How do you do it?

I have had several people ask me "how do you do it?" And now they have started asking Mike. So, I thought I'd try to explain it here.

I have Lupus, osteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and several other health issues. Lupus and the arthritis are the ones that affect (or bother) me the most. I have pain and fatigue nearly everyday. But, I don't want to just sit back and wait to die. Who would? I exercise in the pool at the YMCA 3 times a week. The water helps a lot to keep moving and sorta flexible.

The main thing is God keeps me going. He encourages me and comforts me. He has also given me common sense and some pretty good doctors. The doctors then give me the medicines I need to cope with my diseases. Remember, there is no cure for Lupus.

I am in a study for a new medicine for the Lupus that really helps. I get it every four weeks. The med only works for 3 weeks. The week in between? Well, let's just say I try to not do anything. I sleep a lot those days and take a lot of pain meds. We are hoping the study med will be approved by the FDA soon and that I will be able to get it thru Medicare or the manufacturer. And to get the infusion every 3 weeks instead of 4.

Remember, God gave me common sense too. I know when I am "DONE" for the day. Mike knows if I tell him I am done, then that is all I can do. I might as well have a seat or go to bed. The common sense comes in to know when you are reaching your limits and either slow down or stop. What good will you be to the rest of your family or yourself if you over do it? I know what I need help with as well. So, I am no longer afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.

How do I do it? I have a loving God, a wonderful and supportive husband, good doctors, good meds and common sense.

Hope this has helped.

Saturday Nights

What do you do on Saturday nights? Tonight is a tiring night after a long hard work day at a craft show. It was a good show. Indoors finally instead of outdoors. We didn't have to fight the wind at all! Wonderful! Sales were ok too. That always helps. But now is down time. Mike is watching a war show and I am on the pc. We did eat dinner together! Pizza. Mike is such a good cook. :)

I have been working with copper wire lately. I really enjoy it. I'll post pictures here soon...I hope. But if all else fails, you can find them on Facebook/FancyFashions. The wire is really different. The heavy gauges need annealed before working with them. Annealing is heating. Mike likes to take me took shopping so long as I am spending my own money. He did buy me a tumbler for my birthday. :)

Mom and I have been having Friday dates. I pick her up while she has a sitter with Dad. We go to lunch then shopping, running, or whatever. We only have 3 hours to be gone. She has been making fingerless gloves for my shows and she is selling quite a few! I am happy for her. She is excited about our M/D dates! I am too. I am not much of huggy, touchy feely, but I am enjoying my time with Mom. I visit with Dad when he is awake. But more and more he is sleeping the day away. His aggression is getting worse and more frequent so he needs to take his meds a little more often.

Mike's Dad has had a triple by-pass and then a mild stroke. He is healing slowly. Mike's Mom has finally been diagnosed with Alzheimer's this last week. We knew she had it, but now it is official. She has worsened a lot over the last year. We all need prayer in one way or another.

Rachael is in her 3rd year at BBC. I think she is more homesick this year than before. But, I am very proud of her. She will be a great servant for the Lord!