I rarely comment on political or policy issues, but the recent FDA guidelines demand a response. They are absolutely terrifying and I believe that they hinder medicine rather than help anyone at all. I am furious. 

http://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2016-03-15/cdc-guidelines-aim-to-curb-painkiller-prescribing

I understand that there is a prescription drug problem in this country. You will always have some people who are going to abuse something, but I do not think that restricting access to pain control is an answer. At one time, Alcohol was banned in this country. Still, many people found ways around this. It simply drove drinking into the shadows for a few years. It even led to the invention of cocktails to get rid of the horrible taste of bootlegged alcohol. It did not work then, and it will not work now. Prohibition did not stop alcohol consumption. It is clear to most people that the roaring twenties were well lubricated.

Under the new guidelines, doctors would prescribe painkillers only after considering non-addictive under the new guidelines, doctors would prescribe painkillers only after considering non-addictive pain relievers, behavioral changes and other options. The CDC also wants doctors to prescribe the lowest effective dose possible. And doctors should only continue prescribing the drugs if patients show significant improvement

In many ways, this flies in the face of a principle sacred in medicine- Doctor-Patient confidentiality. Not only does the patient have to prove that they are in chronic pain. Doctors would not be able to prescribe without sending the patients to more doctors for therapies that are not covered by insurance. In addition, they would have to justify the reason. Doctors should be able to prescribe medication without fear of being prosecuted or losing their license. No one says to a diabetes patients- you are taking too much insulin. “You can only use this amount- it doesn’t matter if you have a seizure due to low blood sugar- you had it because you used too much insulin.” This is essentially what is happening to pain patients right now. A patient must have proof that the pain is chronic, try alternate therapies, sign a pain contract, and beg the doctor for treatment. The doctor is now to terrified to prescribe tome medications and sends you a specialist. The specialist could then decide if you warranted pain medication. Then, you have to go back to the pain doctor and hope that your medication will be there.

These guidelines do not just effect patients in chronic pain, but those in acute pain as well. For short-term pain, the CDC recommends limiting opioids to three days of treatment, when possible.

So if you are in the hospital for surgery or have a broken arm, you might only be given pain medication for a few days post op or event. This, more than anything else, is just wrong. If they can only prescribe for three days, the patient will be in a great deal of pain and this may actually hinder the healing process.

It will condemn some chronic pain patients to a life of pain. Many pain patients learn to manage their pain and are able to lead a relatively normal life. These guidelines would dramatically change this and will have an adverse effect on the lives of many. Indeed, some chronic pain patients would be disabled due to pain. This would increase the number of people on disability and thus hurt the economy.

I really, really hope that someone starts to see sense.

Getting out of the Ball

Sometimes I find myself curled up in a ball and I need to get out! This is probably the hardest thing to do- I basically have to force myself and say- "OK, time to get up NOW!"
You see pain and fatigue are great robbers. They rob us of time, energy, and life. Suddenly, you look around and realize that another few hours or another day and another event ha passed and you were curled up in pain- fighting the battle and the time has gone. While we are fighting, life goes on around us.
Then I try to catch up and find myself three steps behind and this happens too much. Then it gets harder to catch up and you don't know what to do. The only thing you can do is force yourself to stretch to get out of the stress/pain/exhaustion ball and try to catch up. Some days you win, some you lose.
 Sometime it feels like there isn't a reason to get out of the ball- it is easy- but you have to do it, so you do. You stand up.
Take a walk. Try to catch up and try to make life worth living again. It won't be easy. It never is. But one day, the sun will shine and you will catch up. Life will be better.

They say that the dragons are dead

No more knights are needed to chop of the heads of the beasts

That terrify the village. But I say they are wrong

We will always have dragons

And we will always need heroes to sing of in the winter

The fights are different

The battles change

There is technology. Who needs a knight in the age of tanks and missiles?

But the men and women who wield it for us are there.

There has to be a chest to wear the breast plate,

There has to be a brain to guide and

There will always be underdogs

Warriors who fight.

They are not just found on the battlefields.

These soldiers aren’t just strong young warriors

These soldiers are young, old, brave, and bold

And the battles they fight are small

Sometimes it is just the battle of rising each morning with hope in your heart.

Or standing after you have been felled ten times- long after sane men would leave the field

It is fighting pain while smiling at a friend and not letting her see your pain

No one would ever know I am such a person

Some may notice due to my ever faithful friend, my war dog.

But most have no clue the battles fought with pain

Yes, the physicians and wise men and women may be the generals

But we are the ones who fight.

