ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

I am Forever Grateful!!!!

 

PAIN MANAGEMENT - IS CBD OIL THE ANSWER?

Summer is almost here again, which for me, lately, is not really something I look forward to.  If you have followed my blog before, you may already know that I am a brain tumor survivor. If not, well, now you know. 

As a result of the craniotomy (brain surgery) I had in 2013, I ended up with what people call "barometer head."  Basically, when the weather changes, I get thrown for a loop! "Weather changes almost always cause changes in atmospheric pressure. So, my headaches or migraines are caused by  changes in the weather, which are officially called barometric or pressure headaches or migraines. Also, because our sinuses are filled with air, any change in that pressure can affect headaches. Barometric pressure headaches tend to occur after a drop in barometric pressure.  When you first start suffering through this, it is hard to gauge when the headaches will actually occur. (NOTE: If you happen to be suffering from headaches as well, I recommend that you start a journal. Write down when you get a headache, how long it last and what weather pattern was occurring on that day (before or after your pressure headache.)

So, although I was born and raised in Florida, and I love it, these last few years have really been an adjustment. As fun as summers have always been my whole life, especially, after having kids, lately, I tend to dread this time of year. The headaches increase for me during the summer because of the rain and humidity and then my pain is compounded by flare ups of my rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. I know I sound like a mess but for the most part, I am really not. I am just in search of a way to keep things under control, especially when summer rolls around.

So, why am I writing about all this?  Although I could sit here and kvetch, what I am really looking for is recommendations and some constructive input - homeopathic, organic remedies to alleviate these symptoms. I had been reading up on something called Migraine Magic, that helps alleviate migraines by spraying yourself with a mist or using a roll-on your head and I am seriously considering ordering this, simply because I have read such great reviews on that product. However, I feel like I need something that will help me treat my overall symptoms.  Sure, I take vitamins, but when real pain hits, I need something stronger and I don't want to continue to take OTC's (over-the-counter) pain relief medicine. I have tried a lot of different supplements over the course of the last few years but I need something different and effective!

For the most part, I am a happy, healthy mom, working on my writing, my side hustle businesses and network marketing.  However, when those "mama said there'd be days like this" hit me, well, I just feel like I want to shut down the whole world! Realistically, that is not an option, so hence my willingness to try something new.  People have suggested essential oils, acupuncture, yoga and more. I know a combination of all those things would probably be helpful as well but I have been going down a different route of research lately.

A while back I ordered an Anti-Aging Cream with Apple Stem Cells from a company called Hemp Genix and I loved it! "This cream helps to prevent age related skin degradation, along with the regrowth of healthy skin cell formation." They combined 30mg of pure CBD oil to provide natural healing properties.  Now, you must be wondering what does anti-aging cream have to do with my headaches and pain symptoms?  Well, because I loved their cream so much and I got a lot of compliments when using it, I started reading about the company, which lead me to my research on hemp and CBD oil. CBD is short for Cannabidiol.

This is what I found out from their website:

"Cannabidiol called CBD for short, is derived from hemp, which is the male cannabis plant. CBD hemp oil from this plant may contain trace amounts of THC, but WON'T get you high at all. It is just one of over 85 cannabinoids presently identified in the cannabis plant and is the second most abundant cannabinoid in marijuana after THC. In hemp, however, THC is only present in trace amounts, while CBD dominates the plant’s makeup. CBD interacts with our naturally occurring systems, but is non-psychotropic, it doesn’t cause a high. This makes it a safer, less controversial alternative, while still offering significant health benefits.

CBD hemp oil is produced using high-CBD, low-THC hemp, not at all like medicinal weed items, which are typically produced using plants with high groupings of psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Since hemp contains just follow measures of THC, these hemp oil items are non-psychoactive."

So, why do I think CBD oil might help me?  My research online has lead me to many articles but basically, what I learned is that "CBD may prevent the body from metabolizing anandamide. This is a compound associated with pain regulation." And regulating my pain is most certainly something I need! Maintaining high levels of anandamides in your bloodstream, may reduce feelings of pain and also, CBD is known to limit inflammation within the body, which may also help reduce pain and other immune-system responses, like for people who have rheumatoid arthritis or other auto-immune diseases. 

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), cannabis has been used for nearly 3,000 years in alternative medicine. Some of these uses include the management of pain, neurological symptoms, and inflammation. 

So the other day I was doing all this research on CBD oils and other options to find pain relief and my teenager overhears me discussing it with a family member and later tells me, "Yea Mom, you should try smoking pot. Try it." (as she laughs,) She tells me a lot of people she knows are "vaping."  (Geez, now I need to go do more research! LOL!)

Now, while I don't care if other people smoke pot, this is definitely not something I want my kid doing (smoking pot or weed or whatever the correct terminology is,) this is simply about me finding an alternative method to manage the pain when it hits me. Actually, I would prefer before it hits me!

I have certainly learned a lot in my research about CBD oils and hemp.  Vaping CBD oil is one of the preferred methods to ease side effects for many people who suffer from things like all types of cancers, stress, anxiety, joint pain, seizures, inflammation, sleep-apnea, high blood pressure and the list goes on.

