Wish me luck

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:11 pm

Tomorrow I'm moving to my home sweet dorm.

So I just wanted to say goodbye for alittle while, and I needed some support.

The closer I get to move in the more bad things happen. I became best friends with my roommate and she was unable to come (semo told me only 10 days ago)

. Now I have a new roomie whom I like, when that worked out I was diagnosed with a really bad kidney infection this morning so packing hurts. I finally got it done but the meds make me so sleepy and prevent me from being in the sunlight. I have at least a mile walk to my classes each day in pure sunlight

. I'm gonna be in serious trouble.

kfactor · Post by **kfactor** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:42 pm

Hi Liz,
Moving to college for the first time is a big event. It can be very scary. Doesn't it seem like things always go wrong at the same time? Fortunately, the illness is temporary - something to get through now. Being new at school is temporary as well. It may be hard at first, but you will be surprised how quickly you will feel at home. For now, try to relax, and think positively. Most colleges and universities have lots of resources for first-year students. Take advantage of dorm events, things sponsored by student activities, peer leaders in the dorm, etc. You'll be fine.

You are doing the right thing in asking for support. If you look, you will find it. Be yourself, relax, and wear your sunscreen

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Wed Aug 15, 2007 10:55 pm

Thank You, that helped. My mother taught me that asking for help makes you stronger then if you suffer alone.

Caitlin · Post by **Caitlin** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:38 am

Liz, I do the same thing in a week....I'm scared out of my mind, both for moving into the dorms, and for classes....I'm moving all the way across the country...AH! Well, after we successfully move in, we can share stories with each other!

SteveS. · Post by **SteveS.** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:47 am

Liz and Caitlin I wish you both the best of luck and success as you embark on your college years. You both seem like bright young ladies and I'm sure you will succeed at what ever you do. The world is open to you. and no doubt the future is unfolding as it should.

Caitlin · Post by **Caitlin** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 12:51 am

What will be good is that this forum can travel with us. So much will be different, but I know I'll be checking the forums everyday, it's like a little family on here, and that will definatley be much appreciated when I'm far from home!

Cheryl · Post by **Cheryl** » Thu Aug 16, 2007 10:50 am

Liz, I remember feeling the same way you do now. I was new to Florida at the time, so when I went to UF I knew no one. I was homesick for the first 2 weeks, and my roommate was a bit "wild", which made me feel even more inadequate.

But I promise you, mark my words...you will look back and remember these next four years as some of the greatest years of your life!

Walking a mile between classes does sound a bit much -- wow. Pick up a bus schedule and see if that might help out a bit. Biking can help, too.
Just don't be tempted to "cut corners" and park your car where you shouldn't like I did one year. It's no fun coming out of class to find a boot on your back tire.

Remember to eat well, Liz. There's so much fast food on campuses these days...try to avoid as much as possible as that will add to fatique.

And don't hit too many late night frat parties. Not sure how your college is set up, but at UF you needed good grades for the first two years in order to apply to get into your college of study. Sorry, I know I'm sounding like a nagging parent. I'm sure you've already tuned me out :)

Please write when you can to let us know how things are going!

Caitlin · Post by **Caitlin** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 2:59 pm

Ah! I leave tomorrow for Wyoming....I won't be on again until Sunday at the latest....classes start Monday....crazy! Can't wait to get back onto the forum! I'll miss you guys!

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 3:00 pm

Good luck, Sweetie!

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Tue Aug 21, 2007 10:34 pm

Hey, I'm back. let me unload.Okay my phone doesn't work, my internet works finally! It wouldn't work since I got here.My roomie is a sweetie who stays out late with her boyfriend. my classes r okay except for college algebra which is HARD! I'm meeting with my advisor tomorrow to get out of it b/c for my major I need the other math class that is less hard. The daily walk is a mile up hills and stairs, I twisted my leg falling on the stairs, I have a kidney infection that is getting better but still hurts and I'm overcoming my homesickness. Caitlyn R U okay?

Caitlin · Post by **Caitlin** » Wed Aug 22, 2007 1:23 am

Right now I'm pretty upset....and I haven't left yet...a few more hours...as soon as I get into my dorm on Sunday night, I'm hopping onto the forum...maybe we can share some stories then Liz! Glad you made it!

