AN UPDATE ON ME

 IT HAS BEEN A LONG MINUTE

Hello Dear Readers,

It's been a LONG minute since I opened this page. I apologize for my absence. I've tried to stay active on my other social media sites for you because it just seems easier to do. Posting on a blog is harder, since I have to plan my posts, edit, etc. I know it's no excuse to leave you hanging on here, but allow me to explain:

I've been MIA from my blog because a series of health issues happened over the last couple of years. First, my old people diseases flared up, and it's been hard to do a lot of things, including typing and sitting for long periods of time. If you follow me on Instagram or are one of my friends on Facebook, you know I love to cook, but even that has become a feat. Let's not even talk about housework. And here it goes... 

I don't believe I've mentioned this before, but I have arthritis, fibromyalgia, PCOS, endometriosis, soft tissue rheumatism, migraines, and I can't don't want to remember what else. Aside from that, my allergies and asthma like to flare up every August. The year before last,I had chronic bronchitis for about 8 months. I finally got over it, and I thought I was so much better. But no... 

Immediately after I had gotten over the chronic bronchitis, I had a problem with my kidney that resulted in hospitalization because I became septic; furthermore, a nephrostomy tube had to be placed in one of my kidneys because there was a stone obstruction. If you're squeamish, don't look up "nephrostomy tube."  During those 6 months of agony, sleep depravation because of the pain (the tube was placed right next one of the areas where I have arthritis and a previous fracture), and overall hating my life, I had surgery to remove as much of the blockages as possible and some of the stones embedded in my kidney. A whole year later, I am now finally starting to feel somewhat better from my back and kidney pain. Arthritis, rheumatism, and fibromyalgia are autoimmune diseases that don't allow the tissues to heal as fast as a normal body should because my immune system is constantly attacking my body for no reason. Although I feel a bit better, I still have flare ups and migraines and have some trouble with the other diseases I mentioned.

I'm sure you were expecting happier news related to books and my writing, but right now I can't offer you those things, and I'm truly sorry for disappointing you. I feel disappointed in myself, as well. But I'm trying... I'm trying to become healthier in the midst of this horrible pandemic -- taking vitamins, walking indoors, trying to eat healthy (food is so good!)-- so that my body can fight off the flare ups. 

If you are of the many suffering with these illnesses that you can't see, I see you. I know what it feels like. You're not alone, and you're not the only one. The best medicine is keeping yourself positive, walking even indoors a mere 30 mins a day, drinking water, eating less sugar and flour, and taking vitamins and supplements. Hobbies are good to have. I'm not a doctor or a nutritionist, but I am the suffer in silence character in the books you read, and most times, those characters have some tricks up their sleeves. But before you listen to me, do your research and consult your doctor. 

Guys, do take care of yourselves, be kind to each other, and keep reading. Meanwhile, stay in touch with me on my social networks. I can't promise it, but I'll try my hardest to communicate more often through my blog. 

Thanks 💖for sticking with me,

Nely