticed the large number of offices and exam rooms all dedicated to HIV and infectious diseases. The waiting area had only 1 guy waiting, and the tv was on to Jerry Springer. Oh gosh....Thankfully I didn't

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-42112215070890789372010-09-19T18:12:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.129-08:00

As you may know, I have my very first infectious disease doctor visit on Wednesday and I am so looking forward to it. I am also hoping to be validated, tested and listened to. I may have some kinds of expectations and as of today won't take no for an answer!!!!When I go to specialists visits, I often return home thinking I forgot to discuss certain aspects or symptoms of the disease. I also feel

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-3264945105842781732010-09-19T18:10:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.134-08:00

I am waiting. Like many of you. I check the forums 50 times a day. I lurk on Facebook to see if Andrea got news, or WPI, or anyone else... I check my mail at least 50 times a day too. And I try to keep busy... My bank account is deflating because I bent and bought beading supplies.I have been busy writing letters too. To the government, to my elect representative. I wrote to the health research

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-16643745145604801422010-09-19T18:09:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.138-08:00

Today our community celebrated small victories. And I also had mine. So cheers to you.Some will say that one news wasn't really news, But Jonathon Kerr and al published in General Virology on Parvovirus B-19 and CFS. They found an antibody that is statistically signficantly prevalent in the CFS cohort compared to the control. It means a lot to me because my family doctor just told me at the last

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-8889036326824879672010-09-19T18:08:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.143-08:00

Forever in waiting... This time I am waiting for my ct scan (lungs) in 3 weeks or so, and my infectious disease specialist appointment.Like many of you I am also waiting for replication studies, some positive ones, made from real scientists, not from fake ones like the ones in UK. I am waiting for news from WPI, new papers to come out, new news. I scan Facebook daily, well aware that news usually

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-26917800827027712312010-09-18T23:50:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.147-08:00

So yesterday morning I was quite upset with the rheumy's response. With reasons. Apparently she is sending me a letter after the 10 pages fax I sent her. Wonder what she has to say.But then the light at the end of the tunnel... maybe. I had e-mailed an infectious disease doctor the night before. Told him my story- from IgM+ to I don't want to lose your time or mine, to I need to be tested

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-51152254340990497112010-09-18T23:47:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.151-08:00

My health continues to deteriorate. I was so shaky this morning I could barely stand straight. Thankfully the migraine type of headache from last afternoon has let go.Yesterday I decided to pass to action- I wrote a detailed letter to the rheumy, requesting her to ask the medical service plan (MSP) to fund a visit to the US to see a specialist. I spent 2 foggy hours composing and then adding

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-52960664796532513412010-09-18T23:44:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.156-08:00

Today I had this interview with a medical student as i offered to volunteer my services as a patient to talk about my chronic condition. I felt a bit guilty for having an agenda on my own, which was to inform the students about my disease. But then maybe I could be of use to him???Johnny came straight from school, 1 hour drive of it, to interview me for his class "Doctor, patient and society" a

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-25098762836273589422010-09-18T23:43:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.161-08:00

I was woken up this after noon by the disability person to announced that my claim has been accepted. What great news. While it doesn't mean that I am getting more money, it may mean that the private insurance company may be giving me a bit of a slack on the GET program with the OT. At least I hope so.And then curiously tonight, some other emotions surfaced. It occurs to me that I am now

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-77563717824531741372010-09-18T23:41:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.167-08:00

I was expecting her to come yesterday at 2 PM. But she didn't show up. I am not sure what was in my mind- I phoned her twice and on the second call she told me it was her day off. My bad.Today, I was less than happy to see her. It's an intrusion in my life and I am not sure at all she gets me. It as if I was talking to a wall. But walls don't answer back...So I told her how terrible this last

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-82391702698767782042010-09-18T23:39:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:25:05.171-08:00

2 posts in 1 day...I collected my NK cells results tonight from the dr's office. It took VIP 4 days to recieve my sample and provide results to my doctor, and 1 full month to find out about them. WTF???I am sharing my results because I have a little idea what it means, but not the full picture in reference to CFS and whether it is consistent with a CFS pattern. Feel free to comment or compare

