Hydrocephalus Association's Alabama WALK for Awareness
Type:Causes - Fundraiser
Network:Global
Date:Saturday, November 7, 2009
Time:8:00am - 12:00pm
Location:Veteran's Park (in front of Spain Park High School)
Street:Valleydale Road
City/Town:Hoover, AL
View Map
Google
MapQuest
Microsoft
Yahoo
Phone:2058377443
Email:Becca, Kimberly, or Rhonda
Registration at the Park 8:00 a.m.
5K start time 9:00 a.m.
1 mile Fun Run / Walk / Ride start time 10:00 a.m.
Registration:In Person at Fleet Feet,
2800 Cahaba Village Plaza, Suite 160,
OR online registration at www.hydroassoc.org,
OR at Spain Park at 8:00 a.m.
Fees:Adult - Run/ Walk $25.00
Child (12 & under) – Run / Walk $15.00
Phantom Runner / Walker - $25.00
STAY FOR THE "FINISH LINE FESTIVITIES" FEATURING MUSIC FROM "VIRGIN EDDIE"AND FUN ACTIVITIES AND GREAT FOOD!!!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
Finally I am finding me again
For the past 2 months I have been a total wreck. Maybe longer. But remember I am limited with the energy I usually have and dealing with the around the clock headache. The crazy medicines I have been trying have made me miserable.
I know probably the side effects I have had was a 1/10,000 chance of happening but it happened.
The Zonegran should have helped my tremors and my constant headache. Well seems like I felt like crap for so long the tremors left. And well I am not sure if it helped my headache because it made me ache and hurt like I had the flu. Like a nut I kept upping the dose thinking the side effect would subside. Another side effect was no sleep and fatigue.
I already fight with fatigue so this was horrible. After 4 weeks I called my neurologist when I started having kidney problems and stepped down off of it.
It the process of this my regular doctor became concerned about my lower number of my blood pressure which is around 90 or so. She put me on a blood pressure medicine. I was on it for several weeks thinking my aches and fatigue was coming from the Zonegran still.
When I was certain the zonegran was out of my system I did some looking online for side effects of this medicine. (Not just the side effects from the list given when you pick up your prescription) And guess what fatigue, flu like systems.
So I step down off of this one and start once again another. I started hurting worse than ever. My skin hurt my back felt like it was broke. I could not stand a pillow under my back. Again look at side effects and once again.
So today is 2 days off all medicines. I missed my usual hurt and fatigue. Because I realize it can be so much worse.
My doctor called in another blood pressure medicine and honestly I am scared to even touch the bottle.
I'm going to wait a bit before I even try it. Last night was the first night I had slept in a good while. I did wake up 4 different times though. But at least it was sleep. Yesterday I woke up after an hour or so of sleep or rather nap. I was awake from 1am until around 7pm last night.
I was goofy and not making sense. So finally when I did sleep it was really nice. All three times I had to go back to sleep.
I still feel a bit off but it is nice to not be as miserable as I was. I was getting more and more depressed the worse I felt. The daily cry helped some but it did not end it and I was for sure I had something besides my hydrocephalus happening.
I know probably the side effects I have had was a 1/10,000 chance of happening but it happened.
The Zonegran should have helped my tremors and my constant headache. Well seems like I felt like crap for so long the tremors left. And well I am not sure if it helped my headache because it made me ache and hurt like I had the flu. Like a nut I kept upping the dose thinking the side effect would subside. Another side effect was no sleep and fatigue.
I already fight with fatigue so this was horrible. After 4 weeks I called my neurologist when I started having kidney problems and stepped down off of it.
It the process of this my regular doctor became concerned about my lower number of my blood pressure which is around 90 or so. She put me on a blood pressure medicine. I was on it for several weeks thinking my aches and fatigue was coming from the Zonegran still.
When I was certain the zonegran was out of my system I did some looking online for side effects of this medicine. (Not just the side effects from the list given when you pick up your prescription) And guess what fatigue, flu like systems.
So I step down off of this one and start once again another. I started hurting worse than ever. My skin hurt my back felt like it was broke. I could not stand a pillow under my back. Again look at side effects and once again.
So today is 2 days off all medicines. I missed my usual hurt and fatigue. Because I realize it can be so much worse.
My doctor called in another blood pressure medicine and honestly I am scared to even touch the bottle.
I'm going to wait a bit before I even try it. Last night was the first night I had slept in a good while. I did wake up 4 different times though. But at least it was sleep. Yesterday I woke up after an hour or so of sleep or rather nap. I was awake from 1am until around 7pm last night.
I was goofy and not making sense. So finally when I did sleep it was really nice. All three times I had to go back to sleep.
I still feel a bit off but it is nice to not be as miserable as I was. I was getting more and more depressed the worse I felt. The daily cry helped some but it did not end it and I was for sure I had something besides my hydrocephalus happening.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Saved from Sinility
Saved from Senility
(CBS) ..For many people, it's the worst possible news. They're diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, and they're told to put their affairs in order and prepare for years of suffering, and eventually, death.
Millions of Americans have to live with that diagnosis -- and all the heartache that goes with it. But what if the diagnosis is wrong? What if they're suffering from something that's treatable? Correspondent Vicki Mabrey reports.
"I was totally convinced I was dying. I was totally convinced I'd be gone in a month or a so," says Bob Fowler, who wrote his own obituary five years ago, at the age of 69.
"It was hard to write it. I was totally convinced because I'd been to doctor after doctor after doctor with absolutely no positive results. No diagnosis of what was wrong with me at all. It was a very traumatic time for us.
" For nearly a decade, Fowler had struggled with debilitating symptoms – trouble with balance, memory, and incontinence. Doctors suspected Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, but weren't sure. His condition worsened so terribly that he ended up in a wheelchair and had to stop working. Eventually, his wife Bonita began making plans to put him in a nursing home.
Fowler says he also developed a severe case of dementia: "One morning, I wandered out to the sidewalk to get our morning paper. And Bonita was at the door and she yelled at me. She said, 'Why don't you have anything on?' I said, 'Well, I've got a towel.' I had a towel around my neck and nothing else on. Now, I've always been a shy, kind of private person. And yet, it just didn't seem to matter."
He says he's probably been to 15 doctors over the past nine years. And in all of those years, none of his doctors suggested he have an MRI or CT scan, and he never got a definitive diagnosis of what was wrong with him.
In Phoenix, retired dentist Milt Newman suffered for 15 years from the same symptoms as Fowler. In Newman's case, a CT scan was performed, yet none of his doctors could pinpoint what was causing his decline.
"My concentration was nil. There wasn't any. Reading a book was difficult because I couldn't remember what happened 10 pages back," says Newman. "And later on, conversation was difficult because I'd forget what people would say."
He says it started when he was 55. His wife, Phyllis, says she remembers watching her once vibrant husband simply slip away: "It was like his brain was sinking into his body. That's the only way I could say."
Eventually, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. "I was floored by that because to me that was a death sentence," says Newman. "I said to myself,'Well, let me get prepared.'"
What Newman wasn't prepared for, however, was the news that it was all a mistake – and that there was hope.
Last year, after 15 years of suffering, Newman met Dr. Harold Rekate, a neurosurgeon at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. He realized that what Newman had wasn't Alzheimer's but a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus or NPH. NPH is caused by excess fluid putting pressure on the brain.
"There's 10 times too much fluid in here than there is in a normal person," says Rekate. "It's pushing the brain outward and stretching the nerve fibers so they can't function properly."
The result can be the very symptoms that plagued both Newman and Fowler – problems with gait, or walking, with thinking and bladder control.
To Dr. Rekate, those symptoms – especially a shuffling walk – are a giveaway. But doctors rarely realize that the cause might be NPH and a surprising number of cases go undiagnosed, and untreated.
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia afflict more than 7 million people in the United States, but medical professionals estimate that between 5 and 10 percent of them -- at least 375,000 people -- might actually have NPH. And most physicians are missing it. Why?
"It's hard to make the diagnosis. You have to sit down and you have to listen and you have to examine the patient. And you have to do it in a thorough way. And then you have to order an expensive test," says Rekate. "An MRI scan will cost somewhere around $2,000-3,000. It's not that the insurance carriers want you to do that."
So what do those who are misdiagnosed need to do? "You don't have to go gently into that good night," says Rekate. "You need to fight. And we need to give you the tools to fight."
The first tool is knowledge, because once the condition is discovered, the treatment is a 45-minute procedure in which neurosurgeons surgically insert a tube called a shunt into the brain. That tube drains the excess fluid from the brain and moves it to the belly where it can be absorbed.
The shunt may need to be adjusted because removing too much or too little fluid can be dangerous. That adjustment used to require further surgery, but now it is done painlessly with a magnet in the doctor's office.
After the surgery, Newman said he "felt like the old Milton."
Fowler said he had a similar transformation in 1999, when he was finally told that he had NPH: "I never anticipated feeling that good again in my life. And all of a sudden I felt fantastic. I'm 74 years old now and I'm doing things that I would have dreamed of doing any time during my 60s."
Today, five years after his surgery, Fowler is back at work and back at play. But he's also a man with a mission to spread the word about NPH.
He's starred in a public-service announcement, re-enacting what his symptoms were like then, and showing how he is now. The ad was produced by one of the shunt manufacturers.
"We've had hundreds of calls from patients who saw those commercials and said, 'That sounds like me. It sounds like my mother, my father, someone that I know,'" says Dr. Gail Rosseau, a neurosurgeon at the Chicago Institute Of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch.
Rosseau is working to raise awareness in both doctors and patients about the three classic signs of the condition.
"Patients and their families should know that if someone is aging and their gait is worsening, their mental thought processes are becoming less clear, and they have urinary incontinence, they need a scan," says Rosseau. "They need to insist on a scan and they need to see a specialist who knows about normal-pressure hydrocephalus."
