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Definition Of Poetry

Poetry is a form of literature that uses aesthetic and rhythmic qualities of language—such as phonaesthetics, sound symbolism, and metre—to evoke meanings in addition to, or in place of, the prosaic ostensible meaning.

To me personally, if you dream poetry and wake up in the morning writing poetry, you’re a poet. Do the words in the poetry have to rhyme? No, not all the time. Poetry is another form of expressive writing. Poetry has the ability to tell stories or forms songs- once known as “floetry” and no not the R&B duo. Floetry where it would just flow out as a rap or verse.

If someone gives you negative criticism, take it with a grain of salt – because each poet has a different style, and above all, we can’t please everyone.

So do you, be yourself. Don’t let others dictate what you should or should not write.

Struggle Anew

The pain that courses through my veins,
A constant reminder of my chains.
The struggle to move, to walk, to stand,
A battle that I fight with all my might, with all my hand.

The strength that I have, it’s not just mine,
It’s the love of those who help me shine.
The courage to face each day anew,
To find the light in the darkness, to see it through.

The world may not understand my plight,
But I know that I have the power to fight.
To live each day with grace and dignity,
To find joy in the little things, to find serenity.

So I’ll take each step with care and pride,
With the knowledge that I have nothing to hide.
For I am strong, I am brave, I am true,
And I will live my life with mononeuropathy, anew.

©️2023 M.Robbins

Thoughts: I can’t be the only one, right?

Those of us who are on the dreaded Social Media Platform, known as “Meta/Facebook”. Occasionally we have cute videos popping up in our feeds. One in particular of toddlers doing cute things. Yet, what do you do when you see comments “Fat Shaming” a toddler?

Some ignore it, others add on, and me I give facts. I can’t be the only one, right? There’s so many factors that come into play with pleasantly plump kiddos. People really don’t understand or want to, I should say. No, they automatically jump to; “Parents are over feeding or just letting them have junk food.”

Okay, here we go; That’s a myth. Not all parents over feed or leave them with junk food. There’s a lot of diseases and metabolic syndrome issues that cause weight gain issues.

I can list several issues right now that cause weight gain problems.

The List:

Diabetic Mothers do give birth to overweight babies. Those babies are suffering from fluid retention, it does however go away within a couple weeks/months, depending upon the severity. (my son was 12 lbs at birth, he lost that weight within a week, went down to 8lbs. His weight has been steady since )

Diabetes can cause weight gain in the beginning. However, can also cause rapid weight loss as well if severe. (I’m type 2)

Gastroparesis : A condition that affects the stomach muscles and prevents proper stomach emptying. Gastroparesis can affect digestion. The cause might be damage to a nerve that controls stomach muscles. (I have a version of this)

Cushing Syndrome A condition that occurs from exposure to high cortisol levels for a long time. The most common cause is the use of steroid drugs, but it can also occur from overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands.

Metabolic syndrome A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels. The syndrome increases a person’s risk for heart attack and stroke.

Thyroid imbalances can play havoc with your weight and mind.

Prader-Willi syndrome genetic disorder that causes obesity, intellectual disability, and shortness in height. Prader-Willi syndrome is a genetic disorder usually caused by deletion of a part of chromosome 15 passed down by the father.

Last but not least, Medications can indeed cause weight problems.

I’m stating all this in hopes that people will learn to be better. (although I doubt it will happen any time soon. The world is cruel.)

I’m not a doctor, I just know about illnesses via my RN/PA cousins. Although, I’ve wanted to study to be a general practitioner, I chose law instead. Because people need to be protected and heard when they are innocent. I’m a graduate of law, and I’m not going any further. (I don’t want to practice, rather just give free advice, to whoever needs or wants it 🤷🏽‍♀️)

My thoughts are basically: if you can’t say nothing nice, don’t say anything at all. (I can’t be the only one, right?)

Also stop posting public videos/photos of your kids. It’s not safe out there. When your videos go viral it has a chance to land on pedophiles news Feeds. What do you think happens then? If it’s not that it’s the trauma from humiliation, the bullying; which leads to depression and horrible thoughts. We are supposed to support, educate and keep our precious little ones safe. Not turn them into victims or entertainment for “likes” and “clout”.

If you’re going to post make it friends/family only. Don’t make it shareable.

