I spend every day obsessing over what I'm eating or drinking and when. I have to find a balance between a headache and a stomachache. Eat something in the morning, but not enough that I get sick at school or on the way there. Then eat a little between classes and drink some water, but not enough to upset my stomach. I'm dehydrated. My head hurts. I'm whining again. Too much.
When I come home late at night, I binge. I'm so hungry. I know I will be in the bathroom several times, as long as I'm awake. I can't eat vegetables or the pain will be horrible, so I eat starchy, salty things. Crap void of nutrition which will only make me feel worse in the long run. But at least the hunger is gone now.
A handful of vitamins and a bunch of water, which I choke down because I know there is nausea to follow. I work late into the night because I know I will have to pay in the morning.
I sleep. I wake up. I go to the bathroom. I go again. Time to start obsessing. I have to if I want to keep this up. I think I'm doing a good job hiding it. I'm always either hungry or in pain or tired because constantly fighting hunger or pain is just so damn exhausting. It takes me longer to learn things because my focus on my work is always secondary to what my body won't let me ignore. I can't stop obsessing because, if I do, I will likely shit myself in public, which would be the worst outcome. I've worked so hard to avoid it. So far, my only victory. Well, that and I haven't missed a single class or extra activity the school has scheduled for us. That's something, right?
I don't talk about it much, at least I don't think I do. The person who matters most to me thinks I'm whiny and dramatic, possibly a hypochondriac. I don't want anyone at school to know, I need to work in a couple of months and I don't want to be the sick person no one wants to hire. I was quiet for a while, then I decided to feed off my illness because it feels like all I have right now, make it part of my work. I immediately regretted making it a part of the conversation.
My mind is weak with anxiety. I'm constantly anxious, cripplingly anxious. I second guess every decision I make. I'm not the same person at all as my well self. I'm a total mess. I have no confidence, I hate the way I look. I scrutinize everything I say and do. I'm so nervous about leaving the apartment that I do crazy, crazy things before I leave. I make sure I've turned off the stove, even if I haven't used it since the night before. Is the fridge closed? The window locked?
I try so hard not to talk about it to my husband because I know it's boring and it gets old. When I have to explain that I don't want a salad for dinner because it will make me too sick, I scream it at him. Angry because he made me whine about it, prove I am a whiny person. Then I hate myself for being weak, sick, angry, for taking it out on him. I want to have a salad for dinner because my body craves the raw vegetables. That's all I eat when I'm healthy. That's all I want right now. But, in the end, it would be a bad decision.
When I do speak about my illness, there is no shortage of advice. "Eat rice, it will bind you up. Take Vitamin D. Get some rest. You just need some exercise." I can't explain to someone that my immune system is tearing up my digestive system. That I don't have a bout of diarrhea, I have inflammation and ulcers in my intestines that will not allow my body to properly digest food. Toast and bananas are not going to be easier on my stomach. If I take a day off, I will not be able to catch up on my school work. You can't believe I have that much school work? Well I don't know what to tell you. There's no way food can enter and exit my body in less than two hours? If you say so. They can't understand. I wouldn't either if I didn't live this every day.
I'm angry with myself because I haven't done enough work, my apartment is filthy, I fell because I haven't replaced the boots that have no tread left, I'm taking the wrong supplements because I haven't shopped for the right ones yet, I'm out of shape, I'm not making any money, I haven't spoken to my family enough this week, there is no food in the fridge, I'm not drinking enough water or eating the right things. I don't even know where to start this to-do list with another, overwhelming to-do list of assignments/preparing to start a business is already on the page. A few hours of shopping could wipe me out for the day and I won't have the energy left to finish what I need to do. I don't look sick, I can't possibly be that weak...
I've kept all of this up, every day, for months.
I could just get back on Humira, but I'm getting older. My window for having children is closing and I would rather not risk the medication. In a few more months, I will be finished with school and, that's it, I will have no more excuses. But how can I do this AND raise children? I'm afraid that I can't. I'm afraid that I will let myself, my husband and, worst of all, my children down.
I'm so afraid of everything right now.
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Work. Show all posts
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Friday, April 20, 2012
Day 110 - An Announcement
Dear Crohnies, take heart. For I have a story to tell. I know not how it ends, but the middle is getting good!
I've been numbering my posts this year because I decided this year would be different. I decided this would be the year I changed my direction and change my life. I wanted to see how long it would take.
For the past eight years I've been working for the same company, in the same position for the past five or six years. I can't say I've always hated my job but I can say I have never loved it. It's not a horrible place to work; my coworkers are great, I've learned so many things about so many things, I've saved some money, I have health insurance, they let a lot slide through my Crohniest of years... But there are also some cons; women are not exactly treated as equals in the office, the health insurance hasn't always been the best, I don't get a lunch break, my boss can be incredibly demanding, I almost never leave the office on time, I have taken on so much that I barely have time to get a drink of water most days, my stress level is frequently off the charts... I'm not going anywhere in my company, it's too convenient for my boss to keep me where I am. I've gotten several raises and a few meaningless "promotions" that came with title changes but no real job promotion. I am comfortable, stable but not happy with where I am.
