Journal
This is my new Journal. It was created to allow me to more easily
update my journal without having to update the complete web site. 
Today is my birthday!!! Happy Birthday to me... I am enjoying the hot day, and later tonight I will be going out to celebrate my birthday. Time flys by very quickly. I am turing 26 today!!
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Tuesday, September 07, 2004 at 13:50:37 (PDT)
I need to catch up I have not written in awhile. I went to the dentist and found out that I needed to have a root canal. I went and had the root canal because I had an abcess on the tooth as well. I had been in a lot of pain with the tooth. So I had decided to have the root canal. I will need to go back in to have a crown put on the tooth.
Otherwise it has been a really hot Summer and look forward to Fall.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Saturday, August 28, 2004 at 16:24:58 (PDT)
Alison,
I don't know how you are doing but I have seizures also because of menigitis at the University of Ga. That has been over 20 years ago. I have a 17 year old daughter who just graduated from high school and I am separated from huband. I love him but we just can't seem to get along even after 19 years.
Carbamazapine helped me the most with my seizure but I got in chronic pain last year and they took me off it. I am now on neurontin. It helps but not as much as tegretol.
Did you get your dental hygiene studies finished? Please let me know. My e-mail is burrelld7@yahoo.com
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Friday, June 25, 2004 at 16:10:27 (PDT)
June 16th 2004
Well so far my new medication has been working. I have not had any seizures or premintions of them comming on. I have been doing good without any health problems so that is good. I have been busy finding out more information about seizures, and have joined a support group online. The epilepsy group is a good way of finding out how to deal with the seizures, and to discuss what types of medication the people in the group are taking.
The only complaints I would say about the new medication is that it will make me drowsy, and I will feel dizzy and have a weird feeling about an hour after I take it,but my body may be adjusting to it.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 13:07:25 (PDT)
May 29, 2004
I have started to take neurontin for my seizures, and it seems to be doing great for me. I am not feeling sluggish, and have a lot more energy while on this new medication. I found this nice poem that I wanted to put on my site to remind me of everything I had to endure while going through my transplant.
The Hill
For every hill I had to climb to
For all the blood and sweat and grime
My heart sings a tune, but a grateful song
These were things that made me very strong today
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 14:07:07 (PDT)
May 6,2004
I will be starting a new drug to help my seizures. I will be taking Neurontin 3 times a day. I will also be taking Tegratol 2 times a day. I will use the Neurontin as an add on medication to see if will work, and if not I will have my dosages adjusted. I hope my body responds well to the new medication, and can control the many seizure auras, and the big seizures that can last for hours.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Thursday, May 06, 2004 at 10:49:35 (PDT)
April 20th 2004
Today is my 5 year anniversary of my bone marrow transplant. Today five years ago I was given my new bone marrow. I remember recieving my marrow just as if it had happend yesterday. I am in good health with my blood, and only have my nuerological problems which are seizures. I have problems with my blood pressure off, and on. Otherwise my blood counts are wonderful.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Tuesday, April 20, 2004 at 14:40:28 (PDT)
April 6th 2004
Today I went in for my anual Bone marrow check up. I have been in pretty much problems free. My only complaint is my blood pressure, and my seizures.