(I’m going to be called a Karen or Snowflake, even though statistics are publicly available for what I’m talking about)

According to the Office of Justice Programs, approximately 797,500 children under the age of 18 were reported missing in a one-year period of time studied, resulting in an average of 2,185 children being reported missing each day. Of these, 203,900 children were the victims of family abductions, 58,200 children were the victims of non-family abductions, and 115 children were the victims of “stereotypical” kidnapping. (United States) –

That’s a huge amount. Let’s not add on to this, eh?

Anyway, I’m working on my fiction novel at the moment. 6 more chapters to go. Have a lovely weekend everyone. ✌🏽

Thoughts For The Night : Any Doctor out there that cares?

I know I have not been writing much. I’ve been preoccupied with finding doctors, who will actually do their job.

Every doctor I have seen has been unwilling to listen to the past history. Isn’t that their job though? If you don’t listen to the history how can you treat the problem accordingly? You can’t and you wind up with making it worse.

So let’s break it down and maybe a doctor out there who actually cares; will listen and confirm.

As everyone knows I am a genetic type 2 mellitus diabetic. I’ve had my sugar levels under control as far back as my diagnosis, at the age of “20”. I’ve always kept active, and switched my diet over to vegan/vegetarian, and fish on occasion. Yet, at the age of 34, 6 years ago I went to a hospital. At that time I had no idea their reputation, who would, right?

Needless to say I had to have an “emergency C-section”. Yet protocols were not followed at the HCA CLEARLAKE hospital in Houston Texas.

First off: Anesthesiologist pokes me twice with the same needle. Protocol: it is common practice to use a new epidural/catheter if one should miss the mark. Due to possible cross contamination, infection.

The first poke, I believe crossed the barrier. Because of the pain I experienced in my leg and hip. The second poke I did go completely paralyzed and numb. The Epidural drug used is also black listed. Bupivacaine. This drug is not meant for obstetrics use, especially not for those with diabetes.

According to research conducted by the researchers (reading their notes here from the book they sent) The lab rats that have diabetes that they tested this on… Can cause the nerves and the protective layer to DEGENERATE. This drug also causes sugar levels to rise and has the potential possibility to also cause; Neurotoxicity. When sugar levels are high.

Hmm, interesting, don’t you think? 🤔

On top of this these “doctors” also injected 5 shots of Dextrose water solution. For those who don’t know what dextrose is, it’s literally sugar.

My sugar levels before the surgery 105, during surgery 287-305. After surgery 210. On the third day I was there, they finally took the epidural out. Yeah they kept it in for too long. I fell on the third day, that’s the reason they took it out. they gave me no insulin for the approximately 1-2 weeks I was there. After discharge when I was able to finally take my meds it plummeted to 60. That was on day 1 of discharge. No the monitor was not malfunctioning. Two days after discharge it spiked high again.

What’s going on here? My medication stopped working. My regular doctor tried everything that my insurance covered. I became “Resistant”. Two months I’ve tried to get help for the pain in my back and legs, and it only progressed rapidly. Everyone turned me away; Oh you just had a baby. Sorry but NO, that’s incorrect. There was something definitely wrong. I know my body, I know the limitations and what my pain threshold is. And it sure the hell wasn’t because of just having a baby. Especially since I didn’t use the damn pain drugs in the hospital, I pushed through.

I must also mention that these people kept me in the dark pertaining to my medical records, until last year in April. When I threatened to take them to court. This is how I found out that they used a black listed drug on me and the dextrose.

When I moved back home to Pennsylvania in 2018. I immediately sought help the moment my insurance kicked in up here. Of course the first couple of pain management doctors were morons and wouldn’t go the distance. So it took awhile to get that EMG. 2022 EMG.

Infection, nerve damage and death. Polyradiculopathy, Peripheral Autonomic Neuropathy. Retinopathy. I’m waiting on the Cardio tests.

Diabetic Neuropathy DOES NOT progress this quickly without assistance. These doctors in Texas also didn’t tell me that they knew about the nerve damage, they didn’t even treat it. They kept sending me home WITHOUT The diagnosis. HCA WAS covering for mistakes made. Unfortunately my insurance at the time only covered HCA visits. So I was stuck with them.

However, now, I am only finding bare minimum doctors who don’t know Jack squat about Diabetes, Bupivacaine and Dextrose. uhm, hi, aren’t you an Endocrinologist isn’t that your JOB to KNOW? Seriously.

