Dark Times
Posted: May 28, 2008 Filed under: A Zany Life, Goals | Tags: compensation, dizzy, funny signs, vertigo Leave a comment »I saw a handwritten sign today at the check out counter at Home Depot. It read:
EverReady Floating Lantern, $3.95
Good for
a. boating
b. camping
c. dark times
Whoever wrote it must have been having a bad day. Considering my last few weeks, it made me laugh.
Here’s an update on my dizzy world.
- Every morning I learn to walk all over again. When I wake up, the earth spins in a different orbit for me than for the rest of the population. I stagger, but don’t fall.
- I can’t take the medicine the ENT prescribed. (Unless I want to sleep all day.) I’m not nauseous. Considering how this episode began, that’s a big plus.
- For the last two days, Bacon has taken me to the park to walk my regular mile and a half. Determined to get over this, I’m trying to do the things I normally do. Walking helps.
- Riding in the car does not help. All car trips feel like out-of-control bumper cars, and I’m not referring to Bacon’s driving. The world hurls by with less symmetry than it should. Needless to say, we’re saving on gasoline because I can’t drive or ride comfortably.
- I can read and write, but movies, TV, and florescent lighting make me feel like I’m on the dance floor with a fog machine and strobe lights. I have perceptual issues with all things that move, children and dogs included.
All of the medical websites say the way to get over these balance issues is to train your brain to compensate, so that’s what I’m trying to do. Apologies for not posting as often as I should.
The Mother
Posted: May 22, 2008 Filed under: A Zany Life | Tags: homeopathic cure, vertigo, vinegar 1 Comment »
I’ve been officially dizzy for two weeks, 14 days. Today marks the end of my last seasick patch. I’m afraid to peel it off. What if it’s keeping me upright? To tell you the truth, I’m skeptical of prescription drugs. I know the patches help, but they also make my vision blurry. I’m hoping I’ll soon be seeing clearly.
A friend offered a homeopathic cure for congestion, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar. It has a mysterious clouded not homogenized look to it, and then, there’s the label. Printed at the bottom it says, With The ‘Mother’. According to the bottle “The Mother” is connected strand-like chains of protein enzyme molecules and is highly regarded throughout history. In other words, the sludge at the bottom of the bottle is “The Mother.” Shake vigorously, and take a slug.
Yesterday, Bacon noticed, “You haven’t been drinking the vinegar.”
I thought for a second. “I tell you what. You take a slug, and then, I’ll take one.”
With suspect in this voice he said, “Why should I take it? My inner ear isn’t clogged.”
“It’s supposed to be good for whatever ails you. Says so on the bottle.” I read, Many medical studies show the health benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar. In 400 B.C. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, used it for its amazing natural cleansing, healing, and engergizing health qualities.
He gave me a long look. “You should keep taking it.”
“I will if you will.”
Bacon opened the bottle and took a slug. ”Whisky River take my mind.” Bacon is know to sing in loud random outbursts, Willie Nelson songs not excluded. He took a deep breath, trying to re-inflate his lungs. A sip of “The Mother” can knock the wind out of you.
Cherry and Coco came running into the kitchen. “What’s that?”
“Daddy drank my vinegar.”
He handed me the bottle. I cringed. Like tequila shots from another place and time, I sucked it down. This stuff burns like liquid fire from your lips all the way down your throat until it hits your stomach with a plop. If I were inclined to drink Jack Daniels, (I’m not by the way) it would be smoother than the contents of this bottle. Bacon is convinced it’s alcoholic. I couldn’t find any evidence on the label. Jalapeno peppers are more subtle.
I’m not sure if “The Mother” works or not. The idea of taking it is so bad that I’ll get well, so I won’t have to swig anymore.
Not In Charge
Posted: May 18, 2008 Filed under: Housekeeping, Joined at the Heart, Writers Write | Tags: asking for help, balance, vertigo Leave a comment »My family panics every time I pick up a knife to chop a salad. This week has made me humble. No task is easy. Every action must be focused and deliberate. Walking through WalMart yesterday, I was overwhelmed by stimuli: buzzing lights, muzak, my girls pulling random hair accessories off the rack and announcing, “I need this Mama.”
Let me explain. I’m always in charge. I’m the mom. I’m the Type A, to-the-point, fix-it-now girl. I find myself in the position of allowing depending on others to do stuff for me. BBC2 and Cookie Crisp are here to help. So far, I’ve eaten a gourmet dessert at every meal, had my kitchen cabinets painted, and been the recipient of a new garden gate. All of this happened while I sat on the couch or the patio or at the kitchen table. (It’s great work if you can get it.) It’s as if a whole team of Santa’s elves arrived to pick up the pieces of my world.
I’m grateful. I can’t overstate that. I’ve been blessed, but I’m also a blank slate. I have no view of what might be next. I feel stupid because I’ve never had an accurate view of what’s next. I only thought I did.
I can’t predict or control the outcome of this day. A loss of balance has put me in my place.
