We’ve all heard the saying, “Tis the season to be jolly,” but how jolly are you in the days that follow, when the activities have ceased and all is calm? Do you find yourself in agony and pay for the good times, referring to the second round as, “Tis the season to curl up and cry?”
When I’m on a mission and know something has to be done, I can usually forge ahead while pacing myself, knowing afterward I will require some down time to let my body recuperate. Often times, I calendar the days that follow, allowing myself time to rest, both physically and mentally. If the mission is enjoyable, bringing good memories to my life, such as the holiday season, I find the added pain is worth it in the end because it gives me a positive reflection in the days that follow.
But this season, “the day after” was much worse than I anticipated, creating unexpected trials throughout the day, making it difficult to reflect on the positives that brought me to this day. During the hours I slept, the beast within, known as rheumatoid arthritis, invaded every moveable part of my body, restricting motion, limiting activity and increasing pain.
After waking to abnormal stiffness, I wrestled to free myself from the bed covers, wondering if my hands were still hands or in the overnight hours had turned into household utensils. Both were stiff and sore, taking on the shape of ‘scoops.’ The left resembled the curled position of an ice cream scooper while the right was solid and flat like a fireplace shovel. Neither cooperating in my attempts to get out from under the blankets that felt extra-ordinarily heavy and hot. There was a burning sensation throughout my insides, creating images of actual flames shooting from the pores in my skin. Upon standing, my ankles and calves said, ‘no,’ dropping me back onto the bed. Hobbling down the hallway, I envisioned myself looking like a hunched over troll with two scoops for hands and a face of fear, not knowing how I was going to take my meds, let alone, make it through the day.
So, if you’re suffering in these days following the season to be jolly, you are not alone! I may not know your specific symptoms, but I do understand the creativity of Arthur and am familiar with the clever ways of the attack modes within. The surprise invasions make it difficult to justify why we push ourselves or try so hard. Knowing ‘this too shall pass’ and ‘tomorrow is another day’ has never let me down. Today, I am feeling better and able to reflect on the positives that brought me to yesterday, making it all worthwhile.
If you think nobody understands your challenges, trials or pain, you’re wrong – I do! Feel free to comment (or vent) in the section below.
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