Archive for the ‘Karen’s Journal Notes’ Category
My Achalasia Story
Dear Fellow Achalasia Patients,
I write this blog today during a beautiful, sunny Spokane, Washington, Sunday. As I write I wonder how all of my fellow achalasia patients out there are doing.
Achalasia is a rare disease. I know from experience that it helps to talk to others who have the same affliction. It is hard to believe that October 4, 2011, will be the fourth anniversary of my repair surgery. Life is far better than it was for the seven years before the surgery. Prior to that time, I was not aware of the term “achalasia.” Therefore, what I would like to tell all of you is that there is hope. Do not struggle with your current situation, as professional help is available.
In my case I was officially diagnosed with achalasia in August 2007. I had no idea what achalasia was and was not particularly worried with the term. Being as curious as I am, I immediately went home after my esophageal dilation procedure and waited for the anesthesia to fully leave my body so I could hop on the Internet and read exactly what achalasia was all about. Holy Molie! I became scared almost to death! There is truly frightening stuff out there on the Web. In fact, after reading the stuff, I thought I would be dying soon, and this was no happy thought!
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- “Bird’s beak” appearance, typical in achalasia
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- A CXR showing achalasia (arrows point to the outline of the massively dilated esophagus)
I have a lot of people who depend on me and a lot of responsibilities in my life, so I began trying to take care of things in my now suddenly expected short life. I called my doctor, and he said I most certainly was not near death, but I thought he was just trying to be optimistic and nice. I wasn’t having any of it!
To my husband’s dismay, I planned my own funeral arrangements to save him the trouble. Yep, I selected a simple coffin and a nice cemetery with a view. It seems that relaxation for me only takes place when I have a view. Weird as it may seem, I was at peace making time payments on my selected plot and even bought one for my husband next to me. Of course, he would not be using it for a long time after me, since he would have a long, healthy life, I figured. The thought of him marrying too soon, without a respectable time mourning my passing, was disturbing, so I pushed those thoughts right out of my mind. I was having enough trouble as it was.
Back to my achalasia. Now it was time to complete more research, so back to my computer I went. I ordered every natural remedy out there, although there were only a few at the time. Still hopeful in spite of my funeral planning, I faithfully followed directions on all of them. My physician told me there was no cure but that most achalasia patients live with the disease and do not die from it. Yipes! That was not reassuring.
My weight dropped 69 pounds suddenly. It scared my kids and my husband. Previously I was a tubby, but this was no way to lose weight. I could not get or keep much food down. My stomach sphincter was so tight that it would allow only a trickle of fluid through to my stomach. My regurgitation was out of control, and since my diagnosis was vigorous achalasia, it brought the worst type of pain. Sometimes my esophageal pain would last an hour. My family timed it, and it seemed that I could not bear the duration of the pain. Often I would run out of the house and walk around the house, using my animal instinct to flee. Nothing worked and for the first time in my life I could understand people wanting to die because of pain.
Stay tuned for the second installment of my story. There is hope at the end of the tunnel.
Karen Jean Matsko Hood
Achalasia Support Group
James and Karen Hood Foundation
507 North Sullivan Road, Suite LL-6
Spokane Valley, WA 99037-8576 USA
E-mail: karenscustomerservice@gmail.com
Phone: (509) 924-3550 | Fax: (509) 922-9949
www.achalasiablog.org
www.jamesandkarenhoodfoundationblog.org
www.karensblog.net
www.jamesghoodblog.com
Janelle Turcotte Hired to Teach at St. John Vianney School
Hi, All. We received this news about our daughter Janelle Karina Hood Turcotte. This letter was sent out today about Janelle being hired by St. John Vianney Catholic School as the 8th grade homeroom teacher, and we are proud! Congratulations, Janelle!!
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8th Grade Teacher Update
May 17, 2011 08:00:00
By Kelly Witt
Dear St. John Vianney Families,
Over the course of the past few weeks the staff has met and discussed the applicants for the 8th grade homeroom position. The interview team consisted of Mr. Pelkie, Ms. Milne, Mr. Hartely, Mrs. Hughes, Mrs. Palmer, and Miss Tami. Some key areas we were looking for in a candidate included the years of teaching experience, success with teaching 6th grade math, pre-algebra, algebra, and 7th and 8th grade science. In addition, we were looking for someone who has experience with Gonzaga Prep’s entrance exams and honors programs. There were many qualified candidates, however, one candidate not only met those requirements but also teaches summer school at Gonzaga Prep. After much deliberation and a unanimous vote by the team, it is with great pleasure that I announce the hiring of Janelle Turcotte as the 8th grade homeroom teacher.
