Friday, June 4, 2010

I've been a little lost at sea...

MFT Loveosaurus Diorama mel stampz CLOSE

Message in a bottle?

I'm so sorry, it has taken me too long to manage to write this....

Those of you who know me (and my fine-feathered friend mortal enemy the migraine beast), or those of you who have read this post, may not be all that surprised that I'm still struggling.

I'm joking about it (a matter of laugh or cry?) but the migraines have been daily for weeks & I haven't been able to work. I've gotten lost in blue waves, and for now, I'm not too sure when I'll be in blogland again.

I'm having to rethink the direction that I want to take crafting & trying to chart a route that will make it easier...

Thank You so much for your patience while I plot my course
& I hope you are well & oh so happy,

92 comments:

Katarina said...

I'm so sorry about your migraines, I've suffered from headaches my entire life and they are just the worst! I hope you feel better soon, I miss seeing your wonderful creative genius. And that diorama, just amazing! Get better soon!

Margaret McDonald said...

cute little beast!! nice work too.
I banish the migraines from your head. HTH!
all the best on your new path - I'll follow you anywhere cuz you are so talented, creativeand generous. You can do it! whatever the it is!
hugs
Margaret

Tracey said...

Sorry to hear that Mel & hope that you stop getting these daily migraines very soon (in fact now!). I've missed seeing your stunning creations & getting lots of inspiration.

Take care.
Big hugs
Tracey
x

Dawn said...

oh Mel....I've missed you so much sweetie! I'm so sorry you're still suffering! I'd hoped this move would be an answer, at least a little one!
lots of hugs and prayers

Pam said...

Mel,
I am so sorry that the migraine beast is keeping you hostage. Your work has been a great inspiration to me in my crafting journey. I will keep you in my prayers.
Hugs to you,
Pam

Jerry said...

Have you read or talked to your physician that they now think daily pain medicine (I used advil)creates a series of migraines? I had cluster headaches often lasting several weeks during menopause. A small estrogen helped. I'm now a number of years later and the migraines are rare.

Cindy Haffner said...

Ohh Mel I'm so sorry, hope you can figure out the source. Big Hugs. Cindy XXOO

Lorrinda said...

Oh Mel, I thought from the title that you'd been away on a restful cruise...
I've been visiting your blog often, lurking through many of your past posts while you've been battling your beast. You have enough info/inspiration here to keep us all busy for a long time!
I hope you slay that beast! Feel better, sending hugs....

CFLanger said...

So sorry you're still feeling lousy. I'm praying they get better very soon so you can feel better and enjoy life more. I'm sure you've tried lots of remedies but I'll share one of mine in case it's something you haven't tried. As soon as I feel the headache coming on, I put a baggie filled with ice on the back of my neck - right where your neck meets your head. I cover my eyes to block out all light and I try to sleep for an hour or so. It doesn't completely get rid of the headache, but it does cut down on the intensity of it. I hope you find something that works!

Arlene said...

So sorry to hear you're suffering so. My thoughts are with you.

Shawna said...

How wonderful to see a blog update for you Mel! I have missed your posts, and I know it must have been bittersweet to post this one. Take care of yourself Hon. We will be here waiting for when you are better and able to work again.

Catrick said...

From a migraine sufferer to another...try to locate your triggers. My worse one is a certain shade of yellow (Extra Foods yellow). Another one is fluorescent lighting (the flickering). My desk is right under a couple of windows and I keep my incandescent lights around me (other than my Ott desk lamp).

I shudder when they say they are going to ban incandescent light bulbs...then what do I do?

Anyway, take another break. Something you are doing is triggering these. Always available for coffee and a shoulder to cry on.

Cathy

Vina said...

I'm very sorry to hear of your life altering migraines. I cannot imagine the stress & pain you're going through right now. You are terribly missed but you need to take care of yourself first! I wish you all the best in finding relief for the pain & for charting a new life/crafting course. Thank you for all your inspiration..even now, I still browse through your old posts to discover new techniques & projects.
Take care,
Vina

Denise ~ Paper Ponderings said...

Oh Mel, I'm so sorry for your pain and frustration. Be well. Even if you can only post once a month, I'll be here waiting!!

Noreen said...

So sorry to hear you've been suffering. Hope you get to feeling much better soon.

