Monday, April 23, 2018

A Personal Note - "You Don't Look Sick"

I’m not one to put my personal laundry out there,
but today I feel the need to rant a bit.


I have Lupus, a “sub-category” of Connective Tissue Disease and at times my body is racked with pain to the point of sitting and doing nothing hurts even more. Most people don’t know I have it, and many that do know don’t understand what it is.... because I don’t look sick.



"My immune system attacks itself. What does yours do?"





What is Connective Tissue Disease?
Connective tissues are groups of fibers and cells that “connect” the framework of the body and literally hold it together. Their functions include cushioning, protecting, supporting, insulating and strengthening the body’s tissues and organs. Examples of connective tissue are tendons, ligaments, cartilage, blood, bone, and the dermis of the skin. Because connective tissues exist in so many structures of the body, disorders of these tissues may involve a variety of symptoms, including pain and dysfunction in different areas of the body.
Overall, treatment should include a lifestyle plan to optimize health and reduce symptoms. A well-balanced nutritional plan, regular physical activity, plenty of rest, and routine testing to monitor the progress of disease will aid in controlling this disease.

Complications of connective tissue disease include:
■Difficulty performing daily tasks (uh... like opening the lid to the pancake syrup or snapping my jeans.)

■Increased pain and dysfunction (hurts to walk, move, breathe)

■Joint deformity and destruction (don’t even want to think about it)

■Severe discomfort or pain (due to side effects from pain killers, secondary medications may be needed to treat those)

Basically, there is no cure... the pain will only get worse. One may have to fight depression if the thought becomes to consuming. Suicide rate is high; I guess you could say lack of relief from pain and lack of compassion can make a person literally go crazy.  "Brain Fog" is hard to explain when others get upset with your lack of attention and forgetfulness.
LUPUS -
A chronic inflammatory condition caused by an autoimmune disease. May cause depression, fatigue, hair loss, sensitivity to sunlight and changes in weight.
OR...
May cause optimism, excuse to stay in bed, experimentation with new hair styles, getting to flaunt your Derby Hat all year round and more shopping sprees.



A positive goal is to live a life of some kind of remission and have a strong network of people who will be there when things get tough, even though you don’t look sick - they know when your body and heart hurt.
I hope this helps and if you know of someone with CTD, please share this with others. Sometimes the pain is so bad I want to cry, but even crying hurts. However, what wounds the most is when I’m in pain and others look at me as if I’m lying and say, “You don’t look sick.”



Lives

Unlocking
Powerful
Unexpected

Strength

Saturday, April 21, 2018

Graduation Day!

My first baby graduates from college today. 

To say I'm proud is an understatement. Son #1 decided a long time ago to attend the same college I did many years before.



He has been referred to as a Legacy Student.

Trading in high school football pads for college

Senior year - Pres of the Frat
 Once the dust settles from this exciting event, he plans to continue to graduate school with hopes to be the first "Doctor" in the family.
He's kind, caring and witty as well as a wonderful son and role model for his younger brothers.

It seems like it was yesterday I watched him board the bus for the first day of kindergarten.

Time flies.

Where's that box of tissues?

Saturday, March 24, 2018

Still Celebrating... Enter to Win! Final Week

I began March with my birthday and I'm celebrating all month long by giving away prizes! I'm hosting a Birthday contest. Enter a new contest every week fir a chance to win one of my books (ebook) and a pair of gorgeous earrings.

Week 4 begins today and the winner will be announce on Sunday, March 31.

Enter to win an eBook of Taming Rachael.

Saturday, March 17, 2018

Still Celebrating... Enter to Win! Birthday Contest Week 3

My birthday was on March 1 and I'm celebrating all month long! I'm hosting a Birthday contest. Enter a new contest every week fir a chance to win one of my books (ebook) and a pair of gorgeous earrings.

Week 3 begins today and I'll choose the winner on Sunday, March 24.

This week, I'm giving away the eBook Eagle Dance.


I'm also giving away a cute pair of silver-tone Feather dangle earrings just like the ones featured in the book!

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Thursday Thirteen - 13 Love Surprises


Little things mean alot. I'm sure you've heard that before... but it's true. Some things such as a smile can brighten one's day. My hubby is a pilot and is gone often so I enjoy hiding things in his suitcase. My mother lives in an apartment and I have fun leaving goodies in her fridge or on her dresser for her to find.

Here's a list of some items for you to leave in often over looked places for your honey or someone special to find.

For your honey:1. Handcuffs.

2. A sexy photo of yourself.

3. A pair of panties scented with a favorite fragrance.

4. Small bottle of massage oil.

5. A key (to your heart).

6. A love poem.

7. A love letter.

8. Love coupons.For someone special:9. A greeting or inspirational card.

10. A photo of the two of you.

11. A small book.

12. Favorite CD.

13 Favorite magazine.

Other items may include Hersey kisses, a teddy bear, jewelry, a list of why that person is special to you, small artwork, and a small bottle of their favorite fragrance.

What other items can you think of?


Be sure to visit Romance Writers Behaving Badly for another Thursday Thirteen list from me!