Mrs. Turcotte has three years teaching experience and her previous position included teaching 7th and 8th grade science, pre-algebra and algebra. Not only does she have experience with Gonzaga Prep’s entrance exams and honors programs, she teaches Algebra I, Geometry, and science in Prep’s summer program. Her experience teaching these key subject areas at Prep will provide our students with the best education possible in the areas of math and science. The combination of teaching currently in the middle school as well as her teaching experience at the high school level is an excellent combination so our students will not only be prepared for high school but the programs we have in place will continue to be of the highest caliber.
Not only is Mrs. Turcotte prepared to continue teaching your child with the highest of standards, she is enthusiastic, energetic, and will motivate the students to perform at their highest abilities. She is eager to build relationships with both the students and the families of St. John Vianney. I know once you have the opportunity to meet her, you, too, will be blown away with her content knowledge, warm and welcoming personality, and will have trust in her ability to maintain the high standards St. John Vianney has in place.
If you have any further questions regarding Mrs. Turcotte please feel free to talk with myself, or any one of the committee members.
Sincerely,
Rick Pelkie
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Thank you to Rick Pelkie, principal of St. John Vianney School for sending out this fine letter. We are proud of our daughter Janelle.
James and Karen Hood
National Pet Dental Health Month
Did you know that February is not only National Children’s Dental Health Month but is also National Pet Dental Health Month? I was surprised to learn this as I drove past a veterinarian’s office that had this message posted on a sign in front of the building.
Having a National Pet Dental Health Month is a good reminder to focus on what keeps your pet healthy. You see, pets need to have their teeth cleaned, too. Bacteria can lead to a buildup of plaque, which in turn harms your pet’s gums and teeth. I’ve been told that scheduling teeth cleanings for your pet is highly ridiculous and very expensive. That may or may not be the case, but some people do choose professional dental health treatments for their pets. Another way to help keep your pet’s dental health in good shape is to clean their teeth at home.
A problem we have in today’s culture in the United States is the growing dental health problems in pets, which is often due to feeding a diet which is not natural for your specific breed. This contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. It has been proven that bacterial infection can adversely affect the health of humans as well as pets.
Be sure to feed your pet a healthy diet specific to your particular pet, and then make sure they have the appropriate items needed. For example, dogs have evolved from canines that were used to chewing on bones. This naturally helped clean their teeth. It is also worth it to use a soft, small toothbrush to brush your pet’s teeth from time to time. This will protect your animal’s dental health. This in turn will save you from having to pay for more expensive treatment later.
The American Veterinary Medical Association encourages us to celebrate National Pet Dental Health Month by checking with your local veterinarian for the best methods of keeping your pet’s mouth, teeth, and gums healthy.
Our Dogs’ Health News: I am worried about one of my beloved pet dogs, Dromi, who is a 14-year-old male Icelandic sheepdog. Dromi was actually my daughter’s dog, but we inherited him when she went away to college and was unable take him with her. He was imported from Iceland and has a wonderful character. He has been a terrific dog, but his health is failing. His eyes are still bright and alert, but he is definitely getting worse. He has tumors that are spreading all over his body, and I’m afraid that he doesn’t have too much time left. Losing a much-loved pet is always difficult. He has had a great life so far, and yes, he chewed on lots of bones to keep his teeth clean!
National Children’s Dental Health Month
Greetings to all my family and friends and those who simply like to read blogs. Today is February 1, 2011, the beginning of a new month. Each month I plan my new resolutions to have a more productive and peaceful month. Today is no exception.
