An Old Nemesis Returns

I’m writing this issue of Creature Thoughts early, because “things” have been happening that have changed … well, everything. If you follow me on Facebook, or keep in touch in email, or if you have been following my pyoderma gangrenosum blog, The Monster Under My Bed, you already know the story.

Friends who’ve been with me a long time probably remember my misadventures with a severe autoimmune disorder in 2008. It cost me most of the flesh on my lower right leg, confined me to a wheelchair for a very long time, and has continued to plague me with occasional flares. The high dose, long-term steroid use needed to combat this demon has left me with severe osteoporosis and a host of other challenges.

A few weeks ago, it returned with a vengeance, and in way that is extremely rare. One of the wonderful resident doctors at Albany Medical Center, where I lived for two weeks, did some statistical research. She discovered that this particular manifestation of PG occurs with a probability of approximately 10 in 3.2 million.

Why can’t I hit odds like that on the lottery?

That said, I am home now. I hope I can stay here and continue recovering, though I’m currently seeing potential setbacks that worry me. I have appointments tomorrow with my primary and specialist doctors and hope to have a more solid plan afterward. For now, it’s a day at a time or, as I say in the PG blog above, “A Scream At A Time.”

I’m trying to keep my chin up as best I can. I have so much help with that through friends, a great healthcare team, my amazing and wonderful family … and my critters. Magic and Kira have been my constant companions, my great comfort, and my source of laughter and, often, tears. The tears are due to the amazing devotion and love they show me every day. Kira, especially, has not willingly left my side for a moment since I came home on Friday.

I missed them so much while in the hospital. Being home with them, despite all the challenges of figuring out self-care for such a difficult situation, has been a boost to my emotional healing. I am sure that will filter down to the physical, as well.

I know that many of you can relate to your animal friends’ comfort and healing presence. You have seen the difference their love makes. No matter how sick you are, or how much it hurts physically, you will always have their faithful devotion. To those unfortunate humans who don’t understand the amazing soul connection we can form with another species, that might seem insignificant. For my fellow “animal people,” though, it’s huge.

Thanks to the return of pyoderma gangrenosum, so much has been set on the back burner in order to deal with the crisis. I have, however, managed to arrange things to be comfortably at the computer for a while each morning. I should be, on a very limited basis, still able to honor the prepaid sessions some of you hold on account, which were purchased before I retired. I haven’t forgotten you, or the promises unfulfilled. I’ll do my best, as my body allows. Despite what I may be going through, you and your animal family members are always in my heart.

If you have prepaid readings on account, and need me, don’t be afraid to reach out. I will let you know how things are at the moment, and when and whether I’ll be able to help. I know you’ll understand any delays, and trust that I will always do my best to make sure those delays aren’t too long. I’m here. I’m just not quite as here as usual.

Thank you, too, for your healing thoughts and hopes. I know that a lot of you are following this latest chapter of the saga, and have been sending prayers and light my way. It means so very much to me. As I indicated in a recent PG blog post, that good energy is the wind that fills my sails and keeps things moving forward.

Blessings and light to you. I hope May finds you all in great health and surrounded by joy. May all the blessings your pets bring you every day shine like lights in your life. No matter what else might be happening, you may trust that you always have their unconditional love.