Sherri Connell

A Lifetime in 27 Years

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Birthday Trip … To the ER!

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Really wanted to go somewhere fun for my birthday week. … This isn’t it! … Going home soon. Long explanation I don’t care to expound on. No, I have not been OK and I’m not OK. Haven’t shared and don’t want to share on Facebook. They asked if I wanted to stay. Said no. Goodnight.

UPDATE 7/29: Thank you everyone, for your wonderful thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry I have not replied to everyone individually. The short answer is, no I am not feeling better. I live with unfathomable flu-like symptoms and pain every day. In addition, I have been dealing with overwhelming stress and crisis after crisis after crisis with my mom, which has caused me to feel like I am going to have a heart attack or stroke several times a week for the past 2.5 years. On top of that, I have been battling several other serious conditions for almost a year and it has been 7 months I have been in non-stop horrific agony in which my bones, tissues and muscles are being demolished. Please keep me in your prayers. 

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My Fight Song – This is Me

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This has been my FIGHT SONG for a while! You all may have heard it, but look at the lyrics. Wow! I can totally relate! Listen and know that we are not alone! We have each other! We are WARRIORS!

“This is Me” is from The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron and Keala Settle.

Keep up the fight everyone!

💖 Sherri

Watch official “This is Me” video from Atlantic Records.

LYRICS: Keala Settle, The Greatest Showman Ensemble

I am not a stranger to the dark
Hide away, they say
‘Cause we don’t want your broken parts
I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars
Run away, they say
No one’ll love you as you are

But I won’t let them break me down to dust
I know that there’s a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh

Another round of bullets hits my skin
Well, fire away ’cause today, I won’t let the shame sink in
We are bursting through the barricades and
Reaching for the sun (we are warriors)
Yeah, that’s what we’ve become (yeah, that’s what we’ve become)

I won’t let them break me down to dust
I know that there’s a place for us
For we are glorious

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
This is me

And I know that I deserve your love
(Oh-oh-oh-oh) ’cause there’s nothing I’m not worthy of
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
This is brave, this is proof
This is who I’m meant to be, this is me

Look out ’cause here I come (look out ’cause here I come)
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum (marching on, marching, marching on)
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me

When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I’m gonna send a flood
Gonna drown them out
Oh
This is me

Songwriters: Justin Paul / Benj Pasek
This Is Me lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

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Friends and Family Don’t Always Get It – God Only Knows

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Friends and family don’t always “get it.” In fact, they rarely do. I have several people in my life who try and really want to understand. I am so thankful for them! Nevertheless, I still need people in my life who do. Often, we have to find that understanding in a support group or counselor and not from our loved ones. 

No matter who we have or don’t have, I do find some comfort in knowing that God does know what we are going through, all our losses, all our hurdles and all our pain. This song gives me comfort.

If you need help right away, please call 911! If you want someone to talk to, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255.

Keep up the fight for your healing! Pursue joy amidst the battle! Seek ways to make a difference in the lives of others!

Sherri

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Let’s Shake It Off Together!

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Most of you have probably already heard this song by Taylor Swift! But I love this Africanized version by Alex Boye! Not all the words apply, but after I listen to this the chorus helps me remember to Shake It Off!

Whether it is a person saying something ridiculous or a frustrating phone call with an insurance company, I am too good at internalizing the pain and anguish, which turns into increased physical pain! So, I must learn to Shake It Off!

Listen and sing with me! Listen enough times that it comes up during the day when you need it most!

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♡ Sherri

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I Am A Champion – You’re Gonna Hear Me Roar!

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“I got the eye of the tiger, a fighter, dancing through the fire! Cuz I am a champion and you’re gonna hear me roar!” Cover tune, “Roar.”

Living with a chronic illness can bring out so much judgment and assumptions towards us from family, friends, doctors and even strangers. Often these things can cause us to want to retreat or avoid speaking up for ourselves.

Now, I am a “peacemaker” and I do not like negative confrontations. I would rather let what people say bounce off of me … but it doesn’t. I tend to internalize what they have said and it eats me up inside!

Therefore, I do not think we have to resort to being unkind, but we need to believe in ourselves and stand firm on the ground that we are valuable, have purpose and our illnesses do not mean we are weak, lesser, nor do they mean we are at fault.

So, let’s stand up for ourselves! Let’s stand strong! We can be heard with kindness, but let’s be heard and let’s fight for our relationships, care and lives!

Be sure to watch the video below! I love this version, because I am Safari Sherri! Enjoy!

Alex Boye, featuring the Ft Mom Bloggers United sing the Africanized version of cover tune, “Roar,” by Katy Perry. 

Let’s ROAR!!!!!!

Safari Sherri

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Dislocated Ribs and Torn Cartilage

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I dislocated and tore cartilage in my ribs almost 2 weeks ago, from coughing with Bronchial Pneumonia after having the flu. It is possible I fractured a rib too, but not sure.

