Comment on Living with AutoImmune Diseases by Nancy Pacitto.
My motto used to be, ” I am too busy to be bored.” I was a teacher, professor, received three college degrees, volunteered for seven organizations and in my free time I was a rock and roll radio DJ. For the last ten years, I scaled back on my volunteer work and became an antique dealer. But about five years ago, I realized that I had to scale back even more. Fatigue was my middle name but no one else knew it. I tried to work through it. My son was diagnosed with a brain tumor about ten years ago. So every time I went to a doctor, their replies were always the same, You are under too much stress.” Four doctors and three years later after two mild strokes—a confirmed diagnosis of lupus. Fast forward to last year. Diagnosis: lupus, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, and Sjogren’s syndrome. I refuse to give up. Like you, I have always tried to work through my pain and when things get really tough, I decorate, sew or garden. I refer to it as “creative avoidance.” Now, I don’t have that option as much since there are many days that I can hardly walk across the room. This past six months, I have had lots of time on my hands and that’s when I started to read decorating blogs. I am glad that I found your blog. You are a joy and an inspiration. I look forward to your ideas, positivity and honesty. Bless you and thank you.