Due to my inability to work a “normal” job *annoyed face*, I am working on a couple avenues of income that are more flexible than a more traditional office career. Freelancing as a project coordinator and volunteer manager with administrative assistance experience, and writing my blog and fictional stories. I’m starting to write based on dreams I have had. I’ll be expanding these, mostly, incomplete stories into both written and webcomic forms. I hope. I have quite a bit of drawing and webcomic practice in my future, and I need to read more about creative writing and how to tell great stories (I’m told by friends that I am a decent storyteller and just need to expand on these dreams). Thankfully I have a lot of material to work with, my subconscious is quite imaginative. I will continue my blog because it is essential to me to create space for others who need a place they feel comfortable, as well
Chronic pain
30 Things, Pain Level
My pain comes from multiple sources; Interstitial Cystitis, osteoarthritis, headaches/migraines/sinuses, fibromyalgia, and sometimes IBS. I have kept a pain diary to track my symptoms and draw correlations between food, activities, weather, and the like, to my pain. Correlation does not equal causation, but it’s a place to start. Especially with diseases that are not well understood. The favored approach to asking about pain is to measure it on a scale of 1 to 10, this tool isn’t the best because it assumes the person only has a single type of pain at any given time. For those of us who suffer from multiple pain conditions, this query seems like a trick question. I’ve started focusing on each individually if I’m in for a specific thing I stick to that. A snapshot of this moment: 1 = No pain, 10 = Worst pain imaginable Right now my overall pain is 5, there are no days when I’m pain-free. Most days I’m
30 Things, Hobbies
Hobbies! (I had a little time to squeeze this in) I have a lot of hobbies. I love to make/create things, it’s improved my mood, and I feel like I accomplished something when I finish a project. Knitting I’m going to learn to crochet this year. Yay YouTube! It’s a fun activity to do while watching TV/Movies. Sewing I like to make my own clothing and costumes from time-to-time. I also enjoy silk embroidery. Painting and drawing On pretty much anything. I find it relaxing. Photography I have a quality DSLR, and I love taking photos outside when I’m feeling up to it. Camping I feel the most relaxed and happy when I am able to disconnect and enjoy nature. Also, gives me lots to photograph. Reading/audiobooks Stories are essential, reading can improve empathy. The Scientific American and The Washington Post wrote articles about the subject. Fantasy, Sci-fi, horror, and graphic novels/comics. Learning new skills Games Board games, table-top, card,
Brief Hiatus
I have some work deadlines coming up that I have to make, so I’m playing catch up because of the cold I had. Unfortunately, this leaves me with little time to work on blogging, at least for the next couple weeks. I will post if I manage to catch up sooner than I expect. *Crossing my fingers* I’ve been more tired than usual the past few days, so I’ve been napping quite a bit. I’m an independent contractor/freelancer due to my health issues, luckily I am able to wear many hats, as it were, due to my volunteer work and college classes. Self-care is important, don’t put yourself down for falling ill or having sick days. Your body needs you to take care of it. It’s cold and flu season, please use proper hygiene and consider wearing a mask, even if you aren’t sick. I carry a mask, hand sanitizer, and wash my hands extra when I’m out.
30 Things, Age and Conditions
I’m going to be busy today and tomorrow so I’m doubling up. Happy Holidays! Day 2, Introduce your conditions If I had a dollar for everytime someone said, “You’re too young to be this sick!” Migraines Allergies/chronic rhinitis Tinnitus Complex PTSD/Anxiety/Depression/Mild OCD Arthritis (Osteo) Fibromyalgia Interstitial Cystitis Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Premenstrual Dysmorphic Disorder (Super PMS) IBS Eczema/contact dermatitis/atopic dermatitis GERD High possibility of mild narcolepsy and hip dysplasia (Not diagnosed, but the doctors suspect) Things I had in the past but are better after surgery/treatment Dysmenorrhea – I had a partial hysterectomy which helped greatly Gastroparesis – It’s not gone, but it is better Gallstones – Surgery helped Tonsilitis – Had them out as an adult, not fun, but I have fewer sinus infections and fall ill far less often now Septoplasty with turbinate reduction – Fixed the deviated septum in my nose and shaved down the turbinates, I can breathe through my nose more easily Day 3, Age your
Still Healing
I’m still recovering from breaking my arm and spraining my wrist. I am not able to type a lot in one sitting. I found this on Board Panda today and felt the advice should be shared far and wide. It’s simple but powerful for those facing depression. Another excellent blogger did something beautiful for a friend having a hard time. She created a series of letter to “Open when” her friend is having a hard time, or needs inspiration, or even good times like it being a lovely day. You can view her post about it here.
Spoonie Mail With Spoonie Sanctuary
Another chronic illness blogger I am acquainted with has taken inspiration from a Facebook group that sends cards/letters/trinkets in the mail to one another in a show of support to their fellow spoonies. Spoonie Sanctuary’s post can be found here. I feel this is a brilliant idea because as people with chronic conditions we need the support of those around us. Sick, well, and everything in between.
Bias in Medicine
Many of us have to deal with bias in medicine. We’re either female, too fat, too young, too…something, and therefore we’re drug seekers and complainers. Difficult patients. Aubrey Hirsch has a wonderful comic about her experience as a woman looking for care. It can be incredibly difficult for people to be taken seriously in the world of healthcare, but you are not alone. Many people have trouble getting proper diagnoses and it certainly can take years to get answers. It’s far more easy for physicians to gaslight and brush of patients in the face of difficult diagnoses.
Sleepless
Not able to sleep due to the widespread ache of fibro. Took some OTC pain meds and am currently waiting for them to kick in, and crossing my fingers they help. In the meantime I’m playing Mass Effect: Andromeda and watching Kitten Academy. Because cute fuzzy kittens always make me feel better. My own kitties know I don’t feel well and have been checking on me and purring up a storm. Check out the cute! Kitten Academy #chronicpain #copingwithkittens
Incurable Jynx 