Saturday, June 2, 2012

Housekeeping before AIDS Posting

As I posted on Tuesday, I’ve been somewhat under the weather. Spring, with its precipitous barometric ups and downs, brings on Meniere’s headaches. In intensity, they resemble migraines, but without the sensitivity to light. They sap my energy as well as my ability to think and write.
            So today, while the mind is clear, I’m writing this housekeeping posting. That is, I’m going to bring you up to date in preparation for next Tuesday’s posting, which will be about how AIDS affected my life back in the late eighties and early nineties.

·         First and foremost, thank you for the good wishes you sent my way when I posted on Tuesday that I wasn’t feeling quite up to par. I appreciate your generous thoughts and concern. Today I’m headache-free and feeling that the world is indeed bright and beautiful. To celebrate I'm going to see the movie "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel."

·        I am fortunate that I have a prescription that helps with these migraines. However, I take the pills sparingly because each costs $6.13 and the once-a-month prescription is for only twelve pills. So when a headache first starts to throb, I take over-the-counter drugs. If it doesn’t go away in an hour or so, I admit defeat and take one of the pills I’ve squirreled away.  If I absolutely need more than twelve pills during the month, I must pay the full cost for them, which is $365—or a little over $30 a pill.

·        So if a second or third pill is necessary, I take a sleeping tablet instead and knock myself out for at least seven hours. Thus, the past few days have been drowsy ones. Not much going on in the old noggin! Thankfully, the headaches have never sent me to Emergency as they have another blogger whom I read: Kate Shrewsday. So I’m one lucky person.

·         Last Saturday my posting was about Yeshua and his seeking Oneness among us. Rita, of Soul Comfort, linked her comment to a video about an inspiring man—Narayanan Krishnan—who truly does embrace Oneness. As Rita said in her comment, “now there is a man whose spark of good is bright enough to bring tears to my eyes.” Please view how he feeds the hungry in India and nourishes the soul of us all.


·         On his blog Tossing It Out, Lee Jackson recently posted a review of “Twelve Habits of Highly Successful Cats and Their Humans.” Several weeks ago I asked him if he’d read the book and post his honest appraisal of it. At the time, I didn’t know he wasn’t a “cat person.”  Lee’s posting—click here if you’d like to read it—mentions this and then praises the book. So I am doubly pleased: that someone liked the book and that the someone was a “dog person.”

·         I had been concerned that the book would not speak to readers because I’d been unable to find an agent who wanted to read it. So I’m relieved that Dulcy’s companion book has spoken to at least one person—besides Fishducky, who seems to truly appreciate Dulcy’s sweetness and wit!

That’s the housekeeping for today. On Tuesday I hope to post about AIDS. I hope all of you have a carefree weekend.

Peace.

42 comments:

  1. I hope you continue to feel better. And that you will enjoy the movie, which my British blogger friend liked a lot. $30.00 a pill for extreme pain is an OUTRAGE!!! We really need some form of healthcare overhaul in this country, but with the way the system works, it will probably be impossible to fix. My diabetes doctor, he is an old-fashioned, kind soul, couldn't see a way out when we talked about it last Thursday. I am on Habit 9 now and, once again, Dulcy is teaching me about love.

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  2. Dear Inger, Actually, I wrote the posting yesterday (Friday) because I was having such a good day! So I did see the movie and it's a true delight. The acting throughout--both in the lead roles and the supporting--was so wonderful that I forgot I was watching a movie and felt as if I were seeing real life.

    Yes. We do need health-care reform, but like you I'm doubting whether it's going to happen. We'll see what the Supreme Court rules sometime soon.

    And thank you so much for saying you are liking the book. I appreciate your sharing that with me.

    Peace.

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  3. Hope you feel better and hope the movie takes your mind off those awful headaches.

    Enjoy the week-end.

    Yvonne.

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    1. Dear Yvonne, thanks for the good wishes. I've gotten through the day without a headache and so it's been grand and glorious! Peace.

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  4. I hope you are feeling better. I have a problem with migraines, too. I understand.
    I will be in touch soon, regarding your newest book. Feel better. Peace.

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    1. Dear McGuffy Ann, I'm so sorry to learn that you have migraines. That plus what's been going on healthwise with you and your Mayo visits must truly be difficult.

      I look forward to hearing from you about Dulcy's companion book.

      Peace.

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  5. The Indian gentleman in the video is--& has--a beautiful soul! I loved the review by Lee. I don't see how anyone could be anything but enthralled by either of Dulcy's books!!

