Hysterectomy

February 8, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

The photo is JUST FOR FUN!!!!

Hysterectomy and Stress – Consider first, it doesn’t matter how old you are 20 – or 70, if you MUST have a hysterectomy, and consider all options prior to surgery, and it still is eminent, then chin up and realize it may be the best thing for you in the long run.

I have picked this subject as I am headed for surgery Wednesday morning, complete hysterectomy. Oh boy! :) I felt it important enough to share. I may not post a week or so….then again, you never know! :) First of all, never let anyone judge you, “Oh she’s old”, or “She’s not whole now”…..etc.etc.etc. It’s no one’s business but those with whom you CHOOSE to share the information! (My specialty as a personal trainer for twenty years+ has been “Stress management and relaxation techniques”, so I am good).

If you know anyone who needs help I write a website: http://www.stressmanagementmagic.com. I don’t sell anything there except health (and ads to help with cost). It covers a variety of stress related problems. My goal is to help anyone who needs that kind of help – and I think most of us do!

Hundred’s of thousands of surgeries are done successfully each year.
When you find out that you or someone you love, needs to have a hysterectomy STRESS will begin to compound.
“Hysterectomy, the surgical removal of the uterus, is a procedure surrounded by controversy – and for good reason. Hysterectomy is the second most common major operation performed in the United States today, second only to cesarean section. Approximately 600,000 American women have a hysterectomy every year…. By the age of 60, one out of every three women in the U.S. has had a hysterectomy.

(Excerpts from “A Gynecologist’s Second Opinion” by William H. Parker, M.D.)

No one wants to “go under the knife”. Misinformation and all sorts of things will begin to slap you in the face mentally.
“Will our insurance cover this? Will I still be a woman and have sexual feelings? Will my wife ever be the same or will she change? Will I gain weight? Who will take care of me? Will I have to take time off work to be a caregiver?”
These are just a few of the legitimate questions that may plague you initially. They all need to be answered. They will all be attended to in time.

First you need to take a breath. Take it right now. Inhale slowly through the nose, and exhale slowly through the mouth. Do it again and deeply.
As you inhale think: “I am bringing in healing oxygen to relax and think optimally.”
As you exhale think: “Negative thoughts and worries are leaving me now as they are of no use.”

Use your oxygen often and mindfully. This is a gift. It is a magical technique to really assist you in dire circumstances. As you practice, when times of urgency arise, you will find yourself using your oxygen as really a personal way to empower your mind and truly affect your physical being.
Thousands of hysterectomies are performed each year safely. The instances of calamity and extended troubles are not frequent. What is frequent, is successful hysterectomies.

There is so much fine information on the Internet alone. You will need to do your homework. Get a second opinion. Inquire as to the possibility of natural solutions instead of surgery. Sometimes women are able to use natural methods to get a handle on the situation. Sometimes surgery is the only option.

Whatever the decision remember this
YOU CAN ONLY DO THE BEST THAT YOU CAN DO IN RESEARCH AND MAKING ARRANGEMENTS. THE “BEST FRIEND” YOU CAN FIND IS ACCEPTANCE OF THE SITUATION. GO FORWARD WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE. You may have no other choice in the matter, and ultimately, if you find you or someone you love needs the surgery, it may be the best thing that can happen for your good health.

If you believe in a power beyond yourself, start praying breathe, and try to relax – it will be okay!
A few great websites for women/ or interested persons are:

http://www.hystersisters.com

http://www.PsychologyInfo.com/Depression

http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/hysterectomy.cfm

http://www.lumosity.com/Physical Stress

http://www.HealthiNation.com/sress

Animal Lovers What do You Think?

February 6, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

They say a dog looks like it’s owner. What do you think?


I couldn’t help myself…my husband put my sunglasses (a good friend gave me for my birthday) on Dakota, and she actually didn’t seem to mind at all.

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass…
it’s about learning to dance in the rain!”
-Vivian Greene

Make each moment fun! It’s your life!

