REENIE UPDATE

Well, we seem to have survived the Court Crisis in our household. After two weeks of being out of my mind with worry and feeling like I've needed to throw up every day, and sitting in the Juvenile Court for almost 4 hours yesterday waiting. waiting, waiting...it took 2 minutes for the Probation Officer and the Prosecutor to dismiss the charges against my 12 year old son as being rediculous. They both said they didn't understand why he was brought into this; the other two boys were found guilty of the charges and were ordered to do some sort of community service. As I said in my initial post, Devin had nothing to do with this; he has been mature and composed throughout this ordeal and has responded much more reasonably than his Mom. We've all learned hard lessons and I hope he's gotten close enough to the "System" to steer clear of any sort of associations that will take him down the wrong paths in life. Thanks, as always, for your support and concern through this. Otherwise, I'm trying to stay on top of my game and am heading out to the track right now. My visit with my PCP last night shows a new blood workup with not so good results - my body is just not absorbing nutrients well at all. Is anyone else dealing with this? I'm getting at least 70 grams of protein a day and am eating well - good supply of protein, fruits and veggies...but my blood work says my body is malnurished and my liver is being affected. My wonderful doctor is perplexed and not sure how best to proceed. Any advice is greatly appreciated. By the way, I really think we should revisit the idea of getting together somewhere...don't you think we should all meet? At this point, it would be a family reunion of sorts! What do you think??? Love ya, Reenie

Glad Things have calmed down & your kid has come out of this is good shape. As for the meeting sounds wonderful, since I am currently unemployed, again. Hows tomorrow. That's probably a little too soon. Ya think Anyway, when I get my finances back on track as well as my life. I would love to come back to the New England area for a visit. I will bring the other part of AZ with me (Connie, you ready) Marilyn, the Bearlady

With open arms, girlfriend! Any time! Tuck Dina and Ken under your wings as well and oh what a party that will be! Actually, I'm going to throw this out there -- how about the 1st weekend in March, we all gather and celebrate three years of friendship and support? That gives us plenty of time to start saving up. Where doesn't matter so much just so long as we have the opportunity to do plenty of talking and sharing and laughing (which means Connie HAS to be there...) -- what do you say, folks? Reenie

First, I am THRILLED that the charges were thrown out on your son. I am so happy that you are able to put this chapter behind you. It has to be horribly stressful! Now, onto your nutrition. You didn't mention what vitamin you were taking or what you were deficient in. Has the good doc mentioned changing something in your routine? Getting enough protein is great but you gotta back it up with other stuff. I've had issues with B1 deficiencies as well as iron, but when I'm faithful about my vitamins, I do okay. I don't know if you take liquid ones, but they do absorb better into the system. Only other thought is to buy some of the bariatric vitamins hawked here. Sounds like whatever you are taking may not be breaking down quickly enough for you to absorb them. As for a meet, you got it sister! If we plan now for March 1 we can all get our vacation time off set and finances in order. I would dearly love this! Dina

Reenie, I'm so glad that things worked out for your son. That has to be a huge relief. My blood work continues to be great and I attribute that to chewy gummy bear vitamins. No kidding. I chew four in the morning and four at night. My calcium is chewable and my B-12 is liquid. I noticed shortly after rny surgery that antibiotics did not seem to clear up kidney infections as well as before. At first, I thought it was because my body probably wasn't helping to fight the infection, but later I decided it was probably that the pill form isn't disolving as well and getting flushed though before it can really get into my blood stream. I've since asked for every medication and vitamin that I can get in either liquid or chewable form and it seems to work better for me. I think Dina mentioned something about this in her response to you also. I love the idea of meeting. Picking the where will be a problem, it was the last time. Just a thought, but we might want to consider a short little 3 day cruise. My sisters and I just booked a cruise for Ensenada for three days and I think it was less than 300.00 bucks each. We wouldn't have to pay for food or hotel and that would keep us captive and available to talk, talk, talk. Hugs, Connie

O.K. March Party it is!! I will start those pennies to multiplying right now. Lets start picking the place so we can figure some expenses in too!! Sounds like a blast of a good time to me!! Virginia/Conn/PA area works for Me. Never been to that area & I have sort of family out that way. Marilyn, the Bearlady

1) I am having problems with my blood levels too. Mostly iron deficiency and anemic. The PCP wants me to have more test done by GI specialist. I have already had the lower GI checked...nothing there. Having the upper GI visit this next week. This is holding off my plastic surgery which was originally planned for the first of August. 2) My appetite is back. I am trying to hold off of course but I am craving the bad foods. Mostly carbs of course. 3) Everyday there are more and more problems with my mom's estate and my family. I am highly stressed. 4) Can I put my name in the hat for the reunion?

Hey Maureen, I'm very happy to hear the good news about your son. On the other hand, I'm not too happy to hear about your body chemistry! I don't have any ideas for you, but I'm certainly concerned. Take care and I hope that your doc can find an answer. Mike

I'm happy for your good news but sad for your bad news. Let me know what your doc says. I'm just not well versed enough when it comes to nutrient absorption to be much help. You're definitely in my thoughts though! Jill

Thank God the ordeal with your son is behind you! Now, concentrate on taking care of YOU! I sure would love to meet everyone from this board. I am struggling with planning anything ahead of time though. I will wait to see what unfolds...