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    1. Dear Fishducky, thank you once again for your unbounded enthusiasm for Dulcy and her "mews." Peace.

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  6. Enjoy the movie!
    I'd like to go off on a rant about the cost of your migraine medications changing if you need more within 30 days, but I won't. Actually, I'd like to go off on a rant about why we have to pay exorbitant prices for prescriptions at all or why we have no Universal Health Care, but I won't.
    Glad you're feeling better and looking forward to your next post.

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    1. Dear Kari, like you, I feel like ranting about prescriptions drugs often. And yet, I know that I'm lucky to be able to afford to pay the Prescription Drug Coverage premium that makes most prescriptions much less for me to pay. I'm doubly lucky/blessed to be on Medicare. So many people have no coverage and yet so many other people don't want them covered by the new health care reform. I'm really anxious about what the Supreme Court is going to rule. Peace.

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  7. Oops! I meant "spark of god"--LOL! But "good" is also appropriate, too. :):) He is the most amazing man to me. And in a country where you are not even supposed to associate or touch the "unclean". A shining soul!

    That looks like a good movie and I already had it in my "saved" queue because it isn't out yet on DVD.

    I, also, wish we had universal health care. Sadly, profit wins over people most of the time in this country. :( I hope you are feeling better. It's been a rough spring for me, but in a different way.
    Love and hugs!!! :):)

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    1. Dear Rita, yes, the movie is really fine. Please see my response above to Inger's comment. Universal health care would change so many people's lives for the better. I keep hoping it will happen before I die. Peace.

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  8. Let us know, please, what you think of the movie. I am outraged that you cannot have the medicine you need (well, as outraged as a mild person can get). I look forward to reading Dulcy's new book and will definitely post a review. I am slooooooooow.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. Dear Janie, I loved the movie. Please see my response to Inger's comment--which was the first one left today. Believe me, I know sloooooow. I have so slowed down in the last few years that it's a wonder my friends still recognize me! Peace.

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  9. I have only a minute to dash in, but I am so happy you are feeling better. I hope it is gone for good! Love, love, love the video- such beauty! Continue to care for yourself, my friend~

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    1. Dear Shelly, so glad that you "dashed in" to say hello. That video is so inspiring. I'm glad you had the time to watch it. Peace.

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  10. I so feel for you with your terrible headaches. I had the 4 day variety migraines for about 10 years and fortunately out grew them when menopause came to call. They really can consume a person. I used to hate day one, knowing I had three more days of them ahead of me. At that time, nothing really helped. The price of your medicine speaks volumes of our pharmacutical companies. I do hope you stay pain free.
    That movie is also in my "to do" pile. Please give a review.

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    1. Dear Arkansas Patti, I'm sorry to learn that you had these headaches for so long and that they were so bad. In the third comment from the top, McGuffy Ann says she has them also. I'm just glad that I have no light sensitivity with them.

      I wrote a little about the movie in my response to Inger's comment, which is the first one in this series of comments/responses.

      Peace.

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  11. I can't imagine how bad those headaches must be--and the cost of those pills too!

    I LOVE “Twelve Habits of Highly Successful Cats and Their Humans.” The girls and I are trying to think of a fun way to review it, maybe a Vlog. I've read quite a bit of it to them and, as always, they enjoy anything you write--they just love you ;)

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    1. Dear Elisa, I'm glad you like the Dulcy's companion book and that the Scribe and the Hippie are enjoying it also. That surprises me because I couldn't think they would care for my part of the book, which is a lot of philosophizing! Peace.

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  12. I hope this isn't a duplicate message...I had a little trouble sending! But I wanted to tell you that I read Lee's wonderful review, and I'm so pleased. Do take care of yourself. You have some wonderful opportunities yet to come, I believe! I'm glad you're feeling better, and hope that those headaches are very few! They sound debilitating. I'm so sorry. Debra

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  13. Dear Debra, thank you for reading Lee's review. It thrilled me. No headache today, just a general malaise! Peace.

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  14. Looking forward to hearing about how AIDS affected you in the early 90s

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    1. Dear Tigey, I'm looking forward to trying to write about that. I know I'll need to work at shaping the story to reflect the times--the late eighties. Wish me luck. Peace.

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  15. I believe feeding the mind and sole as well as the body is of utmost importance. Thank you for sharing the video and info.
    Take care, be well and happy, Dee.

