Oh-Bla-Di ~ Oh-Bla-Dah

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Good Afternoon;
Methinks I am almost caught up with my blogs for a while.
We were to be headed to Sault Ste. Marie today. (Didn't work out that way though).

I am sitting here after trying to get all of my wash done before leaving.  Little things that I just want clean for when we get back. 

Randy came out yesterday-
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Punk needs this rough and tumble play so badly

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He also said he would finish up my drains today.
And here I am, just cooling my heels, and waiting.  Grrr...   MEN!
Oh well.
To know we wanted to leave though- (Just p*sses me off, big~time).


We had court last week on Master Gabriel's behalf. 
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Casey arriving at the courthouse...

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Same as last month when Chuck was given all rights to Baby Sam, Roberta chose to not even show up.
While it helps everyone's cause (especially Gabriel's), that she didn't show, I am still astounded how parents can just leave a child...
I do believe there is a special place in hell for those with the "out of sight, out of mind" thought process.

She has given birth 3 times. 
She has had her parental rights terminated with all three, deservedly so.
Is it right for a grandmother to feel this way? Probably not; but I am actually happy for the boys.

With the exception of Master Gabriel, they live with their dads-
These men have stepped up to that proverbial parental plate and have done right by their sons, my grandbabies.
I am very proud of these young men.

Master Gabriels foster parents want so much to adopt him. I pray they succeed.
They are good and decent people, and he has been welcomed into their family, truly loved and cared for, and finally knows what a real family is about. 

We stopped by their home after court by to tell Miss Kristin how everything went.
The next step will be to ensure he stays with them on a forever basis. I believe they have all the proper papers already in order.

Everyone was outside!
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Here she is with their "triplets"  hehehe

.She reminds me of my mom.
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The following day I did something I should not have done-
(But all this "taking it easy" and "complete rest", etc. is driving me freakin' batty).

Casey and I had found some mulberries up here-
(I have 3 trees up here, and more back by the woods). 
There were a few berries that the deer had not touched, the rest for the birds being too high up to reach.
But there were just not enough left from the deer for our watering taste buds.
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So we piled in the car and headed for the woods-  
-(insert sigh)...  The tree back there wasn't even close to being ripe!


So... As long as we were to the woods, and as long as Casey felt well enough to go down the ravines, then by God, so did I.

We have had little rain for a long time. Not only do we need it for the crops, but even the river needs a bath too.  That does TOO make sense!
(Everything, including rivers, kinda gets a little icky with no fresh rain).
Casey found a skeleton to something or another...


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But stinky there too, so she threw it back.

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She played a very cute peek~a~boo too.

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A ton of water spiders...
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Punk feels it her 'duty' to chase them too.
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But she doesn't always get them either...
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HAHAHA

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For obvious reasons, I didn't want to have to go back up either. 
Somehow, Punk knew this.
(If Casey had not been along, there is NO WAY you would even believe what I am going to write next):

Punk went up to the top as I slowly made my way up. Odd because she is generally right at my side. She even left Casey's side to go to the top!

She came back with a stick.
I had no idea what she was doing as she kept forcing that stick in my direction...

But,

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She proceeded to pull me up the rest of the way!

With God as my witness, that is exactly what she did.
I am so blessed by this little dog.
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The weather has been raunchy-
Chilly- and yes we did get a few spots of rain. (We need much more).

Uh-Oh, Randy has just pulled in...

*** WARNING!
All of you with the 100+ temps might want to look away for a moment...
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So that is what we have had in our neck of the woods.
That it feels strange to not be complaining about the heat is an understatement. I am always the 1st to whine about the heat and humidity; and here I am saying it is chilly in July,
(and praying for 100% humidity to fall on our heads for a few days).

I honestly don't remember the last time I mowed the lawns- They are brown, dried, and shriveled, except for the weeds of course. 
And those weeds need mowing.
There is no grass.
....... Not that I care to be on the rider anyway.




I made some stuffed green pepper casserole yesterday...



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(Nope. Didn't use this one)...  

I was completely nauseated when that one slipped out of its bag.
The 'splat' and the splatter just sounded SO gross!.

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Casey stopped at the store on her way out and picked up some fresh green peppers.
Dang. Now I am hungry ~as I hear the leftovers calling my name~
hehehe

Love to all

XOXO
Me

PS
I think I should enclose this picture for my sister-
Sorry Barbara, I kept forgetting...
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Bobbé, at the same age as Big Sam is now.

Written on the back by my mom:
"Bobbé, on her favorite diet!"
hehehe

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Here is Big Sam now
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You might be right!
(I am old and I might have forgotten). 


Do you think they look the same?
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So... Bookcase- check, behind me... Large noise, -check- and big claws scratching noise! ~~The damned cat got stuck behind the bookcase, and I had NO idea how to get him out... ~So first to get the things off the top. ~Then to crawl up on a chair to see him... (Imagine my surprise to find "NOTHING" there). As the dog is growling and the cat comes running from the entrance on the other side of the house... ~YARGGGGG (and wth?)... ~Yes, the gun is loaded...

Brandys 4th of July Party (Lotsa pics)....

