CIDP

Also known as Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy. It's related to Guillain-Barre, but it's essentially an autoimmune where your immune system attacks the myelin in your nerves.

In Josh's case it's rather mild, resulting in pain mostly in his legs and back. It's possibly degenerative, but it could be a case of relapse/remission where it comes and goes without leading to a shorter lifespan or shorter quality life.

We probably won't know for a good 10 or 15 years which version it is, but I'm surprisingly not at all worried about it. The Lord has provided for us thus far, and will continue to provide.

From the research I've done, there is no treatment available to Josh at this time. The only real options are expensive and have frightening side effects, and would likely not be prescribed for him because he can still walk.

So what am I going to do about it? Everything I can. From what I've been able to gather, there are a few things that might help (and certainly won't hurt). We're going to completely cut out pork from our diet, as well as processed meats. I'm going to significantly cut back on processed food products in general, processed potatoes in particular. We're going to up the intake of raw fruits and vegetables, and I'm going to think about container gardening this summer to make it easier.

I need a plan! I think I should start working on a menu, so we can have variety but still be eating better.

And the kids are up :-) Time to go.

Stardust

I'm feeling much more level than I was this morning. Mom and I went to Folsom and ran errands, and in the car we listened to one of the CD's that my sister Shauna put together for my wedding reception. Every last song brought me a smile.

It was a great way to spend the morning. Josh called, and he has an appointment with somebody or other on Monday and should be back by the end of next week. In time for Valentine's Day, I hope. I miss him.

Now I'm going to give myself a pedicure while Katie, Mom and I watch Stardust.

The wheels on the bus . . .

feel like they're falling off.

Something has gotten under my skin, and I'm not sure what. But I'm feeling seriously off and it's bugging me. Last night I stayed up past midnight reading, but I didn't really enjoy it.

I think I'm struggling to feel normal in any sense, and anticipating Josh's return is really exciting but also feels kind of like a ticking bomb. As soon as he's back, I can fall apart? It sure seems like I'm threatening to do it once I see him again. With his needing as much strength and support as I can give him, I'm feeling sucked dry more and more at the end of each passing day.

Any suggestions? I'm trying to keep up with my personal prayer and scripture study, and I'm taking time to do nice things for myself, but I'm feeling like the mom role is escaping me today.

Oh, well. Persevere. I'll make it through. And hopefully within the week I'll see my husband again.

Sorry for the downer post. I'll be happier tomorrow.

If you have ten minutes

You should really read this wonderful article titled Family Work. It was published in BYU Magazine, and it really helped me to solidify some of my ideas regarding how to raise children who are not afraid of working hard.

Have a cheerful day, my friends.

I think we have a diagnosis

I'm not counting my chickens before they're hatched, but as of right now we think it's Guillain-Barre syndrome.

I don't know, but it's possible that Josh was given a flu vaccine upon arriving at basic which might have triggered a relapse.

But he signed the separation papers today, and with seven more signatures he'll be free to come home. (It should take between one and two weeks if all goes well)

Finally

Something is happening. Today Josh has a doctor's appointment to go over his civilian medical records. From there? Well, who knows. I sure don't.

In the meantime, diapers and babies and playing at the park today. Hopefully.

Big sigh

Spit up on my shoulder, a naked toddler who wants to eat nothing but goldfish, and no news to report on the husband. Except I saw a photo that the missionaries sent me, and he looks absolutely skeletal. I'm going to have to work hard to get some weight back on him.

Today I'm going to shower, go to the dry cleaners and the bank, take the kids to the park (I hope) and try to keep my chin up.

Next step? Figure out why the baby is crying.