Monday, July 26, 2010

" RELIEF "

WHEW! What a time I've had the last few months!If relief from this heat wasn't enough of a problem, being ill on top of it was beyond misery! As you all know I was under the weather ALL of Spring and the first part of Summer with both my back and what had been diagnosed as severe sinusitis and asthma due to a wicked virus.First let me say; the shots in my back were a waste of time and money except that I learned my main problem is a arthritic facet joint in the center of my back and I don't need surgery. In mid June I lost my voice, was experiencing ear pain and a sore throat that would not go away. I still had severe sinus problems also. I googled ear pain, sore throat and laryngitis and came up with throat cancer!I made an appointment with my ENT . When I told him I was there to rule out throat cancer and explained my symptoms....









He said; "I know what the problem is. You have Laryngopharyngeal Acid Reflux (LPR)." My response was; I don't have heartburn, indigestion or reflux." He then went on to tell me that this particular form does not have these symptoms and is therefore hard to diagnose. LPR occurs when gastric contents travel up the esophagus and into the upper throat and voice box. This usually occurs while you are asleep and unaware. He then when through my nose and down my throat with a camera . My vocal cords were full of blisters and my throat was raw. I was put on Nexium for 15 days and I am totally well of all problems! I also began trans dermal magnesium therapy and my back is much better! :)
I have done a lot of reading the past few months, these are SOME of the books I've read.

I had my daughters 2 children here for 10 days and what a joyful time that was!
Molly loved riding Lolly Pop!


Of course the garden could care less how you feel, it still comes to harvest! This is my new Dehydrator I bought mainly for drying herbs.





I did dry 5 quarts of peaches in it though. I also put 15 quarts of peaches in the freezer, along with blackberries and blueberries, squash, okra, & peppers.





On the canning front, I made this Pepper Relish.I also canned Pepper Butter, Pepper Sauce, Tomatoes, and Okra & Tomatoes......






I made Peach and Wild Plum Jelly too..............I think this is the Peach.







My flowers have kept me busy........









This is our Purple Crape Myrtle. We have a smaller one out front too. It must be a rare color as everyone who comes here says they have never seen one this color.








I'm on my way to achieving my courtyard feel. Next year it should really look good!











The Cannas are really growing.............











This bed has not done so good except for this Angel Trumpet...........











You've heard of The Apple Dumpling Gang? This is The Watermelon Gang !













The eight peeps we raised are now pullets and doing good. Queen Vicki also sat 21 days and hatched the 2 little peeps you see here. We now have 18 chickens and get an average of 6 eggs a day!














Now that my health is back, I'm wishing I could look like this. Can you believe she will be 70 years old on Sept. 5th? This is a recent picture too! I would settle for this hair style if I could find someone who could do it!
















After all the HEAT we've had I'd settle for a few days in this scene too! I will be going to the Highlands of NC in late August for 10 days and I can't wait! Coming to see you Vicki !!!















HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE !!!!!!!!!!















24 comments:

Morning's Minion said...

For a lday who has been ill, you've gotten a lot done! Here's to good health. [And cooler weather.]

steviewren said...

Glad you are feeling well again. For someone who was under the weather, you sure have accomplished a lot. If you run out of projects please come to my house. hehe

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Glad to hear from you, Carol. You have really had alot of health problems. I'm so sorry--but glad you are 'on the mend' now.

I still don't have much energy--but I blame some of that on the horrible heat and humidity we are having this summer... We've never been THIS hot up here on the Cumberland Plateau (at least since we moved her in 2003).

Your yard looks wonderful.. Glad you enjoyed your grandchildren. Have a great remainder of this HOT summer.... Enjoy the Highlands of NC.
Hugs,
Betsy

Becca's Dirt said...

Glad to have you back. Sorry to hear you've been so ill. Glad it wasn't too serious. I'm looking forward to fall now. The heat has been horrible this year.

Vicki Lane said...

So glad the health problems have been sorted out! And I sure hope it cools off in NC before the end of August -- it's been miserable here!

ceecee said...

So sorry to hear about your health woes, Carol. Glad you are on the mend. Googling symptoms is something I vow to never do again. No matter what you have it will say you're dying.
Stay cool - and happy reading.
Catherine xx

Carol Murdock said...

Hey MM! My husband fussed at me all the time for not taking it easy! Some things just have to be delt with no matter how you feel! :)

Hey Stevie~ I NEVER run out of projects around here!! :)

Hey Bets! Glad we are both on the mend and hopefully nearly done with this HEAT!! :)


Hey Becca! I hear ya and I say AMEN!! :)

Carol Murdock said...

