CLAVIER FAMILY BLOG (Archive)

The joys of RLS... NOT!...

Fourth of Four and NYC bound: Fr. Tony Update...

Hat's off to caretakers...

It's Bout Time... CAbbeyGo...

Digital Sketch Diary...

Ohhh, the Joys of RLS!!!

Ever heard of RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome)? It's clearly become important enough for the pharmaceutical companies to develop a drug for it, thus you get to see commercials making reference to the syndrome.

What is RLS?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterized by unpleasant sensations in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move when at rest in an effort to relieve these feelings.

The most distinctive or unusual aspect of the condition is that lying down and trying to relax activates the symptoms. As a result, most people with RLS have difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.

Left untreated, the condition causes exhaustion and daytime fatigue. Some researchers estimate that RLS affects as many as 12 million Americans. However, others estimate a much higher occurrence because RLS is thought to be undiagnosed and, in some cases, misdiagnosed.

RLS occurs in both genders, although the incidence may be slightly higher in women.

RLS it thought to be hereditary, but trauma, surgery, and other events can bring on RLS.

Guess whose plagued with RLS? Lucky me! THIS is not a pleasant thing to live with. Fortunately, I have medication that helps keep it at bay, if I watch my intake of certain foods and medications. Unfortunately, I had a lengthy bout of it last night and got very little sleep. ugh.

The reason I'm posting about it? A lot RLS sufferers don't realize there's a name for the madness they're coping with. A lot of doctors don't even know much about it, thus are not able to assist their patients in getting relief. When I first started experiencing RLS I had no clue what was going on. One assumes many things, and with the ever growing lack of good sleep, fatigue, and dreading bedtime... it's difficult to think rationally.

The good news is there are drugs that help keep RLS at bay.

Fourth of Four: Fr. Tony Update

Fr. Tony had his fourth and final infusion of his Rituxan yesterday. Dr. C is giving him a few weeks off before starting another 4 week cycle. Tony's feeling fit (thanks to the steroids) and ready for his trip to NYC. As I mentioned in a previous post, he informed the airlines that he'd be wearing a mask, so they're not to mistake him for a terrorist. Now, I ask you... does this look like a terrorist to you? grin

Hat's off to caretakers...

Now that we've been at this cancer business for a few months, I often find myself wondering how other families cope. We see all sorts and conditions of people while at the cancer center. Most have family with them, and some do not. How dreadful it must be to not have a loved one by your side, while undergoing the nightmare of accepting and dealing with cancer; all the unknowns; all the doctor's visits and procedures; the sleepless nights; the mental stress and strain; and the long days of after effects. Then there's the medical insurance issue... what about those folks who have no insurance. The cost of treating cancer is heart stopping, and for families without insurance, they're left with the heartbreaking thought of not being able to afford medical care, much less all the medications, tests, and treatment options.

Having lived in Europe, you can imagine one would grow quite fond of socialized medicine, which enables patients to eliminate the stress and worry over how they'll afford to keep themselves alive.

Then there's the ever lovin' caregivers. I don't know how a cancer patient can manage getting through it all without a loved one at their side. My hat goes off to all the caregivers who manage the mental and physical strength and courage they muster to help care for their "patient". Being a caregiver is an all consuming task. One must remain educated about what their loved one is up against; search out the best care possible; help keep the patient upbeat, cared for, delivered to and from appointments; manage all sorts of unusual schedules; and still find time for themselves, without allowing themselves to be or look: stressed; out of sorts; unable to provide help and encouragement; and so much more.

It's Bout Time... CAbbeyGo...

BIG HEARTS, BIGGER HITS

2007 Season-Opening Tournament to benefit Meals on Wheels. 100% of profits will go directly to MOW, so come out and cheer on your favorite home team while supporting a great cause. If you're in the Raleigh area during the Kick-Off of the new season, stop on by, watch the Carolina Rollergirls do their thing, and help support Meals on Wheels.

Our Abbey won't be skating in the bout, but she'll be there rooting on the team. Should be great fun, and we wish we could be there. GO ABBEY!

Digital Sketch Diary...

Still having internet access problems, but am able to do some digital sketching. Below are some ideas I may put to fabric.