Yup, the body is having another intensified TM episode and the optic nerves have joined the inflammation-party this time. Double rats. Actually it is triple rats because an Acquaintance has come for a visit as well...

"Knock, knock..."
"Who's there?"
"Enter."
"Enter who?"
"Enter-Itis."


All systems have pretty much been down for the count by early afternoon since Thursday; and since mornings are a complete write off, it only leaves a few hours in the middle of the day when the pain and spasms let up a bit.
Vision is on its own schedule so I can't make any plans until I see what I can see; sometimes it's too blurry to see and others times I can see clearly enough so I can read, drive and get things done. Blinding headaches have also been an issue because along with the pain, it turns cognitive function into something equal to three bean salad.

'Whoopee' is when the vision is a good in synch with a let up in pain/spasm/digestive and cognitive symptoms. I live alone and am the owner/manager of a holistic health care clinic; so that is when I try to get the things done that absolutely need to get done. I learned long time ago to always have a good supply of clean clothes as well as some easy to prepare (enteritis friendly) food on hand at all times; so I'm OK in those departments.

Mostly it has meant managing things at the clinic and rescheduling my patients with one of my associates; as I expect to be stuck at home for a bit yet. Ah yes, the joys of self employment. Calling in sick doesn't work; as I'd be the one who would be both making the call and taking it.
I do have a plan in place for the clinic in the event of absolute emergencies; but this doesn't qualify. Just the same, my associates are all very understanding and helpful when I am not at my best. Thus on Thursday/Friday I managed to get things at work pretty much handled for the coming week without having to be in the office for more than an hour or so. The rest I did from home via the internet and phone as symptoms allowed.

I had the best let up in days during mid-day yesterday and was able to rest and even got outside to do a little light work and weeding in the garden. I harvested a wheelbarrow load of garlic so that I can keep busy getting it ready for braiding later this afternoon if/when the brunt of symptoms drive the body into sitting mode again. Staying busy cleaning and trimming will help to take my mind off of symptoms and because the arms are working OK; just a little clumsy, it is an activity that is not difficult.

I'm doing everything that has helped with managing symptoms in the past as well as anything else that I can think of; so other than that its just a matter of waiting out symptoms, trying to catch a bit of sleep and managing as best as I can.
I will see my PCP tomorrow but that visit is to get a referral for blood work so we can keep a check on electrolytes and liver enzymes/function due to the enteritis flare-up. Medication, other than the occasional evening dose of Baclofen, is not an option at this point also due to the enteritis. Basically if we can keep the liver on task, I will be able to steer clear of the dreaded ho-spit-all.

I've been in the Whoopee state for the last few hours, despite the abdominal/thoracic and leg spasms starting to ramp for their afternoon/evening go round and the guts really acting up for the last 24 hours (cramps & pooping like a duck).
This is the first time in days that I've had things come together enough at the same time to be able to catch you up with this post. No headache, cognition is good and I can see well enough with a large font in Word to do it. I have been visiting the board to read some of the posts and have even posted a bit over these last few days; but it has really been hit and miss. It's been nice to visit with all of you again because I know that you understand the ups and downs of this disease.
Thanks for that and for being here as a place to share with those who care..

With love, Erika