Keepin' it real: the good, the bad, and the lovely

August has been a tough month for us.  But finally some really good news: my husband Dennis has been offered a new job!
Dennis has been under-employed for the past 7-1/2 years.  When we moved to Colorado 9 years ago, his job fell through and he ended up unemployed for the first 18 months we lived here.  It was a very tough time.  When he finally did manage to get a permanent job 7-1/2 years ago, he started at his company in an entry-level job.  He worked the overnight shift, 7 pm to 7 am, and was grateful for it.  But of course he had high hopes of advancing.

He did get promoted eventually, and was able to get onto the day shift, too.  But he was still very under-employed.  Then, he was demoted again when his company (famously) laid off hundreds of people 2 weeks before Christmas.  That was a couple of years ago.  But at least he didn't lose his job.  He has been utterly miserable at work all these years but has never been able to find something better...until now.

Dennis' new job isn't hugely better in terms of salary; in fact, since the health benefits they offer are more expensive, it's not a raise for him at all.  (I'm afraid to look too closely at the money and discover he's actually earning less.)  But it is a big improvement in working conditions and potential for advancement.  So, it's definitely a reason for celebrating.  I'm so happy for him.
Ben and I goofing around at a baseball game a couple of weeks ago
That's the good.  The bad is that I spent most of the day yesterday in the emergency room, on oxygen and hooked up to an IV.  I have a mystery ailment that has occurred 3 times this summer; it wakes me in the night with a severe burning sensation throughout my body.  Up until yesterday we have thought it was an allergic reaction to something -- especially because it improves when I take an antihistamine.  And also because the first couple of times it happened I had eaten some of that incredibly rich All American Chocolate cake.  I mean, if that isn't full of allergans, I don't know what is.
All American Chocolate cake
But the night before last, I awoke once more with the awful burning and got up to take some Benadryl.  Then I passed out and fell, hitting my head.  And I hadn't had anything unusual to eat, much less cake.  So yesterday I decided it was probably time to talk to my physician about the situation.  She was concerned enough to have me transported by ambulance to the hospital for testing.  That was Not Fun.  The tests were inconclusive, but I did feel much better after the IV fluids, the oxygen, and a few hours of rest in the hospital bed.  I have an appointment next week for brain MRI.  I hope that somehow we can get to the bottom of this.  If you have any wisdom about my strange medical situation, I'd love to hear it.

Enough about all that!  Here's some lovely for you:
I rescued this crazy quilted pillow from an antique store, where it was on clearance.  It's trimmed with beautiful old lace, and made from colorful silks...
many of which have shattered.  Do you know why fabrics shatter like this?  It's because, in early days, some silks were treated with metallic salts when dyed, which cause them to disintegrate with age.
I don't mind.  I think it's so fun to see the fabric that was used as a base begin to show through.
I love how they used just one color -- sunny yellow -- for all the seam stitching.  It's a wonderful addition to my collection of antique hand work.

Comments

HI! I'm Tabitha said…
oh laurie,
i am glad to hear ur hubs is in a better place. I pray u find out what this mysterious ailment is that you are experiencing.
hugs
Lorraine said…
That's wonderful news about your husband and should put an end to some stress. I'm sorry to hear though that you're not doing well. It's awful not knowing what's going on - I've got a mystery thing going myself now for the last 6 mos. I hope you're able to get your problem resolved.
LuLu Kellogg said…
I am so glad to hear about your husband Laurie!

Sending good thoughts that they find out what your illness is!

I mailed a small package to you today so it's on the way!!

