A Lifetime in 27 Years
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
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
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
Thank 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!
Unfortunately, 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!***
UPDATE 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:
AMAZING 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!!!
UPDATE 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:
Got 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.
Our 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!
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.
From the time that it was released to the public, I loved drinking diet soda! There was nothing more refreshing than this cool, bubbly, beverage that promised me I could drink to my heart’s content without any calorie guilt.
However, after many years of consumption, I started doing research on the chemical artificial sweetener used in my soda. I soon made the connection with the soda and the migraines I was getting when I drank it. Many, like myself, never make the connection with their headaches, joint pain, dizziness or other symptoms. Some people may not experience immediate reactions, but (in my opinion) should still heed the warnings of what these chemicals are doing to their bodies! Just because you don’t notice it now, you just don’t know what havoc it could wreak over time.
I was so appalled by what I and millions were putting in their bodies, that I did a bunch of research about aspartame. In 1996, I wrote a pamphlet called, The Silent Nutri-Bomb and handed it out to all of my friends and family.
Of course, I heard every excuse in the book. The biggest one I have heard is that the person is diabetic. Well, I am sorry to say, but the artificial sweeteners block insulin, creating an even bigger blood sugar issue, fat storage and increased cravings for carbohydrates. Not good.
In most cases, people are simply addicted to sodas and don’t want to face the facts. Nevertheless, 18 years later, thank goodness there is so much more research and tons of studies available, that more people are finally becoming concerned artificial sweeteners.
At any rate, I could go on and on, but this article is not really just about diet soda. It is about all sodas. After I quit drinking diet drinks, I started drinking regular ones now and then.
But let’s be honest. Those aren’t good either! They have about 10 teaspoons of processed sugar, high fructose corn syrup, phosphoric acid, dyes and/or preservatives (like benzene and sodium benzoate). The high amounts of sugar alone can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, then the body reacts by putting out insulin, leading to hypoglycemic lows.
I realize people like to toss up their arms and say they don’t have a choice or why bother trying to be healthy, because there are too many things to be worried about. But these are our bodies, friends! We only have one and putting stuff in it that is harmful is a choice … and it is not a good one!
I began looking for alternatives. Of course there is water and I, for one, was very against water most of my life. It tasted awful and made me feel nauseous. Come to find out, it was all the junk they put in our tap water (chlorine, pesticides, fluoride, etc). Now I drink highly filtered water that is clean of all impurities and I add back essential minerals that are vital to our bodies.
So, for decades, I have been good and I do usually drink half my body weight in water a day. Nevertheless, I admit there is nothing like a cold glass of wet bubbly from time to time! So, without going on and on about all of my experiments, I would like to share with you some great alternatives that I came up with.
These are so delicious and refreshing that I can’t even stand a sip of soda anymore! All I taste is the gobs of sugar and grossness!
My first simple, delicious alternative is to use Crystal Geyser Sparkling Mineral Water. These come plain or with light flavors. I like the plain or lime, then I add additional flavors. I use Wisdom Natural Sweet Leaf Sweet Drops. They have flavors like Valencia Orange, Berry, Vanilla Cream, Root Beer and Toffee. I tested this out on my great niece when she was 8 and she LOVED them!
OK at first, they may taste just a tiny bit bitter (though my great niece didn’t notice). But have no worries, after a couple of weeks, you don’t notice either. You see, a diet on sugar makes us insensitive to sweets. Get rid of the sugary sodas and you need less sweetness to satisfy you!
My second amazing alternative is to use just plain fruit in the sparkling water! Yup! Do you like lemon lime soda? I used to. Now it just tastes like a fake, sickeningly sweet goop! It’s easy! Just pour yourself a glass of lime sparkling water and add the juice of 1/2 to 1 lemon, then stick half of the lemon (with the peel) into the drink. The peel will help alkalinity of your body! Of course you can also use lemons, limes, oranges, pineapples or whatever you like! I promise you, you will love this SO much more than soda!
For this, you can use the sparkling mineral water or just clean, filtered water. It’s going to sound so simple, cuz it is! Just put fruit, cucumber and/or herbs into a mason jar and fill it with filtered water. Put it in the fridge for a couple of hours. Remove and pour into a glass for an amazingly refreshing treat! The ingredients will last about 2-3 days.