I was curious...

How I should use CBD oil if I opted for this method. 

What I learned is that CBD oil is taken via vaping or ingestion. Oral CBD is less likely to cause side effects, so as a beginner I may want to start here. You can put a few drops of the oil under your tongue, or you can  take CBD capsules, or even eat a CBD-infused treat.  

Next question...

Will I get high from CBD oil?   

 

CBD oils are made from marijuana, but they don’t always contain tetrahydrocannabinol
(THC). THC is the component that makes users feel “high” or “stoned” when smoking cannabis. Conclusion is, CBD oil doesn’t have psychoactive properties.

Hmmm, decisions, decisions...

Now, in all seriousness, if you are reading this and can relate or if you have tried an alternative method for pain management, especially CBD oils, I'd love to hear about it.  Any recommendations, suggestions. (Serious comments only please.)

Thanks for joining me on my journey (quest) to find pain relief!




Sources:

Hemp Genix
Healthline 
Made by Hemp
CBD Oil Review



FYI - CBD does not cause a high, unlike THC. The reason why CBD is non-psychoactive is due to its lack of affinity for CB1 receptors. CB1 receptors are found in high concentrations in the brain, and are the pathways responsible for the psychoactive effects of THC.

BRAIN SURGERY - AWAKE!

If you have been watching the news recently, you've probably heard that U.S. Senator, John McCain has been diagnosed with brain cancer.  He has a brain tumor called a Glioblastoma, which is the most aggressive type of brain tumor. It originates in the brain; it does not spread there from another part of the body. The cause is not known.

If you've read my blog previously or know me personally, you know that I am a brain tumor survivor. When I hear of a diagnosis like that of Senator McCain, it takes me back and reminds me of how blessed I am. Don't get me wrong, I am grateful every day for my health and my life but when you hear news like this, that can be rather devastating, it just makes you extra grateful. 

I am aware of just how lucky I was to have the outcome I did regarding my brain tumor, and for that I am forever grateful! I am especially grateful for the doctors who treated me and specifically, my neurosurgeon, Dr. Ricardo Komotar!

"Dr. Komotar is an internationally recognized leader in the field of brain tumors and performs nearly 700 procedures for these conditions each year using advanced cutting-edge surgical/radio-surgical techniques, making him one of the highest volume brain tumor surgeons in the world."  

Honestly, Dr. Komotar is not only a brilliant neurosurgeon, he genuinely cares about his patients and is passionate about what he is doing. I knew from the moment I met him that he was the guy for the job! He absolutely knows what he is talking about and is an expert in his field. There is an instant connection and good vibe when you meet him and you know right away, you are in good hands.  Hopefully, you will never have to go through any of this but in my experience, I could not have asked to be in better hands, or at least my brain anyway! LOL!

Below is a video of some amazing technology, where Dr. Komotar and his colleagues perform an awake craniotomy on a man diagnosed with a glioma. That is a general term used to describe any tumor that arises from the supportive (“gluey”) tissue of the brain. This tissue, called “glia,” helps to keep the neurons in place and functioning well.

(WARNING: If you have get queasy easily, do not watch video)

 Emmy-Nominated video on extracting a deadly brain tumor.

No matter what you have gone through in your life or are going through, remember to always have an attitude of gratitude!

Sources:

YouTube

UHealth Systems

MY THROWBACK THURSDAY POST - BRAIN TUMOR SURVIVOR

February 27, 2014 at 11:19pm

So, it has been two months since my craniotomy, and I can honestly say I have come a long way both physically and emotionally!  As I celebrate my birthday TODAY, I am eternally gratefully to G-d, the Universe, whoever is in charge!  Even though I am not currently working, I am happy to have the time and health to have taken up my "mom duties" again!  Somehow, I had lapsed in this department.  Not only was I working full-time, an hour away, somehow, I had grown apathetic and aloof.  I don't know if I can blame it on my brain tumor but having survived one, I can definitely say, changed my life's perspective.

It is okay for now if I have to be in long car lines two times a day times two kids and it is okay if I have to go to the grocery store three times a week or pick up every shoe thrown around the house. I can appreciate those priceless moments, when my son tells me "Mommy, you are the best mom ever," when I know I am not.  I recognized that we don't have "forever."  I mean, I knew this as I experienced the death of my mom, many years ago but somehow, when you go through a life-altering experience, it hits home in a way that nothing else does.

I am also grateful to have found a (meningioma) group online of women (and some men)   https://www.facebook.com/groups/56743583446/  to ask questions when in doubt.  Things I wonder like, how long is my head going to feel numb?  And what others reactions were to steroids.  

P.S. I can honestly say that coming off of steroids was one of the worst experiences ever!

All in all, I realized that I was extremely lucky in having the results be a Grade 1 tumor (benign.)   Although there is nothing "benign" in having a brain tumor.  Non-malignant is a better term because benign implies non-hurtful & friendly and any tumor is never friendly or non-hurtful!  