Stephanies Toes!

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Maybe I should have entitled this "Better Late Than Never"...

As noted 2+ weeks ago, we had gone to Brandy and Johns on the 4th of July. This is the first time I have gone to their 4th of July party since Brandy bought the farm- 
It was much easier to go when they lived only 3/4ths of a mile down the road. hehehe


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The back of the farm...

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They keep it so well cared for, even with all their animals-
And how cool to have all those outbuildings too!

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Driving in, to be welcomed so nicely by this little guy...
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Near to the sidewalk to the house-
I think he must light up at nighttime.

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We were also welcomed by this little guy!
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If I remember correctly, this is Timmy!

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I only wore a plain old flag shirt... 
John had the right idea though.

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hehehe
Tracy on far left, then Joe, John, and Brandy
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Another great Tee-shirt  hehehe

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The cooks were very busy!
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Nothing "store bought" on this grill either
Those hot dogs, brats, and burgers, were ALL homegrown!

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Punk wanted out of the car, and after I asked John, she gained her freedom.

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To diminish any hard feelings, she had to meet their dogs first!
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None were too excited about meeting each other).
But no fur flew either!  hehehe

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As Casey and Punk walked toward me, there was an awful noise. (one of those completely unexpected moments that leave you wondering what to do on the spur of the moment).
Overlooked had been the fact that one cat considered the shed "her" home.
Add to that the fact that this cat had just had kittens in that shed.

The 'awful noise' was the cat; only protecting her young- While Punk kept turning in circles to either remove the cat from her face, or to be able to see what the heck was going on?!
Punk has Mr. Sputty here at home. While they play, and on occasion the cat literally hangs from her face, she really has never been attacked by a cat. She had been a "cat~attack" virgin...
She only lost a bit of DNA. No harm. No foul.

Meanwhile, Greg and John, and Johns friend shared a couple of laughs.

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Johns friend actually hails from the same part of Chicago
where Greg was born and raised.

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Add a few more brothers in law, and the conversation was even more animated!
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Inside the shed, Brandy had her hands full serving the kids and making sure everyone had what they needed.

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(I think this was just the 1st time that I was told
where to put my camera)
hehehe

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Over on the west side of the shed was another conversation.
And much relaxation too!
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Miss Ashley, very overwhelmed when Mama Cat had attacked Punk, stayed near to me for a time. Always nice to talk to her and to learn what is happening in her world!

She'd come to me in tears over the cat/dog fiasco.

And looks so much better here!

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Ain't we cute?!

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She even borrowed my camera to take a picture of her mom!
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From around the corner, and through the grapevines!
What a great shot!

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John came out to say hi to Casey- 
For some of them, this was the first time that they have seen Casey since her surgeries.
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John and Casey
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And what does Greg think when another man has his arm around his Casey?
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Yeah. OK. He's kinda cute too.
(I guess).
hehehe

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Miss Brandy had to run to town for a few more supplies. But took a very special few moments out of her busy day to show Isaiah the animals.
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Isaiah's first reaction was the smell in the barn. That is something, having been raised on the farm, that I never give another thought to.
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What a precious reaction though
Isaiah touches a bunny for the 1st time!

For more farm animal pictures, please CLICK HERE.

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He even got to learn where eggs come from!
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Brandy took time to show Isaiah and his Mama the animals in the pasture!
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 I was a long way from them when I snapped this picture..
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Isaiah looked the animals over, and then returned to the party.

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While I was snapping a few pictures from a distance, I was surprised to have this turn up in one of those pictures.

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hehehe
The little flirtman!

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A few moments later to have snapped this picture too!
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And there is Isaiah once again
pushing the object of his affections on the swing!
Jason and Stephanie supervising.

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At one point Brandy had noticed the pastured animals reaching just a little too far under the electric fence... Sure enough the current had been broken.
We walked back up to the barn together.
She pointed out the old wooden silo that has seen better days-

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And only remaining "up" by a few cables at this point...

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From the opposite side
to see where the cattle have rubbed all the paint of the silo too

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A very good time was had by all! Only sorry that I didn't really get as many pictures as I'd wanted- Of all the kids, and grandkids too.
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Miss Britney had come to love The Punk too!

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I did get many, just not of everyone.

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I also knew it was time to get going
when Greg started taking pictures of me taking pictures!
hehehe

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We had a great time!!!!  Thank you Brandy and John!

Love to All;

XOXO
Me

Damn Doctors.

Rating:	★
Category:	Other

Mad about the way I was treated this week...
But OH, the things we take for granted-
...Like walking, sitting, reclining without pain.

Remember last week when I didn't want to be taking the f00kin' Oxycodone that my doctor had prescribed?
Well, I did try it. (This, only after trying to NOT take anything except aspirin as I had run out of the vicoden over a week ago).

This oxy crap kept me awake until 5:30 the next morning. (After that point, I had gotten a few hours of sleep).

When I was at the doctor last week, he told me to call him this week and to let him know how I felt.
I called on Wednesday- I told him what had happened. He told me this was not a side effect.

