Factor V and Todd

Both Melanie and Todd have Factor Five. Dad Leonard has Factor Five. I do not.

Melanie had a small stroke when she was Todd's age. Todd is 45 and will be 46 on the 26th of November. His stroke was a wake-up call for me and I think that all of my children should be tested. It may prevent problems in the future.

Kirsten has also been tested and does not have it. None of the rest of you have been tested. Todd's doctor said that it was important for all of you to manage your cholesterol under 200. Dad received the gene from his mother. I am assuming that Eva and Don also have it though, to my knowledge, neither have been tested.

There is a site (http://www.fvleiden.org/) for those who are interested.

Factor V Leiden Mutation (http://www.fvleiden.org/links.html)

Venous thrombosis is a significant cause of mortality in the U.S., with an annual incidence of 1/1000. It accounts for a half a million hospitalizations and causes over 50,000 deaths annually. Hereditary disorders predisposing to thrombosis include the factor V Leiden genetic mutation, the factor II (prothrombin) gene G to A 20210 mutation, protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, antithrombin III deficiency, and dysfibrinogenemia.

Of these, the factor V Leiden mutation is by far the most common, accounting for up to 40% of all cases, and up to 75% of cases of recurrent thrombosis. It has approximately a 5% prevalence in the general population and is at least 10 times more common than any other known thrombophilic genetic defect.

In general, thrombophilic patients are targeted. Clinical criteria for thrombophilia includes venous thrombosis or thromboembolism which occurs before the age of 45 or is recurrent, a family history of venous thrombosis or thromboembolism, or a history of thrombosis in an unusual anatomic location, or recurrent superficial thrombophlebitis.

The factor V Leiden mutation can be diagnosed using a simple PCR genetic assay. Unlike conventional coagulation assays, it can be performed in anticoagulated patients.

Genetic counseling is available by calling the Allina Molecular Diagnostics Lab. The Molecular Diagnostic Lab's team of certified genetic counselors will help with any questions about the test or issues for families.

I have not called this lab but, perhaps, I should.

Thanksgiving 2011--Who Is Coming to Nephi?

Kimberly wrote: Planning on Nephi for the Thursday.  And Friday in Kaysville.

Let us know what part of the meal you’d like us to prepare. 

Myrna wrote: Thank you!

Links for Factor V

Both Melanie and Todd have Factor Five. Dad Leonard has Factor Five. I do not. Melanie had a small stroke when she was Todd's age. Todd is 45 and will be 46 on the 26th of November. Kirsten has also been tested and does not have it. None of the rest of you have been tested. Todd's doctor said that it was important for all of you to manage your cholesterol under 200. Dad received the gene from his mother. I am assuming that Eva and Don also have it though, to my knowledge, neither have been tested. There is a site (http://www.fvleiden.org/) for those who are interested. Factor V Leiden Mutation (http://www.fvleiden.org/links.html)

Thanks for your help, Melanie

Thanks to Melanie, Dad and I learned about Todd while we were at the temple. I am glad that Amy thought to call her. I talked to her and then left a message for Dad to get in touch with me. I was in charge of the initiatory desk today and was easier to get to than Dad who was on a session. When Dad came, he called Amy on her cell at the Columbus, Ohio, Hospital. I was not supposed to leave my post but the secretary in the office said the message from Melanie was urgent. I found a person to take my place and went to talk to her. President Pinegar learned about it, told us to go home and to find out what was happening. We are excused from tomorrow's shift and Sunday's devotional. He told us that Todd would be fine. He and those we work with agreed that we should, at least, be near the phone. Many of our friends at the temple think that we should fly out. President Pinegar thought we should, at least, stay in touch. Amy thinks we should wait a bit. Todd has some paralysis on his left side but his speech is not affected. I guess we will just hang loose. I am such a worry wart that it is easier for me to go and see than sit and wait. I did not know that President Pinegar had lost a son to an accident.

Flowers for Todd

Myrna wrote: I ended up ordering from this site (orders@fromyouflowers.com). No one else would guarantee delivery by Sunday. Is it any good? Melanie wrote: I don't really know. I haven't used them before. I hope you get a good result. Mel Myrna wrote to Amy G: Let me know if you don't get this. From You Flowers Online Order #89605865 Melanie wrote: We had that terrible storm. The post office said some things were delayed, due to power outages. Myrna wrote: That was also the excuse for the flowers being delivered late, with an apology, to Todd. ‏

Melanie Information on Stroke

You know if it was a TIA, like what they thought mine was, the chances of his recovery being quick are great. I don't know that you know this, but there is a Stroke Association, just like for the cancer and lung diseases. They have a fabulous website. It has a lot of information on it's web page and you can view all kinds of interactive pages to help you understand what diagnosis Todd might get and just what kinds of stroke there are. We can pray that it is a TIA, which is very manageable. http://www.stroke.org/site/PageServer?pagename=explainingstroke Hope that comforts you somewhat. The risk of having a stroke increases with certain things, but Todd and I have been trying to manage our health, we talk about it all the time. We exercise, eat right and he had his cholesterol under control. Amy and I are wondering if it had something to do with his plane flight a few weeks ago, which can increase the risk. I love you. Be comforted. Mel Myrna wrote: Is it OK if I share this with your siblings? I do worry about plane flights for both Dad, who has Factor 5, and for me, because I have distended vein walls. Melanie wrote: I'm not sure everyone wants to know all this stuff. If you feel like you need to send it you can. It was intended more just for you. Myrna wrote: I didn't send it. I asked first. Love, M

Todd

Amy G wrote: Thank you to everyone for your prayers for Todd. And thank you especially to Melanie for all the calls she made last night for me. I called her since it sounded exactly like what she had experienced a few years and she would know what was going on and what to expect (more than I would) if anyone had questions. Thank you Melanie! Update: MRI last night confirmed a minor stroke at the base of his skull. Had then went in for an ultrasound to check for any other possible clots floating around, and they didn't find any more. He has no paralysis anywhere, but the left side of this body is numb and can't feel. He still has full range of movement and has not lost any strength on that side. Doctor (finally) prescribed morphine for his head pain so he's been able to relax and get some rest. The doctor informed him that he will be having a busy day today with all the testing their planning on doing, one of them being a camera put down his throat so they can look at his heart from the inside of his chest, and also starting physical therapy. Doctor said he will be in the hospital probably through Monday. He is in Room 517 at Mt Carmel East Hospital in Columbus. Main number is (614) 234-6000 if anyone might want to call. Just know he will be more out of his room today than in, and he is on morphine, but he is coherent. I am heading over to spend the day with him and a wonderful family is taking the kids today, I will be coming home around 5:30 for our ward trunk or treat party that Todd doesn't want the kids to miss. We will play it by ear for tomorrow and church... We are doing fine out here, our ward family is a huge support and are taking care of any needs we may have. Everyone is begging to come get the kids so I can go be with Todd and the kids are happy to go play too! If you could just keep Todd in your prayers, that's all we need right now. Thank you to everyone for your love and concern. My cell # is 740-817-2564. Feel free to call or text me anytime. Also, Todd is asking that it not be broadcast on Facebook, not that anyone would, just keeping his wishes met. You are more than welcome to tell extended family, he doesn't want it kept a secret, he just doesn't want it on the world-wide-web, lol! Thank you again for all your prayers, he can feel them on his behalf. Love to all, Todd wrote: Thank you Mel. I asked Amy to ask Mel to make the calls so Amy could focus on the kids. I really think I'm going to be fine but it will take some time. Love you all. Myrna wrote: If you can type and think, my prayers have been answered!!!! I love you. Should we come? We think we should.