But even that, she says, might not lead to a dramatic recovery.
"We can improve the symptoms of normal-pressure hydrocephalus, but we can't make you look younger," says Rosseau. "We can't slow down the other things that make you feel old that have happened during that same period: arthritis, perhaps heart disease, the other medical problems that we all seem to accumulate as we get older. This only helps one of them, but when we're right about it, it can help a lot."
No one understands that more than Fowler, who says he feels like he's been given a second chance, and he wants to share it with others.
"I can spot 'em quickly. I've even walked up to people and had the audacity to walk up to a person and say, 'Have you had an MRI or a CT scan in the last few years?' And they say, 'No why, what business is it of yours,'" says Fowler. "
And I say, 'Because I know your gait and I know your walk. I want you to go from here and have a CT scan or an MRI. Do yourself a favor.'"
(CBS) ..For many people, it's the worst possible news. They're diagnosed with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, and they're told to put their affairs in order and prepare for years of suffering, and eventually, death.
Millions of Americans have to live with that diagnosis -- and all the heartache that goes with it. But what if the diagnosis is wrong? What if they're suffering from something that's treatable? Correspondent Vicki Mabrey reports.
"I was totally convinced I was dying. I was totally convinced I'd be gone in a month or a so," says Bob Fowler, who wrote his own obituary five years ago, at the age of 69.
"It was hard to write it. I was totally convinced because I'd been to doctor after doctor after doctor with absolutely no positive results. No diagnosis of what was wrong with me at all. It was a very traumatic time for us.
" For nearly a decade, Fowler had struggled with debilitating symptoms – trouble with balance, memory, and incontinence. Doctors suspected Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, but weren't sure. His condition worsened so terribly that he ended up in a wheelchair and had to stop working. Eventually, his wife Bonita began making plans to put him in a nursing home.
Fowler says he also developed a severe case of dementia: "One morning, I wandered out to the sidewalk to get our morning paper. And Bonita was at the door and she yelled at me. She said, 'Why don't you have anything on?' I said, 'Well, I've got a towel.' I had a towel around my neck and nothing else on. Now, I've always been a shy, kind of private person. And yet, it just didn't seem to matter."
He says he's probably been to 15 doctors over the past nine years. And in all of those years, none of his doctors suggested he have an MRI or CT scan, and he never got a definitive diagnosis of what was wrong with him.
In Phoenix, retired dentist Milt Newman suffered for 15 years from the same symptoms as Fowler. In Newman's case, a CT scan was performed, yet none of his doctors could pinpoint what was causing his decline.
"My concentration was nil. There wasn't any. Reading a book was difficult because I couldn't remember what happened 10 pages back," says Newman. "And later on, conversation was difficult because I'd forget what people would say."
He says it started when he was 55. His wife, Phyllis, says she remembers watching her once vibrant husband simply slip away: "It was like his brain was sinking into his body. That's the only way I could say."
Eventually, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. "I was floored by that because to me that was a death sentence," says Newman. "I said to myself,'Well, let me get prepared.'"
What Newman wasn't prepared for, however, was the news that it was all a mistake – and that there was hope.
Last year, after 15 years of suffering, Newman met Dr. Harold Rekate, a neurosurgeon at the Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix. He realized that what Newman had wasn't Alzheimer's but a condition called normal pressure hydrocephalus or NPH. NPH is caused by excess fluid putting pressure on the brain.
"There's 10 times too much fluid in here than there is in a normal person," says Rekate. "It's pushing the brain outward and stretching the nerve fibers so they can't function properly."
The result can be the very symptoms that plagued both Newman and Fowler – problems with gait, or walking, with thinking and bladder control.
To Dr. Rekate, those symptoms – especially a shuffling walk – are a giveaway. But doctors rarely realize that the cause might be NPH and a surprising number of cases go undiagnosed, and untreated.
Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia afflict more than 7 million people in the United States, but medical professionals estimate that between 5 and 10 percent of them -- at least 375,000 people -- might actually have NPH. And most physicians are missing it. Why?
"It's hard to make the diagnosis. You have to sit down and you have to listen and you have to examine the patient. And you have to do it in a thorough way. And then you have to order an expensive test," says Rekate. "An MRI scan will cost somewhere around $2,000-3,000. It's not that the insurance carriers want you to do that."
So what do those who are misdiagnosed need to do? "You don't have to go gently into that good night," says Rekate. "You need to fight. And we need to give you the tools to fight."
The first tool is knowledge, because once the condition is discovered, the treatment is a 45-minute procedure in which neurosurgeons surgically insert a tube called a shunt into the brain. That tube drains the excess fluid from the brain and moves it to the belly where it can be absorbed.
The shunt may need to be adjusted because removing too much or too little fluid can be dangerous. That adjustment used to require further surgery, but now it is done painlessly with a magnet in the doctor's office.
After the surgery, Newman said he "felt like the old Milton."
Fowler said he had a similar transformation in 1999, when he was finally told that he had NPH: "I never anticipated feeling that good again in my life. And all of a sudden I felt fantastic. I'm 74 years old now and I'm doing things that I would have dreamed of doing any time during my 60s."
Today, five years after his surgery, Fowler is back at work and back at play. But he's also a man with a mission to spread the word about NPH.
He's starred in a public-service announcement, re-enacting what his symptoms were like then, and showing how he is now. The ad was produced by one of the shunt manufacturers.
"We've had hundreds of calls from patients who saw those commercials and said, 'That sounds like me. It sounds like my mother, my father, someone that I know,'" says Dr. Gail Rosseau, a neurosurgeon at the Chicago Institute Of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch.
Rosseau is working to raise awareness in both doctors and patients about the three classic signs of the condition.
"Patients and their families should know that if someone is aging and their gait is worsening, their mental thought processes are becoming less clear, and they have urinary incontinence, they need a scan," says Rosseau. "They need to insist on a scan and they need to see a specialist who knows about normal-pressure hydrocephalus."
But even that, she says, might not lead to a dramatic recovery.
"We can improve the symptoms of normal-pressure hydrocephalus, but we can't make you look younger," says Rosseau. "We can't slow down the other things that make you feel old that have happened during that same period: arthritis, perhaps heart disease, the other medical problems that we all seem to accumulate as we get older. This only helps one of them, but when we're right about it, it can help a lot."
No one understands that more than Fowler, who says he feels like he's been given a second chance, and he wants to share it with others.
"I can spot 'em quickly. I've even walked up to people and had the audacity to walk up to a person and say, 'Have you had an MRI or a CT scan in the last few years?' And they say, 'No why, what business is it of yours,'" says Fowler. "
And I say, 'Because I know your gait and I know your walk. I want you to go from here and have a CT scan or an MRI. Do yourself a favor.'"
Saturday, September 26, 2009
My letter to Hydrocephalus
My letter to Hydrocephalus
Ok, roomie , you evidently have me confused with some one else! I am never up for just a reasonable fight. I love a good fight- so pack a lunch you son of a bitch; you have met your match with me. And I am not ashamed to admit that I fight dirty.
Did you ever think that maybe I chose you? Or that maybe it wasn't just coincidental that we ran into each other? Did you really think that I just let you walk in? You need your ass kicked and I'm gonna be the one to do it. I'm your worst nightmare.
Friends? We'll never be friends you piece of shit. The needles are just a start as to what I'm going to do to you. It's like Chinese torture-- I'm just starting out with the little things. Needles and steroids are minor compared to the horrifying things I have up my sleeve for you. Sure, I like to avoid pain and suffering BUT I'll also be the first to dish it out. I can be just as vengeful as you. Don't you worry, I'll serve your ass with an eviction notice soon enough!
Keep thinking that I'm calm..that's exactly what I want. Go ahead and keep trying to mess with me. When you least expect it- I'm gonna Muhammad Ali your ass. Sure you may get some blows in but, do you really think that messing with my vision or mobility is really gonna take me down? I'm bigger than that. I love life and I'm not going to let anyone or anything get in my way of being happy. It's going to take a lot more than something as sorry as you to hold me back. Oh, and by the way, you think that you're hurting me if I wet myself?? I'm pissing on your face ass hole!
It's you who has to learn to respect me. I DEMAND respect and eventually you'll give it to me. I don't mind long fights. What's the fun in a three round match? I'll take greater pleasure in TKO'ing your ass in the 12th. Before long you'll be begging for mercy. You'll hate surprises when I'm through with you. I have something that you don't-- HEART AND DETERMINATION. That's why I'm gonna win this fight!
You got the short end of the stick when you showed up here! Are you wondering now if you had the wrong address? Nope, I've been waiting for you. I was born with a mission-- it just took me awhile to find out what it was. So, be prepared, I've been in training for over 30 years!
And for the record- screw your perspective and screw you too.
Very truly yours!
THE LAST ONE STANDING"
Ok, roomie , you evidently have me confused with some one else! I am never up for just a reasonable fight. I love a good fight- so pack a lunch you son of a bitch; you have met your match with me. And I am not ashamed to admit that I fight dirty.
Did you ever think that maybe I chose you? Or that maybe it wasn't just coincidental that we ran into each other? Did you really think that I just let you walk in? You need your ass kicked and I'm gonna be the one to do it. I'm your worst nightmare.
Friends? We'll never be friends you piece of shit. The needles are just a start as to what I'm going to do to you. It's like Chinese torture-- I'm just starting out with the little things. Needles and steroids are minor compared to the horrifying things I have up my sleeve for you. Sure, I like to avoid pain and suffering BUT I'll also be the first to dish it out. I can be just as vengeful as you. Don't you worry, I'll serve your ass with an eviction notice soon enough!
Keep thinking that I'm calm..that's exactly what I want. Go ahead and keep trying to mess with me. When you least expect it- I'm gonna Muhammad Ali your ass. Sure you may get some blows in but, do you really think that messing with my vision or mobility is really gonna take me down? I'm bigger than that. I love life and I'm not going to let anyone or anything get in my way of being happy. It's going to take a lot more than something as sorry as you to hold me back. Oh, and by the way, you think that you're hurting me if I wet myself?? I'm pissing on your face ass hole!
