Six years ago I went through some major health issues and spent the better part of a year traveling back and forth to Cleveland Clinic. I had a tumor and a section of my left lung removed. While all this was going on, I was also diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder called Hashimoto's Thyroid Disease. They did a biopsy of my thyroid and was told that there was no cancer, so I didn't think much about it as the lung issue was priority at that time. Other than taking a pill each day to replace the hormones that my thyroid wasn't producing any more, it didn't seem like a big deal. Boy was I wrong! As time went on I developed more and more symptoms related to the Hashi's. Most days I can barely get out of bed. I live with constant pain and exhaustion, brain fog and head aches,weight gain and skin that looks like I'm 90 years old. I feel as though I am "hanging on by a thread".
Since I don't go out much these days and I have no energy, I spend a lot of time scrolling through Pinterest. I search for inspiration and hope each day that I have enough energy to be creative in some small way. The following are some photos of my latest attempt at creativity.
Hanging On By A Thread
Necklace made of gray linen thread crocheted over a string of colorful wool beads.
The thread (Wolverine 20/2) is from Belgium.
The beads I hand felted a few years ago during a visit by my friend Odile Gova or Woolly Fabulous, as she goes by in the art world.
I'm very pleased with the end result and so excited that my spark for creating is returning little by little.
I hope to share more of my creative journey with you as I adapt to living with Hashi's.
Thanks for listening and best wishes as you battle your own struggles in life.
Keep hanging on!
Love
Karen
Hello Karen,
ReplyDeleteTime ago I started following ,but have not shown my face before ,I believe. Just read about your hard life, and wanted to send you my best wishes for you, to in the future, be able to feel better.
Your wonderful created necklace is just amazing, what a beautiful work of art !!
Greetings from Dorthe
Hi Dorthe! Thank you for taking time to visit my blog and for your kind words. I've been following your blog for a long time and love your dolls and art even though I rarely comment. Life can be very hard sometimes, but I know there are so many people out there who struggle much more than me. I feel fortunate to have the life that I have. Thanks again for visiting me!
DeleteWow, Karen, the things that life can put before us are sometimes so overwhelming. I'm glad to hear that your desires to be creative haven't been stolen away from you and you can periodically make something. Something very pretty, like those gorgeous beads, and now their new wrapping which complements them beautifully. Take care. Hopefully the promise of spring, more sunshine and brighter days will help you persevere!
ReplyDeleteHi! So good to hear from you! Life does suck sometimes, but I'm lucky enough to at least not have to work any more and have it easier than most. I do wish I had more energy though. I am hoping that Spring and some sunshine will make a difference. Thanks for stopping in!
DeleteOh Miz Karen Ann... I do wish I had a magic wand and could make it all go away and give you excellent heath. I will keep you I my prayers.
ReplyDeletelove
Marcie
The beads are genius!
Thank you dear Marcie. I have an appointment coming up in May with a new endocrinologist and have recently had my medication increased so I'm hopeful that things will be a bit better in the future. Hugs to you!
DeleteI'm sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well, Karen. I have Hashimoto's, too...so I hear you! Hope they can get your levels good soon and you are feeling better! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI can't believe you have Hashi's too Linda. I have to wait till May to see an endo, but at least I got my meds increased. 6 years of doing nothing with it has left me pretty miserable. I'm pretty upset that I have to do all my own research and ask to have my levels checked. I sure hope you have a more attentive doctor than I do. Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog this evening! I am loving reading through all of your posts because they are all my favorite things, too. AND THEN!!! I see you have Hashi's as well. I was diagnosed in Feb of 2016 after struggling for an entire decade. Diagnosis was difficult, but over the last few years, as I have advocated for my own health, and self educated I have found diagnosis to be the most freeing. Sounds nuts, I know, especially during those months that you find it hard to walk or leave the house or... well do anything at all... but I have been goign to yoga for 9 days straight, I work full time, and make art everyday. Anyway, I am rambling, but I just wanted to say "hello! I'm here with you! I know it sucks to want to do it all and be all the wonderful creative awesome things that are inside your brain and not even leave the bed.... and I see you!" @notablenormalcy on IG or email at notablenormalcy@gmail.com We could talk art, maker life, thrifting, vintage, Hashi's and nature love all day long! -Lindsey Oldani
ReplyDeleteHi Lindsey. Thanks so much for your visit and kind words. Since this post I have been diagnosed with colitis and fibromyalgia as well. I don't leave my house much these days and I can't seem to get back my creative spark, but I'm still trying. Sounds like you are on the right track. Self educating is a must. It's so hard to get anyone to pay attention when you know there is something going on. I know what you mean about that freeing feeling when you finally do get a diagnosis.
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