Wow! It’s amazing how often we breathe, cough and sneeze! Please don’t SNEEZE! Please don’t SNEEZE!

Sheesh! I thought this would be better in a few days. Oh my! Joke is on me! Uggghhhh!!

<3 Sherri

We Must Fight to Live Again

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I love this song, “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again,” because it talks about losing all we had, but encourages us to learn to live and enjoy life again.

I know it is HARD!!! It is BEYOND hard!!! But when we lose all that we were and gave us joy, we MUST, some how, some way rebuild a new life. We must find new joys, even if they are small.

Keep fighting, my friends! Get your life back or reinvent yourself. Either way, we must fight for it!

Sherri

 
 “Tell Your Heart to Beat Again” by Danny Gokey.
 
 

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I’m the Pajama Goat Lady

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Pajama Drawer

My new Physical Therapist, whom I saw for the third time yesterday asked me, “So, how many pairs of these ‘lounge pants’ do you have??” I told him, “Oh boy! About 15!”

People don’t realize I wear pajamas day in and day out, because it is extremely difficult and energy zapping to change clothes and an all day process to shower and wash my hair.

I even wear them outside on the patio with my goats! My neighbors probably don’t just call me the Goat Lady, but the Pajama Goat Lady! LOL!

HEY! Just trying to survive over here! Gotta do what I gotta do!

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♡ Sherri

 

Oh Joy! Broke My Ankle!

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Sherri in BootThank you everyone, for your prayers and well-wishes! Many are asking how my ankle is doing and sharing their fracture success stories. So I thought I would post a few more details of my situation.

I would like to explain that due to Multiple Sclerosis, I have had weak ankles and due to Lyme, joint issues. For 15 years, I have been dealing with loose ligaments in my ankles, causing multiple sprains and injuries. The last 2 sprains landed me in years of horrific pain, PT, ultrasound, lazer and Prolotherapy. Prolo is the only treatment for loose ligaments, as PT only helps the muscles and tendons.

Somewhere along the way, I must have fractured the ankle. So, after years of the tendon pulling on the joint, it broke off a chunk of the joint when I simply stood up.

Today, I see the doctor to find out if they need to screw the joint back together. This would not be good! I don’t do well with surgery nor metals in my body!

Even if this helped the bone to heal, I am still left with all the ankle issues I had before and the cause to this break. Thus, it will be another very long road of therapy, none of which will fix the ligaments (cannot do anymore Prolo).

As a result, my ankles will remain a ticking time bomb to future injuries and breaks, from just standing or walking. Therfore, I am not just up against a broken bone that will heal. My ankles haven’t healed after 15 years.

I have been unable to put any weight on my ankle for 2 weeks and have 4 more weeks to go before I can try. I cannot use crutches, so I’ve been using a knee scooter! This thing is AWESOME! I can ZOOM from the family to the kitchen in seconds!

Sherri CraneUnfortunately, it was excruciatingly painful on my bad knee and hips! What’s more, pivoting on my other ankle has taken its toll and now I am unable to use my left foot either. So, back to my wheelchair I go. Not the best. Hard to reach things, it won’t fit through my doors and is hard on my back, neck and shoulders.

Needless to say, going to the bathroom, getting food, feeding the dog 8 times a day and taking a shower is quite the endeavor with MS, Lyme AND trying not to put weight on my ankles.

I have to say that Wayne has been a HUGE help when he is home and available! Couldn’t survive this without him! Thank you, sweetie! Also, thankful to the 3 friends who brought me food 2 weeks ago! … But I’m getting hungry again! LOL!

All in all, as you can see, this is not normal case of a broken bone that will heal and I go on. Nonetheless, I am forging ahead as best I can and trying to keep the hope I will be able to stand and walk again without continued injuries and breaks.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers!! I REALLY NEED THEM!!

Sherri

***UPDATES!***

Breaking Down WallsUPDATE February 26:

It hurts like heck and it has taken a very long time, but I am finally taking some steps with my walker!

 

 

 

UPDATE February 11: 

Super Sherri Ready to Fight BackAMAZING NEWS!! No surgery!

I still have a bad sprain and tendinitis on both sides of my ankle. Doc has been concerned about the continued inflammation and lack of circulation in the past 7 weeks. But I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, given all the injuries, fracture to this ankle and MS.

Anyhow, I am graduating to the walking boot and PT! Praise God!

It’s going to take a while to ease my ankle into putting weight on it in the boot, lots of PT before I can graduate out of it and more time, before I can walk outside.

I barely moved it last Saturday and I thought I was going to die for 2 days. So, I still have a long road ahead. Slow and easy!

But did I mention NO SURGERY? Wahoo!

Thank you all for your love and prayers!!!

Breakfast by WayneUPDATE FEBRUARY 10: 

My hubby made me scrambled eggs and bacon today and it wasn’t even Sunday! Tee hee!

