Rocking Along

Those of you who know me have long ago figured out that I'm having a hard time bouncing back from the art retreat - and I touched on it superficially in the Artsy Asylum blog.

Before I address the fatigue issue I want to explain why the new Backstory blog has shown up.

The simple answer is that there was already so much going on in the Artsy Asylum it seemed the logical thing to take the conversation off of there and not complicate an already "busy" appearance.

So I hit on the "backstory" idea which seemed apt given that the illnesses we deal with are generally invisible and thus in the background and some of our issues involve backs.

On fatigue, a question I've asked from is how do I have the energy to keep blogs if I'm so wiped out so often. And how is it that I can make additions to the card collection at Zazzle (where these images come from).

Some of it is because I work primarily cross-legged in my room, perched against pillows and with my handy PDA and laptop. This makes it possible to work for fifteen or twenty minutes and then zone out for a half hour before I tackle some other part of whatever I'm supposed to be doing.

More secrets to come.

   

Comments

[Linda]

Your information is great. One thing I'd like to add that I've found that helps is- those air activated pads hunters use in pockets, etc. I have taped those to the places that fibro is bothering me- I often have thought about making a think shirt with pockets that correspond with my fibromyalgia spots- then place the hot packs in spot I need them.

[Kim from Hiraeth]

I, too, am an artist that suffers from chronic illness--fibromyalgia and mitral valve insufficiency (not prolapse).

Pain and fatigue are my constant companions. People often ask me how I get so much done when I am exhausted and in pain. And it's because keeping going is so much better than slowing down--both mentally and physically, emotionally and spiritually.

I was interested to read that artists ofen have hidden pain. I guess once I thought about it, I guess I've always sort of known that.

I'm enjoying your blog--new here.

[Carol Wilkerson]

I am not an artist, but I have known Susan for many years now. While we have never met in person, I know what she goes through each day because I too have fibromyalgia.

Yesterday, when I got up, I could hardly walk or bend over. Every day is a surpise with fibro. You can't plan much, or if you have to, like for an appointment, days before you slack off as much as possible to build up enough energy just to go out. The muscles in my lower back were like on fire. I don't take any pain medicine, but this was enough to send me to the aspirin bottle. It is like my muscles get "excited" from something one day, and the next day I wake up and have to deal with the pain.

It seems so pitiful to not be able to lift a basket of clothes, or load the dishwasher. I too do my chores in stages. Laundry, rest. Vacuuming, long rest. You get the picture.

And now, instead of building my own marvelous blog like Susan's, I am spending my resting time online suggesting her site to good places and rewarding my friend for her hard work. :)

[Kari]

I suffer in silence, sometimes wishing I had been honest with new-found friends upon first meeting because as more time passes, I don't know how to mention it.

Wow, that feels good just telling someone.

Anyhoo, my hints (and I have achieved so much since learning these).

Pace yourself, find out how you work best and make the most of good times. Don't worry too much (easier said than done, I know) during the difficult times, they will pass. Switching mediums, reading books, taking photos could be manageable and keep the creativity alive.

I hope you are keeping well, your blog is brilliant - I visit often but I am not sure if you are updating it now.

Keep up the good work,
Kari x