So sorry for the radio silence, but I GOT A JOB! The last six months have been the most wonderful, and the most challenging, time I have had in quite a while. Not only did I find just the right kind of employment I was looking for, I maintianed my full time status in school as well.
I got a job as an activities assistant at a local home for people with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. for those who have been following since the beginning, this is similar to the job that I had to resign from a few years back. I was so excited to interview for this job and even more excited to get that phone call with the actual offer. It started off as a part position but transitioned into a full time one when a vacancy suddenly opened up.
I admit I was a little nervous to take on the full time hours. Not only because I hadn't worked full time in so long, but also because I was still a full time student. I am still in the throws of finishing my Bachelor's degree. I am so close to completing it I can smell it! This semester saw many challenges. Some good and some bad (I'll fill you in soon!) This was my last full time semester and I can thankfully get back to what I love - writing - which is why I went back to school in the first place. That and to finally have that silly piece of paper on my wall.
I just wanted to drop you guys a note to say hello again! I am here to stay and happier and healthier than ever. Look forward to even more updates because I have so much to tell you!
Friday, December 9, 2016
Tuesday, May 24, 2016
Job Searching After a Stroke
When I had my stroke I was still technically employed as a substitute teacher in the local school district here where I live. I didn't work nor did I go to school to finish my degree for an entire year, but I did keep my certification up. When I did go back to work, I was already fairly well established in a few of the schools I worked in regularly. The employees there were willing to work with me and my new needs in order to accommodate my changed situation.
It was shortly after that I decided I needed a permanent job and secured a position at a local retirement home that catered to persons with dementia and Alzheimer's. I adored this job. I only worked two days a week. I was constantly on my feet those two days though, which meant that I was flat on my back recuperating for about three days when I was off. But I loved the work. Then life got in the way. I suffered a series of seizures and could no longer drive so I had to resign that position. It was heartbreaking.
So here I am, almost exactly three years after leaving my last job and I am contemplating finding a new part time position. Times are tough in the Romero household and I feel duty bound to do something other than blog away and finish my degree and take care of children and old women. Plus a little social interaction wouldn't be so bad every once in a while.
But here's the catch: I need a job that is part-time, light duty, near by and not at night.
Reasons for part-time: For one thing, I'm still a full time student trying to finish my degree. I know me, and I really don't want to take on more than I can chew. With the family, school and a job? I just don't want to push my luck. For another thing, I haven't been able to be super active for the last six years without ending up being in a lot of pain. I think working for a few days a time is the best way to start out. And this lead me to catch number two...
Light duty: Again, I end up being in a lot of pain when I'm on my feet for several hours a day. I can sit and answer phones all day but ask me to run track with your great dane and I'll quit right then and there.
Near by: I went for nearly three years not being able to drive due to seizure activity. I wouldn't say that I'm a nervous driver now, but I'm definitely not a fan of driving anymore. I think that not driving for such long stretches at a time has made me a more cautious driver. Everything kind of feels very fast to me. Plus I don't want to be downtown, have a seizure and then have no way to get home. If I'm near by, I have a better chance of getting home.
Not a night job: I just can't see at night. I had an eye doctor tell me once that it's very common for stroke patients to have night blindness, no matter where the stroke actually occurred. I have terrible halos around all the lights, my depth perception is off and I can't tell which lane the oncoming cars are in. It's terrible.
So the search continues. I have applied to several companies for a variety of positions but so far no bites. I'll keep you updated! Until then I'll keep writing...
It was shortly after that I decided I needed a permanent job and secured a position at a local retirement home that catered to persons with dementia and Alzheimer's. I adored this job. I only worked two days a week. I was constantly on my feet those two days though, which meant that I was flat on my back recuperating for about three days when I was off. But I loved the work. Then life got in the way. I suffered a series of seizures and could no longer drive so I had to resign that position. It was heartbreaking.
So here I am, almost exactly three years after leaving my last job and I am contemplating finding a new part time position. Times are tough in the Romero household and I feel duty bound to do something other than blog away and finish my degree and take care of children and old women. Plus a little social interaction wouldn't be so bad every once in a while.
But here's the catch: I need a job that is part-time, light duty, near by and not at night.