Here are my lab results:
CBC W/Auto Diff Auto Blood Count
Reference
WBC: 5.6 4.0-11.0
RBC: 4.95 3.80-5.20
HGB: 16.1 H 11.7-15.7
HCT: 45.7 35.0-47.0%
MCV: 92.5 82.0-98.0 Fl
MCH: 32.5 27.0-34.0Pg
MCHC: 35.2 32.0-36.0 g/dl
RDW: 12.5 11.5-14.5%
Platelet: 246 150-400K/ul
Automated Diff:
Referene
Neut,ABS: 2.75 1.70-6.70 K/uL
LYM,ABS: 2.23 1.00-3.00 K/uL
MONO,ABS: 0.55 0.30-0.95 K/uL
EOS,ABS: 0.03 L 0.05-0.55 K/uL
BASO,ABS:0.02 0.00-0.25 K/uL
NEUT,%: 49.2
LYM,%: 40.0
MONO,%: 9.9
EOS,%: 0.5
BASO,%: 0.4
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, April 14, 2004 at 15:01:23 (PDT)
Yesterday on April 6th I had a seizure. From what I heard it was a big one. Today I pretty sore from it, and tired. I had felt it comming on, and took the appropriate cautions. So today I am just going to rest so I can relax my brain, because it had a good work out yesterday.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, April 07, 2004 at 09:40:54 (PDT)
2-23-2004
I have been doing well. I have been to my nuerologist for an appointment because I was having more seizure preminitions than normal, so he has increased my dosage of Tegratol. I also had an appointment with my endocrinologist, because I had needed to get a new prescrition and exam. She wants me to go to an gynocologist, because I told her that I have not had a period in five years. She had looked at one test they had done on me and she said that it looks like the radiation and chemo had done a lot of destruction, because it was low. So she would like for me to have an ultrasound to see how much dammage. So, it looks like I will be transferring over to the adult hospiital for this kind of doctor, because her clinic mainly sees kids unitl they are twenty one.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Monday, February 23, 2004 at 10:33:04 (PST)
I have been doing great the last couple of weeks. My blood pressure has come down, and is back to the normal ranges. I have been on a diuretic, because it seems I have allergic reactions to the other medication that the doctor could have prescribed. I have had my seizure medication increased, because I was having pre seizure auras more than I should. I am still getting usesd to the increased dosage. The new dosage makes me alot more tired. That is about all the news at the moment.
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Tuesday, February 10, 2004 at 13:30:30 (PST)
December 19th 2003
A lot has not been going on for me. My blood pressure has been good. The bloood pressure has been staying in the normal ranges. My doctor had put me on a diuretic for it because I told him I a sensitive to medication. So I am glad that this route has been successful. So that is about all the news as of now.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Friday, December 19, 2003 at 09:04:12 (PST)
Nov. 27th 2003
Happy Thanksgiving! Ray and I are celebrating our Thanksgiving in our new house. We have our first turkey and all the trimmings. We are doing fine, and are looking forward to the comming seasons.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Thursday, November 27, 2003 at 10:09:10 (PST)
Oct 21st 2003
I have been taking my blood pressure medication, and excersing at least 20 minutes a day,and I have been trying to cut salt out of my diet to lower my blood pressure. I have been able to maintain a normal blood pressure. Some days it is a higher than it should be, but it is so far been lower than what it was running in the unhealthy ranges.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 13:18:24 (PDT)
Sept 23rd 2003
I went for a blood draw yesterday to check my Tegratol level for seizures yesterday. My levels are a little high, so I was told to remain on the dosage that I have been taking. The dosage right now still makes me drowsy. I was told by my nuerologist that it takes about two weeks for the body to adjust to the dosage. I am hoping it will adjust, because in the morning it makes me very drowsy, and hard to wake up in the morning.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at 09:53:50 (PDT)
Sept 16 th 2003
I talked to my nuerologist's nurse practioner the other day and she told me to increase my medication this week by a half of a pill in the evening, and then get a blood test to see what my medication levels are, and then increase my pills the second week in the morning. I will have then have a total of one pill increased. I think they are gradually increasing the dosage so it does not shock my system, because the medication makes me very drowsy.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 08:21:09 (PDT)
Sept.10th 2003
I Saw my nuerologist on Sept 8th. He recommend that I increase my seizure medication by a half of a pill. On my way home I suffered a Gran Mal seizure that lasted about three hours... When I arrived home the neighbors helpded carry me in because I was still unconciuos. When I woke up from the spell I thought it was a dream, but it was not.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, September 10, 2003 at 10:59:10 (PDT)
September 7th 2003
Today is my 25th Birthday! My Dad invited Ray and I over for a birthday dinner. Tommorrow I go and see my nuerologist about my seizure activity. I probably will have a blood test to see if my medication needs to be adjusted.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Sunday, September 07, 2003 at 10:56:45 (PDT)
Sept 1st 2003
Yesterday I had the feeling come over me that I get before a seizure. I took my pre seizure med and had stopped it from comming on. I was feeling drowsy after I took the pill and slept for about 4 hours. I was gald that I did not have that seizure.