Today is also the beginning of National Children’s Dental Health Month. The entire month is devoted to promoting children’s dental health, which is extremely important for the overall healthy growth and development of any child. Since my husband is a dentist and devoted to helping children, he wants to make sure that everyone takes the time to call their family dentist and make an appointment for their children. Remember, if you haven’t made an appointment for them since school started, now is the time. Be sure and ask your dentist about the latest protocol in giving children x-rays, fluoride, and any type of dental treatment. To make sure your visit to the dentist is pleasant, avoid using any negative words when taking your child to the dentist. As a resource to help parents with this, I developed an activity and coloring book, Adventures of My Dentist and the Tooth Fairy, which introduces children to the fundamentals of healthy teeth and mouth: fluoride, toothpaste, and brushing.
If you need any more information, please visit my husband’s dental blogs: Dr. James G. Hood’s Blog and Dental Care Associates of Spokane Valley Blog. He is constantly adding information that is helpful about the dental industry.
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On February 8, 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day. This was only a one-day observance. In 1955 the observance was lengthened to a week-long event. Then in 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month. February was the month chosen to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Through the efforts of the American Dental Association, National Children’s Dental Health Month messages and materials have reached millions of people in communities across the country.
To continue this education, the ADA has free online coloring and activity sheets that can help you as a parent teach your child about good dental health in a fun, entertaining manner. Click here to access these coloring and activity sheets.
Heading Home from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Conference
It is Monday morning and I am in New York City getting ready to go to the airport and return to Spokane, Washington. I just attended The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) Winter Conference that was held in New York City at the Grand Hyatt Central Hotel. The conference attracted visitors from all over the world. This was my first time at this particular conference, and it was very worthwhile. I had never attended any children’s book writers conferences before, as I had been enrolling in writers conferences for books for adults. They are two totally different markets, and as an author and writer, it is important to keep up with the trends and what is going on in each market.
I met a lot of wonderful writers as well as the teachers and speakers at the seminars. They talked about what is going on in the world of illustration, picture books, chapter books, middle grade books, and of course the ever-popular and growing teenage and young adult market. The expansion of the market of these books was also discussed, with everyone trying to find the next breakthrough topic.
I was inspired by the wonderful keynote speakers that they had scheduled for the conference. Author R. L. Stine, the children’s book writer of the Goosebumps series turned out to be quite a comedian. Everyone had expected him to look like a person who writes horror stories for children (whatever that would look like), but instead everyone was surprised by his refreshing sense of humor and his inspiring thoughts for children’s book writers. His message to all writers was to only think “yes.” By saying “yes” writers are exposed to many different possibilities in the writing industry. For example, he worked as an promotional writer for the bottling industry in the United States, which was something he never set out to do. This job led him to other writing jobs. His goal was to become a comic writer and to have his own magazine, but he had to go through different hoops and jobs to get there. He never thought he’d be an author of horror fiction for children, and yet that is what he ended up doing. R.L. Stine has sold over 450 million children’s books, and they are currently becoming more popular on the international scene. “You never know what life has in store for budding authors” was his message. That will now be my plan … that is to say “yes” to all writing possibilities out there, including contests that I find.
Well, it is time to zip my bags and head downstairs to the taxi. The taxi will take me to LaGuardia Airport. From there I fly to Denver. After a short layover in Denver, I will board a plane to Spokane, returning to the wonderful Northwest, the land I appreciate so much.
It is unfortunate that New York City is going through such difficult times. When I was there they were arguing over budget cuts and were talking about laying off 15,000 teachers! That put people up in arms, as they didn’t think that’s where the cuts should be. The cold snap had caused problems with garbage pickup. They had gotten the streets plowed but the garbage was still stacked up on sidewalks. I heard that people were complaining about garbage on some sidewalks, but I must say I was pretty shocked to see it when I was visiting there. New York City is wonderful for the busy, exciting life, but it’s definitely going through some stressful times now as they try to figure out how to run the city with a small budget. But of course those problems are being dealt with in other cities of the country. It’s just that in New York City budget cuts are on a much larger scale.
I compliment all of the people of New York, but I must admit I’m a Northwest country girl, born and raised in Montana and currently living in Washington State. I enjoyed my time and the education I received at the writers conference in New York City, but I’m very glad to return home. You’ll be seeing more news about my children’s writing and children’s book releases in the near future. Thanks again, and please comment and join in on my blogs. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you.
Karen Jean Matsko Hood
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