Labor and Delivery “Again” - Family Life/Relationships

"Mother's don't have the luxury of falling apart in front of their children, even when they are afraid, and more specifically even with their children are adults."

Yup that's right, I was blessed with a new healthy and whole baby girl, delivered by the same doctors that took care of me with my first daughter. Except this time around definitely different-in a good way. I wasn't allowed to deliver the baby vaginally as I had intended and wanted to, for health risks regarding a "uterine rupture". Yes it is a thing. Apparently it's a pretty serious thing and I was prepped for a C-section (again)-you know the funny thing is, to this day I have yet to look up what that means and the risks of it. I'll have to do that later after I finish this post...anyway, moving on!

Finally after the whole ordeal of dealing with a doctor I quite frankly didn't trust and didn't want even within one feet of me, let alone in the same room as me, I had my actual doctor back with me. She saw my during her rounds as she was back on shift and informed me I was ready to have the baby. The baby looked great and ready, where I also too was ready (aside from the blood pressure). If only everyone would understand that if I wasn't in the current stressed predicament of finances along with dealing with the unimaginable situations of my husband (now ex-husband), then my blood pressure would've been fine that day. No joke, in his absence I had better levels...but not getting into that.

So I was able to prepare a lot better for this C-section that was to take place, both physically and mentally. I have to admit though that for whatever reason, I was actually freaking out more! But at least I was a lot more prepared for what was to come and what was in store for me before, during, and post delivery. As well as could be prepared anyway. My husband was helping to gather things in place and we were taken to the room where I would officially prep for the O-R (operation room) and be in after the O-R for recovery, before being transferred to our official room before discharge. The nurse helped us loading everything onto a cart for a smoother transition, but my husbands mood hadn't improved, especially not from the day prior...we're set up in the O-R and my official nurse for only the pre and post delivery is taking care of me, I'm being explained what's going to physically happen to me and what I'm going to be going through, along with what the doctors are going to be doing. My blood pressure at this point was again spiking some, even with my most recent and last dosage of the blood pressure medication (orally taken). I was starting to feel cold of fright and nerves, I knew this was something that was done daily and to so many woman but still, what if God (or "luck" for the non believers) thought to turn the tables and make me or worse my daughter one of the few that didn't have everything alright after this...I knew then that I shouldn't even have had those thoughts but they were rearing their ugly head. Oddest of thoughts like "what if I die, who will really take care of my girls...will my husband even allow my mother to follow my living will wishes with the girls...etc." I kept looking at my husband who was almost 24-7 always on his phone anytime a nurse, doctor, or hospital staff was in the room and I began to cry. He offered no words of comfort or ease, he probably thought (especially after all of the words we exchanged) that I was strong and didn't need him or need comfort of anykind...I wasn't upset at that moment with him or at the situations in general, I just wanted some loving ease; instead I was getting ease from my family (mother, father, sister, and my two uncles specifically) and his grandparents locally in the metroplex as well as his biological dads mother. Don't even get me started about his mom...

I was nervous for the operation in general because even with the drugs with my first daughter - I could still feel what was happening and it was oddly terrifying, even in my calm semi coherent state. The time was fast approaching and now my phone had to be taken away...words of comfort and ease were nowhere to be found and too late to have. I felt myself getting colder, my hands began to shake, my throat was beyond dry, and I knew so much was out of my hands now. My nurse informed us we were being delayed because there was an emergency O-R surgery that needed to take place prior to mine so I would be wheeled out a little later than anticipated. It was the last time I knew for a little bit that my husband and I would be alone...I remember asking him if he was ready for this-he arrogantly but happily replied "I've been ready for her to come out for a while now." Unfortunately, I couldn't feel or believe in his response and I guess it must have showed on my face, because he asked me what was wrong. So I vocalized my fears and he FINALLY calmed me down and decided to converse with me. He was trying to make me laugh with taking a goofy photo of himself in the scrubs! I was excited and so anxious to see my new baby girl...so many things went through my mind as the nurse finally wheeled me out to the room used as a transitional room that led to the actual O-R. It was all a bunch of nurses or assisting nurses and one doctor, who was the anesthesiologist about to start the epidural. This would be the only time my husband wasn't allowed with me and that they would be calling him back in a few, once I was situated.