I had the feeling comming on when we were walking in the maill. I am wondering if all the exersize might have triggered something. Today, on Labor Day we are just going to rest, and might have a B.B.Q.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Monday, September 01, 2003 at 09:30:21 (PDT)
August 15th 2003
Today I am feeling less tired than yesterday, but I can feel the change in the medication. I am a lot more tired in the morining than before. I need a few more cups of coffee to wake me up. I think it will take my body at least one to two weeks to adjust to the raised medication.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Friday, August 15, 2003 at 09:34:54 (PDT)
August 14th 2003
In regards to my seizure therapy my doctor has told me to increase my dosage of my seizure medication until my appointment with him. I think that my medication level was low, so I was starting to feel the pre seizure feeling more often. So for the time being I will have my medication inceased. I think my body needs to get used to the new dosage, because I am feel a lot more tired than on my original dosage.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Thursday, August 14, 2003 at 09:53:39 (PDT)
If you are viewing my webpage and have been diagnosed with PNH or about a bone marror transplant feel free to ask me any questions. I would be glad to post answers you might have.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Monday, August 11, 2003 at 12:15:01 (PDT)
August 11th 2003
I have been busy today trying to schedule an appointment with my nuerologist. I seem to have my seizure pressence oocor more often. I feel that my dosage of my medication needs to be looked at, and see if I need a higher dosage. I am hoping during that appointment he will ba able to give me some names of doctors closer to where I moved to in order to evaluate me, and send the reports over to my neurologist.
Alison
CA USA - Monday, August 11, 2003 at 12:11:00 (PDT)
July 31, 2003
Two days ago A lady that I met when I was diagnosed with PNH passed away. I rember it was nice to be able to talk to someone that dealing with the same thing that I was going through. She had created a PNH group that offered support to many people around the World as well. Last week I also had a seizure. I had not had one for a long time. I felt it comming on and took the appropriate precautions so it would not turn into a big seizure.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Thursday, July 31, 2003 at 10:23:44 (PDT)
July 12, 2003
We are moved in to our new home, but still a lot of unpacking. I have at least unpacked some of the rooms. I have met most of our neighboors and they are really nice, and have been very helpful helping moving some of our heavy things.
Otherwise, my cat has adjusted to the move as well. He enjoys sun bathing and is good company when I am outside in the garden. Well I better get back to unpacking.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 17:09:16 (PDT)
June 11th 2003
Well a lot has been going on in my life since I had last posted. I graduated from my Medical Billing program. That was very exciting, becuase I had worked really hard, and recievd honor grades while in the program.
Ray and I have just purchased a house! I am really excited about that. The house is a three bedroom with 2 bath, and comes with a hot tub. I fell in love with the house when we were looking around at the different houses. So right now I am in the process of packing.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, June 11, 2003 at 15:41:32 (PDT)
I have been busy with my Medical Billing program. I will soon be graduating with my degree soon. I am very excited! I have made some really good friends in the program. I have really enjoyed the classes as well. My health has been good as well!
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Tuesday, May 13, 2003 at 08:54:44 (PDT)
3-27-2003
Yesterday I went for my four year transplant appointment at Stanford. I met with one of my dr.s and had a blood draw. So far everything has been going great with my health. My blood work looked good, but my Potassium level has been low. The dr's want to keep an eye on that to make sure there is nothing wrong with my kidneys.