Do You Want to Fly to Todd

Melanie wrote: As you are probably aware, Kirsten is willing to pay for you to fly anywhere you need. Howard and I are able to contribute some money to the flying fund as well. I am really thinking about going to see him this coming weekend. Not sure how that will work out with Mikaela, but I want to go. I will talk with you more later. Mel Myrna wrote: I would like to go. Amy seems to think that we should wait until Monday.

Todd, I am sorry--Auntie Eva

Eva Dixon
10/30/11
Dear Tim and Myrna: I can truly imagine what you are going through. I do think President's advice is very good. From experience, it is much better to not have too many folks around when therapy and everything  that goes on for the patient. I was so blessed when #8 happened on 2010.  I knew what was happening and i just need my kids to get me to the right hospital so I could have the medication that stops the stroke. It has to be given with in three to four hours from when the stroke hits. The thing is you need to get to a hospital  that is authorized and has to be given by a neurologist.   The 7th one, Jim got me to the hospital here but they didn't tell him they could not help me with the med.; My neurologist told me this one was a big one but the med did not reach the very center of the stroke and she did not know what that would affect. I have found it affected my ability to concentrate at home but I can go to the library and concentrate on the work here for a whole day with terrific results.  I am finding so many family members. Enough , i need go get some supper.God bless you and Todd.  Much love always.   Eva .

Todd Had a Stroke

Todd had a stroke today. He is in the Columbus, Ohio, Hospital. We were at the temple when we received a call from Melanie. President Pinegar learned about it, told us to go home and to find out what was happening. We are excused from tomorrow's shift and Sunday's devotional. He told us that Todd would be fine. It was a consensus that we should, at least, be near the phone. Many of our friends at the temple think that we should fly out. President Pinegar thought we should, at least, stay in touch and be near the phone. Amy thinks we should wait a bit. Todd has some paralysis on his left side but his speech is not affected. I guess we will just hang loose.

Amy and Todd's Gordon Family

Maxine Gordon wrote: We buried my brother today in Spanish Fork. I hope Todd will be okay. He is such a special person. I am so sorry to hear this. He works too hard at being bishop. Did you know Brent had his gallbladder out today? He is fine. Myrna wrote: I found out that Brent had his gallbladder out when Melanie called to tell us about Todd. I did not know about your brother. I am sorry to hear about that. It was a sad day for you, I am sure. I think Todd just works too hard at everything he does. He wears himself ragged. Amy tried to tell him to go to the doctor when he had a terrible headache for the past three days. He told her he didn't have time to go.

AnnMarie and Summer in a Photo

I babysat Summer after Melanie went back to school in the fall. Melanie had taken care of her during the summer. This was in 1978 through 1979. I really enjoyed her but then I got pregnant with David and had to quit. I kept it up for a time until I got larger and was having so much trouble with my back and hip. I was sad to see her go and felt sorry that I could not care for her. Her mother was the county extension agent. There was just Summer at the time. Summer had a rough time adjusting to a new babysitter and I really did feel terrible about not being able to keep up. I started for the newspaper after that and would have had a difficult time watching her at any rate. 

Melanie wrote: Brenda and Dale Bradford were the parents. Summer and Colin were the children at that time.

Myrna wrote: Melanie, you did babysit them both after that at times, did you not? I don't really remember Colin.


Melanie wrote: Yes, by about two years. You watched Summer, then you became pregnant just after she had Colin. You felt horrible, because your back was bothering you so much, that you couldn't keep watching her children, because they wanted to be held all the time and you couldn't do it.
Mel


Myrna wrote: I don't know that I watched Colin. I think I only watched Summer. Now that I think about it, I think Colin was born around the same time as David. I do remember that I hated to stop watching Summer but I just could not lift her. I really did love her. I could get down easier than I could lift up and I would change her diapers while she laid on the floor. I had to boost her up onto the sofa so she could nap. Then I would sit by her and sing to her. I really did think I was being unfair to her because I could not hold her as she liked to be held. Her mom had Annette Lovell watch her for a month but she did not think that Annette was clean enough. That surprised me. I didn't ever think I managed to be particularly tidy though I did try and so did you older kids. She told me that she found an older lady in her ward who watched Summer and just doted on her. So that was good.

I wanted to tell all of you about my newest adventure so am sending this to each of you

Eva wrote: I wanted to tell all of you about my newest adventure so am sending this to each of you who I have email addresses.

When I was on my mission, one of the couples was from Liberty, Missouri ( Harvey and Laura Evans). I have stayed in touch with many of the missionaries including these  two.  Unfortunately, Harvey passed away suddenly  not quite two years ago.

Sometime ago, the Church awarded a contract to my son, David, an architect to design a new Stake Center  building. It is built on the same property as the new  Kansas Area Temple that was announced a couple years ago in General Conference.

Until I received a letter from Laura several months ago that their  Temple in Liberty was coming right along,  I had no idea that was where it was. A couple weeks ago, she called me on a Thursday morning and said she had talked to their Stake President and he said the dedication of their new Stake Center would be on the 6th of November and that I needed to come and be there for it.

I talked to David and he and Eulale (his wife) will be going one the 3rd for meetings
he has on Friday and Saturday. I also called Richard and he got me a first class ticket so I could be more comfortable and a wheel chair so I won't have to walk far. He has lots  of flying miles which he used for me. I am really excited to be there and to also see the Temple exterior at least.  

Laura called me back and asked me to stay a few more days, but I could not change my ticket so she said I have to come back again so she can take me to all of the things and places there are to see back there.
 
Well, that is a synopsis of my plans. I am excited but a bit anxious; I have not been on a flying trip for a very long time.  It should be a great experience.
 
I hope all is all with you and yours. God bless you all.

Love, you,
     Grandma and Eva

Myrna wrote: Three cheers for you!!!!! I am so happy for you and I know that you will have a wonderful time. It will be great to be at a stake center dedication for a building that David designed. Congratulations to him, as well. And how wonderful it is of Richard to make certain that you get to travel in comfort (and style). You certainly deserve all of the great treatment. Have fun. We will be thinking about you and your great adventure.

Golden Wedding Anniversary Flowers Are Lasting Well

Myrna wrote: Melanie, the flowers you arranged, and paid for, are still blooming, fresh-looking and beautiful. The water today is looking a bit murky so, in the a.m., I will change it again. Other than that, they are still gorgeous. Thank you!!!! The roses are about had, however. I treated them the same as the sunflowers but they must not be as sturdy because the blooms are starting to look dry.