Reasons for part-time: For one thing, I'm still a full time student trying to finish my degree. I know me, and I really don't want to take on more than I can chew. With the family, school and a job? I just don't want to push my luck. For another thing, I haven't been able to be super active for the last six years without ending up being in a lot of pain. I think working for a few days a time is the best way to start out. And this lead me to catch number two...
Light duty: Again, I end up being in a lot of pain when I'm on my feet for several hours a day. I can sit and answer phones all day but ask me to run track with your great dane and I'll quit right then and there.
Near by: I went for nearly three years not being able to drive due to seizure activity. I wouldn't say that I'm a nervous driver now, but I'm definitely not a fan of driving anymore. I think that not driving for such long stretches at a time has made me a more cautious driver. Everything kind of feels very fast to me. Plus I don't want to be downtown, have a seizure and then have no way to get home. If I'm near by, I have a better chance of getting home.
Not a night job: I just can't see at night. I had an eye doctor tell me once that it's very common for stroke patients to have night blindness, no matter where the stroke actually occurred. I have terrible halos around all the lights, my depth perception is off and I can't tell which lane the oncoming cars are in. It's terrible.
So the search continues. I have applied to several companies for a variety of positions but so far no bites. I'll keep you updated! Until then I'll keep writing...
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Bone Density Scan - What to Expect
I recently had a bone density scan. Yes, me, a 35 year old woman. There are many reasons a woman would need to scan her bones: old age, disease, genetic abnormalities. For me, it is because I take a long term medication that interferes with Vitamin D absorption. Vitamin D helps you absorb calcium and calcium is necessary for strong bones.
Women tend to lose more calcium throughout their lifetime than men do. We lose calcium each menstrual cycle, each time we have a baby, each time we nurse a baby, if we over exercise to fit into those skinny jeans or diet too much. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for both men and women in order to avoid osteoporosis. So avoid smoking, excessive drinking, eat a well balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Actually getting the bone density scan is not really a big deal. In fact it was the easiest test I have ever had (I have had my fair share). I was by far the youngest person in the waiting room. I had the other women beat by at least 10 years, but I think having a stroke at 29 gives me the street cred. The best part of the scan was the fact that I never had to take my clothes off. There were times I was convinced that every person in the hospital had seen my boobs when I was having tests on my heart before and after my surgery.
To have the bone density scan done, all you have to do is lie down on an exam table let the machine take x-rays of your hips and lower back. At one point you will have to lift your knees and place them on a giant pillow for the scan of your lower back, but that's it. That is your entire participation in the x-ray.
I chatted with the x-ray tech (this part is optional). She was very friendly. We talked about the badge she wears that monitors her exposure to the radiation in the room. I think it was somewhat comforting to know that I wasn't in any danger of being over-exposed, even though the thought had never even occurred to me before.
I have an appointment with my neurologist, who ordered the test for me, later this month. I'll check in with all you then!
Women tend to lose more calcium throughout their lifetime than men do. We lose calcium each menstrual cycle, each time we have a baby, each time we nurse a baby, if we over exercise to fit into those skinny jeans or diet too much. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential for both men and women in order to avoid osteoporosis. So avoid smoking, excessive drinking, eat a well balanced diet and exercise regularly.
Actually getting the bone density scan is not really a big deal. In fact it was the easiest test I have ever had (I have had my fair share). I was by far the youngest person in the waiting room. I had the other women beat by at least 10 years, but I think having a stroke at 29 gives me the street cred. The best part of the scan was the fact that I never had to take my clothes off. There were times I was convinced that every person in the hospital had seen my boobs when I was having tests on my heart before and after my surgery.
To have the bone density scan done, all you have to do is lie down on an exam table let the machine take x-rays of your hips and lower back. At one point you will have to lift your knees and place them on a giant pillow for the scan of your lower back, but that's it. That is your entire participation in the x-ray.
I chatted with the x-ray tech (this part is optional). She was very friendly. We talked about the badge she wears that monitors her exposure to the radiation in the room. I think it was somewhat comforting to know that I wasn't in any danger of being over-exposed, even though the thought had never even occurred to me before.
I have an appointment with my neurologist, who ordered the test for me, later this month. I'll check in with all you then!
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