State of the Union, 2.3 billion for railway, and California proposition 8

January 28, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Thought this funny. Noticed how when the president looked to his right the cameras panned there and everyone was standing and cheering like crazy.

The two or three times the camera panned to the people on his left, I noticed the majority of people in the roomwere sternly sitting and no applause. I heard a couple of gasps at some things he said, and some “snorts” that sound rather like “Oh sure…”.

I did put the speech on hold when they did one of these pans and thought you might enjoy it if you didn’t catch it. The little area that is more colorful up andto the left) is that verbose small group. The rest of the people from center to right – are the ones who were obviously displeased. Interesting, eh.

Pretty reflective of public opinion, I believe. Obama is the “Word Meister” for sure. Heard it all before. Just an emphasis on what might sell the public on him – I think. What do you think?

By the way, the 2.3 billion dollars Obama is designating to create jobs with construction of new railway- who do you think will get the jobs? Unions I would bet 100%. Hmmmmmmm, election backers for Obama.

What I find fascinating is that he wants to keep up with Europe’s fast trains when all across America the infrastructure is falling apart – bridges, sewers, water pipes, etc. etc. etc. Interesting again, eh?

One more critique, if I may. I love the way this Harvard (I believe) educated man speaks eloquently and with perfect pronouncing of his words……until……he is speaking to the “common man”. My husband and I have noticed this many times. Instead of saying, “I want them to work with us…” (specifically he said this yesterday), “I want them workin’with us.” Kind of puts him right in there at the same level with the workin’folks doesn’t it?

Lastly – it is the squeaky wheel that gets the attention. What in the heck is the matter with the TWO votes Californians have decided to keep gay marriage from legal rights as married couples! The majority spoke twice. If this is overturned you may as well throw away your voting ballots…oh yeah, may as well anyway as money rules the elections.

I am not mad. Just amazed so many think “change” is in progress.
Same old-same old.

January 28, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

So what do you think?
By Marsha J. O’Brien

The “governator” in California is proposing this: Instead of housing and feeding illegal alien felony prisoners, send them to Mexico – and build a prison there to house them. My personal opinion is to agree with the first half, but let the Mexican officials find a prison of their own to house them….What do you think?

Did you hear the Supreme Court decision stating that Corporations now have no limit on the money they can offer a presidential candidate?

It cost a billion dollars to put Obama into office…how much more now for those with money to win the elections? I think it stinks personally, though I often hear Unions already buy elections.

Did you know there will be another round of foreclosures in July?
Anyone know more about that one? I also read on the news today that lending is “tightening” (didn’t really know it had loosened up) – and that the interest rate for mortgages is going up.

Of course my thoughts about these things happening do not include surprise. Nothing much surprises me lately. As far as the state of the union for tomorrow night – when you are trying to stay afloat in politics, you will focus on what people want to hear – not what is actually happening!

As a debater the president was a champion.
I respectfully say, Mr. President, you should have remained a junior senator….you have spent more money than any previous president, and none of the promises you reiterated have been kept.

Would love input on any of the subjects mentioned. Please keep those poor citizens in Haiti in your prayers, and if you have the resources, a bit of the green stuff is always helpful.

LIFE and such

January 24, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

LIFE said to me: ” I suck.”

I said: “No. You can’t. I have lived all my life loving you.”

LIFE frowned and said to me: “I suck all the life out of you. I take your freedom and power and excitement and spirit, and turn them into boredom, remorse, anger, and guilt.
I suck.”

I said: “Okay sometimes you suck.”

MEMORIES said to me: “I suck too. I won’t let you forget the past! The anger and errors and injustices that have been a part of your life, they must be kept alive.” MEMORIES cringed and laughed because if I “forgot, he would be dead, and I would move along the path forward, never hesitating because of bad memories lingering in the past:

I said: Not even. I love the memories of good times past, and the people I have loved and those who have loved me. Ambrosia.”

DEATH piped in: “None of this matters for I will have you in the end. You are mine and I will have you after MEMORIES stop you dead in your tracks, and after LIFE has sucked all the life out of you.”

