“Serious is a word that must be entirely avoided when it comes to decoration.”
-Kathryn M. Ireland
Remember that long box I taped off when I was laying out our gallery wall?
I had a $25 off Pottery Barn coupon burning a hole in my pocket, so I sprang for this iron shadowbox cube last week:
I filled it with things I had around the house…
…and I think it’ll be so fun to change them out with the seasons!
Kevin decided we “needed” a bell in the kitchen this week, too:
Which is pretty funny considering this post I published 5 years ago: A Delightful Dining Room Detail.
😉
PS- I’m waiting for the results of a CT scan today. Something has been “off” with my throat for the past three weeks. It started on the first night we went to Tybee. It felt like I must have swallowed a little piece of the crab shell. A couple of days later, it went from a sharp (glass shard-like) feeling in the side of my throat, to a “fullness” in my entire throat. No pain, just fullness. So full that I became really nervous about eating because it didn’t feel like there was enough room for food to move through. (Silver lining: I quickly lost 7 pounds!) I went to my ENT 2 weeks ago and he used a camera to go in through my nose and down into my throat. He said my throat was about as red as it could possibly be, but that my airway wasn’t restricted, so I wasn’t in danger of not being able to breathe…even though it felt like it. I told him it gets especially swollen after I eat so he started me on Prilosec and a “magic mouthwash” gargle. Neither of those things seemed to have any effect on me though, so I visited him again this past Wednesday. He told me to continue the Prilosec, and he prescribed a 6-day Prednisone pack (yuck) and a 9 day antibiotic (Cefdinir), just in case it’s some kind of low-grade infection. I’ve been on them for the last couple of days, and I have experienced a *little* relief, but I still can’t help but wonder what is really going on inside my throat. Hoping to hear back from the ENT later today with the results of the scan. Prayers appreciated! I have “white coat syndrome” and a very intense fear of anything medical/medication-related, so this has been an extremely challenging time for me health-wise. XO
Mindy
Hi Layla,
I too, have “white coat syndrome”, so I totally get what you’re going through in terms of the worry about a medical procedure. I will be praying that it’s something that doesn’t involve any major “white coats” and definitely let us know when you hear something!
Love the new addition to the display wall. I’ve always wondered, where did you find the water ski rental ski/sign? Is it something you made?
Love and prayers
Mindy
Gina
Praying that everything is okay. 🙂 Love the shadow box – how fun! And I love the bell too! 🙂
kristin
Adorable! I have that coupon burning a hole in my pocket also. I LOVE the bell and that Kevin thought you “needed” it. Getting in on the décor with his own wants and needs. I like that. 🙂 It is good to hear the details of your throat issue (thanks for sharing) to have a better understanding. Scary and curious, yes! Continue to be your own advocate and stay strong. My prayers and thoughts are with you Layla.
Lauren Baxter
I love that shadow box and that gallery wall is looking awesome! I can’t wait to see what else you add, and omy is that little bell precious 🙂
My prayers and a speedy recovery are with you! I hope everything is ok and ends up being an easy fix <3
Lauren | LB Designs
xx
Connie
You are probably reacting to leaving your son to return to the ‘normal’ life of waiting yet again. I was unable to talk after having spent 3 weeks in the hospital with our infant daughter. We were all okay, but my body reacted to the experience. Will pray for you to turn the corner with all of the challenges you face.
Tardevil
Sorry to hear about your throat troubles. There is a Facebook page called Heal Thyself, to which I have no affiliation, other than following it, but the people on there are big believers in the antiviral healing powers of garlic. You may want to consider trying a few pods. I do it whole. Also, a shot of Bragg’s organic apple cider vinegar for a few days. Unless part of the shell is lodged in your throat and you are having an allergic reaction, the natural remedies should help.
Sam
I love the shadow box. Hope your throat is ok. I too have ‘white coat syndrome’ and had a hysterectomy three weeks ago. There were a little les than three weeks between me being told I had to have one and actually having one and I have never been in such a state in my whole life. I was so frightened of surgery that I had to see a counsellor beforehand to help with the anxiety. I wrote myself ‘common sense flash cards’ before and they really helped. One was ‘the fear is a thousand times worse than the reality’. Having had the surgery I can honestly say my anxiety beforehand was indeed a thousand times worse than the reality. I hope you feel better soon and try not to worry too much xx
Joni K
I can’t spell it, but this sounds like what I had several years ago. Enosophagelitis. It was aggravated by foods that I was having a reaction to, not immediately but several days later. Have a blood test done that will show these typed of allergies, not the needle poke allergy test. If questions, you can email me, I am now pain free and no more scopes, throat procedures….
