I know it's been a little while guys...don't worry, just big plans in the works. :). I hope that you all have had a lovely spring...albeit far from the norm still. In the past month one of my best friends gave birth to a healthy baby boy!
We also were incredibly lucky to be able to spend time with Alex's family over the Easter Holiday playing some fun board games. I continue to pose the question "What can Pfizer (Moderna/J&J) do for you?" It was wonderful to be able to spend time together and (continuing to observe safety protocols) feel so much safer and be able to be with the people we love!
Alex and I have also continued to practice chess and play competitively in online ranked tournaments. I was offered an excellent tutor Grandmaster Irina Krush, the only active female GM in the states. My chess game is improving faster than I thought it might and continues to be a source of great joy. We are shocked and pleasantly surprised that the D&D group, though members have come and gone and changed, is still running strong with Alex taking the reins as the DM. Lots of fun with tabletop games.
My homework from GM Irina Krush: what move would you play as white to gain tempo? :)
We also have had some challenges, and although we don't want them all on display, we have had a close friend in a serious car accident, me switching jobs after too much burnout, some issues with our pup not feeling his best, and after putting it off for a few months...I went to see a doctor about the pain I have been experiencing in my back and shoulder from a slip and fall on the ice in January. After a physical therapy assessment we found that not only my left hip, but also my right shoulder, were dislocated and have been the source of a lot of ongoing pain. I have spent two months in agonizing pain as I have tried my best to complete my work duties for my role in the health department. As a person with Ehler's Danlos, these were not great findings because after having both limbs manipulated digitally back into place, they have continued to slide around more than they should. It is extremely painful and makes day-to-day tasks very demanding. We are hoping my course of physical therapy will really help lengthen and strengthen the muscles that I need to keep them in socket regularly.
I also have needed to have some biopsies on a surgical scar that did not heal properly awhile ago. Amazingly, I have never had exterior stitches for anything in my life (I know, I am shocked I held out this long as well!) and it is a literal phobia of mine. As of today's dermatology appointment I have now faced, overcome, but DEFINITELY not conquered the fear. Hopefully when I go back to have the sutures removed we can complete that hurdle.
Additionally, after a lot of pulmonary workup, we found out that I do have reduced lung capacity, likely as a result of COVID-19 and/or complications from it. Unfortunately, I am also developing the long-hauler "COVID rash" which has taken up residence all over my face and back. It is almost impossible to get into a comfortable position for long and why I have been writing a lot less. The great news is that I have been cleared to exercise (carefully!) and my high glucose levels/low thyroid levels are slowly coming back into normal ranges with many months of medication changes. I am continuing voice therapy for the lesions and nodules created from my COVID-19 cough. Sometimes this all feels so slow going with celiac disease, EoE, and type 1 diabetes needing to be on the back burner as I deal with medical fallout that is complex and painful.
Right now, I am looking forward to D&D tomorrow night, some chess on Saturday, and seeing Alex's folks for the first time in a long time this weekend. We are so lucky to have had access to the vaccine which eases some of the restrictions I was following under my medical quarantine order. Onward and upward!
Prepare, don't panic,
-Allison
댓글