Ann said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your migraines. I know how debilitating they can be. I urge you to see a doctor that is an Integrated doctor. One who can test your hormones to make sure they are properly balanced. Find one that will prescribe bioidentical compounded hormones. This helped me very much!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry you have been sick. I have truly missed reading your blog. Try for some clean and simple stamping, no sewing just playing. That may lighten the burden of the beast!

Rene said...

Gee Mel, the migraines I expect you have tried everything,in Australia there is a procedure...it's a small operation in the brain somewhere and it has been very successful...I don't know if you have heard of a famous Olympian swimmer of ours Keiran Perkins, his wife suffered as bad as you do and she is doing very well since the operation...anyway I am thinking of you.
Rene from OZ xo

Lynda M said...

Regarding your migraines, I live in Victoria and have had migraine type headaches for at least 4 weeks, pretty much daily. A friend said it might be the weather and a light bulb went on. I once spent a 2 week holiday in Bermuda with a constant headache because of the low pressure areas. I'm confident my headaches will leave when our good weather arrives. Good luck.

Suzi said...

Oh, Mel, I'm so sorry to hear of your suffering. I, too, had terrible migraines regularly until menopause. Hurray for old age! (I think!) I'm sure you've heard tons of advice, but this one came from a doctor/friend and did help me and others. Sit on the edge of the tub with your feet in the hottest water you can stand. Put ice packs on your head. Try this for 15 or 20 min. Rest. Repeat if necessary. The second time usually helped a lot for me. The hot feet and cold head draw the blood away from your head and allow the vascular spasms to relax. Hope it helps you.

Carol<>< said...

so sorry to hear about those nasty migraines, will keep you in my prayers, and that you get rid of them really soon,
Carol N<><

Jessie/knightrone said...

I am so sorry Mel. Hope things get better soon!!

kae pea said...

I really sorry to hear about your suffering. Your work is amazing and is definitely missed...hope you can get to the bottom of this soon and be free from the beastly migraines.
all my best thoughts are going out to you.

Donna said...

Sumatriptan changed my life ...It's well known so you've probably tried it....if not please do. My migraines are hormone based when I was younger a progesterone only pill helped as it stopped periods and kept hormones on a level....I am now menopausal the doctor assures me things will improve. Just some thoughts.
It is a wretched condition and I do feel for you ...I hope things improve soon. Take care of yourself above all else

Andi (RrlScrapGal) said...

I sure hope you can kick the beast! Scary stuff to have them so often.
Sending prayers your way that a simple solution comes along.

Cathy said...

Will keep you in my prayers and hope you find relief! Hang in there and don't make excuses to us. Just post when you can. God bless you!

cristinoel said...

I'm so sorry. I keep you in my prayers and wish there was something i could do.

Kim said...

I too suffer from Migraines! Thank goodness not as often as you though! I feel for you...I really do! You are so talented! Please take care.
Kim

S said...

If you haven't already, please have vascular brain issues ruled out! I used to get daily headaches and wound up having brain surgery twice to fix multiple aneurysms... my headaches are much better, and I am still alive because of it.

JaneT said...

If you have been checked out by a doctor and still have these headaches, then I will tell you what has made mine nearly vanish. I have taken prescribed meds, shots, etc. for migraines for probably 40 years. I don't even remember now why I decided to try over the counter Excedrin for Migraine medicine, but I did. Now instead of the high priced Rx meds, if I feel a headache coming on, I take two of these and the headache is gone. I am probably damaging something else in my body, but it beats living constantly with head splitting migraines. I do hope you find something to give you some relief soon. Been there and done that one time too many.

I just read about the lady who said that a certain shade of yellow triggered a migraine for her. When we moved into the house we live in, I walked into the living room and immediately got a migraine. I didn't associate it with the color of the room. I went back in there and again, a migraine. We ended up having to paint the room and that trigger was gone. The flickering of lights is also a trigger for mine. Get well soon.

mary noble said...

I am sorry too, as are other comments, about your continuing migraines, and that you have not been able to get a handle on them or prevent them....I too have been having migraines, but a recent diagnosis explained them, and how suddenly they came up, so now I have some meds that help within an hour and I don't seem to be as exhausted with the attacks, and less time to recover from them....The "migraine" meds didn't help but this new diagnosis & different meds help a ton. If you want to hear about it, please feel free to email me (mklecuyer@hotmail.com) You don't have to suffer alone! hugs - Mary

Anonymous said...

