Realistic days in my life as newly disabled single mom (who refuses to give up adventures)

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Adjusting to life as a single mom who suddenly finds herself disabled and unable to currently work in her full time position at the company she has been with for a decade... We will navigate juggling my many doctor appointments & tests, getting the kiddos ready for back to school, and still trying to squeeze in some quality - but not overly strenuous - adventures on the good days!! Come along for a WITL As always lately, things don't go quite to plan, but we'll talk about that, too!! I've even thrown in a tiny positivity haul. Please note this video was started prior to my scary incident and hospitalization (which was posted out of order) so I'll link that below for anyone curious! Stay tuned and subscribed for a return to some solo car camping & vanlife content again soon! See ya then, thanks for watching!! ==== My scariest day on the road kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnLKpmVoatCbpZYsi=XwvGSEHdssUFB0JI ===== My prior video all about Cassadaga kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpmzXpWpjZ6fhc0si=ieE54T1nRFVoCj78 ==== Playlist of my health journey so far kzbin.info/aero/PLoZ0vzM0yMpl_X0ldrVlY7RdYUeb7h8s5&si=Lfjhk6XjrEO1z9xS

[@RLeeVanCamps]

You’re still having hikes back-and-forth to the doctor and you’re having adventures just not out in the wilderness. Keep your chin up thinking of you.😊

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Good point, lol, I'll just have to shift my perspective!! (It does feel like I've just had a workout by the time I get back sometimes haha!)

[@Dixiered03]

A lumbar puncture is what gave me the final MS diagnose. I am currently on Tysbari. Has worked for over 10 yrs for me. No relapses No new lesions

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I'm really hoping I get the rest of my answers from it! 🤞🤞 I'm so happy to hear of your success 💚

[@juliehoot3916]

Hi Heather, thank you for update! 🤞🙏

[@helenholmstrom5623]

Heather. U are an inspiration to all women ! You have a million dollar smile, and a brave heart. I hope your parents are helping u too. Blessings and prayers! ❤

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!! 💕💕💕

[@TaraYanta]

You are going through it. I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing and prayers for the information you are seeking. Prayers for strength and healing.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!

[@-miekeb-]

Good sticker!! 😊 Oeh a Chevron amethist, very nice! The drawings on the cards are beautiful!! I'm so glad you know more now bodywise!! Progress 👍🤞 Thank you, good luck and Greetings 👋

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!

[@William2N]

Always take care of you! Best wishes and prayers!

[@hsoderberg6505]

Sending you love & support.

[@patriciaholliday5719]

I pray you get a diagnosis soon. Praying for you. Air hug

[@ladyd6772]

Hi Heather sending prayers your way. Never give up on adventures no matter how small!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you for the encouragement!

[@lloydbristol9358]

Praying for you

[@susanmorgan647]

You are an inspiration. 🙏🏻💕

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

That means so much to hear (even if I don't feel like one!) 💚

[@michelle7352]

Praying for swift diagnoses and relief. I know from experience that multiple diagnoses are so difficult to pen down. It takes physicians collaborating and that is rare. Love to you.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you, and you are so right!! I think now that Mayo is involved and can consult with all their diff specialties once I've been initially evaluated (so far I've seen rheumatology, but have pending referrals/evals now after that visit with GI, neurology, pain management, etc... (and I think soon hematology and ENT as well) 😒 Thanks again!

[@ramonapuckett3059]

Praying 🙏🏼 for you and your family 🩷

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you!!

[@sueramirez5906]

So glad your getting answers. Youve been through so very much . ❤

[@annaroberts3976]

I am so sorry that your life has changed so dramatically from what it used to be. That's what illness does...It turns your world upside down. Sending positive thoughts and prayers that you will experience a return to normalcy soon.❤

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

My world has definitely been turned around. I feel like my whole week is arranged about doctor appointments and trying to find little windows to rest. It kills me that I can't at least be more productive with my other goals while I'm stuck not working, but I'm just finding I need to learn to come to terms with my current reality still. 💚

[@ashleyhum22]

Thank You Heather for sharing your story about your hospital stay & this diagnostic process. I can relate to your story so much. I wish you well & hope you finally have a diagnosis (or diagnoses) in the near future. Take Care 💓☮️🪷

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you, I appreciate that!