It's you who has to learn to respect me. I DEMAND respect and eventually you'll give it to me. I don't mind long fights. What's the fun in a three round match? I'll take greater pleasure in TKO'ing your ass in the 12th. Before long you'll be begging for mercy. You'll hate surprises when I'm through with you. I have something that you don't-- HEART AND DETERMINATION. That's why I'm gonna win this fight!
You got the short end of the stick when you showed up here! Are you wondering now if you had the wrong address? Nope, I've been waiting for you. I was born with a mission-- it just took me awhile to find out what it was. So, be prepared, I've been in training for over 30 years!
And for the record- screw your perspective and screw you too.
Very truly yours!
THE LAST ONE STANDING"
Friday, September 25, 2009
Not taking anymore medicine
Yesterday I hurt so bad after taking my first full dose of the new medicine. My doctor says she doesn't think it could be the medicine. So when I found the information online about the side effects I printed them off and I am going to show her. It makes me ill she makes me feel like it is all in my head.
So after being doubled over in pain and could not even make it to the bathroom by myself the medicine went down the toilet.
I do get her point that the medicine should not cause these problems. It is just a mild blood pressure pill. But the one before made me hurt also just not as bad and in a different way. If you read the description of how it works they open up blood vessels or expand.
I know my problems are not normal but really how normal am I anyway.
I am still hurting but nothing near what I was. Last night I could not sleep because it hurt my stomach muscles to try to lay down and the pillows even felt like rocks under my neck and back. It makes me wonder more if the 2 different medicines were affecting the nerves in my body which again makes me wonder why.
Like I have said before where the brain tumor was and where I had to have radiation was where my nervous system in my brain is. I know there is so much damage but could it have caused something else to be going on?
So after being doubled over in pain and could not even make it to the bathroom by myself the medicine went down the toilet.
I do get her point that the medicine should not cause these problems. It is just a mild blood pressure pill. But the one before made me hurt also just not as bad and in a different way. If you read the description of how it works they open up blood vessels or expand.
I know my problems are not normal but really how normal am I anyway.
I am still hurting but nothing near what I was. Last night I could not sleep because it hurt my stomach muscles to try to lay down and the pillows even felt like rocks under my neck and back. It makes me wonder more if the 2 different medicines were affecting the nerves in my body which again makes me wonder why.
Like I have said before where the brain tumor was and where I had to have radiation was where my nervous system in my brain is. I know there is so much damage but could it have caused something else to be going on?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Thought I keep having
Just shoot up here in amongst us... one of us has got to have some relief - Jerry Clower
Spaghetti Dinner for Hydrocephalus
Kim Illions
President
Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation
www.hydrocephaluskids.org
kim@hydrocephaluskids.org
(732) 634-1283
PHF Annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the Westdyke Family.
Sunday, Nov. 1st at 2:00pm. Edison Elks Lodge.
Live music by DJ Lou, Basket Raffle, CASH 50/50, great homecooked food, lots of fun vendors. $10 for Adults, $5 for kids!
All proceeds to benefit the PHF!
Help us Fund a Cure for Hydrocephalus.
For more info visit our website! www.HydrocephalusKids.org
President
Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation
www.hydrocephaluskids.org
kim@hydrocephaluskids.org
(732) 634-1283
PHF Annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the Westdyke Family.
Sunday, Nov. 1st at 2:00pm. Edison Elks Lodge.
Live music by DJ Lou, Basket Raffle, CASH 50/50, great homecooked food, lots of fun vendors. $10 for Adults, $5 for kids!
All proceeds to benefit the PHF!
Help us Fund a Cure for Hydrocephalus.
For more info visit our website! www.HydrocephalusKids.org
Detroit Hydrocephalus Walk
Detroit Hydrocephalus WalkGlobal
Basic Info
Name:
Detroit Hydrocephalus Walk
Category:Organizations - Non-Profit Organizations
Description:
Hydrocephalus, commonly referred to as “water on the brain” is a lifelong neurological condition, affecting over one million Americans from newborns to seniors. Presently there is no cure. An estimated 40,000 shunt operations are performed each year in this country as standard treatment for this condition. Due to the lack of advancements in these treatment methods, many people with hydrocephalus are unable to lead full and productive lives.
Team Hydrocephalus Detroit, Michigan hosted their first Annual WALK-WHEEL-RUN & Family Fun Day in August of 2007. Our goal is raising awareness, funds for research, and bringing families effected by hydrocephalus together for support. With the help of the Hydrocephalus Association, each year, we are taking steps towards improving the quality of life & finding a cure.
We will be hosting our 3rd Annual WALK-WHEEL-RUN & Family Fun Day August 2,2009. Please join us in this opportunity to help raise Hydrocephalus awareness and funds for research. Detroit Hydrocephalus, would like to invite large and small businesses alike to participate by making monetary and/or in-kind contributions.
Your charitable contribution to this event is 100% tax deductible (federal ID # 94-3000301) to the full extent allowed by law. 100% of the proceeds from this event will directly support the Hydrocephalus Association, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, with the core mission of providing support, education, and advocacy to all people whose lives are touched by Hydrocephalus and directly funding hydrocephalus research.
For more information on Hydrocephalus and the Hydrocephalus Association, please visit www.hydroassoc.org
Please pass this onto anyone you know that would like to donate or participate! Thank you for your support!
Contact Info
Email: Jenn.Bochard@gmail or DJBhydrowalk@gmail.com
Location:P.O. Box 532080
Livonia, MI
Basic Info
Name:
Detroit Hydrocephalus Walk
Category:Organizations - Non-Profit Organizations
Description:
Hydrocephalus, commonly referred to as “water on the brain” is a lifelong neurological condition, affecting over one million Americans from newborns to seniors. Presently there is no cure. An estimated 40,000 shunt operations are performed each year in this country as standard treatment for this condition. Due to the lack of advancements in these treatment methods, many people with hydrocephalus are unable to lead full and productive lives.
Team Hydrocephalus Detroit, Michigan hosted their first Annual WALK-WHEEL-RUN & Family Fun Day in August of 2007. Our goal is raising awareness, funds for research, and bringing families effected by hydrocephalus together for support. With the help of the Hydrocephalus Association, each year, we are taking steps towards improving the quality of life & finding a cure.
We will be hosting our 3rd Annual WALK-WHEEL-RUN & Family Fun Day August 2,2009. Please join us in this opportunity to help raise Hydrocephalus awareness and funds for research. Detroit Hydrocephalus, would like to invite large and small businesses alike to participate by making monetary and/or in-kind contributions.
Your charitable contribution to this event is 100% tax deductible (federal ID # 94-3000301) to the full extent allowed by law. 100% of the proceeds from this event will directly support the Hydrocephalus Association, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, with the core mission of providing support, education, and advocacy to all people whose lives are touched by Hydrocephalus and directly funding hydrocephalus research.
For more information on Hydrocephalus and the Hydrocephalus Association, please visit www.hydroassoc.org
Please pass this onto anyone you know that would like to donate or participate! Thank you for your support!
Contact Info
Email: Jenn.Bochard@gmail or DJBhydrowalk@gmail.com
Location:P.O. Box 532080
Livonia, MI
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What is Hydrocephalus?
OK, your doctor most likely covered this when they gave you the diagnosis. There were a few items that were missed during our initial discussions with the doctor though, most likely because he realized that we weren't soaking in anything other than the fact that there was a problem. So we'll cover the basics here. The short definition of hydrocephalus is as follows:The brain is constantly producing fluid (known as cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) as part of its normal daily routine. Under normal circumstances, this fluid is drained from the brain into the spinal canal and is reabsorbed by the body, keeping the amount in the brain in a constant balance. When normal drainage does not occur, or for some reason the brain is producing too much CSF to be able to drain through normal means, the CSF builds up in the ventricles of the brain and causes pressure. This condition is known as hydrocephalus and, despite the fact that it is one of the single most common birth defects, most people have never heard of it. Some types always develop early in the pregnancy, but other types caused by bleeding or a tumor may not show up until later in the pregnancy.That sounds pretty straightforward and isn't too hard to grasp. The problem comes in figuring out why the hydrocephalus is occuring. It turns out that a great number of things can cause that drainage to fail. Knowing something about why the fluid isn't draining can help in determining the outcome for the baby. We have found out that there are several causes of fetal (congenital) hydrocephalus and they are described below. To help you find some of the parts of the brain that are mentioned below, let's start out with a few pictures:
see above
see above
Aqueductal Stenosis - This is the most common form of fetal hydrocephalus, and it is the form that our baby has. There is a narrow channel which connects the third and fourth ventricles of the brain to allow CSF to drain. This channel is called the Aqueduct of Sylvius. When this aqueduct is blocked, or was never properly formed, the CSF cannot drain properly and this condition is called aqueductal stenosis. Blockage of the aqueduct can be caused by a malformed aqueduct, a tumor, swelling due to infection or intraventricular bleeding. This blockage results in the enlargement of the ventricles. This type is generally not caused by chromosomal abnormalities.