SO? (No, I didn't say that, but I sure as hell wanted to).
For whatever reason all these stupid narcotics have ALWAYS kept me awake instead of knocking me out.
I have always been that way. I do not know why.

He told me to keep taking it. That he wanted me to have some relief.
(WHAT)?
Hmmm If I don't take it, then there is zero relief- Kinda chop logic there Doc- (but no, once again, I did not say a damned word back at him). I think at that point I was so surprised that he wouldn't exchange these meds that it shocked me.

Mad at the end of our short (curt) conversation, I hung up.
(I only wanted to be able to "move" -even walk around- a little WITHOUT fear of falling to my knees- I wasn't trying to move the freakin' earth- Nor did I think I should be pulling teeth just to want to walk a bit)...

I wrote the following at 3AM the next morning...


_____________________________

Good Morning Doctor;

CaseyAnne had left your email address tacked onto the poster board in the back room when she moved out. I hope you don't mind that I am contacting you this way.

1.
I am writing to ask again that I not take the oxycodone drug.

2.
I am wide awake once more in the wee hours of the morning, and worse, my back is killing me. I napped for a while yesterday evening, waking about 11- I have been up ever since...

* Am I tempted to take still another pill, thinking maybe the next one won't keep me wide awake, and that maybe my back might get an hour or two of relief?
Yes, I am very tempted to try again.

* Will I take it? I definitely prefer not to.


I understand that this oxy drug is supposed to be stronger than the vicoden.

I should have done this research last week Friday, but did not.

With my history of epilepsy, the gallbladder disease, and the head injury as a child, I just don't think this is a good drug for me to be on.

When we spoke yesterday, you said that I was getting too much acetaminophen if I took the two hydrocodone at bedtime. (I also would take 2 during the day- for a total of four every day).

Why then would Dr. Jackson have increased my dosage to "1 or 2 tabs every 6 hours as needed" as she did on 7/6/09? (Her dosage was the only way I got any sleep when we had to go back to Minnesota last week).

Your words about too much, and her dosage, truly scared me into doing a bit of research (because I sure as heck don't know about this stuff).

This is what I learned. (Please let me know if this is incorrect).

"It is important to avoid taking more than 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day. (This includes other sources of acetaminophen, including many prescription pain medications and many non-prescription cold and cough remedies)."

The amount either of you gave me, (yourself and Dr. Jackson), vs the amount I took, was well within those guidelines; especially since I do not take anything else that includes acetaminophen.

Additionally, I do not drink, so I believe my liver is in good enough shape to tolerate either prescription dosage.

Again, please let me know if this information is incorrect.

Incidentally, the oxy drugs are the reaction, what gave Casey a seizure while in the hospital, and what had been making her heart rate go to 200+ a year ago in March. (More, that was all designated as "medically insignificant" by Dr. Hujuet (sp) at St Marys)...
Granted, she had been on two different kinds of "oxy" for a few months, but I just don't think that I should be taking that chance.

I have a copy of the initial note that I gave you about my medical history and would include it here, but it is on my old computer. I cannot get that old computer hooked up right now; it weighs a ton and is on the floor in the back room.
I do believe you kept a copy of that in my chart.

Once again I thank you for your time.
Please contact me at 920-639-2001

Sincerely,
Anne DeGrave


This is what I learned online:
"Before using Hydrocodone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

* asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders; liver or kidney disease;
* a history of head injury or brain tumor;
* low blood pressure;
* a stomach or intestinal disorder;
* underactive thyroid;
* Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorder;
* curvature of the spine;
* mental illness;

or

* a history of drug or alcohol addiction.


Before using Oxycodone, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

* asthma, COPD, sleep apnea, or other breathing disorders;
* liver or kidney disease;
* underactive thyroid,
* curvature of the spine;
* a history of head injury or brain tumor;
* epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
* low blood pressure;
* gallbladder disease;
* Addison's disease or other adrenal gland disorders;
* enlarged prostate, urination problems;
* mental illness;

or

* a history of drug or alcohol addiction."


The above info copied from here: http://www.drugs.com/

_____________________________


_____________________________


Funny. In a very odd sort of way...

After I sent him all of this, I had a prescription in my hands within hours.

Go figure.

XOXO
Me

Simple Question for You.

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• Have you ever been SO lost
  that you can't find the road you are looking for?
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Have you ever stopped to ask for directions to a street??
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Have you ever then gotten exactly what you asked for?!

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Yeah.  Me too.
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hehehe

Have a good one!

XOXO
Me

Catch up day- Bear with me... XOXO, Me

The Trip. The Tree. (And The Tale of Them Both).

The butt of what we didn't need...

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Good Morning Everyone, and Happy Weekend too!
As you know by now, Casey had a very happy conclusion when she saw Dr. Sutherland-
NO MORE INSULIN!  (Still thanking God for that)...

But there were a few other things that caught my camera's attention for one reason or another...

After she was done, we saw these 2 guys were working hard.
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Concrete is heavy heavy work
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Or maybe I should say, "HARDLY WORKING?

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hehehe
Just send the other guy away and whip out a book!
No way to tell what this obvious foreman was reading either.

