Wednesday, October 31, 2007
I'm a woman....I was BORN to survive!
 He struggled to get sleep...the plaintive sounds of cats in battle enough to stir not only the dog from her rest, but to awaken my son in the dark late hours. The dog had become so restless it near impossible to keep her from barking back! Even as I sat stern faced and with a firm tone, she continued to growl at each sqaw!Little did I know my son had been awake, annoyed by their persistant comotion which lasted for a few hours. He had to be up at dawn to get ready for hs day at work...how could he? How could anyone for that matter? If he didn't suffer with epilepsy, the sleep he'd been deprived of would never had caused the following chain of events! As I sat typing away at my keypad, he moved about the kitchen. The sudden sound of glass shattering on the slate tiles was the first sign, and I was up out of my seat in a flash! He did not have to say a word, and I knew better than to highlight what was going on, this only makes the seizure worse. A calm voice lead him to the living room, a calm voice which spoke from within a body that fouhgt not to tremble, my body.If he saw fear, it would cause his to exaspurate so with practice, you learn how to act.The muscles in his forearms rigid while his limbs followed the storm in his brain. Still, I spoke calmly, reassuring him that the valium we had quickly succeeded yet again to get down his throat, would soon give him rest and all would be okay. With one arm holding him up, I felt his body leaning heavier into mine..I had to be strong for he was counting on it!My back already aching, I quickly forgot all previous days of bed rest, even managing the ability to run to the door when his lift for work arrived.."I'm sorry, he won't be going in today..he has had another turn" Both passenger and driver sending wishes for a recovery, but no real time for me to stand about chatting, you can never be that long or that far away! So as the rest of the household slept, only the dog and I keep a vigilant watch over the young man who now slowly drifts off. when I am certain it is safe for him to leave my sight, I take him back upstairs to his bedroom...I pray for silence while cursing the ferel cats of the night! So I sit here, tired, sad, scared and frustrated, all at the same time. My fears only heightened when I am told now he showed clear signs of another episode just yesterday morning, my champion young son being the voice of concern and councel, steering his older brother back to his bed.So now comes the added fear of how close together these episodes have arrived, and I have NO answers. He took his medication, check...he had eaten all 3 meals including the pasta dish I whipped up last night...so it may have been the vicious cat brawl that annoyed him last night, but what of the night before that? Then the one just two weeks prior?? I am a mother in bad shape.Thank God for my friends online, they are there 24/7, and these days, I have an extended family which consist of a large group of women, all with love enough to take on one more sister, me. We have shared so much in such a short amount of time...everything from our interests, hobbies, work, dreams and ideas. Then there's our various extended online groups where each has one thing I sincerely need....support! Without those endless hurs of researchers working thier fingers to the last layer of skin tissues, we would not be as well informed on so many topics. I thank you, ALL of you because it is WE, who educate the public, and it is through US, doctors are asked many more hard-hitting questions! They rarely have the answer, but we have planted a seed of intrigue in their head. So now, as another day comes to an end, I have not spent the usual hours at my desk, mainly because exhaustion finally found me so caught a few hours sleep...my son, well he says he will sleep better tonight as it's not anywhere near as hot as it has been but agreed, from this point on, better he make up a bed downstairs when the heat rises upstairs, one temporary solution for now.I've cried those tears a mother cries when she feels lost....we have another 'move' on our horizon so the spare time I DO have is spent seeking a roof for our heads. We went from owning a home to joining the many other hundreds of 'gypsies'...YES, the gypsy lifestyle isn't too far from reality in the suburbs of Sydney! With many short-term leases, on top of endless 'open-house' inspections this scenario leaves every man for himself, desperate to house his family, never knowing where they will be from one week to the next! SHAME AUSTRALIA, SHAME ON YOU! Do we hold our Governement fully responsible for this outbreak in poverty????????? BLOODY OATH WE DO! On that note, before I begin ANOTHER chapter, I will sign off for rest....again, I thank God for my small blessings, we have a home and food in our cubpoards and my isolation is removed by those loving souls online and music to boost my spirits! Did I mention I am also a middle-aged woman?????? Born to survive!!!!!!! 'Gotta have a friend in Jesus!' |
Monday, October 29, 2007
DEBBIE'S RADIO INTERVIEW-
 Debbie's Web Radio interview Just click banner! |
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
A Cup of Tea With Dad
 A cup of tea with Dad It was 1969- Man had landed on the surface of the moon and I had a new father in my life. I guess playing the role as step-father seems daunting to any person about to face the challenge of so many new responsibilities, and mine was by far, no different. Except for the fact he had never had any other children from any other relationships, you would never have known this man was not a father. I met him on a Sunday. I was playing with my ‘winnie the pooh’ teapot set when he peeked his head in the door, and politely asked if he could join me. This kind, gentle man obviously just one reason my mother must have chosen to marry him, especially after all she had been through. But it hadn’t been that simple to begin. As a single mother in the sixties, bringing up two young girls alone and trying to hold down a job, my mother had become settled into the role of both mother and father, while her two young girls just assumed she was happy. What would we know? It was on one of our mother-daughter talks that mum broke the news of her intentions to marry, but in the same conversation, it was something we all had