X-Linked Aqueductal Stenosis - I put this in its own category because while it is caused by a blockage in the aqueduct, the reasons and associated outcomes are quite different. In this case the cause is a mutation in the L1CAM gene on Xq28. No, I don't know exactly what that means either, but I do know that it means that in addition to the problems caused by the pressure, you can expect other types of problems as well that are caused by the gene mutation. Many (but not all) babies with this type have abducted thumbs. Abducted thumbs can often be seen on an ultrasound and the doctor will probably look for this indicator if a diagnosis of hydrocephalus has been made.X-Linked Aqueductal Stenosis is an x-linked recessive condition. There are two chromosomes that form a pair which determine gender in a person. For a boy the pair is made up of one X and one Y chromosome. For a girl the pair contains two X's. In order for a person to have a condition that is carried by a recessive chromosome, both chromosomes in the pair must have the genetic mutation that causes the condition. For this reason it is almost, but not quite, impossible for X-Linked Aqueductal Stenosis to be passed on to a girl. X-linked conditions are carried only on the X chromosome, and since boys only have one X chromosome, there is no second one to cancel it out. Therefore if a boy has the mutation in their X chromosome, they will have X-Linked Aqueductal Stenosis. A girl has two X chromosomes, which means that both would have to have the mutation for the girl to have X-Linked Aqueductal Stenosis. Since the mutation is extremely rare, the odds of having it in both the mother and father to pass down to the girl to form a pair of mutated chromosomes are very, very small.
Chiari Malformations - When the indented bony space at the lower rear of the skull, known as the posterior fossa, is smaller than normal, the cerebellum and brainstem can be pushed downward. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid causing hydrocephalus. Normally the cerebellum, fourth ventricle and brainstem sit just above the foramen magnum, which is the opening in the bottom of the skull where the spinal cord attaches to the brainstem. There are several different degrees of Chiari Malformations, depending on how far down the cerebellum has been pushed.
Chiari I - where just a portion of the cerebellum has been pushed down into the spinal canal. A Chiari I may not have any symptoms, or may cause problems with balance, dizziness, blurred vision, loss of muscle strength or spasticity.
Chiari II - In this type not only has the cerebellum been pushed downward into the spinal canal, but so has the fourth ventricle and the medulla (lower portion of the brainstem). This type is generally associated with spina bifida (myelomeningocele) which is a condition where the spinal cord does not close properly before birth.
Chiari III - Portions of the cerebellum and/or brainstem are pushed out through a hole in the back or neck. This type has a high fetal and infant mortality rate, and a high rate of severe complications in those that survive. The hole defect is closed with surgery and a shunt is placed for the hydrocephalus. This form is very rare.
Chiari IV - An extremely rare form where the cerebellum does not fully form, and which is rarely survived. For more information on Chiari malformations, please visit the following links: Neurosurgery TodayLucile Packard Children's Hospital Mayo Clinic
Dandy-Walker Malformation - Normally the cerebellum has two hemispheres which are separated by a narrow structure called the vermis. A Dandy-Walker malformation is characterised by a complete or partial absence of the vermis, along with a cyst located in the posterior fossa (the indentation at the base of the skull). The cyst communicates, or transfers CSF back and forth, with the fourth ventricle causing it to enlarge. There are other variations which can mimic the appearance of a Dandy-Walker malformation, but do not have the agenesis (absence) of the vermis of the cerebellum and the cyst does not open into the fourth ventricle. These variants are much more benign and have a better prognosis. The prognosis for a child with a true Dandy-Walker depends on the severity of the malformation and on whether or not there are other associated defects. Dandy-Walker malformations are often found with other problems, including agenesis of the corpus callosum and malformations of the face, limbs, fingers, toes and heart. For more information on Dandy-Walker Malformations, please visit the following links: National Institute of HealthHealthlink Article
Dandy-Walker Malformation - Normally the cerebellum has two hemispheres which are separated by a narrow structure called the vermis. A Dandy-Walker malformation is characterised by a complete or partial absence of the vermis, along with a cyst located in the posterior fossa (the indentation at the base of the skull). The cyst communicates, or transfers CSF back and forth, with the fourth ventricle causing it to enlarge. There are other variations which can mimic the appearance of a Dandy-Walker malformation, but do not have the agenesis (absence) of the vermis of the cerebellum and the cyst does not open into the fourth ventricle. These variants are much more benign and have a better prognosis. The prognosis for a child with a true Dandy-Walker depends on the severity of the malformation and on whether or not there are other associated defects. Dandy-Walker malformations are often found with other problems, including agenesis of the corpus callosum and malformations of the face, limbs, fingers, toes and heart. For more information on Dandy-Walker Malformations, please visit the following links: National Institute of HealthHealthlink Article
Trisomy Chromosomal Defects - Normally a human has 23 pairs of chromosomes, one set of 23 from the mother and one set of 23 from the father. The pairs are numbered from 1 to 23. Trisomy occurs when there are three chromosomes instead of just a pair of one of those numbered sets. The most common are Trisomy 13, Trisomy 18 and Trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome) meaning that the 13th, 18th or 21st pair has an extra chromosome. Trisomies 13 and 18 are generally considered to be "inconsistent with life", meaning that these children do not usually survive. I mention these only because the perinatologist who gave us our diagnosis started out by telling us that there was an excellent chance that this is what we were dealing with. I have no idea what he based that assumption on, but other parents have shared similar stories with us, that their initial diagnosis came with the news that it was likely that their child had one of these conditions and might very well not live. Based on this we, and other parents, told our other children that their little brother or sister may not live. We now know that while it is a possible diagnosis, it is not necessarily the likely diagnosis. An amnio will tell you for certain and these conditions are the ones that show up on the FISH test in the first few days, so don't worry about it until you get the results back.
Others - There are a number of other conditions that can also cause hydrocephalus or are associated with hydrocephalus. Tumors and hemorrages are common causes of hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus is also sometime associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum - where the membrane that divides the two hemispheres of the brain does not form. Anencephaly - where the brain fails to form and fluid is all that is present is often incorrectly labeled as hydrocephalus. While sometimes the hydrocephalus can exist in isolation, it also often appears in conjuntion with a spectrum of other birth defects. There are just so many things that fall under the umbrella of hydrocephalus that you can't really start thinking about what the diagnosis of hydrocephalus means for your baby until you can determine something about the cause.
Thinking of changing the name of my blog
Ok, not really... But if I did it would be I feel like snot.com or the crap I feel like.com... Maybe what it feels like to be hit by a truck.com So I'm kind of depressed today. I had a trip to the doctor yesterday and the riding in the truck does not help my aches I have in my body.
I discussed with my mom that most of my friends with hydrocephalus do not have these issues. Main problem is headaches. I'm afraid something else is wrong. I am constantly tired. I mean "Pepper do you really need to eat today tired." That constant fatigue thing.
I know gaining weight over the past few years has not helped but if I felt like exercising I would not have gained. And the cycle of I'm tired so I eat to try to regain my energy.
Then I ache all over. Like in my muscles. Not my joints like if my weight was causing fluid on my joints. Like every nerve ending in my body is irritated around my muscles.
I have an appointment with my neurologist in a few months I wonder if I should try to see him sooner. Is it possible the complications with my hydro has cause some other kind of problem.
I am constantly asking my regular doctor to check to see if my blood work looks od. That something could be causing this craziness. Everyone wants to blame the hydro. But you know I think something else could be wrong. But what?
I discussed with my mom that most of my friends with hydrocephalus do not have these issues. Main problem is headaches. I'm afraid something else is wrong. I am constantly tired. I mean "Pepper do you really need to eat today tired." That constant fatigue thing.
I know gaining weight over the past few years has not helped but if I felt like exercising I would not have gained. And the cycle of I'm tired so I eat to try to regain my energy.
Then I ache all over. Like in my muscles. Not my joints like if my weight was causing fluid on my joints. Like every nerve ending in my body is irritated around my muscles.
I have an appointment with my neurologist in a few months I wonder if I should try to see him sooner. Is it possible the complications with my hydro has cause some other kind of problem.
I am constantly asking my regular doctor to check to see if my blood work looks od. That something could be causing this craziness. Everyone wants to blame the hydro. But you know I think something else could be wrong. But what?
Pain Management Dr. Appointment
Yesterday I had my usual appointment with my pain management doctor. I came to be referred to pain management while seeing a neurosurgeon in South Carolina. He was the one I went to after leaving Duke. Dr. J explained that when I had constant pain long term that surgeons were not trained to take care of long term pain and he referred me to a pain management team he was familiar with and knew that they were familiar with pain from hydrocephalus.
I strongly recommend if you have constant pain to see a pain management team. Be sure you ask first if they are familiar with pain from hydrocephalus.
I have looked into finding a doctor closer to home but when I tell them about my hydrocephalus they are not familiar how to treat my pain.
I see a neurosurgeon in Charlotte because the treatment of my hydrocephalus has not gone by the book also.
Not everyone with this condition has these problems but with my health issues some mistakes have been made along the way. But I rather the mistakes have happened to me and not someone else.
There was never an issue to sue because my parents and I are just thankful that I am alive and thankful for the doctors that have kept trying to help me. I have been reassured that the mistakes made were addressed and I am hoping that each time has been a learning experience for the health practices that made the mistakes.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Top Health Blogger Award!!!
I am totally excited. My blog has been given a "Top Health Blogger Award"
Friday, September 18, 2009
Doctor called
I finally heard from my doctor yesterday evening. I had decided to just stop the medicine she had put me on because I was felling so terrible. If I had had a temp I would have been sure I had the H1N1 flu.
But my protest was canceled when she told me I had to also step down from this medicine and try another. I am wondering now if all the side effects I was blaming on the zonegran if some were not coming from this medicine.
It seems like every medicine I have side effects from are affecting the nerves in my body causing the aches and and hurting. I am not sure that this has anything to do with my hydrocephalus. I am sure it does put more pressure on certain areas of my brain that maybe make it more sensitive.
The area where my brain tumor was affected my nerves and motor coordination. So I have balance issues. I also had radiation after the tumor was removed. I think this could also contribute to nerve sensitivity.
I took this medicine for a month blaming the side effects on the zonegran getting out of my system. I'm not going to go as long with the new medicine. Actually I am starting right now to research the side effects so I can be fully aware of what can go wrong.
