Small Talk: The Prayer Closet

[Ilovemylabs]

OMG!  I was trolling the internet and came upon a story entitled '13 Ridiculous Lawsuits" and I am going to try and quote this one.  "NO PICKLES. All Darius Duggar wanted was for Burger King to hold the pickles, onions and tomatoes on his burger.  When he realized they didn't listen to his request, he chose to lawyer up seeking $100,000 in damages.  Duggar claimed he suffered and allergic reaction and fell ill after one bite of his sandwich."  Obviously not a relation to the TV Duggars!

Edited September 7, 2015 by Ilovemylabs

[Jynnan tonnix]

Mindy McIndy and Muffyn...Nice to see the Polish contingent on the board. I swear by the honey/lemon/vodka remedy as well. Also, we make krupnik, which is a honey/spice liqueur typically served hot. That will knock out anything.

 

I never particularly knew my Babcia...she and my Dziadzia lived with us until I was 2, then they moved back to Poland. My family was still in England then, and as I recall we visited them once shortly after the move (one of my first memories is of feeding her chickens), then again when I was about 8. After that, we moved to the USA, and I think we visited them once when I was 10, once at 13, and once at 19. My grandfather has passed away by then, and she did also when I was about 21, I think.  My father (also Polish) was orphaned during WWII, so I never knew that set of grandparents at all. Sorry, this was a bit off topic, but are there topics in the prayer closet anyway? My husband was always very close to both his grandmothers, who lived long enough to see most of our kids, and he always feels I missed a lot my not having grandparents, as such.

[Ilovemylabs]

I've managed to avoid the flu this year (knocks on wood), but my doc wants me to avoid getting the flu shot this fall because she's convinced it stirs up my immune system. I've already got two autoimmune diseases that we're just about getting quieted down and she thinks the flu shot might stir things up again. However, I haven't had the flu in almost 6 years and every year I've gotten a flu shot. I'm not sure what I'll do this fall.

 

And mmmmm, bone broth. So yummy and so good for you; I have adrenal issues so I add a shot of pink Himalayan salt to it (adrenals love good salt). I drink hot lemon water in the mornings and that's supposed to be awesome for you, too. I just love the taste.

My grandma drank hot lemon water every morning and lived a long life. Some people also swear by apple cider vinegar (the kind that has the 'mother' in it).  I always get a flu shot, because I was a teacher and worked with kids.  Even thought I'm retired I still keep up with them.  I think it's more important especially as I age.  Hubby and I tend to be pro-active when it comes to this sort of thing.  Had the shingles shot and the new pneumonia shot too.  Fortunately we are both in pretty good health. Hugs to all of you who are dealing with these nasty issues.

Edited September 7, 2015 by Ilovemylabs

[momofsquid]

I have a doctor rant. I find it interesting that people are getting the flu right now. Many summers ago I came down with something horrible and after a few days of fever I dragged myself to my doctor, a man in whom I do not place a great deal of trust, and told him I felt like I had the flu. He practically laughed me out of the office and told me you simply cannot get the flu in August. Whatever it is, it's minor and will clear up soon. But it's definitely not the flu because, you know, August. As an afterthought, literally as I was walking out the door, he told me to get a chest x-ray if the fever wasn't gone in two more days and handed me a requisition, and he reiterated that he was sure it was nothing. After two more days of misery I got the chest x-ray and found out I had pneumonia. In summary, I have learned not to use the word "flu" in the presence of a doctor or I risk being dismissed without examination. In fact, it's best to list symptoms and avoid suggesting a possible diagnosis entirely because he might just rule out anything I suggest. Slowly but surely I'm learning the tricks to get around this guy's prejudices.

 

Anyway. I hope all the sickies in here are feeling better soon!

[GeeGolly]

Yehp, I'm not a Doc, though I have played one at home for years. This is the flu, not a cold, not allergies - it is the flu. Been on this earth enough decades to know the difference.

[Ilovemylabs]

To treat my colds, I use Polish cough medicine: vodka, honey and lemon, and then I put it in the microwave for a minute. It take care of the cough and it knocks me out for awhile. Or if the cough gets really bad, I hop over to border and get some codeine cough syrup in Windsor.

