Tomorrow's topic is "Do you think it's better to play it safe or take risks?" I hope that you'll join me in this month-long conversation by adding comments, asking questions and just interacting :).
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Thursday, February 28, 2013
March's NaBloPoMo - Taking Risks
Every month BlogHer posts a challenge called NaBloPoMo during which bloggers are invited to write a post every day on a certain topic. This month's topic is risk, and since it hits home for me right now I decided to take it on. There are prompts for every day (except the weekends which are free writing days), so get ready to learn about me and my thoughts and plans about risk. My weekend posts will likely be about reviews on products I've tried (CORE FOODS, I'm looking at you) and other random stuff going on in my life.
Tomorrow's topic is "Do you think it's better to play it safe or take risks?" I hope that you'll join me in this month-long conversation by adding comments, asking questions and just interacting :).
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tomorrow's topic is "Do you think it's better to play it safe or take risks?" I hope that you'll join me in this month-long conversation by adding comments, asking questions and just interacting :).
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
I wanted to post today...
But I'm flaring and only have one finger available to type. My mood is good, but my body hates me.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Ways to stay on track when staying in an all inclusive resort
Okay, okay, roll your eyes. "Oh, Elyse! What a horrible problem! Staying healthy while in a gorgeous all-inclusive resort when celebrating your friend's wedding!"
Give me a break - it's a good topic. I swear.
As you know I have some health limitations that fall under the category of invisible illnesses. I was worried about how I would navigate a beach wedding when I'm super photosensitive. And how I wouldn't gain like 80lbs being at an all inclusive resort.
1. Rest between 10am and 3pm. I'm currently hiding out on a lounge chair under an umbrella while catching up with the world. The pool and beach will be there after peak sun hours.
2. Wear sunscreen. Even if you're not photosensitive, who wants to rock the lobster look?? I'm using spf 110, and it has worked fabulously. I haven't gotten burned or even tanned much.
3. Forget about how doofy you look in your big ol straw gardening hat. I'm not really feeing the idea of skin cancer on top of everything else, so I'm wearing my hats :)
4. Walk everywhere. This place is so huge that they have shuttles running across the property all day long. At first I was all about the shuttles, but then I figured out some easier walking paths. It allowed me to get exercise and stay in the shade without pushing myself. I walked at a slow pace when I needed, took breaks when I needed, but I did it. And am still doing it. Don't get me wrong, if I've overexerted myself and a shuttle happens to be coming my way, I'll jump on. But use your legs.
5. You don't have to eat everything inside. It is a veritable bacchanal here, with everything and anything you could possibly want. Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. Besides, who really wants to stuff themselves that much that doing anything else is out of the question?
6. Stick with what you know. I know that eating pasta is bad for me because of gluten sensitivities, so I'll avoid it. I find the tastiest of the foods I like to and can eat, and enjoy in moderation. If you're going to "cheat" make sure it's worth it and be willing to swim laps. I've kept up a fairly clean diet and have been about 80% paleo. And I'm loving it.
Okay, so what are your tips on staying on track while on vacation?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Give me a break - it's a good topic. I swear.
As you know I have some health limitations that fall under the category of invisible illnesses. I was worried about how I would navigate a beach wedding when I'm super photosensitive. And how I wouldn't gain like 80lbs being at an all inclusive resort.
1. Rest between 10am and 3pm. I'm currently hiding out on a lounge chair under an umbrella while catching up with the world. The pool and beach will be there after peak sun hours.
2. Wear sunscreen. Even if you're not photosensitive, who wants to rock the lobster look?? I'm using spf 110, and it has worked fabulously. I haven't gotten burned or even tanned much.
3. Forget about how doofy you look in your big ol straw gardening hat. I'm not really feeing the idea of skin cancer on top of everything else, so I'm wearing my hats :)
4. Walk everywhere. This place is so huge that they have shuttles running across the property all day long. At first I was all about the shuttles, but then I figured out some easier walking paths. It allowed me to get exercise and stay in the shade without pushing myself. I walked at a slow pace when I needed, took breaks when I needed, but I did it. And am still doing it. Don't get me wrong, if I've overexerted myself and a shuttle happens to be coming my way, I'll jump on. But use your legs.
5. You don't have to eat everything inside. It is a veritable bacchanal here, with everything and anything you could possibly want. Just because you CAN doesn't mean you SHOULD. Besides, who really wants to stuff themselves that much that doing anything else is out of the question?
