Life with a Flare

Recently I spent about 2 or 3 months without caffeine, which was no small feat for someone who has lived on coffee and tea since about 6th grade. Also college just works better when drinking insane amounts of coffee. I am going to divide my tips into energy tips and drink tips because these are the two challenges I faced. Energy Tips As a college student who's first class starts at 9AM most day and whose last class does not end till 8PM I have a really long day. Throw in already reduced energy levels because of chronic illness, pre going caffeine free that stuff was my life line. Here is how I managed not to fall asleep in class- Naps, naps, and more naps. Every afternoon I took a nap without question. It was all about timing. I never took naps past 5 and always had at least a half hour between waking up and class. Snacks that gave me energy, like nuts (although sometimes supplemented with twizzlers on occasion), this was especially important if I was trying to stay up late ...

I had a plan for this semester, I was  going to do well in all my classes and actually manage to get to all of them. This year would not be a repeat of senior year where I missed more school than possibly all the other years of my life combined. Yet I am just making it under the limit for allowed absences in most of my classes and I have had to get extensions on assignments. Thankfully all my professors have been very understanding. I think maybe I should have gone to disabilities services to get accommodations, but as my rheumatologist wanted me to be I was determined to make it to class even while flaring. I did just that, I even went when I had a normal person cold! So had did I get to this point, where I am hanging on by a thread? Chronic illness doesn't allow for one to plan ahead, even when determined. I generally have two rules when it comes to missing class, I have to be in the hospital or unable to walk, sometimes both. So between a few last minute doctor appointments an...

Monday I became a legal adult! I played the lotto and everything. It was an amazing day and my body behaved all day long, which is a rare treat. I won the Lotto! ($5) My Roomie Decorated my room! I won an Award I had a lovely Birthday Dinner with these Ladies! Found Chocolate on my Door Handle And the day ended with this cake!