Will This Year Be Better?

It's hard to believe we are living in 2011.  I can remember watching science fictions shows as a kid and 2011 seemed like it would never really happen.  It was just too far into the future and I couldn't imagine people being able to talk on their phones and actually see the other person; or having phones that weren't attached to the wall in some way.  Of course, I also expected people to be hovering around in space vehicles similar to what you might have seen in the cartoon "The Jetsons".

I have to say I am expecting great things this year as I certainly had my share of difficult times in 2010. The fibromyalgia was a big part of it but certainly not all.

I recently figured something out that amazes me a bit and I am sure when I mention it to my doctor she will look at me like I have 3 heads, but I am positive my depression periods as well as my lack of focus and lethargy come more from sinus infections rather than the fibromyalgia.

When you have a chronic illness that have symptoms such as lethargy, foggy headiness, and depression you begin to play detective to figure out what is going on when you just don't feel well.

I have to say I haven't felt "well" much at all over the last 12 months or so.  I can just about count the days that I woke up focused, alert and ready to tackle something.  Most days I wake up and grab my pain pills and wait for them to take affect before doing anything.  After that I usually get on my computer and check my online stores and try to promote a little bit.  I may get some laundry done or manage to get to the grocery store, but by the time that's all over I am tired and uninterested in doing much else.

At this very moment I am on "Amoxicillin" for a sinus infection and I feel great; alert, upbeat,  focused and have no need for the regular afternoon nap.  Now why is that? Hmmm... have to play detective again as I am pretty sure my doctor won't have the answers.

What I have discovered is that something takes place in my brain that alters the way I think when I have severe allergies or am coming down with a sinus infection.  I don't know if the chemicals change or possible the inflammation puts pressure in the wrong places, I am convinced it plays a heavy role in my overall health.

Just about 4 weeks ago I could feel my head getting stuffy and foggy (not unusual). Then I started losing my focus on my mosaics, which is my business.  When I say "lose my focus" I mean that I lack interest, creativity and passion for anything.  Eventually I feel depressed because it's a scary place to feel like nothing matters or that you just don't care about anything. Not suicidal, mind you, just removed from normal thinking.

After a few weeks of this I started to get migraine headaches and slight fevers so I knew I had a full blown sinus infection and headed to the doctor.  Two days into the meds mind cleared and I feel like a human again.  It's like day and night. I still have the aches and pains of the fibro, but my mind feels normal. That's huge for me.

So, my conclusion is that a severe allergic reaction to substances that ultimately cause a sinus infection has a huge impact on the brain and how you think.  I am beginning to realize that the powders produced from the dish tiles I cut for my mosaics are contributing to having this chronic problem and now I wear a mask all the time when working.  I hope this will help as I have no desire to stop making my mosaics.

I hope for each of you a healthy, happy and less painful New Year.

God bless
Chris