NOTES FROM MY LEGAL PAD

By OLIVENE GODFREY

An article in the August issue of Consumer Reports On Health was of interest to me, titled, "Easy Ways to Stop Fainting."
the article suggested several exercises that can stop the most common type of fainting spells, like I have occasionally,
can be triggered by a sudden drop in blood pressure during highly stressful or emotional situations. One exercise is to squeeze a ball or wad of paper or any other object in one hand. The physical therapist who helped me after I fell and injured my right shoulder and arm a couple of years ago, gave me a barbell shaped rubber object that not only lowers stress but helps my arthritic hands when I squeeze it. I have still had more success in stopping fainting with the old standby of lowering my head for a few minutes. I fear the fainting as I often fall when I do and I am afraid I will break a bone.

After more than 50 straight days of temps in the 90s and 100s here in northwest Georgia, the weather report as of today shows no more 100s in sight. While the temps this week will still be in the 90s, the weathermen are reporting cooler weather, in the 80s, for the upcoming Labor Day weekend. We did have about an inch of rain this past weekend and we couldn't remember the last time we had rain until this recent one. The heatwave has worsened the drought in Georgia.

The fall weather here is usually nice weather and colored leaves and bright blue skies. But, unfortunately, the hated ragweed
is already causing nasal congestion and watery, itchy eyes for a lot of us here. There is an informative article on allergy treatment in the September issue of Consumer Reports On Health newsletter. Some steps to limit exposure to pollen and other outdoor allergens are listed, such as shut windows and stay indoors between 5 A.M. and 10 A.M. if possible. Check pollen count and humidity level before venturing outside. Have someone mow your lawn. If you must do it yourself, pick a cool or cloudy day and wear hat, goggles and a long sleeve shirt and wash your clothes and yourself afterward.

Son Barry and I were both looking like shaggy dogs as it had been so long since we got haircuts due to my health problems. So, last Sunday, we went to the mall in Dalton and had our hair cut at Master Cuts and we both look,and feel, a lot better now.

Quote: "You rust out quicker than you wear out." Col. Harland Sanders of fried chicken fame.

The quickest way to get people interested in something is to tell them it's none of their business." Earl Wilson column.

See you next time.

ANOTHER TRAUMATIC WEEK

By OLIVENE GODFREY

I only had a few days to feel elated about the good results of my recent colonoscopy and endoscopy before I was stricken with a violent nausea attack. I have rarely vomited in my life, not even when I was pregnant. And, I have never experienced anything like the torrents of vomit that gushed from my throat without warning. Poor Barry ! He had to clean up the aftermath of my nausea and I don't know what I would have done without him. He says that he does unpleasant things, because,"You gotta do, what you gotta do." I think lately he has been pushing his limit though.

Barry called the GI doctor as we thought the nausea might have been caused bu the antibiotic I was taking. The doctor's nurse called in a prescription for me that stopped the nausea completely and we finally got some sleep. Then the next morning, I woke up with laryngitis and could barely make a grunting sound. My diaphragm and rib cages were sore and Barry speculated that explained why I had lost my voice. I still can't talk very well. I hope things will get back to normal soon. I am behind with my work but Barry is helping so we should catch up soon.

I am staying in our air conditioned house until this oppressive heat wave here in north Georgia ends. We are praying for rain and a break in the heat wave.

The wildflowers in our patio pot attracts butterflies and humming birds and some other small birds, including a tiny yellow one that looks like a canary. Bary says some of the tiny birds are actually eating the smaller flower petals. It is a pretty sight.

Quote: "Charm is the ability to make someone believe that both of you are wonderful." Ty Boyd

See you next time.

I'M IN PRETTY GOOD SHAPE FOR AN OLD LADY!!!!!!!!

By OLIVENE GODFREY

Son Barry pushed me in my wheelchair into the lobby of the beautiful Hamilton Medical Center in Dalton, Georgia. With Barry's help, we moved through registration smoothly and I was soon in a small room and dressed in a hospital gown, then, hooked up to an IV. Barry waited in the room for the nurse to come to take me to the room where I would have a colonoscopy and endoscopy.

I had prepared for this day for a week and had experienced severe discomfort. Also, I hadn't eaten any solid food since the previous morning and it was 2:30 P.M. (You could say I had a colon cleansing.) I wasn't scared and just wanted to get it all over. And then I was taken to the room where my GI doctor and his assistants waited for me. An assistant sprayed my throat with Novocaine and another one asked me to roll over on my left side which I did. The next thing I remember is that Barry was standing beside me and the doctor and others were moving around the room. Barry told me the tests were over and my colon was fine.

I was still marveling that it seemed like only a second since the procedures started. I gathered from Barry's conversation with the doctor that my hiatal hernia which I had forgotten and my esophagus had caused some trouble such as acid reflux
in my upper stomach. The doctor said I had a yeast infection for which he prescribed an antibiotic. He also stretched my esophagus. I'm not certain how mine was stretched but I've read it can be treated with a special balloon that inflates in the esophagus, called, "Dilation of the stricture." I'm just glad I was sleeping during that procedure. I was told that I would experience some gas pain in my stomach for a day or two. And I was given a prescription for a drug to relieve stomach pain. This medicine is known as a proton pump inhibitor. It can remove
difficulty in swallowing, persistent cough, heartburn and trouble sleeping. It can also prevent serious damage to the digestion.

My body has experienced trauma and stress the past week or so and I am still not sleeping well. But, despite all of my health problems, I am feeling downright giddy today as I have had four days with no stomach pain after so many years. And, I am planning my upcoming 80th birthday celebration this coming December.

See you next time.