[@mizheidi]

What a wonderful weekend to share with your daughter 🌸Those Oracle cards are beautiful!! I’m sure they will bring you peace and guidance on your journey. Hugs!!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you! At the very least it will help me to focus my energy in a more positive filter 💚

[@kathleenneely7656]

I hope you get all the answers soon. Lots of prayers. I enjoy your videos and hope you can continue enjoying your hikes and adventures

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much!

[@Myyt6908]

You are such an inspiration to me. You give me hope to get through what I am dealing with now.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

That means so much. Sending you love and light 💕

[@JimGalyon]

Hi Heather. I'm so glad questions are getting answered. Wishing you well. ❤

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you my friend!

[@BonnieMartin-s7s]

Prayers continue

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you my friend!

[@Michelle-bw1xg]

So wishing you the answers and diagnosis you have been working so hard to get to. It seems just around the corner now. Thanks for being a role model and positive light during a tough time behind the camera. I enjoyed the chevron stone. Glad you have some treasures that help ground you and find some calm and peaceful moments in your meditative times. Best...

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I definitely feel like I'm getting closer to answers, so really crossingy fingers to have a treatment plan soon!! I just want to be the mom I wanna be again, and get back to nature!! 💚

[@janeensharbono9715]

I am new to your channel, and I'm currently binge watching all of your videos. But I had to jump ahead and watch this one. I'm sorry that you are going through this. I know what it's like to go through a scary diagnosis. I hope that you get your answers soon and that things get easier for you. I'm sending you healing energy.🤗

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much, that means a lot! And welcome!!

[@susansimoneau768]

Heather, I logged in because Im sobbing watching you so over your autoimmune dis3ase! I understand! I qm the Mom of 2 adult gurls that suffer frm lupus and fibromyalgia. I also have fibro and stage 3 emphysema. Baby girl, you're not Alone! Actually you encourage me! I'm 69 yo and desperately need some solo camping! The past 10 yrs have had quite a bit of trauma including suicide and a fire that stole everything I ever worked for. I need to be out there and YOU give me the courage and confidence to go. I'm in an SUV but it's not big enough. It works for now. Be proud of you! I get sick if hearing Im so strong! I have done what I've had to do! Homeless was not my plan at age 64. Thank you and if you need an ear from someone who understands. I'm around!

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Sending you so much love! I can't imagine how hard it must be trying to manage your own health as well as support your daughters. Virtual hug 🫂

[@kirstenstrobel4387]

You are making progress in finding out what is going on. That’s a huge win! I was watching a channel recently and they were discussing the YT algorithm and changes (mostly to the detriment of content creators). One of the things that stood out was that putting playlists on continual play does not help as they have figured out what is going on there and I think they either lessen or de-monetize because of it. As the creator you probably have access to that exact info where we as viewers do not. They are constantly squeezing the small channels for more pennies for themselves. Let us know if you find anything about that or similar ways to help where it won’t hurt your numbers. Time for the next foot…

[@dianalund587]

Hang in there. I appreciate you and your content sorry it has taken such a turn due to your health. I've been though many similar issues and although it can feel like you can never catch a break, you will. Those "breaks" just might not be the ones you were hoping for...they may turn out to be better! Sending good thoughts your way.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much for the thoughtful words! I appreciate you!

[@Michael-gq2yi]

Don't feel bad if denied it took the person I take care of 1 yr but now gets SSI. Hope you feel better .The person I take care of now next year has to go thru a extensive surgery. with her other medical problems it's a very risky procedure. I don't know how I going to take it but to be positive and hope for the best. Hopefully your situation comes out Good .Best wishes for you. Just take things slow and easy. will keep you update if you want . Take Care see you in the next video.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you so much for your support!!

[@michelle7352]

You are right about SSI. And food benefits are easier to get and helpful.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

It shows my application is in process, so hopefully I'll be approved for the food benefits soon 🤞🤞

[@peggynichols6191]

I have spinal stenosis, and had my neck fused , and a lamination .my spinal cord was pinched. I also had a tumor in my sciatic nerve. But here in Ny. They haven't declared me disabled.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Its such a long and frustrating process to get the benefits you're entitled to sometimes. I hate that!!

[@fondatruelove2330]

Hope your appointment s give you the answer you need. You should have been born in the ,60s it has been 64 years sense I did.❤️

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I'm starting to get some answers finally, so I'm hoping all of the pending results I'm waiting for she'd light the rest of the way! 🤞🤞

[@RLeeVanCamps]

Extra hydration will help your offset the headache. They take spinal fluids that need replacement or the brain stem collapses some. I know this from experience. Best wishes. Use the microphone option and speak your texts. It might help

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you for this, I have definitely been staying hydrated as best as possible & drinking electrolytes as well since that seems to help!

