Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Allergies
I went to a Allergist for the first time. It was pretty amazing that I have never been to one before considering all of my allergies, but I knew there was nothing that could be done about my food allergies and those are the hardest to live with, but I have been having troubles with my allergies recently and this is the hardest time of the year to have a serious allergy to ginger (even just by smelling it). I decided that maybe it was time.
I left my house at 8:00 and did not get back until 1:00. Part of that was dropping my boys off at the Harris'. My appointment started with getting my history, which took a while since I have lots of allergies and a long medical history. There was about 7 pages of paper work to fill out ahead of time too. I talked with the nurse and then they doctor about the different things I was allergic to, how I knew I was allergic, and how long I have had (or known about) the allergies. There is nothing that can be done for food or drug allergies. I just need to avoid them. I actually already knew that, but I was hoping that maybe there was something. Oh well. We also talked about the difference between allergies and irritants. The doctor said she thinks I had a combination of both. If my reaction to ginger was not so bad, she would have said it was an irritant, because normally reaction to an odor is, but she said it was obviously an allergy. All that took about an hour. Then the doctor and I decided what I would be tested for. I was tested for dust mites, cats, dogs, tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen, mold spores, tree nuts, eggs, coconut, banana, tomato, avocado, chicken, and latex. They did not have tests for all of my food allergies and I choose to have some tested that my sister is allergic to, just to see.
Then they start with a scratch test on the back. I had 91 scratch tests done. The nurse said that was a lot. I did not react to any of the foods. The doctor said that does not mean I am not allergic to them. With the test for the food allergies false negatives are very common. She also said that using the actual food would work better, but I would have to bring that in. She also said that I should just keep avoiding the foods that I have had a reaction to.
I found out that I just have a sensitivity to Latex, but that I should still avoid contact with it since it can become an allergy. All the other tests were a lot more exciting. With the scratch test, I found out I am allergic to the pollen of: Black Willow, River Birch, White Ash, Red Cedar (knew that one), Hackberry, White Alder, Box Elder, Sugar Maple, Poplar (knew that one), Red Oak, Bluegrass, Timothy grass, Redtop grass, Orchard grass, Medow Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Bahia Grass. My back looked pretty bad. There were some good hives and a lot of red.
Then they did a test where they injected a small amount of solution under the skin of my left arm. For this one, they tested the non-food ones that did not react on my back. There were 13 of these (some were testing multiple things). I reacted for all but 3 of them. So I found out I am allergic to Dust Mites, Cockroaches (somewhere in my life I must have been exposed to them, yuck!), Feathers, Cats (I grew up with cats and never had a problem), Dogs, Russian Thistle, Pigweed Rough, Sage (knew that one), Short Ragweed.
Then they did a test where they injected a larger amount of solution under the skin on my right arm. This simulates prolonged exposure to what ever. There were only the three that had not reacted so far: molds. One reacted slightly, but not enough for it to be an allergic reaction. I am not allergic to mold. That was a shock to me. I thought I was, but the dust mites might explain what I thought was an allergic reaction to mold.
Then I got to watch some movies on how to use an Epi-Pen, sinus irrigation, and how to make my home allergy free. They gave me a binder full of papers and pamphlets. The nurse also went over them with me. There is a ton of information there, so I will not go into much detail here, but I can answer specific questions if anyone is interested.
We also talked about Immunotherapy. I can have shots that would likely make my seasonal allergies not so bad. There are two different way they do it. There are different concentrations of the allergen in saline. Starting with the lowest concentration, you would get a shot each week gradually increasing to the highest concentration. The other way is just "rushed" where they do multiple injections in one day. I will likely not do this since it is a five year commitment that might not help at all.
It was really interesting. I learned a lot that I need to digest and reread. My arms looked funny for a long time, and I bet my back did too. There was pen all over (they write different things so they know what you are reacting to) and little prick marks. I'm really glad the hives and itching went away so quickly. These pictures were taken after I got home and James down for a nap, so it really does not look bad.
My arm did itch for a few days. I had hives come and go there, and had to take some benadryl for a few days.
I left my house at 8:00 and did not get back until 1:00. Part of that was dropping my boys off at the Harris'. My appointment started with getting my history, which took a while since I have lots of allergies and a long medical history. There was about 7 pages of paper work to fill out ahead of time too. I talked with the nurse and then they doctor about the different things I was allergic to, how I knew I was allergic, and how long I have had (or known about) the allergies. There is nothing that can be done for food or drug allergies. I just need to avoid them. I actually already knew that, but I was hoping that maybe there was something. Oh well. We also talked about the difference between allergies and irritants. The doctor said she thinks I had a combination of both. If my reaction to ginger was not so bad, she would have said it was an irritant, because normally reaction to an odor is, but she said it was obviously an allergy. All that took about an hour. Then the doctor and I decided what I would be tested for. I was tested for dust mites, cats, dogs, tree pollen, grass pollen, weed pollen, mold spores, tree nuts, eggs, coconut, banana, tomato, avocado, chicken, and latex. They did not have tests for all of my food allergies and I choose to have some tested that my sister is allergic to, just to see.
