When will this get easier? (scoliosis)
Ugh……I am trying to figure out what to write about first. The last few days have been pretty rough. I am also suffering cabin fever big time being stuck in my bedroom 22 of the 24 hours in a day. Luckily, the Olympics are on and that has kept me busy between nurses checking in and physical therapy.  I am not going to lie, I have yelled at the T.V multiple times especially while watching the men’s gymnastics team and Serena and Venus losing, but how happy were all of you that Phelps beat Le Clos? That was awesome.
On Sunday, I woke up feeling a little off. I felt  nauseous and a little dizzy. As the day went on, I was having a lot of pain in my stomach. Originally we thought it may just be  that I needed to ummm, you know, have a bowel movement. However, it continued to hurt worse as the day went on. My friend, Shanna, came over with her twin girls. She loaded all the kids in her van, minus Nicky, and took them to the movies and the park.  She took some really cute pictures of all of them too. I started to feel pain in my ribs on both sides and by 8 pm, I was in such extreme pain that it gave me flashbacks to my horrible hospital stay. My entire spine, my stomach, my ribs, legs, basically everything hurt a 9 out of 10. I haven’t had that much pain in a while. I was moaning, crying and laying in bed hugging my body pillow. After Neil got all of the kids to bed, which takes close to 2 hours once all is said and done, I asked if he could give me a shower thinking it may relax me a little bit. While taking off my shirt, we noticed that my fentanyl patch, my main form of pain medicine, was not on my chest. So, all day the fentanyl in my body wore off and I was without any pain medicine besides my small dose of oxycodone. The pain was so horrendous that I was shaking. After my shower, Neil immediately put a new patch on and put a tegaderm over it to keep it in place better. My husband is so resourceful! Unfortunately I didn’t feel any relief until around 3 am, but at least we know the cause for the pain.
The next morning, our other friend Adair came over to set up the crock pot for dinner that night. Every morning for the last week, I have felt pretty nauseous, but I wanted to come downstairs to greet her and chat for a little bit. I started to have hot flashes and became really sick to my stomach. As Neil walked her out and closed the door, I began to scream to Neil that I am going to throw up. As I made my way with my cane up the stairs and used my walker to my room, just in time, Neil runs in with a popcorn bowl and I began to barf. Actually, I just dry heaved for 15 minutes, but either way, it sucked ASS. I was so wound up I began to cry and shake. My nurse came in an hour later and called my doctor. I am supposed to take my Zofran for nausea 3 times a day, but I have been only using them when I begin to feel sick because our insurance company will only cover 9 pills a month!!!!!!! I should be going through 3 a day!!!! If I would like more pills, we have to pay $5 per pill out of pocket! I love it. They will give me 200 oxycodone for $10 with the rest insured, but Zofran, pffff, I get 9. What a joke.
Tuesday was another rough day. I had physical therapy in the morning and my therapist decided since I am not able to get out of the house to walk longer distances because Neil needs to stay with the kids, we would work on that today. I was able to get around the small block with my walker and his help and then fatigue and pain set in. I am supposed to somehow do this 3 times a day. Neil has needed to run errands for a few days now and today he really needed to get them done. He is not really supposed to leave me alone or with the kids but I told him if he can be quick, that we should be ok. Neil really didn’t want to leave me, but I guess you could say I forced him to go get it all done. He took Will with him and was going to take Nicky, however, Nicky’s been having some diarrhea and  his 4 molars coming in. I told him against my better judgement that the girls could handle it and take care of Nicky upstairs while I oversee their babysitting abilities. Of course, Nicky ends up having an explosive diarrhea. I can’t catch a break. I had Emma get a large towel to spread out over the bed next to where I lay. She was also in charge of wipes and A&D cream while Laura was in charge of getting the diaper, getting Nicky up on the bed and dealing with his poo stained clothes. Emma entertained him by singing while I had Laura hold his legs up so I could wipe him down without bending over or lifting him. Laura got his diaper on and I wadded up the towel and threw it in the bathroom. Throughout this whole ordeal, Nicky was yelling “No!”in his cute voice. After that, I spent 2 hours listening to the girls fighting over the walkie talkie while I read books to Nicky in bed. Neil is like a hamster on a wheel. He literally doesn’t sit down until 11:30 at night. I feel horrible about how hard it has been on him and the kids. When he isn’t taking care of me or the kids, he is cleaning the entire house. Anyone with multiple kids know even after cleaning, the house goes back to being a mess almost instantly no matter how organized you make it. I wish I could help out to keep some of the stress off him right now, however, I am already having a hard time dealing with myself.