Just an insider tip if you are sensitive to medicine like I am research online side effects. Don't just take the information given with your prescription as the final word that they are the only side effects. I google side effects of what ever medicine then look at several different options given from the search. I have found looking at the 2ND or 3rd page of searches you can find rare but can happen to some side effects.
I am guilty of not doing it this time for this medicine because it was suppose to be a mild medicine given for blood pressure. Which is not extremely high but wondering if it could be causing my head aches to be worse.
The mild blood pressure pill actually took my blood pressure to 82/56.
But my protest was canceled when she told me I had to also step down from this medicine and try another. I am wondering now if all the side effects I was blaming on the zonegran if some were not coming from this medicine.
It seems like every medicine I have side effects from are affecting the nerves in my body causing the aches and and hurting. I am not sure that this has anything to do with my hydrocephalus. I am sure it does put more pressure on certain areas of my brain that maybe make it more sensitive.
The area where my brain tumor was affected my nerves and motor coordination. So I have balance issues. I also had radiation after the tumor was removed. I think this could also contribute to nerve sensitivity.
I took this medicine for a month blaming the side effects on the zonegran getting out of my system. I'm not going to go as long with the new medicine. Actually I am starting right now to research the side effects so I can be fully aware of what can go wrong.
Just an insider tip if you are sensitive to medicine like I am research online side effects. Don't just take the information given with your prescription as the final word that they are the only side effects. I google side effects of what ever medicine then look at several different options given from the search. I have found looking at the 2ND or 3rd page of searches you can find rare but can happen to some side effects.
I am guilty of not doing it this time for this medicine because it was suppose to be a mild medicine given for blood pressure. Which is not extremely high but wondering if it could be causing my head aches to be worse.
The mild blood pressure pill actually took my blood pressure to 82/56.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Waiting for my doctor to call back
Once again I am having the rare but can happen side effect of a medicine.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Wave of Awareness
Catch the Wave of Awareness!
Join us for our Hydrocephalus WALK event on Saturday, September 19, 2009. WALK, run, or ride your way through a fun and truly inspirational experience.
Where:
Graham Middle School Athletic Complex
Goley Street Field
Graham, North Carolina
Graham Middle School Athletic Complex
Goley Street Field
Graham, North Carolina
When:
September 19, 2009
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
WALK begins at 10:00 a.m.
Family fun activities begin at 10:00 a.m.
September 19, 2009
Registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
WALK begins at 10:00 a.m.
Family fun activities begin at 10:00 a.m.
You can make a difference by helping us create awareness and raise funds to improve the lives of individuals affected by hydrocephalus.
Proceeds from this WALK event support the Hydrocephalus Association (HA), a non-profit 501©3 organization providing support, education, and advocacy to individuals, families and medical professionals dealing with the complex issues of hydrocephalus.
To become a WALK participant sponsor, please download our 'Participant Fundraising Donations Form' here.
To become a WALK participant sponsor, please download our 'Participant Fundraising Donations Form' here.
For more information on this event, e-mail April Brantley or call 336-213-2183.
Inflatables for kids, cake walk, lunch, snow cones, music, and door prizes.
Take Steps to Improve Life... WALK for Hydrocephalus!
Register now Sponsor a Participant Become a National Sponsor
Special thanks to our national sponsors:
Details
Date & Time:
Sep 19, 2009 09:00 AM to Sep 19, 2009 01:00 PM [America/New_York UTC -5]
Top Fundraisers
1.
April Brantley
2.
Haylea Blank
3.
Daphne Chandler
4.
jennie hunt
Top Teams
1.
Cohen's Team
2.
Thomasville Team
3.
Gram's TEAM
*All Teams
Inflatables for kids, cake walk, lunch, snow cones, music, and door prizes.
Take Steps to Improve Life... WALK for Hydrocephalus!
Register now Sponsor a Participant Become a National Sponsor
Special thanks to our national sponsors:
Details
Date & Time:
Sep 19, 2009 09:00 AM to Sep 19, 2009 01:00 PM [America/New_York UTC -5]
Top Fundraisers
1.
April Brantley
2.
Haylea Blank
3.
Daphne Chandler
4.
jennie hunt
Top Teams
1.
Cohen's Team
2.
Thomasville Team
3.
Gram's TEAM
*All Teams
Location:
Graham Middle School Athletic ComplexGoley Street FieldGraham, North Carolina United States
Graham Middle School Athletic ComplexGoley Street FieldGraham, North Carolina United States
Registration Closes:
Sep 19, 2009 01:00 PM
Coordinator:
Sep 19, 2009 01:00 PM
Coordinator:
April Brantley aprilbrantley@gmail.com 336-213-2183
Join the fun!
PriceUSD SpacesRemaining
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WALK participant
Join the fun!
PriceUSD SpacesRemaining
-->
WALK participant
burrito experience
I say experience because it should have been on video. It is a place that has been recommended by Supermom several times. She recently told me there was one in my area. So since I have to detour to go to the one she recommended I went to this one.
My mom and I circled the shopping center where it was suppose to be several times but did not see it but did see ...burrito. So we figured this should be it. But it was all crazy. In the window said something about buy a plant to save a plant. So this could not be it. Looked up no the sign was to the left so we went to the next door. This we did see a menu through the window we thought. So we went in.
My mom barely got in the door as she was looking up at the menu and I was walking looking up at the menu and walked into my mom. I was looking for burritos but the burritos looked like egg rolls and I have never seen so much rice and stir fry on a menu. There was no writing just pictures.
My mom just said"What do you want?" I told her this looks like Chinese when 3 little Chinese men behind the counter was waving to hand us a menu. It still had not clicked we were in the wrong place. The Chinese men really through me though. It took looking at the menu to see it was Chinese. I took the menu turned to my mom and said " This isn't it." So we walked out went back to the plant sale, save a plant place.
This was it but they had hats that said .....burrito and the under construction (apparently) sign said ... the other said burrito. Half was one color the other half another color. I was totally confused when I looked at the menu because what Supermom had recommended I did not see. Mom played it safe and got a taco. I ordered a burrito. When I got all the toppings it would not even roll. It looked like a hugh salad on a tortia. We got nachos and cheese. But were cold by the time we got to our table. My mom went and ask if they could be warmed up but they had no way to warm them. So we got a cup of cheese sauce and ate the chips that way.
The cheese sauce was really good but the rest was not like my favorite place to el chapalas. I thought this was a place you did not eat there but there was 8 or 10 small tables and 5 TVs. I'm missing el chapalas more and more now.
I still don't understand the adopt a plant thing.
My mom and I circled the shopping center where it was suppose to be several times but did not see it but did see ...burrito. So we figured this should be it. But it was all crazy. In the window said something about buy a plant to save a plant. So this could not be it. Looked up no the sign was to the left so we went to the next door. This we did see a menu through the window we thought. So we went in.
My mom barely got in the door as she was looking up at the menu and I was walking looking up at the menu and walked into my mom. I was looking for burritos but the burritos looked like egg rolls and I have never seen so much rice and stir fry on a menu. There was no writing just pictures.
My mom just said"What do you want?" I told her this looks like Chinese when 3 little Chinese men behind the counter was waving to hand us a menu. It still had not clicked we were in the wrong place. The Chinese men really through me though. It took looking at the menu to see it was Chinese. I took the menu turned to my mom and said " This isn't it." So we walked out went back to the plant sale, save a plant place.
This was it but they had hats that said .....burrito and the under construction (apparently) sign said ... the other said burrito. Half was one color the other half another color. I was totally confused when I looked at the menu because what Supermom had recommended I did not see. Mom played it safe and got a taco. I ordered a burrito. When I got all the toppings it would not even roll. It looked like a hugh salad on a tortia. We got nachos and cheese. But were cold by the time we got to our table. My mom went and ask if they could be warmed up but they had no way to warm them. So we got a cup of cheese sauce and ate the chips that way.
The cheese sauce was really good but the rest was not like my favorite place to el chapalas. I thought this was a place you did not eat there but there was 8 or 10 small tables and 5 TVs. I'm missing el chapalas more and more now.
I still don't understand the adopt a plant thing.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Invisible Illness
September 14,2009 through September 20,2009 is
National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Ill @ Arby's
TWO "YES 2" DIFFERENT TIMES THIS WEEK i HAVE WENT BY ARBY'S FOR LUNCH TO GET ILL BOTH...YES I SAID BOTH TIMES!!! I HAD SEEN ON A COUPONERS BLOGS WHERE ARBY'S HAD EXTENDED THE "FREE WEDNESDAY DEAL" PURCHASE AN ITEM GET AN ITEM FREE. WENT TO ORDER AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ARBY'S IN ASHEVILLE WAS NOT DOING THIS DEAL...NOT HAPPY BUT I ACCEPTED THIS. AT LEAST THEY WERE STILL HAVING THE CALL IN YOUR COMMENTS AND REVIEW FOR A FREE ITEM.I RETURNED YESTERDAY WITH MY FREE CODE TO GET MY FREE SANDWICH AND WHEN i DID NOT GET MY RECEIPT AFTER MY PURCHASE i ASK FOR MY RECEIPT AND IT WAS REFUSED. THE YOUNG GIRL TOLD ME THEY COULD NOT GIVE A RECEIPT AFTER USING A COUPON CODE OR DISCOUNT FOR AN ITEM.
IT'S NOT LIKE I HAD NOT BOUGHT OTHER ITEMS WITH THIS PURCHASE. I DID NOT COME IN FOR MY FREE ITEM AND GET WATER TO DRINK. I POINTED TO THE ADVERTISED RECIEPT PROMOTION AND ASK " SO YOU ARE NOT DOING THIS PROMOTION? HE SAID YES WE JUST CAN"T GIVE YOU A RECIEPT FOR THE PURCHASE. I KNEW SHE HAD TO KEEP THE RECIEPT WHER I DID THE CALL IN.
