One of the things that I did not report in the update over the weekend was that Irene was rear ended in a traffic accident on Saturday.

Irene, Carmen and Jane were traveling to the mall.  Irene was driving and legally stopped at a stoplight in Aptos when she was struck from behind by a Toyota Prius.  A full size Chevy Suburban rammed into the Prius triggering the three vehicle chain reaction.  The Suburban was traveling approximately 30 mph when it hit the Prius.

Needless to say, Irene is being treated for WHIPLASH by her chiropractor, Dr. Buford McCharen.  Dr. McCharen is the same person who graciously provides Irene with her twice a week toxin removal foot baths.  Irene’s back pain is located in the Cervical region.

Irene met with Dr. Brian Waddle today regarding removal of the chest catheter.  He is the same physician that removed my Gall Bladder in February of 2007 so we’re acquainted with him.  He’s been closely monitoring Irene’s journey.

Dr. Waddle is scheduled to remove the chest catheter at the Surgery Center early next Wednesday morning, November 19th.  Irene will be sedated so I’ll be providing transportation for her that day which includes back and forth to dialysis treatment that afternoon.

One last matter …. we’re not sure if the fierce nausea that began last evening and continues today is related in some way to the traffic accident or whether it stems from the Stinging Nettle tea which Irene sampled yesterday morning.  At least the fever from last evening broke.  Needless to say, however, Stinging Nettle is off the sipping list.

We’re hoping for a better tomorrow.

Caminando con Fé

Dave

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Irene’s nausea has reared it’s ugly head this evening following dialysis treatment.  It’s as fierce as it’s ever been.  She left dialysis with a fever and cannot get herself into a comfortable position.

Hopefully tomorrow is a better day…

Thanks for caring.
Dave

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According to Wikipedia ….

Urtica dioica, commonly called stinging nettle, is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant, native to Europe, Asia, northern Africa, and North America, and is the best known member of the nettle genus Urtica.

As Old English Stiðe, nettle is one of the nine plants invoked in the pagan Anglo-Saxon Nine Herbs Charm, recorded in the 10th century. Nettle is believed to be a galactagogue and a clinical trial has shown that the juice is diuretic in patients with congestive heart failure.

Urtication, or flogging with nettles, is the process of deliberately applying stinging nettles to the skin in order to provoke inflammation. An agent thus used is known as a rubefacient (i.e. something that causes redness). This is done as a folk remedy for rheumatism, as it provides temporary relief from pain.

Extracts can be used to treat arthritis, anemia, hay fever, kidney problems, and pain.

Today, Irene was shopping with her sisters, Carmen and Jane, at Way of Life, an organic health food store.  She purchased a small quantity of Stinging Nettle tea leaves.

Photographed above is the Stinging Nettle tea which must be steeped for four hours.  Irene is exploring its medicinal use since it includes treatment of kidney problems and pain.  She plans to try it tomorrow!!

Perhaps it will also give her nausea relief.

Stay tuned and thanks for caring.

Dave

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