Busy, Busy, Busy!

Wow! Things have been crazy busy lately. As you know, from recent posts due to my circumstances we are now trying to sell the house as we are unable to live off of Jeff's income alone. We need to down size, which is fine with us as we've been wanting to move for awhile, but we were just wanting to wait until the Spring when the chances of selling were better. Now we're facing Fall and Winter trying to sell a house in a down market...the odds aren't in our favor. But, it is what it is. Hopefully we'll find a buyer soon. It really is a beautiful home with a big fenced in backyard and large deck for entertaining. We've been working so hard to get it all fixed up and ready to go on the market. It's turned out very nice if I do say so myself....

After we were done landscaping, refinishing the deck, and cleaning and organizing the inside we were pretty impressed. It kinda made us want to stay. But of course we can't so now it's FINALLY on the market! Yay! If you, or someone you know are in the market for a great home in Topeka you can check it out here.

Oh, and don't forget...I'm still looking for YOUR Meniere's story. Thanks so much to those of you who have submitted your story all ready! I plan on getting a few more and then adding them to the blog either on a weekly or monthly basis, depending on how many submissions I receive. But don't worry, they will all be added to the blog soon! If you haven't turned yours in yet be sure to do so, or just let me know you would like to submit something soon!

Much Love,

Shanon

One Step Forward. Two Steps Back.

Living with a chronic illness can feel like climbing an uphill battle with no end in sight. Every day can be challenging. But it seems the most difficult for me is when things are going really well and then BAM you hit a brick wall. Everything comes to a screeching halt. I'll be having what seems like a good day, or several good days in a row, and then out of nowhere that all comes crashing down. I can't help but feel like that I am being punished for having a good day and enjoying life.

Monday, the Fourth of July was a great day for me. I enjoyed spending time with family and friends, eating amazing food and watching the fireworks. My hearing was the best that it had been in a long time so I didn't even have to concentrate on reading lips in conversations. I was able to relax and enjoy myself. I even rowed a boat a little that day, and found myself in a push-up competition. I felt amazing! ....well amazing for someone living with Meniere's disease. Unfortunately, I paid for that good day. For that ONE great day, I spent the next TWO days in bed too dizzy to move. I felt worthless and pathetic. After having a wonderful day I was now bed ridden, unable to even take care of myself. What did I do wrong?! Why was I being punished for enjoying life and being able to do what everyone else gets to do on a daily basis?

Unfortunately, I don't have the answers to these questions. All I know is that that's just the way it is. I have to learn that I can't over do one amazing day, otherwise I might regret it later. It's important to find balance and not take on too much all at once. But it is so difficult. For the past two days I've been lying in bed feeling sorry for myself, thinking about all the things I could be doing, but that I couldn't. And all I wanted to do when I was feeling better this morning was to play "catch up". I wanted to clean the house, do the laundry, work in my studio and prepare a healthy supper for me and my husband. But I had to slow down and think about the consequences to these choices. If I jump out of bed from being dizzy for two days straight I'll more than likely end up back in bed before the day is over. So I made a plan for the day and stuck it on the fridge:

1. Yoga
2. Clean house
3. Blog

That's it! Three things on my "to do" list for the entire day. I know it seems pathetic, but I know it's all I can handle right now. And trust me, I feel A LOT better about this list than I do about my wallowing around in bed for two days doing nothing list. I have to accomplish something and three things is something. With this list I'll feel like I have a purpose. It's not much of a purpose but hopefully if I keep my daily goals simple and attainable I will be able to add more to my list, and have more good days. Eventually, I could have two steps forward with only one step back. Or maybe event three or four steps forward, with only one step back. I realize that I can't beat Meniere's disease all together, but falling backwards doesn't have to happen every other day. And hopefully one day I will see the light at the end of the tunnel and so will you!

Much Love,
Shanon

Being Prepared

It's always a good idea to be prepared. Especially if you have meniere's disease. Here are a few ways that I like to plan ahead. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section! :)

1. ALWAYS have your cell phone with you. - This can be tough at times but it's really important especially if you have a sudden drop attack and hurt yourself, or just need help getting to a more comfortable place to rest.

2. ALWAYS have your meds close by. - I don't leave the house without my medications in case of a dizzy episode. You never know when you might need them. AND be sure your meds are always filled and that you have enough on hand.

3. Prepare an emergency kit - If there is a place in your house or office that you spend a lot of time, I recommend you have an emergency kit close by. I'll have to post pictures of my soon, but basically it's a kit with meds, water, wash clothes, vomit bags, a pillow and blanket. Anything you might need in case you have an attack.

4. Prepare a food menu for the week. - It's a good idea to have meals planned out so that when you are having a bad day you don't have to think about "what's for dinner?" I also like to have meals prepared and ready to drop in the oven for the days that I don't feel well enough to make something.

5. Rest - Be sure to plan for enough sleep and rest when you need it. Not having enough sleep can really effect your condition. Usually I don't have to get up by a certain time in the mornings but when I know I will have to get up early I will go to bed early. And I ALWAYS lie down when I'm starting to feel sick. It's better to catch an attack early in its development than to let it go.

6. Allow plenty of time to get ready - One thing I've learned since my Meniere's has gotten worse in the last several months is to allow myself plenty of time to get ready to leave the house. I used to eat breakfast, shower, do my hair and makeup all in an hour or less. Now I give myself two hours. Sometimes I don't need the whole two hours and I'm ready early. But sometimes I have to rest several times while I'm getting ready which can take up the whole two hours or more.


I'm sure there is more, but that's everything I can think of right now. I hope this list will help you be prepared for your next attack and maybe lessen the anxiety and worry about when your next spell will occur. I once had a panic attack because I couldn't find my cell phone when I had to leave for work. I searched the house frantically, destroying everything in sight certain that I couldn't leave the house without my phone. It's better to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best.

Much Love,
Shanon