But...I didn't catch the cold! It's amazing!!! I wasn't sick for Christmas, I'm not sick for New Year's Eve, I'm not sick and thus have to skip the second Benlysta infusion. None of it. Now that is an excellent way to start 2016!
December 31, 2015
Christmas Miracle
I've mentioned that I have a friend staying with me over the holidays. Unfortunately, this friend got a cold starting the second day. Very sad :( But even worse is that I'd just started a new biologic, which greatly increases risk of infection, and I already get sick at the drop of a hat.
December 22, 2015
Christmas Came Early
On Sunday my friend Adam came to stay for two weeks! I'm so excited to spend this whole holiday with him :) We met online, through a mutual love of knitting and language nerdery.
And today I started Benlysta infusions. I don't know how well this will work but it's going in a different direction than previous treatments. It's administered via IV, over the course of an hour. Before the medication they give IV Benadryl which made me super dopey--I stopped being able to focus my eyes. I get infusions every two weeks x three, then every four weeks. Injecting myself is a breeze in comparison.
It may seem like I'm always waiting for one treatment to work, or waiting for the next step in treatment, or just waiting for something. And that's not an illusion, that's my life. But this Christmas I got companionship along with more waiting but in a different direction. And those are pretty amazing gifts.
And today I started Benlysta infusions. I don't know how well this will work but it's going in a different direction than previous treatments. It's administered via IV, over the course of an hour. Before the medication they give IV Benadryl which made me super dopey--I stopped being able to focus my eyes. I get infusions every two weeks x three, then every four weeks. Injecting myself is a breeze in comparison.
It may seem like I'm always waiting for one treatment to work, or waiting for the next step in treatment, or just waiting for something. And that's not an illusion, that's my life. But this Christmas I got companionship along with more waiting but in a different direction. And those are pretty amazing gifts.
December 18, 2015
Dating Pro Tips
Inspired by my buddy Justine, aka The Snarkaeologist, some dating pro tips:
1) When someone says they don't do drunk texting, don't belabor the point.
2) Don't forget the name of her cat then get jealous of said cat.
3) Don't wake me up. Definitely don't wake me repeatedly.
4) If you disobey these rules, be prepared to become a laughing stock to my friends.
1) When someone says they don't do drunk texting, don't belabor the point.
2) Don't forget the name of her cat then get jealous of said cat.
3) Don't wake me up. Definitely don't wake me repeatedly.
4) If you disobey these rules, be prepared to become a laughing stock to my friends.
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| Friday night... |
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| and Saturday night |
December 6, 2015
Remembering why I love my neighborhood
With the huge amount of ongoing construction in this city, and the general human resistance to change, I'd started to forget why I love my neighborhood. Plus my health...stuff. Then today I marched to protest skinheads, where I ran into a neighbor friend and was complimented on my "full-Seattle" handknitting skills (I wore my rainbow mittens). Later I headed to a local pub for dinner and a beer, striking up a conversation with someone who has also tried and failed to make Classics of Science Fiction book club meetings that are held down the street. I chatted with the bar manager, finished the first section of my book, and walked a whole two blocks home.
Oh yeah, this is why I love my corner of Seattle! It's because I feel like I belong, and I actually know people in the community. I'm so glad for the reminder!
PS: Peaceful protesting is awesome, even in the rain. I'm going to have to do it again. I had to skip out early, my ankle was starting to give out, but even that was no big deal.
Oh yeah, this is why I love my corner of Seattle! It's because I feel like I belong, and I actually know people in the community. I'm so glad for the reminder!
PS: Peaceful protesting is awesome, even in the rain. I'm going to have to do it again. I had to skip out early, my ankle was starting to give out, but even that was no big deal.
November 24, 2015
Cold Weather Coping for Chronic Illness
Winter is here and these are some ways I stay warm and comfy despite the chill:
Heated mattress pad: I bought one of these last fall and it changed my life. No more crawling into bed to huddle in a ball for 10-15 minutes while I warm the sheets. The bed is already warm when I get in! Bonus, the queen size has two zones so one can be warmer and one cooler for maximum nighttime comfort.
Wool socks: These are a must have in my opinion. If your feet are still cold, or you can't wear wool, try some silk sock liners. Also wear sturdy shoes, they help keep the warmth in.
Mittens: Mittens are the only way I can even attempt to keep my hands warm in winter. Gloves don't let my fingers warm each other so the chill of doom sets in. Fingerless mitts are nice for cool indoor days as well.
Lap blanket: I spend a good amount of time at home and a blanket keeps me comfortable without having the heat yo-yoing all day. If you made your lap blanket, so much the better. A cat in your lap is also an excellent way to stay warm :)
Hot drinks: I recommend a hot mug of tea. A very large mug is perfect, it stays warm longer and needs refilled less frequently.
Long underwear: I swear by silk long johns. They make jeans comfy and practical even when the temp dips to freezing. Leggings or runner's tights would work also but I like how thin and slippery silk is. I bought mine deeply discounted at Nordstrom Rack.
It's harder to take care of sick bodies but maybe the ideas will help you this winter.
Heated mattress pad: I bought one of these last fall and it changed my life. No more crawling into bed to huddle in a ball for 10-15 minutes while I warm the sheets. The bed is already warm when I get in! Bonus, the queen size has two zones so one can be warmer and one cooler for maximum nighttime comfort.
Wool socks: These are a must have in my opinion. If your feet are still cold, or you can't wear wool, try some silk sock liners. Also wear sturdy shoes, they help keep the warmth in.
Mittens: Mittens are the only way I can even attempt to keep my hands warm in winter. Gloves don't let my fingers warm each other so the chill of doom sets in. Fingerless mitts are nice for cool indoor days as well.
Lap blanket: I spend a good amount of time at home and a blanket keeps me comfortable without having the heat yo-yoing all day. If you made your lap blanket, so much the better. A cat in your lap is also an excellent way to stay warm :)
Hot drinks: I recommend a hot mug of tea. A very large mug is perfect, it stays warm longer and needs refilled less frequently.
Long underwear: I swear by silk long johns. They make jeans comfy and practical even when the temp dips to freezing. Leggings or runner's tights would work also but I like how thin and slippery silk is. I bought mine deeply discounted at Nordstrom Rack.
It's harder to take care of sick bodies but maybe the ideas will help you this winter.
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