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-15784930062118752342010-09-18T23:36:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.758-08:00

After 10 days of waiting for a dr appointment to get my results, this morning, I got the answer. Negative.I created a bit of a fuss at the office since my dr couldn't find the results in her electronic system. I assured her she had them since I checked with the office assistants that they indeed recieved the fax, and my visa had been billed. It's really irritating that the results get lost, and

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-91981410269631320162010-09-18T23:35:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.762-08:00

Today on the day of the Olympics Opening Ceremonies, the OT rang at my door at 09:45. Arrrrgh... Didn't I tell her earlier that I wasn't a morning person?She wanted to take on the occasion to see me walking- 5 minutes of it- Thankfully she reported that I was short of breath (slightly) and the pain in my legs manifested again on the ever so slight uphill.She is still pushing me to do more, to do

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-32913083692395953092010-07-19T14:20:00.001-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.766-08:00

It's been a while since I have written. This has been because controversy over here at this very forum with how long time members including me have been treated. I have been suspended because I was too loud. Not aggressive, not abusive, just too loud. That was unfair and no one apologized.After putting some thought into it, if I don't come back they win huh? And the church of false illness

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-50256802703473699792010-06-22T22:40:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.769-08:00

Today on the day of the Olympics Opening Ceremonies, the OT rang at my door at 09:45. Arrrrgh... Didn't I tell her earlier that I wasn't a morning person?She wanted to take on the occasion to see me walking- 5 minutes of it- Thankfully she reported that I was short of breath (slightly) and the pain in my legs manifested again on the ever so slight uphill.She is still pushing me to do more, to do

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-17497740803375466952010-06-22T22:38:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.772-08:00

It was an arduous trip to my dr downtown especially at the eve of the Olympics in Vancouver. I was really worried about traffic, road closures and delays, but it proved unfounded. The return in rush hour happened to be quite tame too, surprisingly.The rheumy had some results for me, the bone scan was essentially normal, other than some inflammation at my ankle joint, correlating with the pain I

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-59695385251912957232010-06-22T22:37:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.776-08:00

I was not too keen for the occupational therapist to visit today. I have had a so- so week I didn't do all the walks this week, and found that my walks were replacing some important tasks like tidying the kitchen or getting groceries. Also I worked myself all up on the CBT and GET thing, and was totally anxious and didn't want to go there.She came with a strong scent of perfume- which ended up

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-50654932577100648352010-06-22T22:36:00.002-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.779-08:00

Today is day 3 of week 2 of my 10 weeks rehabilitation program. This week I was instructed to get up at the same time every morning, 9:30, get ready to go walking for 5 minutes at 10, and to plan my day activities ahead of time, write it down in the work book and continue writing my daily activities.By now I have had a chance to read some more of the content of the work book and see what's ahead

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-72648235649552219082010-06-22T22:34:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.783-08:00

She came twice this week so the consequent weeks she would come every Friday. She made it late today and she apologized.Yesterday I e-mailed her to ask her to copy the questionnaires that I had filled out. And I also had a request for her. I thought that since she was giving me assignments, and since we are on a pretty levelled type of relationship, I decided that she needed to get an assignment

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-29215441398205411302010-06-22T22:33:00.001-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.787-08:00

She came on Monday, in the morning . I was barely out of bed and sleepy enough not to be able to shower or look presentable. And I didn't care.She is sent by my disability insurance, which was supposed to send me to physio (boot camp) for 6 weeks and quickly sent be back to work- like if it would happen with the problem I got. So when they heard about the major crash I got after the functional

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-24886216952948231992010-06-22T22:30:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.791-08:00

I needed a refill on one of my meds. So I saw my family doctor. I found out about some of my blood test results that are starting to trickle in. My Lyme test is negative- what a relief. I ddin't want to have Lyme for some reason. It would complicate things so much, with all the politics associated with it. But then... Do I want ME??? Well, no. I don't want ME. But it sounds like I got symptoms

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-71611045772931867322010-06-22T22:29:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.794-08:00