Every day I look for just one thing in the battle- the will to go on

The will to fight, the will to win, the will to smile, the will to not fall here

I fight for life.

Sometimes it is small and far away

But on other days, I glimpse it

And I know that one day

I will stand on the far shore.

I will receive the sword from the enemy

And I will give the sword to God I hope to hear the words we all long to hear

“Well done, good and faithful servant. Come sit with me and rest and live, my child.”

New Year

I have not fallen off the face of the earth. It has been a strange and difficult few months. This year, I hope, will be better than last! I'm writing more, just not on the blog. I have resolved to post more and to work harder on the children's book about service dogs. I may even post of my newer ideas or stories here!

Charleston

In the year of our Our Lord 1685, King Louis signed the edict de Nantes

And so the protestants left France. They fled to England and then to Carolina

In their quiet conquest, these Hugenots founded Charleston.

There they were free to build and practice their own religion.

And in fifty years, they built the most beautiful churches in this country

St. Phillips, still keeping history alive.

St. Michael’s they built just to show the world they were masters now.

The Hugenot Church, and that great and silent structure- St. James, forgotten but watching over its charges on the Santee.

 

In these places,  all came together.

Rutledge- signer of the Declaration of Independence

Pinckney, whose most famous daughter brought indigo to the shores

Where rice was grown and the frontier kept by such adventurers as Barnwell

In the churches, all came together.

Those who labored, and were of a different race were there, too.

But they learned and established their own community, their own church.

Yes, there was fire and war and tragedy.

But the churches still stand.

The descendents of these builders still stand.

On Sunday, you enter the church and see them- old and young, black and white

The churches are full and vibrant.

 

 

But on this Sunday, the bells will ring in unity for a tragedy.

For on Wednesay, a deluded soul- perhaps one of the devil himself

Broke the great peace.

He came and listened. While they spoke the words of Christ, and called him to listen

He did not hear the words of the Lord.

The words that said, “Come unto me and rest. Come and you will have peace.”

Instead, he did the unthinkable.

He broke the peace, or so he thought.

But he was wrong.

 

On Sunday, the bells of the churches will ring together in harmony.

St. Phillips, St. Michael’s- the church named for the fighting angel, the Church of Grace,

And every church bell in the city-for color doesn’t matter to God

And at Emmanuel- named for the God who became man and who still dwells with his church,

He will see no discord.

Instead, for a moment, the bells will ring.

With one voice, the people and the city will be silent and hear the bells.

And in Emmanuel these words will be spoken:

“I am the resurrection and the life. All who live and believe in me shall not perish.”

And the souls a corrupted soul sent to Christ will be at rest.

And in the churches, you will not hear the songs of lamentation,

You will hear the words and songs of Easter- of the man who conquered death.

The words of resurrection will ring loudly and long.

And on a distant shore, they will be heard.

 

 

 

Help: The Hardest Part of dealing with this disease

Help- The hardest part of living with a chronic disease

It has been a while since I last posted and I find myself dealing with a new diagnosis- severe anemia. I will be getting Iron infusions once a week for the next eight weeks- not the way I envisioned spending the summer. Right now, we are still trying to figure out the cause and currently treating the symptoms.

This new diagnosis is, well, kind of scary. It is unlike dealing with either migraine or fainting. Anemia makes you tired. You forget things and it has become harder to do things. I also have to deal with the fact that- for the first time in years- my parents seem terrified.

I can put up a great front with migraine-even in terrible pain. I can smile through pretty much anything. Take the medications, talk to others, distract myself when it gets bad and deal with the bad ones. I rarely ask for help. Indeed, when I was in college, my friends would drag me kicking and screaming to the hospital if needed. I also learned that college students will do anything for food. "Take me to the ER, I will buy you dinner," worked well. Of course, I knew that most of them would have helped even without that incentive. Still, I hated asking then.

When the fainting began, most of these tricks worked and still do. My biggest problem is transportation. Fortunately, I have been blessed with excellent room mates, good friends, and family who has been willing to help in that area. Despite this, asking for help and realizing that I needed help are the two most difficult parts of dealing with this disease.

So, on to the topic of this post- asking for help.

 No one likes to ask for help. For most people with a chronic disease, it is close to admitting that the disease is winning- that we have lost a battle.

The next problem is this- who do you ask for help? Keep it simple. I've learned that if I need to run to the grocery store, that can be easily accomplished. It is much easier, if you are already out with someone- "Could you run by the store on the way home?" This way, it is done during another outing and you don't have to go through the horrible phase of asking.