The glue is starting  to fall off my incision from my bowel resection. Of course I immediately hobbled over to my bathroom mirror to check out my scar. That was a bad idea. It looks utterly disgusting. No, I am not overexagerating by any means. I no longer have a belly button. I repeat, I NO LONGER HAVE A BELLY BUTTON. Not only that, the rest of the scar isn’t even smooth and in most areas it looks like my skin is bunched up. I wish they hadn’t used glue but I can’t do anything about it now.  I cried so hard that Emma came running in to ask me what was wrong. I calmed down and explained that I was mourning the loss of my belly button that I had for 33 years. A little puzzled, she asked me to lift my shirt. After examining the scar with a dirty look on her face, she leaned in closer and said, “Well who said people really need a belly button anyways, Mom? You still have a little ball of skin where it should be, so that’s good, right Mom?” Yes that’s correct. I have a tiny ball of skin that I think used to be the inside of my belly button. Emma is wise beyond her years. I wish I could feel that way. Unfortunately, I can’t help how I feel at this moment in time. It’s a struggle every single day. Hopefully someday I will stop caring so much about the way I look. I don’t even want to get started on my weight. My whole life I was super thin. I used to wear leg warmers under my jeans in middle school so that my legs weren’t so skinny looking and wear multiple layers. I was made fun of incessantly from sixth grade through high school for being too thin. I was called anorexic and bulimic and so much more when nothing was farther from the truth. I used to drink ensures and eat candy bars minutes before bed trying any way to gain weight and whoever knows me sees how much food I can gobble up in one sitting. I have always had a high metabolism. So maybe that’s why when I look at myself in the mirror now, it’s very hard to do without crying. My thighs are the same width as my calves now. I lost 15 lbs and everyday it’s a struggle to gain it back. Fifteen pounds might not seem like much to most, but for someone like me who is thin as it is, 15 lbs is a ton. I drink 2-3 of Neil’s high protein, high calorie shakes a day with all my meals to pack it on. So far there hasn’t been any improvement. However, Neil reminds me every day this is temporary and eventually I will get there. Hopefully I get there sooner than later because I am ready to wear something other than pajamas.
I just woke up today with what feels like a pulled muscle on my upper back. Hopefully icing and laying down will help. The girls really want me to walk them in to school tomorrow morning. I am going to try my best to be there even if I look funny in my brace and my walker. I feel like I have already missed so much being in the hospital and rehab for so long and now I spend most of my day in bed upstairs. I’ve never missed a first day of school and since it’s really important to them, I am going to go as long as my pain is manageable.
On Friday I have my follow-up with the colorectal doctor to check on my bowel incision. I’m dreading the drive to Palo Alto in Friday traffic. I am only supposed to sit up for 30 minute increments. The drive at best is an hour there and an hour back and who knows how long I will be there during the appointment. We are also bringing the boys with us while the girls are at school. So it should be good times. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. My journey is far from over. (scoliosis)
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April
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I LOVE when all the flowers are blooming in our yard but man, my allergies are HORRENDOUS 🤣 I went outside to garden and came right back in 10 minutes later.
Woke up with an insane migraine….but at least my closet it clean! 🤣 #blueandwhiteforever #springcleaning
Give me all the #gingham
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These#breakfast galettes are the perfect addition to a brunch or even for a fun breakfast in bed 🙌🏻 It’s a meal all in one and super delicious!
•One package bacon (cooked and chopped)
•Puff pastry cut into 8 equal squares
•Shredded gruyere cheese
•9 eggs (one used for egg wash)
•Chopped chives
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Cut puff pastry into 8 squares and scoop your cooked bacon into the center. Position the bacon into a donut shape leaving the center empty. Sprinkled gruyere cheese on top and then fold over all 4 sides, pressing firmed so it stays in place. Place on a non stick baking pan and brush egg wash on all sides of the puff pastry. Sprinkle fresh chives on top and bake for 20 minutes. Enjoy! #brunchrecipe #recipereel #puffpastry #breakfast
Did ya read the newest post on our latest #DIY over on Apriljwagner.com (link in profile) Get in depth details on our recent entertainment space including step-by-step directions, photos, before and afters AND I linked ALL the items as well. #diyproject #diyhomeprojects
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This is an insanely easy way to make Raspberry Lemon Tarts with minimal steps and ingredients! As much as I love making lemon curd from scratch, sometimes, it’s just nice to cut some corners!
•6-7 oz of Lemon Curd (I used @mackays) you will have left over. I showed the second half of my tarts being made.