THIS MAKES ME TERRIBLY ILL. i HAVE POSTED ON MY BLOG TO GO TO ARBY'S TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEIR PROMOTIONS AND I WAS HAPPY TO SEE THEY WERE GETTING MORE CUSTOMERS. THE LEICESTER ARBY'S SHUT DOWN BECAUSE OF LACK OF BUSINESS. THIS MAKES ME REGRET TELLING MY FRIENDS ABOUT ARBY'S PROMOTIONS.
I EAT AND SHOP WHERE I CAN GET THE BEST DEALS AND HAD NOT BEEN EATING AT ARBY'S BECAUSE THEY ARE MORE EXPENSIVE THAN OTHER PLACES. I WANT TO TELL MY BLOGGING BUDDIES AND MY FRIENDS THAT I AM SORRY I PROMOTED THIS DEAL I HAD NO IDEA THEY COULD START CHANGING THE RULES MID PROMOTION.
I am aware this is in all caps but it burns me when a place changes there mind and promotes online but does not honor their advertisement.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Remembering 9/11
September 11,2001 I had a reality hit me when we were attacked by the hijacked planes that hit the twin towers. I was going into work late that day and my mom had worked off that night so she met me at West Patton for breakfast.
They had 2 TVs but I could not hear the sound. I remember thinking it's after 9am why is Good Morning America still on. Then I saw the twin towers with smoke rolling out. It did not click in my mind that this image was happening in the United States. When I ask our waitress what was happening she replied that 2 planes had hit the twin towers. It still did not register that this was in New York. It looked like something that happened to other countries. But I was still thinking it was a freak accident that a plane just crashed.
While at work at Lowe's we kept a TV on as I walked by I saw a replay and what had not sunk in earlier was it was 2 planes that hit. I thought how could this be an accident? And stood there and watched on and saw about the other 2 planes that had gone down. One hit the Pentagon and another a farm.
All day because I had to work it was really hard for me to understand what had happened. I was still denying what customers were saying about Terrorist attack. When I got home that night I watched CNN and was totally floored when all the bits and pieces were put together and I truly understood what was happening. But I had tons of questions "why would terrorist do this?" "Does this mean we will be at war on US soil?" I was wondering crazy things like will a nuclear bomb be next?
I did not sleep much at all that night and for the next month when I did sleep I had nightmares of terrorist soldiers in black breaking in while I was sleeping.
I still remember that fear. And I still worry about it happening again. How safe are we really? It happened once.
Do you remember where you were?
They had 2 TVs but I could not hear the sound. I remember thinking it's after 9am why is Good Morning America still on. Then I saw the twin towers with smoke rolling out. It did not click in my mind that this image was happening in the United States. When I ask our waitress what was happening she replied that 2 planes had hit the twin towers. It still did not register that this was in New York. It looked like something that happened to other countries. But I was still thinking it was a freak accident that a plane just crashed.
While at work at Lowe's we kept a TV on as I walked by I saw a replay and what had not sunk in earlier was it was 2 planes that hit. I thought how could this be an accident? And stood there and watched on and saw about the other 2 planes that had gone down. One hit the Pentagon and another a farm.
All day because I had to work it was really hard for me to understand what had happened. I was still denying what customers were saying about Terrorist attack. When I got home that night I watched CNN and was totally floored when all the bits and pieces were put together and I truly understood what was happening. But I had tons of questions "why would terrorist do this?" "Does this mean we will be at war on US soil?" I was wondering crazy things like will a nuclear bomb be next?
I did not sleep much at all that night and for the next month when I did sleep I had nightmares of terrorist soldiers in black breaking in while I was sleeping.
I still remember that fear. And I still worry about it happening again. How safe are we really? It happened once.
Do you remember where you were?
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
Tired and ill
Today I have had to check to make sure I have not taken the evil Zonegran by some sort of mistake. Today I have ached like I did when I was on it. I have been ill and impatient.
So I got to looking at my calender and it has just been a week since I took the last pill. It took 2 weeks to get up to the 200 mg dose and 3 weeks to feel like I had the flu with a side of food poisoning.
I know guurrl told me it would take a while to get out of my system. But like I said I'm getting impatient.
Earlier I was thinking I needed to be tested for something besides my hydrocephalus going on. Guess I just need to suck it up and deal with it. But tell me how many others are out there dealing with medicine suppose to be helping but making your pain so much worse? What about kids that can't explain the hurt?
So I got to looking at my calender and it has just been a week since I took the last pill. It took 2 weeks to get up to the 200 mg dose and 3 weeks to feel like I had the flu with a side of food poisoning.
I know guurrl told me it would take a while to get out of my system. But like I said I'm getting impatient.
Earlier I was thinking I needed to be tested for something besides my hydrocephalus going on. Guess I just need to suck it up and deal with it. But tell me how many others are out there dealing with medicine suppose to be helping but making your pain so much worse? What about kids that can't explain the hurt?
Alzheiher's ,Parkinson's or is it NPH
Man recovers after doctors discover brain disorder
by Angelica Thornton KATU News and KATU.com Web Staff
Originally printed at http://www.kval.com/news/local/33422704.html
PORTLAND, Ore. – Ed Ferguson lost his ability to walk, talk, think – even control his bladder.
The Vancouver, Wash., man thought it was Alzheimer's disease or just old age.
The 74-year-old was so unhealthy and unhappy during a five-year period that he contemplated suicide.
"I just figured I was destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair," he said.
But things changed in a big way after his primary care physician noticed a few classic symptoms of a disorder called "Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus" or NPH.
The disorder occurs when your body produces too much cerebral spinal fluid that doesn't drain out of your brain as it should. NPH can begin around age 55. Hundreds of thousands suffer from it, but it's often misdiagnosed because it closely mimics Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Ferguson turned to Dr. Jeff Chen at Pacific Neurosurgical for help. After a few tests, there was hope. A shunt was placed in Ferguson's brain, draining fluid from his brain into his abdomen.
The next day, Ferguson was a different man.
"Remarkable. I mean … I could think again. I could talk reasonably with people," he said. "I could move."
His wife, Elva, still can't believe it.
"It is absolutely amazing," she said. "It really is. It's so different that you can't explain it."
Ferguson hopes to ditch his walker very soon.
"You know, I don't think we'll be dancing again but it could happen," his wife said, laughing.
The three big signs of NPH are:
Trouble walking, especially shuffling of the feet
Dementia
Incontinence
"Patients may just think, well, it's just old age, or problems associated with old age and may not realize it's progressive and debilitating until three or four years later," said Dr. Chen.
LEARN MORE
by Angelica Thornton KATU News and KATU.com Web Staff
Originally printed at http://www.kval.com/news/local/33422704.html
PORTLAND, Ore. – Ed Ferguson lost his ability to walk, talk, think – even control his bladder.
The Vancouver, Wash., man thought it was Alzheimer's disease or just old age.
The 74-year-old was so unhealthy and unhappy during a five-year period that he contemplated suicide.
"I just figured I was destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair," he said.
But things changed in a big way after his primary care physician noticed a few classic symptoms of a disorder called "Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus" or NPH.
The disorder occurs when your body produces too much cerebral spinal fluid that doesn't drain out of your brain as it should. NPH can begin around age 55. Hundreds of thousands suffer from it, but it's often misdiagnosed because it closely mimics Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Ferguson turned to Dr. Jeff Chen at Pacific Neurosurgical for help. After a few tests, there was hope. A shunt was placed in Ferguson's brain, draining fluid from his brain into his abdomen.
The next day, Ferguson was a different man.
"Remarkable. I mean … I could think again. I could talk reasonably with people," he said. "I could move."
His wife, Elva, still can't believe it.
"It is absolutely amazing," she said. "It really is. It's so different that you can't explain it."
Ferguson hopes to ditch his walker very soon.
"You know, I don't think we'll be dancing again but it could happen," his wife said, laughing.
The three big signs of NPH are:
Trouble walking, especially shuffling of the feet
Dementia
Incontinence
"Patients may just think, well, it's just old age, or problems associated with old age and may not realize it's progressive and debilitating until three or four years later," said Dr. Chen.
LEARN MORE
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Arby's specials
Sept 9: free Regular Roast Beef sandwich with soft drink purchase
Sept 16: free Regular Sidekickers with any sandwich purchase
Sept 23: free Roastburger with any soft drink purchase
Sept 30: free FruiTea with any sandwich purchase
NOTE: No coupon necessary for this promotion. (US/CDN only)
PLUS: For our US readers - sign up for Arby’s Extras to get access to special offers, member only coupons and promotions before anyone else. Once you join, you will receive a special offer by email, to say thanks for becoming an Arby's fan! I got a coupon for free SideKickers with the purchase of a combo meal. (US only)
Remember to check the back of your Arby's sales receipt for a phone-in survey. If you do the survey, you will get a free Beef n’ Cheddar or regular Roast Beef sandwich!
Thanks: Frugal Freebies
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Labor Day@ Chick-fil-a
http://www.chick-fil-a.com/
Chick-Fil-A is my absolute FAVORITE fast food restaurant and I am super thrilled that we will get to eat there for FREE this next Monday (although I can pretty much guarantee that we will end up buying some waffle fries!)
But our chicken sandwiches will be FREE because we will all be decked out in our Texas A&M (WHOOP!!) gear.
In celebration of Chick-fil-A's second-annual Kickoff football game, they are offering a free Chick-fil-A Original Chicken Sandwich to all customers wearing ANY sports-related apparel on Labor Day (September 7th).
This year’s Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will feature University of Alabama against Virginia Tech at Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game will be televised on ABC at 8 pm (EDT).
You can get more details HERE.
Thanks Rachel from : Surviving the Stores
http://www.survivingthestores.com/
TGI Fridays
T.G.I.Friday’s - FREE Jack Daniel’s Burger
Help Woody (from T.G.I.Friday’s) get 500,000 fans on Facebook. If he can get 500,000 fans on Facebook by September 30th, we can all get a FREE Jack Daniel’s Burger! Hurry, the clock is ticking! Click here to become Woody’s fan on Facebook or click here for more information on T.G.I.Friday’s website. Be sure to click on the "Register" tab and leave your e-mail address, so they can e-mail your printable coupon to you.