My CBC's: Reference
WBC 6.3 4.5-11.5
RBC 4.53 4.0-5.2
HGB 14.7 12.0-15.5
HCT 42.2 36-46%
MCV 93.2 81-97FL
MCHC 34.8 32-36%
RDW 10.9 Low 11.5-5.14%
PLT 197 150-450 K/UL
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 07:58:41 (PST)
Feb. 11th 2003
I have doing very well in my medical billing. I think my brain is beginning to relearn how to study, and take test. I have recieved a good score on my first exam so that is very encouriging. I have made many new friends in the class that are very helpful. The homework I try to do repetively so that it will stick in my head for the test. We will begin using the computers tommorrow. Thr teacher is an excellent teacher, and answers any questions paople might have. Are class has about 35 people in it. So that is what I have been up to the last couple of weeks.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 10:05:10 (PST)
January 15, 2003
Yesterday I went to the orientation for the medical billing program that I will be taking. I am excited because the program looks like it will be fun. I start the program on the 22nd were I will begin to learn all about medical billing. On the 13th I had a spell. We are not sure if it was a seizure or a reaction to my blood pressure medicen. I am trying to research the drug to see if it does cause a reaction to my other medications that I am on.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, January 15, 2003 at 10:19:16 (PST)
December 1st 2002
I had a wonerful Thanksgiving, Ray and I went to my Father's to celebrate. Ray had just had surgery so he could only eat a small portion, but otherwise was a great celebration. I am in the middle of my Finals. I have been monitering my blood pressure since the kidney doctor put me on a blood pressure medicen. My blood pressure has been normal now, but I need to send him my blood pressure log at the end of the month for him to see if he would want to run any test to make sure it not simething serious that would require testing. Otherwise, that is about all that I have been up to lately.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Sunday, December 01, 2002 at 13:38:49 (PST)
November 6, 2002
I have been working on my midterms this week, and have been swamped with assignments the last week. I have also been having to monitor my blood pressure, because it has been running high. I found out when I went to see my neurologist. My blood pressure was running about 140/100. He is in contact with the renal team to see if they should see me to make sure there is not any kidney damage or if he should put me on blood pressure meds to control it. So that is the big news right now, but I should be hearing back from him soon to see what route we will take to control it.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, November 06, 2002 at 07:53:42 (PST)
Sept. 22, 2002
On September 20th I had my anual check up with my hemotolgist, and everything looked great. My blood counts were great as well, even though I am fighting a little cold.
My Blood counts:
My counts: Normal Ranges:
WBC 9.2 4.5-11.5
RBC 4.35 4.0-5.2
HGB 14.2 12.0-15.5
HCT 41.4 36-46%
MCV 95.2 81-97FL
MCH 32.7 26.5-33 PG
MCHC 34.3 32-36%
RDW 11.2 11.5-14.5%
PLT 290 150-450
All of my counts look great! and they are all normal. I am very happy that all my counts are in the normal ranges.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Sunday, September 22, 2002 at 09:26:46 (PDT)
Sept 9th 2002
Yesterday Ray's cousin had a birthday party for me. They had a b-b-Q and had two cakes for me. The party was a lot of fun, and the food was great. So it had turned out to be a great relaxing day.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Monday, September 09, 2002 at 08:04:49 (PDT)
Sept. 7th 2002
Today is my 24th birhtday, and I went out to lunch with Ray's cousin, and tonight I will go out to dinner with Ray. So far I do not feel that old, but I guess it is becuase I have a lot of energy, and always have a lot of projects to work on. Otherwise, ny health has been doing great, and have not had any seizures. I took a two day Excell course, and learned a lot. I am thinking of taking a couple more computer classes. I will be starting school soon, so I will be swamped soon with school work.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Saturday, September 07, 2002 at 17:58:20 (PDT)
August 21st 2002
I just got back from visiting my Granmother in Alabhama. My dad and I went to visit her and her for a week. We had a lot of fun, and met a lot of her friends. One night we had dinner at the Officers club. I had enjoyed talking and visiting with her friends. My Grammother and I went shopping, and went swimming in her pool. I had enjoyed our visit over there.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, August 21, 2002 at 08:04:47 (PDT)
July 29th 2002
Today is mine and Ray's first year wedding anniversary. Tonight we are going out to dinner to celebrate this very special day. It does not seem that it has been a year already. It seems as though it was just yesterday that we walked down the ailse. We are both as much in love as we were during our first date.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Monday, July 29, 2002 at 11:38:54 (PDT)
June 27th 2002
Yesterday I finshed with all finals for the semester. My macroeconomics test was very hard. I got an A in my childrens literature class. I am now going to wait and see what I got in my other classes. I also had sent my drivers evaluation form into the DMV to see if I could start driving, because my licence was suspeneded due to my seize. I have gone six months without any seizures, so I am hoping I will get it back.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Thursday, June 27, 2002 at 07:30:25 (PDT)
June 1st 2002
Well I am almost done with my semester,and hoping to be able to drive soon so I can go to school on campus since my licence was revoked when I had my last seizure in December. Otherwise I have been busy with my assignment in my classes. Last weekend Ray and I went to the races, and I saw my friend that I have not seen in awhile, so it was nice to see her and catch up on things. I can't wait till Summer!
