So I haven't written in a while its been crazy these last couple months. My husband came back from deployment early due to a IED. We spent months battling for a diagnosis that actually fit all his symptoms. The doctor just kept telling us he had overwhelming PTSD, which I didn't agree with. I know what PTSD is my husband was diagnosed with it prior to this last deployment. Needless to say I fought for us to go to NICoE. NICoE specializes in PTSD and TBI. Along with doing research and learning more about the conditions and how it affects the soldier and the famlies. Well while we were at NICoE they actually listened to me about what I deal with on a daily bases with my husband. They did so many test that they say its 2 years of appointments packed into a one month period. We found out that my husband had hearing loss and needed hearing aids. Also that he had photophobia and vision loss, so he needed special glasses.
Honestly I am just going to list all the things that they found out:
Sleep apnea
Scarring on his eyes
Photophobia
Vision loss
Hearing loss
PTSD; nightmares, anxiety, social anxiety, loud noises and lights bring back memories of tramatic events
TBI: memory loss, blank outs where he doesn't know who anyone is or where he is at, headaches all day long, balance issues, collaspes and blacks out.
Vasalvaga
Peripheral vertigo
Both shoulders have surgery and need more surgery
His neck has a bulge/herinated disk
His hips are messed up uses cane to walk
Speech problems: stuttering
Well thats all I can think of for now. Needless to say its been a very weird and interesting year. My husband received his purple heart for his injuries on that fateful day that changed our lives forever. Everyday is a new day that I just don't know how it will turn out. We went and picked the kids up during Christmas break since it is taking so long for us to get out and Matt's dads health isn't doing to good. So he can't take care of the kids while we finish getting out of the military. Its great having the kids back. The kids are adjusting to having a father that is different than he was before. Both kids are now in speech so its been a busy year of appointments. Hopefully only a few more months here in the desert then we will be back on the East coast.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Friday, March 16, 2012
Been awhile
So its been awhile since I blogged. Its just been so busy. On May 4th, 2011 Matt's truck was hit by a IED. He called me four days later to let me know that he would be medivac out to Germany. His right shoulder was injuried again and that he would need to have a third surgery. He had two previous surgeries before he left for deployment. When I talked to him on webcam he seemed real tired and groggy. I figured it was from all the medication he was on. Well he was released from Germany after a week to have surgery back here in the states. Couple days later I received a phone call from him telling me to meet him at the hospital. Since the wounded warrior unit was who he was assigned to and he had to get checked out before he could go home. I was so paniced thinking he was much worst than I thought. When I got there and stood in line I guess I looked so freaked, a lady told me I would be seen faster if I went to a nonmilitary hospital. Which I knew and also understood she was just trying to be helpful. One of the nurses asked what I needed and eventually showed me and the kids to Matt.
Matt slowly was declining. I noticed things here and there that wasn't normal for Matt. He would limp but we figured his hip was bruised from the IED since that was what the medical staff said. He showed the normal symptons for PTSD, he was diagnosed with PTSD back in 2009. He had anger issues, irritable, he was searching for words alot more than normal. He was having a little trouble with math, when he was always so good at it before. He was having headaches and as the months went by they were getting worst. Every now and again he would just collaspe for a few minutes like he was fainting. I didn't know what was going on. Matt and I were getting so fustrated not having any answers and getting two different diagonised from doctors. He was sent to the TBI clinic here in Fort Bliss and was told that it was just overwhelming PTSD. We also had numerous other doctors tell us he had PTSD and TBI. One doctor actually referred us to a clinic in Maryland that specialize in TBI. But we were denied because the TBI clinic and Neurology were denying he had TBI.
Well on December 23rd, 2011 He finally went in for right shoulder surgery. I have heard mixed stories on what happened during surgery. Some say during surgery his brain flat lined and he had to have injections to get his brain going again. The surgeron also admitted to me that Matt's shoulder was worst than he thought. He had to remove two balls of tissue that the MRI missed. After the surgery Matt got worst. His balance was messed up and he was starting to fall into things. His headaches were worst, he was developing a stutter when the headaches got real bad. He was having more trouble sleeping and having a hard time breathing while asleep. When he would walk a long distance he would get out of breath or when he talked he would lose his breath. He was starting to complain about not seeing when someone was standing on the side of him.
We kept going back to the TBI clinic and the Doctor there finally admitted Matt should go to Maryland for further diagnoses and treatment. So here we are its March almost a year after Matt was involved in a blast he is finally going for treatment. The hospital in Maryland told us just looking at Matt's medical record they could tell he had TBI but what stage they were unsure all they could say was that it is mild to moderate. Also only way to be admitted to the hospital in Maryland is if you do have TBI.