Dear HA Email Update Member,
I am writing to you with some important news. During the last several months the Board of Directors conducted a strategic review as part of its process for thinking about the leadership requirements of its next permanent Chief Executive Officer. One critical question to emerge during the review was whether or not the new HA leader should be located in the Washington DC area. After much discussion the Board decided unanimously to open a second office in the DC area to house the new CEO. Relocation of HA's CEO will greatly enhance our advocacy and fund raising work which will become greater areas of focus in the months ahead, and become critical to our vision and the success of our new research agenda. The addition of a DC office truly reflects the success and growth of the Association over the last several years. We will continue to operate our San Francisco office which will house our education and support services staff.
If you have any questions please don't hesitate to get in touch at Rick@hydroassoc.org
Thanks again for your continued support and encouragement of our efforts. (I apologize if you have received this e-mail more than once.)
Rick Smith
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Hydrocephalus Association
870 Market Street, Suite 705
San Francisco, CA 94102
P: 415.732.7040
F: 415.732.7044
You are receiving this notification because you have indicated an interest in HA Updates.
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Hydrocephalus Association
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Suite 705
San Francisco, CA 94102
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Thursday, September 3, 2009
New to Couponing
5 Rules To Being A Successful Couponer
1. Don't buy things you don't need or want simply because you have a coupon or you're getting a great deal on an item. If you can't use it or give it to someone who will - you are missing the point of S-A-V-I-N-G money! This is a newbie mistake. We all do it. You will look back 3 months from now & laugh at what you bought in your first few weeks of couponing. I do! I remember buying a $1.99 lip gloss from Walgreens because there was a $1.99 mail-in-rebate. I would never do that now. Yes, in the end it was free. But I had to put in $1.99 that was pointless. I didn't need that lipgloss (nor did I even like it after I tried it). But I felt a need to buy it. I never do that now. I also remembering going to Tom Thumb & buying 7 Airwick fragrance dispensers for my home. It cost something like $20 and my savings was like 90%. I was so excited. I look back now & think "How wasteful & how dumb!" I didn't need them, nor did I even want them. I just wanted to experience 90% savings. Never again! (By the way - I never spend a penny for home fragrance stuff - you can always get it free!)
2. Create a weekly budget. Look back at your last 6 months of spending. Half it. That's what you should be spending in the next 6-8 weeks. Then half it again. This is your goal! Don't expect to reach it in the next several weeks. Give yourself a few months to build your stockpile before you expect to see a 75% savings. Your budget needs to be reasonable. Mine is $40 week, but it wasn't always that low. You must ensure you are spending less money...it is too easy to try to grab every single deal out there - whether you need it or not. Implementing a budget will curb those behaviors and will ensure you're spending less out of pocket now than what you were before.
3. Buy only at ROCK BOTTOM prices. This is a little tricky since you will only know the "rock bottom" price after several months of experience. From my experience you should never pay for things like toothpaste, deoderant, home fragrances, make-up, lotion, dog treats, frozen vegetables, razors, soap, shampoo, or candy. These are all things that can easily be free after combining a coupon with a sale price. However, its taken some time for me to find that I don't need to spend more than $1 on a 12-pack of Coke or more than $1.80 for a pound of chicken. Once I find a super low price, I stock up & don't pay more than that amount again. Since I have a stockpile - I don't have to. I can use my stockpile until the sale comes around again. And it will come around again.
4. Stockpile your goods. If you know you go through 2 boxes of cereal a month...then you need to be buying 12-24 boxes when it hits a rock bottom price. Cereal has a very long shelf life & there is no reason for you to buy 2 boxes only to find that a month later, you need to buy some more. The problem? Your coupon is expired and that great sale is no longer around. My husband loves Honey Nut Cheerios...and he goes through at least 1 box per month. When it hits 50¢ - $1.00 per box..I stock up like crazy. I never have to worry about running out & having to pay full price. I shop at home - from my stockpile. Note: In order to truly stockpile...you have to have more than 1 coupon. You can only use 1 coupon per item, so 1 coupon will get you only 1 item. Stockpiling requires more than 1 coupon...which is why I always get 10 newspapers per week. I get mine for free from family, friends, and neighbors. I encourage you to do the same.
I realize stockpiling can't be done with perishables. No point in buying 12 gallons of milk. BUT most of your items likely have a longer shelf life. Use common sense, but also keep in mind that without a stockpile, you will regularly be buying for your daily/weekly needs...and your savings will NOT be 75%. The way that you get to the 75% savings is to buy at ONLY the rock bottom price. If you have to run out to buy a quick box of cereal, chances are you will be paying $3-$4. No! No!
5. Give it some time. Couponing is simple, it isn't rocket science or I wouldn't be doing it. I like to think I'm an intelligent individual, but the truth is, I'm pretty average. I don't have super duper math skills and my analytical skills aren't something to write home about. I only got to the expert level of couponing by working at it & that involved some hit & miss. And I'm still learning. I regularly save 75% when I shop. As a matter of fact, I get disappointed with anything lower than 75%. My stockpile is plentiful & I rarely (if ever) go out to buy anything because we have run out. I've got that taken care of. We don't waste & we don't throw things away. I'm able to be more generous now that I have a surplus at my fingertips & I have learned that I love to share with others. It's a wonderful feeling to know that I can help my family with their needs - and not sacrifice my financial goals in the process. I have a closet full of diapers, wipes, and bottles for my niece-on-the-way. I will be able to help my sister with her needs & I've had almost 9 months to work on the "baby stockpile". Every diaper, every wipe, every bottle, and every bath item has been for FREE or NEAR FREE (less than $1). Sometimes, I have paid for it with overage from other savings, most has been from CVS with my Extra Care Bucks (to be discussed later), and then again some has been the regular sale price combined with a coupon. I did pay about 40¢ for a container of 64 Huggies wipes recently and I debated that one. I usually get wipes for free. I splurged. The point is this - you can save enormous amount of money by using coupons the right way. I realize it sounds unbelievable...I thought so too. Hey! You don't have to try....keep paying full price. That's less competition for me!
Getting Started
Where To Find Your Coupons
You must collect coupons from your weekly Sunday paper. This is a MUST! Maybe you buy the paper yourself or you have friend/neighbors give you their unused coupons. Whichever way you chose to do it, make sure you get at least 2 Sunday papers with coupon inserts. I typically get at least 5-10, but you can determine if that’s necessary as you get more experience under your belt. Ask neighbors for their coupons if you know they already subscribe. Most people don't use them, so they may be happy to donate them to you!
Sunday coupons aren’t it…there are a large number of Internet Printable (IP) coupons available! Check out my blog to get up-to-date Internet Printable Coupons (IP's) and more! You can also check out a number of other blogs that will aid you in locating just the right coupon & sale in your area. Typically a Printable Internet Coupon will have a hyperlink attached to it, so that you can click on the coupon and immediately be re-directed to the site where you can print it. It's very easy - do not be discouraged! You do, on occasion, have to fill out some information to print out the coupon. Use a separate email account for this - you don't want the spam that can come with registrations!
Locating The Best Deals
Here’s what you really wanted to know…how to find these amazing deals. The truth is, there are many places to locate your super saving deals and 90% of these places are online. I prefer to check online blogs…they have updated sales information, the latest & greatest Internet Printable (IP) coupons and tons of links to free samples, free items, and ideas on how to save even more money.
Some of my favorites include:
Penny Pinching (Of course!)My Frugal Adventures
It's Hip 2 Save
I'm A Money Magnet
Surviving The Stores
Deal Seeking Mom
Money Saving Mom
Bookmark these sites, you will want to check them out regularly (at least twice a week) to stay current on the deals in your area. While the sale may start on Sunday, there may be deals found on Monday, Wednesday or Saturday that interest you. Check these sites often. I usually check them once a day!
De-Coding Coupon Terminology & Acronyms
Don’t freak out when you can’t understand their couponing lingo. It’s simple & within a few weeks, you’ll have it down!Here’s a list of common acronyms used in online blogs:
$/x: The dollar amount off a certain quantity of items. For example, $1/1 is one dollar off one item and $1/2 is one dollar off two items.x/$: The number of items you receive for a specific dollar amount. For example, 3/$1 means you get 3 items for $1.SS: Smart Source coupon insert from your Sunday paper (Did you know they even had names?)RP: Red Plum coupon insert from your Sunday paper.GM: General Mills coupon insert from your Sunday paper (usually comes once every couple of months ,if that)P&G: Proctor & Gamble coupon insert in the Sunday paper (usually comes once a month - first Sunday of the month)IP: Internet Printable Coupon
Example:Maybelline lipstick/$4.99 = Code for: Original Price is $4.99 for Maybelline lipstick$2/1 (1/8 SS) = Code for: Use the $2 off 1 coupon from the January 8th Smart Source coupon insert found in your Sunday paperFinal Price: $2.99 = This is your final price once you combine the sales price of $2.99 and your coupon for $2 off 1.
Keep At It
Give couponing 6 weeks. If you’re not addicted, call me. You missed something.Of course, I’m only kidding about the calling me part. Not about the addiction part. It’s a blast to save a significant amount of money every month & at the same time, know you are buying your must-have’s at the absolute bottom price possible. Find a friend to partner with you – I have found that having a best friend as a coupon buddy is incredible. She finds deals I missed & reminds me while I’m at the store about things I completely forgot. We share coupons and experiences…and we make saving money as fun as it is gratifying.
Hope you're enjoying Penny Pinching! If you're not already tuning in, check me out on Thursdays @ 4P on Channel 5 (NBC) for a weekly highlight on the best deals in Dallas/Fort Worth! I love hearing from you, so please send a note or comment any time.