I still use honey and lemon for a sore throat.  My mom used to give it to me and, though I'm sure it helps, I think the old memories are soothing too.  She would also rub my chest with Vicks Vapo Rub and wrap me in flannel.  As an adult, I may have to up the honey and lemon with a shot of vodka!  Sounds good.

[Mindymoo]

I'm from Toledo, which is about a 45 minute drive from the Ambassador Bridge. I spend as much time in Canada as I can.

[Muffyn]

In fact, it's best to list symptoms and avoid suggesting a possible diagnosis entirely because he might just rule out anything I suggest. Slowly but surely I'm learning the tricks to get around this guy's prejudices.

This kind of attitude is happening more and more.  Doctors want to be the ones to diagnose.  Part of it is due to the increased usage of medical websites which can both help and hurt.  There is a phenomenon - internet enabled hypochondria.  People diagnose themselves with all kinds of unusual things.  After all, on WebMD, everything leads to cancer.  When I had a negative reaction to Cipro, the ER doc accused me of having researched my symptoms on line.  I couldn't read well through the hallucinations so I did not do that.  And why would I want to mosey on down to the ER for fun?  The problem is they assume everyone is making things up or over-analyzing things.  I'm sure you've had the flu before and can tell what's going on.  A smart doctor would understand that, then check that things weren't different somehow or had progressed.  Drives me batty.

 

Then again, I broke a cervical vertebrae two years ago.  The first doctor did not read the x-ray correctly; he missed the break.  So I never got treated for it.  Instead I had multiple doctors tell me they couldn't figure out why I was in so much pain.  I have re-injured the area and can no longer bend my neck to the left.  The whole circle of suckitude is starting up again.  One of the biggest problems we have is our medicine is now much better at handling things that used to be major issues.  Heart surgery and orthopedics are two areas that have progressed greatly.  Unfortunately, we do not handle everything leading up to the extremes very well.  

 

Sorry, it's a cranky morning.  

[NextIteration]

I choose doctors on a premise after my first visit with them that I am a strong advocate for myself and that we'll be a team.  If I get a sense that a doctor doesn't like this sort of relationship with me as a patient - I move on to a provider that appreciates my way of thinking.  Doctors are not God, and they are infallible.  It has served me well over the long run, for both myself and my family.

[JoanArc]

I quit my job. Sigh. Dream job? Well, it was a nightmare. I have many more opportunities and the experience to get them, so I don't feel terrible. It's just disappointing when things don't work out - and it's nothing that *you* did or could've done to change them. I had to save my license.

[GeeGolly]

I quit my job. Sigh. Dream job? Well, it was a nightmare. I have many more opportunities and the experience to get them, so I don't feel terrible. It's just disappointing when things don't work out - and it's nothing that *you* did or could've done to change them. I had to save my license.

Yikes. Did I miss something? Scary stuff without already having something lined up. Good Luck JA.

[Muffyn]

I choose doctors on a premise after my first visit with them that I am a strong advocate for myself and that we'll be a team.  If I get a sense that a doctor doesn't like this sort of relationship with me as a patient - I move on to a provider that appreciates my way of thinking.  Doctors are not God, and they are infallible.  It has served me well over the long run, for both myself and my family.

This is exactly why I do not have a primary care physician right now.  I had two that I liked who moved out of state to be near family.  After that, I haven't had one that was able to listen carefully and did not bring so many preconceived notions into the conversation that they could not understand my health history.  