It took 2 pokes, but we did it (my friend and I), my blood is on its way to VIP Dx. Today also happened to be a press release from WPI announcing they would not offer the PCR test anymore but just the culture. They also said that the culture test was refined and more sensitive to detect XMRV. The good news is that the test is going to be cheaper - don't know yet how much.I sincerely hope to be +

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-22035361639536378222010-06-22T22:28:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.798-08:00

I think that if I had written this blog post yesterday the title would have been quite different as I was quite discouraged and distressed. Today is a new day. So here is my take on the story.I decided following the non-replication news and my recent visit to a specialist that doesn't diagnoses CFS, that it was time for me to get tested. for XMRV. My friend Fran is a work colleague, and does IVs

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-54099019823271157532010-06-21T23:12:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.803-08:00

Today was the first appointment with a specialist. Sort of. I was disapointed ot hear she is not really treating CFS- and she is not an expert in the matter. Her specialty is fibromyalgia. Shoot. Wrong disease!!!The drive downtown was long, I am not sleeping too well these days, falling asleep with great difficulty and waking up too early. I had given myself enough time for an errand, since I was

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-19324518808930701792010-06-21T22:59:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.806-08:00

The last few weels have been fairly hard for me dealing with diffuse big joint pain, what I beleive is caused by my early November functional assessment. The pain got worse and by December 23 I couldn't take it anymore- and phone my dr for a prescription. The next day visit was hard on me, barely able to sit in a chair, seeing the waiting room filling up, and having to wait for the dr to come

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-71223607928519462452010-06-21T22:57:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.810-08:00

Afrter watching the entire Nancy Klimas and Lucinda Bateman Lectures, we have ben recommended to wait before being tested for XMRV. The reason to that is... this is still early in the game. The researchers are still working on a better test. This current test is just for the ACTIVE infection.That is the intellectial reasonning that says "don't do it". I decided last week that I would listen to

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-74683931289061564492010-06-21T22:56:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.813-08:00

Today was my first appointment with the case worker that works for my rehab and back to work program. They seem pretty deternined to get me into the program, see a physio and kinesiologist, for 6 weeks, then back to work.The lady was kind enough to listen to my story- listen to what I had to say about the functional assessment, and she even listened when I told her about XMRV and took the Science

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-57758999059121852562010-06-21T22:50:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.817-08:00

It is not everyday we encounter real humans in the world of medecine.Today I met one.And I wll name her too, just in case someone is in the area and interested to see her in their CFS journey. Not that she could provide me with any answer, but she was open to possiblities, accepted suggestions, listened to me and took her time. Dr Clarissa Wallace.So my cortisol is low. I will undergo an ACTH

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-73642550414661783922010-06-21T22:49:00.001-07:002010-11-13T10:26:01.548-08:00

Monday was my dr appointment. Whch as you know if you read my previous blog entries, I got to see what my functional assessment said. I took on the occasion to ask the dr to perform a few tests and she agreed to it.On Tuesday, I fasted in the morning to get some of the blook work done, including ANA, RF, cortisol and TSH. I decided to do glucose tolerance test and cholesterol; on a different day

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-63653462511169866612010-06-21T22:47:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.822-08:00

So some of the test apparently showed them I was not competitive enought as I was not trying to beat my time in some drills. Apparently some tests showed I was not trying hard enough. Good to know huh? LEt's tell the whole world about it. What else can it tell you? Maybe my brain was tired to send a signal to my hands to perform the drill?As I read through the 50 pages, I noted a couple omissions

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-27800803440085585302010-06-21T22:45:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.825-08:00

I was just at my dr, and got a copy of my functional assessment. I am sharing the conclusions with you to compare notes and also get recommendations if you have any. If it's for them, I am to start physio 3 times a week for 1.5 hours, and bac kto work in 6 weeks."While she frequently reported feelings of fatigue, diffuse joint pain and muscles and headaches her performane in this assessment met

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-37287747859121893022010-06-21T22:44:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.829-08:00

