And I'm Back...

So, I've discovered that it really is hard to keep up a blog.  I think about things that I want to write on here rather frequently but between trying to function at my job (which, yes, I've returned to full-time), take care of my home and family (even though my kids are grown and live away from home they still need their Mama), doing some things that I do for fun and getting the rest that I need there's just no time left over.

Since I was last here I've gone from having a dog (dogs plural in the past) to having a very sweet little cat.  He's a rescue but I believe he rescued me.  I also think he's a dog in a cat suit since he's snuggly and prefers to spend his time on my lap.

I will say that he calms my anxiety a great deal.  He makes me feel better when my body wants to give up and he welcomes me home at the end of the day with lots of meows, love and warm cuddles. 

I've also become a mother-in-law.  That is a real change in my life.  A new daughter to add to the tribe.  Of course it meant a lot of travel for the wedding and before and now to see the young couple.  Travel, of course, is not a treat for someone with fibro, MCTD or gastroparesis.  Somehow I manage to survive the day trips to see them since they don't drive.  

On the medical front I've had my ups and downs.  My gastroparesis flares at times and I have had to change nausea and pain meds.  Thankfully the new meds are better.  This disease is a constant learning process because it changes day to day and is never consistent.  It's no wonder my anxiety is bad so much of the time.  

My joints and muscles scream at me regularly.  Some day there might be a cure for fibro but probably not in my life time.  This is a wicked disease.  Sorry, I can't call it a syndrome.  I have to live with it and the medical folks don't.  If they did they would call it a disease too.  Having MCTD on top of it makes it much worse too.  The lupus part of that rears its ugly head more often than I'd like to see it.  My hands really take the brunt of it but I manage.  Somehow I still use the computer and still crochet..  I'm just slower than I used to be and I have to take more breaks.  

My blood pressure isn't being my friend either.  You know the old saying, "If it's not one thing it's another.", well for me they just keep piling up and my blood pressure is just the most recent.  For some unknown reason it has decided to go up.  I know it's been an insane week but I really didn't need that too.  

Well, it's time to close this entry.  Maybe I'll get better at this.  At least I have a three day weekend coming up so maybe I can get some rest.  I'm wiped out. Good luck to my chronic pain buddies.  Stay well and stay warm in this cold weather.  Blessings to all of you.