[@SharonCecil-l6i]

Hope you are not driving. Its like if someone has a seizure they cant drive until certain time seizure free. Hope you get answers and a good treatment

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

Thank you, I appreciate it! This video was a couple weeks before my scary episode, so I had no worries driving at that point, having been assured by all my doctors. I haven't driven since the paralysis episode though. Even though the hospital told me I could after discharge (which felt weird to me) I have been having parents take me to my appointments and picking up my kids for now. I hate to be such a burden on them, but my neurologist and I discussed it this week and both agreed that until we are more sure of the cause (they found some troubling things on my MRI and some of my tests) its best not to risk it for now. My neurologist wants to make sure I'm not at imminent risk for stroke or seizure, etc... although it's possible my newest diagnosis of POTS was to blame. Definitely anxious for answers! 🤞🤞

[@SharonCecil-l6i]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures oh sweetie I'm sorry. Horrible turn of events. I pray/meditate rosary every day and be assured I will be praying for you. God will be closer than ever.

[@SharonCecil-l6i]

@@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures I just watched a video which talked about west Nile virus from mosquitoes bad now and your symptoms sounded familiar. Maybe have docs check.

[@WanderingWithWanda]

Hi Heather, can you tell me the name of the artist whose work is on those oracle cards? They're absolutelty beautiful! I hope your gonna get answers soon for your illness. I will continue to send you good vibes. 🙂🙏🏼

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

The artist is Josephine Wall. She's amazing... I've loved her posters and calendars for over a decade now, so these just jumped right out at me!

[@TurtleMyrtle12]

I was thinking of some ideas you could use to raise funds from your subs. Are you crafty? Could you make and sell cards, bookmarkers, crocheted or knitted items, drawings, stickers, etc.? An Etsy account would be easy to setup.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I did have ideas for merch & stickers, and offering my photos as prints or cards or other things... but I need to figure out a low energy, lower effort way to get everything figured out and organized (it seems my days lately are spent either at the doctor or scheduling with one lol!) Hopefully I'll be able to devote some time soon to that though, b/c any extra income will help right now! Looking into Etsy is a good idea!!

[@Vangela1]

I never got a headache from my lumbar puncture, so maybe you won’t either. ❤

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@hsoderberg6505]

Unfortunately for me, the ensuing headache was so bad I ended up in hospital.

[@Vangela1]

@@hsoderberg6505 great job, I was trying to give her hope. Thanks for crapping on that. 🤦‍♀️

[@gamingcreeper4874]

💚💙🩵💜💚💙🩵💜💚💙🩵💜💚💙🩵💜

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

💕

[@cindyjohnston3134]

contrast is fish oil....you may be allergic to fish....huge hugs

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

There's definitely something in it that doesn't agree with me!

[@michelle7352]

You forgot to post the purpose of the two stones you mentioned you'd post. Just wondering.

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I just realized that today and could have kicked myself!! The peach selenite is for healing and wellness, and healing past traumas/wounds as well. The chevron amethyst is supposed to protect from negativity, boost your immunities, and help with headaches! I will do a post about them, since I'm sure other people noticed I missed it as well!

[@virginiawedell9715]

Hi Heather! I’m going to watch more of your videos and let the ads play. I usually skip the ads because of time constraints, but you are worth the inconvenience if it will help a little bit. I’m happy to see you trying to keep cheerful, even though I know you must be so scared right now. What you have been going through is incomprehensible to most people. But just the fact that you are trying so hard to be upbeat and thankful for your community is a testament to your character and perseverance. I wish I could give you a big hug and tell you everything will be ok. But instead I can recommend a nice song that I love. It is by an artist known as Jellyroll, and the name of the song is “I am not ok”. Despite the name of the song I find it resonates with my soul. I keep you in my prayers and hope that you will regain your health and happiness. I think of you as my sister warrior, and I am sending you my affection and strength to lean on when you get tired. Keep fighting. 💙🩵💚

[@HeathersHikesAndAdVANtures]

I looked up the song. (I had only heard bits before). Thank you for sharing, and for always being so supportive. It means more than you know!