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But I did wonder if he was the one holding up 6 miles of oncoming traffic?
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Then there was THIS place...
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C'mon- You have to pull in...
hehehe

Whew! `It was a gas station, and NOT a front for a whorehouse.
(Or maybe it was where that guy bought his book)? 

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Not really wanting to relieve ourselves at that station, (would YOU HAVE?); we opted for the next "Park and Potty" (rest stop) up the road...

Even Punk needed a bit of relief.


Obviously stumped, (no pun intended), she had to ask...

" But Mama, what IS it? "

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I, very s-l-o-w-l-y, explained to her it was a "TREE"...  hehehe
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She was SO happy that she saw a tree,
that she just HAD to take a picture.

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Casey is such a little kid sometimes.  Now that she has my old camera, she takes many pictures too.  (She just never gets around to uploading them).
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A car wash at Shell to remove all the illegal alien bugs...
And to allow us to see out just a little bit

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More catching up in a bit-
Unless Casey pulls in. (Then I'll probably get beat up for telling y'all about the "tree"). hehehe

Love to all!

XOXO
Me

Now let's see how soon before she gets to this blog...
hehehe

Yup, Still giggling....

Propofol Recall, ~Hmmm... Can you add?

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm172474.htm
This is one of the drugs found in Michael Jackson's home.
If I add 2+2, this would be very suspicious...

Note: I am NOT saying this specific brand was in his home, but the question arises.

XOXO
Anne

************************


Teva Pharmaceuticals USA issues a voluntary user-level nationwide recall of Propofol Injectable Emulsion 10 mg/mL 100 mL vials, lot numbers 31305429B and 31305430B



Contact:
Denise Bradley
denise.bradley@tevausa.com
215-591-8974



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 16, 2009 – Teva Pharmaceuticals USA is initiating a voluntary recall of Propofol Injectable Emulsion 10 mg/mL 100 mL vials, lot numbers 31305429B and 31305430B. The product lots identified are being recalled due to the presence of elevated endotoxin levels in some vials within these lot numbers.

Teva has been notified of 41 propofol-treated patients who experienced post-operative fever, chills and other flu-like symptoms. Based on available information it appears that all febrile or flu-like reactions were self-limiting with spontaneous resolution.

Adverse health effects, such as fever, chills, or rigors, are possible with exposure to product with elevated levels of endotoxins. Serious adverse effects, such as disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and death, are possible with exposure to product with high endotoxin levels.

For use as an anesthetic agent, propofol should be used only by professionals trained in the administration of general anesthesia. For sedation of intubated, mechanically ventilated patients in the Intensive Care Unit, propofol should be administered only by persons skilled in the management of critically ill patients.

Customers who have Propofol lots 31305429B and 31305430B in their possession are instructed to cease using the product and return it to their distributor.

Teva Pharmaceuticals USA is voluntarily recalling the aforementioned lots. FDA and CDC have been apprised of this action.

Consumers with questions may contact 1-866-262-1243 from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm EDT Monday – Friday.

Any adverse reactions experienced with the use of this product should also be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Program by phone at 1-800 FDA-1088; by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178; by mail at MedWatch, HF-410, FDA, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787, or on the MedWatch website at www.fda.gov/medwatch.



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Harry Potter and the All-Day Pass

http://community.post-gazette.com/blogs/radicalmiddle/default.aspx
Jul 16 2009
Harry Potter and the All-Day Pass
(because nothing says hogwarts quite like central Florida)...


All the press and fuss over the release of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince — haven’t seen it yet; can’t wait; counting down to a Saturday afternoon screening once Adam gets back from camp — got to me wondering about the status of the Harry Potter theme park, announced a little over two years ago and threatened slated to be built in Orlando, Florida.

Turns out the abomination thing is right on schedule and slated to open in Spring 2010.
Universal Orlando even has a brand-new teaser web site that includes (old) news, a gallery of Early Conceptual Renderings, and a page to sign up for early email updates that includes not a single reference, joke, or allusion to owls.
It’s all very corporate and sparkly — by which I mean, uninspired and dreary — and it convinces me all the more that this site, which could (and, of course, should) be so filled with magic and wonder will instead be filled with product and dross.

It also reminds me of the post I wrote at the time of the initial announcement — one that I stand by, and that still amuses me, to this day:

I'm intrigued by the news out of London today that J.K. Rowling has given the go-ahead for a Harry Potter theme park to be built in Orlando, Florida. I'll admit that the idea of walking around a full-scale construction of Hogwarts, complete with enchanted ceilings and moving staircases and peevish poltergeists swirling overhead, gives me a kick. But that kick lands squarely in my pants as soon as I imagine climbing to the top of Gryffindor Tower, looking out one of the windows, and seeing some roller coasters and a couple of waterparks in the distance.

