Mom Is Sick — For Parents & Kids

As 2019 is well underway, my son and I are now on our own. My husband could no longer handle being around me….as I am a shell of my former self.

This new reality took some time for us to adjust. Now we find ourselves with our own routine…including me joining my boy and the dogs in the Family Room to watch movies or watch him play a video game. The couch provides such a cozy place to relax!

My weight loss has stabilized thankfully! All of the stress wreaked havoc on my all ready weakened body. Fibromyalgia, Polyarthralgia, Spastic Colon, IBS, Sciatica, Sacroiliac Problems, Pelvic Floor Syndrome, and the list goes on. These have taught me to be a fighter!

I hold tight to my Faith, Family and Friends. Having such a great support group helps tremendously!

My focus is on my high schooler and watching him develop into such a terrific young man! I am anxious about the next couple of years as we submit applications to colleges and work with school counselor to apply for scholarships! I know he will qualify for financial aid, yeah!

What great new adventures await us in this New Year?!

The moon as a ball of light eerily peering through the heavy cloud and dark trees…

It seems an eternity since I was actively writing about the changes chronic conditions and illnesses have brought with them.

When I experience the thought of “maybe I have reached a plateau”, it appears that all heck will break loose! I am sure that I am not the only one who is caught off guard with changes in symptoms and side effects from the medications, including new symptoms or expressions of our many conditions and illnesses.

Stress is such an enemy yet it is around us at all times. It can manifest in so many ways…being forced to stop at every red light, moving (buying/selling), interactions with others (good and bad), experiencing symptoms and side effects, etc.

Breathe in deeply to fully take in the beauty that surrounds us.

Fibromyalgia, Polyarthralgia, Chronic Pain Disorder, Spastic Colon, permanent Colostomy, IBS, Gastritis, Sciatica, Neuralgia…these hidden conditions have radically changed my world.  I have accepted and am learning to live within the boundaries of my Disability…which includes being primarily home bound and driving to town (15 miles) 2-5 times per month (with my son as escort).  This journey from working full-time, hunting and fishing with my husband and son, never thinking twice before hopping in the car for a drive, playing outside with my son…has been very hard. Faith, family and friends have carried me to this day.

A few of my “new” rules…

Breathe Deeply –this is beyond just the act of breathing. For example, when I step out onto the back porch, my eye is drawn to the leaves dancing on the most gentle breeze…I pause to find my mind joining the dance…the breeze softly brushing against my skin…I am carried away for a moment…separated from my constant companion, Pain.

Play with Brain Fog –this means handling the forgetfulness, stopping mid-sentence, repeating sentences, using the wrong words, inability to retain or understand new concept, etc. with a smile! So far this is the hardest to implement. Perfect example, I walk in to the bathroom, hmmmm…I turn and begin to leave…smile…tell myself it’s okay…will remember soon! Repeat at least three times….then upon the 4th now labored trek, I smile as I reach for my toothbrush! Wohoo!! I did it!!! I brushed my teeth! FYI –many prayers have and will continue to be said at this time…including asking God to help me remember and to not be hard on myself.

Ask for Help –clearly understanding my limitations and adapting. This means calling a friend to drive to a doctors appointment or injections. This has given such wonderful time to talk and catch up…and removes the stress of a drive.

I have chosen to embrace this opportunity to live slowly, to adjust expectations, and to enjoy every moment I can with family and friends.