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    1. Dear Pam, thank you for your good wishes. Seeing your photographs today was such a pleasure for me. Peace.

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  16. As I am commenting on Sunday evening, Dee, I can only hope that your weekend was as painless as possible, that you enjoyed the movie, and that you are getting along. If I get started on health care, I will never stop, so I will just say that I hope and pray that some sort of meaningful reform takes place soon.

    I look forward to checking the links, Dee. Here's to a well week for you.

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    1. Dear Penny, I did so enjoy the movie and I'm going to go and see it again to discover what I missed first time around. I just finished watching a Woody Allen movie I got from the library. "Midnight in Paris" is the first Woody Allen movie I've ever seen and it's clear that I've been missing something special.

      Like you, I so hope for "meaningful reform." I just hope it comes during my lifetime.
      Peace.

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  17. I'm so glad you're feeling better, Dee, and that you so enjoyed the movie (which I really ant to see, too!).

    I agree whole-heartedly with you about the outrage of prescription drug and medical costs in this country. Like you, I feel very blessed to have Medicare, but fear that it may be taken away if this country goes any further to the Right. I would love to see Medicare for all or some other form of universal health care to get rid of the gouging prices and infernal insurance companies!

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    1. Dear Kathy, I have that same fear about the Right. I know we don't live in the "worst of times" but we aren't living in the "best of times" either. Things seem scary to me. Peace.

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  18. Hello Dee, One of the best pills to help Meniere’s headaches are Stemetil low dose tablets...
    They are not used as much as they once were...BUT, they work well and may be less expensive. Its a awful illness,and I pray you can get these. They are available in the USA.
    Love and hug. Crystal

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    1. Dear Crystal, thanks so much for the medication suggestion. I'll talk with the pharmacist and see if I need a prescription or not. If so, I'll speak with the doctor.
      It's so good to know that they may be available here. Peace.

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  19. I'm so glad you're feeling better, Dee, and that you enjoyed the film, which I also want to see. Like everyone else I'm outraged at the cost of your necessary medication and wish for your sake that you could have the benefit of something like our National Health Service even with its flaws.

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    1. Dear Perpetua, my thought is that every organization has some flaws. But just think of the good with your National Health Service! If only some of the citizens of the United States could let go of their belief that everything we do here is the BEST way to do things, then maybe we could learn from other countries. Peace.

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  20. I'm hoping today is a good day for you my friend! I loved both of your books just so you know! I tried posting a review on Amazon yesterday and it rejected it. I'm going to try again today. It might have just been a clitch or something. I've seen that video and that man should be praised! He is amazing and kind.

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    1. Dear Melynda, yes today has been good, but I can feel a headache hovering. That's because the barometer is changing due to a storm coming.

      Thank you for posting that review on Amazon. You are a dear friend.

      Peace.

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  21. I'm glad you were feeling up to posting, but I'm so sorry to hear about your headaches. I'm sending good thoughts and healing wishes your way --

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  22. Dear Emily, thank you. I'm feeling fine and dandy, like sugar candy today!!!!

    Peace.

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  23. That you have such a headache issue brought me me back 45 years when I began to get my first severe headache. Over time they increased and got worse, much worse. Pain lickers made me frustrated and eventually I had to seek a better solution. It came. I began to read about sensitivities to chemicals and foods and learned that I could not tolerate many foods with nitrates, preservatives, etc. And my frequent ear troubles were also a strong indicator that I had a dairy intolerance. I gave up milk and cold cuts and cheese. Over time I found the corn products were also a huge factor, especially the cooking oil which would give me severe tummy cramps after 10 minutes of ingesting it. Now I understand how to eat and avoid what my body sees as foreign and my headaches are really rare. my tummy and ears still give me cause to rethink what I ate. Well that being said I'm happy to hear that you feel better. Maybe you'll figure a way around your issue too. Our sensitivities are so often over looked by the doctors. And Menieirs still has not known causes but lots of discomfort in one's head.
    I am going to get your second book too.

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    1. Dear Heidi, thank you for the tips about food sensitivities. I'll begin to keep track of what I'm eating and perhaps link that to the headaches.

      And thank you, also, for planning to get Dulcy's second book. I hope you enjoy it. Peace.

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  24. i enjoyed the video very much as well as your previous story of yeshua. as you say, oneness.

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    1. Dear Ed, I'm glad you enjoyed the video. He is an inspiring human being. Peace.

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