Caitlin · Post by **Caitlin** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 10:15 am

Hey Everyone!! I'm all moved in, and am on my second day of classes!

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 12:32 pm

Great! what r u taking? Having fun yet? Good Luck

Bobbypoz · Post by **Bobbypoz** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 1:05 pm

Good Luck! On Saturday the President of my University addressed us in the incoming class. She said that she had three commandments for us.

1) Love the journey not the end result meaning get the most out of what you do and don't just focus on the degree that you are going for otherwise you will be waiting tioe and money. MAke every encounter and class assignment count!

2) Find Your Passions: If you don't love what you are doing or doing what you love you weill not make a positive difference, for you or for anyone that you encounter.

and Finally

3) Make mistakes and learn from them. I'll actually let Sister Rosemarie say this one "This commandment can easily be misinterpreted. However, if you're not making mistakes, you're not pushing yourself deep enough and far enough. You're not thinking big enough. Education means stretching your boundaries. Testing the reality around you and testing yourself. This is your time to challenge and push yourself to the utmost. You don't just have permission to explore; you have the duty to explore. There is a corollary to this commandment. Learn from your mistakes. Making mistakes is ultimately stupid, if you don't learn from them. We can learn much more from our mistakes than we can from our successes. This requires acknowledging them and owning them at the deepest part of our being. It also means being willing to ask for forgiveness. The most important lesson you will learn throughout your education is the ability to learn from your mistakes. At this 2004 Olympics we all saw how Paul Hamm, the gymnast, learned from his mistake. After dramatically falling in his second routine, he came back to win the gold."

GOOD LUCK fellow classmates you have all of us rooting for you.

~Bob

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Tue Aug 28, 2007 5:59 pm

Yes you are right! N A S A believes you (and Sister Rosemarie) too!
People should never be afraid of being wrong. Just say "Oops!" and learn from it.

kfactor · Post by **kfactor** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 3:16 pm

I agree entirely. I always tell my students that the most durable learning results from making mistakes. We are very efficient at learning from them. Don't be afraid to make a mistakes, don't be too hard on yourself when you do. Learn from it and do it right next time (or the time after that)

theebmonique · Post by **theebmonique** » Sat Sep 01, 2007 4:36 pm

I tell my students nearly the same.

Tracy...

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Mon Sep 03, 2007 7:20 pm

I have a job interview on Wednesday. This place is getting better, especially if I can afford it.

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Tue Sep 04, 2007 11:45 pm

OOh I just got a modeling Job!

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 8:04 am

That's great! Congrats!

kfactor · Post by **kfactor** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 11:52 am

Congrtats on the modeling job, Liz!

How is school going this week? Convocation is going on here now at Mt. Holyoke, and I can hear the seniors cheering as I work in my office..... They get a little excited.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 12:37 pm

Send us some photos soon of college life and the modeling job. Oh kidneys! Drink plenty of liquids-cranberry juice is supposed to be the thing for kidneys. And try to get 7-8 hours of sleep- it makes all the difference. Even a nap will help.

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 1:26 pm

Thanks Shelley. I'll send pics when I finish this roll and process it. The sleep works wonders when the kidney lets me sleep. Lately it wakes me up throbbing, at 1 or 2 in the morning. I'd like to just pass it already, been hurting more lately so I know it's moving. I've been drinking nothing but water, cranberry juice just won't "agree" with me.

Angel · Post by **Angel** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 2:01 pm

Liz. have you seen a doctor?

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 6:15 pm

yes, I went the 1st and he said to give it a few days and If it starts to pass go to the ER, if not I need a x ray to see where it is.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 10:09 pm

As a Veteran of the Stone Wars, I can recommend a hot bath or allowing hot water from the shower to hit the affected kidney. It is a brief comfort but it helps. Yep, fluids are the answer. Usually there is really bad nausea involved too. You will need to get an Xray to see where the stone is located- it may be really low down and ready to pass. If not, a stint can be easily inserted in the ER to make you more comfortable.

