Oh, I do hope so. I'm popping in for a Quick Hello, just to check in and give a brief Update Of Sorts, and then I am planning to get back to Business As Usual after my Jaunt next week. I've just about Had It with Being Unwell and even moreso with Talking About It. Let's wrap it up, then, and Move On.
The Medicals: My labs were a sort of mixed bag, but the whole Vitamin D Thing, which was the Most Important Of All, showed a massive recovery. I am well into the satisfactory/healthy range, so I am on the maintenance dose for life, and feeling so much better. No pains, no fatigue, and while my stamina and strength are still an issue, they are s-l-o-w-l-y increasing. My autoimmune system is still, in a word, terrible; however, unless I am plagued by recurrent infections (I am not), it's not a cause for concern. I no longer need to see my Superhero Rheumatologist who gave me my life back, but will now see the Internist she highly recommended. I burst into tears thanking this doctor and all but prostrated myself at her feet in a weeping huddle of gratitude.
The Universe Is Cruel: My dear friend Shirley wrote me a nice email, and in it she expressed sympathy overall regarding my health struggles, and mentioned specifically how difficult it is to practice serene self-care and recovery whilst the Orange Nightmare/Toddler In Chief is wreaking shitful havoc. It's absolutely true. I feel abused by the Universe, which allowed this abomination, yet felt it necessary to screw me again on Sunday, when it put a rogue piece of gravel in my path, and I fell and sprained my ankle. Because, Life is not difficult enough for me. At least I am used to resting--A LOT--and the sprain was mild. I am almost fully recovered today although stairs are a bitch. (Count me as a fervent disciple of the RICE protocol for sprain treatment).
The Jaunt: I am a little overwhelmed at the thought of, but am looking forward to, our upcoming Niagara-on-the-Lake jaunt as a true getaway from Everything. I think I need a real change of scenery. My wine-drinking capacity is sadly and sorely diminished, but I have no problem doing the Swish-n-Spit as we look to restock our depleted cellar. I only hope Rick is not too bored since we cannot do our usual long, lovely walks by the lake and into the trails. That will have to wait until autumn. In the meantime, we will find other things to do, like attend theatre and taking Short Walks.
I'm anxious for Things to be all back to Normal again. My patience--such as it is--is very frayed. I am restless and bored. This is not the life for me. At the same time, I am beyond grateful that my condition was reversible and treatable. I know so many people whose lives are forever changed by serious illness, and I know how very fortunate I am.
Thank you for staying with me. I'll be back real soon.
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Enjoy your time away. I'm sure that your ankle won't slow you down too much. And if it does? Well, sit back and enjoy the scenery. At least you'll be somewhere different and away from the political angsty nonsense that is permeating our society.
ReplyDeleteAlly Bean--It's true. There are all kinds of things I can do from the comfort of a seated position, with only short walks here and there. And I'll be Away--in every sense of the word. It will be heavenly.
DeleteSpraining an ankle of a stone makes you feel foolish, doesn't it. Been there, done that. I'm glad you're feeling better and can see the end of your long recovery back to the life you want. A change of scenery might be just what you need! I wish I could come with you!
ReplyDeleteJean R--Honestly, walking! I mean, HOW HARD IS IT? Thankfully, I have just enough Fight and Fed Up in me to be challenged by the situation, not overcome by it. Today, Friday, the swelling is almost not even there, so I should feel pretty darn great by the time of our Jaunt.
DeleteMaybe you can look into a mini-trip up to NotL with your Gathering Girls. It's a beautiful area, lots of theater, wineries, great food, history, and just a few minutes from the Falls. There are lots of B&B's. Something to look into, anyway.
So happy to hear that you are recovering, Nance. There's a general malaise across the country now and I suspect that your condition is a physical manifistation of the Orange Plague. Enjoy your jaunt...such as it is. Drink as much wine as you can stand and get yourself happy, even if it is only for a short time.
ReplyDeleteKaren--Thank you, and I hope you are recovered from your Vitamin D deficiency as well. That's really what my entire malaise is; it's only complicated by The Plague. I'm not used to it being summertime and not living my life, you know? Gardening, walking, zipping around and down to the lakehouse, playing with my grandniece and grandnephew each week--all that stuff. Makes me live in my head a lot, and that's a problem.
DeleteI will be happy to Get Happy on my jaunt. Hope you are happy, too.
Happy to hear your health is improved; it is scary when something like that happens and we have a window into a very different world, one we are fortunate enough to not be a member of for 95% of the time. (Hoping the extended metaphor held.). Do enjoy your trip, I'm sure your husband will be happy with shorter walks, as long as you're there together. Ignore the Orange Clown as much as possible.
ReplyDeleteRose--Thank you. I'm sure I'll spend plenty of time disavowing the Clown whilst up in More Civilized Parts. I'm considering having a badge made that says "American, but I did not vote for him".