“Oh, snap” I said. “I will love you LIFE, all the days of mine. I will laugh and enjoy the individual windfalls of you.

I will honor the finer parts of my history, and revel in them, MEMORIES.

DEATH, you don’t scare me! You will have me only for less time than it takes me to swallow. I will instantly soundly sleep, awaiting God and the pleasure of His company.

Puppy Time – the Progress Report :)

January 20, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

For those of you who were interested in our pup’s progress, here it is in photos – 15 days (eyes opened that day) – to seven and 1/2 months old (taken yesterday). Wow. Dakota has been so much work and sooooo much fun (kind of like children, eh!).

Have a beautiful day and be safe. God bless!. Please if you are overwhelmed with stress or know someone who needs help, refer them to my website: stressmanagementmagic.com – Not a sales pitch as there is nothing to buy….this is my area of expertise for 30 years and I want to share what I’ve studied and experienced. It’s easier than you think to thrive and survive!

Recall time again, and Haiti

January 16, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Another recall. This time it is Tylenol and Motrin for children. We are the guardians of the children.

Pray for those poor souls in Haiti, if you kindly will do so. Prayer is more powerful than you can imagine.
God bless us all!

Remember there is a power, a truth so infinitely beyond the power of human comprehension, we need not live in anxious fear. Soar to a place of peace within your mind. Dismiss all undue anxieties. Take a breath once in a while and remember all the “pressure” you feel is man-made and society oriented. Don’t buy into it. You can only do so much, then let go and trust that Glory that never leaves us alone.

Mrs. Obama, the Red Cross, Helping Others, and the Stars

January 15, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

I have no problem with helping others. I take the pain and suffering of any of my fellow human beings to heart – particularly children. I heard a “public service” announcement by Mrs. Obama requesting that citizens send $10.00 to the Red Cross to help in Haiti.

How is that a “public SERVICE”? It’s another request for more money out of the shrinking pocket of the working class people. Don’t misunderstand – I would go in person to help if I could. I would send lots of cash to help, if I could!

Here’s the problem. Wall street was funded to the tune of billions. Other countries are given millions on a regular basis. WHY DOESN’T OUR FAT CAT GOVERNMENT FUND THE RED CROSS? Why don’t each of the fat cats that make millions in bonus money send half a million dollars – or (and this is a separate issue) – why don’t some of the super rich super stars each lend a hand? Some do, I know – but a pittance in comparison with the millions upon millions Hollywood rakes in.

$10.00 to any of them may not seem like a lot, but we “peasants” are in dire straits. For those of us who pay taxes (and only about 99 million in our country do) – the burden is back breaking.

Let’s stop state dinners and all the ridiculous waste and let our (haa haa) government FUND THE RED CROSS. I know one thing I have plenty of that I can share – that is PRAYERS!

We need to all pray for the innocents who have been touched by this horrific tragedy.

Ibuprofen

January 12, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

Okay I am a bit miffed right at the moment. Nothing I can’t deal with, but I wanted to share what I learned for any of you who pop Ibuprofen, or any NSAIDs! ( NSAIDs are Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs which are medications used primarily to treat inflammation, mild to moderate pain, and fever. ) These medications have many names.
——————————-
Here is a description of Ibuprofen and other basic information:
“Generic Name : IBUPROFEN”

“Trade Name(s) : Alfam – 400, Arfen, Bren, Brufen, Embru, Enflem, Febrilix, Ibrumac, Ibubid T.R, Ibucon – 400/600, Ibugesic, Ibugesic SR, Ibugin ,Iburin, Ibusynth, Ibusynth Forte, Inflapen CR, Myofen, Norswel, Nuren, Tabalon, Tricofen”

“Why it is prescribed: Ibuprofen relieves the pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness caused by certain types of arthritis and other medical problems. It also is used to reduce fever and to relieve headaches, muscle aches, menstrual pain, aches and pains from the common cold, backache, and pain after surgery or dental work.”