If someone's really going to do this — and if it really is, as the press release promises, intended to be the world's first immersive Harry Potter themed environment — then the damned thing shouldn't be built in great, flat, hot, sunny, mega-Muggled, uber-commercialized central Florida. The Black Lake shouldn't be man-made, the Dark Forest can't have palm trees, and Hagrid's Hut should not be a couple of miles from Disney World, down the street from an IHOP and a Ramada Inn. It should be in rural England, first of all. But if it must be in America, then it should be somewhere reasonably remote, surrounded by lakes and trees and mountains, nestled in a setting that may not be exactly as Rowling has described it, but that is close enough to evoke the proper senses of magic and mystery and ethereal distance from our everyday lives. And you should only be able to access the grounds by rail, by riding on a replica of the Hogwarts Express and then walking, or perhaps riding in a boat or a horseless carriage, all the way to its oak front doors.


And then, if they're really, really going to do it right, they need to pull no punches (or spells, or hexes) in the creation and execution of their immersive, narrative-inspired thrill rides.
Because we'll all want to go on the the
Watch Your Parents Get Killed By Voldemort ride,
the Get Chased and Bitten By a Giant, Demonic Basilisk ride,
the Have Your Soul Sucked Out By a Horde of Dementors dark ride,
the Watch Wormtail Kill Cedric and Then Cut Off His Own Right Hand roller coaster,
the Your Head Hurts More Than Ever and You Have to Watch Some Crazy Witch Kill Your Godfather attraction,
and the Cower Beneath Your Invisibility Cloak as Dumbledore Dies and Plummets Seven Stories to the Cold, Hard Ground attraction — which would, of course, be followed soon after by the Attend Dumbledore's Funeral and Feel Like All Hope is Lost music and magic show.

And then, if Book Seven unfolds as I think it must, you can end your fun-filled day with the Die an Excruciating Death Like Harry So You Too Can Save the World thrill ride extravaganza, before buying a couple of souvenirs at the Whomping Willow Gift Shop (Our Prices Can't Be Beaten, But You Can!)
and returning to your cars on a Fawkes the Phoenix Afterlife Shuttlebus.

That sounds like some sure-fire family fun, that does. And no matter how truly intense or immersive it became, it sure would beat the hell out of watching a Quidditch match, played on the Minute Maid Pitch at Amway Arena, only an hour or so after you'd finished eating breakfast at Stuckey's.

**************

This guy has the proper perspective, wouldn't you agree?
hehehe

XOXO
Me

The Death of The Hornet- (Deliverance)?

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Good-Something;
It is near to 3 in the morning, but since I haven't slept a wink, it can't be morning...


Oka said she would love to know the story of the car. So here goes. 

One of my old AMC Hornets.  (I had 4; just couldn't get enough).

This one in particular; I swear it was either possessed, or built on a Monday. Though I never knew which. When I bought it, it was about 5 years old. And it ran real good for the 1st year and a half.
Since I had never had a problem with an AMC, (and because I could fix darn near anything on them), when it began to not start I erroneously thought that between myself and Dad we would figure it out.

Not starting however, turned out to be a bigger problem than the 2 of us put together. After a time, we had just about rebuilt the darn thing!

It would never not start when I was away from home. Only in the parking lot.
And it didn't matter if it was cool or warm, or 10 degrees below zero, or 90 degrees above.

When it didn't want to go, it simply would not start.

Every now and then, jamming the "prndl" up then back into a park position would do the trick. (This one was an automatic, and with that, supposedly a step up for me).
Yeah right.

We never did figure it out either. It took me a while to get the money for a different car at that point too; and with 3 little kids, it was tough to walk to the stores.

Does "difficult but not impossible" ring any bells?

And so we did. And we would take the city bus if need be.

I couldn't just call my parents either- Retired or not, they still only had one car. And if that car had left at 4 AM to go to Kewaunee to fish, then it was hopeless to even want to go anywhere that day. 3/4's of the time Dad was gone fishing, catching up on all those years he was tied to home milking cows.

One afternoon, I had a dentist appointment for all the girls, and Dr. Staehly's office was clear on the other side of town.
Dad was off fishing, and everyone I knew (with a running vehicle) was working that day. I had to cancel that appointment- A huge time slot for any dentist...

Mad as I was, I went out there a bit later in the afternoon.
I turned the key. It fired right up.
Not needing to go anywhere else until later, I shut it off.

That night was CCD for the kids- We were running late, and so I would take them.
Long story short, Miss Helen from streetside in the lower courtyard ended up bringing them. When I called her again to pick them up, it came as no surprise to her that my car wouldn't start then either.

It must have come as no surprise to our managers, who had seen me get out of the car, kick it twice, hard, swear, and then throw myself on it, beating it with my arms and legs. I heard the laughter all the way from Russ and Shirleys kitchen!
She'd come to the door after I had gotten that out of my system, and had tears in her eyes from laughing so darn hard.

I laughed too then, but that was the last straw-
The one day too many that it wouldn't start...

I thought of too many of my morning coffees, ruined, as I would look out and across the courtyard...
My eyes would settle on that massive piece of crap car in the parking lot.
(Helluva way to start my days).

In between husbands, I had been dating a very nice man who offered to tow it out here with his pickup. (Legal or not, it was the only way to get that damned car out of my sight).

After trying for a few days, on and off again, and finding it wouldn't turn over, I finally called my friend. I tried starting it twice before we chained it up behind his truck.

As we pulled in the yard here, I dared to turn the ignition one more time.

