Most grateful...

I know I haven't posted in quite some time.   I want to sincerely thank all of you who have supported me in such a kind, loving, and encouraging fashion.  I am more appreciative than you know!

I have been very immersed in my program here, and find it oftentimes difficult and counterproductive to recount the day I have had.  However, I wanted to share that I am learning some fabulous tools (other than medication-yay!) to better manage my condition.  While I may (may being the key word here) never be able to do many of the things I used to do at the level I used to do them, I will be able to those things of past days again.  I just have to use moderation and modifications as needed. :)

That being said, I am needing some help from you.  When I return from Rochester and resume my life outside MAYO, please try not to ask me about my pain or my condition.  My goal is not to focus on the condition, but to live life without my condition "driving the car."  You may, of course, still encourage me and offer me positive affirmations.  I respond well to praise (not a surprise there).  Haha!

When we do talk, I would love to hear about you.  Tell me funny stories and get me involved in conversation that does not necessarily revolve around me (if that makes sense).   Ask me to do things like go on a walk, get lunch, or have coffee.  Please do continue to pray for me.  Prayer is the most powerful tool you can use to support me.

Lastly, please remember that my support system at home and elsewhere is very important in my recovery.  I need you.  You are a precious resource.

On a lighter note, I am headed to the Mall of America in Minneapolis today with some friends from my program.  I am going to the Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America instead of doing much shopping.  I can't wait!  It also snowed yesterday and last night (about 3-4 inches).  It is so beautiful.  I'll close with a verse that has been speaking to me this morning:

"Behold, God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; For the Lord God is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation."  Isaiah 12:2

Love and hugs,
Jenna

Playing Teacher

I was so blessed today because I got to "play teacher."  We have "homework" each night, so I took it seriously. :)  I got to basically share my experience using a circular (cycle) graphic organizer.  LOVED IT. I called on people, took things they said into consideration, and wrote clearly.  People loved the fact that I was on the newer side, yet really enjoyed sharing so early into the program.  I'm all about forming relationships and bonding with people.  This experience helped me immensely, as my pain was high today and there were other negatives going on.

I met with a team of 10 people for my weekly Dr./RN/Psych appointment.  It was pretty overwhelming to say the least.  However, my Dr. kept leaning back in his chair (he's a brilliant, yet kind man) and I had to resist the urge to tell him "keep all six legs on the floor!"  I resisted...barely-haha.  I've got great care here and my RN/case manager is fabulous.

My beloved comes in tomorrow evening.  I can't wait!  Please pray for safe travels for him.

I'm learning about coping mechanisms in order to live with pain and take control of my situation.

My #1 coping mechanism:
My Higher Power: My Savior and Lord.

Why?
He loves me unconditionally.  This love never changes, regardless of any mistakes I make, how I feel, or what I look like.  I can talk to Him about anything.  He is always with me.  There is nothing that can separate us.

Challenges

I'm facing many challenges now that I'm in the "meat" of the program.  This post won't be long, as I am worn out and my pain is up.  I've met some really wonderful people here.  One if them is a retired teacher, and she really helped console me today.  I thank God for support and strength.  I am needing a lot of it these days.

Anyone who has dealt with chronic pain and the medications that sometime follow, know that it is a challenge to stop them and that it must be done gradually.  That is a great challenge for me at this time.  Please pray that I will stay well; MAYO seems to be floating with flu/sinus infections these days.  Ick!  Thank you to all of you who have written, texted, emailed, posted, prayed, etc.  I am so blessed to have all of you in my life.

On a happier Brendan comes to Rochester Wednesday night for the Thanksgiving holidays and I CAN'T WAIT!  Yay!

Much love....

Immensely Blessed

I want to start by thanking everyone for their prayers and support (via text, calling, email, or "snail mail").  You'll never know how much I appreciate your love and encouragement.

I completed my two intake days at the Pain Rehabilitation Center.  Yesterday, I actually finished a little early and had a chance for some R and R in the afternoon.  I was grateful to finish with all the surveys, assessments, online checklists, questions, etc.  :)  I'm glad they have baseline data, though.

Today was my first "real" day, filled with classes, Dr. visit, relaxation techniques, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.  I've met some pretty amazing people and feel as if I can really relate to their stories.  There are several young women that are apart of the group, and one particular gentleman, who actually is an M.D. at MAYO himself, yet a fellow patient in the Pain Rehab Center.

Besides a few bouts with tears, the day went really well.  I'm learning all sorts of coping mechanisms (other than medication thank goodness).  Today was my first day lifting weights in nearly 2 years.  It was pretty humbling, but I know I'll improve.  :)  We did some gentle yoga...I rather enjoyed that.

I have to quote an old hymn in closing:  "Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.  Because He lives, all fear is gone; because I know He holds the future.  And, life is worth the living, just because He lives."