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Saturday, June 01, 2002 at 09:52:29 (PDT)
May 14, 2002 Well I have been really busy with my midterm exmas, and projects this time of year. I am doing fine, but trying to find time to relax after I study. This semester is a bit challenging, but the semester is half way ocer. Last night at ten o' clock there was an earthquake that measured 5.2 on the ricter scale. My cat was a little shaken up and got up, but otherwise everything is fine.
Alison
Hollister, CA USA - Tuesday, May 14, 2002 at 07:55:37 (PDT)
On Wed. the 3rd of April I went in for my 3 year post transplant appt. My blood counts are completely normal. My kidney's and liver also look great. My White blood cell count is 6.2, adn my Hemoglobin is 13.8, and my platlets are 229. I am very happy all my counts are normal again. This means that the transplant has been sussessful, and has accepted my brothers bone marrow. I very happy with my blood test results!
Alison
Alison
Hollister, CA USA - Saturday, April 06, 2002 at 08:02:14 (PST)
March 28th 2002
One month till my three year bone marrow anniversary. I have been doing well lately with out any seizures or other bad things lately. I am on my Spring break right now enjoying my time off. I start school again on April 8th when I will be taking a full course load.
Alison
Alison
Hollister, CA USA - Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 09:17:24 (PST)
March 20th 2002
Well I have completed my Fall courses, and completed all of my Final. I will be able to relax for a short time on my Spring break, and then start my Spring semester in hte beginning of April. I got a cat, and his name is "Snuggles" he is very good company, and well behaved. Otherwise I have just been working on my class assignmnets, so I am hoping to get all "A's" this quater.
Alison
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Wednesday, March 20, 2002 at 10:35:08 (PST)
Well I have changed my journal and broken it down into chapters (or at least time frames). By clicking on the buttons you can read my complete journal.
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Saturday, March 16, 2002 at 09:53:02 (PST)
The hosting service that hosts my Website decided to UPGRADE their servers. Great upgrade. My site has totally disappeared for a week and I have been unable to access my e-mail. Thanks Jumpline.com
Alison
Holister, CA USA - Saturday, March 09, 2002 at 01:50:26 (EST)
Feb. 5th 2002
I have been busy with school. I have been working really hard on my classes. I want to go back to normal school in the Fall and start driving again. I hope I do not have anymore seizures so I will be able to drive again. Otherwise I have been doing well with no more serious medical problems. I am enjoying the online classes becuase I am doing well in them.
Alison
Alison
Hollister, CA USA - Tuesday, February 05, 2002 at 17:11:21 (EST)
January 3, 2002
I can't believe we are already in the year 2002..time sure does fly by. I have been getting ready for shool to start on the seventh. I will be taking twelve units that which will keep me busy. I am taking a multicultural music class, and children psychology and beginning play writing. I am excited to get back into the groove of school.
For New Year's Ray and I just went out to dinner, and then we watched television the rest of the evening to bring in the New year.
Alison
Alison
Hollister, CA USA - Thursday, January 03, 2002 at 12:44:54 (EST)