The holidays can be both enjoyable and stressful when you are dealing with a chronic illness. I've learned that boundaries are important. I'm not always the best at enforcing my boundaries, but after being sick for the past four months, I need to be extra cautious with my health. 🎄You may want to do everything... Continue Reading →
Stop asking me to dance…
I've lived with Chronic illness for over 20 years. During that time, I admit, I haven't always been good at communicating what I needed from friends and family. Over the years, I've learned how to set boundaries and ask for what I need. The issue is, I've become more discerning of whom I choose to... Continue Reading →
Rebound @#$%
When I was diagnosed with COVID on November, 3, I was prescribed Paxlovid, an antiviral medication. It tasted like Satan's spit, but I was testing negative 5 days later. My symptoms were mild overall with significant fatigue and a REALLY bad cold. After contracting pneumonia in September, I was worried. I knew there was a... Continue Reading →
So I did a thing….or two…
I haven't blogged in a while. Recovering from pneumonia was difficult, then I caught COVID..... After 2 years and 8 months of avoiding the dreaded virus, I tested positive. I had a mild case. Bad cold without a fever. Due to my immunocompromised status, my doctor prescribed Paxlovid, the antiviral medication. Although my COVID symptoms... Continue Reading →
Oops, I did it again…
In 2019, I finished out my school year, and traveled to visit my dad for father's day. I was very run down and felt horrible, but attributed it to an autoimmune arthritis flare. I became deathly ill with vomiting/diarrhea and a high fever. I had pneumonia. Fast forward to my first day of school (with... Continue Reading →
Cross your fingers for me…
I started my new biosimilar infusions to treat my autoimmune arthritis in May 2022. Everyone asked me, "Is it working?" Honestly, it's hard to tell. I was cautiously optimistic. Slowly, I noticed I could walk my dog for longer periods, walk upstairs to use the bathroom at the end of the day (instead of crawling... Continue Reading →
Worst fear…again….
COVID19 was a big part of my 2020. I've documented the death of my dad and uncle due to the virus. Both ended up in the hospital and rehab settings due to falls. That was pre-vaccines. Over the past two years, I've done all that I can to protect not only my immunocompromised self, but... Continue Reading →
Maybe…
I've completed the last loading dose of my newest bio similar infusion drug, Inflectra. I know most of my family and friends are waiting to know....do I feel better. That is a tricky question to answer. I met with my rheumatologist and had to have an answer to that very question. My answer: Maybe Not... Continue Reading →
Try, try, try….
I've been having a difficult time with my autoimmune arthritis. Firstly, I no longer know what to call my disease. I don't fit any definition completely. Do I have symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis? Yes. Do I have symptoms of Lupus? Yes. Do I have symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Spondylitis, and Non Radial Graphic... Continue Reading →
A little more living…
A few years ago, I began taking a drug called Kevzara. This drug, for me, was a miracle. For the first time in years, I saw my ankles on a consistent basis. My swelling decreased significantly and I felt pretty good. At one point, I was walking 5 miles a day, losing weight, and feeling... Continue Reading →