Doctor's Visit Results

I had my doctor's appointment today. I am now seeing a new gastroenterologist and I'm on a new medicine and supplement. I will probably have to do both of these the rest of my life. They think that maybe I have an autoimmune disease so I have to have more blood work done as these haven't been tested yet. I am to try these new medicines and see if they work. They seem to think that I have had this condition all of my life and am just experiencing a flare up. It seems that it kind of goes away and reoccurs every few months or years even though I haven't really experienced this particular pain before. We'll see what happens. No quick fix which disappoints me but I guess we're in the right direction. If these things don't work and they don't find an autoimmune disease, I will have to have more tests.

Praise:
*The cyst that was found in earlier ultrasounds has now disappeared!!

Prayer Requests:
*That I will have an easier time with the blood work.
*That the doctors will find out what exactly is wrong.
*That these new medicines will be well tolerated.
*That I will gain some more energy. I have been so tired lately as a result of one of the medicines that I am now taking.
*That I won't get discouraged. I have had a hard time with keeping positive and have wanted to give up on finding a cause or treatment for my pain as it seems that no one knows what is wrong. However, I am trying to stay optimistic and keep on going no matter how long it takes.

As always thanks for your well wishes, thoughts, and prayers.

Have a wonderful last day of 2008!

Isaiah 41:10 (New International Version)
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will srengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Prayer Requests

Well, Christmas is over and my Mom and Stepdad have gone back to North Carolina. I have been feeling a little better but very tired and nauseous (just as a result of my new medicine). I got to a new specialist tomorrow morning. My other one couldn't ever find the time to see me although he said that he needed me to come in again. So, together my general physician and I decided that I needed someone new. Pray for me tomorrow that this new doctor will come up with a plan for what to do next or some treatment for me.

Also, two little babies need your prayers more than I do. Their names are Stellan and Kayleigh. Stellan has been diagnosed with RSV after having heart trouble in the womb. God has already performed a miracle once with Stellan and can definitly do it again. Kayleigh was born premature and is still having trouble in the hospital. She is now 6 months old. Check out their blogs below and keep them and their families in your prayers.

Christmas Day

I hope that everyone had a great Christmas!

On Christmas Eve, we had our best friends (Courtney and Erika) over for a great meal. It was my first real time "entertaining" in our house. But, everyone seemed to enjoy the meal (they even got 2nds!!) and we had a great time just talking. We had so many plans for what we were going to do and just spent most of the time eating and talking. Sorry- I forgot to take pictures.

On Christmas Day, we went over to Mat's parents' house to open presents and eat. We had a great time as always. Plenty of presents and good food. Here are just a few pictures from the day:

My in-laws

Santa came to visit Granny Hams.

Us "kids"- Mat, Me, Charles, and Mary

The dogs- Bonnie, Patsy, and Hogan. Patsy did not want to cooperate for the picture.

This is how Patsy chose to celebrate Christmas. She just wanted to lay at Dad McCarl's feet.

Me and Cubby (the dog we're dog sitting). He is so sweet and has been like my shadow. I wonder if I really have to give him back. :)

This Christmas was definitly different because I wasn't with my family in NC. Because I haven't been feeling good, we just didn't think it was best for me to travel. I missed my family so much!! I have been doing better but really tired. I did have some pain on Christmas Day. I go back to the doctor on Monday.

My Mom and Stepdad are on their way to our house now. They are going to be staying with us this weekend. It will be nice to have them here.

Have a wonderful weekend! And, don't miss all of the sales. :)

Sunday Update

I love this time of year! I am so excited for Christmas to be here. However, I'm still feeling bad so I am a little bummed.

Here is the update as of today:
*My doctor called me yesterday while she was on her vacation to tell me about the results of my blood work. The only thing that shows up is the issue with my liver. My liver enzymes are slightly higher than they were a week ago.
*I now hurt in my left side all of the time and the pain goes down and over to my right side. Sometimes it is in my back.
*I am also VERY tired. She thinks that it is probably just because my body has so much going on inside.
*The general doctor (the one that called me) is going to call the specialist tomorrow morning and ask what he thinks it is. Also, she is going to see if it is absolutely necessary for me to have another CT Scan or if we can just skip that and have another test.
*I am going to school tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday. Hopefully, I'll be able to make it through both of those days without being too tired and sore. I HATE being out!!


Prayer Requests:
*Wisdom for the doctors. I am so tired of them not knowing what to do.
*That I will not have to have another CT Scan.
*That I will be able to feel okay (or at least somewhat comfortable) at school Monday and Tuesday.
*That there will some sort of treatment before Christmas. Okay, this might be asking a lot but I would love to not be tired and in pain on Christmas.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers!