[Mindymoo]

Muffyn, I've got a somewhat similar story. My parents and I were packing to spend a week in Godderich and then Stratford, Ontario. Because of my heart problems, I passed out in the shower and broke my arm. They took four x-Rays- three showed a break, one was ambiguous. What did they do? Go by the ambiguous one. No cast, no pain meds, nothing. My mom bought me sarongs and scarves to wear as slings to immobilize it, and I was miserable. My dad went to every pharmacy he could find to get any codeine-infused product on the shelf to treat my pain. The entire time, I thought "how can I fracture this the rest of the way so I can get a cast and real pain management"? People there were so kind though- holding doors for me, carrying packages to my inn, helping me get the sling off and on if I wanted to try something on. I was about to turn 17, and a couple bartenders took pity and slipped me some Creemore to numb the pain I was obviously in. When we got home a week later and saw the orthopedist, he had the nerve to yell at my parents for not having it cast sooner and put a huge pink cast on, along with a huge prescription for vicoprophen. One week too late, dude. And work on that bedside manner.

Edited September 7, 2015 by Mindy McIndy

[magpye29]

This reminds me of the time I took my daughter to the ER when she was barely two years old.  She had told me her ear hurt, and she was crying, so off we went in the middle of the night.  When we finally got to triage, the guy asked why we were there, and I said my daughter had an earache.  He asks me how I know, and I say, "She told me."  "She TOLD you??!" he says in elaborate disbelief.  "Yes, she TOLD me."  (You have to picture my little girl in pink footsies and her head with its straggly fine hair--she was kind of small.)  So the doctor comes in and examines my kid, then leaves without saying much of anything.  Twenty minutes later, the first guy comes back with some meds and starts giving me instructions on dosages.  I ask him what's wrong with my daughter, and he says, without meeting my eyes, "She has an ear infection."  HA!!!

[JoanArc]

Yikes. Did I miss something? Scary stuff without already having something lined up. Good Luck JA.

This happens in nursing, but um, thanks for the support.

[ChocolateAddict]

I broke my arm in primary school and the office lady refused to believe me when I told her how badly it hurt.  I was a pretty tough kid but she rang my mum and told her that I had hurt my arm but I was really just crying over nothing.  That night was so painful, I couldn't sleep because even just putting weight on my shoulder was painful.  Just touching my wrist hurt and I spent most of the night sitting in my bed with a scarf wrapped around my arm or running it under cold water in the bathroom (no judgement about my home remedies, I was about 10!).  The next day Mum took me to the doctor and surprise, surprise, it was broken.  

I still remember the look on the office lady's face when I rocked up at school later that day, complete with a cast and sling, hehehe.  My mum didn't say anything about it but wrote down "Broke arm at school yesterday, had to see doctor" as the reason in the late book as a bit of an FU.  (That said, it was my own fault for being stupid and actually breaking my arm)

Edited September 7, 2015 by ChocolateAddict

[Julia]

I had to hike a mile through the woods behind the truck at weekend camp because my brownie leader knew I was malingering and I really hadn't hurt my ankle. The doctor said the tendon probably wouldn't have been torn halfway through if I had ridden.

We lived in a fifth-story walkup. I missed a month of school.

On the bright side, I not only didn't have to go back to brownies, I got to stop going to her painfully bad bible school.

[GeeGolly]

These stories are great. My Mom was very relaxed with us kids and our injuries and illnesses. If 2 days on the couch with tea & toast didn't cure us, she would then seek medical attention. Unless it involved blood, w/blood she would investigate further immediately. 

[Ilovemylabs]

I asked my doctor (his specialty is Family Medicine) why he chose that particular field.  He said it's because he enjoyed seeing every age group from babies to the elderly.  It made his practice challenging.  And he loved to see the little kids grow up and become adults.  He's seen my own kids through hosts of normal illnesses and some hospitalizations, referring them to specialists as necessary.  Now he sees my grand kids!  We moved to upstate NY and I still see him although it's a 3 hour drive.  It's not that bad.  I go see the grand kids and stay with my daughter.  But I'll never give him up.

[WalrusGirl]

I've managed to avoid the flu this year (knocks on wood), but my doc wants me to avoid getting the flu shot this fall because she's convinced it stirs up my immune system. I've already got two autoimmune diseases that we're just about getting quieted down and she thinks the flu shot might stir things up again. However, I haven't had the flu in almost 6 years and every year I've gotten a flu shot. I'm not sure what I'll do this fall.