to agree on. That 8 ½ year old girl with her yellow tea-set had made her mind up almost immediately! And as the days approached the wedding, I remember how excited I was as I kept picturing myself, walking down the aisle, carrying the wedding rings! My older sister had a harder time accepting this change to our life and for a long time to follow, found the struggle grew as she grew older. For me, I was contented and seeing mum more often was the icing on the cake! Having both parents working also allowed extra benefits and in no time at all, we were all packing our lives up and moving to a new town, to begin our new life, together. I’d just begun high school and my mother and father now ran a local mixed business which we all took turns in helping behind the counter. The early seventies was almost an unveiling of the person I was becoming and my sister seemed to have distanced herself even further apart from the family home. Mum had suffered years of illness, and there were times she was so sick I was afraid we were losing her. So often we were guarded by our relatives, most cases Nanna stepped in and that was usually protocol. But now we had dad to comfort us and to be there if she were to be rushed back to hospital This happened a few times but he handled each event with calm and control, always reassuring us of brighter days to come. I have no doubt he believed it, and for the flow of the next ten -fifteen years, as my parents set about their lives, watching me grow into a young woman, myself then setting up house and starting my own family, my father remained a loyal source for me to confide in. With my own marriage in turmoil and mum’s health once more in jeopardy, my trips back home felt like a haven, a place where I belonged and felt safe. I endured years of domestic violence at the hand of my husband, and on one cold rainy August night, it was my father who answered my rescue call. The violence had already reached a dangerous level when mum and dad pulled up in my driveway. In the heat of the moment, the husband put his hands onto my mother……..the mild and softly spoken man who had sat holding a yellow plastic cup of tea, now visibly enraged, yelling for the husband to stop! My father shoved him away, but the husband had a history of boxing even the toughest opponent to a pulp, and before I knew what had happened, my dear father now lay bleeding profusely from the nose, unconscious. He had stepped in as a ‘man’, defending his wife, and his daughter and this was where it got him. That night, sitting by his bedside in the local hospital felt long, cold and sad. I could barely speak the words that I should have said. This man had never stood up against any other man like that before. But this was his wife and daughter, and he did what he felt any other father would have done in his shoes. That was many many years ago-we have all moved on since that terrible night. Today, that dear sweet man still a huge part of my life, and that of my children and second husband. He has been with us since we laid dear sweet mum to rest, and he will be till it comes my turn to farewell him. He will always be the man who is, MY father. By Debbie Stevens Ó 2007
Previously published, 2007 My father turned 80 last week so I wanted to be sure he remembered just how much one daughter loves him- |
Monday, October 15, 2007
'Twenty One Years On-Living with Addison's Disease
 The following story is fact-it contains crucial information which is definitely worth reading & will hopefully give you a better understanding about the illness. I recently had the opportunity of interview a woman living with Addison’s disease. This is her story and although she wishes to remain anonymous, I am truly grateful to her for allowing me to share with the public. I refer to her as 'Jane' to protect her identity. Jane was 29 when first diagnosed with Addison’s disease. The year was 1986, somewhere around the month of March. A single lady living your average life but when the sudden onset of the following symptoms began to cause concern, Jane knew there was something wrong and sought immediate help through her doctor. Jane's s symptoms were as followed: Feeling nauseated for no apparent reason One of the tell tale signs were the inside of her mouth and palms of her hands had become very dark in colour, almost dirty to look at. This included the nipples. Extreme constant craving for salt Feeling weak/lethargic Upon her visit with her local G.P she thought he wasn't really listening to her until she showed him the inside of her mouth which caught him by surprise. In turn, he referred Jane onto a skin specialist who sent her for blood tests. As Jane vaguely recalls, the test involved the taking of blood samples over a couple of hours in order to check her electrolytes, this was then followed by a visit to the dental hospital in Sydney. Just a note to the reader: When we reached this part of her journey, Jane made it clear to me that the events which occurred from this point onward were nothing short of humiliating- she became quite uncomfortable but wished to continue on. Jane arrived at the dental hospital and was immediately ushered into a room whereby she suddenly found herself confronted by a group of students. Jane was left feeling vulnerable to these strangers as they explored her like a guinea pig! At no point had anyone requested Jane's permission for this to happen and Jane certainly did not give it. In any case whereby we are dealing with the community, there has always been a code of ethics placed in order to protect us, especially when dealing with those in the medical profession. We simply place all trust in doctors believing they are able to attend to our medical needs and we often do so without question. In this case the doctor in charge obviously paid little attention to this rule and to that of his patient. A sad reality which too often goes unsaid. Ethically and morally our lives are placed literally in their hands but unfortunately we the patient need to be alert to any sign of neglect as a measure of safeguard. In Jane's case, being thrown before these students felt somewhat like she had become the prey of these predators. The doctor allowed these people to poke and prod while Jane sat horrified. He stood by as each student followed orders to view the insides of her mouth not at all concerned that his patient may