DeleteGlad you're feeling better. I go through periods of despair about Trump. Today's tweets hit me pretty hard with the fact that our president is a complete child, though all the children I know are better behaved. I don't know if it makes you feel any better, but knowing there are a lot of like minded people out there does help. Have fun in Niagara.
ReplyDeleteJill--Thank you. I think the hardest part re: the travesty in DC is the fact that the republicans don't care how low he goes and drags the people and country down with him. They are far more concerned with keeping him there and the attendant chaos, hoping to pass their everloving tax cuts and getting another Justice on the Court. This nation is in tatters internationally, but his knuckle-dragging supporters all say (and this is a quote from one of them in the southern part of my state), "I got a job, a truck that runs, a girlfriend, and three meals a day. What's Russia got to do with me?" Exhausting.
DeleteI feel like overall, this is good news - you're doing better!
ReplyDeleteThe Orange One is currently out of our control, and though exhausting, it's now a daily feeling. And the sprained ankle will heal.
Have a wonderful trip, and keep improving!
Bridget--Yes, it is, and I am. And I know that, had I not sprained my ankle, I'd be back to taking a few short walks and being more physically active as our goofy weather allows.
DeleteWhat great news! So glad you are in the "normal" range for Vitamin D now. So sorry about the sprained ankle, but that is minor compared to what you were facing just a short time ago. And next week's jaunt sounds lovely. Hope the weather cooperates and you can really be out and about enjoying the environs. The TIC just continues to get worse and worse. How is it that some still feel he is the best ever? I do not comprehend.
ReplyDeleteVera--Oh, the Weather. Sigh. Always a variable, isn't it? At least it will not seriously impact the wine-tasting part of our trip, which is Primary. Or theater. I'm confident we'll find plenty to do. Thanks for checking back in!
DeleteI'm so glad to hear this report! Even though it contains a (mostly healed) sprained ankle - it's good news indeed! I was talking to my brother about how annoyed I am to just be sitting around all the time (all my previous references to myself as a sloth were apparently Untrue), and he said that he could get used to that. I'm hoping that I don't. So far, I feel like you do - wishing I could do more than I currently can. I think that's a good thing, an I'm hanging onto it until I really CAN do All The Things. We'll get there. We really will.
ReplyDeleteP.S. The Orange One. No words. Sigh.
Bug--Thank you. Lots of people say they wish they could Sit Around And Do Nothing, but until they are forced to do so, they really don't know what they're saying. Let me tell you, I really started to empathize with St Patsy, who rails against us for not allowing her to drive anymore and who gets really angry for how limited her mobility is. And I remember how my grandmother used to get frustrated by all the things she WANTED to do--in her mind and spirit--but her body just wouldn't allow it.
DeleteI think you're right--it's a good thing we are fighting against The Sloth and Indifference. NEVER SURRENDER! RESIST! (And that applies to You Know Who as well.)
I'm glad you are doing better...it is frustrating being sick and not knowing why....I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in the fall....it has been an adjustment. There is no cure, but I am on medication that has made me feel better, although can cause some frightening side effects....they tested me for many things, including lupus....but my motto on life has always been.....It is what it is...so I'm just learning to deal with my "new normal" Some days are really good, I barely feel sick...and then other days, like Monday...I slept 14 out or 21 hours that day....and though the pain is not as bad as it was, it still is always present...just at different levels....two summers ago, I climbed a mountain in Norway...this year, I'd barely be able to walk a trail...and sprained ankles SUCK...I have sprained mine many, many times...and yes the Orange Horror is just unspeakable..I just can't belief that people are still defending him...shudder....sorry for sucha long comment...and am glad you are feeling better
ReplyDeleteGracey...name--Thank you. I am sorry for your diagnosis, but I'm glad you got one. That alone is, in my experience, a huge comfort. It's always better to know What You Are Dealing With, I think.
DeleteIt's difficult to make Adjustments in one's life, no matter what the reason. I am very Change-Resistant overall. And if that change is foisted upon me, then that is especially offensive to me since I have lots of Control Issues and an innate sense of Bossiness/Independence. I'm terribly sorry that you've had to deal with all of your Troubles, especially chronic pain. While that was my life for a while, I thought I could not go on. I hope you take care of yourself and seek what help you need to find your way through.
Never apologize for "blogging on my blog" in Comments. I love engaging with my Dear Readers. You are always welcome to share here. Hope you do so often.
Woo Hoo!!! You are finally on the mend which is excellent news...It is very difficult to learn life anew, but I have faith in your ability to 'stand and conquer'. I hope you have a wonderful time on your little jaunt, and that it brings you that rejuvenating air that you are longing for. Please remember, all good things take time. Keeping you in my prayers, be well.
