A "Moldy" Holiday and Other Related Thoughts

Since we are in the middle of the holiday season, I thought I would share a few thoughts on hosting a "Moldy", a loved one with Lyme or other chronic illnesses, or a chemical/environmentally sensitive loved one.

There are lots of articles out there on how to survive the holidays as a person with a chronic illness (like this one), but not many for their loved ones.

The holiday season is full of wonder, excitement, family, friends, presents, parties, and a billion activities to go to and do. Friends and families host parties, there are school and church Christmas programs, local Christmas events, Christmas concerts, company dinners, Christmas light displays, parades, shopping, eating, well...you know! I am a HUGE lover of the Christmas season and have always loved to cram as much into the season as possible.

But, the holidays look and feel entirely different to a chronically ill person. Everyone is different and I can not speak for everyone. But, I have some thoughts from my personal experience and from picking things up from fellow sufferers.

Traveling With A Chronic Illness

There are many times I wish I would have blogged more about our most trying times with living with a chronic illness. I find it really helpful when others do, maybe I could have done the same. But, then I remember that during the worst of it all, I did not have enough energy. I could barely move some days. But, I remember. I remember what helped, what made things worse, and have learned a lot along the way. I am still learning. We are still learning. Chris and I are a team and we are learning together.

 

So, I will blog about things off and on. Things that come to mind that may help others or help bring more awareness about living with a illness that is invisible, annoying, and just won't go away.

 

Today I would like to share a few thoughts on traveling.

 

 

Nourishment

May 27th, 2015

There are times in most peoples lives when they have to make a change and adjust to a new normal. Jobs, living situations, children, a new pet, heath, food, and so on. It is just part of life. 

When people face a heath issue and are told they need to make some dietary changes, many feel a sense of panic. Let's face it...we humans do not like change and heaven forbid you mess with our daily food rituals! As Americans, it's rather embarrassing to see what the "norm" is in the area of food these days. But, we are working on it and things seem to be changing for the good (I hope so anyway.) 

That first feeling of panic seems to be a common reaction when told to make some diet changes. Most of the time it's met with opposition...depending on the persons disposition and on how stubborn they are. But, for the people that faithfully follow the needed changes, they see results or feel so much better. Sometime those faithful followers discover that their body can indeed communicate with them on what needs it has (and no, a call for refined sugar and sugar laden breads is not a positive call.) Sometimes those communications indicate deeper issues, damage, intolerance, allergies, and imbalances you never ever knew you had. You slowly go layer by layer, uncovering secrets that your body was too weak or suppressed to communicate...until you started to unload burdens. 

Just Breathe

February 16th, Salt Lake City 

I would if I could. I mean, I am breathing, but not like I want to or like I did in the good old days. 

Lately, I have been pondering reality. What does reality mean? Webster (1828) says "1)Actual being or existence of any thing; truth; fact; in distinction from mere appearance. 2)Something intrinsically important, not merely matter of show..." 

'Not merely matter of show'... My last illness related post was written to help fellow sufferers be heard - to have a voice. This post - is on the reality of it all. Our reality is very different from you who call yourselves "normal" or "healthy". What makes it even more difficult to live in this reality is... it is a new reality, a new normal. We remember how we felt before. We remember feeling good. The rug was taken out from under us. Our lives are radically different that they were a week ago, a month ago, or several years ago. 

"Hidden" Chronic Illnessness

Or...

What to Do With Your Sick Loved One When They "Look Fine"....

Lately, I have been putting pieces together and slowly understanding what has been happening to me gradually over the last year and beyond. Crazy revelations and I am so thankful for more brain power to stand up for myself, read, research, and to find out what was wrong.

We experienced a newlywed nightmare: newlywed life abruptly interrupted with a health crisis and then being marooned and separated for four months! NOT fun or in the plan. But, there is a reason and Chris and I are growing and learning in amazing ways.

Here are some thoughts on my biotoxin journey as well as a few thoughts on how to reach out to others with illnesses you may not understand. I really hope this may help someone out there that is dealing with something like I am or someone trying to understand how to care for their sick loved one.