•2 packs of puff pastry
•8 oz of whipped cream (I made my own with heavy whipping cream and a little vanilla extract and sugar)
•20 raspberries
Preheat the oven to 400°. Using a cookie cutter or top of a cup (approx 2 inches), cut circles out of the puff pastry. Place the circles of puff pastry into each mini muffin pan cup. Don’t forget to spray the mini muffin pan with nonstick spray like avocado oil! Place on the oven for 10-12 minutes. In a bowl, add the lemon curd and whipped cream and mix well. Stick in the refrigerator until the puff pastry is baked and cooled down. Add the lemon mixture to the puff pastry cups (tip: take a spoon after the puff pastry comes out of the oven and push the centers in). Add raspberry to the top and a little powdered sugar and there ya have it! Super easy, mini bite size desserts that are perfect for that Mothers Day brunch coming up! #puffpastry #minidesserts #easyrecipes
It’s that time of year where I can wear white pants again 🙌🏻🤣 Yay for Spring….
Always sad leaving our favorite camping spot…we’ve been bringing the kids here 2-3 times a year for the last 5 years and it never gets old. Sure, we could bring them to SoCal, where it’s warmer and packed with a crap ton of people. However, we much prefer the cooler weather (helps with my POTS), rocky cliffs, less people and you travel through the redwood forest (which looks like a storybook). We love it up here and fantasize about moving somewhere like this once Nicky graduates. See you in June Westport….
In my happy place for a long weekend….Comment COAST and I’ll send the link for this cute sweater (comes in East Coast too)!
https://liketk.it/59GmV #ltktravel #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert #coastalstyle #california #oceanview #beachday
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from Dakota Timber Co! I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
Ahhh! Neil and I finished our biggest #diyproject yet! 💪🏻I’m so lucky I’m married to someone who goes along with all my ideas with little complaint 🤣 Our #diy entertainment space features an electric fireplace, frame tv and the biggest showstoppers of all…the #whiteoak mantel and floating shelves from @dakotatimberco I’m so in LOVE with how it turned out! #dakotatimbercompany sources their wood from retired buildings, urban tree removals as well as other sustainable sources. The quality is INSANE! Each piece meticulously crafted and ready for install. The mantel and shelves come with detailed instructions, steel brackets that hold 150 lbs or more and six 2.5 inch screws. Did I mention it’s #americanmade 🙌🏻 Right now, they have a BOGO sale on floating shelves and various awesome mantels on sale as well. Head over to my website for ALL the details on building, decor and everything in between!
It’s the ultimate twirling dress! 🙌🏻
Comment TWIRL below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/59b8R #ltkstyletip #ltksalealert
SAVE AND SHARE THIS POST! Check out my Strawberry Cheese Heary Pastries! Perfect for that #galentinesday brunch or for dessert with your loved ones. So yummy and the perfect serving size!
•Preheat oven 400 (this bakes approximately 15 min)
•2 sheets Puff Pastry
•1 egg yolk and 1 egg (for egg wash)
•1 8oz package cream cheese
•1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•10-12 strawberries
Preheat oven to 400 (this will bake for approx. 15 min) Use a heart cookie cutter to cut out your puff pastry hearts and then use a knife to trace a heart into them. Brush on egg wash and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, vanilla, egg yolk and sugar. Add the cheese mixture to your little hearts (only spreading it up to the line you scored). Add fresh sliced strawberries and bake for 15-20 min! This is SO EASY AND SOOOOO GOOD! #recipeoftheday #danish #dessertrecipe #brunchrecipe #recipereel
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! This recipe, by far, was a follower favorite last year! So so easy and omg so good! It’s a great brunch #recipe or dessert!
•store bought puff pastry
•raspberries or raspberry jam (I like fresh fruit better)
•6-8 oz of cream cheese
• 1/2 cup sugar
•1 tsp vanilla extract
•1 egg YOLK only
•powdered sugar
•sliced almonds
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Roll out your puff pastry and cut slices down each side (approximately 1 inch) leaving the center intact and set aside. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, egg and vanilla extract. Place the cheese mixture in the center of your puff pastry ( you may have extra leftover). Sprinkle fresh raspberries on top of the cheese. Fold each side of puff pastry one at a time in a lattice pattern. Brush some egg wash on top. Bake for 25 minutes. Sprinkle powdered sugar and fresh almonds on top for the finishing touch.