6. Stick with what you know. I know that eating pasta is bad for me because of gluten sensitivities, so I'll avoid it. I find the tastiest of the foods I like to and can eat, and enjoy in moderation. If you're going to "cheat" make sure it's worth it and be willing to swim laps. I've kept up a fairly clean diet and have been about 80% paleo. And I'm loving it.
Okay, so what are your tips on staying on track while on vacation?
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, February 22, 2013
Traveling with Lupus: Lessons Learned and Loving the Love
Last year, way before my disability became evident, we received a wedding invitation to our close friends/family's wedding. We were super excited, but once my health took a turn for the worse, it was questionable if I could go. After being cleared by no less than SEVEN people, I was allowed to go as long as I promised to rest. Now, I've traveled a lot in the past and I always get sick b/c I don't follow doctor's orders. So how do you think I did this time?
Well, we know how good I am about my healthcare. Not great. But this time, I decided to follow all advice to the letter. I'm not playing around.
I went to the beach, slathered in sunblock, and played in the gulf. It was amazing. After 2 hours, I came back hungry and tired. So I ate, napped and woke up with hives all over my friggin triceps of all places. Thankfully, I was able to get some caladryl and cover my body with it. I also had some anti-anxiety pills that just so happen to have an anti-histamine effect. So I thought I was in the clear. I was, until I woke up with a migraine.
I skipped out on last night's festivities, and am feeling a bit sad about it, to rest. I felt/feel bad that I traveled all this way and am sleeping a lot, but I'm here for the wedding (today). I hope my presence is enough of a testament about how much I love and care about the couple. It's bad timing with all the stress I've been under.
Here's what I've learned in the short few days I've been here.
Lesson 1: Stay out of the sun.
Lesson 2: Bring anything you think you might need, including stuff you don't normally use, like calamine lotion.
Lesson 3: Listen to your body. Sleep as much as necessary.
Lesson 4: Do not sleep on hard pillows. They may just give you a migraine.
Lesson 5: Hide the tramadol.
Lesson 6: Enjoy the moments when you're feeling well enough to socialize, make the best of each moment and tell the folks you're with how much you appreciate them.
Life is challenging, even (or especially) when on vacation, but it's a life worth living when you get to revel in and celebrate love :).
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Well, we know how good I am about my healthcare. Not great. But this time, I decided to follow all advice to the letter. I'm not playing around.
I went to the beach, slathered in sunblock, and played in the gulf. It was amazing. After 2 hours, I came back hungry and tired. So I ate, napped and woke up with hives all over my friggin triceps of all places. Thankfully, I was able to get some caladryl and cover my body with it. I also had some anti-anxiety pills that just so happen to have an anti-histamine effect. So I thought I was in the clear. I was, until I woke up with a migraine.
I skipped out on last night's festivities, and am feeling a bit sad about it, to rest. I felt/feel bad that I traveled all this way and am sleeping a lot, but I'm here for the wedding (today). I hope my presence is enough of a testament about how much I love and care about the couple. It's bad timing with all the stress I've been under.
Here's what I've learned in the short few days I've been here.
Lesson 1: Stay out of the sun.
Lesson 2: Bring anything you think you might need, including stuff you don't normally use, like calamine lotion.
Lesson 3: Listen to your body. Sleep as much as necessary.
Lesson 4: Do not sleep on hard pillows. They may just give you a migraine.
Lesson 5: Hide the tramadol.
Lesson 6: Enjoy the moments when you're feeling well enough to socialize, make the best of each moment and tell the folks you're with how much you appreciate them.
Life is challenging, even (or especially) when on vacation, but it's a life worth living when you get to revel in and celebrate love :).
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Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Taking a few days off to celebrate love
Before my illnesses and all the craziness began we received a wedding invitation for Omar's best friend and his fiancée. I debated whether or not to go to the wedding, but what could be better for healing spirit, mind and body than celebrating the beautiful union of two amazing people?
So I'm probably off the grid for the next few days.
Love is beautiful.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
So I'm probably off the grid for the next few days.
Love is beautiful.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Motivational Monday
Yes, I am writing this on a Sunday night, but it's Monday somewhere. The last week has been such a whirlwind for me. The hubs and I decided we wanted to move out of Los Angeles proper and move somewhere where we could get a little bit more space. So on Sunday, I started looking for apartments, and got three appointments scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. I fell in love with place #2, and next thing we knew were signing a lease. It's not a huge deal - a 2 bed/2 bath apartment in a town that I am starting to adore.