Something like this changes you.  Even though most people, (even my doctors ) are so non-chalant about it because it was benign, it is still life-altering, especially on an emotional level.

I remember standing in front of the mirror and seeing my head open the day my incision opened (during a setback) and crying, not only because it hurt, but because I imagined the heartache my
mom and so many others went through having the knowledge that they would die. (My mom died at age 50 from cancer.)

As a mother now, I understand the absolute grief of the thought of leaving your family behind. There are thousands of people each day who are faced with death, whether it be cancer or a tumor etc.. and I, well, I am one of the lucky ones. Truly blessed and grateful! And so are you, if you are reading this.  You have another day in your life to make a difference, to fight, to be a warrior.  Take it!

Thank you, G-d, & whoever is in "charge" up there for giving me a "break" and letting me go on enjoying my blessings just a little longer...

FINALLY DID MY HAIR!

Okay, so I did it! Five months after having a craniotomy, I finally went to get my hair done. I explained to the girl who always use to do my hair what happened, with a shocked looked, she said "don't worry, we'll take care of you" and then she had someone wash my hair and comb through my hair and color it.  As creepy as it felt at times, I survived! 

The funny thing is God has a way of telling you there is always someone much worse than you. Seated next to me in the hair dryer machine, was a lady who was blind and had just been in a car accident recently and could not see or walk properly. She asked me for help in getting up and then     I realized... Am I lucky! And here I am, before during and after!

HAIR DUE!

Okay, today is THE day that I am finally letting someone "do my hair since I had my brain surgery!" I am long overdue. Just the thought of someone shampooing and combing through my hair with all the bumps and grooves is giving me the "jeebie geebies," but I have to do this. It has been 5 months (post-op.) It is time! Only my Meningioma Mommas can relate to this anxiety! 

 I will keep you posted on how it goes! Hopefully, no more hats or bandanas!

MY HAIR FALLING OUT AFTER BRAIN SURGERY

I know there are hundreds and hundreds of blogs out there, especially on people who like to talk about their life experiences, and I know that this one is probably not that much different from the next but somehow, it helps me and perhaps it may help or at least entertain someone out there as well, so I continue to write and vent and share and pass the time until "reality" again.  Whatever that may be.

Yesterday, as I finally got the "green" light to wash my hair after brain surgery six days prior, I stood in the shower pulling clumps of my hair out, thankfully.  Yes, thankfully appreciating that it was the mix of blood and iodine and whatever other disgusting stuff was in my hair.  Thankful for the 90% chance my tumor was/is benign.  Thankful that I escaped the horrific possibility of what could have been.  I am grateful that I have an opportunity to continue in my children's lives and in the lives of my family and friends. That I am blessed with another day, another week and however long this life gives me. 

I am blessed that I can write about this now.  That I can look back and see what it could have been.  It makes me look at what my mother went through with her "death sentence" (cancer diagnosis) and that horrific battle.  Like the millions of women and people out there fighting cancer and disease and constant battle on a day-to-day basis, my life lesson remains the wisdom of knowing there is more to life than the day-to-day silliness we stress out about.   

Life is way too complex to just be meaningless.  Sure, these experiences change you and I for one am glad my hair fell out because I was pulling it out, not because of a horrible diagnosis.  I was lucky.  I am lucky.

THE OUTCOME - SURVIVING A BRAIN TUMOR

Well, I am happy to report that I am back to blogging after successful brain surgery on Dec. 3, 2013. I was so non-chalant about it as I went into it, that now sitting back and reflecting upon it three days later, all I can say is "WOW!"  I had my operation at Jackson Memorial/University of Miami with one of their top neurosurgeons.

I got extremely lucky that somehow my primary care physician knew this surgeon personally and placed a call for me. I am forever grateful for that as well.

I was sent home ONE day after brain surgery for the removal of a meningioma.  Oh! and I also had to have an embolization procedure. (An embolization involves threading a thin tube (catheter) up the leg veins or arteries directly into the blood vessels that feed the tumor. Then a glue-like clotting substance is injected to choke off and shrink the tumor.)  In my case, they went up the groin area, and I was pretty much awake.  This was not any fun at all!  I kept asking for more "twilight" medicine, so I would not hear and see the procedure, but no luck! it was the weirdest feeling ever to feel a wire going up my body and up to my brain.  I am sorry, I know that sounds horrible reading it, but just imagine me, half-awake as they did the procedure!

I am eternally grateful for the outcome.  The tumor in my brain, behind my left eye was in a location that thankfully, was relatively easy to remove. The surgeon said that it is most likely Grade 1 Benign: these are very slow-growing tumors and account for 75 percent of all meningiomas.)  I will still have to wait for the pathology report but, it is benign according to the surgeon. I was very, very blessed that this MENINGIOMA was operable and benign and easily accessible.  

I cannot even begin to express the gratitude. I know there will be many more bumps in the road of life but at least I know this is a pretty huge one I just crossed!  I am very happy with the outcome and just want to let you know, in case you are randomly searching the internet and researching, "What is a meningioma" and sharing a success story.