Then they start with a scratch test on the back. I had 91 scratch tests done. The nurse said that was a lot. I did not react to any of the foods. The doctor said that does not mean I am not allergic to them. With the test for the food allergies false negatives are very common. She also said that using the actual food would work better, but I would have to bring that in. She also said that I should just keep avoiding the foods that I have had a reaction to.
I found out that I just have a sensitivity to Latex, but that I should still avoid contact with it since it can become an allergy. All the other tests were a lot more exciting. With the scratch test, I found out I am allergic to the pollen of: Black Willow, River Birch, White Ash, Red Cedar (knew that one), Hackberry, White Alder, Box Elder, Sugar Maple, Poplar (knew that one), Red Oak, Bluegrass, Timothy grass, Redtop grass, Orchard grass, Medow Fescue, Perennial Ryegrass, and Bahia Grass. My back looked pretty bad. There were some good hives and a lot of red.
Then they did a test where they injected a small amount of solution under the skin of my left arm. For this one, they tested the non-food ones that did not react on my back. There were 13 of these (some were testing multiple things). I reacted for all but 3 of them. So I found out I am allergic to Dust Mites, Cockroaches (somewhere in my life I must have been exposed to them, yuck!), Feathers, Cats (I grew up with cats and never had a problem), Dogs, Russian Thistle, Pigweed Rough, Sage (knew that one), Short Ragweed.
Then they did a test where they injected a larger amount of solution under the skin on my right arm. This simulates prolonged exposure to what ever. There were only the three that had not reacted so far: molds. One reacted slightly, but not enough for it to be an allergic reaction. I am not allergic to mold. That was a shock to me. I thought I was, but the dust mites might explain what I thought was an allergic reaction to mold.
Then I got to watch some movies on how to use an Epi-Pen, sinus irrigation, and how to make my home allergy free. They gave me a binder full of papers and pamphlets. The nurse also went over them with me. There is a ton of information there, so I will not go into much detail here, but I can answer specific questions if anyone is interested.
We also talked about Immunotherapy. I can have shots that would likely make my seasonal allergies not so bad. There are two different way they do it. There are different concentrations of the allergen in saline. Starting with the lowest concentration, you would get a shot each week gradually increasing to the highest concentration. The other way is just "rushed" where they do multiple injections in one day. I will likely not do this since it is a five year commitment that might not help at all.
It was really interesting. I learned a lot that I need to digest and reread. My arms looked funny for a long time, and I bet my back did too. There was pen all over (they write different things so they know what you are reacting to) and little prick marks. I'm really glad the hives and itching went away so quickly. These pictures were taken after I got home and James down for a nap, so it really does not look bad.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Winter has come already...
Normally, I love Winter. And I am actually very excited about all the snow we are supposed to get here in Western Michigan... It's apparently alot, because people keep warning me about it with very serious faces. The one thing I don't like about Winter is that it means respiratory season. I'm on the floors again this month, and it's been a very busy month. Our hospital is filled to the rafters and about 2/3 of the patients are here with either pneumonia, asthma, croup, or bronchiolitis. In a month, that number will probably go up to 80%. It means long days, long nights, and lots and lots of paperwork.
Because of all of these hours, I've spent a lot of time thinking about the things I enjoyed doing when I had more time. One of those is cross-stitching. It's been something I enjoy doing to keep my hands busy. So I thought I'd share the few projects I've completed in the last few years and introduce you to my latest...
Because of all of these hours, I've spent a lot of time thinking about the things I enjoyed doing when I had more time. One of those is cross-stitching. It's been something I enjoy doing to keep my hands busy. So I thought I'd share the few projects I've completed in the last few years and introduce you to my latest...
This is a Thomas Kinkaide, obviously. I started it during the first year of med school and then because of having James and studying occasionally, I didn't end up finishing it until the end of third year. It's about 14 x 16 inches or so, and a total of 48,640 stitches.
This is Rocky Point Lighthouse. Thanks to Steve Weber for digging through his trash to find the pattern for me. I started this one right at the end of 3rd year and finished it just a few days after graduation. I ended up stitching it over 2 holes on a fine count linen. It was a lot of fun and is 12 x 16 inches or so. It ended up being 60,588 stitches.
This is my latest project. After I decided that I would have occasional time off during residency I realized I needed something to do. This one was billed as "not your Grandma's cross stitch" and ought to be quite a challenge... the above picture is what I've completed so far. Doesn't look to bad, right? Well, the stitched area you see is just one 8 x 10 page of the pattern.
