Fun'Raiser! MAY 19 @ 9PM @ BUDDIES!!! See you there!!!

The beautiful and wonderful Stacey Laureyssens of theOriginalFace.ca is throwing me a Fun'Raiser! A huge thanks to her and to all the amazing performers who are donating their time!!! I love you all!

I hope that you'll be able to join us!

Time	Thursday, May 19 · 9:00pm - 11:30pm
Location	Buddies In Bad Times Theatre 12 Alexander Street Toronto, ON
	Fun'Raiser for The Artist Who Lost Her Sight An artist's fight against Pseudotumour Cerebri and the resulting pain and vision deterioration. http://theartistwholosthersight.blogspot.com/ ...theOriginalFace.ca wants to help raise funds for this Artist by putting on a Cabaret will ALL Profits going to help pay for a surgery that was not covered by OHIP. @ Buddies in Bad Times Theatre Thurs. May 19, ‘11 @ 9pm 12 Alexander St @ Yonge $10 Online and @ the Door http://FunRaiser.eventbrite.com/ Please Donate Online if you cannot attend. Already on the Performance Bill: Miss Kitty La Croix from Down Under- Australia Impersonator Filipino Elvis - Steve Comilang Red Herring AProfessionalDistraction.com Sketchy the Clown TorontoClown.com Fan Tan Fanny of The Firecrackers Li'l Relly of The Firecrackers Winchester: Mind Over Body Obskyura Obskyura.com Kitty Kerosene Cherry Temple Doppelganger Ab Horrence And Winner of the 2011 Toronto Strip Search Trixi Jones If you are Performer and would like to Donate your Talent to the Cause please email - WinchesterMOB[at]gmail[dot]com with a Video Link of Your Favourite FUN Act if possible

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Yes I'm in the shop, but so are fine vintage sports cars! You still can buy amazing things by checking out my SHOP and these other fine establishments:
Plastic Wrap, Trap Door, and Ransack the Universe! All awesome and all in TO!
I've been doing craft shows across the city to keep myself out of trouble. You can find out where I'll be by checking out my WORLD DOMINATION SCHEDULE on my craft blog We're All A Little Mad Here!
Anyway, I'll still be moseying around and thanks for all the support! You all ROCK!
Creepily yours,
Mel
Melissa Hamel-Smith:
Owner and Artist of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities

Geez I'm Bad At Keeping Up My Blogs!

Hello everyone!

I am so sorry it's been so long since I've updated this blog! Without further ado, I'm going to jump right into an update:

As of a few weeks ago I am off the Diamox I was taking to reduce the cranial pressure which caused this mess in the first place. The pressure and optic nerve swelling are gone, thanks in part (or wholly, we're unsure) to the weight I have lost from the lap band surgery. Unfortunately there isn't any improvement in my eyesight, however the brain is an amazing thing and has been filling in "blank spots" allowing my functionality to improve (ie I haven't walked into anything in quite a while!).  

Well, that's pretty much it for now! Again, sorry for the huge gap between posts! I promise I'll try to do better!

In the meantime, I've found a Facebook Group on Pseudotumor Cerebri/Intracranial Hypertension which explains the disorder and provides information for both those who suffer from the condition as well as their friends and family. Check it out!

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Yes I'm in the shop, but so are fine vintage sports cars! You still can buy amazing things by checking out my SHOP and these other fine establishments:
Plastic Wrap, Trap Door, and Ransack the Universe! All awesome and all in TO!
I've been doing craft shows across the city to keep myself out of trouble. You can find out where I'll be by checking out my WORLD DOMINATION SCHEDULE on my craft blog We're All A Little Mad Here!
Anyway, I'll still be moseying around and thanks for all the support! You all ROCK!
Creepily yours,
Mel
Melissa Hamel-Smith:
Owner and Artist of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities

Thank You... You Rock!

Thank you SO MUCH to those who have donated! We just knocked another $193 off what is owed, leaving us with $2,239.95!

If you're in the position to donate, please do! If not, please spread the word! Everything sold in my shop goes toward what's owed as does anything sold at shows. You can also find my goods at these amazing Toronto stores: Plastic Wrap, Trap Door, and Ransack the Universe.