Mel, just take care of yourself. I wish you 1st and foremost that something will help you soon. I know it must be difficult. I know what it is to get knocked down by your own body! Take it easy Mel.

Jan said...

Sure have missed you, Mel. You are the best of the best, I hope your health improves soon.

Debra said...

Gee, I really hope you are feeling better soon, I really miss your creativity!

Kim Etherington said...

Hope you get real better soon and find the right path that fits what you want to do with your creative talent. Until then my friend, we all don't mind waiting for you to take a breather and get yourself better!

Meda said...

As long as you don't disappear entirely and we'll have the privilege of seeing your beautiful work...
Take care. Hope you can tame that beast (or kill it).

Christy/Tiddly Inks Digitals said...

Mel, So sorry to hear you are ill....your art is simply fantastic....:) I will keep a happy thought for you. :)
XOXO
Christy

Anonymous said...

Don't worry about us!! Take care of yourself! I am so sorry to hear that you are still dealing with these migraines though! I get them for weeks at a time but they eventually go away...I wish you could get atleast some peace and rest without them SOON! Still praying for you!!

Diane M said...

You have certainly been missed. I know everyone is offering advise you may not want. Sorry... I found I had a magnesium deficiency. I take 500mg of magnesium twice a day and have only had 2 or 3 headaches in the last 2 years. My prayers are with you and I hope you find your solution soon.

leslie said...

Awww.... Take it easy, and get better. ;( I wish I had a magic wand to make it all go away.

My brother has migraines, and I know how debilitating it can be. Hopefully you will find the right mix of potions to end them for good.

xo
leslie

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear that your migraines have gotten so severe. Take care of you.. we'll still be here when you can return.

Lydia Fiedler said...

Oh Mel I'm so sorry! I've missed you on Twitter. I wish you could find a doctor that could help you.

This little work of art has stolen my heart!!!

xoxoxo get better

Anonymous said...

Mel, I really hope you get better soon, meanwhile take it easy, we all hope you recover and come back with much more inspiration. Feel better.
patricia.

pescbrico said...

OH I wish you will feel much better soon and that you will find what is causing those migraines. Hang in their and don't forget that crafting is supposed to be fun! :) I will be happy to read your blog when you will feel like so! HUG

Allison Rankin said...

Feel better babe. This creation sure is cute. I would rather hear from you just once in a while than not at all so rest, rest, rest!

Stampinsilvia said...

Praying for you friend! I hope you are better soon and you can chart your course...just remember there is someone out there that already hsa your course charted, all you need to do is seek Him! Have a blessed day!

Barb said...

You poor thing, Mel. Rest easy, and we'll be here whenever you feel up to it :)

You make the BEST dioramas ever!

VM said...

i hope you'll get better very sOon...
ninie

Dandelion Dreams said...

Bless you. A few years ago I would get magraines almost everyday. The debilitating kind where you can't move an inch and really wish someone would shoot you, light kills you, and if you do try to stand you'll either vomit or fall over from vertigo, so I totally understand the agony you must be in. I never could take the meds they had for them, but my husband would do acupressure on my feet and would also sit behind me as I laid in the bed resting the weight of my head on his fingers just at the base of my skull and would slowly stretch and lift my head backwards alternating with very softly massaging my scalp and over my forehead, temple, nose, and cheekbones. It would really make all the difference in the world for me. I took a norco when it started as well. I really hope you get to feeling better. Your project, is as usual fantastic, even more so if accomplished between daily migraines! *shudders*

Lori Forester said...

Mel,
I'm sorry you haven't been feeling well. I wondered if you were OK when you hadn't posted in so very long. Your diorama is beautiful and I have missed seeing your lovely and inspiring creations. I hope the migraine beast lets go of you and right this second if you please. You are a wonderful person and such an inpiration. I hope you are back in blogland soon because I will miss you and that is a selfish reason but I also hope that you are back soon for you... because that means you are feeling healthy and the migraines have let you go. I have a different kind of migraine. I don't get the pain. I have a neurological or central migraine and I see the world split apart and torn up and flashing lights and then I speak in complete gibberish. Makes you think you're having a stroke. Really alarming. I'm just thankful that there is no pain as well.
Hope you feel better soon
Lori

MarionE, Australia said...

