| I still struggle with dystonia. My head turns to the right and I have a moderately severe dystonic tremor that causes pain. I have antibodies to Botox, and had the Myobloc (botulinum strain B) in a study, it helped for 3 series then it stopped. Now I take several medications and with rest and stretching exercises I can enjoy my life most days. I was lucky enough to be a NSTA support group leader for 7 years and have met many courageous people with Dystonia. There is also information on Congenital Torticollis here. CT is treated with stretching exercises and usually very successfully. It is not the same as Spasmodic Torticollis which is a movement disorder. For more information about ST (Cervical Dystonia)., see the links or e:mail me at [email protected] Or call me at 770-575-1683 I would love to talk to you. Kathie |
| Welcome to Kathie's Korner |
| Spilling of Life
it ran freely across hills soaked the ground dark crimson streams fresh from battle sizzled with body heat it poured from dying and dead women, children young, old, black, white stink and waste, pain, strife, the pinnacle of man's inhumanity to man She stood in the middle of it and fell to her knees smeared it on her hands and hair her face and body She screamed, "Why, God?" Her words echoed back. She was alone . By Kathie Stehr |
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| Welcome to my World |
| I have finally reached a point in my life where serenity is obtainable. For so many years it I felt like I was juggling a dozen balls in the air. They included being a full time RN, Mom, wife, homemaker,and volunteer. Then, I traveled back and forth to FL to help care for my Dad with cancer. Mom moved here to Atlanta to be close to us after we lost Dad. She had several good years when the two of us traveled on five cruises and great bus trips to Washington DC, Williamsburg, all over the Great Lakes. and weekends in NYC. Then she began to have symptoms of Alzheimer's for several years before she died. Plus I was dealing with the pain, pulling, and tremors of Cervical Dystonia. Although challenging and crazy, my life has always been filled with love, joy and a sense of fulfillment. Now I am on disability from nursing after 18 years, the four boys are grown, and Kurt and I finally have our cottage by the lake with a poontoon boat and the breezes whistle through the hardwoods. They bring poems to me and remind me that God is in charge so I can turn my cares to him. There are four grandsons now. How wonderful is that? Kurt Micheal and Meghan have A. J. who is five and Tyler who is three. They are handsome, active and loving boys we are very proud of along with their parents. Kurt teaches school and is in the Army Reserves while Meghan is an Office Manager and going to school for Nursing Administration. They have a home about two hours from us. Paul has a lovely home in Midtown Atlanta he shares with his partner, Ben. He stays busy with a demanding career as a Engineer, working on his Masters from GA Tech, mixing music and caring for his children, an exotic rare macaw and parrot. Christoher Ryan and Andrea have a lovely home close to us. Their little guy is two, James Micheal, and adorable. He is very bright and like his Dad, takes things apart to find out how they work. He finds pleasure and fascination in all things. Chris is still going to school for certification in computer technology, continually climbing the ladder in a career he loves. Kristopher Jon and Kim have Kaleb who is one and into everything. He is a beautiful little boy with chubby cheeks and blonde hair. They live in St Augustine FL on the ocean and Kris takes a kayak out every chance he gets. He is an electrician. Kim stays busy with school and working as a waitress which she likes. Kurt is still driving a dump truck but has parked his own due to the inability to collect any money. He is owed thousands of dollars. At least he is working fairly steady for a company..We are struggling but still in our home that overlooks the lake. |
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| James and I 2009 |