When it is to be taken: Ibuprofen usually is take three or four times a day for arthritis or every four to six hours as needed for pain. Follow the instructions on the label carefully. You may have to take this drug regularly for two weeks before feeling its full effects in relieving arthritis symptoms. Ibuprofen is most effective in relieving menstrual pain if taken at the earliest sign of pain.
—————————–
Now here is why I am rather upset about what I’ve learned today. I was scheduled for a surgery on Wednesday. I had to cancel my surgery because the doctor told me that Ibuprofen IS A BLOOD THINNER. She said it would be dangerous to do the surgery within at least two weeks of taking any of these drugs. Have you EVER heard that Ibuprofen is a blood thinner? I hadn’t.

I’m not worried for myself. My surgeon was frank and said it would be better to change the date. I am worried about all the people I know who take these drugs often and sometimes multiple times during the day. These drugs can also destroy your liver, and if you drink alcohol, you are laying a double whammy on your health and life!

I checked out quite a few places on line and it took a while to find this little blurb.

“Cardiovascular Risk”
“NSAIDs (any of the above mentioned trade names) may cause an increased risk of serious cardiovascular thrombotic events, myocardial infarction, and stroke, which can be fatal. This risk may increase with duration of use. Patients with cardiovascular disease or risk factors for cardiovascular disease may be at greater risk .”

“Gastrointestinal Risk”
“NSAIDs cause an increased risk of serious gastrointestinal adverse events including bleeding, ulceration, and perforation of the stomach or intestines, which can be fatal. These events can occur at any time during use and without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk for serious
gastrointestinal events.”
———————-
I honestly know many people who take these medications VERY regularly….I don’t know if any of them know they thin the blood. A hemophiliac could a
could possibly bleed out from even a slight injury. I also know people that take Ibuprofen regularly who are experiencing painful stomach aches and / or
heart pain and tightness in their chests. They may be causing this as I don’t believe any of them think of “harmless” and good old Ibuprofen.

Please pass the word on to friends and family, peers and neighbors. Sometimes we peasants have to protect each other. It is a damn sure thing the advertisers won’t!

Today is my birthday – and I am still grateful!

January 6, 2010 by Marsha J. O'Brien

This is not in perfect order as I have too many blessings to take the time to alphabetize!

I am grateful I woke up this morning. I still have hope.
I am grateful for being able to forgive and for being forgiven.
I am grateful for the health and wholeness of my children and grandchildren.
I am grateful for the love of an honorable and wonderful man who adores me still after twenty-two years. Grateful for a man who calls early in the morning on a break from driving heavy equipment, just to sing happy birthday to me.
I am grateful for food on the table, a bed to sleep on, and indoor plumbing.
When the earth turns and the sun bursts into view I am grateful for it’s warmth.
I am grateful to know I can energize my life by breathing and changing my thoughts.
I am grateful for faith. Believing in that which I cannot see, but I know is there, loving and patiently waiting. Grateful I was born in a country that allows me to choose my spiritual beliefs and support my rights.
I am grateful when I stand on a hill and feel the wind push my hair away from my face and flying behind me.
The sky is still blue and stars still wink at me in the deep of night. I
pray the very same wish on that first evening star that I did when I first remember doing it as a child.
I am grateful for the knowledge I am attaining, as I grow in wisdom.
I am grateful to finally forgive my own sins and poor decisions that affected others.
I am grateful for my animals over the years. They have been unconditional friends and companions.
I am grateful for a childhood filled with love and laughter, and that I can still quite often see the funny side of everything.
I am grateful for good friends that have come and gone and those who still remain. The good times shared, the sad times shared; friends are joy.
Hugs, eyes that see, books to read, music to fill my ears, clouds and the clap of thunder and heavy rain, trees that burst with green anew each spring, and flowers of unending beauty, color and fragrances.
I am grateful to have been able to sift sand through my toes as I watch sea gulls in the air and listen to the crashing of waves over and over again.
I am grateful for the smell of the pine trees and quiet after snowfall when everything is white and pure.
I am grateful for my physical endurance and the gift of the love of writing.
I am still here after all these years, and I’m not done yet!

Enjoy the moments of your life and remember all that we take for granted.