Chronic Flares and New Beginnings

After living here for a month, our new home is starting to come together. There are a few small boxes to organize and Amazon packages to return. The only room that is still a disaster is my husband's office.

The office will probably look the same for a few months, because Hubby is very distracted. There are still things to do, and we had forgotten about all the paper-work and online work to do. We're not as fast as we used to be either.

Our first trip to an antique store didn't produce any kitchen tables or small desks. I hope to go back to that store to look for some pretty decor. There are other antique stores close by, so I know it will be fun to visit them all. We may not be able to find a small table there.

I can order a simple table from Wayfair that fits our tiny breakfast nook, but I would prefer and old table. Since my goal is to have a cozy English cottage look, I don't want just any style. So, I might have to look around for a while.

I do feel very happy here and especially love our yard. The front yard has large trees that are beautiful. The back yard is a good size with a gentle slope. Every evening around dusk we have 7 deer that hang around eating grass. We can watch them from the kitchen nook.

Now for the Chronic Flares section. Last week I got a UTI and have been having more and more of them in the last two years. I know that can be because I'm post-menopausal. I tried an online appointment through CVS. The NP was really thorough and asked about all my medicines and diseases.

He prescribed an antibiotic, which I started immediately. During the appointment, I was told to see an in-office doctor if I wasn't remarkably better after 24 hours. I waited 48 hours because my body doesn't always respond to medicines in a normal way.

I wasn't better, so I visited a walk-in clinic. I've yet to see my new GP, so I thought that this was the best option. The NP was also thorough and took a sample to send off for testing. She prescribed a different antibiotic, being careful to offer one that shouldn't harm my kidneys. She also prescribed a pain medicine. I was grateful for this.

I have felt like I was falling apart for over three decades. That has been proven true, as I found out that I had Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. The unstable joints have given me many gifts that I wish I could take back for a refund.

The physical and emotional stress of moving has brought on flares that have made me feel week and sick. The MCAS flare seems to be past me, but now I have the UTI problem. I'm hoping and praying that this medicine will work well. Our upcoming trip is planned and our daughter has changed her work hours to spend more time with us.

We'll be driving 700 miles over two days. I'm using the soft brace now, instead of the large Aircast boot. It took a while for the brace to feel good. My pain has gotten some better and the numbness is even improving. The surgeon hoped that the damaged nerves would heal, and it feels like they are well on their way.

I checked train and plane ticket prices, but it's more than we can afford. We plan to take a cooler with food for as many meals and snacks as possible. While we were moving it was too hard to save as much as we normally would. There are also so many expenses in moving and setting up house.

With my weak foot, back pain, and infection, traveling will still be hard. It will be difficult to keep my foot from swelling. I am trusting that I'll get better with the antibiotic. If not, I'll have to visit another doctor.

So, new beginnings and chronic flares have good and bad issues. I am trying to focus on the good ones. Because, why not? Life's too short to be grumpy. I can hurt and even feel sad, but I don't want to turn sour. My family really appreciate my cheerful mood.

Ps 94:19 When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.

@2025, copyright Lisa Ehrman

Disclaimer: I'm not a medical expert. This post contains my experiences and opinions and is not meant to be taken as medical advice. If you have a medical concern, please consult your personal physician.