Here is the zoomed out version of the whole field of work. That one rectangle represents just one of 36 eventual pages of pattern I will have to stitch. I'm excited. When all is said and done, this baby's gonna be 18 x 22 inches and be a total of 244,350 stitches. To make it more fun, it's stitched over just one hole on an extremely fine linen. But lest you think I'm crazy, here's what it'll look like when I'm done:
Yeah, maybe I am a bit crazy.2 Months
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
Blogging
I know I have been lacking in the blogging. I have been super busy. I am hoping to catch up a little next week. For now, I just have a few minutes typing one handed and holding a sad Jacob to let everyone know that we are still alive. Jacob got shots today. More on his appointment later. Got to go!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Friends
A few weeks ago, we got to have Sheridan and Brockton play at our house while their parents went to a wedding. James had so much fun! We played in the backyard, walked around the block, watched Toy Story 3, and played with toys. I can't believe they all fit on here.
And it did not break. Thanks for coming! Hope you can come again!
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Big Boy Bed
James is finally out of his crib! Shortly after he helped me move the crib out of his room, I finished this blanket for his bed.
He loves it! My mom helped me tie it while she was here. Thanks Mom! James is a very happy boy!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Harvest Festival and Halloween
Our ward had their Harvest (or Fall) Festival on October 28th. Jon went as Charlie Brown, I was a Soil Scientist (people were actually able to guess it this year instead of just thinking I was a doctor), James was a doctor, and Jacob was a candy corn.
There was a Chili and Soup Cook Off. My chili actually won first place! I was really shocked. I have been making the same chili for about 5 years. Sometimes doing something different. This year I did not do anything special. Maybe it was the new ward and unbiased judges. Jon thinks it was the home canned beans that my mom and I (mostly my mom) canned at the beginning of October. So we won a ladle! Jon also won 3 of 5 squashes. You had to tell the name of the squash and the weight. I told Jon what the names were (I had recently looked at different squashes at the grocery store to try), and he guessed the weight. James loved the Cookie/Cupcake walk,
Monday night, I took James Trick-or-Treating in our neighborhood, while Jon and Jacob stayed home to hand out candy. James was good about saying "Trick-or-treat," "Thank you," "I'm Dr. James," "Bye-bye," and "See you next time." Everyone seemed to get a kick out of how cute he was. Once he saw that he would get candy at the houses we went to, he wanted to go to every house. He kept saying, "Another house," the minute we left a door. It seems our neighborhood is a popular place for people to come. We bought a lot of candy for the night hoping for leftover, but we were out of candy by 7:50 p.m. That was even after raiding James' candy and the candy my mom had sent us. We turned off our lights and went downstairs to Skype with Grandma Felt. Next year we will have to get more candy to start with. I look forward to more years of taking my boys trick-or-treating. After we finally got James to bed, Jon and I watched Signs.
the bean bag toss, and pin the nose on the pumpkin. He had really wanted to go on the hay ride, but got too into monopolizing the bean bags that we missed it. James also had a lot of fun with his friend Sheridan.
It was a fun night! James did not want to leave, but it was well passed his bed time.
Monday night, I took James Trick-or-Treating in our neighborhood, while Jon and Jacob stayed home to hand out candy. James was good about saying "Trick-or-treat," "Thank you," "I'm Dr. James," "Bye-bye," and "See you next time." Everyone seemed to get a kick out of how cute he was. Once he saw that he would get candy at the houses we went to, he wanted to go to every house. He kept saying, "Another house," the minute we left a door. It seems our neighborhood is a popular place for people to come. We bought a lot of candy for the night hoping for leftover, but we were out of candy by 7:50 p.m. That was even after raiding James' candy and the candy my mom had sent us. We turned off our lights and went downstairs to Skype with Grandma Felt. Next year we will have to get more candy to start with. I look forward to more years of taking my boys trick-or-treating. After we finally got James to bed, Jon and I watched Signs.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Boo At The Zoo
On October 21, we went Trick-Or-Treating at the Zoo. It was fun for a morning. James wanted to be a doctor this year. I was glad because it was pretty easy to make him some scrubs out of an old pair of Daddy's scrubs.
Dr. James giving his Care Bear a check-up.
At the Zoo, James and Grandma Felt went through a Straw Maze.
View from above.
Bears say, "Happy Halloween!"
Making a spider bracelet.
James loved this, but I could not get him to hold on as he went.
The only melt down we had for the day was when I tried to get him away from this toy. A sucker calmed him down and we went to get more candy. Ghosts loose in the zoo.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Jacob Ivan Felt
We are really glad they could make it! It was great to see them again! We had Stake Conference that day, so we met in the Bishop's Office for the blessing. It was a small group. Thanks to the Richmonds for joining us too! Jacob was able to wear the same outfit that James had worn, and it fit Jacob a little better.
Of coarse Jacob was a month younger when he wore this than James had been. It was a great day!
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
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