Thanks to all... YOU ROCK!!!


xoxoxo
Creepily yours,
Mel
Melissa Hamel-Smith:
Owner and Artist of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities

Whoa! It's Been a While!

Wow. I am a baaaaad blogger! I suppose it's good in a way... it means I've been doing other stuff beside sitting at the computer feeling sorry for myself. 

Things are going well, meaning I've taken up my art again. Sewing is challenging... what with all the threading needles and such, but luckily the bulk of my work is using larger needles and embroidery floss. I have the computer set up with large letters on the keyboard and I can zoom in on almost anything by clicking Ctrl and the Up arrow, which has been invaluable for graphic designing and printing notecards. So far I haven't found anything in the house that I can't do... key words being "in the house."   

Unfortunately, I've been struggling outside of the house. I do so well inside I convince myself that I'll be equally at ease outdoors doing things like driving or "just running in" for something. Then, after leaving the house, I get hit with reality - I can't drive, I can't "just run in," I can't see. Inside I'm familiar with everything. I know where everything is. And the walls make finite scenery. Outside the wide open space makes me dizzy and anxious which I try to calm by looking at my feet or at the pavement just in front of where I'm walking. 

A couple times I convinced myself that I was ok to drive. I haven't driven since April. Driving is one of my favorite things to do and I HATE not having the freedom to go where I want when I want. I believe if I concentrated real hard I'd be able to drive... but it'd have to be in bright weather and in medium traffic. I haven't given it a go yet. Husband doesn't think it's a good idea.


I almost got on transit... if walking 50 feet toward the bus stop counts. I hated transit before all this... I don't think this is going to make me love it. 


Shopping takes forever. Instead of scanning a wall and grabbing what I need, I have to search item by item, holding them close to my eyes. The days of "running in" are over except for the obvious bread, milk, and other familiar items.


So I stay in the house, where I'm safe and in control. Husband and I have started taking walks which we hope will me get used to being outside the house (as well as help with the weight loss). 


I hope it doesn't come across like I'm complaining, because I'm not. I'm thankful that my eyesight isn't getting any worse. If anything I'm just frustrated and disappointed. 


Enough whining... as for my diet, I'm down 44lbs. and doing well. I love fitting into clothes that I haven't worn in ages! I have a doctor appointment with my ophthalmologist October 5th. We'll see if I still need to take the spinal fluid reducing pills and how my eyes are looking! 


Again, I hate asking but, there is still an outstanding balance for my surgery (approximately $2,000). I know money doesn't grow on trees, but if you can donate a couple bucks it'd be greatly appreciated! If you want something for your money, feel free to peruse my SHOP. And I absolutely adore a challenge so if you want a custom order, feel free to contact me at kaoticekko [at] gmail [dot] com!


I thank everyone for their amazing support!


♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Yes I'm in the shop, but so are fine vintage sports cars! You still can buy amazing things by checking out my SHOP and these other fine establishments:
Plastic Wrap, Trap Door, and Ransack the Universe! All awesome and all in TO!
I'm even managing to do some shows! Check out The World Domination Schedule on my art blog We're All A Little Mad Here to find out where I'll be!
Anyway, I'm lurking. Thanks for all the support! You all ROCK!
Creepily yours,
Mel
Melissa Hamel-Smith:
Owner and Artist of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities

MiniUpdate

 So, I'm having a problem with my right calf... it feels like a constant charlie horse (muscle cramp) which started last Monday. The last time I had something like this they thought it was a blood clot, so I got sent for a full ultrasound workup. Nothing like someone pushing with all his might on the area that hurts! I've come to the conclusion that my body hates exercise: the first I started when my hubby and I took ballroom dancing classes and this one started after we bought sneakers for walking. etc. Coincidence? I think not! (I've checked and this doesn't seem to have any connection to the Posttumour Cerebri or the Diamox pills I'm on.)

However, my body will NOT get the best of me! My appointment ran late and hubby had to leave for his own doctor appointment. So I started walking in the direction of his doctor's office and ended up walking a mile... without dying! It's a Canada Day miracle! Of course my right leg hurt but I ignored it.

Oh yeah... and I'm up to 34lbs. lost! Woot woot!


♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Yes I'm in the shop, but so are fine vintage sports cars! You still can buy amazing things by checking out my SHOP and these other fine establishments:
Plastic Wrap, Trap Door, The Rage, and Ransack the Universe! All awesome and all in TO!
I might even be up for some shows too if someone were to take on the the not-so-flattering job of making sure I don't fall down, I don't break anything, and that no one pays me in wooden nickels! WOW! I can see the line forming fast!!!)
Anyway, I'll still be moseying around and thanks for all the support! You all ROCK!
Creepily yours,
Mel
Melissa Hamel-Smith:
Owner and Artist of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities

One Month after the Surgery and my First Adjustment

 So yesterday was the one month mark since my surgery. I had two appointments at the clinic: one with the nutritionist and one to get an adjustment. The nutritionist was pleased with how I'm doing, I just have to cut back more on carbs... which make me sad because I'm a sucker for sandwiches and cereal! But somehow I will survive! Then off I went to see one of the nurses who by feel injected the ring with something which made it tighten around the stomach. I was amazed that the nurse could find the injection sight without some sort of machine... really goes to show you the top-notch care the Surgical Weight Loss Centre provides. I would, without hesitation, recommend them to anyone! They are amazing!

So the total weight loss so far since April 30th is 28lbs. In the words of my family doctor: Holy crap! Hopefully the adjustment will help me lose even more!

As far as my eyesight, it's remained the same. No improvement but no further degradation either which is what we were aiming for. So I say "SUCCESS!"

Again, I'll be glad to answer any questions you might have! Just list 'em in the comments!

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Yes I'm in the shop, but so are fine vintage sports cars! You still can buy amazing things by checking out my SHOP and these other fine establishments:
Plastic Wrap, Trap Door, The Rage, and Ransack the Universe! All awesome and all in TO!
I might even be up for some shows too if someone were to take on the the not-so-flattering job of making sure I don't fall down, I don't break anything, and that no one pays me in wooden nickels! WOW! I can see the line forming fast!!!)
Anyway, I'll still be moseying around and thanks for all the support! You all ROCK!
Creepily yours,
Mel
Melissa Hamel-Smith:
Owner and Artist of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities

2.5 Weeks After the Surgery

So it's been approximately two and a half weeks since my surgery. I feel pretty good... four of the five incisions are almost completely healed. The fifth was the most severe and is still sore. I went for a check-up and the nurse said everything looked good. I'm not losing weight as rapidly as before because I've started eating "real food" now. I'm on Week 3 of the recovery diet which is soft food: tuna, egg, cottage cheese, etc. (sushi on my birthday! Hey, it's soft!). Next week I'll be able to eat real food! The hardest time I'm having with this is eating more than once a day. That's a habit I picked up in college; there wasn't time to eat until dinner. And that's just as bad for you as over-eating all day long! But I have been trying! 

Just a little update on the donation front - we'd like to thank a group of donors who would like to remain anonymous for their very large donation. Both my husband and I are extremely touched and overwhelmed with gratitude. Thank you.

And a huge thank you, of course, to all of you who have donated. By helping us financially you have lifted a huge burden and I'm able to concentrate on recovery instead of money! You all ROCK!


If you haven't made a donation and would like to, you can either use the Paypal button on the right or purchase something from my SHOP. We are still $2,933.55 away from our goal. 


And some good news: I will be making my vending comeback on June 18th at THE CIRCUS CABARET ROADSHOW at the Blue Moon Pub! I will have *NEW* pins and cards. C'mon down... it'll be worth it... GUARANTEED!

 Thanks again for all your support! You guys help me make it through! xoxoxo

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦ Yes I'm in the shop, but so are fine vintage sports cars! You still can buy amazing things by checking out my SHOP and these other fine establishments:
Plastic Wrap, Trap Door, The Rage, and Ransack the Universe! All awesome and all in TO!
I might even be up for some shows too if someone were to take on the the not-so-flattering job of making sure I don't fall down, I don't break anything, and that no one pays me in wooden nickels! WOW! I can see the line forming fast!!!)
Anyway, I'll still be moseying around and thanks for all the support! You all ROCK!
Creepily yours,
Mel
Melissa Hamel-Smith:
Owner and Artist of Kaotic Ekko's Curiosities