I have learned to make it worth their while- offer to pay for lunch or something. Try to make it pleasant for everyone. This makes you feel less like a burden and also makes them feel good.

Transportation is fairly easy. Other things are a lot more complicated.

For example, many people will say, "Just let me know if you need anything!" If a close friend has made this remark and you ask, do not be surprised if you are turned down. Good friends will come through, but this remark places everyone in a tough position. You then have to determine what falls in this category- does this mean that you could call on them if you need to get to the doctor, if you need company, or are they just being polite?

I'm left making multiple mental calculations on who I can ask for help and then what help can I ask for. Transportation, company, help in other ways.

If you are in position to offer help- be specific say- "I'll be glad to take you if you need to go." "If you need to talk, just call." Theses things make everything easier.

You see, many of us who have chronic illnesses learn to make sure that no one knows exactly how bad we feel or if we need help. This is particularly true if you are young and have an invisible illness. I can't count the number of times I've smiled through pain, made sure that stores knew I would not sue them if I fainted assuring them that I really was ok. Many of us go out of our way to look and act normal.

I think it boils down to this- if you offer help, you may eventually be asked to help. Also, if you mean it, be specific.

Go with God.
 

Chronic Pain and media

During the past week, I have read two very interesting pieces concerning chronic pain.

One was an op/ed piece entitled "My Chronic Pain is not a Crime." You can read the link here: Chronic pain is not a Crime!  The article truthfully describes the problems of pain patients and their physicians.

The second piece simply makes me mad. You can read it here: High prevalence of pain medication.

I understand that there is a problem with prescription drug abuse in this country. However, I do not believe that treating pain patients or doctors like criminals is going to stop the problem.

Chronic pain is a horrible thing to live with. I do not know a single pain patient who wants to be in pain. Believe me when I say that I would much rather be running around, doing something fun, than stuck inside in horrific pain from another bad migraine. Most of us would give our right arms not to have to suffer or deal with the pain and the stigma that goes with it.

Yes, many people who are on disability due to painful conditions take some medication for pain. This might be due to the fact that the disability which prevents the patient from working is, well, painful. It does not mean that the patient is addicted. It does mean that the patient is trying to lead as normal a life as possible. If you have a painful condition and are a parent, you want to be there for your children or your family. It is not a crime.

The article also stated that women are "at greater risk of becoming chronic opiod users than men." This isn't true. Women may be experience more migraines than men do, but on the whole, I'd say it is about equal.

One would not say to a diabetic- "oh that is too much insulin, you have to cut back." Instead, one would trust the endocrinologist and the patient to work together and get it stabilized so the patient wouldn't have more problems. The same is true for most other medications. You get sick, you go to the doctor, and you get treated, and hopefully you get better.

Unless, of course, you are a pain patient. In this case, you go to your GP, who is afraid to prescribe pain medications due to increased pressure from the DEA, and he refers you a pain specialist. The pain specialist does an exam, confirms the fact that you are in chronic pain, lays out options and then decided how to treat you. If you are prescribed any form of opiate, you will have to sign a pain contract. This means you will agree not to obtain any narcotics from another dr without consulting your pain doctor. You will also agree to random blood tests. And everything else he suggests.

This situation is ridiculous. Yes, some abusers may get through. People in pain generally want to be out of pain so they can lead relatively normal lives. Still, pain control, just like any other form of medication, should be between the doctor and the patient. No one should be condemned for it.

Pain free days
sconesail

The beginning- How this all started

October 28, 1997

It was a beautiful fall day in Baltimore, MD. I was playing field hockey- it was the last game of the season. Suddenly, as I looked down the field, I began to see zig-zags and the other team turned into big purple spots. I knew what was happening- I was getting a migraine. I looked at the coach and she pulled me out of the game and sent in a substitute. I walked up to the infirmary to get my migraine medicine. I thought it was just another migraine and would go away in a few days or a week. I had no idea that my life was about to change forever.

I got my first migraine at age 12. The headache would last a few days or a week. I would simply take the Tylenol 3, rest, maybe miss half a day of school and then it would get better. But this one was different- it didn't go away.

On my 17th birthday, I saw my fist neurologist. He diagnosed my with migraine, prescribed Imitrex, a steroid course, and ativan for sleep. This was only the beginning.