Donna Doble-Brown
layla, before your trip to tybee did you eat anything out of the ordinary??? I keep getting (intuitively)that this could be an allergic reaction to something . . . Do you have any naturopaths in your area? They could really help in a holistic way . . . I will keep you in my prayers dear girl . . . LOVE the shadow box help! That little trailer is adorbs! XO
laura@top this top that
feel better. hope everything will be okay. super cute box on the wall
Sandy
Love the bell,
Deborah Raney
Oh wow! I love this, and seeing it reminded me that we had a bell in our garden at our last house (sort of like the one my husband’s family used to call the 5 kids in to dinner). I just now searched our garage and found it! It’s weathered to a lovely turquoise-y patina and hubby helped me hang it in our current house! Thank you for the inspiration!
Marie P.
Will keep you in my thoughts and prayers, although quite awhile ago you inspired me to say a special prayer daily for all the adoptive parents and children of the world. I, too, have intense–as you so aptly describe it–“white coat syndrome”!! Good luck, and I hope you’re feeling tip-top soon!
Stacey
Love the PB shadow box! I’ve never noticed that in the catalog before. Now where could I put one? Your wall is going to be amazing.
I hope you quickly get answers and relief with your throat. When you don’t know what’s wrong, it’s so scary.
Wendy M
Liking how this is all coming together Layla. Sending ‘wellness fairies’ winging your way – hope your issues are resolved easily, quickly and painlessly. God Bless. 🙂
Elaine
I had a similar feeling of my throat being full and it ended up being my thyroid. It wasn’t anything scary, just that my thyroid wasn’t working properly and now I take medicine to keep my numbers normal and the swelling I was experiencing down.
Susan_W
I will be keeping you in my prayers Layla. Be well!
Sarah @ Cozy.Cottage.Cute.
Oh gosh, as a girl who has had strep throat a gazillion times, throat stuff is just the worst! I really, really, really hope it is something minor and easily treatable. Fingers crossed for you, please keep us updated!
And the shadowbox? How have I never seen that before? I am such a Pottery Barn online window shopper! It’s so pretty.
🙂
caitlin low
I definitely don’t want to freak you out. There’s a rather new diagnosis called eosinophillic esophagitis (EE). Our son is being worked up for it. It’s generally managed fairly easily with diet modifications. But because it’s so new to most doctors, very rarely will they look for it. If they can’t come up with anything else, just wanted this to be in your back pocket. Praying it’s over quickly!!
anne
sounds like thyroid…well wishes but can i ask what the pattern is of the pretty backsplash
janelle
I hope it’s nothing, but did your doctor mention your salivary glands? If that’s the case, most of the time doctors just have you drink lost of water and eat lemon drops and sour things so you salivate more so your gland passes the stone depending on how big it is. I wouldn’t worry though, I’m sure it’s nothing. Just suck on a lemon wedge every now and again just to be on the safe side.*wink*
Layla
I’m actually supposed to steer very clear of anything acidic, lemony or sugary right now because they’re thinking it has something to do with acid reflux. :-/
Peg
Prayers for you, sweet Layla.
Love you, your blog,
your lovely home,
and your beautiful little family!
: )
Debra Pingitore
Praying wisdom for doctors, peace of mind for you and, a speedy recovery. Keep up the great work on your blog. I always look forward to seeing and reading what you are up to.
Bonnie Schulte
How scary for you. I will keep you in my prayers and pray the doctors will soon find out what is causing the problem, and then get you all “fixed up” Hugs…and hang in there
Lee
Chewing gum will increase salivation too.
Layla
Unfortunately chewing gum is on the no-no list too. I think because of the acids.
Catherine
Praying that you’ll get answers soon and the good Lord to watch over you.
Layla
Thank you, Catherine! 🙂
Chei
Oh no! I hope you get some answers soon. I’ll keep you in my prayers. And send big hugs and kisses your way.
Layla
Thanks for the hugs n’ kisses! XO
ANNE
Could this be a reaction to seafood? Years ago I had a similar illness after a week at the beach and eating lots of seafood. I was not tested for allergy and still enjoy seafood. Just a thought and thinking of your anxiety at this time.