But what was a big deal is that we decided to move this weekend. As in yesterday. So since Tuesday night, I've been packing, organizing, labeling, napping, trying to rub out kinks in my muscles, falling asleep too early, waking up way too early, and just being in a frenzy of activity and long periods of rest. I didn't realize that my body is not quite up for what I put it through, and I'm starting to pay the price. I'm exhausted, sore, bruised from bumping into and carrying boxes, and just plain out of spoons.
Today, I woke up early as usual, so I tried organizing without waking up the hubs. When he got up, we started making runs to various stores and learning the neighborhood. This was the closest to happy I've felt in a long time.
Now, it's 8:30 at night and I've got a case of the sads. I deal with depression and some other issues, so it's not that surprising, but it sucks. I'm sad about feeling bored, I'm sad about not being where I want to be health-wise, sad about my body crapping out on me much more frequently than it used to. I hate this, but intellectually I know that this is all minor. I'm trying to work my way through this because, the only constant is change. I'm blogging, talking to friends, and getting some stretching in. I'm going to cuddle with my dog, and relax a bit, because I've been working hard on and off all day.
One exciting bit of news is that I finally broke through my weight plateau and as of this morning I'm only 2lbs away from the 50lb weight loss mark. I'm super excited about that, despite my funk.
I've learned a very important lesson - you can't just take one negative experience and let it define your day/week/month. You have to keep on keeping on, because there is something good in each day. You just have to look for it.
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But what was a big deal is that we decided to move this weekend. As in yesterday. So since Tuesday night, I've been packing, organizing, labeling, napping, trying to rub out kinks in my muscles, falling asleep too early, waking up way too early, and just being in a frenzy of activity and long periods of rest. I didn't realize that my body is not quite up for what I put it through, and I'm starting to pay the price. I'm exhausted, sore, bruised from bumping into and carrying boxes, and just plain out of spoons.
Today, I woke up early as usual, so I tried organizing without waking up the hubs. When he got up, we started making runs to various stores and learning the neighborhood. This was the closest to happy I've felt in a long time.
Now, it's 8:30 at night and I've got a case of the sads. I deal with depression and some other issues, so it's not that surprising, but it sucks. I'm sad about feeling bored, I'm sad about not being where I want to be health-wise, sad about my body crapping out on me much more frequently than it used to. I hate this, but intellectually I know that this is all minor. I'm trying to work my way through this because, the only constant is change. I'm blogging, talking to friends, and getting some stretching in. I'm going to cuddle with my dog, and relax a bit, because I've been working hard on and off all day.
One exciting bit of news is that I finally broke through my weight plateau and as of this morning I'm only 2lbs away from the 50lb weight loss mark. I'm super excited about that, despite my funk.
I've learned a very important lesson - you can't just take one negative experience and let it define your day/week/month. You have to keep on keeping on, because there is something good in each day. You just have to look for it.
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Friday, February 15, 2013
Oh Friday!
I haven't written anything in the last few days because it's been a rough week. I'm trying to be more positive about what I post, so I waited until I was in a better place.
Besides my lupus acting up considerably, I've been dealing with migraines, stress and all sorts of stuff. As part of my treatment regime, I have been told to exercise for 30 minutes a day. Lately, that exercise has been in the form of packing. The hubs and I are moving to a new town, and we din't realize how much stuff we have accumulated living here over the last five years.
So my schedule has been going to OT and doing the work at the hospital, coming home, packing a little, napping, packing, packing packing, until it's time for bed. I am also not fully over the insomnia, so while I'm sleeping through the night, I am also waking up at 5:30am.
There has been a lot of crap thrown my way lately, but I'm starting to learn how to feel it, process it, and then let it roll off of my back. Given that I'm me, it's not easy, but I'm working on it.
Today might not be a good day, but I resolve to find the good in every day.
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Besides my lupus acting up considerably, I've been dealing with migraines, stress and all sorts of stuff. As part of my treatment regime, I have been told to exercise for 30 minutes a day. Lately, that exercise has been in the form of packing. The hubs and I are moving to a new town, and we din't realize how much stuff we have accumulated living here over the last five years.