have been threatened by this ordeal. After approximately half an hour, Jane had to speak up and the only words she could let out were that of a request they place a paper bag over her head! This seemed to amuse them no end, many laughing at her remark. Jane was quick to rise from her seat and made a speedy exit out of the room and the building. Returning to her skin specialist, the information she relayed did not impress this man who in turn sent her onto another doctor (endocrinologist) for further input. This doctor had come highly recommended but sadly lacked any bed side manners so Jane only managed a couple of further appointments. Has anyone noticed that with all this, Jane still had no idea of what was happening? Another reason to be vigilant with questions when seeking medical assistance. A trip back to her local GP, she explained in great detail all that had taken place and was quickly referred to another endocrinologist who thankfully for Jane, not only a local doctor but also a lovely person. "As a person, he has a good sense of humour and I found him so easy to relate with"- This doctor once appearing on an afternoon children's programme where he shared his love of archaeology. Jane built up a great rapport with his secretary who even though no longer works for him still remains in touch! All her symptoms and background were there in his hands and he wasted no time with his diagnosis. It had taken three months to deliberate but now Jane could give this illness a name-Addison’s Disease. A discussion between patient/doctor sorting out all that would be required was dealt with in minutes! The disease would be treated with permanent medication which consisted of oral doses of cortisone, at the time; he placed her on the drug known as Cortate (possibly not still available on market) which was taken three times a day. Unfortunately, as with any new medication our body doesn't always tolerate and this was the case for Jane. Her doctor explained the reason being her body wasn't absorbing the medication so changed it for Hysone and within days, Jane noticed a change for the better. She continued to see this doctor for a few more years until her change in address required a change again in doctors. In December of 1991, Jane suffered what is known as 'Addison’s Crisis' and was quickly hospitalised. Whilst there she was given doses of cortisone for the next couple of days and was released just in time to be with loved ones on Christmas Eve. The practicing doctor at the hospital remains her specialist to this day and continues regular monitoring and other updates. As Jane says, "It is something I need to be constantly aware of and there are times I can only describe some days as my battery has run flat. It doesn't happen often as I am vigilant with my medication but I have noticed taking the tablets later than the usual allocated time can cause extreme bouts of lethargy along with decreased blood pressure" Just as she shared this Jane mentions doctor has her taking Prednisone now to control her blood pressure. This disease has altered Jane's way of life forever and she hopes that by sharing this information others will become aware of its existence. Jane's amazing ability to continue life as normal whilst never knowing from one day to the next what to expect is nothing short of inspirational. "You just do what you have to do what you have to and simply go with these things." says Jane I first met this lovely lady during a series of community health networking and we have remained friends since. I am grateful she has allowed to share these private and often very painful details with us as the message of awareness is an important one! Addison’s disease has been around since the days of Thomas Addison, who was the first person to ever witness the illness and consequently named after him. It is an auto immune illness which lasts a lifetime Symptoms can vary from person to person Long term affects for women- Lose libido-married women require a testosterone patch which helps to boost energy levels (comes in pill form but do not necessarily work for everyone) Kills off female hormones For both male/female- Perspiration-when sweating too much the patient must re-hydrate with fluids, and replace sodium with anything salty Adrenal glands destroyed which then cause associated symptoms such as 'all the above' (varying from patient/patient) As mentioned previously, there are always associated risks/problems when taking medication especially long-term. i.e.: Cortisone (steroids) can have the following side affects- weight gain fluid retention increased appetite steroids can often lead to osteoporosis & diabetes in some cases medication has been known to bring on depression Unless diagnosed quickly, this disease CAN be fatal! If a patient happens to suffer the 'Addison’s crisis' and cannot reach medical attention/help it can lead to death. For further information please visit these links:- In Australia- Addison’s Disease Association www.addisons.org.au To receive their newsletter you can do so by subscribing online Addison’s Awareness Week 7th - 11th May, 2007 You may contact either online or write to Noreen Secomb for additional information/support P.O Box 2436, Coffs Harbour 2450 Telephone: (02)6652 4761 Fax: (02)6652 4 861 Email: Sue O’Brien (secretary) secretary@addisons.org.au Books available: ‘Addison’s Disease Patients‘-Survey in Australia-Diagnosis & Management by Dr. HadhaniTo purchase a copy please contact Noreen via email or through her mailing address… Cost of book-$28.50 which includes postage/handling (only within Australia) and orders are payable by Money Orders/Cheques but feel free to enquire whether or not Paypal is acceptable. For all other States~ Victoria Julia Kelly Telephone: (03)9739 4265 OR Christine Dobbin on (03)5331 4114 Email: juliacan2000@yahoo.com.au QLD Laura Armstrong (07)3821 0308 Email: larmstrong1@bigpond.com.au S.A Alison Clayfield (08)8358 5738 W.A Tracy Sciberras (08)9306 2512 Email: tracy465@yahoo.com A.C.T Robin Hart (02)6288 3568 Email: nhart@netspeed.com.au TASMANIA Robert Howe (03)6427 7743 With the ever growing need for awareness to a vast range of diseases I hope readers found the information provided helpful. Over the coming weeks I will be out & about hunting down other important medical information and updates so stay tuned and stay healthy! By Debbie Stevens |