Another Move, Andy Griffith, Active Board and A Little Anxious

So this morning I decided I needed to switch rooms.  The heating system has a really "old/musty" smell to it, and that's the last thing I need-more allergies! :)  I was going to get out a bit more this morning, but I'm waiting to be moved.  The people here at the hotel are wonderful; they just have "full house," and needed to change my room once some people checked out.

In the meantime, I've decided to start an Andy Griffith marathon, beginning with "My Fair Earnest T. Bass"...you know-they little runt from the mountains who throws rocks through windows.  If you're never watched Andy Griffith, you really need to give it a go.  Stick to the black and white episodes.

As some of you already know, I recently got an Active Board in my classroom.  Big YAY!  So-I have been looking through/trying to create some good flip charts for when I get back.  Knox Schools website has some great ones.  I just need to preview, tweak, and organize.  Promethian Planet has wonderful resources as well.  I've just got to wrap my head around all of the ones I've looked at and pick/choose.

I've been trying to stay busy...if you can't tell. :)  I'm a bit anxious about tomorrow.  I know the verse from Philipians 4:6-7 says: "Do not be anxious about anything, but With prayer and thanksgiving, make your requests known to the Lord.  The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."  However, it's still hard to keep those anxious thoughts under control.  The first 2 days at the Pain Rehab Clinic will be filled with "intake procedures:" questions/history, blood work, etc.  Since talking about my pain can make it worse, I'm more than a little apprehensive.  I know that I can't get any answers "wrong" (I'm still a teacher/student at heart), but please pray that the staff is kind, professional, and nonjudgmental.  Also, please pray that if I do run into any staff member who does not possess these qualities, that I will allow his/her behavior not to affect me in a negative way.  I hope that I will be able to let any negative words "roll off" and stay positive. :)  MAYO is known for its professionalism, so I do hope that I will encounter good experiences.

So-I'm back to Active Board flip charts for a bit-they actually are pretty exciting.  I might head out for a walk (the sun is peeking around some) and then to a late lunch of good ole' greasy Chinese later.  I'm in the mood for some. :)

Love to all!

Exploring Rochester...Inside

Apparently since Rochester is known for its rather long and cold winters, you can get mostly anywhere necessary via indoor "tunnels," especially if you are staying downtown.  Obviously, you can't get to Walmart via the tunnel system (haha), but it's only 3 miles away by car; plus my hotel offers a complimentary shuttle/sedan service.  I feel like I'm Vivian in Pretty Woman!

I was able to take the Pretty Woman Shuttle to check out the Pain Rehab Center this morning, which is about 1.5 miles away.  It's located on a different "campus" than the main MAYO hospital (which is only about 3 blocks away.)  I think you can get to the main one via tunnels. :)  I was expecting to see many people on oxygen or in casts, etc. at the pain rehab center, but I was surprised to see that most people looked, for lack of a more appropriate term, normal.  In fact, there were several people speed walking inside, around the corridors, listening to their iPods.  I must have gone during "workout" time.  So-I was pleasantly surprised to see several women who appeared to be in their 30's-40's hanging about in the atrium area.

My treatment officially starts Wednesday.  I just got here a little early to get settled in and adjusted.  I had to make a major Walmart run yesterday to get essentials.  Luckily, I have all of my correspondence materials on hand already (thanks to Mom), and I've already written 12 cards.  I love to write!

My room is decorated with photos of my family, Brendan, and Stu (Gracie hadn't made any hard copy pictures yet).  Brendan put several frames in my suitcase (hidden) before I left.  He also hid notes and little presents in my suitcase too.  How I love that man!

I feel rather like I'm in a dorm, except this one MUCH nicer; it has a fabulous bed, bathroom attached (not community-thank goodness), flat screen TV, etc.  I spent 2 years in the dorms at UT, so cooking my meals in my room and having just "one room" is not that foreign to me.  However, I do miss being able to hop over to my AOTT sisters' rooms whenever I feel like it. :(

I am making friends here-anyone who knows me knows I know no strangers-wow that was a wacky sentence!  I treated myself to a mani pedi combo special (I took the tunnels to that salon) and chatted with a very pleasant manicurist there.  However, there is no substitute for family and friends at home.  I miss ya'll.  Thank you for your comments, text messages, voicemails, and constant prayer support.

Much love to all!

Oh-and I ordered my Christmas cards today-who's excited about the holidays?!  I know I am!

Breakfast as a VOL

Thanks, everyone, for your emails and posts. :)  Several people have asked why I am here.  If you'll skim over my first post, it will better explain.  Basically, I had two sinus surgeries a year and a half ago, and since then, have had chronic pain.  Mayo's pain rehabilitation center is the best in the nation for cases (like mine) where there is no exact medication or traditional treatment available.  I hope this helps! 

Love to all of you.  I miss TN already.  I just had breakfast wearing my UT VOLS hat.  :)