Of what I hear, Lyme is a clinical diagnosis.http://murakamicentreforlymebc.givin...meDisease.aspx and the symptoms of CFIDS and Lyme are overlapping. Lyme is also difficult to isolate in the blood and all negative tests are not necessarily true. (these are fact from the link above)So what if many of us really have Lyme disease and don't even know about it? Why are doctors unwilling to treat "

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-77006167482958530672010-06-21T22:42:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.831-08:00

So as I am digesting the news that my disability has been approved, I am being informed that I am obligated to enter a rehab program to reinsert myself in the working world. Who decided that? Well the insurance company read the report from the functional assessment, the physio confirmed I was able to participate in a rehab program. The insurance company didn't ask my family physician. I have yet

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-86301671260001642872010-06-21T22:40:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.834-08:00

So this morning at 9 AM my adjustor phones. I am sleeping- but interested in what she gotta say. She says she is going to phone later. These days I sleep till 11. Last night I slept 12 hours. Lately I had trouble falling asleep for some reason, and I would find myself still awake at 3 AM.Anyways, not the purpose of this blog post.They have "reopened my case". It sounds like I will get

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-21757800207837089632010-06-12T20:08:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.838-08:00

A month ago, I wrote an e-mail to te BC CDC in regards to XMRV- testing availabilit, blood supply safety. I talked about my situation, and just like HIV... XMRV... etc...Here is the reply:"Thank you for your query. We’re sorry but the BCCDC does not include chronic fatigue syndrome as one of its reportable diseases. We also would defer you to your family doctor as your primary care provider for

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-61852618641902582752010-06-12T20:07:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:06.841-08:00

So I have an acquaintance that has a psychiatrist husband and I met them today. They have knowns of my problems this year and since I haven't seen them in a while, updated them about my condition.I also mentioned the XMRV situation which the psychiatrist found interesting, was impresed with the numbers, 67% against 4 %. But in the end, he told me: "You know, I have a patient that has chronic

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-20624920433607002542010-06-12T20:05:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.087-08:00

It felt like I had been hit by a freight train this morning. It was hard to get up. My knees were atrocious, and my wrists were sore. I had a sore throat, still do and pain to the right upper side of my abdomen.The physio was a bit late, so I was grateful again that I could lay down waiting for him. I told him about the migraine headache I had last night, the exhaustion and the sore throat. I

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-9524194861033352872010-06-12T20:04:00.001-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.089-08:00

I thought I'd give this a try... Who knows where this leads me. Mad scientist will regal in the idea of a new retro-virus, won't they?Here is my letter:Dr (name withheld) I am a 40 year old woman with chronic fatigue syndrome. I have yet to see a specialist since I had mono last year in November. The course of this illness has been complicated with a large ovarian cyst and necrotic acalculous

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-57104792570343729622010-06-12T20:02:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.095-08:00

Finally, I have completed the first day of my functional assessment. I am thankful it's done and over with. It's been stressful toface testing,not knowing what to expect. I am exhausted, and nursing a big headache.I was met bright and early after an hour drive to town. I don't have anyone to take me and didn't want tot take the public transportation due to H1N1 running around. Buses and subways

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-41683388362773999312010-06-12T19:00:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.100-08:00

In 36 hours I will meet the person that has been commissioned to write about my health status, and send that report to the insurance company. First of all it is interesting that I haven't been seen by a specialist yet, my dr has never palpated my lymph nodes, and she is tired to see my face every time I show up at the office.I wonder what it will be like? Is he going to be suspicious, sneaky,

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-42747384302045646892010-06-12T18:45:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.106-08:00

Exerpt from her blog:UNUM STOCK TANKS AT 3 PM TUESDAYOctober 21, 2009Tags: WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR DISABILITY INSURER'S STOCK ON TUESDAY?For all those whose lives have been turned into living hell by their disability insurers; who have been "pauperized" by legal and medical costs as a result of fighting losing battles with disability insurers; who lost their health, then lost their house, trying to

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-64799239268751353322010-06-12T18:44:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.110-08:00