I began to go numb (where I'm supposed to) and my nurse helped me to the surgery table, well more like literal bed this time around. Through the reflection of the steel and mirrors I saw that they were prepping all of the surgical tools while I was being placed into an almost crucifixion like position, where my arms are both stretched out in the opposite directions and my body all laid down horizontally with my legs closed together and very directly facing in the opposite direction of the room. Time seemed to be going by very slowly and what seemed like hours was only in reality minutes...I heard one doctor enter the room who was the surgeons and felt more relieved at the whole scenario. I then heard my husband's voice as he entered the room with his scrubs and face mask on. My arms were tingling and my legs had the oddest feeling of feeling so heavy but yet not there-I guess the medicine was doing it's job. I was a little sketchy about the numbing and tingly sensation in my arms so after I kept pressing concerns my husband inquired on my behalf; after the doctor responded then my OBGYN entered the room and the "show" was about to begin-the curtain was already up separating the view of the surgical area and myself. My husband seemed to get over his squeamish nature of the blood and surgery altogether because I was happy to find later he not only took photos (like I had asked) but also I was surprised to find that he took a really good video of the birth of our second daughter...I knew the moment she was outside of my body before I heard her little cry, because I felt a sudden emptying of body, an emptying from the "fullness" in my midsection, then immediately afterwards I heard her adorable little cry. Little it might have been but weak my new baby girl was most certainly NOT. My husband left my side to go see our daughter as she was being wrapped up real quick after being weighed and quickly looked over. Then I finally got to see and feel my new baby girl against me. While the doctors were closing me up my husband was holding our new baby girl close to me-the moment they brought our daughter to me she stopped her whaling and was soothed. I remember, looking at her little face and just like with my first daughter they snuggled into my neck area and their crying halted. It's truly one of the most bittersweet of moments that I don't think anyone except a woman who appreciates the gift she's given (that of motherhood) can fully comprehend...and now I was able to feel it twice.

Once I was sown up I had to be transferred over to my hospital bed and then rolled back to the post op room we were in prior to surgery. Baby girl was in tow behind me along with my husband, so I was calmly relieved that this whole delivery was 100% better than my first one and that my baby girl was going to be able to stay with me until we left home...I was surprised to see some new things inside the room. Apparently one of my uncles had gotten a few little gifts for us-us meaning for the newborn and for my oldest daughters-in honor of having a new baby sister. Although he wasn't able to give the gifts in person since he had to go back to work. My sister brought a beautifully handmade door reef for labeling the room for our daughter and she had made sure to take a half day of work the moment she knew I was going to have the baby. So once the baby and I were settled in the post op room waiting for our official room, I was given new baby girl to have some skin on skin time and see if she would start to attach to the breast...this was also the time where I was able to really see my eldest daughters reaction to her having a baby sister as she herself was still technically a baby.

I was so relieved-I saw so many emotions cross her face but in her eyes I saw joy, acceptance, curiosity, happiness, but above all love at this something new she didn't quite understand or know yet...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Jack Reacher (Amazon Prime) - Recommend

I'm sure most of you are aware but Netflix isn't the only streaming "channel" or application that creates their own movies or TV show series. Granted I'm sure that they're the most popular one or higher rated one for their TV show series and movie creations however Amazon has some really good ones that they've created... 

I should warn that if you're not a fan of movie or tv shows created from an actual book that was written, then not only is this post not for you but the recommendation I'm providing in this post, is also not for you. If you haven't seen this particular series, it's a must see! The show is not like the movies played by Tom Cruise. No this TV series is bringing the book series by Lee Child to a wonderfully created production with the actors really embodying the characters written for them. 

This video series was truly addicting to me, not only because of the characters written but the manner in which the actors acted. Then the way each episode ends was more tastefully done to entice you for the next episode. This series has a minor military essence, but a true sense of justice, chivalry, and heroism is exemplified in the main protagonist. The dry humor and sarcasm along with the witty banter is entertaining throughout and leaves you smiling even when you least expect it. Truly a must see, I have continued to re-watch the whole series at least a dozen times since spring of this year. I know you're thinking "how sad" but if you actually watched the show you may be hooked on it too just as I am. Besides the main protagonist is a delicious male specimen (for the women viewers) and has an admirable physique (for the male viewers) so many could easily develop a crush or male crush! I can't wait for Season 2!!

Don't take my word for it though ;) check it out for yourself!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

The Terminal List (Amazon Prime) - Recommend

Interestingly wow...that's literally the statement that comes to mind regarding this Amazon Prime Video series. Chris Pratt truly takes this role to a whole new level. To the writers of this series, kudos to them especially for their efforts in exposing something so relevantly important to what happens to the men and women in the military, displaying the overall mental health in combination to the plotline of the series that has some good action. The trauma and neurological aspect to the series, was a nice touch.  

It's an overall good story, I wouldn't say I was as addicted as the Jack Reacher series however it had me captured enough to finish the series in three days because I thought it was good. Don't take my word for it, take a peak at it yourself just don't give up on it until you've finished at least episode three; I say that because like most new movies or new series there has to be an "explanation period" to introduce characters and where the plot stems from. The video series is actually based off of the novel by Jack Carr.

If it helps to entice you, not only is Chris Pratt in it but this involves the Navy Seals and has a military essence to it!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Prego Lady vs Hospital - Health

I've heard stories and seen some interesting things happen in doctor's offices, ER hallways as well as waiting rooms, and overall on how a patient is treated. Don't misconstrue this post by falsely stating or thinking that I'm attacking the medical field, because I'm not; my sole intent is to educate those who feel that they can't disagree with a doctor or that they feel they can't be provided with other options in the  moment of truth (aka when a medical decision has to be made-so here we go...The following is also a continuation from the occurrence in the post titled "A Crying Scare". 