Now of course you need to see a picture of Patsy. She has been busy today helping us get the house ready for Christmas. Okay, so she isn't a lot of help but she is pretty cute!

This is Patsy's new friend, Cubby. We are keeping him while his Mommy, Daddy, and brother are visiting family for the Holidays. Patsy LOVES having him around. She loves him so much that he has to hide under the side table to get away from her. He is a great dog!!

Have a great Monday!

We elfed ourselves!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Health Update

Happy 1 week before Christmas (but who's counting right?)!

I am back home today. I was at home yesterday too but slept most of the day. I went to school Monday and Tuesday and quickly learned why it was that I was supposed to stay home. Monday I did okay but Tuesday I was hurting and exhausted all day. By the time I got to my doctor's office Tuesday night, I was just ready to go to bed (and it was 7pm!!).

After not getting any results with my gastroenterologist, my General Practitioner decided for me to just go back to her. I have had to have more blood tests that I should hear the results of today or tomorrow. Hopefully I will hear today because I would like to go back to work tomorrow. Anyway, my first batch of blood tests showed that something might not be quite right with my liver. I'm not sure about all of the various diseases and disorders of the liver but I know Mat has researched. I just hope and pray that I can have an answer soon. I am very tired of being in pain and tired. Now I'm tired of being at home too!

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers! I hope that you are all enjoying this holiday season.

Christmas Card Carousel

I wanted to join in on Faith's "Christmas Card Carousel" because I love to get Christmas cards. However, I have been lazier than normal this year and am just mailing our Christmas cards and I didn't want to post it on here before all of our family and friends got it in the mail. So, I created a "Smilebox" card for everyone to enjoy.


Have a very happy holiday!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Don't forget to visit Faith's blog for more wonderful Christmas cards!

Our Home at Christmas

Welcome to the McCarl's house for Christmas!

We were very excited to get all of our Christmas decorations up this year because it is the 1st year that we've had our own home. I knew that all of our family and friends would want to see everything so I thought I would post pictures here. Then, I saw that some wonderful ladies host "Home Tours" in which everyone goes on their blog and posts pictures of their homes at Christmas. It will be so exciting to see all of the different homes.

Well, here are the pictures. We have just your basic Christmas decorations this year.

Enjoy our wonderful home!!

The front of our house. I like this the most- especially because of the snow.

Our front door. Home Sweet Home!

The garland going up the stairs. It goes all the way up.

Our Christmas tree. Most of the ornaments have special meaning. We actually couldn't find all of our ornaments since we still have unpacking to do.

Our very basic stockings. I don't really like them but they are okay for this year. Of course, the pink one is Patsy's.

Mat's manger scene. He was given this by a youth group that he worked with in college. I know he was so proud to finally be able to put it out.

Our beautiful wedding chapel. Mat's mom gave this to us the first Christmas after we got engaged. Maybe one day I'll have the whole village.

I hope that you have enjoyed our home. Have a very Merry Christmas!

-Jessica

P.S.--Check out these links for pictures of more wonderful homes:

http://southernhospitality-rhoda.blogspot.com/

http://www.wearethatfamily.com/2008/12/its-time-to-share-your-tree.html

http://asoftplacetoland-kimba.blogspot.com/2008/12/youre-invited.html

http://tipjunkie.blogspot.com/2008/12/virtual-tour-of-homes-holiday-addition.html

**If the picture links don't work, just type in the address that is on the picture. I'm still learning how to link things.

Update

I thought it might be time for an update to the blog.

I had to return to the doctor today because my pains have become worse and more widespread. As soon as I saw the regular doctor that I have been going to, she called a specialist and sent me right over to them. After talking with him, he came up with two things that he thinks are strong possibilities. I don't want to reveal these on the blog but I will let you know when I get an actual diagnosis. He has done several more blood tests and I should get the results tomorrow. I am also on antibiotics in case there is inflammation or an infection somewhere. If I do not start feeling better by Monday, I have to call back, go back in, and possibly have more invasive tests than the ones I have had.

I have to stay out of school again tomorrow and I am not one that is easily relaxed unless I'm sleeping and I feel bad that I have to be out of school again. I trust the substitutes I have had but they're just not me. I also work with wonderful ladies who are "holding down the fort" for me.

Please keep me in your prayers. Also, pray for Mat. He is such an understanding guy and is really trying to keep me positive and do everything around here. He's getting great at picking up dinner and doing dishes and taking out the trash!

Hopefully I'll have a diagnosis soon. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers!!

Bad Movies and Snow

Happy Sunday!