Love,
LuLu~*xoxo
Lisa said…
Oh my Gosh Laurie! Hope you are feeling better and they find out what is going on. Hugs and prayers...
Tammy said…
Hope the doctors can find answers for you. I've known a few people who have had mystery symptoms that aren't solved. One friend thought she had depression-it turned out to be her adrenal glands. Praying for answers!
Congrats to your husband on his new job!
andrea creates said…
oh i do hope you're feeling better-and they figure out what is causing this. 'mystery illnesses' are nerve wracking.keep us updated, o.k?
Linda Sue said…
Dearest!
I have a friend who is suffering in much the same way- she was advised to eat organic fruit and veggies ONLY- Organic beans for protien- She must do this for about two months to eliminate food allergies- She lives in the woods (mold) - weeds and animals- Cats in particular. There is also something going on with raccoon and possom poop in the soil that can cause severe reaction. So- don't eat that....Hope you find out soon- sometimes , especially after my son's difficulty, I distrust western medicine... a lot...actually- They only look at symptoms instead of the entire lifestyle and wholeness of a person. You may want to consider the alternatives...
Unknown said…
I'm so glad for your hubby and you. Two thoughts come to mind about your "mystery ailment" #1 which may seem to easy, but diabetes? I had it when I was pregnant and when I had very low blood sugar (which I didn't always know) I would get this numb/tingly/burning sensation. I'd go eat something and would be fine. 2nd is if you don't get any good answers and you don't already read her blog - go look at JeanneOlivers site. She actually re-told her story this week about a mystery ailment that both she and her daughter have dealt with that turned out to be allergies! I have had a similar experience to hers myself. I hope they figure it out for you dearie! take it easy this weekend!
Anonymous said…
I am so happy to hear that your husband's work situation is going to improve. How wonderful!

As far as you are concerned, oh how frightening. I really hate to hear about this and hope your doctor will come up with a reason and treatment soon. My thoughts are with you, my dear friend.
Suz said…
I am happy for your husband but I am sad for you. Has anyone suggested RSD or fibromyalgia? I experience these as burning and stinging.
So sorry, Laurie. Hope it just doesn't happen again!
Bug hugs,
suz
Unknown said…
Woah Laurie, that's two extreme's.. I'm very very happy for your husband and his new career but I'm sad to hear you've not been well. At least now they will find out what's causing it and treat it. Take care my friend.
Anonymous said…
Oh, Laurie! I hope you get to the bottom of your health mystery soon! So glad about your dh's job, though. And I totally <3 the crazy quilt.
Kathy said…
I am very happy to hear that your husband has found a job where he feels happy and, most of all, hopeful. We all have bills to pay but a happy heart is priceless.
It sounds like you have had a lot of long-term stress. I recently learned the toll that takes when it manifests as physical symptoms. Our bodies/brains were never meant to stay in that "fight or flight" response for extended periods.
I hope you are able to find the cause and the remedy soon!
I hope you can get to the bottom of your little ailment. Happy for your hubby. It is very important for the men in our lives to be happy at work, and that crazy quilt pillow is so special. Take care of your self!
Angela Catirina said…
WOW? I wish I had some wisdom to offer for your medical issues. That's just CRAZY!? I'm glad you're finding knowledgeable resources. And I'm so happy to hear that Dennis has found a job that, even if not more money, sounds like it might be a happier situation for him. That's really aweful to have to spend so many years in an unpleasant situation.....about the fabric in that crazy quilt, did you know also that dry cleaning chemicals will cause otherwise beautiful old fabrics to crumble. We've purchased many old quilts and even chenille bedspreads that were picture perfect until we washed them. My great aunt who owned a dry cleaners all of her life said that the dry cleaning chemicals will break down fibers from the inside out. I love working with them anyway. Nothing beats vintage!!.....I've gotta catch up on my blog reading now that I've got my computer out of hock again. Can't wait to read what all I've been missing. :0)
Oh, honey, I'm so sorry to hear that you have been ill. I hope that the dr's find out something. And I hope you don't have to give up chocolate cake! That would be a nightmare.

You've got a good husband to put up with a job he didn't care for because of his family. And you are sweet to be happy for him finding something better even though it is less money. I think you must be a pretty cool couple. Best of luck for him in the new job.
GardenOfDaisies said…
Laurie, I am so sorry you have not been feeling well. The burning feeling sounds nerve/spine related to me. So glad you are going to your doc to figure it out. And i'm glad to hear that your husbands prospects are looking up. We understand what the unemployment thing is like. Take care sweetie.
amaesing said…
Dear Laurie - hate to hear that u r ill with a ,mistery'...So happens I just read a huge blog of a friend whose husband went thru an aweful health bout & they had a doc. who was a specialist in STRESS related disorders. If u like I will tell u more. His early symptoms were these ,burning' spells u discribed. With your husband's work history I can imagine how that increased stress 4 all of u!! Kathy on the 21at.Aug. also felt it's the culprit. Blessings, Monika
Lydia said…
Laurie,

You are in my prayers. I pray that the answer to your medical issue is a simple one. I pray for your friend Michelle in heaven and her family, and for your husband to continue to do well and progress in his new position.

All my blogging love,

Lydia xo

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