My 2017

This year has gone by and I sometimes wonder where it went.

I was thinking about it the other day and decided to write about it for two reasons: 1) to let you know what’s been going on with me and, 2) to explain why I haven’t been posting much.

January: I was still feeling out of sorts, depressed actually, over a family member needing to go into a nursing home last fall. I finally realized I’d been grieving. Though they were still alive, they’d never be who they once were; the old person was dead and I was struggling to adjust to this ‘new’ person in their stead. It remains an ongoing challenge, though I’m handling it much better. Family support has been amazing and my individual counseling has been very helpful.

February: I was rear-ended while stopped at a red light. The trauma from the accident caused new body pain as well as exacerbated my chronic joint pain, for which I’m a disabled veteran. I continue receiving medical care from the VA Hospital for my disability and am in treatment twice a week from the accident pain. Tests revealed both herniated and bulging discs in my upper and lower back as well as two pinched nerves in my neck. OUCH!

March: I began developing hives. Over the course of a few weeks, they’d spread to cover my arms, back, scalp, face, and legs. I’ve always had sensitive skin, been prone to hives, had food intolerances, as well as typical allergies and asthma. I couldn’t figure out what caused the hives this time and I was quite miserable. Doctor’s visits and appointments with an allergist resulted in four additional medications on top of my regular allergy medications. I was beyond loopy. I was, for the most part, nonfunctional. This lasted approximately four straight months.

July: The hives started decreasing and I was able to taper myself off those additional medications. I continued with the Aveeno Oatmeal baths and using Cetaphil Soap.

August: I began feeling human again. During the “hive” ordeal, I was still dealing with the emotional loss of the family member going into the nursing home. Hive-wise I was feeling better. Pain-wise, the medical appointments continued.

September: I increased my activity in the kink community. During the four month “hive” ordeal, I only went to a few Munches and maybe one or two parties.

October: I was back to my regular attendance at Munches.

November: I was back to my regular attendance at public and private play parties. I signed on to NaNoWriMo and didn’t make much progress. The manuscript remains on my desk. Great thing about stories, they stay where you put them. If only they had an audible voice to call me to them lol.

December: WOW, it’s December already!

Through the year, I remained in touch with family and friends. They were my lifeline nad continue to be. I’m still in care for physical pain, though it’s manageable, and I still go to counseling.

Over the last few months, I’ve written a few articles here and there. More to add to the list of 30+ pieces I still need to edit and revise to prepare for publication.

Thank you for being here.

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Dion

I journeyed from GED to a PhD in Psychology. I decided to focus on my writing once I retired from the clinical field. I write in various genres and have several WIPs for publication once edited. I post articles on this website for intellectual and entertainment purposes.

2 thoughts on “My 2017”

  1. HI,
    I can sympathize with you about the hives. I too have always had sensitive skin. During a trip to Seattle just over a year ago, I started to develop hives. They lasted for almost 6 months and covered every part of my body. Including my scalp, palms and the soles of my feet. Many doctor’s appointments and various treatments, but never found a cause. Eventually they resolved themselves on their own. Not a fun time.
    Glad to hear that you are doing better on the health front.
    Bob

    1. Thank you. It wasn’t encouraging to hear the doctor say, “Usually in cases of chronic hives, we’re not able to figure out the cause.” I now think they would have eventually went away on their own without the additional medication. Aveeno oatmeal packets, and also putting baking soda, in my bath water, helped with the itching for a couple hours. Definitely not a fun time. I’m glad we’re both well now 🙂

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