I've recently discovered that I haven't written a blog post since last July, shocking! The truth is that I've had a pretty bumpy ride recently and I haven't been sure whether to talk about it on social media or keep it to myself and carry on (thinking that no-one will be any the wiser and that wouldn't be such a bad thing would it?).
The problem is, being a 'Creative' my feelings and thoughts go hand in hand with my work and it is not so easy to compartmentalise these things. I think I need to start being a bit more honest with myself about how events have affected me though so that I can grow stronger and move on in a positive way. I hope that putting this out there in the ether will help me to stop worrying about telling people and whether they think any less of me as a result, it is what it is. This is now sounding overly dramatic and I apologise as it is just related to my health issues.
To sum up: I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for about 13 years now and have been on various types of medication (lots). Three years ago, after losing my father suddenly, I was told that I would probably need a complete jaw joint replacement operation as a bout of inflammation had affected my TMJ on both sides - this is quite unusual in RA. Fortunately I was introduced to some new medication which seemed to work miracles, tackled my inflammation and stalled the need for surgery (thank goodness). Moving forward to last June 2015, my jaw had improved greatly but there were other issues - I thought I had a trapped nerve in my right arm but it grew worse and lead to a frightening episode in the shower when I couldn't feel the right side of my body and thought I was having a stroke. After various MRIs looking for causes I was told that they had found lesions in my brain that were indicative of MS. Obviously this was a huge blow and I couldn't believe it as I felt that the RA was more than enough to deal with. I have since met with a neurologist who seems to think it is not the worst kind of MS which goes straight to permanent deterioration but the Relapsing Remitting variety which may not return for some time and is more of a slow burner, still, a lot to take on board.
Art Therapy
Around the time I lost my father and had the issues with my jaw, my GP suggested I see a counsellor to talk things through. I turned instead to Art Therapy and looking back at those dark days I can honestly say that what got me through was sitting down and starting my sketchbooks. Focusing on something new was just what I needed and all consuming (when the children were at school at least!) I was also lucky enough to have great support from family and friends and this and my new creative outlet is where I found the most comfort. There is something wonderful about getting lost in creativity and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece but using the creative side of your brain is a powerful healer - just ask Andrew Marr!
Autoimmune Paleo Diet
Apart from a few issues with tingling and poor circulation in my right hand I am doing pretty well at the moment. I am due to have another brain scan in a couple of months to check if there are any changes but hopefully things will calm down a bit now. I have been on the Autoimmune Paleo diet since the New Year and am definitely feeling some benefits from it although I'm sure it needs to be a long term thing rather than a quick-fix. I really don't miss sugar or processed foods but it does require a lot of preparation and planning which can be challenging especially when I am teaching. I have also been using the NHS run to 5km app and now run 3 times a week (sometimes with my black lab) which has also helped me both physically and mentally.
This is some Beetroot and Fennel Soup, one of my diet recipes. As I mentioned on Facebook I was very tempted to throw some fabric in the pot and do some dyeing but it smelt too good and was also delicious.
So there you have it, the full story. I am a naturally positive person and try to always look on the bright side of things and my creativity definitely helps with that. One of my teaching colleagues was asking for some personal teacher stories about 'Resilience' for a Year 8 assembly recently but I think this one may have been a bit much for them to deal with!
It's all part of life's rich tapestry that's for sure.
The problem is, being a 'Creative' my feelings and thoughts go hand in hand with my work and it is not so easy to compartmentalise these things. I think I need to start being a bit more honest with myself about how events have affected me though so that I can grow stronger and move on in a positive way. I hope that putting this out there in the ether will help me to stop worrying about telling people and whether they think any less of me as a result, it is what it is. This is now sounding overly dramatic and I apologise as it is just related to my health issues.
To sum up: I have had Rheumatoid Arthritis for about 13 years now and have been on various types of medication (lots). Three years ago, after losing my father suddenly, I was told that I would probably need a complete jaw joint replacement operation as a bout of inflammation had affected my TMJ on both sides - this is quite unusual in RA. Fortunately I was introduced to some new medication which seemed to work miracles, tackled my inflammation and stalled the need for surgery (thank goodness). Moving forward to last June 2015, my jaw had improved greatly but there were other issues - I thought I had a trapped nerve in my right arm but it grew worse and lead to a frightening episode in the shower when I couldn't feel the right side of my body and thought I was having a stroke. After various MRIs looking for causes I was told that they had found lesions in my brain that were indicative of MS. Obviously this was a huge blow and I couldn't believe it as I felt that the RA was more than enough to deal with. I have since met with a neurologist who seems to think it is not the worst kind of MS which goes straight to permanent deterioration but the Relapsing Remitting variety which may not return for some time and is more of a slow burner, still, a lot to take on board.
Art Therapy
Around the time I lost my father and had the issues with my jaw, my GP suggested I see a counsellor to talk things through. I turned instead to Art Therapy and looking back at those dark days I can honestly say that what got me through was sitting down and starting my sketchbooks. Focusing on something new was just what I needed and all consuming (when the children were at school at least!) I was also lucky enough to have great support from family and friends and this and my new creative outlet is where I found the most comfort. There is something wonderful about getting lost in creativity and I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone. It doesn't have to be a masterpiece but using the creative side of your brain is a powerful healer - just ask Andrew Marr!
Autoimmune Paleo Diet
Apart from a few issues with tingling and poor circulation in my right hand I am doing pretty well at the moment. I am due to have another brain scan in a couple of months to check if there are any changes but hopefully things will calm down a bit now. I have been on the Autoimmune Paleo diet since the New Year and am definitely feeling some benefits from it although I'm sure it needs to be a long term thing rather than a quick-fix. I really don't miss sugar or processed foods but it does require a lot of preparation and planning which can be challenging especially when I am teaching. I have also been using the NHS run to 5km app and now run 3 times a week (sometimes with my black lab) which has also helped me both physically and mentally.
This is some Beetroot and Fennel Soup, one of my diet recipes. As I mentioned on Facebook I was very tempted to throw some fabric in the pot and do some dyeing but it smelt too good and was also delicious.
So there you have it, the full story. I am a naturally positive person and try to always look on the bright side of things and my creativity definitely helps with that. One of my teaching colleagues was asking for some personal teacher stories about 'Resilience' for a Year 8 assembly recently but I think this one may have been a bit much for them to deal with!
It's all part of life's rich tapestry that's for sure.
The thing I've found is that even when you know getting back to doing something creative would be good for you it can still be really hard to face an empty sketchbook - so that in itself is a fantastic thing that you've done. And your work is beautiful Juliette. I know exactly what you mean about how much to share and the difficulty when you are an artist of how impossible it is to compartmentalise. You've inspired me to get back to my own blog! Thank you. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteBless you Sarah. The empty sketchbook is always a challenge. I very much look forward to reading your next blog post! Juliette x
DeleteBeautifully written post Juliette and well done for "putting it all out there"! I hope your next scan brings you good news. Sending you lots of love xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Katherine, glad to see you are fulfilling your creative side with writing and doodles. Good luck with your Children's book
ReplyDeleteJ x
I think that was a very brave move, Juliette and that it is so unfair that one person has so much to deal with. Yes, I know, life just isn't fair. I do hear that the remitting/relapsing type of MS is 'under the microscope' at the moment (I have a friend who suffers) and I so hope they are making headway. Keep on with the art - you inspire us all.
ReplyDeleteThank you Maggie for your kind words,never a dull moment that's for sure! I was hoping to see you at Art Van Go with Sam but it turned out to be 'one of those weeks' and I couldn't fit it in I'm afraid. I hope it all went well.
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