We lefted on Friday March 9th, 2012 for Maryland. We stopped in Beaufort, SC to see my family. Now we are in Murrells Inlet, SC seeing Matt's dad and dropping the kids off. The kids are going to be staying with Matts dad until we get out the military so that means for a couple of months I am going to be without my babies. Hooch is going with us since he is now Matt's service.
Matt slowly was declining. I noticed things here and there that wasn't normal for Matt. He would limp but we figured his hip was bruised from the IED since that was what the medical staff said. He showed the normal symptons for PTSD, he was diagnosed with PTSD back in 2009. He had anger issues, irritable, he was searching for words alot more than normal. He was having a little trouble with math, when he was always so good at it before. He was having headaches and as the months went by they were getting worst. Every now and again he would just collaspe for a few minutes like he was fainting. I didn't know what was going on. Matt and I were getting so fustrated not having any answers and getting two different diagonised from doctors. He was sent to the TBI clinic here in Fort Bliss and was told that it was just overwhelming PTSD. We also had numerous other doctors tell us he had PTSD and TBI. One doctor actually referred us to a clinic in Maryland that specialize in TBI. But we were denied because the TBI clinic and Neurology were denying he had TBI.
Well on December 23rd, 2011 He finally went in for right shoulder surgery. I have heard mixed stories on what happened during surgery. Some say during surgery his brain flat lined and he had to have injections to get his brain going again. The surgeron also admitted to me that Matt's shoulder was worst than he thought. He had to remove two balls of tissue that the MRI missed. After the surgery Matt got worst. His balance was messed up and he was starting to fall into things. His headaches were worst, he was developing a stutter when the headaches got real bad. He was having more trouble sleeping and having a hard time breathing while asleep. When he would walk a long distance he would get out of breath or when he talked he would lose his breath. He was starting to complain about not seeing when someone was standing on the side of him.
We kept going back to the TBI clinic and the Doctor there finally admitted Matt should go to Maryland for further diagnoses and treatment. So here we are its March almost a year after Matt was involved in a blast he is finally going for treatment. The hospital in Maryland told us just looking at Matt's medical record they could tell he had TBI but what stage they were unsure all they could say was that it is mild to moderate. Also only way to be admitted to the hospital in Maryland is if you do have TBI.
We lefted on Friday March 9th, 2012 for Maryland. We stopped in Beaufort, SC to see my family. Now we are in Murrells Inlet, SC seeing Matt's dad and dropping the kids off. The kids are going to be staying with Matts dad until we get out the military so that means for a couple of months I am going to be without my babies. Hooch is going with us since he is now Matt's service.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Couponing
Well Thursday I did my first ever big couponing trip to the grocery store. Albertsons had buy one get one on some of there meats. I bought $168.00 worth of food and only spent $104.00. I saved $64.00 thats the most I have ever saved I couldn't believe it. I also went to walgreens that day and bought about $15.00 worth of stuff and only paid about $6.00. Plus I have $2.00 in register rewards to use on my next purchase.
I have been reading the Krazy coupon lady blog getting tips and such. Well I realized that the ads she has on there for Albertsons does not match up to my Albertsons ads and the pricing she gets for Walmart is also different from mine. Her website is very helpful though with find all the coupons out there and with all the tips she gives.
Yesterday I was able to get two air wick plug ins for free and some travel sized aquafresh toothpaste for free. Hopefully this week I can stack some coupons together to be able to pay either next to nothing or get it for free.
After the government shut down scare I vowed not to have to worry about being able to buy food for the kids. So I took tips from the girls at The Krazy Coupon lady. I went from the most I ever saved at the comissary being about $20.00 to saving about $64.00 at Albertsons. I always thought shopping on base saved me the most money with the whole not paying taxes thing., and using coupons. Honesty though I have learned that if I shop off base and shop the deals and stack coupons on top of the deals and/or store coupons, I actually am saving more. I guess you could say that should have been a no brainer but my hubby actually did most of the grocery shopping I would just clip the coupons that we would use. So I believed him when he saved the commissary was cheaper.
Well since he left a couple of months ago I switched to just shopping at Walmart since we shopped there already for non food items. I was spending the same amount just shopping at one store, then slowly my grocery bill started to go up, and its just me and the kids. I couldn't believe how the enflation could make my bill go up almost a $100.00 in a few short months.
So now I guess you could call me a hoarder since I have started a stock pile in the huge storage closet. Its not big yet but I am hoping to get it good enough that I don't have to worry about certain items. Now I won't go to the extreme that you see on the show Extreme Couponing on TLC.
I have been reading the Krazy coupon lady blog getting tips and such. Well I realized that the ads she has on there for Albertsons does not match up to my Albertsons ads and the pricing she gets for Walmart is also different from mine. Her website is very helpful though with find all the coupons out there and with all the tips she gives.
