Well, hello there.
So nice to be here.
Such tales to tell, of where I have been, I'll try to keep it short.
Let me begin by saying, in the last few weeks, my studio looked like an elfin workshop.
Paintings, clay, wee faces, sparkle, fluff, ruffles, so much.
Just ready to be finished up for the holidays.
It was exciting, it was time for cuties galore.
Winter frolic and goodness was in the air.
Decorating for holidays, and more.
And then...
Really sick.
Around December 4th.
It started with my stomach.
And then just got worse.
So much worse.
Such constant pain.
I was scared.
And just when I thought I was getting better, I got even worse.
The symptoms changed.
If I can describe it, it was much like the anaphylactic shock from this summer.
But without the massive hives.
Just red and splotchy neck and face.
And then unending stomach pains.
With so much belly anxiety I was going insane.
Trouble breathing etc.
Which caused me much anxiety and distress and panic.
To the point where, I just couldn't take it anymore.
So, after 13 days of the netherworld...
I ended up in an urgent care.
If anyone knows me, they know, I don't go to doctors unless it's dire.
The nurse checked me out.
Took my temp.
I had a fever.
And I was all red and splotchy.
The anxiety and stomach pains were killing me.
She thought, infection or something of that sort, for sure.
I was happy to find out, and just wanted to be cured.
Interesting enough.
I had the same breathing problems as I had with the anaphylactic shock.
I had recently made a log.
When I would feel worse.
Times, days - what I had eaten.
It wasn't much.
Just soup, if that, for almost 2 weeks.
I couldn't figure out what it was.
I just couldn't think straight, my mind was blurry and fast and flashing and worry.
Just not me.
Finally, the doc came in, we talked.
He was lovely.
And kind.
He listened to me, through a jittery freezing feverish voice.
I told him everything.
As best as I could.
He asked if this was common, for me to feel like this?
If I had suffered from this other times in my life?
No no, I said.
Lovee chimed in and told the doc this was so unusual, it was bizarre.
Which was true.
Then I showed the doc a B vitamin I had been taking for about 1 month.
My mom took it too, and told me about how great it made her feel.
The doc said, you have a fever and we need to do tests.
After lots of blood tests and other tests.
Which I thought would reveal awful things, why, I don't know?
And so much waiting I almost went mad.
(with oodles of praying)
Turns out, I am one healthy girl.
Blood work and tests looked really great he said.
But, he said...
I was having an allergic reaction to the B vitamin I was taking.
He had done some research on it, and was sure this was it.
I never take vitamins.
I can't even handle caffeine, or even sugar very well.
I can't drink alcohol without getting sick.
Basically, my body doesn't like anything of that sort.
Even multi-vitamins make me puke.
But, this B vitamin was making me feel great.
Until it wasn't.
The doc came back and said, you are being poisoned by this.
Your body is rebelling.
And, you are having a severe allergic reaction to it.
Time to toss them in the trash.
And, it will take at least a week to flush the system.
Then he prescribed an antihistamine.
(the same stuff they gave me this summer for the hives, can you believe it?)
Phew.
Thank God.
I really thought it was the end for me.
That I was going insane.
Which oddly enough, is how I felt when I had the anaphylactic shock.
Then, snap, it all made sense.
Yes yes, I had felt this before, this summer.
Of course, we still don't know 100% what gave me hives this summer.
As I was not taking those vitamins then.
(although I think it was scrubbing buggy sunflower leaves back and forth with dishwashing soap, with no gloves on)
But at least now I know how my body reacts when it is having an allergy or being poisoned.
What a way to find out.
So...
When I feel that way, I need to analyze my intake and surroundings.
And realize, I might be having an allergic reaction to something.
It's important to be aware that, even things you think are good, can make you sick.
Lots of folks think you can't get sick from water soluble vitamins, but you can.
Not everyone is built the same.
We all react differently to things, and we have to be aware of what works for us.
It's all new to me.
Since in my life, I never really get sick or anything.
Except for a cold or the flu every 5 years.
So, I am a bit slow in learning about these things, it seems.
But when you are so sick, it's hard to get your bearings, and make sense of things.
Anyhow.
Today I feel good.
Yesterday I felt great.
Thank God for Mister Lovee, who held my hand through it all.
Have you ever had anything happen to you as such, with a vitamin or medicine??
As for now, that I am feeling better bit by bit...
I am working on a few of those wee faces I meant to have done for Christmas.
In fact...
I might be back today to share them, and/or pop them in my shop.
No, they might not arrive before Christmas.
But, an elfin treat for after Christmas blues, always hits the spot ;)
Good way to go into the New Year, me thinks.
However...
Apparently if you ship priority in the US by Friday (21st), you can still have your parcel in time for Christmas.
So, we can try.
I'll be back later today if all works out.
;)
Time to get back into the holiday groove.
Phew, I almost missed this most magical time of the year!!
Elfin tales to follow sooooon.
Love, Vanessa