“We can’t confirm it happened 6 years ago”

You have my files, with the research. How can you not confirm!!?

The big kicker here is that the Doctor who delivered my kid, has a prior medical malpractice suit. For the same reason.

I’m literally at my wits end here. I need a doctor to confirm what I already know. The epidural had a part in the neuropathy. Also need that doctor for legal purposes. I’ll be damned if that hospital and doctor hurts another person.

Losing Pieces Of Myself

Time slips through my fingers like sand
My mind drifts like a boat on a stormy sea
Flashes of memory before me
Disappear just as they appeared

I don’t know if I’m up or down
Is it today or is it tomorrow?
My mind trips over itself
Sinking ever into despair

Staring at the blank page and canvas
Anxiety begins to increase
As I lose pieces of myself
Like petals falling from a flower

©2023 Mary Robbins

Ah, Pain Comparison

As I lay me down to sleep Insomnia creeps into my mind Memories haunt me and I weep Depression is never kind

My whole life flashes before me Why does my brain torment me so? PTSD repeats the scenes That I wish I could let go

As the alarm starts to beep I look for something sweet But it hurts to move my feet Diabetes is hard to beat

Nerves shaking, nerves rattling Nerves have forsaken me Anxiety is another battle That I fight endlessly

Bones ache and creak Pain relief is what I seek But the bottle is empty and bleak Arthritis has reached its peak

Nerves on fire, nerves stinging Like a live wire zapping Jagged daggers in my feet Neuropathy is a rare defeat

Don’t say you understand Don’t say you’re in the same boat Mine has holes and stuck on land Yours is just rusty, but still afloat

Don’t compare us as if we’re the same This is my pain, not yours to claim Only I know how it feels Dear Jesus, please let go of the wheel

Can you hear me loud and clear? Do you feel my tears and fears? My health interferes With my everyday affairs

©️2023 Mary Robbins

Two Poems

Falling Through The Cracks
I speak my words with power and grace
But the pen is mightier than my voice
Yet those who need to hear them most
Are deafened by their own noise
I wipe the tears that stain my face
Insurance has betrayed me
They deny me what I need to live
A diabetic by my genes
They say it’s not essential
Or life-preserving
How can they be so cruel?
Insulin to regulate my blood
A meter to keep track
Without them I’m in danger
Of falling through the cracks

Agony
I speak my words, but no one hears
The pen is mightier, they say
But words are wasted on deaf ears
That only know how to betray
I cry alone, with tears that burn
Insurance has denied me care
They say I don’t need what I earn
They say my life is not their affair
I need insulin to survive
I need to check my glucose level
But they don’t care if I’m alive
They only care about their bevel
I doubt their logic and their morals
I doubt their humanity
I doubt my life and all its sorrows
As I sit here in agony

©2023 Mary Robbins

Poem: Taking Notes

I sit here with a foggy mind
When I used to learn, my brain was confined
My thoughts were always racing
But now I’m only tracing

The daily routine is no longer the same
A pencil dangles over the paper frame
I write down what I think
Or else my ideas will sink
I seek some treatment for my pain

Nothing seems better
Nothing feels right
But I’m still ready to fight
For justice and for light

Everyone says they’re in the same boat
But they don’t know how hard it is to stay afloat
I wear hoodies like a coat
And take notes while I hope.

© 2023 M. Robbins

Thoughts For Tonight: Medical System

Living with a chronic illness can be an arduous journey, and unfortunately, the experience with the healthcare system often exacerbates the challenges faced by individuals. For those grappling with conditions such as diabetes or cancer, the process of obtaining crucial medical tests can become overwhelming. It often involves traversing various clinics, enduring long wait times, and undergoing a series of bureaucratic procedures. All the while, valuable time slips away without a definitive diagnosis or an effective treatment plan.