Yesterday I was able to get two air wick plug ins for free and some travel sized aquafresh toothpaste for free. Hopefully this week I can stack some coupons together to be able to pay either next to nothing or get it for free.
After the government shut down scare I vowed not to have to worry about being able to buy food for the kids. So I took tips from the girls at The Krazy Coupon lady. I went from the most I ever saved at the comissary being about $20.00 to saving about $64.00 at Albertsons. I always thought shopping on base saved me the most money with the whole not paying taxes thing., and using coupons. Honesty though I have learned that if I shop off base and shop the deals and stack coupons on top of the deals and/or store coupons, I actually am saving more. I guess you could say that should have been a no brainer but my hubby actually did most of the grocery shopping I would just clip the coupons that we would use. So I believed him when he saved the commissary was cheaper.
Well since he left a couple of months ago I switched to just shopping at Walmart since we shopped there already for non food items. I was spending the same amount just shopping at one store, then slowly my grocery bill started to go up, and its just me and the kids. I couldn't believe how the enflation could make my bill go up almost a $100.00 in a few short months.
So now I guess you could call me a hoarder since I have started a stock pile in the huge storage closet. Its not big yet but I am hoping to get it good enough that I don't have to worry about certain items. Now I won't go to the extreme that you see on the show Extreme Couponing on TLC.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
no clothes lines
Well officially my housing area took down my clothes line. No I am not the only one that lost the clothes line. I am so mad, since I actually did use my clothes line to hang my diapers. When I asked the guys that were taking them down they said that a different style would be put up. Well I called housing to ask about this and was told that for me to get a clothes line I need to put in a renovations work order and they would eventually get me a clothes line if they have any. So I give up on the clothes line through housing its too much a hassle and I know I would have to call every other day to see about it. Since they still haven't fixed the tile in my house that warped when the shower had a leak last June when we moved in. So I am now using my sons old toy organizer as a drying rack till I buy a real one.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
my stash
My stash so far minus about 9 diapers
I just had to put a clothes line one since I think those are the best pictures.
I just had to put a clothes line one since I think those are the best pictures.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Kawaii cloth diaper review
Kawaii cloth diaper Review
Eco-friendly Bamboo Minky cloth diaper Mom label
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Price: $11.20 each
About the diaper directly from their site:
I love that they are soft when you first get them. I have notice they are not as soft on the inside after I line dry them even putting them in the dryer for a bit hasn't helped. The outside says soft though. The liners really do absorb alot.
I stuff all my diapers after I get them dried and then put them away. With these diapers I always have to check the liner and make sure they are laying flat inside diaper, they tend to bunch up when not being used. The liner is really thin so it doesn't add much bulk to the diaper which is great since it makes it easier to put pants on her.
The hip snaps are wonderful since they prevent the sides from drooping. The sizing is perfect compared to another diaper brand I have. I have to snap down to medium setting so I know these should last time I decide to potty train.
I have used these for at night, just double stuffed them and so far no leaks. I like all the diapers I have tried she still gets up at least once wanting a diaper change and something to drink. But that's normal for my 18 month old.
Honestly these are great diapers, but I don't know how they will do in the dead of summer here in El Paso. They seem like they might make her hot but we will see. I will update this when that time comes though.
You can see them in a size comparison here.
Eco-friendly Bamboo Minky cloth diaper Mom label
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Price: $11.20 each
About the diaper directly from their site:
- Multiple Tummy Cross Over Snaps to fit smaller waist
- Hip Snap Buttons help prevent Wing Drooping
- Three Rows of Rise Snap Buttons transform the diapers from newborn thru potty
- Added Front Panel - Avoid Leaking for Babies Sleeping on their Tummy
- Wider Back Pocket with flap - easy stuff and remove inserts
- 30 % more moisture absorption, high fiber density thus it's heavier
I love that they are soft when you first get them. I have notice they are not as soft on the inside after I line dry them even putting them in the dryer for a bit hasn't helped. The outside says soft though. The liners really do absorb alot.
I stuff all my diapers after I get them dried and then put them away. With these diapers I always have to check the liner and make sure they are laying flat inside diaper, they tend to bunch up when not being used. The liner is really thin so it doesn't add much bulk to the diaper which is great since it makes it easier to put pants on her.
The hip snaps are wonderful since they prevent the sides from drooping. The sizing is perfect compared to another diaper brand I have. I have to snap down to medium setting so I know these should last time I decide to potty train.
I have used these for at night, just double stuffed them and so far no leaks. I like all the diapers I have tried she still gets up at least once wanting a diaper change and something to drink. But that's normal for my 18 month old.
