Well, I made it. Went to the beach for a week. I had good moments and some not so good moments. It was tough for me because I had to sit on the sidelines quite a bit but I knew that before I went. My hubby took my daughter and niece to the beach and water park while I re-energized at the house. I tried to sit on the beach a couple of times but didn't really last more than 45 minutes. We usually stay right on the ocean but this year we were a ten minute walk away. For me, it might as well have been 10 miles. As I'm sure you can relate, I couldn't keep myself hydrated the way I needed to on the beach because I couldn't get to a bathroom quickly. So, I didn't go to the beach much. But, I did make it to the boardwalk. I would walk in segments and sit for awhile, walk and sit and my daughter and niece would play games and ride rides while I waited. So, I count that as a success. I really think I am going to have to go back on the beta blockers because this calcium channel blocker isn't working anymore (and it worked so well there for awhile too!). I need that adrenaline blocked which is what the BBs do. To make a long story short, I didn't like not participating like I wanted to but you know what? I was okay with it. I think maybe it shows I've progressed to another level of acceptance. And, I did get to do some things.
Next success story? I am having surgery on 8/1 and I hope I get through it without any setbacks!

It's amazing how "just a little bit of normal" seems to satisfy us now. I know I'm much more greatful for the little things than I used to be. Glad you've improved, and hope everything goes well with your surgery.

I'm going on vacation for a few days in August. It doesn't matter if I enjoy it or not, as long as my husband and son do. They have been able to bond a lot (out of necessity) because of my illness. As long as I have a/c and water, I'll be fine.

Kudos to you! I know it's hard to sit back and not do everything you want and try to accept what you can...but I'm glad that you were able to enjoy yourself.

I went to the beach this morning for 2 hours (!!!) and did ok. I sat under an umbrella as much as I could when I didn't have to chase my 20 month old around, dunked in the freezing water a couple of times and tried to stay hydrated. I was definitely in need of hydration and rest when I got home though and then had an afternoon of running around and shopping - I know I need to go to bed early and am hoping I don't hurt too much tomorrow

Anyway, thanks for the update. And GOOD LUCK with surgery - what are you having done? (if you don't mind sharing). Have you been under since you've been diagnosed?

Thanks.......
mollie - yes, it is amazing how the little things go a long way with me now. When I think of what I used to do, I can't even believe it. Now, I'm grateful to get through a trip to Walmart without a problem

dsdmom - Glad you got to hit the beach too. The hydration thing is really key and can be tough to do. I hope you get a really rejuvinating night's rest!
As for my surgery, I don't mind sharing at all.
I have had several surgeries in the last couple of years since I was diagnosed. I have endometriosis and have been dealing with it for years. In 10/05 I had a laparoscopy to clean that up. Then, it came back and after dealing with this since I was 13 years old I decided to have a hysterectomy 10/06. With the really awful periods, my dys. and heart arrythmias would get worse each month. I really wasn't a candidate for the hormonal treatments either-I just can't tolerate them. They left one ovary so I knew there was a chance the endo would return. In 4/07 I developed two hernias in my groin and had major open surgery to repair those. In addition to those surgeries, I had an attempted heart ablation and EP study, a heart catheritization, a loop monitor implanted in my chest, a colonoscopy and an upper endoscopy. All of those required some sort of anesthesia. Surprisingly, I really didn't have major setbacks. The anesthesiologists are great with my POTS and heart issues and really go out of their way to give me lots of fluids and watch me like a hawk. I found out that I have developed an endometrioma on my remaining ovary. That is basically endometriosis on the ovary in the form of a blood and debris-filled cyst. It is growing and needs to come off before it damages the ovary and I lose it. The only other option is the hormone treatments but I can't take them and they usually don't work for this type of cyst anyway. So, the surgery will be another laparoscopy. I am praying the ovary can be kept and I recover with minimal problems. I've about had enough of this surgery thing. Although I didn't seem to have major dys. setbacks, it has taken a toll on my body because I am always in recovery mode. I sometimes wonder if all the surgery I've had is the reason why my dys. hasn't really gotten much better . If I could have an extended period without some sort of surgery/procedure being done and could really concentrate on getting well, maybe I would get better.
Goodness, I didn't mean to write that much! But, that's what's going on. Thanks for asking.....