Frank Dimick's Birthday

coming home

Double rainbow

Owwwww

Monroe

I went to Monroe for the 24th activities.  For the picnic on the 23rd, Marie & Billy & Dylan came down.  They stayed the night, too, so it was great visiting with them.  Haylie & Alex & Dax & Grayson came for the 23rd, but they had to go back that same night.

New iPhone

I bought a new iPhone today.

Beauty Pinches Activity Day

Whenever Annie was told to brush her hair, take a shower, etc.  she would complain.  Her Mom & Dad would say to her "Beauty Pinches."  She learned to do those things that she thought were a little uncomfortable. A few year later, she realized that all of these things had made her healthy and beautiful!

We had a special visitor come to give us great hints and tips on hair care.  She taught us and then played game with us about the knowledge we now had.

We talked about how Heavenly Father uses our hands to help him here on Earth.

We polished our finger nails.

We could try out some facials, if we wanted to.  Most of us ran out of time for that though.

We had a great time together!

Mom's (Ethel) Birthday

Today is Mom (Ethel Dimick's) birthday.  I sent her this camping quilt.  When I saw it, I fell in love with it because I had never seen anything like it before. I am sure that they already have a quilt for the trailer but decided to get it anyway!

I love the wreaths that Kathie Jessup makes so I had her make a summer one for Mom's birthday, too.

Masks?

This is the first kind of mask that I tried with my CPAP machine.  I didn't know that I am claustrophobic, but using the mask was not a pleasant experience.  Each night was harder than the night before.

I am not tolerating this test well at all.  I hate nights. I am not sleeping.  It is taking hours for me to sleep.  I think I am only getting 1-2 hours of sleep, if that.   I need at least 4 hours on the machine at night to be in compliance with the insurance company.  Nights are VERY long.

The 4 hours that I must wear the mask and use the machine seems torturous when I can't sleep.


I also have terrible headaches in the mornings and sometimes I have been bloated and so uncomfortable.


I am so discouraged and so tired.  Things were so bad on Wednesday that I called all the doctors and home health office to ask for advice.  I had to leave messages and didn't get much response on that day.  I did hear from the ENT office, and they just think I need to give it more time. With the holiday weekend, they won't be in the office again until Tuesday.

I called and talked with Dad (Frank Dimick) and to my brother, Frank.   I was desperately in need of advice and they both have CPAP machines.    Talking with Dimicks, and with my brother Frank, they each suggested I try the nasal pillow mask, instead.

I also asked my Bishop if he would be willing to give me a blessing. (He is also my neighbor). He and one of his counselors came over.  He gave me a beautiful blessing so I have hopes that I will adjust to this soon. He had tears streaming down his face at the end of the blessing and I was touched by his concern.

Thank goodness, the Home Health Office was open Friday.  I knew that the insurance wouldn't pay for this mask, so I was prepared to personally purchase it without going through the insurance company.  They told me it would cost approximately $150 which I had already expected through personal study.  The only mask like this that they had couldn't be sold though.  I figured that they would have to order me one.  To my surprise, the guy just handed it to me and told me to take it home.  If it works better, keep it.  If not, bring it back.  I think that was a blessing, too.  I didn't have to come up with the money to pay.

As of right now, I have only had one night with the nasal pillows, but it was much better.  The hose doesn't get in the way since it is on the top of your head.  More of your face is open and I like that.  The night was still difficult as I couldn't fall asleep, but I wasn't as miserable.  Maybe soon, I will be able to relax enough to REALLY sleep.  Tonight is Day 10 of having the machine.

I have always been able to fall asleep quite quickly in the past, so this is extremely hard for me.  I awaken several times a night for months now, but have learned to deal with that.  I have been studying online on how to fall asleep quickly so I am going to try some of those methods tonight.  Wish me luck!

Bluebell Park for the 4th

Bluebell Park puts up many flags for the 4th.  It is an awesome sight.