CD Vs Other Methods of Transferring Thousands of Photos

CDs are the preferred method of transferring photos from my hands to yours, at least, of the majority of you. Most of you have no trouble accepting emailed photos but you do get tired of having to deal with email when you have had a long day working. I guess you can look at CDs on the computer when you feel like it.

The concern with the site is that you all have to have a password and that never works with our family. I don't know why, it just doesn't. Tell me how many of you visited MyFamily.com? How many of you visit "I Heard It Trough the Trauntvein" our family blog site? Once again, I am betting, it is because you can't remember your password. You need to make it something simple, that you can remember.

You are all worried about the expense of burning CDs. That is the least of my concerns. I certainly can afford $20 once a month for a container of 20 CDs. My concern was the time and Dad's complaints about how much time I spent doing it. Getting a CD ready to print takes some time and then 5-7 minutes per CD (about an hour) to burn them takes a bit more. I usually start them burning and then work on other projects in the office because, just as sure as I leave, the stupid CD will decide that it is unprintable and I have to eject it, throw it away, and insert a new CD. That never happens if I stick around. (And don't tell me it is because of the brand of CDs I use. I have tried several brands.) Dad said he will be content with the time issue because it is evident that you all want the CDs.

Burning CDs is like doing dishes. You think you are done and things are looking nice and then you have to start over again. In the kitchen, someone gets a drink and there is a glass to wash and at CD burning time, someone sends a great photo. Oh well. At least I am not dealing with bees like Dad and Jim.

However, Kirsten, I liked the site that you started and, if we want to post a few photos there from our ancient pasts and see how well the family uses it, it might be worth a gamble. AnnMarie doesn't want any of her kids' names attached to any of the photos. Neither does Julie. It is great being loved in small town America. That means that everyone will need a password.

     

Additions to the Golden Wedding Guest Book

Myrna wrote: Amy, while you are still working to finish the booklet you made for us for the guest to sign at the open house, could you print these off and put them in the book, please? They are the emails. Or I could.

Amy wrote: SURE THING :)

Myrna wrote: That's just one of the reasons I love you. You are just so thoughtful. Thanks.

Nanci Done wrote: "I Love this!!!!! Happy Anniversary! Awwwww!

Maxine Gordon wrote: "Congratulations! Thanks for the invitation. It is nice to be remembered. I have really enjoyed my associations with you."

Ella Dean Hunter wrote: "I want to congratulate you. You are two of my favorite people. And I want to send my congratulations. I will not be able to come but you both have my very best. Love you and my very best go to you. I so much loved working in the temple with you, and I have missed you."

Kathee Terry Zenger wrote: "Congratulations to two very wonderful people! Your family touched and helped me growing up and I still am influenced by them today. Have the knowledge to know that your marriage has influenced and affected more than just your own children.

Lisa Blackett wrote: "Congratulations to an awesome couple that has touched my life :)"

Emily McCabe Allison wrote: "Wow! "Congratulations Myrna and Leonard!!! That’s what my Juab Teacher looks like now!!!"

Sharon Stanworth Jarrett wrote: "Happy Anniversary"

Tami Talbot Day wrote: "Congrats to one of my favorite couples!"

Sheralyn Jones Brown wrote: "Congratulations, Brother and Sister Trauntvein! What a wonderful couple you are and what a great family you have raised! Thank you for the great example!"

Caren Wilcox wrote: "Congratulations Cousin Myrna! I loved the announcement in the post. All the best for the future with your family."

Charlotte Ann Smith Freeman wrote: "Congrats, sis!!! You are two very good people and I'm happy we've known each other even longer than your 50 years together!"

Cynthia Mikesell wrote: "CONGRATULATIONS!!!"

Janeen Howick B wrote: "Congratulations Myrna and Leonard!!!! WOW!!!!"

Pat Fullmer Howard wrote: "How wonderfu lMyrna & Leonard, Happy Anniversary....."

DeAnn Sperry Baxter wrote: "This is soooo awesome!!! Love you both!!!"

J Ross Christensen wrote: "Congratulations! Here's to another 50. And THEN on to eternity."

Patsy Ragle wrote: "Happy Anniversary to you both!! I hope that you have an eternity of love and happieness!! I think the world of both of you!! all my love!

Patsy"

Suzie Talbot Applegate wrote: "Wow! 50 years ~ what a great accomplishment! Wishing you many, many more!!!"

Deborah Knight Wilson wrote: "Congratulations! Doesn't time go fast???"

Susie Fairbanks wrote: “Myrna, you're so cute! I figured it was something like that. Love your picture on your 50th anniversary announcement! You make such a cute couple! It's neat to see how you both looked on your wedding day! 50 years is such an incredible milestone! My parents will be married 50 years next May 29 so you were married a few months before they were. I'm hoping we can make it down to Nephi for your golden anniversary celebration. That would be so much fun! Rich is nervous about driving back to Orangeville that night. He doesn't like night driving, especially with it being deer season. We'll have to see how things work out. Would love to see you!! Thank you so much for the invite! I consider you a close friend, too! :)”

Becky Leavitt Christensen wrote: "Jared wonders if he could bring a few swords and have a sword fight. :) that is awesome, you guys are great and we miss you."

Kyle Ashworth wrote: "Congrats you two."

About Photo Sharing: I Just Don't Know

Photo sharing is becoming extremely popular on the Internet, especially with the increased participation in social networking websites. While there are specific photo swapping sites available for those who want to share their photographs, what if you want to pick and choose who is allowed to view them? Most websites have little or no way of setting limitations on the photographs you share, as far as who can view, share or distribute them. When there are privacy settings available, they are often difficult to set up or there are loops around them that allow strangers to view your precious memories.

Thankfully there are ways of protecting these memories, and the best way is throughsecure photo sharing by digitally locking up the photos you share. You can choose the privacy level you desire and exactly who can and cannot view your photographs. Why would you need such a service?

Below are three important reasons you might want to consider locking up your photographs. Which is important to you?

1. Copyright Infringement

Whether you take photographs of your family for fun, or are an avid nature photographer who likes to sell your photos online, it’s important to protect the rights of your photos. If you allow the public to view your photographs, it’s very hard to protect them from being downloaded and used in various ways. Others may even take your beautiful pictures and sell them as your own. Keep the copyrights to your work safe by securing them. Websites such as Keep and Share make it possible to not only digitally lock up your photos, but still share them with other parties or family members as needed.

2. Privacy Issues

If you are an avid user of social networking websites such as Facebook and MySpace, you know how important online privacy is. Though sites such as those allow privacy options for your photos, often the settings are difficult to figure out by the average person. This allows your private photographs to be visible to anyone who can find your profile. Considering that most of us take pictures of what is most priceless to us, it is understandable that you would want to protect the privacy of those photographs. Securing pictures digitally keeps strangers from glancing into your life, and can even protect your possessions from theft.