So after we checked into the Labor and Delivery department/floor of the hospital, we were finally settled into a room - time was around 4am. The irony (and what felt a little doom like to me at that moment), was that I was checked into the same room I had my first daughter in...It made me a little uneasy entering that room once the deja-vu became a "I was in this room two years ago", where things went south on my first pregnancy. The fact that my ex-husband (at that time husband) was actually with me for this delivery this time unlike our first daughter's birth. His presence helped but that sense of security was easily taken away hours later the same day of checking in...

An hour after the night shift swapped over to the day staff, we were told that they would wait for the doctor on call (meaning my actual OBGYN doctor was not available at that time, so another doctor in that same doctor's office would be overseeing my file). The wait began while the medical staff (nurses on the floor of the Labor & Delivery wing) continued to monitor my daughter and I; thankfully the scare I had of her showing no movement was nothing serious and we were told that there was nothing wrong with either of us nor was there anything life threatening. Baby girl #2 was healthy, whole, and safely tucked inside; Mommy was healthy, whole, contracting as she should, her water hadn't broken, with minimal to no dilation...still no where close to having a baby come out but a good start to getting there.  

Unfortunately, because of how wonderfully comfortable hospital beds are, especially the ones in Labor & Delivery (please imagine a sarcastic drawl with this statement) true rest wasn't found and the nurses interruptions (bless their hearts) weren't helping either; I was getting angry alone on just wanting sleep! The multiplying factor that was making it worse was that my ex-husband and I were discussing a few things and it wasn't even yet 9am (supposedly when the doctor on call would arrive). The bad experiences of this day were only beginning because I was quickly getting annoyed with the hospitals main concern which was how they were going to get paid. 

I do understand that billing needs information and that providing a form of payment for services is important but how on earth is a patient supposed to rest and keep her blood pressure low or lowered when she's already stressed due to other factors including that of the monetary. I think ideally your partner/SO (significant other)/spouse or whoever is with you, would be assisting in that matter to help the patient; again that's ideally or one would hope, but it won't necessarily be what happens. This day for me was exhibit A of that, but I shall digress and move on to the main focal point of this post. It was baffling to me how many times the administration office was coming into my room as well as even going out of their way to CALL MY HOSPITAL ROOM when they didn't make their presence known in my room. I was fuming not only from contraction pain but because the administration rep decided to pop her ugly face back into my room for the fourth time in a two and a half hour window. She wanted an answer to how the bill would be taken care of and that a deposit was required. Ironically this fourth attempt was during a routine review by my nurse to check on the baby and I. I remember asking my nurse, "can she just not wait until I've seen the doctor to come back, so that I even have a better understanding of what the plan is since my water hasn't broke and seems like the contractions aren't even close enough together for a 'here comes the baby' panic." My nurse looked at me sympathetically while smiling, "I know I'm so sorry. I did message the on call doctor though and she'll be coming in soon."

My day nurse leaves and the damn administration lady re-enters my room. I finally tell her, "I've already paid my OBYGN's fee for delivery in full and when I asked their office if there was anything else needed, they assured me that it was to be discussed and outlined until delivery. So you can either leave now and leave me a number to call, AFTER (and I had put a lot of emphasis on that word) I've spoken to the doctor because for all I know she's going to discharge me. Otherwise I will walk out right now and make sure to report the hostile like nature and pressure you're placing on a women in labor. My husband can answer about the deposit information you're needing, but I need rest meanwhile and you're only pushing to provoke complications to a normal situation at this moment, as you can see from the machine (and I pointed to the readings)." My ex-husband made some interjections so I was already more than exhausted and I got tired of waiting for him to say something more to appease or at least provide her the answer she was looking for to shut her up and get her gone. So yes one could say that I ended up putting my husband on the spot, but I didn't care at that moment since my baby was my focus and he could have easily answered her inquiries about finances; he needed to be an adult in that moment. I remember closing my eyes and hearing their voices but I was wonderfully tuning them out.

I heard the click of the solid hospital room close and opened my eyes to see my ex-husband walking back to the couch near the window of the very large delivery hospital room. I'm waiting for him to let me know what he discussed with the woman, but I figured he probably thought I was sleeping. I finally asked him what was discussed, then he begins to relay the information. He said that he provided her with the response that we would be providing a deposit of a certain amount and would be paying the rest in payments. At least I didn't have to worry about my OBYGN's doctor bill and the crew involved for the delivery; I made damn sure that was taken care of. 