I've lost 2 pounds. I gues it's good, but I wasn't trying to- just not as hungry, and also not out and about so did not stop here and there for treats. Just a little news. Nothing big.I finally have my rheumy appointment. January 5th- 2010. 70 more sleeps, or so. Give or take. Whether it will change my life, I don't know, but perhaps she will steer my way for disability. I think I will help her

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-2573744250242791982010-06-12T18:40:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.111-08:00

After a bleak week mostly in bed, I am realizing that I am scared, It is a scary time for me and here I am 2 weeks shy of 1 year off work due to CFIDS/ XAND???I am scared becasue my health is getting worse, not better. I don't have adequate health care. My doctor has no clue, and little by little I am exhausting possibilities of diagnosis. She won't test me for any viruss, waiting for the

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-29094611698942650712010-06-12T18:36:00.001-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.119-08:00

I have spent 22 hours in bed out of 24 in the last few days- maybe it's a major crash from the XMRV news, and on top of that I went out for a couple hours taking photos on Saturday- it made my day!!!! But I know I am paying for it.I have been very frustrated by the lack of care, and how slow it is to just get an appointment. And yet I can look at other people's stories, you've been sick for

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-78938894823475069522010-06-12T18:20:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.186-08:00

I had an interesting dream night, I guess my brain is trying to digest all the information we've been bombarded with in the last few days.My dream was something ike this. I got a flu virus, was in bed for several days, if not weeks, and then people around me started to get it, kids were geting a runny nose, which I thought were turning into leukemia. My mom (which died 20 some years ago) was

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-23445112388519728732010-06-12T18:15:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.195-08:00

Today came some fantastic news that this retro-virus is thought to be strongly linked to CFIDS. How elating to find out that we may have solved a great mystery, and that will get us out of our misery. The news is grand, and is fanning out to all the papers in the continent- and beyond.So I copied the news article from Witterman-Petersen institute, and brought that to my dr's office, where I had a

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-59689456920511268732010-06-12T17:51:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.200-08:00

So last month I send a letter to our Premier Campbell- (provincial government) asking why it was that I couldn't get a specialist appointment in due time. The referral was faxed in early July- I still don't have an appointment. In November, it will be a full year that I am sick. I still don't have any treatment- oter than my gallbladder surgery, and no one seems to be worried about it.Therefore

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-21872963914021700682010-06-12T17:50:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.202-08:00

Boy did I over-did it today- Out by 1 PM- back home by 10:30- when I usually spend at least 20 hours in bed- I also managed to land from a fall without scratches or bruises (I guess I would be well cushioned), however my back muscles have started complaining right after the said fall and getting worse by the minute- back spasms started right as I got off the car and I could barely walk... I

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-87196234738386792472010-06-12T17:44:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.207-08:00

So in the last couple of days I have experienced quite a bit of discomforts- which are all new on top of my orthostatic intolerance, fatigue, dizziness, hots and colds. and tinglings in my legs.Friday night, I felt pain in the left upper quadrants of my belly, right where my spleen is. The spleen has measured in the upper limit normals back in March, and has been left all alone since then. The

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-80454242110811546512010-06-12T17:42:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.212-08:00

After waiting for a few months, my insurance adjustor phoned me today to let me know I was approved for 1 month LTD coverage, the one while I was recovering from surgery. While they have not yet approved my LTD for CFIDS, I chose to rejoice at the thought of incoming $$$ in my bank account. Bring it on!!!The rest of the battle will eventually settle I figure. I just need to hook up with the right

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-50454689125132271482010-06-12T17:40:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.214-08:00

So I spent a lot of time in bed lately, resting- When I am up I feel lightheaded and dizzy- But after a few days resting in the dark , I felt a bit better- No more chest pains. Which is good .I am booked for a holter monitor on Tuesday.On Friday evening and Saturday morning I had a couple functions to attend. Very unusual as I haven't been out in a while. I found myself sweating profusely for

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-64971116662876874022010-06-12T17:38:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.223-08:00

50 body bags were sent to some remote first nations villages in Manitoba along with mask and hand sanitizer in order to prevent the spread of H1N1. Health Canada appologized today- saying it was meant to ship to outpost nurses.Sure, easy to say after the fact- It's just another way to say keep your virus wherever you are... :-)