I'm sorry about your decision! :-/ I need to go get mine tomorrow (I'm like you - since I started getting the flu shot, the only year I got the flu was the year I missed it), but my mom can no longer get it either. She's newly diagnosed with multiple myeloma (...we're actually headed to Arkansas, of all places, for treatment at UAMS. Not what we expected, living in the DC area!), and UAMS's researchers aren't fans of revaccinating after chemo (even inactivated, non-live vaccines) - since it's a cancer of the immune system, I guess they're disinclined to stimulate the immune system. Other centers tend to eventually revaccinate the non-live shots, so I guess we'll face that decision down the line too.

I hope it goes as well as possible for you either way! I'm glad the autoimmune diseases are getting under control. :-/

[Love2dance]

So, I have just "liked" a whole bunch of your posts, but what I really wanted to say is I am sorry you all have gone through/are going through these health/job traumas. Yeah, it's all part of life, but....ugh!

[Wellfleet]

I still use honey and lemon for a sore throat.  My mom used to give it to me and, though I'm sure it helps, I think the old memories are soothing too.  She would also rub my chest with Vicks Vapo Rub and wrap me in flannel.  As an adult, I may have to up the honey and lemon with a shot of vodka!  Sounds good.

 

For the last 6 or so months, in the process of trying to find alternatives to antibiotics for my rosacea, I've been doing a lot of reading, research etc on natural remedies and am finding out just how good honey is for so many things. As are many other natural things [apple cider vinegar etc]. It's been dawning on me, and many others, that these things have been used - for centuries - by every culture in different ways. There's so much we don't know, and we should be trusting the natural world far more than we currently do. Big pharma has only come along in the last 100 or so years, and so much of what it produces are essentially toxins and poisons to the human body. Bottom line, that CAN'T be good, whether short or long term. By the end of this century, I think we will have had a sea-change in health care and medicine. Natural ingredients and practices will "be back" as the first choice treatment in many instances, preventative care will be stressed far more, individuals will be taking more responsibility for their health on themselves, and not relying on an MD and his Rx pad for every little thing. We've been raging a war on cancer for 50 years, primarily on the treatment front. The smarter approach HAS to be preventing disease in the first place, and how to use natural ingredients & practices to replace toxic, costly and often-ineffective drugs.  Building and maintaining health from infancy on should be priority. End of soapbox... :>)

Edited September 8, 2015 by Wellfleet

[GeeGolly]

I'm kinda, well not kinda, I am med-phobic. I don't shun modern meds, and I even take some. The med-phobe is part of my anxiety disorder. I'm not anti modern medicine at all, it has literally saved my son's life on 3 occasions. But personally I find it easier to use home remedies first. I agree with Wellfleet and think preventative health measures is definitely the smart way to go. 

[bigskygirl]

I had a strange dream this morning. I was talking with one of my neighbors, and he was telling me about a family member having health problems, and I was talking about my health problems and my husband's kidney transplant. The next morning I woke up due to flashing lights outside. My neighbor was outside talking with emergency personnel. The EMTs were looking for a certain address. They came over to my yard and starting looking through the garbage cans. One of the EMTs saw a bag of Chex Mix and ask me who was eating the mix. I said my husband ate some, and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

 

I have no idea what the dream means. Tuesday is the day for garbage pickup. Right now they are looking for a homicide suspect who carjacked a vehicle in another town and another vehicle near my home town. The school near my house is being watched by law enforcement, and law enforcement officials are telling everyone to be careful. We also live near a volunteer fire department substation. It would be weird if Chex Mix ends up being recalled across the country.

[GeeGolly]

I had a strange dream this morning. I was talking with one of my neighbors, and he was telling me about a family member having health problems, and I was talking about my health problems and my husband's kidney transplant. The next morning I woke up due to flashing lights outside. My neighbor was outside talking with emergency personnel. The EMTs were looking for a certain address. They came over to my yard and starting looking through the garbage cans. One of the EMTs saw a bag of Chex Mix and ask me who was eating the mix. I said my husband ate some, and he was taken to the hospital by ambulance.