I've also been taking photos for most of the eight years I've been working there. I became enamored with photography the minute I learned how to use a camera. Puppy love became obsession which turned into an old, comfortable love then eventually just became a part of who I am. There are millions of people out there who are content with photography as a hobby, but not I. I decided I wanted photography to become my livelihood. You know the old saying about do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life (or whatever). I want to be that person.
I spent several years trying to figure out how I was going to do it, all the while taking photos. I've taken photos of parties, babies, families, children, burlesque performers, famous actors, not-so-famous actors, friends, family members and total strangers. I've spent months learning Photoshop and figuring out how to set up a website. I've printed business cards, changed my website and printed new business cards, changed my name and printed yet more business cards. I've applied for assistant jobs and entered contests. I've gone to classes and lectures. I've watched countless tutorials online and viewed millions of photos. Now, I think I'm ready.
In the beginning of the year; amidst figuring out how my parents will go on after my father's stroke, traveling with my husband's hugely successful film, and busting my Crohn's addled butt at my aforementioned job; I put together a portfolio and an artist's statement and applied to a graduate photography program that seemed designed just for me. The school is well-known, well-respected and smack in the middle of New York City. The program accepts only a few people each year. Crohnies, I GOT IN! I still cannot believe it.
In August, I will leave the office I've been practically living in for the past eight years to follow my dreams. I have never been so excited about anything in my entire life. I know it will be difficult and stressful. Of course, I am worried that I will have problems switching to a new health insurance provider with my pre-existing condition. I'm afraid that the stress will cause sleepless nights and flares, but far stronger than the fear is my excitement and hope for the future. Who knows, maybe I'll fall flat on my face, but I'm a strong believer in hard work. I think anyone can reach their goals if they are willing to do the work.
Crohnies, I am living proof. Take care of yourselves, be patient, keep a positive attitude, work hard and good things will happen. We can have Crohn's Disease AND follow our dreams.
I've been numbering my posts this year because I decided this year would be different. I decided this would be the year I changed my direction and change my life. I wanted to see how long it would take.
For the past eight years I've been working for the same company, in the same position for the past five or six years. I can't say I've always hated my job but I can say I have never loved it. It's not a horrible place to work; my coworkers are great, I've learned so many things about so many things, I've saved some money, I have health insurance, they let a lot slide through my Crohniest of years... But there are also some cons; women are not exactly treated as equals in the office, the health insurance hasn't always been the best, I don't get a lunch break, my boss can be incredibly demanding, I almost never leave the office on time, I have taken on so much that I barely have time to get a drink of water most days, my stress level is frequently off the charts... I'm not going anywhere in my company, it's too convenient for my boss to keep me where I am. I've gotten several raises and a few meaningless "promotions" that came with title changes but no real job promotion. I am comfortable, stable but not happy with where I am.
I've also been taking photos for most of the eight years I've been working there. I became enamored with photography the minute I learned how to use a camera. Puppy love became obsession which turned into an old, comfortable love then eventually just became a part of who I am. There are millions of people out there who are content with photography as a hobby, but not I. I decided I wanted photography to become my livelihood. You know the old saying about do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life (or whatever). I want to be that person.
I spent several years trying to figure out how I was going to do it, all the while taking photos. I've taken photos of parties, babies, families, children, burlesque performers, famous actors, not-so-famous actors, friends, family members and total strangers. I've spent months learning Photoshop and figuring out how to set up a website. I've printed business cards, changed my website and printed new business cards, changed my name and printed yet more business cards. I've applied for assistant jobs and entered contests. I've gone to classes and lectures. I've watched countless tutorials online and viewed millions of photos. Now, I think I'm ready.
In the beginning of the year; amidst figuring out how my parents will go on after my father's stroke, traveling with my husband's hugely successful film, and busting my Crohn's addled butt at my aforementioned job; I put together a portfolio and an artist's statement and applied to a graduate photography program that seemed designed just for me. The school is well-known, well-respected and smack in the middle of New York City. The program accepts only a few people each year. Crohnies, I GOT IN! I still cannot believe it.
In August, I will leave the office I've been practically living in for the past eight years to follow my dreams. I have never been so excited about anything in my entire life. I know it will be difficult and stressful. Of course, I am worried that I will have problems switching to a new health insurance provider with my pre-existing condition. I'm afraid that the stress will cause sleepless nights and flares, but far stronger than the fear is my excitement and hope for the future. Who knows, maybe I'll fall flat on my face, but I'm a strong believer in hard work. I think anyone can reach their goals if they are willing to do the work.
Crohnies, I am living proof. Take care of yourselves, be patient, keep a positive attitude, work hard and good things will happen. We can have Crohn's Disease AND follow our dreams.
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