This is perfect for Valentines Day and I dare you to try it! #RECIPE #easyrecipe #recipeshare #brunchrecipe #dessert #recipereels
SAVE AND SHARE MY MOST VIEWED RECIPE! This is one of my favorite and most watched recipes and for good reason! My Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake is SOOOO easy to make and perfect for brunch! This can also be frozen and eaten later!
Don’t take my word for it...make it and let me know how fast it was devoured.
•4 large croissants
12-16 oz of cubed ham
•6 oz of shredded gruyere cheese
•6 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
•1/2 cup chopped chives
•6 eggs
•1 cup half and half
•1 tsp. honey
•1 tsp. Dijon mustard
•salt and pepper
Preheat your oven to 375. In a baking dish (spray with non stick spray) add in croissants, ham, cheese and chives. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, half and half, honey, mustard and salt and pepper.
Pour the egg mixture over the bake and press down with a fork. Cover with foil and bake for approximately 50 min. This is such a great family recipe and feeds a good amount of people. So before ya come for me with how much cheese is used ( remember that!
#easyrecipe #breakfastfordinner #recipereels #easterbrunch #brunchrecipes
#AD Who loves a good facial exfoliant?! 🙋🏼‍♀️ I ran over to Walgreens to get my favorite @stivesskin Apricot Fresh Skin Exfoliating Facial Scrub. It’s made with 100% natural exfoliants (including milled walnut shells and apricot pits), free from parabens and oils and provides a deep cleanse leaving my skin feeling super clean and oh so smooth. I use this 3 times a week and it makes my skin glow. Dermatologist tested and non-comedogenic, vegan and fur baby friendly! It literally checks all the boxes! Want glowing skin? Try #StIves at #Walgreens #StIvespartner
SAVE AND SHARE THIS RECIPE! These ham and cheese hand pies are the perfect #stpatricksday snack! Super easy and so so good! You only need a few ingredients and a cookie cutter!
•clover cookie cutter
•puff pastry sheet
•Dijon mustard
•Swiss cheese
•corned beef (pastrami also tastes great)
•egg for egg wash
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use your cookie cutter on the puff pastry. Smear a good amount of Dijon mustard on half of them. Add the corned beef and cheese. Place the puff pastry on top like a sandwich. Using a fork, press down around each clover. Brush egg wash over and poke 4 little holes in the top. Bake in the oven for approximately 20 minutes. These are SOOOO YUMMY and quite a hit in our home! The kids love them! #puffpastry #cornedbeef #easyrecipe
I just binge watched Renovation Aloha and now I NEED another trip to Hawaii. It doesn’t look like it’s in the cards for us this year with Emma going to Boston for singing (we are tagging along for the last week). Buuuutttt, if we were to go……Which is your favorite and why? Big Island or Kauai? We’ve already been to Oahu and Maui and I love each of them for different reasons. PS, I painted all my doors in the house blue on a whim and I think I love them 💙
Comment DENIM and I’ll send you the details! I call this my errand running look….if you are on the fence about this denim jacket….DO IT!
Comment DENIM below to receive a DM with the link to shop this post on my LTK ⬇ https://liketk.it/57uSO #ltkover40 #ltkactive #ltkstyletip #denimjacket #momstyle #momfit
Shirley Milani (Noelle's Mom) | 11th Aug 16
I’m wishing you a speedy recovery. I cannot even imagine what you must be going through. But it’s wonderful that you’re surrounded by your family. Take care. We’ll think good thoughts for you.
Carol Edson| 11th Aug 16
I am so sorry you had the issue with the Fentanyl patch….many of my patients had trouble keeping them on….even with tape, Tegoderm, etc. It is possible that the company that makes Zofran would do a ‘Compassionate Use’ donation of pills to you- ask the doctor on Friday for help with that. 9 pills a month is NOT enough. Hugs.
Melissa Aurelio | 11th Aug 16
I have been thinking about you. I’m sorry about all your pain and struggles. Hope to see you in ballet soon 🙂
Sue M | 11th Aug 16
im so sorry you are going through this. Insurance companies are ridiculous. I Hope you will recover. Remember “this too shall pass”.
Carlota Izquierdo Azcoitia | 14th Aug 16
Amazing how strong you are and reading this makes me think about the wonderful woman Neil has by his side. Reading this from Spain and helping a lot with decisions about whether to have my surgery or not!
Keep up and stay strong April! You can deal with it!
Sue M | 15th Aug 16
By the way Im wondering how many inches you “grew”? What was your height before and after. You look tall even before the surgery, but hard to tell in pics the true size of people.
ajwagner26| 15th Aug 16
I “grew” 3 1/2 inches to 5’9 1/2. I am not really that happy about it. I hate being tall.