3. Safety and Protection

One of the biggest reasons to secure your photographs digitally is to protect the health and safety of your family, especially children. If you want to share pictures of your family as they grow and change, you can do so without sacrificing their innocence as they are exposed to strangers’ wandering eyes. Though we would all like to think nothing bad will ever happen to our children, the sad fact is that children are at the greatest risk for abuse. Secure photo sharing allows you to pick and choose exactly who can see your children, which gives you as the parent the greatest control over their safety.

Questions from Myrna

Do you want to receive photos?

Do you want to receive photos via email?

Do you want me to post to a site?

The problem, as I see it, is that we have to password protect a photo site and no one ever uses such sites because they don't remember the password.

Kirsten's idea:

Kirsten sent an example of one place you can do it that is very secure. Only those we send a link to can access the photos and we have to enter their email addresses and we can also select to let only those we share the link with (the siblings and me) to contribute photos. It is called picasaweb.

I did download some of the photos on the site Kirsten recommended. Go and see what you think.


Kirsten wrote: I still think we can upload a majority of photos using a secure site.  We could leave those with ams and Julie's kids off.  Most of the photos I think the majority of us want are the younger years of our family and genealogy type photos.  What does everyone else think?

Melanie wrote: For the same reason that others can only receive a few photo emails. There is a quota and a size for each file, to protect the user from receiving junk mail or viruses. The one system that we use with Braden is photobucket. You can invite only family if you want and anyone can upload photos or download photos, as long as they have access to the site. Melanie

Myrna wrote: Thanks. Who is going to decide what we do? Kirsten also had an idea. Why don't you work  it out together and let me know. 

AnnMarie: I know that you are trying to stay out of the latest family "discussion" though I have tossed your name about. However, I would like to know your thoughts on the photos and putting them on a site vs emailing them. I suppose you want this kept private between us. But I value your knowledge and would like to know what you think about the safety of sites. I suppose that the only safe way is to save them to CDs but Dad thinks that takes too much time and he may be right. It is not a question of expense. But there are a lot of photos and it takes hours to scan them--about 15 minutes per scan. Then, on top of that, it take five minutes to burn a CD. I have to stay with it because, one out of 10 or so, will not burn properly. Is there a safe way to post them to a site which takes about 5 minutes per photo (as opposed to the 5 minutes per CD burn times 10)? Is there a safe site? Kirsten and Todd think all the sites can be protected. Eric likes either CDs or email. David likes a site or CDs. Julie does not like sites. Kimberly has also stayed silent. Melanie thinks that a site would be a solution though she has lots of capacity on her computer. What do YOU think? You work with sickos and have training in ways to protect yourself and, therefore, I value your opinion.

Talk over all your ideas with AnnMarie and Julie. They both have concerns with sites. I didn't used to but, last week, I typed my name into google because I was looking for an article I had written a number of years ago. I found it, no surprise. I also found, on public access, three e-mails I had sent to others from my sisna account way back then. They were word for word--my reply to one and the email they had sent me--and I started to think that once something is on the web it is on the web. I don't know if I am just worried of ghosts and goblins but it did make me think.

Of course, that being said, I have sent the photos via email.

AnnMarie wrote: I like the pictures.  I don't care how they are delivered.  If you do it on a site, don't include names of my kids.

Shawn wrote: I have appreciated receiving the CD’s in the past, but that is more costly for you. Online takes time to download, especially if you can’t do a whole folder at a time, and I don’t spend an a lot of time on computers once I leave work. Also, it seemed some of the sites charged you annually. Email might overwhelm size limits sometimes. I wonder if a server or a computer with remote access turned on would be a good way to do it, of course we would want a password again.


Melanie wrote: There were so many emails to read, I thought I would start at the bottom (the newest comes first) and read to the top. I responded before I had read all 52 emails. I like the photobucket idea and I also like Kirsten's idea.

With a family as large as ours, there will be different needs for different folks. Many of us go to Utah yearly. You said that the cds were costing time and money and not everyone wanted them. Therefore, send out a mass email and tell people what photos you are copying and ask them how they want them stored/sent.When they want a cd, have them supply the cds and then give them the option of paying for postage or picking up the cd when they see you. Or let them know that you have them stored on your hard drive and are willing to send out the photos that day.

I like Kirsten, have downloaded most of the photos to my "Trauntvein Family Photo History" storage folder, but not everyone has the capacity to store that amount of files, especially if they have children who use the computer and store their files.

There is a solution. It can be worked out. We just need to not overthink it. Some sites are very protected, but all forts have holes and eventually someone can get through and find pictures. They can even take them off of school websites and out of yearbooks, which can be scanned. Not even emails are safe anymore. I know mine has been hacked before (as was my credit card and checking account).

I know the family is not saying they don't appreciate your work, they just have a limit to the size of files and the capacity on their computers for the files sent. Mel

Myrna wrote: Meanwhile, back at the ranch. It is not the cost. A few CDs will not put me in the poorhouse today or tomorrow. I don't need money. I need time.

Make a decision, after talking to Ams and Juls, then let me know. 


Kirsten wrote: I'd say go with whichever one offers most free storage.  Either way, we'll have to do what Todd suggested and leave them up for a certain amount of time, then give everyone notice before we have to delete and upload the next set.  We're talking hundreds of pics though.

It's a Grumpy Day!

There goes that Pitts/Pritchett temper again. I will make three CDs. I will keep them here. If anyone wants to borrow them, I will send them one. They can copy as they choose. If any of you would still like to get the photos, as Kirsten does, let me know and I will send them. Jim and Karma have said they want the one with all the family. You must now say either yes or no. I cannot compress the files because I do not know how. I just figured out how to copy slides. I do not want to learn how to compress files the same day. Dad says he thinks I spend too much time doing all of this. He says I would be better off going for a walk. He says that when we (he and I) die, you will just send them all to the dump anyway. That is his take.

As for facebook, I don't post photos except for my own. I do have all the protections set. However, I know that they do not always work. That is why facebook is trying to make the site more secure.

We have the Trauntvein blog site and I have lots and lots of stuff on that. It is so protected, however, that I am the only one who ever visits it. You have to be invited to view it and I have invited you all. However, I don't think anyone but Melanie has ever gone there. I know, because she thanked me for my posts. I also maintain the "Grammy's Gleanings" blog and I put on there what I want about myself and Dad and I do not protect it. I actually hope that someone reads it. I don't have any followers, it has small audience appeal, so I will never become rich nor famous but I do have the beginnings of my history on there.

I began taking all these photos, as did my dad, because there were only a dozen photos of my mother when she died. That is so few that in a blink you could forget she ever lived. I wanted a photo history of each of you. I have one. It doesn't matter to me whether anyone else cares. I care. I took them for me and for my dad. He appreciated them as well. No one else from my past lived long enough to enjoy them.

Amy J wrote: Eric and I really appreciate the photos and all the work that you have done to have them available for us.  As for other comments, I guess that you can't please everyone.  Amy

Myrna wrote: Thank you!!!!!!

I Think I Have a Temper

Myrna wrote: Have I offended AGAIN by being me?


