I am on a mission to help people like me who share the same quirks and passions, to cope with whatever life throws at them, one chicken at a time, laughing as we go.
All about Andie
I am a totally crazy dog person lover of dogs. Chickens. Ducks. Authentic BBQ, and mac & cheese (mostly when together). Coffee. Tea. All things crafty, and everything gardening, except for the bugs. Everything relating to space and the stars in the night sky. Did I mention mac & cheese?
Wait, I feel like I’ve left something out…
I have Dysautonomia (POTS) and Crohn’s Disease, among other medical life sentences, and I try to live my life with these challenges running in the background of my life, and not giving them the driver’s seat.
I am the exception, not the norm. Or as my doctor likes to say, “atypical”, which is apparently doctor speak for “weird.” There. I’m glad I got that out in the open.
My medical story
I was born with a couple of birth defects, wore braces around my hips and legs until I was 18 months old to correct one deformity. My first major surgery to correct the other irregularity I had when I was only four years old. Since then I’ve been in and out of hospitals, have had multiple surgeries and have always had several doctors that I see on a regular basis throughout my life. I’ve been on countless medications for this, that and the other, some helpful, some not so helpful.
Depression is something I’ve struggled with pretty much my entire life, severe at times. I have survived multiple suicide attempts. I managed to get through it, everything worked out, and everyone is okay.
It took almost two years and 14 pregnancy tests (it’s a long story) to diagnose my Crohn’s Disease and Barrett’s Esophagus. I was 27, however I’m convinced I have had them all my life.
Symptoms of dizziness, my vision going black, my hearing going out when getting up to standing, episodes of almost passing out and migraines, eventually led to the discovery of the cyst I have in my brain. Some day it will require surgery. If it doesn’t kill me first.
I’ve had heart troubles all of my life as well, but didn’t become apparent until I was maybe twelve years old. I was experiencing heart palpitations and racing, and almost passed out at a band concert I was performing at three hours away from home, and was rushed to the nearest hospital. Later I was diagnosed with Mitral Valve Prolapse.
Wait, there’s more
Fast forward almost twenty years later, I was diagnosed with Dysautonomia, specifically POTS, or Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome. That diagnosis only took about 8 trips the ER, including one cardiac trauma visit, about 5 different doctors, and eleventy seven tests later. (Yes, that’s a real number, I’m not exaggerating. Okay maybe a little.)
Somehow I have a herniated a disc in my neck which has a mind of its own and comes back from time to time. I have fallen down stairs several times, so I have chronic back pain from these injuries on almost a daily basis. I have ejected myself from a moving horse, and landing myself with a shattered shoulder blade. Which made me the talk of the ER staff that night. Some of the accidents I’ve had probably qualify me for some sort of professional klutz status.
Yes, I do in fact do all of my own stunts, just never intentionally. Stay tuned for sponsorship opportunities.
Just kidding.
Life goes on
And with all of this, I survived a difficult childhood, had my first child when I was eighteen and was a single mom for four years. I’ve been happily married for over 20 years, to the same person, in a row! Meanwhile, I’ve raised two beautiful children, created a nurturing home while someone in it has been struggling with severe depression and addiction for many years. I work full time, raise chickens and ducks for eggs, and I have two dogs and two cats. I have been an engaged and supportive cheerleader to my daughter. She works part time, and is a full time college student at one of the best universities in the country.
I’m surviving my depression, I work full time, and I’m thriving despite my many challenges. I can help you too.
All about Kaylee
Kaylee is also a crazy obsessed dog person, animal lover, a very talented artist, super smart and the most magnificent human being I have ever met. I look up to her most days. She is majoring in Aerospace Engineering. If you only knew the struggles she’s faced and what she’s been able to do despite all of the extra stress she’s had to deal with. She’s amazing. In her spare time she- oh wait, she doesn’t have any of that!
She is my sunshine. She keeps me going, and keeps me sane.