He’s been working so hard to take care of me since I broke my ankle! He doesn’t like to cook … no he seriously dislikes cooking and doesn’t cook. So, I appreciate the fact he has mastered breakfast! Sure beats my green drink now and then!

BIG KUDOS! Thank you, sweetie! ♡♡♡

UPDATE February 6:

MRI Waiting MRI DepartmentGot an MRI last night. Need to see what is going on with my ankle, before we can decide the next step (ha ha). I am at risk of it breaking again when I stand on it, because the tendon broke it. So we must be sure the right protocol is put in place. They may need to screw the bone together.

I really don’t want surgery! Already been off it 6 weeks and would have to be off it another 6-8 weeks (and other complications ).

Either way, I will be up against more years of therapy, because this ankle has not healed in 15 years, has been injured so many times (just normal walking on it) and I was in therapy for years already. Dang it!

Please keep me in our prayers! I get the results Thursday. Hoping for a miracle!

PS) Not trying to be whiney. It is just so difficult and painful to get around (knees, hips, back, neck, other ankle). Most of all, I thrive on going outside with my animals. They keep me sane! Seriously! Can barely crawl to the patio once in a while. But all of this is just another thing on top of a ton of things, like my mom’s health and finances, I lost my insurance and am fighting getting it back, I am in a 3 month battle with my oxygen company who messed up my account beyond belief, financial stress, isolation and other things I won’t share on Facebook.

Be a Lemon Lover for Your Health

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Sherri Loves LemonsOur bodies are usually way too acidic, due to our diets. This is detrimental to how our immune systems and cells function, leaving us susceptible to infections and lowered efficiency of the blood, cells and organs (especially the liver and kidneys). So, I am always looking for ways to alkalize and have been using lemons for years.

The human body and all its tissues are most optimum at around 7.2 pH. Otherwise, acidosis, a condition wherein the body becomes overly acidic, ensues. Many studies have shown that acute acidosis causes bacteria, yeast, pleomorphic virus, and fungus to take over and spark degenerative diseases like, diabetes, cancer, aids, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, and more. For instance, pancreatic cells become more cancerous and tumorigenic with high acid pH levels in the body (Achieving Alkalinity).

You may be asking, “What? Lemons? Why would you consume an acidic food if you are trying to be more alkaline?”

Well, yes, it is true. Lemons are acidic and they are acidic when they land in the stomach. However, once they are processed and utilized in the body, tissues and fluids, they become alkaline. You see, when it comes to lemons, even though they are acidic they are not acid forming, they are alkaline forming.  Thus, we can add them to our list of alkaline forming foods.

How do you know if you are too acidic? The best way I have found is to use PH strips such as those made by Enyzymedica. Test your urine with your first morning potty. Most people are 6.0 or lower. It is best for it to be around 7.0 – 7.5.

If your urine is not alkaline by 2 p.m. you are definitely in an ACIDIC condition and lacking in alkaline reserves. The pH of the urine should run between 6.8 and 8.4 but ideally 7.2 or greater (Stomach Does Not…).

Another benefit of lemons is that they are the only food on the planet that contain anionic orbits, rather than cationic.

Each and every food you eat is cationic, however there is one exception: the lemon which is anionic.

This is where the liver comes in as it produces huge amounts of bile, which is also anionic, to aid in the digestion of the food. Adding lemons to the diet means the liver doesn’t need to work as hard to produce the bile needed for digestion, therefore it can rest and repair instead (Liver Loves Lemons).

You may even be able to heal the liver in 90 days with lemons!

If you want a new liver 90 days from now, what you need to do, is to drink one full cup of undiluted freshly squeezed lemon juice, every single day. And eat any of the yellow foods you can find, whether its yellow apples, or yellow squash or yellow capsicum etc… (Liver Loves Lemons).

So give lemons a try! Even if you don’t want to drink a whole cup of lemon juice for 90 days, there are many other ways to enjoy it as a part of your general health goals!

  • Put a slice in a cup and pour hot water over it for a great way to absorb all the nutrients into your body and tissues.
  • Make one of my infused water concoctions for a delicious, healthy drink. It’s really easy!
  • Put some lemon in your green drink. You can include the peel if you would like it to be a little less tart or acidic to your stomach.

So drink up! And bring alkalinity to your body!

RESOURCES:

Achieving Alkalinity to Treat Illness and Disease: Changing Your pH Balance! Alkaline World. February 2015.

Ditch the Sodas Already; Here’s My Alternative. Sherri Connell. February 2015.

Liver Loves Lemons. Food for liver health. Alkaline World. September 2014.

Make Someone’s Day. Silly Sherri Productions. April 2011.

The Stomach Does Not Digest Food – Chew on That! Alkaline World. February 2015.

What’s the deal with lemons? Don Tolman explains. Video. Zane Truscott interviews Don Tolman. September 2014.

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