Kirsten wrote: I think some family members think they have offended you.  Don't stress.  In two days we'll each be talking to someone about how awesome all these photos are that our mom has taken and sent to us.  Some of the family do use the photos a lot.

Todd  is actually one who does use the CDs, just not frequently.  Did you hear David and Todd talking about the downloads they had been doing and compiling?

Love you!  We all do.  :)

Kirsten

Myrna wrote: Well, I didn't let anyone offend me but I did let myself become angry.

Kirsten wrote: It's called being a family.  Dang it! :)

Myrna wrote: I hope that eternal families don't still have tempers. I've worked all of my life to master mine and it still gets the upper hand on some occasions. I guess I will just have to start over and work harder. Goodness Gracious! I am running out of years.

Bees

Merilyn: Hey—hope that semi-load of bees wasn’t your sons!  Is everything OK over there? Merilyn

Myrna wrote: So far! They are extracting this week. That did happen to us, however, a few years ago. It takes a couple of years to recover from that. It isn't just the loss of the bees it is also the fact that the hive numbers have to be built back up. All those hives take time and money to build and then, instead of allowing your bees (who are dead) to make new queens for new hives you have to buy the pricey queens from some place legal that sells them (often Hawaii). It was a pain! The biggest income to a beekeeper isn't the honey it is the pollination which begins in California and Florida right after the new year. There is no way to build up the number of hives to be considered for that at this time of year.

AnnMarie, Graduate

By the way, the photos are driving us all nuts.

Myrna wrote: You know what? Just forget it.

Kirsten wrote: Send them to me and I'll compile.  All I have to do is left-click, add to iPhoto and viola, it's done.  I've already moved all the ones you already sent over.  If anyone wants copies, they can ask me.  Does that work?  You have to use your downstairs computer and then delete  all the photos so you have enough storage; I have a huge backup, so I can keep them stored all in a "Trauntvein" file.  I'm grateful to have all the photos.

Myrna wrote: OK. I will do that. Thanks for your help. I keep trying to do nice things and they keep not being nice.

Talk Over All Your Ideas

Myrna wrote: Talk over all your ideas with AnnMarie and Julie. They both have concerns with sites. I didn't used to but, last week, I typed my name into google because I was looking for an article I had written a number of years ago. I found it, no surprise. I also found, on public access, three e-mails I had sent to others from my sisna account way back then. They were word for word--my reply to one and the email they had sent me--and I started to think that once something is on the web it is on the web. I don't know if I am just worried of ghosts and goblins but it did make me think.

Of course, that being said, I have sent the photos via email.

Kirsten wrote: I still think we can upload a majority of photos using a secure site.  We could leave those with ams and Julie's kids off.  Most of the photos I think the majority of us want are the younger years of our family and genealogy type photos.  What does everyone else think?


David wrote: Wow so many email strings consisting of the same subject...lol. I hope we can merge to this one string.

My two cents: I prefer a cd or I could do the storage site. The email could work for me, only if I create a new Gmail address that would be used just for pictures. My desk time is limited and I would like to go through the pictures at my own pace and organize them into folders. Don't know if that helps?

Love ya all or all ya all
David


Myrna wrote: Dad thinks I am nuts for even doing the photos at all: "When we die, if they want them, they can copy them. It will give them something to talk about for a few days. If we make it another 10 years, the technology will be so much better you'll wonder why you wasted your time." You noted who started this email business (me). Sixteen people communicating. 

I appreciate your opinions. Thanks for sharing. Most of you were much calmer than I was.

I actually appreciate everyone's opinions. Well, there are some exceptions. I do not like listening to some of the politicians' opinions but I get paid to do that. I think a few people on the national scene are nuts and I don't get paid for that. I think it is wisest for mom to not have opinions. I also think the sky is usually blue but I could be wrong.

Drat All These Photos

You'll note that I have named the photo (Master'sDegreeDad7.jpg) wrong. I hope you will all rename it. Dad says that this was his Educational Specialist Degree. The photos showing Dad with Shawn prior to his mission were his Master's Degree and those showing Shawn after his mission were his Ed. Specialist Degree. Sorry about that.

Kirsten wrote: Yes, it was his ed specialist--notice the ring on mel's finger...  That's what I remember about this graduation was that it was right after Mel got engaged.  :)

Now see, you should have all been at my shoulder when I did these. I am doing my albums page by page because everyone wants the OLD photos rather than the new ones. I am tired of making all those CDs. You can compile them and make your own. Hehehe.

Of course, being the blue person that I am, I will gladly make you a CD, IF you want me to. Eric wants the CDs. Any other takers? E-mail me a request.

As an aside, why can Melanie only receive one photo at a time on her email? If I send two, the message comes back as undeliverable. The same is true of Jim and Karma.

Todd wrote: Answer to your last question... I answered already and here it goes again. Your emails are pushing people over their quotas. They can't receive any emails including this response until they download the photos to a local copy on their PC. I believe, if you want to know proactively who would rather have a CD, look at your bounce-back notices and those that say they are over-quota are all good candidates for CDs. Thanks for scanning in the photos. It will likely take a number of weeks and months to do this knowing the volume of photos you have. Sounds like a good process of checks and balances could be set up so that you don't send duplicates and yet are able to disperse the photos. You might think about uploading them to a site where you can control who is seeing the photos. There are any number of sharing spaces our there from DropBox to Picassa. You would need to check them according to security. 

DropBox is a popular one. Once you fill up the free space, you could give everyone a few days to copy down the photos they want and then you can clobber the space with new ones. Google, BING or Yahoo for "free online storage". There are a lot of options out there. Of course, you already know about this quota stuff and online storage. I know I am pointing out the obvious. 

Myrna wrote: AnnMarie doesn't think there is a safe site. Yours and Jim and Karma's are the only ones I have received back, so far. 

Todd wrote: There are safe sites. 

Kirsten wrote: I agree.  Maybe just don't post the ones with AnnMarie's family online to respect her wishes. Kirsten

Myrna wrote: Talk to AnnMarie about it. She deals with people who take little kid's photos off of facebook and make them into porn.

Kirsten wrote: They can only get them off if your settings are open and/or you befriend sickos.

Myrna wrote: Not true. If your friend's friends befriend sickos (and you don't always know who is one) they can get them. By the way, just so you know, I have four convicted child sex offenders on the two blocks surrounding my house. They all started out with family members and moved on to the world in general.

Kirsten wrote: Actually, I have my facebook set to only friends.  Not even friends of friends can see what's on my page.  You can also adjust your settings to say that only a select list (besides your friends) can see your posts, page, etc.  The number one problem of people who get hacked or have their pictures abused is that they don't know how to protect it.  But, we're not talking about having you store on facebook.  You can use Walmart, you can use Sam's club, you can use PicasaWeb.  All are protected (if you make sure you select the right settings each time you upload).

Just my two cents. Kirsten

Todd: You can prevent friends friends in most cases. If you can't -- just don't use that location. Where there is a will, there is a way. 

