It has been a while since I did a Project Kate update, which also serves as a nice, well-rounded life update.
Physical Health
October was an extremely rough month for me. Due to scheduling problems, I had my infusion 3 weeks later than I should have, which meant very high pain for most of the month. It also turns out that my knee surgery, which I was supposed to have this week, can’t happen until February. My infusions suppress my immune system, since arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that it is pretty much certain that I will catch an infection if I have surgery when my immune system is compromised. Every 4 months (which is the rate of when I have my infusion), there is a 2-week window where I can have surgery without definitely getting an infection.
The future is looking a little brighter, though, because it’s just a matter of weeks until the infusion fully kicks in. And as long as I don’t dislocate my knee again, I’ll be fine.
Mental Health
I haven’t had an anxiety attack in weeks and it makes me want to dance (I was having multiple per week last year). My spirits have been a little down over the past month because I’ve been feeling so horrible, but I feel a bit better mentally knowing that the worst is hopefully behind me.
Graduate School
One GRE down, one to go. Due to pain, I was not able to take the general GRE last week. I have, however, taken the GRE subject test in literature. My first application is due December 15 and the rest in January, but I’m aiming to have them all in by Christmas so that I don’t have to stress about them over the holidays. Also, I really like the idea of starting 2015 off without the stress of applications.
Work Plans
I’ve been picking up some writing and editing here and there – go check out the awesome Home Economics store on Etsy, which also has a TARDIS quilt! – and I volunteer as a tutor. I’m hoping that in January I’ll be able to do significantly more freelance work, but right now I don’t have the energy that goes into looking for jobs. (But if you need a writer or editor, I’m your girl!)
Also, I have a couple of ideas for my future, long-term work plans that I’m excited about. Hopefully a project of mine related to that will be up and running some time in the spring!
Other Plans
I’ve been eating healthy, which is awesome, and starting to do yoga and walking again daily. Due to being so poorly for the past month, I haven’t done that as much as I have liked.
So that’s what’s up with me! Hope your week is off to a great start.
Kate Mitchell is a blogger, chronic illness patient, and advocate who helps people understand chronic illness and helps chronic illness patients live their best lives.
Waiting on treatments is the worst! I have to get 300 units of Botox injected into my neck every 10 weeks, but in order to see the doctor that has the best technique (which is the difference between 10 weeks of relief or a complete waste of time), sometimes I have to wait. Her schedule is sporadic, but in her kindness, she fits me in sometimes.
I am so sorry that you had to wait! I keep thinking about studying for the GRE, but I haven't really gotten up the energy yet. I've decided to work on my physical fitness and mental health before even entertaining school. However, the idea of eventually going back is exciting!
Are you going for English or MFA?
Did you take anything for your anxiety? Or did you fight it the natural route? I'm trying to decide the healthiest thing right now!
yay for fewer anxiety attacks! i remember that feeling. it's great 🙂
I'm so glad to hear you haven't been having anxiety attacks, and I hope the infusion really kicks in soon ♥