 

I have no idea what the dream means. Tuesday is the day for garbage pickup. Right now they are looking for a homicide suspect who carjacked a vehicle in another town and another vehicle near my home town. The school near my house is being watched by law enforcement, and law enforcement officials are telling everyone to be careful. We also live near a volunteer fire department substation. It would be weird if Chex Mix ends up being recalled across the country.

Well, for the time being I think we should take this as a Chex Mix warning. For real, cuz stranger things have happened.

[MargeGunderson]

And now I wish I had Chex mix.....

[Tabbygirl521]

Readalot, I am thinking of you as well. Have a had a couple of breast MRIs in my day and they are not the most fun. Also, they can return false positives, which adds a whole new layer of stress.

I have been dx with early-stage BC three times (pretty sure we nailed it this last time!). If you happen to feel like asking me a question about dx procedures or anything, please feel free to IM me.

[Liz Tudor]

For the last 6 or so months, in the process of trying to find alternatives to antibiotics for my rosacea, I've been doing a lot of reading, research etc on natural remedies and am finding out just how good honey is for so many things. As are many other natural things [apple cider vinegar etc]. It's been dawning on me, and many others, that these things have been used - for centuries - by every culture in different ways. There's so much we don't know, and we should be trusting the natural world far more than we currently do. Big pharma has only come along in the last 100 or so years, and so much of what it produces are essentially toxins and poisons to the human body. Bottom line, that CAN'T be good, whether short or long term. By the end of this century, I think we will have had a sea-change in health care and medicine. Natural ingredients and practices will "be back" as the first choice treatment in many instances, preventative care will be stressed far more, individuals will be taking more responsibility for their health on themselves, and not relying on an MD and his Rx pad for every little thing. We've been raging a war on cancer for 50 years, primarily on the treatment front. The smarter approach HAS to be preventing disease in the first place, and how to use natural ingredients & practices to replace toxic, costly and often-ineffective drugs. Building and maintaining health from infancy on should be priority. End of soapbox... :>)

Wellfleet, I feel much the same way. I was fortunate to have two very experienced herbalists a few years ago, and took classes from them whenever I could. Now that I'm not as geographically close, I still learn from a distance and use learningherbs.com and mountainroseherbs.com to make natural preventatives and remedies for my family. We barely take any meds (but they certainly have their times & uses). I'm fortunate that my active duty military doc (!) knows this about me and doesn't think I'm a total loon. The good news is many Western doctors are learning about and taking natural remedies & practices into consideration. As with everything in life, it's moderation and finding that balance that works for you.

Edited September 8, 2015 by Liz Tudor

[Wellfleet]

Wellfleet, I feel much the same way. I was fortunate to have two very experienced herbalists a few years ago, and took classes from them whenever I could. Now that I'm not as geographically close, I still learn from a distance and use learningherbs.com and mountainroseherbs.com to make natural preventatives and remedies for my family. We barely take any meds (but they certainly have their times & uses). I'm fortunate that my active duty military doc (!) knows this about me and doesn't think I'm a total loon. The good news is many Western doctors are learning about and taking natural remedies & practices into consideration. As with everything in life, it's moderation and finding that balance that works for you.

 

Agree, Western doctors are beginning to open their minds to more and that is very good news. In the short time I've been researching, I cannot believe how much I've learned about what honey alone can do for people. Just one ingredient - it's amazing. Especially when you actually try it yourself - and it works! 

[wirebitersm]

Wellfleet I had luck with over the counter Prosacea cream for my face. I have something else going on with my eyelid, maybe still rosacea, not a place you want to be rubbing unknown things on and bought this, Era Organics Eczema & Psoriasis Cream. It took a couple weeks, but it's no longer flaking, itching, and red. I just switched to a vegan diet and have decided I can never be technically fully vegan because this cream has makuna honey in it and I can't give it up. I'm slowly becoming less mainstream, I blame it on all the Shacklee my mom gave me as a kid. :)

[smlait]

Agree, Western doctors are beginning to open their minds to more and that is very good news. In the short time I've been researching, I cannot believe how much I've learned about what honey alone can do for people. Just one ingredient - it's amazing. Especially when you actually try it yourself - and it works! 

