As a result of a rare condition known as "CARPA," I have been suffering from chronic allergies and other symptoms for many years.
Carpa is A PSEUDOALLERGY
PSEUDOALLERGY REFERS TO AN ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION CHARACTERIZED BY IMMUNE RESPONSES.
PSEUDOALLERGIES ARE TRIGGERED BY MEDICATION, WHICH CONTRIBUTES TO ITS UNPREDICTABLE NATURE AND OCCASIONALLY LETHAL OUTCOME
As a result of spending years in and out of hospitals, maintaining intimate relationships, working, and staying in contact with extended social groups has been extremely difficult and, at times, impossible.
Between my three C's (Carpa, Cancer, and Covid.) I had two choices; crawl under my sheets and never come up.
The pandemic had a profound effect on all of our lives, and the challenges, stress, and emotions that followed have been overwhelming.
The number of newly reported cases of covid-19 is, according to the World Health Organization, down to the lowest levels since March 2020 (Sept 2022)
At the same time, the WHO director-general said countries must continue to strengthen their guidelines, vaccinate high-risk groups, maintain health workers and maintain adequate stocks of medical supplies.
He said that now is the time to work even harder and ensure that we reap the fruits of our hard work.
Therefore my situation will not change; I still need to avoid crowds and public places to limit my exposure to wandering viruses.
My cancer diagnosis led to two surgeries, the loss of one of my breasts, several lymph nodes, and parts of my cheek.
Today, on top of the daily side effects of "Carpa", I have to deal with antihormonal treatment complications, life-threatening allergic reactions, and a three-year chest seroma that needs to be drained by plunging every week a long needle syringe into my chest.
Also, as a result of the antihormone therapy, I now suffer from painful inflammations in my right hand, knee, and hip, limiting my mobility.
Because of this and the lack of physiotherapy and gym access due to the pandemic, I gained a significant amount of weight.
Diseases affect a wide range of body parts and organs. By taking proper medication and by taking vaccines as a precaution, these diseases can be prevented.
The fact that I am allergic to most medications also means I am allergic to vaccines, so this isn't an option for me.
No matter what, I won't let any of these stop me from living life to the fullest, creating, learning, and sharing my thoughts and experiences. Hopefully also inspiring others to do the same.
If it weren't for the support of my family, friends, and doctors, I wouldn't be able to maintain my sanity and keep fighting for my life.
In addition, I'm also fortunate to have some friendly and generous neighbors who are always happy to share a smile, a friendly hello, a home-cooked meal, or even lend a hand with errands.
It takes a village!
Before Carpa, Cancer, and Covid, I had a wonderful life, a great career, many friends, a busy and fabulous social life, a well-trained body, and a beautiful home. Plus the freedom to travel all over the world.
I miss meeting friends, attending parties, museums, concerts, dancing, the gym, eating out, and the movies, but I mostly miss traveling.
Since I was a child, I have been self-sufficient, optimistic, and resilient. Even so, chronic fatigue, never-ending allergies, side effects from hell, and dwindling finances do not contribute to the best quality of life.
I took my health, freedom, influence, and privileged life for granted before. Today, I don't have any of these left; nevertheless, I have clarity of mind and determination.
As for my bucket list, it is not about dreams, but rather what resources I need to improve my health and quality of life.
I'm determined to overcome my losses by following my mission without hesitation and not letting my daily challenges hold me back.
Today, as part of my strategy, I am researching apps and products that will help make every day more manageable. I am drawing inspiration from articles about mind and body well-being, decor, gardening, and efficiently eating healthier.
Make your mission to live to the fullest, love passionately, and share life with inner harmony and joy.
"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." -Audre Lorde
I have discovered what works for me when it comes to managing my pain, anxiety, isolation, and stress. Although it's not always easy or successful, I find it to be effective most of the time.
My blog covers topics such as improving my health, the good, bad, and ugly of consumer products and tools, and hobbies that keep me creative and productive while striving for a better future.
It's vital that you find the tools to help boost your creativity! In my case, I look for tools that help me be productive and artistic in web design, photography, gardening, and new cooking techniques.
As I try to complete my bucket list, I hope my experiences, research, and consumer insights can help you reach yours as well.
"THE MOST COMMON WAY PEOPLE GIVE UP THEIR POWER IS BY THINKING THEY DON'T HAVE ANY." -ALICE WALKER