Hey Vicki! I've had a bad time of it but I think I've got it whipped for good! I'll keep a 10 day out check on the temps in the mountains and if it's too hot I'll reschedule for September! Can't wait to see you! :)

Carol Murdock said...

Hey Catherine!! HA! You're right about the dying but I was sure I was at the time! Turns out it was good though as I was told, left untreated, this stuff does turn into throat cancer!

Marguerite said...

So happy that you are well again, Carol! That's just wonderful! Your yard looks beautiful and that pepper relish and peach jam look awesome. Hope you have a wonderful vacation in NC. You deserve it, dear friend!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Girl, you've been through the mill and back! Bless your heart, I'm so glad your feelin' better and hope it continues. I've been battlin' a debilitating case of shingles since Memorial Day and have gotten so very behind in the blogworld.

You take care and enjoy your trip.

God bless

Anonymous said...

Shaking my head at all you've done! Your place gets prettier every year! Think you'll ever sit back and just maintain? Never mind--silly question.

Glad you're better. I appreciate your explaining about the throat deal. Must send this link to a friend who is experiencing similar symptoms.

NitWit1 said...

Mercy. Glad you finally found a solution but wonder about our medical care!! I personally think you might still be on the journey to nowherre when the new rules are in place.

I made two trips by ambulance two nights in a row for spiking blood pressure and strange needles and pins sensation all over my body. I swore I was having an heart attack only to be laughed at as I had a near perfect EKG going all the time. {I do have atheroscherosis so heart attack is not out of question]

We still haven't found the cause, and I still have spiking, except the powers that be got tired of seeing me, so gave me RX for clonidine, which brings it down in 15 minutes. Still don't know anything. I need a doctor to think outside the box

SO Glad you are every so much better, but glad you had your reading to comfort you.

Midlife Roadtripper said...

So glad you are feeling better. I understand the LPR. Been there. Your crepe myrtle is beautiful. Long ago in our old house I planted three miniature myrtle called Cordon Bleu, I think. Reminds me of those.

And I'm thinking you've been just a little busy - all the reading, canning, freezing, flower care. Enjoyed the trip to your world.

Callie Brady said...

Wow! You have had a time of it... so glad to hear that the problems have been identified and you are feeling better. Remember to get enough rest and take good care of yourself. That jelly looks so good!

Merisi said...

Carol,
so good to hear that you found a doctor who found a way to help you restore your health!

I am in awe of all the preserves, dried and frozen fruits and vegetables. You are a miracle worker, and all that with poor health!

Beautiful Purple Crape Myrtle - they are a symbol of high summer for me, blooming when least expected.

NCmountainwoman said...

So glad you're back and feeling better. My husband had surgery twice for vocal cord polyps about the time the info on laryngeal GERD was published. His ENT put him on Prevacid and he hasn't had a single problem since. Like you, he had no other signs. His last surgery was 8 years ago.

Loved the photos of the farm.

Arkansas Patti said...

Good grief, you have been wrung thru the ole wringer. So glad your ENT was able to find an easy fix.
Your yard looks marvelous considering all this heat. Your water bill must be awesome.
Hadn't thought of drying peaches, too late now, mine are all gone. Next year---.

Pat in east TN said...

I'm so glad you are feeling better Carol, and wow all the goodies you put up ... quite amazing!

Glad you're flexible on your trip to NC, as the weather now wouldn't make for a very enjoyable trip. Fingers are crossed it will all work out!

I'm looking over your recently read book photo to see if there's anything there I should add to my wish list.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

Dang woman, for someone who's been REALLY under the weather, you were busy!

Glad you're feeling better.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad that you are feeling better. You know, sometimes when I have reflux I become hoarse for a few days. Now, maybe I know why that happens.
You had to be scared when it first happened.

I love your yard. Beautiful Cannas. I'm trying to catch the green thumb...hopefully soon!

Brenda said...

Carol, you are one busy woman! Your place is beautiful, your canned food looks deelicious, and you did all of this while suffering from that horrible acid reflux! (I know what you've gone through; I have it, too. Nexium is a wonder drug!)

I've said it before, and I'll say it again: I LOVE your blog!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Oh, dear Carol, it is so lovely to read your posts once again, you have been missed.
Good news on your health problems, it's certainly NO fun when you are plagued daily with pain, it takes all of the fun out of life.
Your garden is doing wonderful, someone has been working hard :)
Enjoy your time in NC hopefully by then, the weather will have cooled somewhat, we've certainly had our share of heat and humidity this year, I'm ready for Fall !
Hugs friend,
Jo
x

Kat said...

gosh, I have missed all your photos and wouldn't we all like to look like Sophia at that age.
Your yard is so beautiful!