Poor thing- I FEEL your pain. Keep the stone for analysis! There are three types of stones, and sometimes a combo. Dietary changes can help. Restricting sodium and protein can also help- a urologist can tell you what is best for your type of stone. 80% are calcium.
Phenergan is excellent for nausea and Toradol, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is used to relieve moderately severe, acute pain. It is prescribed for a limited amount of time (no more than 5 days for adults. I usually get a cocktail of these two kidney stone favorites, have a good sleep for about 6 hours in the ER and go home dancing. Keep us posted!

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 11:22 pm

When I blasted my left kidney with hot water the stone dropped and the pain was gone instantly. It took two trips to the shower but the blast of hot water did the trick, at least for me. Hope I never get another. Those things hurt!!

I know what you are going through, Liz. Been there, done that. Hang in there.

-1bigsteve (o:

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Wed Sep 05, 2007 11:56 pm

Well, It's worth a try. I almost miss Jack the Ripper, he had a cure for kidneys:).
I hads a long shower this morning but didd't nail the kidneys.
Kidding 'bout the joke, I just have lean my body to the left so the right gets hit with the water.

Thanks

1bigsteve · Post by **1bigsteve** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:09 am

Liz, I have one of those shower nozzels that you can move around. It is connected by flexible hose to the metal pipe coming out of the wall. That lets me aim that shower head anywhere I need it without standing on my head. Jack did have a way of solving a woman's problems but I think he was a bit extreme about it.

-1bigsteve (o:

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:12 am

My dorm doesn't have those but I'll still try.

Jack's method did work

Kat · Post by **Kat** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:58 am

Oh good luck Liz!
I'm so sorry you must be feeling so badly!

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:06 pm

I have a question, I know naussea, diarrhia, vomiting and fever are all symtoms of a kidney stone but do they come in waves? I've had all of that in the last hr and now its subsiding.

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:12 pm

Yes. The nausea is fairly constant, but when the stone stops moving, the pain can ease. The stone, when it blocks the ureter (which allows urine to pass through) causes the excruciating pain becuase of the blockage. I am being Mom here- PLEASE go to the college infirmary! I really think you may need to go to the ER and get treatment. A large stone, which may not be able to pass, requires medical help, either lithotripsy to blast it into small pieces, or surgery. A stint can drain the urine around the blockage until the stone can be dealt with. I hate trotting off to Fall River this weekend and not knowing how you are doing. Stones can cause damage and we only get two kidneys- plus I hate to hear about you being in pain. It is often worse at night when you are lying quiet in bed. Promise you will get some medical attention?

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:26 pm

I will I called my mom about 45 min ago. She is almost here. I was going to call my roomie to take me and she's not answering. I can't leave the bathroom for long. though

Shelley · Post by **Shelley** » Thu Sep 06, 2007 12:27 pm

Thank goodness! Good luck- you will be feeling SOOOO much better very soon! There's nothing like good old Mom- and the right meds!

I went through this with my daughter -it must be a family thing.

Caitlin · Post by **Caitlin** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 6:55 pm

Liz, how are you feeling? Any better? Feeling a bit under the weather myself, but my guess is it's just from a new environment...and altitude haha. I went from sea level in Cape May to 7200 feet in Laramie Wyoming. What classes are you taking? Personally I've got a philosophy class (which I love) a sociology class, 2 political science classes, a math class and an honors english class. Only one professor who's really full of himself, and unfortunatley he's teaching honors...oh well, the semester isn't that long and I never will have him again. College is definately a big adjustment, I've been gone a month now without seeing anyone familiar from home....kinda stinks...that's why I'm glad to be able to come onto the forum. Your bathroom situation totally sucks! We have 4 shower stalls for 24 girls on my floor, and suprisingly I haven't had to wait to get a shower (it helps being a night owl, getting showers at like midnight). I hope you are feeling much better, and I am totally interested to hear about your classes!

Liz Crouthers · Post by **Liz Crouthers** » Sun Sep 09, 2007 9:03 pm

I am feeling SOOOOO MUCH BETTER! I was passing the stone when I called my mom. I just didn't really know. My classes r 1 yr seminar, Spanish 3, English Composition, Music Artist Expression, Survey of Mathmatics. All of which I love.

Lizzie Borden Society Forum

Wish me luck

Wish me luck

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!