Last night, we had Mat's "Bad Movie Club" at our house. It was a lot of fun and everyone seemed to have a good time. The movie was definitly horrible. If you haven't watched "Laserhawk" and want a horrible movie, it is for you. The meatballs and "Puppy Chow" were a BIG hit! Mary and Charles (Mat's sister and her fiance) had the wonderful idea to order pizza. GREAT idea!! We had lots of good food and friends.
Our best friends Courtney (yes, Courtney a guy) and his wife Ericka stayed after everyone else and we watched "Stepbrothers". It was a funny movie and we love spending time with Courtney and Ericka.

Here are Mary and Patsy hanging out before the movie started. Once people starting arriving, I completely forgot to take pictures. Patsy LOVED Mary. She sat with her or on her most of the night.

Also last night, it snowed!! It started a little in the afternoon and kept going. Of course it was just a dusting but it was so pretty. I love snow and can't wait for it to snow some more. Patsy didn't really know what to think of the snow. She would run outside, step on the cold grass and run back in. I think she needs doggy shoes.

Mat standing on the deck in the snow.

Patsy looking up at her Daddy wondering how long we were going to make her stay outside.Standing in the snow on the deck. Mat and I were out in the yard and she just wanted to be on the deck.

I don't know if I like the snow.Can I go in now?

Thank goodness!! Being outside in the snow is so rough.The deck after all of the snow. So beautiful!


Our Sunday has been spent relaxing. We even took naps this afternoon. Believe me, it is a big deal when Mat takes a nap. He has been sick this week so he really needed it. Luckily he seems to be over the bad part.

Enjoy the rest of your Sunday and have a good Monday!

-Jessica

P.S.- Sorry that the pictures are all different sizes. I am still learning the whole picture sizing thing.

Fun-filled Friday

Okay, so my Friday wasn't so fun-filled but oh well. Hopefully your's was better.

I had my MRI and CT Scan done this morning. The MRI went very well. I had no problems with the injection (except a painful arm) and I wasn't as nervous as last time. Thanks to my sweet hubby who went back with me and help my leg the whole time. My CT Scan wasn't as easy but no major problems there either. Because I haven't been drinking a lot, they had trouble finding a vein and had to poke me like 3 times. Oh and the 1st time, I think they thought if they moved the needle around and kept pushing it in, something would happen- that was fun (NOT!). Overall, everything was okay. Now I just have to hear my hubby say to drink drink drink (water) for the next two days. I'm supposed to drink water so that I can get all of the injections and dyes out of my system.

My night is going to be spent making "Puppy Chow" and cleaning for Mat's "Bad Movie Club". "Puppy Chow" is a cute name for Mat's Aunt's White Chocolate Chex Mix. It is one of the best things ever!! She made it the first time I met her and I am addicted. I never think to make of it except at Christmas but I can eat it for weeks because it makes so much. Mat's "Bad Movie Club" is a group of his friends that get together once a month and watch a horrible movie (and I mean horrible). Tomorrow they are watching the movie at our house. I'm so worried because I need to get our house cleaned up and ready for our first group of visitors. It will be fun once everything is done. I'm also making the "Puppy Chow" and Mat's Mom's famous meatballs (Mat's favorite!). Hopefully everyone will have a fun time.

Well off to make "Puppy Chow", clean up, and try to relax.

Have a good weekend!

What's Happening

This week has been one crazy week! My students at school have been a little more active than usual and I haven't felt great. That makes for a bad combination!

On a much better note, I have two students who have finally learned to write words. Yes, they are in first grade and just now writing real words. These two students have been writing letters all year. Like if they wanted to say "My favorite color is blue", they would write something like "Bdoielfjiojwoa". Well, TODAY was the day that it happened!! We had read "The Gingerbread Man" story and they were writing their own stories. One of my new writers came to show me his story and it was real words. I could read it!! I was so happy that I just can't describe it. Then, a few minutes ago, I was reading their journals at home and my other new writer wrote a whole sentence in her journal and every word was spelled right. I could not believe it!! I just started crying and of course had to explain to Mat why this was a big deal. I still don't think he understands but it is just amazing to me. It makes all of the bad days worthwhile. I could not be more proud of these two students.

Switching topics -- Tomorrow I go for more medical "tests". I have to have my yearly MRI for my enlarged pituitary gland. Over a year and a half ago, my neurologist made me have my first MRI and they found that I have an enlarged pituitary gland. It must have been nothing because he barely mentioned it. However, when my regular doctor found out about it, she insisted that I have MRIs each year and keep an eye on things. I don't know exactly what it all means and I don't want to Google it for fear of what I'll find out.
I also go tomorrow for a CT Scan. A few weeks ago, I woke up with horrible pains in my side and back. After having an ultrasound, the doctor found that I have a cyst on my right ovary. Apparently it is small but I have go tomorrow for the CT Scan so that my doctor can decide if I should have surgery or if it might just go away. Hopefully she'll decide soon because I have been in lots of pain this week.
Please pray for me tomorrow. I hate MRIs because the first one was a horrible experience and I hate drinking the liquid for the CT Scan. I'm gonna need a nap after all of that. :)

Well, I guess that is enough information for now. Have a great Friday!