The damn thing started!  (Too little, too late).

No car had ever made me so mad before then. (Or since for that matter).

We unchained it- still running, and I backed it in next to the old corn crib.
I shut it off.
That is exactly where it stayed.

I told Pa I was done messing with it, and not to even bother.

In those days, Dads friend was co~owner of S & L Implement, and they also sold new and used cars. 
Dad called Harry Slezewski-
Would he be able to find me a car?
Yes!!! He even had one on the lot!

My friend Beth was then VP of the old bank in Suamico. Would she be able to write something up?
Yes! I took out a loan the very next day. 

That was in May of that year-

Every time I came out to visit, that silly car was just sitting behind the corn crib; its front end just peeking out of the uncut lawns.
To this day, I swear it was evil.
The mechanic that lived inside of me would ensure that I would walk out there and look at it. And think.
(I think that damn car possibly leered right back at me too).

...And lead us not into temptation...

At one point I had the 12 gauge shotgun real handy.
And the 'think' went off in my head like a giant light bulb.
Smiling, I found that I just couldn't help myself.

As I went out the door, Mom wanted to know what I was doing, (as she was already reaching for her little Kodak disc camera).

I remember saying that I was going to shoot the damned thing.

I also remember hearing her holler after me, "WHAT THING?"

...But deliver us from evil...


Taking a deep breath, aiming, and telling Mom she would only get one shot of me with her camera, I pulled that gun tight to my shoulder...

Not too many things have felt so good as when my index finger twitched and that gun discharged...
I never looked at it after that.
Nor did I ever feel that evil coming from it again.
.
.

.

Photo dated June, 1984

.
.
.


So there ya have it!
A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Love to all

XOXO
Me

Wish me luck... I cannot stand being 'grounded' any more. I am taking Punkie to the woods, come hell or high water. Love to all. XOXO Me

More Dry Milk Products and Links...

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm171489.htm
If YOUR pantry contains items with whey powder OR dry milk, kindly toss the items.

XOXO
Me

Note too this is instant dry milk produced during the past TWO YEARS!
Damn, hey?


###

Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. Announces a Nationwide Recall of Products Containing Nonfat Dry Milk

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- SAVANNAH, Ga - July 10, 2009 - Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. of Savannah, Ga., is recalling products containing nonfat dry milk because its supplier, Plainview Milk Products Cooperative, Plainview, Minn., warned the company of a possible Salmonella contamination.

Instant nonfat dry milk manufactured by Plainview Milk Products Cooperative during the past two years may possibly be contaminated with Salmonella. Nonfat dry milk from Plainview Milk Products Cooperative was used by Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. to make items distributed nationally in pouches to foodservice organizations.

These items include:

* Café Delight™ White Chocolate Caramel Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 041KCB, 041KCB0203, 312JCA0203, 325JCB0203, 326JCA0203 and 326JCB0203);

* Chefs Blend White Chocolate Caramel Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 053HCA0236, 126JCB0236, 126KCB, 127KCC, 128JCB0236, 129JCC0236, 186HCB0236, 259JCB0236, 282HCA0236, 326JCB0236, 328JCB0236 and 365HCA0236);

* Chefs Supreme English Toffee Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 051JCA and 051JCA0225);

* Chefs Supreme Hot Cocoa Mix, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 005KCA0266, 009JCA0266, 013KCA0266, 013KCB, 013KCB0266, 015JCB0266, 015JCB0566, 015JCB0566, 015JCB0566, 016JCC0266, 030KCB, 030KCB0266, 032JCA0266, 078JCA0266, 160KCA, 266JCA0266, 276HCB0266 and 357JCA0266);

* Diamond Crystal® Cappuccino Mix, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: B028J50206, D028J50206 and 028JCB0206);

* Diamond Crystal® English Toffee Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
* (Lot numbers: B015J50218, B045J50218, 015JCA0218, 045JCA01 and 045JCA0218);

* Diamond Crystal® Malted Milk Powder, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 003JBA0521, 092JCA, 092JCA0521, 092JCB0521, 127KC, 127KCB, 192JCA0521, 192JLA0521, 247JCA0521, 274JCA, 274JCA0521, 276JCA0521, 341HCA0521, 346HCA0321 and 346HCA0521);