So my schedule has been going to OT and doing the work at the hospital, coming home, packing a little, napping, packing, packing packing, until it's time for bed. I am also not fully over the insomnia, so while I'm sleeping through the night, I am also waking up at 5:30am.
There has been a lot of crap thrown my way lately, but I'm starting to learn how to feel it, process it, and then let it roll off of my back. Given that I'm me, it's not easy, but I'm working on it.
Today might not be a good day, but I resolve to find the good in every day.
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Sunday, February 10, 2013
Hobbies, Exercise and Recovery
As part of my recovery, my treatment team has insisted that I incorporate the following things every day:
1. Sleep - your body needs sleep. As an insomniac, I'm finding this hard, but I am trying to practice sleep hygiene to make the transition better. I'm not sleeping great, but better than before.
2. Nutrition - Because we're trying a handful of new meds, I need to watch my diet, specifically my sugar intake. A few of the meds can mess with glucose levels. Lovely. But I'm working on it.
3. Hobbies - Being on medical leave for a little over 3 months is NOT easy and somewhat depressing. They've insisted that I find some hobbies to do daily that way I can keep my mind on something fun, relaxing and pleasing. I'm teaching myself how to crochet, dabbling in water colors and leather working. I started off with kids sets just to get practice before I try to crochet an afghan or cut my own leather strips and stitch. I'm also trying to meditate, but that's proving difficult lately. So I'm doing it in 5 minute bursts.
4. Exercise - Yes, exercise. Because I spent so much time in the hospital and in bed at home before that, I started losing what little muscle I had been developing. So I'm working on doing a little every day. Working on arm strength primarily, and doing some gentle stretching. I'm going to start to slowly incorporate walking into my routine again, although I get in tons of walking throughout the day with my OT activities.
Recovery is hard work, but I'm making the best I can. I want to make sure I don't end up in this situation again, so I'm taking care of mind, body and spirit.
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1. Sleep - your body needs sleep. As an insomniac, I'm finding this hard, but I am trying to practice sleep hygiene to make the transition better. I'm not sleeping great, but better than before.
2. Nutrition - Because we're trying a handful of new meds, I need to watch my diet, specifically my sugar intake. A few of the meds can mess with glucose levels. Lovely. But I'm working on it.
3. Hobbies - Being on medical leave for a little over 3 months is NOT easy and somewhat depressing. They've insisted that I find some hobbies to do daily that way I can keep my mind on something fun, relaxing and pleasing. I'm teaching myself how to crochet, dabbling in water colors and leather working. I started off with kids sets just to get practice before I try to crochet an afghan or cut my own leather strips and stitch. I'm also trying to meditate, but that's proving difficult lately. So I'm doing it in 5 minute bursts.
4. Exercise - Yes, exercise. Because I spent so much time in the hospital and in bed at home before that, I started losing what little muscle I had been developing. So I'm working on doing a little every day. Working on arm strength primarily, and doing some gentle stretching. I'm going to start to slowly incorporate walking into my routine again, although I get in tons of walking throughout the day with my OT activities.
Recovery is hard work, but I'm making the best I can. I want to make sure I don't end up in this situation again, so I'm taking care of mind, body and spirit.
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Saturday, February 9, 2013
A little Saturday fun
I realized that most of my posts have been boring and depressing so I decided to use some prompts. I saw this on Facebook and since Candace gave me a starting age of 10 years ago, I thought it would be fun
What age I was given: 22
Where I lived: Bronx, NY
Hobbies: work, read, watch lots of TV (especially Spanish novellas), walking, hanging out with friends.
What I drove: whatever vehicle I used at work. It was NYC, didn't need a car
What I did: outreach coordinator for the Bronx River Alliance
Who had my heart: No one. Crankily single at the time
Favorite exercise: kayaking
Favorite restaurants: Patricia's Italian restaurant
Eating habits: tons of pre-made pasta. I was a horrible cook.
Nickname: E
Most often seen wearing: jeans, sneakers and unflattering T-shirts
My age now: 32
Where I live: Los Angeles
What I drive: my beloved 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
What I do: Director of Programs for a nonprofit and avid crafter and reader. Yogi at heart and meditator. Yoga.
Who has my heart: The one and only Mr. O, my amazing husband
Favorite exercise: yoga
Favorite restaurants: Kitchen 24
Eating habits: mostly paleo diet
Nickname: None
Most often seen wearing: yoga gear or dresses with colored tights!
