Merry MidWinter everyone!

[xdbx]

It’s a few months since I posted here. I’m still following a very restrictive anti-inflammatory auto-immune diet and lifestyle and after nearly two years of doing so my rheumy says the PMR is now in remission although I’m still on 3mg Pred and slowly continuing to taper so I’m not quite sure what that means!

It’s been, and still is, a very challenging ride but definitely worth the effort and inconvenience. I feel really good!. I’ve lost all the weight I wanted to lose - about 4 st - and am back to my ideal size and BMI and I no longer have Type 2 diabetes.

There are lots of positives and one of the biggest for me is that I now feel well enough to paint again. I had stopped completely and didn’t have either the energy or inclination for it but now to my great delight it’s back! So here are some of my most recent paintings. I hope you enjoy seeing them!

And may 2020 bring us all health, peace and happiness! 🥰

[miss-philosopher]

Your paintings are very very nice. I especially love the big one. - And Lucky you to be on 3 mg. after only 2 yrs. Keep up the good Work.

Stella

[xdbx in reply to miss-philosopher]

Thank you Stella! I think I am doing well although it’s actually 3 years since I was diagnosed with PMR. The first year was dreadful, with several flares and setbacks and having to go back up to 15mg a few times but once I started on AIP (auto immune protocol) in April 2018 everything changed for the better and it’s been a steady improvement since then. I did have to slow down the tapering around 7mg and wait a while for my adrenals to kick back in but luckily they started working again and I hope I’m on the downhill slope...🤞

[Hidden]

I was only thinking about you today, with it being the shortest day 🌄

Brilliant News on your weight loss 🌟 & hitting Type2 on the head!

Continued Good Wishes Always

MrsN 😊

Your Paintings are Fabulous

[xdbx in reply to Hidden]

Thank you that’s so lovely - and very good wishes to you too 🥰

[Smokygirl]

Beautiful work! I have to confess I haven’t touched a canvas since I was diagnosed 😢.

Brilliant weight loss too! Every good wish for 2020 xxx

[xdbx in reply to Smokygirl]

Thank you, yes this illness really does knock out our energy and creative spark. I hope yours returns soon! xXx

[Mary63]

Your paintings are quite beautiful. I, like you, am not sure about the ‘remission’. How does he know?

[xdbx in reply to Mary63]

Thank you. He said my blood results (including inflammatory markers) and my general health are so good now that he feels confident it isn’t only due to the effect of Pred. I’m seeing him again when I’m off Pred altogether which - providing I stay on this anti-inflammatory programme - he reckons should be in 6 months or so🤞- so we’ll know more then.

[powerwalk]

It's great you feel a bit better. I love to hear of people getting energy back, gives me hope!!! Happy Christmas. Love your paintings!!

[xdbx in reply to powerwalk]

Thank you and I’m so glad my story gives you hope. I’ve chosen a tough path and it’s not easy sticking to it but I’m definitely reaping the benefits and I don’t think I’d have improved this much without all the changes I’ve made.

[SheffieldJane]

Your paintings say it all really. Good work! 🌸💐🌷🌼🍄🌹

[xdbx in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you Jane, that’s how I feel too. To me they’re like a visual representation of my recovery

🥰🌺💕

[suzy1959]

I love your paintings! Beautiful! I have not got the inclination to be creative back yet- hopefully one day soon.....

[xdbx in reply to suzy1959]

Thank you! I’m sure it will come back...I never gave up on mine but also allowed myself the space to be ill and was careful not to give myself a hard time for not feeling creative. Softly softly... 🥰

[Lochy]

Beautiful paintings. A lovely story too. Well done you sticking with the anti inflammatory diet. Wishing you all the best for the new year and your tapering.

[xdbx in reply to Lochy]

Thank you Lockyer and all the very best to you 💕

[Buderim]

Love the art work. So encouraging to know that motivation and creativity do come back. I am usually passionate about my textile designs but at the moment even stitching seems too much effort. So glad you are back in creative mode. ❤️

[xdbx in reply to Buderim]

Thank you! Yes it will come back all in good time but it can be hard to believe that when we feel so fatigued and lose our passion. My health became my only ‘creative’ project for a long time and it’s still a major challenge to stay on track with it ❤️

[Yellowbluebell]

I love the paintingsxx

[xdbx in reply to Yellowbluebell]

Thank you! 🥰