Not again!! I'm really sorry you're suffering so much, and I sincerely hope you can find a solution, or - better still - get to the bottom of what's causing them so you can act to prevent/avoid any more.
I've been missing your posts, but it's much more important that you get better. Soon!

Monica said...

Oh noo Mel! Here we are!! I'm SO SO sorry you've been sick, hope you're better now! Love your artwork!!
I'm going to add you to my link page, hope it's OK. Your blog is so inspiring!!
Monicax.

Unknown said...

Mel so sorry to hear you are still having those migraines. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I so enjoy seeing your wonderful creative expressions. And most appreciate how you share so much with us.

However your path changes, I hope to be able to follow you!

That sea scene reminded me of "Where the Wild Things Are." Loved that book and hope you can keep the "monster migraine beast" away.

Donna

Unknown said...

Mel, I'm so sorry to hear you are still having those migraines. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
I enjoy your creative expression and your generous sharing of all you do.

I'll keep checking in on you and hope that whatever path you take, I will be able to keep following you.

BTW - That sea scene reminded me of "Where the Wild Things Are." I hope you can keep the "monster migraine" away.

Donna

Erum Tasneem said...

sending loads of love and prayers your way...

Helen said...

Mel, we miss you so, please know prayers are lifted up for you...
Have the migraines gotten worse since you moved?
Hugs to you
and KISSES to MOUSE!

Justme said...

I suffered with them from the time I had my kids in my early 20s until menopause hit me in my early 50s, my gram, mom had them and now our daughter has them, no matter what specialist or meds we took ours lasted for weeks too, it turned out they were hormone related. I don't know if that is something that you can check into or see a neurologist who will work with your other Dr. Mine turned out to be cluster migraines which if you look them up you can read about, one medication, ICE and a chiropractor ended up giving me some relief and my daughter too. God Bless I know how it is, now I have RA and I'm on oxygen from a rare lung disease and damage to my lungs from my art supplies. ouch. Take care of yourself
Donna

Anonymous said...

I love your blog - but don't normally comment even though I really love your work. I am sorry you are suffering; it is interesting to see just how many people suffer with migraines. Just like you and some of the other people that have commented; I too, suffer with migraines and have done so for 24 years. If there is a pain clinic in your area - get on the waiting list. I am finally on a med that gives me a some sort of balance and a life; when they hit, heat on the feet and ice on the head help me. You will have to find your own journey of what works for you. Hopefully, someones comments might help. I think I will try some of them myself! Thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers!

g said...

so so sorry to hear the migraines have not let up-maybe you need a getaway- somewhere with a change of climate and pressure? i know they'd likely return when you got home, but at least you could get relief for a few days! thank you so much for the amazing tutorial and awesome hybrid files- my daughter and i are going to build one together- can't wait! keeping you in our thoughts-take good care {{GIANT HUGS}}

loretta said...

I hope you feeel better soon, I love the diorama, it is beautiful!

Come visit my blog, I have blog candy!
http://www.msrhetta.blogspot.com

Sharon Field / Inky A*Muse-ment said...

gosh you make me laugh.. if laughter could cure migranes, I'd send you a joke every hour. Hope you're feeling better soon!

Julia Bettencourt said...

Hi Mel, Just stopped in to let you know I made one of your jeweled purses. I was so excited about how easy it was. Thanks for the tutorial.

I'm sending up some prayers for you and trusting that you will have a good day of relief from your migranes today.

Thanks for all the wonderful sharing that you do!

Bakinghandz said...

hi, i have always been inspired by your work...truly amazing! so sorry to hear that you have been bogged down by the migraine...do rest and get well :-)

ileana said...

Hi Mel, I´m sorry to hear you are not feeling ok... hope you start feeling better soon. A big hug your way, take care

Deb said...

Hi Mel!! I really enjoy your blog and sure hope you are feeling better very soon. I also suffer from migraines, nasty nasty things. Its so hard to deal with a migraine; they alter your life and can be so debilitating; yet no one looking at us can recognize how seriously unwell we feel. At least with a cast or a bandage people know a person is hurt; migraine, well they are no words for how cruddy we feel on the inside. Even when I take my meds I feel like someone beat me up, all my muscles just ache. So, with me its a toss up between suffer with a migraine and wait days for it to go, or take the meds and feel like I was run over by a semi!! lol, I have to admit some days I get stubborn and think I can out-wait the migraine. :)

So, I hope you will soon be on a healthier, migraine free path in your life!! You are a very creative person and your blog is amazing, thank you for sharing your creativity with us! Take care!!!