Comment on this post and I'll give you an age! Extra brownie points for someone who can come up with a cute nickname. Prizes may be involved for the best one (one i will use).
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What age I was given: 22
Where I lived: Bronx, NY
Hobbies: work, read, watch lots of TV (especially Spanish novellas), walking, hanging out with friends.
What I drove: whatever vehicle I used at work. It was NYC, didn't need a car
What I did: outreach coordinator for the Bronx River Alliance
Who had my heart: No one. Crankily single at the time
Favorite exercise: kayaking
Favorite restaurants: Patricia's Italian restaurant
Eating habits: tons of pre-made pasta. I was a horrible cook.
Nickname: E
Most often seen wearing: jeans, sneakers and unflattering T-shirts
My age now: 32
Where I live: Los Angeles
What I drive: my beloved 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
What I do: Director of Programs for a nonprofit and avid crafter and reader. Yogi at heart and meditator. Yoga.
Who has my heart: The one and only Mr. O, my amazing husband
Favorite exercise: yoga
Favorite restaurants: Kitchen 24
Eating habits: mostly paleo diet
Nickname: None
Most often seen wearing: yoga gear or dresses with colored tights!
Comment on this post and I'll give you an age! Extra brownie points for someone who can come up with a cute nickname. Prizes may be involved for the best one (one i will use).
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Thursday, February 7, 2013
One Thought Thursday
Exhaustion.
I never thought I would ever feel this level of exhaustion. I'm exhausted by the time I get to my first appointment. I am exhausted at lunch. By the time I'm done with all my medical appointments I just need to sleep. It's insane. I still sleep a good 8-10 hours every night too. Sigh.
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I never thought I would ever feel this level of exhaustion. I'm exhausted by the time I get to my first appointment. I am exhausted at lunch. By the time I'm done with all my medical appointments I just need to sleep. It's insane. I still sleep a good 8-10 hours every night too. Sigh.
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Wednesday, February 6, 2013
One Day at a Time...Another Day in My Slow Recovery Back to Health
Yesterday I started the first of many therapeutic treatments that will go on during my leave of absence. It was a long day of meeting with doctors, etc, and by the time I got out I was damn near exhausted. Picking up my new meds took all my remaining energy, and then I was done for the day. I fell asleep on the couch before 8pm, slept til 11, talked to one of my dearest friends til midnight and then was up at 5. This is the best sleep I've had in years, so I'm not complaining.
I'm trying to be as grateful every day as possible for the small steps, but it takes work. I am having trouble reading/processing information, which REALLY sucks, because I love to read. After a few pages, I start getting a headache and nothing sinks in. My goal is to start reading on of my mindfulness books, even if I read three pages a day. Gah! Going from a speed reader to this is infuriating, but again, I'm working on accepting my conditions and what my life is like right now. Writing by hand is also difficult due to the tremors, but at least I can type :).
One day at a time, I will:
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I'm trying to be as grateful every day as possible for the small steps, but it takes work. I am having trouble reading/processing information, which REALLY sucks, because I love to read. After a few pages, I start getting a headache and nothing sinks in. My goal is to start reading on of my mindfulness books, even if I read three pages a day. Gah! Going from a speed reader to this is infuriating, but again, I'm working on accepting my conditions and what my life is like right now. Writing by hand is also difficult due to the tremors, but at least I can type :).
One day at a time, I will:
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Muddling along
Two of the hardest things I've had to tackle since leaving the hospital is admitting when I have hit my limit and asking for help. Type A, workaholic Elyse doesn't like and rarely does either of those things. Elyse in recovery needs those things. It makes me feel weak an incompetent and sad. I need my body to recover, so obviously, I need help, but I just want to pick up where I left off. Every time I try, however, I end up worse off than before.
Luckily, I have the most amazing family and friends. They call me out when I'm being silly for not asking for help an have stepped up amazingly. From my wonderful husband to my patient advocate to all of my friends, in-laws, parents and amazing siblings, they have NEVER made me feel less than for needing more than I can give at the moment. Words cannot express how grateful I am to all of you.
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Luckily, I have the most amazing family and friends. They call me out when I'm being silly for not asking for help an have stepped up amazingly. From my wonderful husband to my patient advocate to all of my friends, in-laws, parents and amazing siblings, they have NEVER made me feel less than for needing more than I can give at the moment. Words cannot express how grateful I am to all of you.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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