Honestly these are great diapers, but I don't know how they will do in the dead of summer here in El Paso. They seem like they might make her hot but we will see. I will update this when that time comes though.
You can see them in a size comparison here.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Sunbaby Diapers Review
Sunbaby diapers 4.0
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Price: between $4.50 - $5.00 per diaper but sold only in packages
Following pictures are directly from the Sunbaby diaper website:
About the Diaper taken directly from Sunbaby Diaper website:
The Sunbaby One Size Diapers are one of the most adjustable one size cloth diapers on the market! Adjust the diapers to fit babies 7-35 pounds and get a snug fit every time with the snap -adjusted in waist and leg.
Strong absorbent material with breathability keeps the skin dry and helps to prevent diaper rash. Our product absorbs urine fast and reduces the chances of developing bacteria from sleeping in a moist diaper.
12 SUNBABY 4.0 DIAPERS + 24 INSERTS $78.00
24 SUNBABY 4.0 DIAPERS + 24 INSERTS $108.00
24 SUNBABY 4.0 DIAPERS + 48 INSERTS $144.00
I used these diaper on my daughter from 15 months plus. Since I had just started cloth diapering. These would work great on younger babies. I love the different fabric patterns that I was able to get from Sunbaby diapers, also it was a great starter package for me since for 24 diapers I only paid $108.00.
I love the design of the diaper. With the back flap and the hip snaps. I have a chunky legged baby so she did get red marks on her legs even if I didn't use the hip snaps. She also has a small waist so using the last hip snap was impossible to do because then the diaper would bunch and become uncomfortable for her.. My daughter is 18 months and about 23 lbs and she is on the last rise adjustment and no hip snaps, but she fits the waist.
We have had no leaks with the Sunbaby diaper even at night, I double stuff at night. She wakes up atleast once needing a diaper change but she is a heavy wetter at night and gets uncomfortable. She even did that with disposable diapers. The hip snaps are great in preventing drooping on the sides. The lining is very soft. You do have to wash them quite a bit when you first get them since there is a bit of odor from being packaged for so long.
It took about three weeks to get my order in. They come from China so that is too be expected and my word of advice don't call USPS when they get stuck in customs since they will just try to make it seem like you got scammed because you are dealing with China. The USPS was the only problem I had with the whole order and shipping process. I also had ordered before Christmas so that also made my shipping time take longer than what I have heard from others that had ordered Sunbaby diapers.
You can find a size comparison on this diaper along with others here.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Price: between $4.50 - $5.00 per diaper but sold only in packages
Following pictures are directly from the Sunbaby diaper website:
About the Diaper taken directly from Sunbaby Diaper website:
The Sunbaby One Size Diapers are one of the most adjustable one size cloth diapers on the market! Adjust the diapers to fit babies 7-35 pounds and get a snug fit every time with the snap -adjusted in waist and leg.
Strong absorbent material with breathability keeps the skin dry and helps to prevent diaper rash. Our product absorbs urine fast and reduces the chances of developing bacteria from sleeping in a moist diaper.
Cost of different packages they offer:
12 SUNBABY 4.0 DIAPERS + 12 INSERTS $60.0012 SUNBABY 4.0 DIAPERS + 24 INSERTS $78.00
24 SUNBABY 4.0 DIAPERS + 24 INSERTS $108.00
24 SUNBABY 4.0 DIAPERS + 48 INSERTS $144.00
Now for my review.
I used these diaper on my daughter from 15 months plus. Since I had just started cloth diapering. These would work great on younger babies. I love the different fabric patterns that I was able to get from Sunbaby diapers, also it was a great starter package for me since for 24 diapers I only paid $108.00.
I love the design of the diaper. With the back flap and the hip snaps. I have a chunky legged baby so she did get red marks on her legs even if I didn't use the hip snaps. She also has a small waist so using the last hip snap was impossible to do because then the diaper would bunch and become uncomfortable for her.. My daughter is 18 months and about 23 lbs and she is on the last rise adjustment and no hip snaps, but she fits the waist.
We have had no leaks with the Sunbaby diaper even at night, I double stuff at night. She wakes up atleast once needing a diaper change but she is a heavy wetter at night and gets uncomfortable. She even did that with disposable diapers. The hip snaps are great in preventing drooping on the sides. The lining is very soft. You do have to wash them quite a bit when you first get them since there is a bit of odor from being packaged for so long.
It took about three weeks to get my order in. They come from China so that is too be expected and my word of advice don't call USPS when they get stuck in customs since they will just try to make it seem like you got scammed because you are dealing with China. The USPS was the only problem I had with the whole order and shipping process. I also had ordered before Christmas so that also made my shipping time take longer than what I have heard from others that had ordered Sunbaby diapers.
You can find a size comparison on this diaper along with others here.
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