* Diamond Crystal® Nonfat Dry Milk, 5-pound foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 009JDB8262, 010JDA8262, 022JDA8262, 022JDB8262, 026KDB8262, 027KDA, 027KDA8262, 027KDB8262, 047KDB8262, 048KDA8262, 048KDC8262, 063JDA8262, 063JDB8262, 063KDB, 063KDB8262, 064JDA8262, 064KCC8262, 064KDA8262, 064KDC8262, 077KDA8262, 077KDB8262, 085JDB8262, 086JDA8262, 086JDB8262, 096KDA, 096KDA8262, 096KDB, 096KDB8262, 097KDC, 097KDC8262, 105JBA8262, 105JBA8262, 105JDA8262, 111KDB, 111KDB8262, 129JAB8262, 131KD, 131KDB, 132KD, 132KDA, 136JDA, 136JDA8262, 136JDB8262, 136JSA8262, 140KD, 140KDA, 140KDB, 141KD, 144JDB3043, 158JDA8262, 158JDB8262, 161JDA8262, 167KDA, 167KDB, 169JDB, 169JDB0262, 169JDB8262, 169JFB8262, 169JFB8262, 170JDA0862, 170JDB8262, 192JDA8262, 225JDA8262, 227JDA8262, 227JDB8262, 262HDB8262, 263HDA3862, 263HDA8262, 263HDB8262, 269JDB8262, 274JDB8262, 276JDA8262, 281HDB8262, 282HAA8262, 282HDA8262, 288JDB8262, 292HDA8262, 292HDB8262, 292HDC8262, 305HDA8262, 305HDB8262, 315JDB8262, 316JDA8262, 316JDA9262, 318HDB8262, 332JDB8262, 336JDB8262, 337JDB8262, 339JDC8262, 341HDA8262, 341HDB8262, 345HDA8262, 354HDA8262, 354HDB8262, 358JDA8262, 358JDC8262 and 359HDA8262);


* Diamond Crystal® Oatmeal Variety Pack, 55.6-ounce pouch
(Lot numbers: JUN2610I83, JUN2610I8A, JUN2610I8B, MAR10I8A, MAR1810, MAR1810I, 18MAR10, BBMAR1810, MAR1810I2A, MAR1810I8, MAR1810I8A, MAR1810I8B, MAR1810I8M, MAY1810, MAR1910I8A, MAY2810, 052810, MAY281018B, BBMAY2810, MAY2810I, MAY2810I8A, MAY2810I8B, MAY2810I8E, MAY2810I9P, MAY282010, OCT09I8B, CT2309, BBOCT2309, OCT2309I, OCT2309I2B, OCT2309I8A, OCT2309I8B, OCT2309I8C, OCT2309IB, OCT2309KA, OCT23I8B, OCT2709I8B, 107029, OCT2309, OCT2509, SEP009SA2, SEP0309KA2, SEP0809K, SEP0809K2A and SEP0890KA2);


* Diamond Crystal® Raspberry Vanilla Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
* (Lot numbers: 049KCB0235, 049KCC0235, 049KCC0255, 060JCB0235, 155KCA, 208HCA0235, 231HCB0235, 260JCA0235, 282HCA0235, 311HCB0235, 326JCA0235, 326JCA0255 and 331HCB0235);


* First Cafe Original Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: B015J29364, B015J50204, B028J50204, 015JCB0204 and 028JCB0204);


* First Cafe White Chocolate Caramel Cappuccino Mix, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: B015J50291, B020K50291, B027K50291, B031J50291, B071J50291, B316H50291, B341H50291, B365H50291, D015J50291, V134K50291, 015JCA0291, 020KCA, 020KCA0291, 027KCA, 027KCA0291, 031JCA0291, 222HCA0291, 228HCB0291, 267JCA0291, 316HCB0291, 341HCA0291, 365HCA0291 and 391HCA0291);


* Grindstone Cafe™ White Chocolate Caramel Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: B004J50313, B015J50310, B015J50313, B021K50313, B034K50313, B129J50313, B152J50313, B219J50313, B232J50313, B287J50313, B295J50313, B299J50313, B299K50313, B303J50313, B326J50313, B365H50313, D015J50313, D129J50313, D299H50313, D326J50313, M179J50313, V021K50313, V287J50313, 004JCB0313, 015JCA0313, 015JCB0204, 021JCA0313, 021KCA, 021KCA0313, 037KEB0913, 120KCA, 129JCC0313, 287JCA0313, 295JCA0313 and 326JCB0313);


* HHL™ Vanilla Instant Breakfast Drink, 5.4-ounce pouch
(Lot numbers: V03129, V03129-2, V031292, V03208, V03208-1, V032081, V06117-1, V061171, V08018, V08018-2, V080182, V08317-2, V083172, V103081, V10318, V10318-1, V103181, V12117-1, V121171, V121171-1, V127B and V132117-1);


* Monarch® Nonfat Milk Powder, 5-pound foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 009JDB8265, 010JDA8265, 011JDA8265, 011JDB8265, 027KDA8262, 027KDA8265, 027KDB8265, 033JDA8265, 048KDA8265, 048KDB8265, 060JDA8265, 063JDB8265, 063KDA8265, 063KDB, 063KDB8265, 079KDC, 079KDC8265, 082KDC8265, 085JDA8265, 085JDB8265, 097KDA, 097KDA8265, 097KDC, 097KDC8265, 111KDB, 111KDB8265, 112KDC, 112KDC8265, 120JDA8265, 122JDA8265, 122JDB8265, 123JDA8265, 131KDA, 131KDB, 135JDB8265, 136JDA8255, 136JDA8265, 136JDC, 136JDC8265, 141KD, 141KDA, 143JDA8265, 167KD, 169JDA8265, 169JDB8265, 193JDB8265, 202JDB8265, 226JDB6265, 226JDB8265, 227JDA8265, 228JDB8265, 240HDA8265, 250HDA8265, 263HDB3265, 263HDB8265, 263HFB8265, 264HDA8265, 272HDB8265, 276JDA8265, 288JDA8265, 289JDA8265, 292HDB8265, 306HDB8265, 315JDA8265, 315JDB, 315JDB8265, 318JDB8265, 337HDA8265, 337HDB8265, 354HDB8265, 358JDA8265, 358JDB8265, 360HDA8265 and 364HDB8265);


* Rituals® English Toffee Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 060JCA0273 and 560JCA0273); and
* Rituals® Original Cappuccino, 12-ounce foil pouch
(Lot numbers: 030JCB0275 and 030JGB0275).

