Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Life Update

I share a lot on this space and while you may know quite a few things about me from my different About Me posts there is a large part of my life that I rarely post about on here or social media.  I'm a deeply private person and am careful to only share certain aspects of my life with the public because of that.  With that said, you may have noticed that lately I've been a little MIA on here and it is due to that part of my life.  Since I have shared so much on here I think that I owe it to my readers to give a little life update and share what has been going on with me even if it is difficult for me.

In July of 2014 I shared a long post on here explaining my life situation.  In that post I explained that have some serious health issues that affect every part of my life.  You can read my the whole post here if you're interested.  The very short version of that post is that I suffer from two medical conditions.  The first condition is Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD, which is also known as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, CRPS).  RSD is "is a chronic neuro-inflammatory disorder. It is classified as a rare disorder by the United States Food and Drug Administration.  CRPS occurs when the nervous system and the immune system malfunction as they respond to tissue damage from trauma. The nerves misfire, sending constant pain signals to the brain. The level of pain is measured as one of the most severe on the McGill University Pain Scale" (RSDSA).  The second condition is Crohn's Disease which is "a life long inflammatory bowel disease [which causes] Parts of the digestive system get swollen and have deep sores called ulcers." (WebMD).

While both conditions are difficult to deal with I have to say that the RSD is by far the most difficult.  It leaves me in constant severe pain, which is exhausting.  Recently my pain has been worse than ever from the RSD and I have depleted vitamin levels and inflamed Crohn's markers from the Crohn's disease.  In addition to all of this I have developed chronic migraines in the last few months that give me terrible headaches, light sensitivity, nausea and more.  Furthermore, I was recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, which is "a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition also can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.  An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues." (Mayo Clinic).

Due to my declining health I have been feeling really terrible lately and have needed a little more time to rest then usual.  Additionally I have been undergoing medical tests and attending numerous doctors appointments all of which are exhausting.  I graduated from college this past May and my original plan was to apply to grad school to start in Spring 2017; however with everything going on right now I have decided to postpone that and will begin in Summer 2017 or Fall 2017.  While I desperately need this time off it gets to be difficult when people are constantly asking what I am doing after graduation; I know that people mean well and are genuinely curious, but what I'm doing and why I'm doing it can be difficult to explain.  

Right now I'm just trying to rest as much as possible and work on my blog even though at times that is difficult for me too.  At the moment I am trying to take everything one day at a time, listen to my body, and take care of myself, unfortunately doing all of this sometimes requires me to step away from my computer, which is why I have been a little MIA recently.  I am hoping to get back to a more regular blogging schedule because I love it too much not to!  The one adjustment I will make is I think for the next few weeks I will commit to doing four posts a week instead of five just to give myself some extra time to rest.  I want to thank all of you for your support and patience with me, it means more then you will ever know.

  
                
Make sure to add me on Snapchat - @kthomp22!
Today I'm linking up with Tutu Tuesdays, Style Sessionsand Confident Twosday.

There are just a few rules we ask you follow to join in on Tutu Tuesdays:

1. Please follow both Jordyn and me, your lovely hosts, on Instagram and/or Bloglovin.
Kristin: The Blush Blonde  |  Bloglovin'  |  Instagram

2. Link to your specific post, not your blog's main page.

3. Grab our super cute button or share a link to Tutu Tuesdays in the post you are linking up so everyone can know about the party!

4. Have fun and mingle with other bloggers that have linked up!  Like I said we want everyone to make new friends!
“The




18 comments:

  1. Thank you for hosting us each week - I am sure it is a lot of work but
    worth it because your blog is wonderful.
    Apparently we are related! My son suffers from RSD and I am a daily
    migraineur - I sympathize with the pain issues because it is exhausting.
    Take care of yourself - we will be here whenever you are able to post.
    We appreciate all that you do!
    Best wishes, Mimi
    http://inmyprimetime.blogspot.com

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  2. I hope you start to feel better! Thank you for hosting this linkup despite what you are going through.

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  3. oh girl, my heart goes out to you! thank you for such an honest post. my father has RSD, and I've legitimately never met anyone else with the disease. I have seen over the years how much it can take out of a person, so I deeply admire you for your perseverance. here for you, from a million miles away :)

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  4. Isn't it amazing how connected we can all be thanks to blogging? :) Thinking of you!

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  5. Kristin I think it is so amazing that you have shared this part of your life with the blogging world. I cannot imagine what it would be like to deal with constant pain, you are amazing for persevering the way you do. It is so great that you can plan for grad school but it doesn't have to be rushed. It's good you are taking a little time to focus on taking care of yourself. Sending lots of love <3

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  6. I'm so sorry to hear this and hope you start feeling better soon!!

    happilyevergriedlscom.wordpress.com

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  7. Oh girly I'm so sorry to hear of your struggles! You are such a strong woman, keep power of through, we are rooting for you!

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  8. I am so sorry to hear that your pain is worse than ever. I am glad to hear though that you will be doing less to help yourself. Taking care of yourself is very important. We want you healthy :)

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  9. Please take all of the time you need and really focus on you. I have Lupus and Fibromyalgia so I can understand what you are going through and how hard it is to rest and not feel let down. You need to just take your time. I'll be praying for you.

    La Belle Sirene 

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  10. Oh Kristin, I'm so sorry to hear you're going through this! I hope you'll take all the time you need to recuperate and get back on your feet. You don't owe anyone an explanation, just take care of yourself! Thinking of you and praying! XO

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  11. Such an honest post, I hope you are able to start school as planned and things are on the mend!

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  12. I am so sorry to hear that. Take the time you need and people will understand. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers and you will always have the support of our little blogging communities!

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  13. I'm sorry that you are going through such pain! I hope that you're able to keep a positive attitude through the hard times.

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  14. I can't imagine what you're going through. I hope the tests and doctors will help find a better solution for you.

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  15. Kristin, I am so sorry that you are going through all of this. Please let me know if there's anything that I can do for you. Sending thoughts and prayers your way, sweet friend! Love you!

    XO, SS || Seersucker Sass

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  16. You definitely have to do what's best for you. Please know that we're all thinking of you! <3
    XO Amanda | www.glitterandspice.com

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  17. PLEASE take some time for yourself, lady! Sending prayers your way!

    xo,
    Stephanie
    Diary of a Debutante
    www.thediaryofadebutante.com

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  18. Thank you for sharing your story and for being authentic. I'll pray for you dear. Four posts a week is a lot. You are doing more than most. It looks like you are doing an Awesome job already:) Also, love your Instagram photos.

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Thank you for taking the time to stop by The Blush Blonde! I love all of your comments and make sure to read each one! xoxo

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