anniecoleman.com

So where have I been? Doing research on two very different topics: library science and inner ear surgery. I just completed hell week, also known as Comprehensive Exams. Four research papers on current issues in library and information science and technology, each coming in around 6 pages long (that was the limit — as one classmate put it, when did it get harder to write shorter papers than longer ones?). I think Comps are outdated and have become pointless, especially with the way our degree is obtained these days but that’s a whole ‘nother story.

But they’re done now so all I have left between me and my degree is my final project for my flash class which is FUN, unlike writing research papers. And honestly, comps probably wouldn’t have been so hellish if I hadn’t been battling Meniere’s symptoms all week. And I mean big time symptoms. Vertigo nearly every day. Mild compared to what I’ve experienced in the past but enough to keep me in bed and unable to tolerate light or sound most of the day. Massive fatigue. Terrible fullness in my ear causing headaches, neckaches, shoulderaches, and on one occasion, a migraine. I made it to work one day and I had to leave early. My boss is so understanding and sympathetic and I know that this past week was probably particularly bad because of the stress of comps. But enough is enough.

I’ll be curious to see how this next, relatively low-stress week goes for me health wise. But the last few weeks have pushed me on to the next step: Gentamicin injections. Yup, I’m ready for it and now that I’ve done plenty of research on it and especially read up on recent studies, I’m very encouraged about the chance to have total control of vertigo. The downside? 7-10 days of vertigo as a reaction to the treatment, although it is actually a good sign because it means the poison is getting in there and killing the little damaged hair cells and my brain is reacting and learning to depend more on my good ear for balance. That’s the best un-medicalese definition I can give but if you want to know more about Gent treatments for Meniere’s Disease, I really like this doctor’s website: http://dizziness-and-balance.com/treatment/ttg.html

The sweater. Decision was to stay with 160 stitches and go down a needle size and measure more often. But that got put on the back burner because yesterday was my little sister’s birthday and she picked out the laptop messenger bag from Stitch ‘n Bitch Nation for me to make for her. She picked out her colors and I’ve been working on it here and there when I’ve had down time or been unable to do anything else. Health and comps prevented me from getting it done on time but it’s nearly there, just some finishing touches needed and then the felting. I’ve never done felting before and it’s a bit frightening but I’m sure I’ll survive. I just hope the bag does too. I’ll take pictures soon and post, hopefully pre and post felting. The sweater will be picked up again soon.

Oh, by the way, my first gentamicin injection will be the 23rd, a week from tomorrow. I’m taking the week off work in anticipation of the vertigo. I’m stocking up on audiobooks and knitting projects for when I’m too ill to do anything else. I’m starting to listen to the Harry Potter books. I’ve made a habit of re-reading the previous ones before a new one comes out. This time I decided I’ll listen to the first six before I read the seventh one which will be out in a few months. Good books I’ve read (or listened to) recently but am too lazy, tired, and sick to blog about:

The Emperor’s Children, by Claire Messud

Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury

Lucky, by Susan Patron

Two thumbs up for all of them but I’ll blog about them later. It’s nice to have a bit of time to blog. Sorry to my audio fans, I haven’t been able to record with the time constraints and super-sensitive ear but hopefully I’ll get a chapter or two done this week. Now that comps are in the past, it seems like I finally have time to do things I want to do. If only I felt well enough to do them all. Hence the Gentamicin injections. Wish me luck.