Since that October day,
I've taken more medication than I thought possible.
Seen so many neurologists that I have lost count
Had friends drag me kicking and screaming to the ER because they couldn't stand to see me in pain.
I've been hospitalized 5 times.
I've been at seen at 4 headache clinics.
Seen some of the top neurologist in the country
Graduated college and high school on time- (something several doctors told me would never happen.)
had 2 radiofrequency procedures
had an occipital nerve stimulator implanted and have had 4 revisions.
learned that college students will do anything for food. (If you can take me to the doctor, I'll buy you dinner.
I've mastered bribery.
I've mastered the art of faking it until you make it.
Shortly after the headache began, my mother said, "Take the meds, put on the dress and smile/" This has become my motto.
I've had a friend draw a military plan to get me to the dr.
Navigated the intricacies of the medical world.
Learned the meaning of true friendship.
Had several rounds of botox
More IVs than most have in a lifetime
learned that faith and a positive attitude are great assets.
-justified purchases by thinking- well, the book will help and it is cheaper than an ER visit.
-connected with so many people fighting this disease.
I've learned to keep fighting.

This disease has changed me, but I've also learned things in the process.I've learned that true firends are rare and treasured-these friends will drag you a doctor, distract you and be with you even in your darkest hour. I've also been able to connect with others who fight this every day. I've learned to fight this disease. It is a part of me, and even if I sometimes lose the battle, I know that one day, I will win the war.

Most importantly, I've learned not to give up.

Dysautomia Education

Dysautomia/ POTS/Neurocardiogenic Syncope is not the most common disease, and as a result, few people know about it or even recognize it. It presents in a variety of ways and has many symptoms. For example, one person might faint several times a day, another person will just get tired easily, and another might experience different symptoms. I have seen many doctors over the past six years due to the fainting. There is no "quick fix" or magic bullet for this disease.

 I consider myself lucky if a doctor has seen or heard of it before. My father pointed out that this disease seems to strike young adults- people in their late teens, twenties, or early thirties. Due to this, and the fact that there isn't a quick fix, doctors don't know what to do. If someone is having a heart attack, you do a bypass. If there is an arrhythmia, simply implant a pacemaker and try to control this with medication. However, with dysautonomia there is not a lot one can do. Yes, there is medication that helps, but it does take time to see how that works. It isn't a black and white diagnosis. Due to this, many doctors will say, "Oh, it is just stress." or "it is all in your head." Sorry, but I think fainting 15 times a day is a pretty good indication that something might be wrong.

This disease can take over your life. You never know if it is going to be a good day or a bad one. It robs you of sleep, of doing things, and of your independence. It effects your friends and family as well. I never thought that my parents would say, "Ok, pick a floor, but don't go upstairs unless we are here." This was simply a safety thing. I never thought that I would need to make sure it was ok to fall on someone if I fainted during an event, or put a towel on an empty chair so that I could fall that way during a meal. A few years ago, a friend and I were volunteering in an ESL program at church. I never thought that the students, who had degrees in subjects I couldn't do if my life depended on it, would willingly cover for me when I fell. Later on, I discovered that the fainting scared the volunteers, but not the students.

I have been dealing with this disease for six years. I have two brothers- one who understands the problem and one who doesn't.  B, the brother who doesn't "get it," despite being told in plain English about this disease, had an epiphany. Apparently, one of his business contacts has the same thing, but her case is not as severe. One day, I got a call from B asking if I had dysautonomia and then asked if I had POTS. B went from total denial to starting a support group in one day. By the end of that day, I had an email from my brother including the names of two doctors who treat this, and a way to contact some others with the same disease.

So many people have to deal with this disease alone. Even with a pretty supportive family, it is hard. You can't pin down the problem. I'm lucky that many of friends understand this disease. I also know that it scares my brother. Still, once he realized that we weren't the only family dealing with this, his attitude changed. He isn't as scared of the fainting.

I guess my point is that we  need more education about this disease- both in the medical community and in public. There may not be a treatment yet, but there will be one day. I think education is key.

Expeditions and Adventures

I have always known that dogs are great icebreakers. (Trust me, anyone and everyone will ask about or find an excuse to say something to or about your service dog.) Also, be prepared, nothing on this planet can scam kids or adults out of food like a labrador. Yes, she is well fed and well loved. She has also gotten the message about service dogs out better than any human can or will.

So, when I got Dora, it didn't surprise me that kids in the neighborhood rejoiced. It took a few months, but soon the 4 year old who lives in the apartment next to me asked if he could help me and throw the ball for Dora. I said "Of Course!" This simple act has led to a routine- Dora is ready to go at 330. I go over and simply ask if the 4 year old, plus anywhere from 4-5 cousins would like to throw. It started with simply throwing the ball, a few games of red light/green light, and a piece of candy. Easy, Fun, and Good for everyone.

