I haven't fallen off the face of the earth... but I sure feel like I have.
First of all... a BIG thanks to all of you who emailed me, pm'ed me, and posted wondering where the heck I was and how I was doing. It is nice to know there are people out there who check in on me and keep tabs on my well-being.
Speaking of well being... I haven't been well. (This post is just an update on my condition... so if you are looking for something crafty or inspirational... you might want to move on.)
I have been sick since the holidays. I thought I was just too busy, to involved, stressed out and tired from the hustle and bustle of the season. It didn't get better. During January, I eliminated most of my extra activities... staying active only with my job at MCC and the swim center. It didn't help. In February, I decided it was time to seek medical help.
I was tired, exhausted. I had achy joints, I had weak muscles, I was confused, foggy, forgetful.
Week after week I went back to the doctor for testing. Mono and anemia were ruled out quickly. I kept getting worse.
I was sleeping 14-16 hours a day, I became a zombie. My water fitness students got worried. I lost a lot of weight. I became frail and had a hard time walking. I went back for more tests.
The tests showed that it was an autoimmune disease... probably Lupus. More tests... more waiting... more sleeping... lots of anxiety.
By this time I stopped teaching the water fitness class... I just couldn't keep up.
Then... a diagnosis. It wasn't Lupus... it is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The treatment? There is none... just deal with it I was told.
No... I'm not a "just let it be and deal with it" sort of person. I want options, I want suggestions, I want results. I want my life back! I got upset.
I then had a sleep lab test. It was the worst night of sleep I ever had. The lab called... apparently I may have sleep apnea caused by an obstruction.
There's light at the end of the tunnel.
There're more appointments, seeing specialists, possibly more sleepless nights in the hospital. But there's also hope! THIS I can deal with... this I can fix.
So that's the long and the short of it. I've been sick and tired... and I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired!
One of these days, when I have enough energy to climb those stairs, I'll head to the studio and possibly create something... until then, I'm going back to bed! LOL
Thanks again for checking in on me.
HUGS!
Colleen
