Holiday Spirit

finding joy in the Christmas season

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Hubby and I went to the local tree lighting in town last night. Well, actually it is more than just the tree - the entire park is decorated and lit up. It wasn't too cold, so there were LOTS of people there for the event. We managed to park somewhat nearby, and I was able to navigate the paved walkways amidst the crowds with my single point cane named "Candy".

Last week we went and cut down our Christmas tree. And by "we" I mean hubby and son - I sat in the heated car while they scoured the fields for this year's treasure. I did participate by video chat as they were out in the cold and snow ;)

I am doing well - and continuing to get stronger all the time, thanks to Day Rehab. I go to Day Rehab three afternoons a week for three hours each day. My last day at Day Rehab will be December 21st. Graduation will be an AWESOME Christmas present. "Wanda" the walker is folded up and set aside. But I hesitate to put her away, in case the need arises. "Winnie" the wheelchair has been stored in our vehicle trunk since I came home, but even Winnie has been set aside in the house for now. I have passed all my return to driving tests with Speech Therapy, PT and OT. BUT - need to overcome a newly diagnosed medical challenge before I am cleared to start driving again. I have been struggling with dizzy spells for weeks, but they have continued to increase in frequency and duration. I had an appointment with my primary care doctor and PT did some testing. I was ultimately diagnosed with BPVV, a form of vertigo. I am doing Apley maneuvers and have some medication but haven't found much relief yet.

Being homebound for 7 months and hospitalized for 2.5 months has many unexpected consequences, in addition to regaining my strength and mobility. I continue to have many follow up medical appointments and tests. BUT in true-to-Melissa-fashion, there is always something to celebrate! This week I had routine blood work to check my inflammatory markers (SED rate and CRP). This is the first time my CRP is in the normal range is February 2023. My SED rate has been trending downward and has been in the normal range for a month now. These inflammatory markers are part of how we determine if my Takayasu's Arteritis (TAK) is under control. It has been almost exactly a year since I stopped working due to my health and over a year since my TAK started flaring. What a wild ride it has been. I am beyond grateful to be coming out on the other side of all of this!

If you know me, you know I love to celebrate things - and Christmas is a season of celebrations. Hubby took a day off to hang our outdoor lights this week. This is a true act of love because he isn't fond of climbing ladders or of all the holiday "hoopla". My son helped me put matching lights on our giant Christmas wreath. I am slowly putting out Christmas decor in the house and constantly playing Christmas music at home and in the car. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!

I hope that you choose to find JOY this Christmas season. There is always something to celebrate! Thank you for all the love, support, encouragement, food, gift cards, goodies and kindness you have all shown to me and our family.