Why are you resending all these?

Myrna wrote: The others are too small a dpi. These are not. Discard the earlier ones because they are pretty much useless.

Todd wrote: Yup. Your e-mails are too large.

Yes... larger and chewing up even more of my e-mail space. I love seeing these and am very thankful that you are scanning them in. The flip side to that is that you have successfully brought mine and Amy's e-mail to a grinding halt. I don't know about everyone else, but I have a server quota and that quota doesn't decrease at 4am, because we aren't awake with our computer on at 4am when you are sending them at 2am. Better to send on a CD, in my opinion. 

Myrna wrote: OK. For you, it is a CD. Thanks for letting me know. Any others out there? I am not going to do CDs for people who have told me that they just discard them. That is a waste of my time. Yes, I do still value my time.

I will make a CD for you. You can do as you wish.

Kirsten said that, if a photo is ever to be used for anything that requires it to be enlarged, it needs to have a larger dpi. She suggested 1200 dpi. That is what we (Donette Smith and I) also had to use (at the media department's request) to submit photos to the BYU for Grandpa Ray's service with the national guard in the conflict with Mexico. I have dumbed these down to between 600 and 750 dpi. They cannot be used for movies but will be OK on home DVDs. (I think that no one but family will care about that.) Some email service providers can accommodate the 1200 dpi, like BYU and the U of U, for example, but most cannot. I am doing my best to preserve records for the future. I hope it works because I will not live forever. As ill as I was last year, I thought that I would soon join Garth and Richard but, thanks to the tender mercies of my Heavenly Father, I think Dr. Thorpe has found a way to make my life more pleasant. If I eat right and take my $75 per month meds, I should be around for a few more years. Therefore, I am trying to get done what I think I should do. I know it comes as a surprise to all of you  but Dad and I are getting older. We still have some kick, mostly Dad (except for his one knee), but the list of things that I can no longer do is growing. Gone are the days of French fries and foot races (and rootbeer).

Kirsten wrote: f you want to send them to me as large as you can (I'm not sure mine can do 1200 dpi), I can compile CD's for those who want them...  My email won't get overloaded (or hasn't yet) and iPhoto is a wonder to work with...  Happy to help any way.  You could do google or picassa (I think that's what google uses, right?) like Todd suggested and just turn on the privacy settings. Kirsten

Myrna wrote: You do realize that it takes quite a bit of time to burn CDs for 9 people (including one for myself). I have been doing it for years and have learned that few of you really want them at any rate. Maybe one or two photos every few months but that is all. The only way to send a 1200 dpi, other than to the Y, is to burn it to a CD.

nice looking young men‏

Dear Friends,

    Thank you for sending three good looking young men to give Russ a Priesthood blessing.  Jim annointed, Shawn sealed the annointing and gave the blessing and all three laid their hands upon Russ's head.

    It was a very special moment.  Thank you for sharing your family with us.

    Russ made it until Tuesday morning when Dr. Scott Petersen extracted his wisdom tooth.  All went well.

    Thank you again.

    Russ and Colleen Bender


Myrna wrote: You are welcome! We would do all we could to help any time. LHT and Julie were cooking the steaks for dinner and had a faint air of smoke about them. He would have showered and come if he had been alone but three young men were here!!!!! 

I lost my wisdom teeth when I was a teen. No wonder Russ has always been smarter than I am--he still had wisdom teeth. 

64 Women Spend a Year Making Needlepoint

From Grammy's Gleanings: 64 Women Spend a Year Making Needlepoint

Sixty-four women of the Manti and Ephraim Stakes of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints made a special tour of the Manti LDS Temple the day before its open house for the public began.

The women toured the building in reverential awe--until they arrived in one special sealing room just off the entrance to the Celestial Room. There, the quiet tour participants did a strange thing. One by one, they turned the chairs over. Reverent hands fingered needlepoint diamonds of sea-green. Ninety-five pieces of exquisite needlepoint were examined in minute detail. Names on the back of the chairs were sought and noted. Then, once again, an almost-awed silence settled in for a moment.

The 64 women had spent a creating the 95-pieces of needlepoint covering the chairs and altar in the sealing room. Sixty-four pairs of hands had meticulously stitched the special design prepared by Florence Jacobsen, interior decorator for the Manti Temple.

Mrs. Jacobsen said this particular needlepoint project was unique within the church. She thanked the women who had turned her design into upholstered works of art wrought in fine Persian yarn.

Helen Dyreng, Stake Relief Society President, echoed Mrs. Jacobsen's praise. "A great deal of love, care and pride was sewn into each article by wonderfully dedicated women," she said.

Mrs. Marjorie Tibbs, Stake Homemaking Counselor, was chairman for the project. Mrs. Lily Jane Miller was project co-chairman and a supervisor. Mrs. June Cos, Manti, and Mrs. Colleen Nielson, Mrs. Bonnie Olson, and Mrs. Barbara Bailey, all of Ephraim, were project supervisors.

"As we turned the chairs over, looking for our names," said one of the needlepointers, "I thought, 'I wish my Grandma could be here to see this.' Then I realized, she probably was."

"Concern, sacrifice and a high quality of artistic handwork are the earmarks of this project," Mrs. Dyreng assured the women.

[Editor's note: The article above was printed in a newspaper but was taken from a photocopy. I was unable to determine which newspaper carried the original article nor who was author of the piece.] Posted By Myrna Rae Trauntvein to Grammy's Gleanings at 10/19/2003 11:01:00 AM

Myrna wrote: Merilyn Jorgensen, Do you have a copy of this and do you know where it was published?

Merilyn wrote: No—I don’t think I have this either!!  But I recognize my comment about my grandma J.  I’m sure it was in the Manti Messenger, but have no clue who wrote it.

Merilyn wrote: PS  thinking back, I’m recalling that this was in the Des. News—maybe Church section.  They had quite a few things in when the temple was re-dedicated.

Myrna wrote: I looked there. Thanks for thinking with me.

Merilyn wrote: Myrna,  I found the original J  I’ve been going thru my memorabilia, and found the article in question.  There was a special supplement to the Manti Messenger, July 1985.  There was no by-line, but there was a note elsewhere in the paper, from the editor, thanking staff for all their work during the open-house and dedication.  He noted all the hours by Pat Mellor in researching details, etc., so I’m pretty sure she wrote this one. 

I haven’t even cut out all the articles I’ve saved—let alone put them in an album.  You’ve inspired me—I’m going to get to work on my ‘temple’ albumJ  As a side note,  I should tell you my story of doing the needlepoint, and what my grandma had to do with it.  I need to write it up for my album/posterity.

Please keep sending me these ‘goodies’.    Merilyn

PS  my name IS on a chair:)

PS #2   I’ve always called my little grandma ‘Grammy’.

PS again—the reporter at that time was likely Bruce Jennings, but it also may have been Linnie Findlay (who did this one.) THE OTHER ONE

OOPS!

Thanx again, my friend.



Merilyn wrote: Did you get my latest—with correct info??