The Wired Angel said...

You sure have been missed, Mel!! I hope you are feeling better and up and about soon. What a void your absence has created. Huge hugs, Peggy x

Anonymous said...

Fabulous diorama!! I'm so sorry to hear that you are still suffering from the horrible migraines Mel!! Take care!
hugs,Deena

Claudia said...

Darn migraines. I hope they go away believe me I know the feeling I even went home a couple of weeks ago. A week later I felt one coming of course I didn't have the migraine pills but I did have Midol the blue label one so in desperation I took two and believe it or not I haven't gotten another one since (knock on wood)But You are so GREATLY missed hope you get better soon

Merry said...

Oh so sorry to hear about the migraines. I hope you have some relief from them by now. I so love your creations and your wonderful tutorials. I hope you are enjoying what you are doing now.

Heidi Kimmerly said...

Missing you on the net at hope you are feeling better.....

Axes DesigNs said...

Hi Mel.. long time no see you.. are you OK???? I hope so.. I missed you :(

I hope to see your creations soon! I can't wait ;)

GOd Bless you :)

Anonymous said...

Hello Melberry- hope you are getting lots of time for yourself and family as well as the well needed rest ;-)

Manasa said...

Hi Mel..I hope u are all right....
Get well soon...I know migranes are bad...But I know u are a fighter....
we want u back Mel:)

-Love
Manasa

Nancy Ward said...

My hopes, prayers, good karma and special thoughts are with you...having been a migraine sufferer, I know the agony and pain those monsters cause.

Maria said...

Hi Mel! Just checking to see how you are doing? I hope all is well. You haven't updated your blog for a while . .. I hope you are doing okay.

Maria

Anonymous said...

Heya Mel, prayers for you from the Netherlands!! Hoping all is well? Am a bit worried because you did'nt post in such a long time. Praying that the migraines will easy a bit!!
Hugs
Marja Rolfes-Lemson

Mamy Anick said...

So sorry to hear you're suffering so. My thoughts are with you.

Liz S. said...

Wishing you well! I've missed your postings!

RAQZ said...

thumbs up to all your projects :) and thank you for inspiring my days!

Anonymous said...

I just want you to know I hope you are well and I have been missing your fabulous creations. jane12734@aol.com

Jennie - The Crafty Wife said...

Take care of you, Mel and i hope you manage to get the migraines under control very soon xx A long time lurker on your blog

giddusadik said...

Hey! Please check out my blog! There is a new challenge with a little prize!

www.giddusadikamazingcrafts.blogspot.com

Allison Rankin said...

Just checking in...hope you're doing OK!

Beth Norman said...

Sending love. Hope you're feeling better soon. We miss you.

Chriss Blagrave said...

Just checking in, hope you are alright and doing well.

Lorrinda said...

Wondering how you are...

Yes, I miss your creative inspiration, but I am more concerned with how you are doing?

If you happen to read this, please post an update if you are able to, just a few words to let us know you're OK. I am sure I am not alone in wondering what you've been up to.

Hoping you are getting better, and sending big hugs....
Lorrinda

Kathlene said...

I check every day to see if you've posted that you're okay. I'm a worrier. We miss you and hope that some rest and relaxation will ease your migraines. Thinking of you and sending positive vibes your way. xoxo

Anne said...

Mel, You are missed more than we all can say. You are too creative and talented to be down with such pain and suffering.
I was a migraine sufferer too and I know all too well how horrible you must feel. While I realize everyone's "cure" is different, mine came in the form of blood pressure medication(atenolol & triamterene).
Please feel better soon.
Virtual Hugs,
Anne

ileana said...

Hi Mel, just stopping by to see how were you doing, hope you feel better soon. Have a nice day!

melanie said...

Have been thinking of you lately. I've noticed that my inbox has no MelStampz mail and wanted to let you know that you are missed and I hope and pray that you find some relief and answers. Miss ya!

Rene said...

Hi Mel, sorry to hear you are feeling bad...I suppose you have tried everything but.....please check out if you have any mould in the house and get checked to see if you have any mould in your lungs...I know it sounds strange but mould can do awful things to people.
Rene from OZ xo

Sandray said...

Mel, I am soo glad to hear from you.Sorry you've been ill. You are in my prayers.