Friday, October 21, 2011

Selfish, stupid, what are they called again? Kids.

There are many times I'll have the absolutely normal HUMAN overwhelmed, angry, disappointed thought. When these times come, I put into practice the things I have learned and try sometimes with greater ease than others, to make them go away. Then there are times when I'm just human. Not enlightened enough to get passed things that bother me. You know what I'm talking about right? This is one of those times.

Months ago my son left our home. Since than many things have occured. I thought we had made great progress. A phone call that birthed a visit with him here at home and the resolution to keep in touch. I kept up my part of the bargain. Texting, calling.. Then, I said something he didn't like. Questioning him on absences from school. Apparently that was cause for him to banish me from his world. No phone call, text, email back. As connected as we are these days it is easy to disconnect oneself and so he did. I chalked it up to teenage angst. Breathe, let it go.

Today I receive a call from the school nurse. He has a sprain. Has had it since Wednesday. They've approved temporary insurance. Mind you I knew nothing about any of it until today's call. I answered all questions, cooperated, but then of course the truth came out. Who had signed the forms??? Upon my son's lies and the school's inability to follow protocol, suddenly a dilemma emerged. I am left now angry and frustrated. So many needless calls and too many resources for what could have been taken care of easily.

Reading this, I realize it's just a little drama. A daily soap opera if you will. Things always seem more important than they are. We will all survive. There's just that pain. That pain of being human. The hurt that comes from being there for someone no matter what and having them reject you. The anger of being bothered with the aftermath of that. You wanna be grown, be grown. Work it out. Speak up. Ask for what you need. Take that responsibility. Instead, you just want to be "grown" in the sense that you're not home but still lying, cheating, relying on whoever you can, manipulating, putting people out. It's disheartening. That's not what I taught. That's not who I am. I do not recognize or identify with it. :(

A brilliant acting class I attended this week posed a question that is perfect for this occasion. How do we have empathy for those things we do not understand? All I can say is, I'm working on it.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Health Care in the U.S.. Tee-riffic? Or not.

I normally do not take on such charged subjects. It easily turns into a knowledge fair where one person's facts condemn another persons experience. However, I find myself typing this tonight with a neck brace on. BenGay, Ibuprofen, and Heating Pad at my nightstand. This after two Chiropractor visits, a call for help to medical officials that happen to be in my family, and eventually a cry for help via Twitter that led me to a massage therapist. I mean, is all of this necessary???



Turns out I have a pinched nerve. :( I am still feeling it's effects (hence the neck brace and other goodies previously mentioned.)  Lots of things in my life could have caused this and it could happen to anyone. What's crazy is the "let's try this and wait and see" methods. Then there's the retail approach to medicine that really chaps my hyde. It's like you should know what you wanna do about your problem when you see someone. There is no tell me how you feel and let me tell you how to fix it. Each person I have talked to, Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, Massage Therapist, as well as the info online has their own theory on methods that could be used, every one, toting their specialty as the best thing. In the end, I believe as humans we just want health and freedom from ailments, pains, symptoms, etc. All we want is the answer. Shoot, I don't specialize in healing... Who has the answer?

Am I writing this just to vent? Yes and no. I wonder how many of us are going through this. Do any of you feel this? Are you going through something like this now? Insurance or no insurance? Does that help or hinder you? These may seem like very personal questions but I think the sooner we get over that discomfort in talking about these things, the sooner we will be more comfortable demanding what we deserve. Health, energy, vitality, quality food, and quality healthcare.

I am going to continue to nurse my pinched nerve. I am not a Dr. but will gladly share with you the methods I have pursued.. This pinched nerve is terrible. I don't wish it on anyone. Plus, I am always willing to help people with resources, answers, or just some good old TLC. Remember, I'm not a Dr. I am not giving you medical advice. I'm just sharing with you, my journey and some of the resources I've used. So here it goes....

The Massage Place Went to them today. Awesome. I am not fully healed but I would recommend to anyone living in the greater Los Angeles area. Inexpensive quality massages. Open long hours. Clean comfortable facility, and great staff. I will be seeing them again. Sooooon.

CVS I'm now addicted to this place. They have lots of great products, self checkout, and you rack up rewards with your purchases. Not just coupons but cash back!! Nice. They are open late, some 24hrs. All my supplies came from there.

Chiropractor. Dr. Ed Simon. 30 yrs in practice. Friendly man & staff. Uses different techniques to heal. Didn't quite do it for me. Not sure whether that is due to my condition or his methods. **Update 10/15/11: I called due to onset of new symptoms and based on his response, I am thinking this Dr. is only interested in gaining money by making you a lifetime patient. I have removed his link, and would advise others to be cautious if considering him. 

I went to speak with an Acupuncturist but have not seen him yet so I am not going to give that info at this time. If it happens, I'll let you know.

Time for me to lay down.. Thanks for reading. Love and health to you.