spillthebeans

I lost 20 pounds this year. Most people would be glad to type that, rejoicing in reaching some New Years’ goal. I never intended to lose 20 pounds. I didn’t need to lose 20 pounds. I didn’t need to lose any weight. Especially not in the space of three months. Especially not because there were days when my stomach was so nauseated that the thought of eating was unbearable. Especially not because there were days when all I wanted to do was sleep until it all felt better. Especially not because there were days I was so tired and weary that I had no focus or energy. To look at me, you’d never know I was sick. People assume that I look young and healthy, so I must be. But the illness that edges my days, that keeps me on a six-hour schedule for my medication, that prompts me to carry fast-acting anti-nausea pills in my pocket, that causes me to bring water with me everywhere I go in case I have to take something, that keeps protein bars in my purse because if I get too hungry I’ll be nauseat

So! I know it’s been a little while since I last updated. And last I posted, my circumstances were pretty dire. Since then, I’d describe my life pretty much as a roller coaster, with plenty of ups and downs to make it interesting. Here’s the official breakdown: I started itching. August 22nd, 2011. I had an allergic reaction to a medication, which made my situation much worse. November 11th. The allergic reaction died down (but my hands felt like they took forever to heal).  Annoyingly enough, the itching didn’t go away (though it may have diminished, I can’t remember).  A few hellish weeks ensue. These were some of the worst moments of my life because of all the uncontrollable itching and burning. Throughout all of this, we thought I had a yeast overgrowth.  Since I wasn’t improving, we decided to do a test. Early December. Surprise! It isn’t a yeast overgrowth. I also discover that I have low progesterone and possibly high cortisol.  December 12th. My chiropractor puts me on a supple