However, the kids have upped the stakes on me, but it still helps. It started with a single walk to the football field about two blocks from the apartment. These walks have now developed into full expeditions. The kids are great, and so is Dora. What is interesting to me is how much I have learned about by neighborhood by simply exploring it. A walk to the fountain became a science experiment in what does and doesn't float. We also met a man who saw four kids fascinated by a fountain, who then showed us the one he is constructing, let us feed the fish, and taught us to say "thank you" in Sign Language.

I'm meeting new people. Rediscovering what I was taught and am having many new adventures, and, as an added bonus in the digital age teaching and getting kids to believe that a walk outside is a lot more fun than a computer game.

Patients for a moment blog carnival available.
 There are some great posts there!
You can read it here:Patients for a moment carnival

Fighting the Invisible Battles

“Imagine you are faced with an enemy you cannot defeat.” These are the opening words to a recent documentary I viewed about China. (Yes, the headache has been bad and for some reason I turn to ancient history because it makes a distraction for me and at the same time makes me very happy I live in the age of modern medicine.) However, these words define my life.

I can’t completely defeat the pain. The greatest and wisest physicians I know can’t make the pain completely go away. All we can do is stave it off enough so that I can function as normally as possible. The stimulator implanted above the occipital nerves, Botox injections every three months, along with some powerful pain medications and muscle relaxants with an occasional IV of Depakan can only hold it off. But I have to find a way to live with it and so I do.

I take the medications. I read. I walk, play, and curl up with Dora the GREAT Explorer, my service dog, who provides more solace than many medicines. I volunteer. I spoil my nephew and the neighborhood kids.

I can’t defeat the fainting, either. I want to. Every doctor and man of science I have seen about it has basically told me that I have to live with it. I have been told everything from “it is psychological and she is making it up, “to it is epilepsy, a heart problem, and a nerve problem.” There isn’t an answer.  Paperwork to see the first doctor I have seen in two years to address this problem is on my dining room table. But still. I have to find a way to live with it. I take the meds, I take Dora everywhere, and I live my life- because there is no other choice.

So this leaves me searching for answers and looking for the every changing “Middle way”. I am an Episcopalian and in that “middle way” I have found God and know that he will lead me. That he is really the one running the show here.

So sometimes I sue for peace. Sometimes I must use powerful medicines to fight the beast. But one day, I will see up close the golden cross I follow and glimpse in the distance and then I shall be free. But until that day comes, I shall fight.

Poem: Something is Wrong

Something is wrong, Lord.

I don’t know what to do anymore.

I fumble around in the dark, searching, seeking for answers.

I know you are there- for in the distance I see the light-

It hangs above a cross and the darkness cannot overcome it.

It is this light that is guiding me through this wilderness.

Your son stayed here for forty days and forty nights-

And though he was tempted by the devil- who tried to give him all earthly power- He stood firm.

Maybe he was staring at the same light; but the darkness couldn’t overcome him.

Lord, I’m terrified.

I fall again and again and sometimes I wonder how much more I can take, but I keep going.

So here I am- knocked down by pain and fainting.

I pray for strength every time I get up.

Now the pain is nearly unbearable and I am scared.

Now the silent enemy attacks and I must put on the Gospel Armor and join the fight once more.

But I am weak and the arsenal is limited- I fight with medications, with stimulators, with a dog beside me.

I don’t know what to do except hold on; fix my eyes upon the light and hope for peace.

New Name, New Link

Hi All,

I explained in an earlier post that I was changing the name of the blog. It is now Adventures in falling!

The blog can be found here at:
http://adventuresinfalling.blogspot.com/

Go with God!

Sconesail

Dora: not just a medical alert dog

Dora decided to branch out and try her skills at being a fire, or at least a canine smoke detector this week. I loaded the dishwasher Thursday morning. It sounded kind of funny, but I just thought that a glass or spoon was shifting in the washer. I went into the living room to sit down. I didn't think anything of the noise at all.

About five minutes later, Dora started going crazy and running between me and the kitchen, specifically between me and the dishwasher. I got up to see what was going on. I went into the kitchen and Dora stopped in front of the dishwasher. It felt hot and there was a faint smell of smoke. I opened the dishwasher and discovered that a plastic Tupperware lid had fallen down and was interfering with the heating unit. I took it out, let the washer cool down, then started it again. The dishes got clean and Dora got to prove that she is a really good fire dog. I suggested she check in with the fire station down the block, but the position was taken. She also said she loved the variety of skills she is learning around me.