The biggest problem is that the herbal industry is almost completely unregulated (and the manufacturers are fighting to keep it that way).  So, you get natural foods stores selling pills that don't actually contain any of the herbs they say they do.  As long as the pill won't kill you, they're allowed to call it anything they want.  And say anything they want about what it will supposedly do.  Which is really unfair to the natural remedies that actually do work (of which there are several) - because it's very difficult to tell the difference without a lot of research.

 

My experience has been that my doctors have been in favour of eating healthy and preventative medicine (as all doctors should be) and herbal remedies that actually work.  e.g.  When I was seeing a lactation consultant, she had me taking a prescription *and* two herbs that had been proven effective (and were distinct enough in flavour that you'd know if the pill didn't contain what it was supposed to).

[Jenniferbug]

What were the 2 herbs? I've been taking fenugreek to boost my production, and am wondering what the other is.

[Liz Tudor]

That's why I make my own "medicine" and preventatives, directly from the plant source, vs. herbal supplements in capsule form. Who knows what's in that stuff???? So, if I don't grow something myself, I get it from a reputable source. Infustions, tinctures, and decoctions are all great (and simple) ways of regularly adding herbal benefits to our diets.

[Happyfatchick]

Sorry to break in, just letting those of you who remember that tomorrow is my daughter's (and her family's of course) D DAY. Supposedly if there's not $60,000 in the mailbox, raining from the heavens, or growing on trees in their yard by TOMORROW, God has nixed the move to Nicaragua. They are actively packing boxes as we speak. The children have already packed the few belongings they are to take.

This is a good news, bad news scenario. The good news is that they were dead broke when I was there earlier today (and did NOT see money buds on the trees). The bad news is that my daughter is SO VERY vested in this whole thing, I'm afraid she's going to melt into a puddle. The worse news is that the day AFTER tomorrow, she's still married to a narcissistic psychopath. I'm not sure what this means for the future, I assume they will double down and work harder. I'm having that half-hearted high five moment because I know 1) she's going to be crushed and 2) they're going to regroup and try it again. Also, it's vewy vewy qwiet around here tonight - the whole entire family that's been crowded around me for 2 solid years trying to sabotage this plan has gone strangely silent. No victory laps. (Yet).

She needs an intervention.

Carry on with the remedies and have a good evening!

[smlait]

What were the 2 herbs? I've been taking fenugreek to boost my production, and am wondering what the other is.

 

Fenugreek and Blessed Thistle.  Apparently, studies show that they make each other work better.  So, the two together is better than the sum of them individually.  I can't say 100% that they worked for me.  Something worked but, like I said, I was on a prescription as well.

 

Found a link that talks about the pair:

http://www.nbci.ca/index.php?option=com_content&id=21:herbal-remedies-for-milk-supply&Itemid=17

Edited September 9, 2015 by smlait

[Jenniferbug]

Thanks smlait! I'll look into it :-)

[Love2dance]

Sorry to break in, just letting those of you who remember that tomorrow is my daughter's (and her family's of course) D DAY. Supposedly if there's not $60,000 in the mailbox, raining from the heavens, or growing on trees in their yard by TOMORROW, God has nixed the move to Nicaragua. Also, it's vewy vewy qwiet around here tonight - the whole entire family that's been crowded around me for 2 solid years trying to sabotage this plan has gone strangely silent. No victory laps. (Yet).

She needs an intervention.

Carry on with the remedies and have a good evening!

HAPPYFATCHICK, I knew D Day was approaching, and was wondering if we would hear from you. Really hoping that with no money tree appearance, clouds raining $$, etc. the plans will be delayed indefinitely. Tiny, hopeful high-five here.