Myrna wrote: Three cheers for you (or 20 or 100)! Yes, I did. I answered this one before I read that one. Sorry! I meant to answer it but I was not feeling well and went to bed instead. 


Merilyn wrote: Sorry—hope you’re feeling better today.  Some days are just the pits—many more than we’d like.

Hello from the land of snow!

We have SNOW and then some. It is also really cold. It is supposed to be about 8-degrees tonight.

I always like it when Thanksgiving is not so cold. I remember some years the holiday has been so warm that we called it "Indian Summer," which as you know, is a period of unusually warm weather in the autumn in the Northern Hemisphere after the first frost but before the snow comes. Those are the Thanksgivings that I like.

I suppose, however, that the skiers will be in the mountains in great numbers on Thanksgiving Day and that they will all be happy.

I was not ready for cold weather. My poor body will be frozen solid by spring if this keeps up.

Eva about the round carved table in the Manti Temple

I can not  imagine how big that sewing machine must have been.  I remember the antique one Aunt Marie had from Uncle Ed's family and it  couldn't have worked, not nearly enough wood. It was a treadle  and was amazing to watch her sew. She made  whole wardrobes for Helen and my Betsy Wetsy dolls when I was 8 or 9.

Have you recuperated from your big week end?  It was so good to see all of your family; it has been a long time since I have seen them.  

Thanks for inviting all of us.  Love you, Eva

Merilyn Jorgensen wrote: Myrna—thanx so much for sending this story about the carved table we have at Manti Temple!!  I don’t have it!! Can’t believe I don’t.

A Short History of the Round Carved Table in the Manti Temple‏

It was made by Jens J. Hansen, who was born in Manti, June 19, 1863. He was a son of Jens Hansen and Sophia Charlotte Dorthea Pederson. His parents were converts to the (LDS) Church from Denmark. They were among the first settlers in Manti.

He (Jens J. Hansen) lived three block west of Simmons furniture store on the north side of the street, southwest corner. In the east part of the lot, was a small adobe house with a large fireplace. This one room adobe cottage, or home, at one time was the workshop where this table was built.

In those days, tools were not plentiful. He had a foot power saw which had many blades. This he used at all times. He operated the saw with a pedal with a big wheel on the side and, I believe, my father made that. He bought the saws; they were about this long (indicating from 12-14 inches). He had different kinds of saws and they were so they would fit in the same and then he would work that pedal and it had a wheel on the side that worked with the pedal. I've watched him so many times.

He drew his own patterns for birds and other objects on the top of the table. The dark wood he used was taken from an old Howe sewing machine, brought from Denmark to Manti by his parents.

In those days, it was impossible to buy glue so he made his own glue by boiling the feet of animals in a large brass kettle in the fireplace, letting it cook and straining it through a cloth. It could be that he learned this method of making glue when he worked on the Temple, as he worked there from the time the Temple was started until it was completed. He was the one who assisted in building the spiral staircase.

This history is authentic as it was written by his eldest daughter who lives in Ephraim, Utah, and who watched as her father made may parts of the table.

This history was given to me by Mrs. Maggie Hansen Sorensen, who signed the original copy on 2 March 1977. It was retyped to make corrections but the corrected copy was not signed.

Linnie T.M. Findlay 

The Family Tours Williamsburg in 1980

Left to Right on the Back Row: Shawn, Kirsten, Julie, AnnMarie, Todd
Front Row: David, Melanie, Myrna and Leonard Trauntvein

Flower Water Level

Melanie wrote: 
Mom, 

Todd posted a picture of the flowers that I put together for your big vase. The water level is too low. Some of the side stems are out of water. Would you put some more water in the vase? 

Also, if you completely empty the water every two days and refill it, the flowers should last for over a week. 

Thanks.
Melanie

Myrna wrote: I already noticed that!!!! I took care of it but I did not know to empty the water every few days.

Melanie wrote: Okay. Thanks. The addition gets a little warmer than the rest of the house, so the water will start to grow bacteria, the bacteria will lead to mold growth, which will make the flowers die more quickly. Little things you learn when dealing with flowers. 

Thank you for allowing us to treat you like you should have been treated all you life. It was interesting to me on Sunday morning when Dad walked me out to my car, he told me how much he loved you and when he was talking about the day he married you, he choked up and got tears in his eyes. He really does love you Mom. Mel

Myrna wrote: I moved them into the living room--the flowers--and I know Dad loves me and I love him. I am not surprised that we lasted 50 years together. I am just surprised that we both have lived this long. We are just like two old rocks rolling downhill. We strike sparks now and again--some good ones and some not so good ones--but neither of us would like rolling along with anyone else. Well, maybe Dad would if I died. I don't know that he would be good solo. He likes to talk too much. In fact, I was trying to work this morning and I finally had to tell him to leave the room, PLEASE!!!!!

I planned on getting up to say goodbye but I was too tired and slept too long. Sorry about that. There were too many little kids with problems in our trailer. I think I wandered around half the night. I cleaned up vomit until I was ready to join in myself. Oh, well. I suppose I may degenerate to that level again before I leave this world. I hope people are as patient with me as I try to be with little people.

Myrna wrote: Thanks for the beautiful flowers. The ones at the church have certainly made the rounds. They went from there to a stake Primary meeting and then on to widows and old folk's homes. They brightened more than our celebration. Thank you!!!!! I love you and am so thankful for your many talents.

Melanie wrote: I like the fact that many people enjoyed the flowers. What a great idea to take them to the Rest Home. 

I heard little Ryan every time he threw up. I am not a heavy sleeper, so I heard the whole thing. I felt so sorry for him, you, Dad and Kirsten. She didn't get any sleep, and got vomited on as well. Some things about having little children I do not miss. :)

I love you. Mel


Myrna wrote: Ryan was sleeping next to Jacob. Luckily for Jacob, he had pulled all the covers over his head because Ryan threw up on top of him. I woke to the retching sound. I took him out on the step, crying, and gathered the bedclothes. I had Dad pick up Jacob (who stayed asleep) and take him in with him. Then I brought Ryan in the house. He threw up twice more before we got to the front door. I went back out and got the bedding and brought it into the washer, including the pillow. I went back out to the trailer and found out that the floor was also covered and it had soaked through at the bottom when I was moving Ryan off the bed so I had to wipe up the mat and the carpet and the floor. I then found another pillow that had got the over-splash so I ran that back inside. I stayed for a bit because I was worried that the pillows would cause the washer to go out of balance in the spin. However, I was covered from bringing in Ryan so I had to clean up myself. I had to wash off the walk and the front steps. I finally laid down and Jacob woke up and went into the bathroom and used the toilet in the trailer (where there was no water) before I realized what was happening. So I had to clean that up and him. Then Donovin started to moan in his sleep. He didn't ever throw up and the next morning he said he was fine. Emma had eaten way too much cake and had bad gas! Only Erin and Whitney seemed unaffected by all of the goings on. However, Caydin had gotten worse during the night so David and family just hurried and left. Todd said he had not heard a thing. Wow! 