With my eyes closed I began to hypothesize how this delivery and the post-delivery treatment would go compared to that of my first daughter. Why would I even be thinking that you ask? Well you see, I was working full time and at an engineering firm when I became pregnant with my first daughter and up until I left that stable job to be a full time stay at home mom with my oldest daughter, my oldest daughter and I were always on health insurance (thanks to my job). My ex-husband didn't care nor did he find it important for us to acquire health insurance after my resignation nor even after becoming aware of my second pregnancy. I wasn't in agreeance with his thought process but I went along with it as he was the "sole provider". You see with my eldest's delivery there was an extensive amount of claims put to my insurance, especially after having her in the NICU for a week after delivery. Yet her and my care were to the upmost attention and secured feeling of care; that may have also something to do with the severity of the whole delivery overall, but still I was delivering at a top of line and rated Labor & Delivery facility/hospital. So my thought process was leading me to wonder how things would be this round considering we had no health insurance and everything was out of pocket. I've heard that there isn't supposed to be a change in how you're treated but that you're treated in health care facilities, but boy is that statement wrong and I found out first hand too! Needless to say that outside of the nurses staffed to care for me, it was a complete Dr. Jekyll & Mr Hide regarding the post-delivery location AND in how the pediatrician (former now for both daughters) "cared" for my new baby post-delivery. So the whole hospital treats everyone equally no matter their stature and status is misleading and inaccurate, since from the moment they were made aware we didn't have health insurance, their treatment of us was disappointing to say the least, if not downright distasteful. Again I have to stress that this is all outside of my personal nurse assigned to my room and my actual OBGYN doctor (not even the on call doctor). Before I get too far ahead of the explanation, allow me to rewind and playback to a little after my nap.    

The doctor on call (pardon my French) was a complete bitch, being of no help and also contributing to new levels of high blood pressure. Instead of giving me relief and actually LISTENING to her patient and the patients needs, the damn doctor on call (in place of my actual OBGYN doctor) seemed more intent on closing a patient in her docket to get the payment for delivery. You see I was informed by the nuisance of a representative from accounting, that no matter the balance already paid in full to my actual OBGYN for the services involving the delivery, I would have to pay even more as the doctor on call's rate was different, therefore would lead to a new balance being owed. Excuse me and what the f***?! This is information that isn't provided to mother's to be or even patients, to better inform them of experiences that may occur and affect their financial planning towards a new life entering the world. Whether or not any of this was an indication for not having actual health insurance, I can't say but it still wasn't sitting well with me. She was a petite, blond doctor with a narrow-like face and she seemed to be one of those doctors who extensively cared for their appearance-you know the ones that you feel deep down in your gut that your money pays for all their luxuries and it's not about their need to help others but it's about the money-that type of "feeling". I shall digress and continue...

She seemed to be thorough in the information she provided in her explanation of my evaluation, however why does a doctor want to force you to have the baby if there are no current red flags or emergencies required. Everyone kept reassuring me that both the baby and I were safe and healthy and that there wasn't a need to concern ourselves with an emergency delivery of any kind. So I point blank began questions the doctor and here's how the dialogue began:

Me: "I don't understand, so is there a underlying condition I'm not being made aware of that requires me to deliver my baby today?" 

Doctor on Call: "No, you shouldn't stress yourself in concern as you and the baby are both healthy and doing well. The bloodwork is fine, the readings on the baby look good, your contractions are minimal but seem to begin a going into delivery state; I took longer to come in to see you because I was waiting for your urine results especially from your previous delivery-so your kidney's look well but there is a little count of protein being leaked into the urine, so we should prep you for a C-section." 

Me: "So are you saying that there is enough protein leaking into my urine that we need to have a C-section today?"

Doctor on Call: "No, I'm not stating that. What I am saying is that the little count of protein in your urine is an indicator to me that you will need to deliver this week-"

(I interrupted her) Me: "Ok, I can understand this week at some time but I'm asking about today, because you came in here making me concerned for my baby and I by stating that I needed to be prepped to deliver today, but your now telling me that it's just a concern for you. No offense but I don't know you, I'm sure your a great doctor but I trust my OBGYN. Her and I already had a delivery plan and course of action especially taking into account all the occurrences from the last pregnancy. So I understand you're covering for her however, my understanding from the nurse is that she would be back on duty the day after tomorrow. I would prefer to just wait until she comes in."

Doctor on Call: "I understand you and your doctor may have discussed a course of action, but I'm sure as you well know that things can change in an instant especially with pregnancies. I've seen this various time in regards to the minimal or low levels of protein in the urine and that quickly escalate the situation to an emergency, so it's better to have the baby sooner rather than later because things could get worse."

Me: "Doctor I'm well aware of things getting worse and the potential for things to get worse, I flat lined in my last delivery so I don't see anything getting much worse than that-but I just asked you, are the levels high enough to even warrant concern or to prompt for an emergency C-section and you said no. So to be blunt I would rather wait for my doctor who returns tomorrow to evaluate my baby and I, so that the more time my baby has cooking the better."

She obviously didn't like my responses because her facial expressions went from composure to strained and annoyance, but that wasn't the end because she still had the audacity to continue!

Doctor on Call: "Perhaps you want to discuss this with your husband, I can leave you to think things over while I go see another room and when I come back you can give me your verdict. You seem like a very intellectual woman so I'm sure you'll make the best decision." (she said standing up from the rolling stool.)