Not Me! Monday

Happy Monday (and December) to all!

Mat still isn't thrilled about blogging so I can make this all about me. Right?!

A great blog that I have found and become addicted to- http://www.mycharmingkids.net/ - always has "Not Me! Monday". The author of the blog, so cutely named MckMama, writes about things that she has not done - okay, it is a joke that she has actually done these things. It is always so much fun to read and get a laugh out of all the things that she has not done. So, since I know you all love to laugh at the crazy things I do, I thought I would do my own "Not Me! Monday" and tell you about some of the things I have not done this past week (and remember- they are things that I have done). Enjoy!!

I did not waste my weekend and avoid reading articles for my research project until Sunday night.

I did not only take pictures of the dog at Thanksgiving. I would not do that because I am not crazy about my new dog. And, my husband and I are not considering getting another dog to join our sweet little Patsy because we think she is bored.


I did not fuss with my husband about how we were going to put up garland around our door. Garland? We would never argue about garland!



I definitly did not eat about 5 pieces of pie in the past 4 days. It was Thanksgiving weekend and someone had to eat it but that would not be me.



I most certainly did not have my husband buy me a new mixer at the Target sale because I'm too lazy to find the one that is still packed up somewhere.

Oh, and it definitly has not been 3 months since we moved in and there is not still a basement full of boxes left to unpack.



And back to that research project for graduate school- I am not sitting here posting on my blog instead of writing that research paper.




This isn't a lot but hopefully you got a laugh. I'll try to remember more and if this is a hit with you all, I'll do another "Not Me! Monday" next week.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello to all that read this. Who does read this? Anyone?

Well, Thanksgiving and Christmas are upon us. This evening I have been busy baking bread and pies for tomorrow. We are spending Thanksgiving Day with Mat's parents so I have to bring our share of the goodies - okay they stuck me with the "easy" stuff. This is truly a learning experience for me since I didn't know that bread had to have time to "rise". Also, I have not yet located my electric mixer so I had trouble getting my pumpkin cheesecake mixed together. Luckily I am also making a cinnamon apple pie so we have back up. I also got back up rolls too just in case my honey wheat rolls aren't edible. What an adventure tonight has been- and it isn't over yet!!

In addition to the food, Thanksgiving has a more special meaning for us this year. We been so blessed this year. We have always had wonderful family and friends but we also now have our own home and our sweet little girl (dog), Patsy. God does work in mysterious ways and has always known the perfect timing for everything. Although we had to wait so long for our own home, it was definitly worth it. We have so much to be thankful for this year.

We're also in the midst of getting ready to decorate our home for Christmas. We both love Christmas and are already in the mood but Mat tells me I can't put up the tree until the day after Thanksgiving. We went out this weekend and bought a tree, stockings, garland, and wreaths. Once I actually get everything up I'll post pictures. Of course I have to locate the rest of our Christmas ornaments in order to put them on the tree.

In case I don't blog tomorrow due to the turkey coma, have a wonderful Thanksgiving! We are thankful for all of you!

Our Family Update

Here is a little update as to what is going on right now with the McCarls.

We are living in Alexandria, VA - okay, I think you all knew that one. Back on August 26th (one day before my birthday) we purchased our first home. We absolutely love it but will love it even more when everything is unpacked. Yes, three months and everything isn't unpacked.




Jess teaches 1st grade and Mat is the Student Activities Coordinator at a community college.

Two weeks ago we added to our little family. We adopted Patsy- a wonderful little 5 year old black and tan coonhound. She was rescued in August from a puppy mill in Southern Virginia where she was one of the breeder dogs. When she was rescued, she had pneumonia, heartworm, and was pregnant. She was given great care and recovered from everything. We went out to our local animal shelter and fell in love with her! She loves to nap and loves walks. We love having her in our family and are trying to give her a great doggy life.

I think that gets you updated for now.

-Jess

We Have a Blog!

Welcome to our blog! If you're here, you already know us. Of course this is Jess because Mat hates the whole blog thing.

After reading my friends' blogs, I have come to realize what a great way this is for all of our family and friends to keep up with what we're doing. I always feel like we miss so much that is going on and it is hard to keep everyone updated. I'll try to update this a lot and add pictures- of course that requires that I take pictures. I hope you enjoy a glimpse into our little world!

-Mat and Jess McCarl