[Wellfleet]

Wellfleet I had luck with over the counter Prosacea cream for my face. I have something else going on with my eyelid, maybe still rosacea, not a place you want to be rubbing unknown things on and bought this, Era Organics Eczema & Psoriasis Cream. It took a couple weeks, but it's no longer flaking, itching, and red. I just switched to a vegan diet and have decided I can never be technically fully vegan because this cream has makuna honey in it and I can't give it up. I'm slowly becoming less mainstream, I blame it on all the Shacklee my mom gave me as a kid. :)

 

OMG, my mom was a Shaklee mom too! A good friend of hers, a farmer's wife, sold Shaklee products but was never pushy about it. She would only come around if Mom called and asked her over. She was very knowledgeable and sensible, a real Earth Mother type - and she knew all kinds of natural ways to treat conditions. Personally I tried Prosacea but never saw any significant improvement. Diagnosed at age 38. Antibiotics and Metrogel worked well but I only did the drugs for about a year. Didn't like the idea of contributing to the growth of another drug-resistant Super Germ in the world. The Metrogel was helpful but I still got red bumps, pustules and my cheeks were still always red. I look like someone who suffered a steam burn to the face. It even feels warm at times which is weird. In my reading it sounds like rosacea is really quite complicated and is caused by different factors in different people. What works in just days for patient A won't work at all for patient B. Right now I'm trying to reduce gluten in my diet and I do think this is helping. I don't think I'm intolerant to gluten but the rosacea must like it because my face is much more broken out if I have a lot of gluten in a short period. I'm eating Greek yogurt, salads, fresh fruit, eggs, fruit juice, water-packed tuna etc. No sweets - which is easy for me - never been a sweets person. And I have far fewer break-outs and blemishes eating this kind of diet. I wash with sulphur soap, tone with apple cider vinegar [raw, with the "mother'] and treat my skin with tea tree oil, aloe vera or rose & hibiscus serum, a few times each week with each one. I leave a very thin layer of manuka honey on as a mask overnight a few nights a week. Sticky but very worth it - skin is so soft and "alive" in the morning. It's only been a couple of weeks but I'd guess there's been about 75% improvement. I've been told the longer you've had rosacea the longer it takes for the redness to subside - sometimes months - so I'm going to try being patient for that.

 

PS wirebitersm - try a little manuka honey - VERY little - on your eye. You might be amazed. But very little - if the honey gets in your eye it will sting. And good luck!

Edited September 9, 2015 by Wellfleet

[ramble]

I love manuka honey! I used it directly on my stitches after surgery several years back, applying it 2-3 times a day. The doctor was amazed at how quickly & smoothly my healing went. I didn't explain the honey to him until it was all finished, just in case he freaked. He was fine with it after all was said & done. He actually recommended taking homeopathic arnica after surgery. (Yea for his willingness to think outside the typical medical box.) I keep that on hand for bumps & bruises along with an arnica cream to apply externally so I was excited when it was on his list of suggestions. I like the idea of a honey mask for overnight. If you don't mind me asking Wellfleet, how do you sleep without the honey transferring to your bedding?

[Wellfleet]

I love manuka honey! I used it directly on my stitches after surgery several years back, applying it 2-3 times a day. The doctor was amazed at how quickly & smoothly my healing went. I didn't explain the honey to him until it was all finished, just in case he freaked. He was fine with it after all was said & done. He actually recommended taking homeopathic arnica after surgery. (Yea for his willingness to think outside the typical medical box.) I keep that on hand for bumps & bruises along with an arnica cream to apply externally so I was excited when it was on his list of suggestions. I like the idea of a honey mask for overnight. If you don't mind me asking Wellfleet, how do you sleep without the honey transferring to your bedding?

 

Hello ramble - I actually use very little honey for the mask but it would definitely paste me to the pillowcases if I slept in a bed. So on my "honey" nights I sleep in my bedroom chair, which is a big faux suede chair-and-half with an ottoman. I'm basically upright all night. May sound weird but it's actually ultra-comfortable. Sometimes if I know I'm going to be home all day I'll do a honey mask on Saturday or Sunday as well. Put it on before breakfast, wash it off after supper.

[Readalot]

MRI UPDATE - Whoo hoo! Breasts are free of cancer. Per radiologist, lumps could be benign lymph nodes (5 and 7 ml) but still keeping an eye on them so I need a follow up MRI in March. Also have excess Breast tissue in same Breast. Don't know what that means! lol. Although I'm still feeling the effects of the contrast I would do it (and will be doing it) again. I'm so grateful for this test.

