So it's not much of a surprise that fat quarter fridays have been a struggle for me lately. While I am on the mend, and will hopefully keep getting better, this is something that unfortunately will occur again. To be honest with all of you, and more importantly to be honest with myself I was diagnosed with Lupus. I have been feeling pretty miserable for months now, and have been in denial about it until a few weeks ago when I got sick. The kind of-scary-what is wrong with me sick. While the doctors thought I was simply over exhausted and depressed, I pushed them to do further testing and I'm so glad I did. While I knew this was going to be my diagnosis, I prayed it wasn't. I prayed that I was depressed and over exhausted at least then I would feel better someday and not live in constant pain and suffer from the craziest symptoms I have ever had.
While I impatiently wait to meet with the specialists, I am hopeful that I will be relieved of this pain and will regain my strength and energy level. For now, it is slowly coming back and hope it keeps coming back. I really do not want to give up on fat quarter friday as it is fun for me and I NEED this little outlet to escape to. Crafting is such a huge part of who I am. And this is the only thing I am able to do for me while being a stay at home momma with 3 little ones. So I'm asking all of you not give up on me while I'm going through such times. I'm not looking for sympathy or pity, I'm just being open and honest with all of you. So many of you have sent me emails, comments or get well wishes and I truly appreciate all of them. Like I said before, I never knew blogging would lead me to "meet" so many wonderful crafty ladies, that just get me. And a big thank you to my sister in law that lives hundreds of miles away, dealing her own issues, but always takes the time to check up on me. Love ya girl!
So tomorrow, thanks to this amazingly talented bloggy friend of mine (that makes the most adorable dresses for her little girls) fat quarter friday will continue. Thank you Jessica from Me Sew Crazy for putting together a super cute tutorial for us! And if anyone else has a great tutorial using fat quarters and would like to be a guest blogger, just send me an email. twolittlehooligans@yahoo.com
I know "things could be worse" and promise to all of you, that my blog is not going to turn into a big pity party, this is my happy place and I want to keep it that way. So to end this post on a happy note, here are the prettiest flowers that my hubby brought home to me the other day. They sure did brighten my day!
Don't worry so much about the deadlines...fat quarter Friday will survive even if more than a few Fridays are missed. Once you get over the initial medicine stabilization, you should be able to live a very comfortable, full life. Concentrate on feeling better first!
ReplyDelete(((((HUGS)))))
ReplyDeleteYou take care of you. We'll still be here to read whenever you're able to share more crafting, more life, more whatever... :D
Hugs! Of course we will still be here! Take care of you first!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I've been reading your blog for some time now but have never posted on your blog. So I'm one of your unknown readers!! I'm so sorry about your diagnosis. I will be praying for you. Please keep us posted! Don't feel like you're complaining! My friend was just diagnosed w/ rheumatoid arthritis & she doesn't want to blog about it for fear people will think she's complaining & having a 'pity party.' But we want to know! How else will we know how to pray? Hoping all goes well. Love reading your blog & seeing those sweet babies!!! *hugs*
ReplyDeleteOh Christina, don't ever feel like you are throwing a pity party! In the blogging world, we care for our "friends" we meet but never really meet in person. Please keep us all posted, we care and want to support you in your struggles and triumphs!
ReplyDeleteSending BIG (((HUGS)))
What a touching post - We love you Christina!
ReplyDeleteChristina, I prayed for you today.
ReplyDeleteChristina, My prayers are with you, thank you for sharing your diagnosis. I faced all of this 3 years ago and went through all the various what ifs: Lupus, Lyme disease, MS, and the doctors finally diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia. A year later I lost feeling in my hand and found out I have cysts in my spinal cord and a brain problem called Chiari malformation. Two brain surgeries later I am supposed to be symptom free, but now it looks like I wasn't misdiagnosed with Fibro. I'm in the middle of a flare-up right now so I feel your pain literally. Take care of yourself and everything else will fall in place.
ReplyDeleteThere is a huge learning curve with putting yourself first, trust me I have struggled for the last three years. Enjoy the good times and when the bad times hit remember the good times and have faith that you will carry on. I still have to tell myself this from time to time.
Blog when you can and know many of us are thinking of you. I have two kids and I work full time so I know it is all a challenge. Take care, have a great weekend.
That's a crappy diagnosis. Wish it wasn't so. Hope your strength and energy returns.
ReplyDeleteYou are entitled to take time for yourself! Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteI have loved your blog since stumbling across it back in November, and will continue to read it, regardless of posting frequency!
Glad to see you are on the path to managing your health.
Feel better, and get that much needed rest! I won't give up on you! :) And I'll get a tutorial to you soon. I think I've come up with an idea. Actually, I think I've come up with a few. I just need to decide which one to use!
ReplyDeleteSending you healing thoughts. You are not alone. Keep us posted.
ReplyDeletePrayers are being sent up for you! Thank you for sharing so we could.
ReplyDeletefirst of all i'd like to start by saying i adore your blog. that said, there is NOTHING wrong with the occasional pity party :) i have a very good friend with lupis, and she still manages to live a full and fulfilling life, but she also knows that it is ok to ask for help and do things at her own pace.
ReplyDeleteyou are so fortunate to have doctors who listen to you, and work hard to find out what is wrong, even if they took a little provoking :)
my partner has been suffering from an unknown neurological disorder for about 3 years now, and the doctors just can't seem to figure her out. it has actually gotten to the point where it feels like they have given up, but she chooses to focus her attention on the things in life which bring her joy, rather than dwell on the negative. her strength amazes me daily.
you have such adorable children, and are very talented and clearly loved, and i hope that all those things bring you strength. as everyone else seems to be saying, you are not alone!
I just found your blog and love how you share your talent and creative ideas!
ReplyDeleteMy sister has Lupus. She also has an incredible specialist that has helped her along. If you are in need of a specialist, feel free to email me. My email is glutenfreebeautifully@gmail.com. I can also share some things that have helped her health (if you are interested).
Thank you so much for keeping such a wonderful blog!
Melanie