ReplyDeleteDenise Fortney--Oh, thank you so much! You know, it IS hard to start over and regain my life! I want to hurry my recovery along, but I don't want to suffer a setback. Striking that balance is hard. This sprained ankle is probably one of those dumb Blessings In Disguise, but I don't want to get sappy.
DeleteThanks for hanging in there with me. It means a lot.
I am so happy that things seem to be moving on the right path with your health. They certainly aren't with our current political situation in this country. How can the first lady ever discuss cyberbullies when her husband is the worst one there is? Listen you may not want my advice so just carry one if you don't but I do a lot of work with people in pain and such and I find Donna Eden's 5 minute energy routine to be a blessing to my patients and myself. Look it up on youtube. Have a fun trip.
ReplyDeleteMereknits--Oh, I am always open to advice. As you say, I am free to investigate and then use or discard as I see fit. I'll be sure to look up the energy routine you recommend. Especially if I can truly implement it in five minutes!
DeleteYes, the irony of cyberbullying being her agenda is lost on no one but the so-called first family. That, and the first daughter saying she tries to stay out of politics, yet she has an office in the White House and has security clearance because she is a presidential advisor. These people are either idiots or are so disdainful of the American public that they don't care. Everything they do is an affront to this country. It's sickening. I could go on and on, but I can't stand the constant stress. I NEED TO RECOVER.
Ecstatic that you are almost back to normal! That must be such a relief, although I too would be impatient to get. better. already.
ReplyDeleteA lot of people I know, including myself, seem to be dealing with nothing but challenge after challenge, more so than most normal lives allow for. I think the President* is honestly messing up the entire flow of the universe.
I was only a baby during Watergate, and I know that took a very long time to resolve. This, because I am of course much more cognizant of what is going on seems to be taking FOREVER. I fear that if we do not gain seats in 2018 all will be essentially lost. This menace can seemingly do everything wrong and suffer no consequences. Ugh.
Ok, off to think of better things lest it affect my sleep tonight! ;)
Gina--This time seems to be a Slough Of Despair for a lot of people. Many are running into a tough streak of bad luck (or something) right now. And, as I said during the Bush43 years, I can absolutely blame it all on the republicans. NO PROBLEM.
DeleteThe wheels of Washington DC move agonizingly slowly. I was in complete ignorance during Watergate; the only awareness I had was the blind anger and disgust of my father as he sat there, watching the television coverage of the Nixon resignation. I asked my mother why he was so angry, and she said, "Because the president is resigning and he has disgraced the country." My parents were Steel Union Democrats and hated Nixon.
I studied Watergate in college as part of an American History class. The main reason that this situation is so different is that the American public is much more disengaged and fragmented. We have 24-hour news, but a significant demographic is distrustful of legitimate news media. And we have a huge segment of the electorate that is, quite simply, disinterested. You are so right: if red seats stay red in the midterms, this country is in danger. If he stays in the White House for his full term, we are in danger.
Are the opening two lines a nod to the closing two lines of The Day After??
ReplyDeleteOtherwise, please be well and keep us posted! Will be thinking of you! xxoo
TeacherPatti--No, just mine (I thought!). Is that the apocalyptic Wil Smith film? Or am I way off base in your reference.
DeleteNo matter, I will be safeguarding my progress and hopefully have nothing but good things in that regard to post, if I must mention Medicals at all from here on out. Thanks for your encouragement. xo
Sounds like good news. Enjoy your jaunt!
ReplyDeletejoared--Thank you. I hope to!
DeleteGlad you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteFound your blog from Meredith. Love it, especially any snippets re: the Cleveland area (I'm in Hudson). The piece by your son was especially lovely. What a wonderful tribute.
Elle Clancy--Hello, and welcome to the Dept.! What nice things you have to say, and I hope you come here often now that you've found me.
DeletePlease enjoy reading the archives here whilst waiting for New Material. There's lots of NEO stuff. I've not been to Hudson, but I know it's a lovely place, having seen it a few times on Cleveland news.
Certainly if you are representative of its citizenry, I should try to zip over for a visit sometime! ;-)
Thanks for the update. So glad to hear the news is mostly positive and hope you can enjoy your trip. I share your frustrations and fears about the direction our Nation is taking. When we replaced the seasonal porch flag with Old Glory for Independence Day we gave thought (very brief thought) to flying it upside down. But we couldn't bring ourselves to do it. Given our neighbors someone would surely have thought it a true sign of distress and we would have found ourselves surrounded by police officers.
ReplyDeleteSip and spit is the best. Try all sorts of wonderful wines and no headaches after. Have a grand time and come home refreshed.
NCmountainwoman--Just got back today, and it was rejuvenating and relaxing. I understand your inclination regarding flying the flag in distress. Every day, it feels more and more dire. And every day, I feel more and more betrayed by the so-called leaders in Washington, D.C., especially those in the majority party, may they one day answer for this debacle.
Delete