What the f***, I just gave you my decision! So why would someone have to make that statement.

Me: "Last I checked I'm the one with the baby inside and delivering, besides if my husband had any objections I'm sure he would have interjected by now, he's not one to just stay quiet." 

We both turned to him and I said his name aloud.

Husband: "I think my wife already answered but I will add by saying that can't you just continue to monitor her urine and if the levels do begin to cause concern then we can actually discuss C-section prepping for delivery. In the meantime, we can wait for our actual doctor."

She most definitely DID NOT like that statement but she had to comply in a fashion.

Doctor on Call: "Those are continuous tests though and would add up on the hospital bill."

Husband: "We're not concerned about the added cost, but even if that was the concern we aren't going to risk having the baby early because of it."

Yup she DID NOT by any means like the direction it all went and you know what, I never saw her again. By the time an actual doctor came into my hospital room it was because my actual OBGYN doctor was back on shift and checking the baby and I. My OBGYN said I was definitely dilated in preparation for a natural delivery even though my water had broken so my body was getting ready and it seemed like the baby was ready to come out. So in my pushing back and waiting, I still let nature takes it's natural course so that there would be less unnecessary issues in the aftermath of both our overall health. I didn't have to worry about medication to provoke my body to prepare fully for labor and other items in preparation for delivery earlier than intended. Instead it was a seamless prepping for labor, all within literally a five hour window.

I started to reminisce though, thinking back when that on call doctor walked out of my hospital room...How many women on a daily basis that may or may not have the funds or the ability to pay for their medical bills, blindly trust what the doctor tells them at that moment, without inquiring. It's not that I don't trust doctors but when it came to this occurrence, it was blatantly clear that I DO trust my doctor and my instinct. I had to use every resource I had as a woman, a mother, and as a human being needing care. My head understood the reason brought forth from the on call doctor and since my heart was being put through the ringer with everything going on in general (my ex-husband and his stupid family BS, finances, post-delivery concerns), the only part of me to provide the unanimous vote was my feminine intuition (which has never been wrong or done me wrong before). 

My OBGYN and colleagues were the same as any other occasion and even like the first delivery, making me laugh, an environment of joy, and I was even lucky enough to have the same doctor to stitch me up. There was no concern for status or monetary means in that room and with that staff to deliver my baby. Now the pediatrician was a WHOLE other issue; she didn't even treat my youngest in her "observation" technique as she did for my oldest-yes I understand the relationship of pediatrician and patient is unique but she literally only popped in once post delivery and never even answered in person any of the concerns I was mentioned while I was still in the hospital; she was nowhere near attentive as I heard her in the other rooms. Her bill for services for delivery would be mailed in so guess it's different than when you have insurance in this regard. To top the whole experience off, recover post-delivery was odd. The room was nothing like the first delivery (when I had health insurance) so small in comparison and you couldn't even fit a sofa bed (the bench seat alone was like half the size of the usual window benches in hospital rooms that can be converted into a bed. The bathroom was small and to make matters worse in JUNE, it felt like our room had no AC. We put in a request the first night when we noticed the temperature never getting cooler and the hospital did nothing, not even when I requested if we could be moved because I was concerned for the hot temperatures; one in part for me sutures and to avoid infection and the second for concern of it being too hot of an environment for the baby. Needless to say that we remained in the same room until we were discharged...

Ladies, soon to be moms, pregnant woman...I know that doctor's are medically trained and taught to assist us in the best way possible (given the means and the circumstances) however, within good and sound reasoning, if nothing is wrong and everything is ok with your baby and you, YOU have control of the treatment you're given and what the hospital does. The doctor, the nurse, and even the hospital can't force you to do anything you don't want to do if there is no medical reasoning to dictate the prompted decision by the doctor. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to seem like your doubting or questioning your doctor. Be inquisitive and ask everything that you need to and want to. Whatever you do, you should do for the better of your health, but especially that of your child! Don't let the medical field bully you into delivering early, or drugging you, or putting your baby at risk if there's no need for it...the medical field with all of their advances and staff of experience are all human, but the good doctors make sure their patient comes first! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

COVID: It’s Real - General

Once upon a time, I had COVID-19…in 2020.

So I worked backwards some, because I took this selfie eleven days after having COVID. Yes, this smiling face wasn’t as smiley in the duration of COVID symptoms. So for those who haven't had it, I wouldn't wish it upon you and for those of you who doubt it's severity (even with the vaccinations and boosters out) - I suggest you get on the "stay healthy and keep COVID at bay train." 