Layla
I don’t think so, Anne. None of the symptoms really line up. It’s looking more and more like something reflux or vocal node-related. Hoping to have a concrete answer on Monday!
patty
Hi Layla
Google EOE. That’s the abbreviation. Although it is on the rise, many doctors may not know about it.
Ann gray
I have something similar happen and they are called tonsil stones and eventually they get coughed up. It took years before they diagnosed it.
Jodi
My mom had some issues that sound similar to this – does it feel like food gets “stuck” and make you gag at times? It did indeed end up being the result of reflux damage over time (she rarely had heartburn and it turns out she had silent reflux). She now takes a daily prescription reflux med when she gets up and has no problems at all! Hope it’s the same thing as it is super easy to treat!
Layla
I think mine may be silent reflux too, Jodi. I’ll keep you posted! XO
Karlene
Not knowing is always the hardest part! Best to focus on what you know and try to not let yourself worry about “what if?” Never easy but it’s less stress on your body if you can reduce the worries. I’m thinking positive thoughts for you!
Ps love the wall! That shadow box is gorgeous!
Gloria
I just said a prayer to St. Anthony to “find” your good health. (he is the patron saint of lost things.) When you are well, remember to thank him. 😉
Best,
Gloria
Narelle
Hi Layla I am praying for you in the challenges of the discomfort and the not knowing. Hoping for a simple solution very soon.
Love your shadow box, silver bell and little white trailor.
PS my prayers come from Springfield on the NSW Central Coast – north of Sydney Australia and for a number of years now I have been loving following your story
Susan
My son had this and was diagnosed with H. Pylori. He is actually being treated for it now.
Ria
It does sound very much like you have got a ‘splinter’ of something in your throat. I am medically inclined (started to study to be a doctor!) Can happen when eating fish with a hidden bone too. The soft tissue will react by creating a small infection and the swelling gets bigger. Poor thing! Not fun at all for you! Hopefully that is ‘all’ it is and you may need, ahem, minor surgery to remove it and get back to normal.
Now, for the shadow box! How cute! It fits in the spot beautifuly. I love Kevin’s idea of the bell. DINNER TIME!!!! Hee hee.
Get well soon!
donna
Layla,
I have had the exact same issues off and on before…..right down to the very red throat. The first time was when our son (almost 16) was a few months old. The reflux was totally caused by the stress of being a first time mom, and God has helped me pinpoint the cause of stress each time I have had the same symptoms again. (The sphincter that keeps the acid in the stomach relaxes when we are stressed and allows those stomach contents to come up into the esophagus.)
I know you’ve had a lot going on, and I can only imagine how stressful it must have been to leave Sweet P in Haiti. Just remember sweet Layla that God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7) Don’t let Satan steal your peace!! You have a choice in this. God will keep you in perfect peace as you keep your mind stayed on Him because you trust in Him. (Isaiah 26:3)
God is watching over you and Kevin AND Sweet P. 🙂
I followed your trip to Haiti the whole time you were gone. When you and Kevin got back, I thought how neat it was that even though ya’ll are separated by a long distance, you are still under the same heavens. You all look up and see the same sun, moon, and stars every day and night. The heavens God made.
May God bless you.
Hannah
Something similar happened to my mom..she was eating salsa and there was a small wire in it! YIKES! everything you are describing is how she felt for about 6 months. (not fun) she had a scope also..and the dr. could see redness and some scratching. eventually it just healed itself..but unfortunately it took a while. 🙁 prayers that you get find the answer!!
MJ Smith
I know what you mean about the “fear” of medical stuff, etc. I’m with ya on that one!!! Praying for you, Layla! Praying it turns out to be nothing serious!!!!
Sunny
I am praying too !
And I brought a small cow bell into our lives when the I got tired of calling ” Dinner’s ready…dinner’s ready!!! moments pass….DINNER IS READY..PLEASE COME NOW! ”
To save my throat and sanity..and plus I love bells so…
Hope to hear good news soon about your throat.
Julia
Praying for you!!
Stephanie
Layla, I just prayed for you and hope you feel better soon!
I went through the same thing for 4 months this past summer. My ENT was thorough, but a gastroenterologist finally diagnosed me – in my case a hernia causing silent GERD and “globus pharyngis” (where the nerves in your throat are upset and make you feel like it’s swollen closed, but it’s not really). I was scared and assuming the worst, but once we knew what was wrong we were able to fix everything very easily and quickly – praise God!