It appears that I’m experiencing some concerning symptoms, including noticeable memory loss. I’ve started to perceive the passage of time differently, with 12 minutes feeling like just 1 minute. Even waiting at the doctor’s office for only 3 minutes feels much longer. It’s as if my mind is gradually shutting down, which is quite alarming. Additionally, I’ve been facing difficulties in recalling recent events; it’s becoming increasingly challenging to remember what happened just yesterday. Despite being in my late thirties, I find it disconcerting to be confronted with these issues. Consequently, I believe it would be prudent to consult a physician and request a brain scan. I suspect that there might be a connection between this neuropathy nerve condition and a misplacement of the epidural during a C-section I underwent six years ago. I can’t help but wonder if this misplaced epidural has caused further complications, potentially spreading the neuropathy infection to my brain. Such anomalies can only be adequately explained by taking into account this hypothesis.

Throughout my life, I have encountered numerous challenges when it comes to my health. Medical experiences have been quite overwhelming, starting from the moment I was born. It was the year 1983, and the medical field was not as advanced as it is today. Unfortunately, during my mother’s labour, she suffered a stroke, which could have been avoided had she been given a cesarean section. However, the doctor decided to use forceps, resulting in an injury to my right eye. As a result, my right cornea became misshapen, leaving behind scar tissue and causing further complications such as astigmatism, and partial blindness.

During my formative years, I embarked on a challenging journey within the realm of healthcare. Instead of finding the necessary and appropriate care, I encountered frustrations stemming from misdiagnoses and an overreliance on medication. At the tender age of just eight, during the late 80s and early 90s, I was prescribed Ritalin, a widely popular drug primarily intended for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. However, my symptoms did not align with either condition. This firsthand experience underscored the utmost significance of accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans for individuals across all age groups. Reflecting on the past, I realized the importance of thoroughly investigating and questioning medical interventions at an early age. It is crucial for children to develop the skills to critically analyze information and challenge established notions, as not everything is unquestionable or infallible. Why is it important to question? Because improper medication can cause severe and hazardous effects on the brain and other organs. I wasn’t properly diagnosed until age 10, and even that I do question.

Upon reflecting on my past experiences, I strongly suspect that I had Juvenile Diabetes, even though I was not tested for it as a child. It is unfortunate that doctors often dismiss the possibility of diabetes in children who don’t exhibit obvious symptoms. However, it is crucial to recognize that diabetes can manifest in various ways beyond frequent urination and weight gain. It is disheartening that not everyone is aware of the diverse symptoms associated with the condition. For instance, did you know that diabetes can contribute to mental health issues such as hypersensitivity, depression, ADHD, and fatigue in younger individuals? It can even increase the risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. I want to emphasize that I was only 10 years old when I was diagnosed, or so I presume. At that time, my symptoms primarily manifested as hypersensitivity and depression, which made me emotionally vulnerable. This was made even more challenging by my overbearing mother, who often failed to understand the fragility of my emotional state. Please note that I do not intend to speak ill of her, but rather emphasize the importance of considering the impact of pushing someone too far, as it can lead to mental and emotional distress.

I often reflect on the journey of my health and wonder if early detection could have made a difference. Looking back, I wish my mother had been more proactive in seeking a diabetic test during my adolescence. Maybe, just maybe, it could have provided insights and potential avenues for a more normal life. Nevertheless, I’ve come to accept the challenges that life has thrown at me. It is disappointing when medical professionals overlook thorough investigations, disregarding the potential for alternative explanations. As a child, I dealt with numerous ailments, including contracting chicken pox multiple times, battling whooping cough, and enduring various colds and flu. These experiences have made me ponder why my immune system seemed vulnerable, apart from diabetes. It is a question that continues to intrigue me as I navigate my health journey.

Then there was the issue that happened six years ago: the epidural misplacement that has caused unending pain. I can’t move on cold or rainy days, but it is semi-bearable in the summer heat. It is still painful, though. Not to mention that the epidural, bupivacaine mixed with dextrose injections five times, and no insulin to counteract them made me insulin resistant and triggered the neuropathy war in my body. What were the doctors thinking when they did that to a diabetic patient? Why did they put me on standard protocol and not peripartum protocol? Just, why?

I’ve come to find that- Dextrose has been gaining attention for its potential role in promoting the healing process of surgical wounds, particularly in the case of cesarean sections. Some research suggests that the application of dextrose may help in speeding up the recovery of patients after surgery. However, it’s important to note that the use of dextrose for wound healing is still a topic of ongoing research. However, using Dextrose on diabetic patients IS NOT recommended. Yes, I’m dealing with a lot of guinea-pigness, in the medical system. (I’m the guinea pig).