I feel like the main reason for it's spread are people's complete disregard and carelessness; people's inability to use caution and simple clean protocols, in addition to the people being uneducated in what COVID and the repercussions of having COVID are I believe are the culprit to the severity of it's spread. I'm in no way saying that the news didn't attempt to educate, but let's face it, they shed more light on the negative and dark portions of COVID without providing a truly educational piece to the whole thing. I won't even get into the politics behind the move of COVID but the fact was the world waited until numbers were too high to truly mandate anything then proceeded to take caution...guess even though we humans have evolved perhaps our intelligence really hasn't since action wasn't taken sooner by society/the world so that we wouldn't be seeing high numbers of those affected. Anyone recall the Black Plague, Spanish FLU, or what about hay fever? Last I checked and read numbers are still all over the place those affected regardless of some mandates already having been lifted and vaccinations/boosters in place already past the beginner points of . Why doesn't anyone comprehend that even simple hygiene continues to play a huge role in how COVID (or any disease for that matter) can be controlled yet the world still doesn't take their precautions...Things as simple as covering you mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, then making sure you're washing your hands after touching something that isn't yours or is foreign to you, blowing your nose into a napkin/tissue instead of your sleeve, etc. It's sad enough how many men (and women for that matter), don't even sustain or follow common hygiene. For example (especially pre-COVID), women now-a-days literally go to the restroom and will simply relieve themselves than walk out. I've seen it happen, frightfully so, many times. I've even waited to hear the water run once the female has passed my stall and nothing except the whoosh of the door to the women's restroom closing. How disgusting is that?! Alas, I shall digress because that's a post all on its own and it's taking me on a squirrel tangent :) 

Doctor's have said, that if you haven't gotten COVID, it's only a matter of time. I don't know how I feel about that statement since these same doctor's providing such statements, are also still giving warning to the vaccinations and boosters-side affects and long term affects still (that are also still being catalogued because of the unknowns)...well it definitely was only a matter of time because I had it and I had it bad. You can easily google or look at the CDC website to find out more information about COVID and also the symptoms to look out for, but this specific post is about how mine started and how it ended.

A coworker tested positive for COVID but wasn't showing any symptoms; their test was done before lunchtime so I went to get tested myself in the afternoon. I tested negative and had no symptoms the next day, however by the second day things began to feel interesting (to say the least). I woke up with a scratchy throat and the feeling of drainage in the back of my throat. I figured it was either allergies acting up, perhaps a small bout of the tonsillitis, or worse the start of a head cold because work days were getting pretty long because of the stupid project that was going on at the time...I mean it was a Saturday and we were working especially with wanting to make sure that nothing was going to thwart our Christmas holidays. Yes you read correctly, this was all literally the Saturday before the week of Christmas. I starting binge drinking on orange juice and Emerg-C in addition to just staying hydrated and making sure I had my allergy spray in as well as some Tylenol to prevent any fever surprises. By mid-afternoon I was blowing my nose at least every fifteen minutes and my overall body temperature was rising...then the worst part was when I started coughing! I coughed up blood at least four times with how bad the cough was. Did I tell anyone, obviously no because I wanted to just be done with work and get out! Saturday night I felt like the walking dead but thankfully still no fever. Since I was negative to COVID I only suspected that maybe I was coming down with the FLU. So the road trip to visit family for Christmas was still a go but I was literally dead on my feet. We all took our precautions with minimal to no time around others and always using face masks when we made a pitstop. I did downplay how dead on my feet I felt - when I say dead on my feet, I mean my entire body felt achy and awful and I didn't even want or feel like eating. I was literally forcing myself to stay hydrated...the drive to visit family I hardly remember the day portion of it because I was stuffed on Nyquil and tried to sleep to rest up, while my sister drove my vehicle. The night time though I wanted to drive because I wanted to make more time and just arrive! Well we didn't arrive to our destination until close to 3am but because of the hotel, I didn't tuck myself in for bed until close to 6am, thankfully after a very long and refreshing shower, having settled in my daughters ...so needless to say it wasn't the most restful of nights. We all didn't wake up until close to 1pm on December 23rd and it was a guaranteed feeling of extreme hunger. 

Minimal movement that day for sure due to our being road-trip exhausted. My body aches were horrible but kept a smile on my face and let's face it, motherhood doesn't stop because you feel sick or bad. My cough became worse though and made me hack up some unpleasant colored mucus. I was already on Tylenol Night and Day for the Cold/Flu and already on the second bedtime of the Nyquil syrup for restful sleep. Thankfully my girls had no symptoms and were like usual. Christmas Eve and Day went by what felt like a breeze. The day after Christmas though I went to the hospital ER because my cough was horrible and I was as weak as could possibly be, with the hardest time of not losing my breath and having my cough make the days more miserable. Thankfully got answers but they weren't what I was needing or wanting at that time. The ER doctor diagnosed me after getting an x-ray and some swabbing. Negative of the FLU and strep throat but was positive to COVID and the x-ray confirmed the "smoky lungs" as one of the visible signs the medical field had seen related to positive COVID members. During my discharge from ER, I was told to always wear the mask around my daughters even though they didn't seem affected at all by anything! They were (thank God) lively, themselves, and without any concern of COVID or anything else for that matter; healthy daughters for sure as they have been since birth. In addition, they mentioned for me to stay hydrated, with lots of Vitamin C, and lots of rest to have my body recover with the help of a Z-pack and a cough suppressant. Yet, they couldn't provide me with a steroid shot as I was "too far gone" into having COVID. They briefly mentioned about some breathing exercises but I knew who to contact for that. Went back to the hotel, let my family know because I was feeling even more dead on my feet and got myself situated while my sister went to the pharmacy for the prescriptions I was having filled and the other vitamins a fellow family member mentioned for me to use. This specific family member is my uncle and he's in the medical field, was (and still is) dealing first hand with respiratory therapy for COVID patients both during and post COVID; he provided me with the breathing exercises as well that would benefit my recovery. My intake was of cran-apple juice diluated with water when I was able to (because nausea would strike and I couldn't just have water by itself or water in the juice, so straight Cran-Apple Juice it was), then the vitamins that consisted of C, B-12, Magnesium, Calcium, and Zinc. The times I did eat, I recall having some delicious Thai soup that provided me a spice kick to help on the nausea aspect of how I was feeling. My loss of appetite was already diminishing since Christmas Eve so it wasn't a surprise to me to not be hungry pre and post the ER, but I was very thirsty. My sister and folks stalked up the hotel room with what I needed and with what the girls needed. 