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-19049875043045406942010-06-12T17:37:00.001-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.238-08:00

After spending all day in bed yesterday, i decided that I needed a bit of a walk, with my camera, so off I go to a park nearby- by car- and there is about 50 m down to a pier. I mean 150 m is not even a block. I got short of breath just going, and much worse coming back to my car, there aws a bit of an uphill. I was looking for my air- Not a good feeling.Chest pains started and continued until

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-25768422018018301412010-06-12T17:34:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.255-08:00

I have been referred to her back in July. Haven't heard anything from them- it's like they didn't recieve anything. So I phoned them at the end of July and they tell me that I may not have an intitial appointment for my CFS until after the Olympics (we in Vancouver are hosting the Olympics in February, and the downtown core will close to accomodate the Games. Health Care, businesses, residents,

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-4951548477958268432010-06-12T17:33:00.001-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.262-08:00

I have always stayed away from protests, strikes and complainers. I am not a political person either. But I can see how CFS pts are being discriminated against over, and over and over. And on many levels. Family members and friends that think we're not really sick, bosses and managers that think we're faking it, doctors that are not knowledgeable at all about this really intriguing disease and

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-25422454400953287392010-06-12T17:32:00.001-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.263-08:00

So today I phoned my GP's office for a follow up appointment following my very basic blood work- she had my results in hand, of course didn't want to tell me the results. But based on what she was seeing, she assumed that it wasn't urgent- Heck, very likely my CBC is normal, my electrolytes are not bad and I am not going to die tomorrow- but please don't assume I am doing well and that I can wait

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-87227356805334578042010-06-12T17:28:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.267-08:00

I am 40 and back in November 2008 I got ill with EBV-mono. I had some liver involvement at that point and was quite tired. My dr have had mono and I remember being very thankful she knew what it was all about. She had no problem giving me some time off work-My workplace was not too happy with me taking 2 full months off- they felt that 4 to 6 weeks was plenty of time to recover from mono. In

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-80198526872426823842009-04-09T23:10:00.000-07:002010-11-13T10:26:22.270-08:00

Being quiet has been voluntary and involuntary. First, I lost my voice and my way to express myself, due to exterior forces that thought it was not right for me to take pictures. So I believe them. I am now scared to push the shutter. I believe something really bad will happen, or someone will be after my case if I push the shutter and share my art to the world. As interesting as the internet is

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-34397977693315984602009-03-02T23:50:00.001-08:002010-11-13T10:26:22.275-08:00

SimranOriginally uploaded by West coast chickcan't get enough of photography. In fact, i live photography days in days out. Last week it was Simran and her husband Ajit who proved out to be excellent models. Simran wants to be a meke up artist and her make up was just awesome, changing as she was changing outfits. Both had 3 ifferent changes of clothes, and provided great inspirations and input

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-84536496682641251192009-02-01T23:16:00.001-08:002010-11-13T10:26:22.280-08:00

MoriahOriginally uploaded by West coast chickI had some awesome shooting this week end including the one with Moriah at school, in the studio. It was so fun! She had her own toys to play with (TT Cervelo bike and her road bike, along with her rollers) and I had my own toys, and the school's most excellent strobes.Thanks a bunch Moriah!

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-80482547658103675672009-01-26T00:00:00.001-08:002010-11-13T10:26:22.286-08:00

MandeeOriginally uploaded by West coast chickYou know when you are a kid, the years go very very slowly. The school terms are endless, the weeks are endless, and Christmas never comes fast enough. Well kids, wait till you see, as you grow middle age, you will find out that time flies exponentially. Days become week which become month and next thing you know, you haven't finished paying last

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-77090111983696048802008-12-16T11:28:00.000-08:002010-11-13T10:23:04.195-08:00

Life has been certainly quieter now that I've been home for over 6 weeks. I've been sleeping an average of 12 hours a day, and hanging from the couch to the kitchen to the computer during the day. However I am getting better and trying to do more activities so I can return to work soon. I find that I tire quickly and feel the need to lay down as soon I do a bit too much.