So here is to Dora, the amazing fire and fainting detection dog!

Go with God
sconesail

Name Change

I have decided to change the title of this blog. I did this, not only because I felt it was time for a change, but to more accurately reflect my current situation.

One of my parent's good friends used to say that he "Never travelled; He had adventures." Needless to say that life with fainting, headaches, and a service dog has proven to be quite an adventure.

Even though I didn't choose this disease and have no idea why I have it, I have to live with it. I will not let it define me. And I will fight with all I have. There are many times when I felt there are only two choices in dealing with the fainting- one can either cry or laugh. For the most part, I choose to laugh.

I promise there will be more Dora stories, poetry, and just life in general. Please join me in this new and crazy adventure!

Go with God!
sconesail and Dora

New Year, New leaves, and an update!

I know it has been a while since I last posted here, I thought I would update you on life in general.

In November, I had a horrible migraine that led to a four day hospitalization. But it did break.

Since then, I have slowly been getting back on track. I have made a few changes in my life- trying to get out more, looking for some part time work, cleaning. Basically, trying to see if doing things a little bit at a time will help. So far it seems to be working!

One of the worst things about migraine and fainting is the fact that it can hit you at any moment, but you still have to muddle through. But I know that I can and that I will.

Go with God,
sconesail

I know I have posted on this subject before, but a series of events has led me to add to the list, so here goes.

You might have a fainting disorder if:
- You faint in the gas station and one person immediately says- "Where's your dog? and she is fine- don't do anything" You have no idea who this person is, but she said she had seen me in the grocery store.
(Dora is in Jemison for some training.)

You have to laugh or cry and I choose to laugh!

Things you should never say to a Migraineur

Earlier this week, I read an article on 12 things you should never say to a Migraineur . There is a lot of truth in it. Over the past 16 years, many people have offered advice- some good, some bad, and some ugly. So I thought that I should add to the list. Here are top things that I hate to hear about migraines and fainting.

1. "Don't they have treatments for that now!" (said by someone at a dinner party)
2. "It must be rebound" (Too many doctors to count)
3. "There is no way you can still be in pain" (ER doctor after giving medicine that made me sick)
4. Don't cry, you will only make it worse!
5. If you pray hard enough, it will go away.
6. If you did more with your life, you wouldn't have this problem! (said by Nurse Practitioner
7. It is "all in your head!" (ok, yes migraine is a disorder of the brain, but this is usually said when someone means you are making this up.)
8. "How did it feel to be that close to death?" Said by Priest, after the ER overdosed me on medication.

I try very hard not to tell many people how much the migraines effect my life. If you look at me, unless you know me well, you would never be able to tell. I will talk about it, but refuse to make it my life. I think the basic etiquette in my book is to brush it off unless asked about it.

The fainting is a little different. It is visible at times. But the only thing that drives me crazy is being told that I am a liability or those who can't see that the 55 pound dog standing over me is alerting and doing her job. Again, I refuse to let this disease to ruin my life and continue to do my best to live with this.

God with God!

Dora and Life

Dora and Life

I know I haven't posted on here for a while. There are many reasons for this, but, on a blog about life with fainting, I thought I'd post some of the good reasons for my absence.

Life with Dora- The Amazing Fainting Alert Dog!
On August 20, 2012, I drove to Auburn and picked up the newest addition to my family, a 3 year old black lab named Dora who could detect the fainting.  She completed training on October 20, 2012.

This dog has completely changed my life. I am still fainting, but not nearly as much as I was- she has cut it by more than half. It has been an adventure for both of us. Here are a few things I have learned about living with a service dog.

1. Dora is far more popular than I am. Half the neighborhood refers to me as Dora or Dora's mom.
2. Dora is the best icebreaker I have met.
3. I am now the current neighborhood expert on all things dog- people will actually come up to me and ask where I got the dog and what kind of dog they should get.
4. Dora is able to calm passengers down in the airport and using the famous puppy dog eyes, able to weasel chicken out of other passengers.
5. Next to the wedding dress, Dora's bow is the most talked about piece of attire at the wedding.
6. You have learned that your dog is a good judge of character- if she doesn't like someone, there is a reason.
7. You will get up at strange hours to take your dog out.
8. You have to acknowledge the very real possibility that Dora may be smarter than you sometimes.

I have learned so much from her. She has helped me in ways that I can't even name. I am lucky to have you.