Yup that's right the rest of my Christmas Vacation was spent inside a hotel and miserable. I actually don't remember much of that week (even to this day) they are hazy recollections even now. I vaguely remember the times anyone was in my room or what was going on around me. I do remember the nighttime moments of bathroom breaks because I would catch a glimpse of my girls peacefully asleep, I would be praying in thanks and in need that my girls would continue to not be affected by COVID period...I didn't anything or much of anything. It was a long six days later I was finally alert and wanting to move. So there I go to a nearby clinic to have myself checked and tested again, to my biggest surprise, even without working out of any kind, I ended up losing thirteen pounds in the six days alone. Thankfully though the results at the clinic showed I was COVID free and they sent me off with another Z-pack for clearing up my congestion and to continue the regimen I was already on. A goodnights rest led me to waking up normally, well around 8am because my body woke me up to use the bathroom and I couldn't go back to sleep. 

The picture of feeling like myself again was the day after having gone to the clinic. The girls and I went walking to the FRISCO Star area to get some deliciousness and have a little outing. Considering that we would be back on the road again soon to travel back home, I wanted to make the most of the time, since I was sick for most of it and couldn't do what I wanted with my daughters as I had planned...

So to you nay-sayers and unbelievers. COVID is real and if it hits you it may not be serious or may just very well be deathly. So why take a chance and just do you part in the not spreading and take precautions, not only before having it but even more so after having it!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Expensive Brand Makeup vs Store Brands (Grocery Store/Walgreens/CVS)

I don't know about many of you but I for one hate makeup! Yes I know odd especially considering that I'm a female, but allow me to explain. You see I only wear lip color and mascara on a daily basis (if the day calls for it) and on VERY special occasions, I'll wear the eye shadow and blush color; I haven't nor do I plan on wearing foundation of any kind or whatever powder first base layer women use. As you can tell I don’t even know all the terms for the makeup world, so bear with me. I've never understood why woman wear the additional make up to begin with! NEWSFLASH women in society: when you put on the foundation or powder to try and cover up blemishes all it does is make the blemish stand out even more! You don’t look better it just announces more “here, I’m trying to cover up the pimples I have all over my face.”  to begin with. Anyway, moving on to what I'm writing about. 

So for the past few years I've been an avid and loyal user of MAC products such as their mascara and lip colors; specifically their Zoom Lash Mascara (that’s now been discontinued and I can’t buy anymore) and their long lasting lip wear color Rose (which has also been discontinued, however may be brought into the market this fall). Well about a month before I had my second baby girl in June, I had bought their second best mascara and was using it. By the time I realized that I was needing new mascara we were already tightening our purse strings because of the delivery of our new baby and I couldn’t afford to mess up my contacts as well as my eyes with wearing old mascara. Which reminds me, rule of thumb ladies, you should never wear makeup that’s been used or even if used only once and then you’ve had for a month. Bringing me to the now new mascara I’ve bought and am using currently. It was purchased at my nearest CVS (at the time but I now purchase it at Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Target, Kroger, and CVS) and I’m happily content with it. Considering how much I loved the MAC mascara and used to pay! I'm even more satisfied with my pocket expense and the fact that it's always in stock, instead of dreading that MAC will tell me "its seasonal" or "currently not carrying that line of product." The worst words for women let me tell ya!