Now I have to deal with Retinopathy, Dealing with this condition requires me to undergo injections directly into my eyeballs, accompanied by laser procedures to cauterize the abnormal vein growth. It can feel quite unsettling to be awake during these medical interventions, akin to scenes from a suspenseful movie. I also want to highlight that these procedures are performed on both of my eyes. Despite the challenges I have faced, I try to remain resilient. Yet I’m facing a very many dilemmas.

The healthcare system can be challenging to navigate, especially when it comes to insurance coverage. Many of us have experienced the frustration of having important treatments or devices denied. This happened to me recently when my doctor recommended switching my insulin medication and obtaining a new hypodermic glucose tester. Both requests were denied by the insurance company.

The medication my doctor suggested was a combination of Januvia and Metformin, known as Janumet. It would have simplified my medication routine and potentially improved my overall health. Additionally, the new glucose tester would have allowed me to monitor my blood sugar more frequently and with less discomfort. Both of these changes would have significantly contributed to maintaining a healthier life.

It’s disheartening to feel like we have to fight for our basic healthcare needs. As a parent, I understand the importance of staying healthy for our loved ones. My child is my greatest motivation, my Rainbow Miracle child. I went through a difficult pregnancy and a life-threatening cesarean section to bring him into the world. I am determined to stay alive and be there for him.

Lately, I’ve been feeling increasingly perplexed by the way my body is behaving. Despite my efforts to prioritize my health, such as adopting a vegan lifestyle to manage my alpha-gal condition and diligently preparing my own nutritious meals, I can’t seem to shake off this overwhelming sense of deterioration. It’s disheartening to witness my tremors, which have evolved into what feels like waking seizures, and find that my mobility is severely compromised, leaving me trembling with each step. I can even feel my chest area vibrating when I speak or breathe as if I’m slowly becoming a mere shell of my former self. The most baffling part is the inexplicable rapid weight loss, despite my blood sugar levels being well under control. Clearly, something deeper must be at play, and I can’t help but yearn for answers that will shed light on this puzzling situation.

Through this ongoing journey, one pivotal factor that has repeatedly emerged is the issue of Epidural misplacement. It is worth noting that the challenges I encounter today were non-existent prior to the administration of the Epidural. To validate this hypothesis, I need to consult with experts in the fields of endocrinology and obstetrics/gynaecology. By delving deeper into this theory, supported by the consistent presence of symptoms related to neurotoxicity exposure, I am not only advocating for my own well-being but also for the health and welfare of our son.

It is crucial for me to gather these answers to ensure that both my son and I receive the appropriate and necessary treatment. I sincerely hope that my hypothesis and theory are proven incorrect, as the implications are significant. In the unfortunate event that my suspicions are indeed true, it may be necessary to pursue legal action against the institution that provided me with treatment six years ago. It is clear that such a facility should no longer be in operation, especially considering the recent controversies surrounding HCA Hospitals. Dealing with medical negligence is a delicate matter, and finding a lawyer who is willing to handle discovery cases can be challenging. However, I remain determined to seek justice for the past events and ensure that this does not happen to anyone else.

Drown In Poverty

Life is a storm that rages on
So goes the common phrase
But I feel life’s a bitter pill
The rich always take the glaze

When will dawn break for the poor
Who struggle to survive
The boat is small, the sea is rough
Get another job they chide

Three jobs he has and still we drown
In bills and debts galore
The media feeds me with their lies
To flee is my only wish

Recession looms as prices soar
Depression lurks behind
A lesson learned too late for us
We should have questioned more

Is this the vision of our founders
Who fled from unjust taxes
Now we are under blunt axes
The rich have turned their backs

Tyranny reigns over the poor
Can anyone hear our plea
We frown in pain and misery
We drown in poverty

©️2023 M. Robbins

The Lark

Little Song Bird
Soaring against the wind
With courage and persistence
Does he sing a tune of sorrow
Or a melody of bliss
What is his message
Can he still sing

Has he wandered off his path
Has he been forsaken
Where is his flock
Isolated in this world

But he flies on freely
And he sings on
Whether it’s a warning
Or a cheerful chirp

He will endure
Larks have always flourished
No drama
No stress

Wouldn’t it be a blessing
If we could learn from him
Take a page from his book
Let’s be like the Lark

©️2023 M. Robbins