The Weekend...

We went rafting this weekend with friends at Spring River in Arkansas. Nothing too extreme since we took the little ones, but still a lot of fun. It was one of those strange weekends where every thing went really well or really to hell. We had plenty of both. Being with good friends and a day spent going down the river made up for the bad, I think.

I learned a few valuable lessons. One, never get separated from the mosquito spray after dark on a river. I swear my legs look like I have a bad case of measles.

Two, don’t get in a kayak with your 13 year old son when it’s the first time in a kayak for both of you. (Especially when that 13 year old knows ALL) One of us was going in head first and being the mother I felt it should be me. It was well worth it, given the scare it gave hubby since he’s the one who put said 13 year old in the boat with me. (I had been happily tucked safely in the big old raft until he decided I needed more excitement)

Three, it is possible for your toenails to hurt. Every muscle in my body is reminding me of exactly how old I am. Trust me, that’s a lot of years to be reminded of.

I’m sure there were more lessons I learned, but sitting here at work those are the ones that stick out sorely in my mind and body. :)

It was great! We’re all planning to squeeze in another trip before summer’s gone and I can’t wait.

Checking In ...

The temperature in Memphis today is supposed to reach 106. Yesterday we set a new date record at 105. Folks, its just hot here. Air quality is code orange. The AC at work shows 85—that’s the highest on the thermostat—and my asthma is acting up. (wonder why?) The poison ivy I’ve acquired is driving me nuts and I think a spider bit my ankle. (No rotting flesh so I think it wasn’t poison) Oh yeah, I get to have a filling replaced at the dentist in the morning, school started yesterday (and I’ve been late for work since) and my boxer shredded my new comforter last night. I think she’s having PMS like me. And did I mention I turned 40 last week?

Oddly enough, I’ve actually gotten some writing done today. I’ve been a bit of a slacker lately, I’ll admit. I’m working on the last chapter of Malcolm’s story and I’m kicking around a title to see how it works out. Flesh and Blood. It seems to fit the story extremely well so for now I’m going with it. It’ll likely change later, but we’ll see.

That’s it for now, I’m going back to the story while its actually flowing for me so I’ll check in later. Keep cool and pray for autumn.

Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)

Below was taken from the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis/

Hemochromatosis occurs when the body absorbs too much iron from foods (and other sources such as vitamins containing iron). This disease causes extra iron to gradually build up in the body’s tissues and organs, a term called iron overload. If this iron buildup is untreated, it can, over many years, damage the body’s organs.

Although hemochromatosis can have other causes, in the United States the disease is usually caused by a genetic disorder. A person who inherits the defective gene from both parents may develop hemochromatosis. The genetic defect of hemochromatosis is present at birth, but symptoms rarely appear before adulthood. Because one inherits genes from his or her parents, this type of the disease is also called hereditary hemochromatosis.

Early indications of hemochromatosis include the following symptoms:
Fatigue (feeling very tired)
Weakness
Weight loss
Abdominal pain
Joint pain
Because these symptoms also occur with other diseases, hemochromatosis can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages.

The iron overload associated with hemochromatosis can be detected through two blood tests. The tests measure how much iron is in the body. You can have these tests done in your doctor’s office. If hemochromatosis is detected early, treatment can slow its progress and prevent serious problems. However, if the disease is not detected and treated early, it can cause more serious problems. These problems include arthritis, heart problems, and liver problems (such as cirrhosis and liver cancer).

Treatment consists of periodically taking blood from the arm, much like giving blood. (phlebotomy) The treatment is safe and effective. Patients can expect a normal life span if they start treatment before organ damage has begun.

Here are a few links I found helpful:
http://www.irondisorders.org/Forms/diet.All.3.05.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/hemochromatosis/training/pdf/phlebotomy_info.pdf