Happy Couponing!
by Amy Yates-Garmatez, NBC Human Resource Manager
1. Don't buy things you don't need or want simply because you have a coupon or you're getting a great deal on an item. If you can't use it or give it to someone who will - you are missing the point of S-A-V-I-N-G money! This is a newbie mistake. We all do it. You will look back 3 months from now & laugh at what you bought in your first few weeks of couponing. I do! I remember buying a $1.99 lip gloss from Walgreens because there was a $1.99 mail-in-rebate. I would never do that now. Yes, in the end it was free. But I had to put in $1.99 that was pointless. I didn't need that lipgloss (nor did I even like it after I tried it). But I felt a need to buy it. I never do that now. I also remembering going to Tom Thumb & buying 7 Airwick fragrance dispensers for my home. It cost something like $20 and my savings was like 90%. I was so excited. I look back now & think "How wasteful & how dumb!" I didn't need them, nor did I even want them. I just wanted to experience 90% savings. Never again! (By the way - I never spend a penny for home fragrance stuff - you can always get it free!)
2. Create a weekly budget. Look back at your last 6 months of spending. Half it. That's what you should be spending in the next 6-8 weeks. Then half it again. This is your goal! Don't expect to reach it in the next several weeks. Give yourself a few months to build your stockpile before you expect to see a 75% savings. Your budget needs to be reasonable. Mine is $40 week, but it wasn't always that low. You must ensure you are spending less money...it is too easy to try to grab every single deal out there - whether you need it or not. Implementing a budget will curb those behaviors and will ensure you're spending less out of pocket now than what you were before.
3. Buy only at ROCK BOTTOM prices. This is a little tricky since you will only know the "rock bottom" price after several months of experience. From my experience you should never pay for things like toothpaste, deoderant, home fragrances, make-up, lotion, dog treats, frozen vegetables, razors, soap, shampoo, or candy. These are all things that can easily be free after combining a coupon with a sale price. However, its taken some time for me to find that I don't need to spend more than $1 on a 12-pack of Coke or more than $1.80 for a pound of chicken. Once I find a super low price, I stock up & don't pay more than that amount again. Since I have a stockpile - I don't have to. I can use my stockpile until the sale comes around again. And it will come around again.
4. Stockpile your goods. If you know you go through 2 boxes of cereal a month...then you need to be buying 12-24 boxes when it hits a rock bottom price. Cereal has a very long shelf life & there is no reason for you to buy 2 boxes only to find that a month later, you need to buy some more. The problem? Your coupon is expired and that great sale is no longer around. My husband loves Honey Nut Cheerios...and he goes through at least 1 box per month. When it hits 50¢ - $1.00 per box..I stock up like crazy. I never have to worry about running out & having to pay full price. I shop at home - from my stockpile. Note: In order to truly stockpile...you have to have more than 1 coupon. You can only use 1 coupon per item, so 1 coupon will get you only 1 item. Stockpiling requires more than 1 coupon...which is why I always get 10 newspapers per week. I get mine for free from family, friends, and neighbors. I encourage you to do the same.
I realize stockpiling can't be done with perishables. No point in buying 12 gallons of milk. BUT most of your items likely have a longer shelf life. Use common sense, but also keep in mind that without a stockpile, you will regularly be buying for your daily/weekly needs...and your savings will NOT be 75%. The way that you get to the 75% savings is to buy at ONLY the rock bottom price. If you have to run out to buy a quick box of cereal, chances are you will be paying $3-$4. No! No!
5. Give it some time. Couponing is simple, it isn't rocket science or I wouldn't be doing it. I like to think I'm an intelligent individual, but the truth is, I'm pretty average. I don't have super duper math skills and my analytical skills aren't something to write home about. I only got to the expert level of couponing by working at it & that involved some hit & miss. And I'm still learning. I regularly save 75% when I shop. As a matter of fact, I get disappointed with anything lower than 75%. My stockpile is plentiful & I rarely (if ever) go out to buy anything because we have run out. I've got that taken care of. We don't waste & we don't throw things away. I'm able to be more generous now that I have a surplus at my fingertips & I have learned that I love to share with others. It's a wonderful feeling to know that I can help my family with their needs - and not sacrifice my financial goals in the process. I have a closet full of diapers, wipes, and bottles for my niece-on-the-way. I will be able to help my sister with her needs & I've had almost 9 months to work on the "baby stockpile". Every diaper, every wipe, every bottle, and every bath item has been for FREE or NEAR FREE (less than $1). Sometimes, I have paid for it with overage from other savings, most has been from CVS with my Extra Care Bucks (to be discussed later), and then again some has been the regular sale price combined with a coupon. I did pay about 40¢ for a container of 64 Huggies wipes recently and I debated that one. I usually get wipes for free. I splurged. The point is this - you can save enormous amount of money by using coupons the right way. I realize it sounds unbelievable...I thought so too. Hey! You don't have to try....keep paying full price. That's less competition for me!
Getting Started
Where To Find Your Coupons
You must collect coupons from your weekly Sunday paper. This is a MUST! Maybe you buy the paper yourself or you have friend/neighbors give you their unused coupons. Whichever way you chose to do it, make sure you get at least 2 Sunday papers with coupon inserts. I typically get at least 5-10, but you can determine if that’s necessary as you get more experience under your belt. Ask neighbors for their coupons if you know they already subscribe. Most people don't use them, so they may be happy to donate them to you!
Sunday coupons aren’t it…there are a large number of Internet Printable (IP) coupons available! Check out my blog to get up-to-date Internet Printable Coupons (IP's) and more! You can also check out a number of other blogs that will aid you in locating just the right coupon & sale in your area. Typically a Printable Internet Coupon will have a hyperlink attached to it, so that you can click on the coupon and immediately be re-directed to the site where you can print it. It's very easy - do not be discouraged! You do, on occasion, have to fill out some information to print out the coupon. Use a separate email account for this - you don't want the spam that can come with registrations!
Locating The Best Deals
Here’s what you really wanted to know…how to find these amazing deals. The truth is, there are many places to locate your super saving deals and 90% of these places are online. I prefer to check online blogs…they have updated sales information, the latest & greatest Internet Printable (IP) coupons and tons of links to free samples, free items, and ideas on how to save even more money.
Some of my favorites include:
Penny Pinching (Of course!)My Frugal Adventures
It's Hip 2 Save
I'm A Money Magnet
Surviving The Stores
Deal Seeking Mom
Money Saving Mom
Bookmark these sites, you will want to check them out regularly (at least twice a week) to stay current on the deals in your area. While the sale may start on Sunday, there may be deals found on Monday, Wednesday or Saturday that interest you. Check these sites often. I usually check them once a day!
De-Coding Coupon Terminology & Acronyms
Don’t freak out when you can’t understand their couponing lingo. It’s simple & within a few weeks, you’ll have it down!Here’s a list of common acronyms used in online blogs:
$/x: The dollar amount off a certain quantity of items. For example, $1/1 is one dollar off one item and $1/2 is one dollar off two items.x/$: The number of items you receive for a specific dollar amount. For example, 3/$1 means you get 3 items for $1.SS: Smart Source coupon insert from your Sunday paper (Did you know they even had names?)RP: Red Plum coupon insert from your Sunday paper.GM: General Mills coupon insert from your Sunday paper (usually comes once every couple of months ,if that)P&G: Proctor & Gamble coupon insert in the Sunday paper (usually comes once a month - first Sunday of the month)IP: Internet Printable Coupon
Example:Maybelline lipstick/$4.99 = Code for: Original Price is $4.99 for Maybelline lipstick$2/1 (1/8 SS) = Code for: Use the $2 off 1 coupon from the January 8th Smart Source coupon insert found in your Sunday paperFinal Price: $2.99 = This is your final price once you combine the sales price of $2.99 and your coupon for $2 off 1.
Keep At It
Give couponing 6 weeks. If you’re not addicted, call me. You missed something.Of course, I’m only kidding about the calling me part. Not about the addiction part. It’s a blast to save a significant amount of money every month & at the same time, know you are buying your must-have’s at the absolute bottom price possible. Find a friend to partner with you – I have found that having a best friend as a coupon buddy is incredible. She finds deals I missed & reminds me while I’m at the store about things I completely forgot. We share coupons and experiences…and we make saving money as fun as it is gratifying.
Hope you're enjoying Penny Pinching! If you're not already tuning in, check me out on Thursdays @ 4P on Channel 5 (NBC) for a weekly highlight on the best deals in Dallas/Fort Worth! I love hearing from you, so please send a note or comment any time.
Happy Couponing!
by Amy Yates-Garmatez, NBC Human Resource Manager
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Last Zonegran
I have decided that the Zonegran was given to me to see exactly how crazy I would go.
Most seizure medicines make me loopy and I am guessing not realize some of the
major size effects happening.
Thank goodness Sunday I took the last 100 mg I have to take. Now I just
wonder how long it will take to get out of my system. I am still
having the side effects from it. The crazy headache, aching like I have the
flu, back pain, which I know now is my kidneys.
Don't get me wrong I like my doctor but I wonder if he realizes what
these medicines do to us when they react. I found side effects on
indepent sights after I started having the side effects. I was truely sure I
had H1N1flu and it was really bad. But all it was was a medicine suppose
to help me but makes me feel like I am living in hell.
me but ends up
September
This morning while reading a friends blog it was brought to my attention that September is " Pain awareness month" as well as being "Hydrocephalus Awareness month."
It does seem fitting since not all but many people with hydrocephalus deal with pain.
http://www.painfoundation.org/take-action/conquering-pain-together/
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=124881863422&ref=mf
It does seem fitting since not all but many people with hydrocephalus deal with pain.
http://www.painfoundation.org/take-action/conquering-pain-together/
http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=124881863422&ref=mf
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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