Whether you believe me or not it's the truth-I’ve never once used an eye lash curler and even with my getting older, I don't intend to change that at anytime. I did all of the same steps/technique that I would when I would use the MAC mascara; used my index finger to curl the eye lashes by hand, then put a two stroke one coat on one eye and then the next eye, to only follow up with a second layer coat but this time a one stroke on each eye. I truly appreciate products that naturally enhance the already pretty characteristics of a female. So not to pump my own ego but the image doesn't give me eyelashes justice, but in person I have long lashes, so the fact that this simple product was able to fully enhance the curl and lengthen my lashes-I was very pleased. Ironically, my mother has bought and provided me these two step or two bottle mascara brands-you know which ones I'm talking about? The ones that say they lengthen your lashes and even have a white bottle that you're supposed to apply on first, then you go apply the second container which is the black mascara coat...yes those I've tried those and all those or any other brands did, was to make my lashes clumpy and too heavy that I couldn't just curl my lashes easy enough with my finger, like I've always done...

Needless to say, I’m happy with the new purchase and totally recommend the "Temptation" mascara for the next woman, especially a mom! Better yet, I highly suggest women to stop resorting to the dumb commercials or pictures of women using the mascaras since-newsflash! In case you haven't noticed, those aren't their real eyelashes when they apply mascara...just saying...Please ladies, do you homework and why not just try a new mascara, the $6.99 to $10.45 purchase beats the $32 or $25 known brand makeup.

By the way these ARE my lashes and NOT fake lashes of any kind. I started putting on the mascara on one eye before the final picture were taken...

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman

Herbal Teas - Health/General

If you like to have sweet teas or are a person who enjoys their hot tea blends, then this post is definitely for you. Before we get into the teas, what type of tea drinker are you? Are you the hot tea or cold brewed tea drinker? Is your preference towards tea bags from the big chain/known companies or the eccentric and not known or heard of packaging? Perhaps you go into an actual Asian market or grocery store to get the more foreign tea bags? Do you have the hot tea bags that have the full herbs inside? Or are you the type of person like myself that will grow your own herbs than make the fresh teas at home?

In my home we grow the following plants so we can make our own homemade teas: lemongrass, lavender, rosemary, parsley, and sweet mint. Yes rosemary and parsley can be used as teas, they aren't just for cooking, and they are pretty delicious incase you haven't tried them. Why do I personally grow these specific ones, you may ask. Well aside from already knowing how to care for these great smelling and delicious plants I'll break down each plant and why I grow them.

Rosemary-for starters, it tolerates the excessive heat and lots of sun exposure so you don't have to fret when you grow this plant no matter where you live in the nation. They have served as a great natural mosquito repellant and I've seen that they keep a lot of unwanted bug guests at bay from the entryways (which is where I keep this specific plant). I also personally don't like ginger or "spice" like teas but rosemary provides that hint of spice towards the end of your sip, so it's something I can tolerate and appreciate more. It's a source of antioxidants and serves as an anti-inflammatory compounds that's thought to assist with boosting immune system and improve blood circulation. 

Parsley-a plant that can tolerate high levels of heat but I have found it likes a good amount of exposure to the sun with some shade in the daily mix. I've used this plant a time or two when I've had some really bad cramps-yup you heard me! Those wonderful monthly cramps, this plant once created into a tea helps a lot, you should try it sometime. I've never used it dried out but I also wouldn't suggest it since having it dried out removes the benefits the herb provides; it contains vitamins (a single teaspoon contains more than 70% of vitamin K and a good amount of vitamin A), minerals, and serves as an antioxidant as well (a good amount of flavonoids).

Lavender-the plant itself is supposed to be in the heat or more like in the sun, so the plant will also thrive anywhere in the nation. Serves as a natural mosquito repellant so this is also one plant I have at the entryways of my home, besides it smells wonderful and the flowers are pretty so who wouldn't put it in the doorway or entry door of your home. This lovely plant doesn't just boost your mood but goes to the extent of reducing colic as well. Serves for soothing/relaxing when you're anxious, moody, and helps relieve pain or inflammation. 

Sweet Mint-this plant is one of my favorites because not only is it grown or can be grown anywhere in the nation, it's a resilient plant that can do well in any climate! It makes the area it's planted in smell delicious, then with a plus provides a great natural mosquito repellant. One of the best parts, it grows like weeds so you can literally use it every week! Yes as I've mentioned on the other plants, this too is one I have near or right adjacent to my entry door/s, serving both as a a great natural aroma when you pass by and keeping those pesky blood suckers at bay. This plant also has so many benefits; stomach/digestion assistance, boosts your immune system, helps with clean like skin from acne, say bye to nausea, works great when you're literally feeling sick (cold/flu, allergies, etc), and is also great drink for when you're stressed.

Lemongrass-is by far my favorite plant and the most delicious of teas for me personally, whether it's hot or cold! This is a plant that basically grows instantaneously after you’ve snipped it for some tea. No concerns for heat/sun exposure because it thrives on the sun and grows like a weed when planted correctly. Also another natural mosquito repellant, even if it doesn’t provide the same amount of natural aroma in the area it’s planted, like sweet mint, it’s one of the best buy you could have in/for your home. Great for relieving pain and swelling, helps reduce fever, improves sugar and cholesterol levels in addition to stimulating the uterus and menstrual flow, with antioxidant properties. 

As you can see, I love doing my teas! Well my daughters and I are always enjoying our tea batches.

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman