Everyday Life...

Life here in Ottawa is pretty busy. Somedays I think it will slow down...but looking ahead now I don't see that happening any time soon. I have started a second job in a retirement home. I will be doing orientation tomorrow and am actually looking forward to it. It will be a nice change of pace from the business of working in the hospital. Work in the hospital has been fairly busy. The days and nights I dread the most are the ones where we work short. However that has become more of a norm in a lot of places with the shortage of nurses. In times like this you learn how to prioritize really well.
My Crohn's disease has been more under control in the last two weeks after starting back on some meds again. One of the meds is an immunosuppresant so I have to be very careful not to pick up any infections...which is harder to do while working in the medical profession. However it is nice to finally have the pain more under control and being able to eat a little more normal again.
My cat is doing well. She is not all that happy with the many hours that I am working...but I think she is resigning herself to the fact. I think sometimes she misses the company of her cousins (my sister's cats).
Well that is enough for now. At least I can say I wrote another blog. Remember Christmas is only 30 days away! Oh do I ever love this time of year! Take care you all!

A message from me about Christmas

My favorite time of the year is Christmas. I start looking forward to Christmas already in September. Everyone laughs at me because of it...but you know I love Christmas!

Christmas is the best for a few reasons:

1) It is the time of year we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who came to give His life so that we may have life! What better reason do I need to enjoy this time of year!

2) Family time is very important at this time of year. Christmas for most families has the opportunity to bring families together. In a lot of cases Christmas brings some of the wonderful, sharing attitudes of people in the community...I was reminded about this when I saw the Christmas boxes at church being ready for shipping to children in other countries.

3) Lights, decorations, christmas trees, snow, all part of a picturesque time of year. Its cozy....the Christmas tree up with lights around the room, fire in the fire place warming the room....yes its cozy!

This Christmas is somewhat different for me. It will be the first time that I will be six hours away on Christmas day. I pray that while I work that day in the hospital...the Lord will use me to bring Christmas cheer to those who have to spend the day in the hospital. When I honestly think about it...what better time of the year to be working and helping others.

So for now I will say to all of you reading this blog...take this time of year to reach out to others...not only with the physical things in life...but reach out with the Word of God. Share with others the most precious gift that was given to us...the gift of eternal life. The gift of the Lord Jesus Christ! Share the Christmas story! Pray for all those you come into contact with this Christmas! This is the true JOY of Christmas!

Well....

I was told to write a post again....watch for it in the next few day!!!!!!!!! :)

Post by Melissa and Me!

We were talking about cardiac markers today. After having bloodwork done today to check CRP, I was reminded about cardiac markers. Melissa was sure that CRP could indicate heart damage...for example it could identify a possible myocardial infarction. But we came to the conclusion that CRP was not the most accurate or well used blood test for identifying a myocardial infarction. CK-MB and myoglobin are the earliest cardiac markers and can be used to detect ischemic damage within an hour...however Troponin is the most widely used as well as the most accurate.

CRP though, is mainly used to indicate the level of inflammation in the body. Usually it only indicates acute inflammation. This is the reason I had that test done.

So speak the greatest medical minds of the twenty first century! Any questions...please leave comments! ;)