It has been two years since I started this blog! So much has happened and mostly for the better! I finally saw a doctor and got the blood tests done that I desperately needed! My job has also changed to full time as a middle school English teacher. With health insurance, I have been able to see more doctors and get some answers.

Good news: I do not have Lupus or Lymes disease. And even though I do have elevated levels of rheumatoid in my blood, I do not currently have any other signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis. This is a HUGE relief because RA is no joke.

Unfortunately, even though I do not have full blown RA, I do still have joint pain, which I mostly manage through diet and taking Plaquenil. I was very resistant to taking any pharmaceuticals, but the pain became overwhelming last year. My nerve pain had gotten worse and my muscles had become tender to the touch. Once the nerve and muscular pain became too much, I had to find the right doctor.

After months of blood tests and monitoring, I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Plaquenil helps with the joint pain and Gabapentin has been helping with the neurological aspect.

2016 has been full of changes for the better! I started Bikram yoga on January 6th and have fallen in love with it. It helps a lot with the pain and it has helped me put on some very necessary muscle. My legs have never been this strong! I feel amazing most days!

I need to start writing and sharing again because I am learning more and more every day about fibromyalgia, pain management, yoga, eating healthy, monitoring anxiety, and so much more! Sharing is caring.

Last month I got a new passport and traveled to Chile! This was my first major trip outside of the country in 6 years! My love of travel will never go away and this trip helped wake up my adventurous side. It has been lying dormant ever since my road trip across America two summers ago. But there is something so beautiful about being in a foreign country, learning and enjoying another culture. The trip also allowed me some time to be creative and practice my photography skills. During the school year, I am extremely busy and do not set aside a lot of time for personal creative activities. This trip reminded me that I need to set aside more time for writing, photographing and creating art of any kind.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from Chile:

Cheers to a healthy life full of possibilities and positivity!

I have updated  My Story on the homepage if you’d like to know more!