Customers with questions or concerns about the recall may contact Diamond Crystal Brands Inc. at 800-654-5115 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET.

###

Nutrition Global, LLC recalls certain batches of SNI Pro Whey, SNI Pro Mass and Sci Labs Mass Fuzion Dietary Supplement bearing LOT numbers as shown below because of Possible Health Risk
Click for more info...
http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm171500.htm

###

***Cakes, etc...

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm171298.htm
PLENTIFUL PANTRY RECALLS ALMOND POUND CAKE WITH CINNAMON SAUCE, 741; ALMOND POUND CAKE, T2940; BECAUSE OF POSSIBLE HEALTH RISK

Plentiful Pantry of Salt Lake City, Utah is recalling the following products:

3,871 units of 741, Almond Pound Cake w/ Cinnamon Sauce

84 units of T2940, Almond Pound Cake

The above listed products have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis.


The product is intended for wholesale/retail sale and was distributed wholesale/retail throughout the U.S. with UPC 660550007418.


T2940 Almond Pound Cake is packed in16 oz white poly pillow pack bags with 1 unit to a finished, ready for retail box, packaged 12 finished boxes to a master case. The following lot numbers and dates of manufacture are found on the white poly pillow pack bag inside finished box:
Lot 82025 Date of Manufacture 07/09/2008
Lot 82026 Date of Manufacture 07/09/2008
Lot 83505 Date of Manufacture 10/15/2008


Distributors/Wholesalers/Retailers/Consumers that have purchased any of these products are urged to produce a digital photo of any remaining product and forward the photos, along with the completed Recall Return Response Forms to info@plentifulpantry.com or fax to 801-977-8202 then destroy the product. Consumers may also contact Plentiful Pantry at 801-977-9077.

###

Hot Chocolate...

http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm171297.htm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 8, 2009 - BERKELEY, Calif. -- A nationwide voluntary and precautionary recall of Hot Chocolate Recovery Drink Mix from CLIF SHOT® sold in 40-gram, single-serve packets and 12-pack boxes with a “Best By” date of 19SEP09R was announced today because the powdered drink mix contains organic non-fat dried milk made by the Plainview Milk Products Cooperative, Plainview, Minn. Plainview recently issued a recall of certain non-fat dried milk products that were made on equipment found to contain Salmonella during an FDA investigation of the facility.

###


Now please go check your cupboards!
From oatmeals to cappuccino, to hot cocoa/chocolate...
And especially if you don't think there is milk powder or whey in it.
(It does too make sense)...

ARRGGHHH...

I have to nap or something. I promise to catch up with everyone later today. (That is, if you are caught up with me)... XOXO, Me

Method to My Madness. (Maybe)?

Happy Saturday All;
Just a brief explanation before I try to go back to sleep...

I had said in yesterdays blog that I was afraid of taking the new meds prescribed to me by my doctor. (A few of you made me giggle at your own comments as to the solution to my refusal to take the drug)! hehehe


A year ago in March, Casey was in the hospital for yet another pancreatitis attack. At that point she had been on the oxycodone drugs- (1 long acting, and one type for her breakthrough pain).
It was during the course of that drug treatment that her heart rate had gone above 200 more than a few times.
It was during that hospitalization she had that seizure.
Caseys heart rate had remained above 100 for a long time.
"Medically insignificant" is what Dr. Hujuet at St Marys Hospital in Green Bay had called it. (CLICK for that story).

It was determined that the seizure, the tremors and other problems were caused by this drug.

This oxy crap is what my doctor has prescribed for me!
(Yes, he has my medical history).
But his line of thinking is that the other (hydrocodone, aka Vicoden) was not working for me.

• Know that I was hospitalized at 3+ years old.

I had fought the good fight to NOT come inside at supper time.  To deal with such a child, my dad, along with my foster brothers had begun chasing me- (we were all laughing and having a fun time with this)...

Long story short, I jumped off the front porch at one point, and cracked my head open.

At the hospital I was given an EEG, and it was determined that I was epileptic.
I took pills (dilantin and phenobarbital) for this until I was 18; and quit cold turkey when I got married, never having had any episodes before, during, or after. (Although Mama said I did, I do not remember).

BUT...

...IF this IS what caused Casey's seizures,
and IF I have just been "lucky" so far...
do I really want to take that chance?

It has always been my assertion that anyone who falls down and cracks their forehead open, requiring 7 stitches, would have an abnormal EEG.
Not being a doctor though I do not know.
Nor do I know why subsequent EEG's showed the need for continuing meds.

I look forward to your input...
Right now though I need to rest a bit-

XOXO
Me