With our processed diets today, most people are way too acidic which can cause many health issues. Not only do these infusions taste good, but they are full of nutrients and can be alkalizing to your body and blood! Even though lemons and limes are acidic fruits, they are actually alkalizing foods! Cucumbers are alkalizing, as well as lubricating and hydrating to the cells and tissues. These infusions are truly thirst quenching!
If it is not flavorful enough for you, squeeze the fruits into the water as well and infuse over night.
Sherri’s Refreshing Infusion Water! SherriConnell.com
Here are some recipe ideas:
Cucumber, lemon, ginger and mint.
Grapefruit, cucumber, lemon and mint.
Orange, cucumber, lemon.
Lemon, lime and cucumber.
Watermelon, cucumber and mint.
Apple slices, cinnamon stick, mint and a teaspoon of (raw, unfiltered) honey.
Be bold and add parsley or cilantro for their detox properties. Play with the ingredients. It’s your drink and you know what you like!
My favorite sweetener is Like Sugar. It does taste much like sugar, without any bitter aftertaste. However, it is not quite as sweet and can be pretty expensive if you want to use it for a lot of baking. Nevertheless, Like Sugar is made of inulin, which is also a pre-biotic which helps feed the good bacteria in your gut and it is a great source of fiber! So, it is really good for you and is wonderful for many uses!
My next favorite sweetener is Sweet Leaf Stevia by Wisdom Naturals. In addition to the stevia, it has inulin in it to help cut the bitterness of stevia. It works great in drinks or baking to sweeten things!
Many people enjoy using xylitol (not made from corn). Some of them I do OK on, but I get headaches from all other sugar alcohols like erythritol and maltitol. This is probably pretty rare, because I don’t know anyone who has this problem. So, I don’t want to discourage anyone.
Anyhow, as you can see, there are many wonderful alternatives to drinking artificial sweeteners and sugar!
So, ditch the soda and drink healthy!
ADDITIONAL READING:
Wow! So many losses and challenges! Better put on my Super Sherri Cape!
We lost our JellyBean Girl on June 14th. On August 1st, Wayne’s mom, Karen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and hospitalized due to serious complications.
My mom has been battling lung cancer since 2011, my sister battled cancer and my brother passed away in 2011.
People really don’t have any idea what battles I fight daily.
I don’t expect them all to fully understand.
Still, know that if you would like to be supportive, believe me and believe IN me.
I am fighting for my life with courage & perseverance. Believe in me and & join me on this quest or step aside!
Healthy people! Please stop asking those of us living with debilitating illness, “What do you do all day?” I have been on the phone with insurance, RX and other providers for four hours just today alone.
The appointments, bills, insurance issues, therapies and just trying to get my food never ends!
I only WISH I could get to normal life stuff like laundry, shopping, errands, cooking and visiting with people.
Count your blessings! … Don’t worry, I do too. Every tiny little thing people don’t even think about appreciating, I count. Hugs!
Holy Toledo! How cool is this! HuffPost LIVE by The Huffington Post, produced and broadcast a video segment about my story! The show was titled, “A Tick Bite Changed My Life Forever” which was hosted by Nancy Redd.
Immediately, my video segment got over 119,000 views and it continued to get thousands of view on their website and AOL!
Although I mention Lyme, the interview is really about ALL living with debilitating illness and pain, no matter what their diagnosis. Most of all, it is about helping friends and family better understand.
The Huffington Post wrote:
Sherri Connell, who suffers from Multiple Sclerosis & Lyme Disease, and her husband Wayne Connell, the Founder & President of Invisible Disabilities Association, joined HuffPost Live to tell Nancy Redd Sherri’s story of contracting her illnesses through a tick bite and how they have turned it into a positive thing by founding an organization to help those with disabilities.
“When I was fourteen I was bit by a tick but at the time I didn’t know it,” Connell told Redd. “But, I started feeling chronic pain soon after.”
“I fell in love with her and we got married in ’94. And in ’96 she coined the phrase, “Invisible disabilities,” said her husband Connell.
HuffPost LIVE created this show from the original video interview and article on 12-12-12, with Wayne Connell (my hubby), the founder and president of the Invisible Disabilities Association, our friend, Karyn Buxman, RN, MSN, another guest, Elsa Sjunneson-Henry and me. The show was titled, “Not Handicapped Enough.”
Watch Video Here:
RESOURCES