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-10448177206908417382008-12-03T00:40:00.000-08:002008-12-03T00:51:13.671-08:00

Yep, the kissing disease... How ironic! If anybody kissed me it would not be a problem! Ya know if you kiss someone, you are taking a chance to get mono. But hey, me, nahhhhh haven't kissed anybody in quite a while (I hope it's not too much info for you). So how did kissing disease got in my body anyways? Like, have I been kissed and not known about it? Did someone kiss me in my sleep (for

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-84221779656234346562008-11-19T00:13:00.001-08:002008-11-19T00:13:21.618-08:00

British Columbia LandscapeOriginally uploaded by West coast chickSo since I have checkedi n here, I have had a couple of doctor visits, and couple of blood work done. It ends up that I get low grade fevers, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, sometime wicked ones, aaches, fatigue, and feeling sort of weird. My liver enzymes are a bit out of whack, making my doctor think that I may have mono... So I

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-58994272930145471132008-11-09T19:30:00.001-08:002008-11-09T19:36:16.434-08:00

I have been off work all week, with terrible headache, feeling the flu coming, and it never came. But the thing is I still feel terrible, sore lymph nodes, tired, weak, lethargic, pale and low grade fever. I thought I'd be back to work tomorrow but alas I am not well enough. Instead I will go get some blood drawn for some tests and return back to bed... Bummer... On a more positive note, I had a

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-74965729649933739702008-11-02T22:28:00.001-08:002008-11-02T22:28:16.754-08:00

Anna and the belly buttonOriginally uploaded by West coast chickI had a family shoot this week end, Leane, Steve and little Anna. Leane and Steve are expecting their second child and wanted pregnancy pictures. That was lots of fun, but trying to catch a 2 year old and pose a family is not that easy. They have the attention span as big as a pea!!!

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-84691512120927288492008-10-25T21:52:00.001-07:002008-10-25T21:52:03.727-07:00

In the leavesOriginally uploaded by West coast chickBeen to a baby shower for Lisa who should give birth in a month or so. Well ya know how babies goes, you never know when!!! I had promised Irene I would do pictures of her and her son, and without planing it, it ended up that we were all there at the same place, the sun was just fabulous and the leaves are at their peak in Vancouver. In fact I

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-49486428748996148052008-10-24T22:34:00.001-07:002008-10-24T22:34:17.444-07:00

yellowOriginally uploaded by West coast chickWith the recent days and weeks being hyper busy, stress is just part of my life. Some good stress (school assignments) and not great stress (financial worries, too much work, not enough time). So tonight, I just want to say hi, offer a quiet and relaxing image and just hang out... I got a fashion show to shoot this week end, very excited about it, and

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-61231535198078136332008-10-10T22:30:00.001-07:002008-10-10T22:30:15.741-07:00

Sunset in English BayOriginally uploaded by West coast chickI had to go to town and pick up 2 lenses from Flashpoint. I took on the opportunity of a mid fall sunset and found this on my way! Love it. I managed my second day of Weight Watchers well, a bit hungrier than yesterday but still,. I think hunger means that I am burning some fat. :-) All good. Have been invited to a Thanksgiving dinner

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-69674015040664584092008-10-09T10:32:00.000-07:002008-10-09T21:05:42.783-07:00

Well, I made the jump and decided I had enough expanding and it was now time to get to shrinking... Last year, after my little bike ride to San Francisco, I decided I didn't need to work out and that I'd rather spend the time taking pictures. Well guess what? My chest, waiste and hips circumference started expanding, to the point that nothing fits anymore, had to change bra size and shop in plus

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25750688.post-72936238512436422502008-10-07T23:36:00.001-07:002008-10-07T23:36:12.226-07:00

Family shotOriginally uploaded by West coast chickBack from a little trip to Tofino for a week end with my sister and her kids. We had a blast, got some little hikes done, a bit of beach walk and some cabin time as well. Lots of fun!

Katihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12281551619335996831noreply@blogger.com0