Snap, Crackle, Pop

3/2 Update: The treatment seems to be working! I'm slowly starting to feel better. My headaches are less intense throughout the day, and the tension in my neck feels a lot better.
I'm done with the needles in the head. As much as I tried to really believe in acupuncture as a treatment for my headaches, I just wasn't buying into it 100%. I didn't see improvement, and I didn't see the reason to spend so much money on something that wasn't working. But I haven't given up! I am now seeing a chiropractor who specializes in chiropractic neurology, which focuses on the structure of the nervous system. My acupunturist originally suggested chiropractic treatment because of the tension in my neck and shoulders, so I thought, "What the heck. Couldn't hurt."

I had my first appointment today, and it was awesome! Dr. Ralston started with an exam to determine what kind of treatment would be appropriate. He did some tests on my feet, then stimulated my left side brain with light and ran the same tests again. After the light stimulation, there was immediate, remarkable improvement in feeling and mobility in my legs. It was so crazy. He did some minor adjustments in my back and neck, then I did some electro-massage on my neck for about 15 minutes. My headache isn't gone, but the tension in my neck is much better.

I feel extremely positive about this; I think it's going to work. Everything he told me about headaches and the nervous system made sense, and when I saw immediate changes from some simple brain games, I became a believer. Dr. Ralston said headaches are his favorite thing to treat because they respond so well to treatment. I'm hopeful. I'm very, very hopeful.

Snowmageddon

"Don't eat the yellow snow," Mom says. Eat it? That's just gross. I don't eat it; I make it!

Last week we got hit with about 6 inches of snow (or more, I'm not sure; I just know it's taller than me!). It's been so long since we've had this much snow, that I wasn't sure at first what to do. I could hardly get out the back door to do my business! Daddy had to throw a treat out in the yard to get me to bound through the snow mound piled up outside the door. It worked; what can I say, I'm a sucker for beef flavored treats. On Saturday I helped Mom and Dad shovel some snow on the driveway and in the back yard. They made paths for me through the yard so I could get around with ease. They are so good to me.



After our morning in the snow, I was exhausted! So I spent some time drying off in the sun and then I curled up in bed (on momma's side, of course).



We're supposed to get another 4-8" of snow starting late tonight through Wednesday. I'm hoping for snow days for Mom and Dad, but I'm not holding my breath.
In other news: I heard the Colts lost the Super Bowl. Maybe next year they should change their name to the Indianapolis Chasers. They might have better luck, and they would have a helluva cute mascot. :)
Also, I should tell you that Mom has been feeling much better this weekend. The acupuncture seems to be relieveing her headaches slowly but surely. And I like the eucalyptus oil she has to rub on her head; it smells oh so good.
Lastly, I'm told Grandma Connie and Grandpa Dave are coming to visit next week! Woo hoo! That means lots of lovin' comin' my way!! I'll try to pose for some pictures. Check back next week!

The Human Pincushion

I don't sew. I don't quilt. I don't do any of that crafty stuff that would require me to own or use a pincushion.

Until today.

Today I transformed into my very own human pincushion when I went for my first acupuncture treatment for headache relief. Dr. Yang started out sticking needles in my feet, hands, and arms, and I thought, "Gosh, this isn't bad at all. I get to lie here in the dark and relax while some soothing Chinese music plays overhead." It didn't hurt, but it did make me hungry for some eggdrop soup and crab rangoons.

About 30 minutes later, Dr. Yang returned and asked how my head felt. I told her it was the same. Oops. That was a mistake, because apparently that was the cue for her to up the treatment and stick needles in my head! Eek! And, yes, it hurts about as much as it sounds. Needles in the head are not fun.

After another 30 minutes of lying perfectly still with needles all over my body, Dr. Yang said I was done. She gave me some homework: some patches to wear on my legs and feet and temples (which she so kindly circled for me in bright green marker so I wouldn't mess it up) for 24 hours in order to help my energy flow. She told me I had a lot to work on and I needed to relax (at which point I chuckled because David is always telling me to relax).

So.... for now, I'm hopeful that acupuncture will be my saving grace. I see Dr. Yang again on Wednesday. And this time, I'm taking my helmet.