I was desperate for guidance when I was going through that last summer so I thought I’d share just in case it can be helpful to you or anyone else.
Praying for you!
Layla
I am thinking that is exactly what’s going on with me too, Stephanie. Maybe not the hernia part, but I definitely have a sneaking suspicion it’s “Silent Reflux”. What did you to fix it? Thank you for any advice you can offer! XO
Stephanie
My doctor put me on 60mg of a proton-pump-inhibitor once a day for 3 months. I opened the pills up and put them in water because I didn’t want to aggravate my throat and he said that was fine. He prescribed some other things, but I did so well with the ppi that I didn’t end up filling them. And then some lifestyle changes – I don’t lay down for 3 hours after eating, I avoided spicy and acidic foods while my throat healed (I can eat them now), and I switched to smaller or powder vitamins. I also found kefir and aloe juice (without lemon) really soothing.
I was diagnosed on October 30th and was able to eat solid foods by Thanksgiving dinner and totally back to normal by New Years.
Wishing you the best and a speedy recovery!
Robbin
Prayers for you this morning sweet Layla!!! God is in control. Keep your eyes on Him :0!! Thanks for the beautiful house pictures this morning. That yellow cottage brightened my day!
Sally Wiedefeld
How are you feeling? I e been keeping you in my prayers. Hope all is well. Keep positive and remember God is in control. Lean on him when you get scared of those “white coats”. Xxoo
mattie
being a nurse .was just wondering if they have ever done a
monospot” on you .like for mononucleosis.its a blod test they can do to idnetify it . if you throat is swollen and sore and .and the antibiotics and pred… havent helped .could possibly be .its “NOT” the “kissing” disease ppl think it is .it happens to alot of ppl. you can be exposed to it from flu .lots of sore throats etc… just a thought .hope that helps and feel better
Lisa w.
Praying for you
Kris
Hey Layla–
I was diagnosed with erosive esophagitis a few years ago. Typically most people get heartburn symptoms, but mine were the globus symptoms someone mentioned above–feels like there is a golf ball stuck in my throat, uncomfortable to swallow, laying on my back made it worse. There are many possible causes for your symptoms, so try to avoid the “google self-diagnosis” that so many of us (myself included) do, but continue following through with your physician. I’m sure you will get it figured out and it’s highly unlikely to be the scary diagnosis that you might think it is. I just prayed for you.
Diane
I had some similar issues awhile back. It is awful to feel like you can’t swallow! And the anxiety about it makes it worse. I work as a receptionist in an ENT office, so I was already familiar with a lot of the reflux symptoms. We see LOTS of people for globus sensation and difficulty swallowing. Follow your doctor’s advice and try not to worry. Keeping you in my prayers!
Brooke
Although most major food allergies begin in childhood, one allergy in particular stands apart—shellfish. An allergy to shellfish such as shrimp, lobster, oysters, crab, and scallops may develop any time during a person’s life, but tends to present in adulthood.
wondering about this!
LaurieY
About 2 years ago I had those very same symptoms. It scared me enough to go to the doctor. (My own Doctor was not available so I saw someone in the same practice.)
“I just feel as if my throat area is swollen, like I won’t be able to swallow. And I have indigestion all the time. And my ears feel pressured.” He wanted to give me a Cat Scan and put me on a prescription for 6 months (some kind of ant-acid Rx)
So, as I am driving home . . I’m like, No Way. We eat really well, organic live fresh food, I bake from scratch, take vitamins, work out, I feel 100% well, otherwise. So, I started to do a search and ended up at Gluten Free Girl’s website.
To make a long story short, I eliminated ALL gluten from my diet (and kitchen) –and the symptoms simply disappeared never to return. I re-learned how to bake without whole wheat flour. I also cut all soy out of my diet –but gluten was the culprit. Gluten can play havoc inside the gut. I slept better, my joints quit aching due to inflamation, some on/off worrying vanished (I quit being a worry wart! –as in that tendency just dissolved) . . . and a natural level of vitality returned. When you are allergic to something, it reduces energy levels because the body is constantly trying to deal.
Gluten. Man, I cannot thank Shauna enough for the dawning in my awareness when it comes to what trouble gluten can cause.
I had no idea about gluten before my scare.
Some kind of digestive disorder –some kind of reflux that affected my esophagus.
Also, good book: Why Stomach Acid Is Good For You, by Jonathan Wright. Take a looksee at Amazon.
Be well. And thank you for such a lovely site to visit.