Readalot, I am thinking of you as well. Have a had a couple of breast MRIs in my day and they are not the most fun. Also, they can return false positives, which adds a whole new layer of stress.

I have been dx with early-stage BC three times (pretty sure we nailed it this last time!). If you happen to feel like asking me a question about dx procedures or anything, please feel free to IM me.

. XOXO I'm praying it has been "nailed" this time! I'm clear for now, but I do appreciate your offer.

[Ilovemylabs]

MRI UPDATE - Whoo hoo! Breasts are free of cancer. Per radiologist, lumps could be benign lymph nodes (5 and 7 ml) but still keeping an eye on them so I need a follow up MRI in March. Also have excess Breast tissue in same Breast. Don't know what that means! lol. Although I'm still feeling the effects of the contrast I would do it (and will be doing it) again. I'm so grateful for this test.

. XOXO I'm praying it has been "nailed" this time! I'm clear for now, but I do appreciate your offer.

WOO HOO!  Great news!

[JenCarroll]

What a relief! Readalot, I'm so pleased to hear this, as I'm sure everyone here is also.

[Satchels of gold]

That's great news! I had breast cancer 7 years ago that eventually spread to my kidney so I lost a breast and a kidney in the course of 12 months....that sucked. After that, every little ache or pain is a big to do. But I'm alive so I should quit complaining....but I wont

[lookeyloo]

Great news Readalot!!

[Itsnotreality]

That is so good to hear! Tests in themselves can be so much stress and such a relief to get good news. I have had several recently (all fine so far) and a couple more coming up and honestly the stress from the whole process put me into serious stress. Thinking maybe I should have some honey and something to feel better ;)

Hope Happyfatchick you get good news from your daughter today.

[Mindymoo]

I'm not a praying woman Readalot; I don't even believe in god. But I lit a candle and meditated for you last night. I did the same for you, HappyFatChick. Just trying to send out some of my good, heathen, somewhat Buddhist vibes into the universe for you and your families.

[Happyfatchick]

Aw, thanks Mindy.

They left. They are at the airport right now, in fact. No money, no transportation, no food (apparently, no brains), hardly any furniture. (But lots of coffee!). Just a total train wreck. My daughter tells me that they have $3000. Rent is $700.

But when I commented on his FB page how insanely ridiculous this is, I was told that maybe one day I'll hear God speaking as clearly as they do. (I wanted to respond about people that hear voices, but I didn't...). Still praying he gets arrested for peeing in public (or anything, really, I'm not picky). I'd LOVE to hear the voice of God telling me THAT.

I've cried until my eyes look like a bullfrog, I have a headache and feel like I might throw up. I'll be down for awhile - our sitter is OOT this weekend and I have to stay at Mamas. (Because life just gets better, right?). Be well, everybody, and keep the honey running!

[Satchels of gold]

Aw, thanks Mindy.

They left. They are at the airport right now, in fact. No money, no transportation, no food (apparently, no brains), hardly any furniture. (But lots of coffee!). Just a total train wreck. My daughter tells me that they have $3000. Rent is $700.

But when I commented on his FB page how insanely ridiculous this is, I was told that maybe one day I'll hear God speaking as clearly as they do. (I wanted to respond about people that hear voices, but I didn't...). Still praying he gets arrested for peeing in public (or anything, really, I'm not picky). I'd LOVE to hear the voice of God telling me THAT.

I've cried until my eyes look like a bullfrog, I have a headache and feel like I might throw up. I'll be down for awhile - our sitter is OOT this weekend and I have to stay at Mamas. (Because life just gets better, right?). Be well, everybody, and keep the honey running!

Oh no, I thought she wasn't going to leave without 60,000 in hand. You must be a wreck. I'm so sorry.

[GeeGolly]

So sorry HappyFC. Hang in there kiddo. Lets all send forces into the universe to get them home safe, sound, and soon!  ((((HUGS))))