Myrna wrote: I just re-read. What do you mean, some things you do not miss about having little kids? It doesn't take a child. I remember you cleaning up after a sick husband, dog, and a deer mess. I don't think any of that is fun either. (Especially the deer!!!!!!) :(

Brandon Flowers - A Fire Still Burning

Brandon Flowers, Mormon lead singer of The Killers, wants to be a positive force in the world. His wife, kids, and parents set a good example for him. Brandon Flowers, lead singer of The Killers, knows that it's not common for a rock star to have a wife and kids. But his parents' example led Brandon to choose early on that pursuing music wouldn't be about sex and money.More at http://www.mormon.org/brandon


How many of you remember Brandon? He grew up here in Nephi. He has a sister who still lives here. I think he is David's age.

Health Challenge‏ From Kirsten

Kirsten wrote: Here's a new "health challenge"... a little revised, only 8 weeks, no free days (other than holidays), and extra credit points for things like scripture study, flossing teeth, etc.

Let me know if you're interested.  It starts this sunday.

Kirsten


Hi friends,

I am attaching the latest health challenge rules and tracking sheet.  Let me know if you are interested.  We will be starting this Sunday, October 23rd, and it will run for 8 weeks.  (Note:  there is a new holiday rule, so you can enjoy Thanksgiving without losing points.)  There is also a weight loss option for those of you who are interested in that.   The winner of the last round won $500!  The more that join, the more money is in the pot to win.


FYI--I just looked over the tracking sheet.  One of the pages is to show how you could earn maximum points per day.  However, it gives points for a shake AND healthy meal.  You get a point for one or the other, not both.  I am clarifying this with my brother, Brian, who is running the health challenge from MO.  If he gets enough to sign up there, we can have a friendly competition between the west and midwest.

Hope you are all doing well!!

Sheri Ford

Myrna wrote: Was there supposed to be something to download? I didn't see anything that contained any rules.

Kirsten wrote: Sorry.  Thought the attachments would forward...

David's Family in Colorado

David and Caydin

Gunnison, Colorado: Barbara Anderson, Donovin Trauntvein, Caydin Trauntvein, David Trauntvein, Erin Trauntvein, Erin Trauntvein

Good News!

Rachel's doctor sent Rachel to a hand specialist who said that AnnMarie should just keep up with the nightly cleansing and bandaging of her little hand and fingers for now. He thinks, because Rachel is so young, that her body will do most of the necessary reconstruction on its own. Had she been an adult and had that much damage, she would have had to have reconstructive surgery and skin grafts but he thinks that she will heal on her own.

Mary does not have a brain tumor. They did a CAT scan today and found that her little skull was tumor-free. That is the good news. The bad news is that the doctor still does not know why she is throwing up EVERY morning. He has decided to keep treating her for a virus for a few more days and, if that doesn't work, he will have some further testing done. He thought it might be GERD, preemies are susceptible. She did have it as an infant but she has seemed to be much better for years now. So, who knows.

What Mom has as opposed to what Dad has. Thanks for the genes, folks.‏

Leonard has Factor V and I do not. I have had several problems with blood clots in my legs, however. Those are caused by varicose veins.

What Are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be flesh-colored, dark purple, or blue. They often look like cords, and appear twisted and bulging. They are swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. Varicose veins are commonly found on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg. During pregnancy, varicose veins called hemorrhoids can form in the vagina or around the anus.

About 50 to 55 percent of American women and 40 to 45 percent of American men suffer from some form of vein problem. Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people age 50 and older.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

The cause of varicose veins is a weakening of one-way valves within the veins. When these valves weaken, blood can leak back in the vein and collect there and enlarge the vein.

Gravity and Varicose Veins

The force of gravity, the pressure of body weight, and the task of carrying blood from the bottom of the body up to the heart make legs the primary location for varicose and spider veins. Compared with other veins in the body, leg veins have the toughest job of carrying blood back to the heart. They endure the most pressure. This pressure can be stronger than the veins' one-way valves.

What Are the Risk Factors?

While not causes of varicose veins, there are a number of factors that increase a person's chances for developing weakened valves. These are known as risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances for developing the condition.

Risk factors for varicose veins include: (Mom had four of the seven risk factors.)

Increasing age

Genetics

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy

Obesity

Leg injury

Prolonged standing.

Symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins include swollen, aching legs that feel "heavy," numbness in the legs, and itching or a rash on the legs. If left untreated, varicose veins can become more severe, which in turn, makes the symptoms more severe -- they can even lead to other health problems, such as blood clots.

When to See a Doctor

When deciding whether to see your doctor about varicose veins, consider if they have become swollen, red, or very tender or warm to the touch. If they have, see your doctor. If they have not, but there are sores or a rash on the leg or near the ankle with the varicose vein, or you think there may be circulation problems in your feet, see your doctor.

If none of these issues are present, continue to follow the self-care tips discussed in Prevention of Varicose Veins.

Making a Diagnosis

In order to make a diagnosis, the healthcare provider will ask a number of questions and perform a physical exam looking for signs and symptoms of varicose veins. He or she may also recommend an ultrasound to look for how the blood is flowing and possible causes of the problem.

Treatment for Varicose Veins

Once a diagnosis has been made, your healthcare provider will consider a number of factors before recommending a treatment option. For some varicose veins, treatment may involve compression stockings or other strategies that do not require surgery, such as losing weight, increasing muscle tone, and physical activity (see Prevention of Varicose Veinsfor more information). In other cases, treatment for varicose veins may include:

Sclerotherapy

Endovenous methods (such as vein ablation) that use radiofrequency or a laser

Surgery (see Varicose Vein Surgery).

Health Conditions Related to Varicose Veins

Varicose veins usually enlarge and worsen over time. In severe cases, they can cause health problems. These include:

Severe venous insufficiency. This severe pooling of blood in the veins slows the return of blood to the heart. This condition can cause blood clots and severe infections. Blood clots can be dangerous, because they can move from leg veins and travel to the lungs. Blood clots in the lungs are life-threatening, because they can keep the heart and lungs from functioning properly.

Sores or skin ulcers can occur on skin tissue around varicose veins.

Ongoing irritation, swelling, and painful rashes on the legs.

Prognosis

Current treatments for varicose veins have high success rates compared to traditional surgical treatments. Over a period of years, however, more varicose veins can develop. The major reason for this is that there is no cure for weak vein valves.

The single most important thing a person can do to slow down the development of new varicose veins is to wear graduated compression support stockings as much as possible during the day.

Preventing Varicose Veins

Prevention of varicose veins begins by:

Knowing the risk factors and the ones that apply to you (seeCause of Varicose Veins)

Making lifestyle changes to decrease your risk factors

Improving blood circulation and muscle tone.

Unfortunately, for a lot of people, preventing varicose veins is easier said than done; they can do all the right things, but there are still risk factors that they cannot control. With that said, if varicose veins do develop, the strategies discussed in Prevention of Varicose Veins can also help ease discomfort you already have.

Written by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD

Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD