Have you ever watched a child play with a jack-in-the-box? You see them slowly wind the handle. As the music plays they begin to giggle in anticipation of the clown that is about to appear, and then suddenly...POP! The child has a look of surprise as if they didn't know it was coming. They wind again, and the same result happens, shock and surprise. I believe living with a chronic disease is a similar constant surprise. I have learned once you have one autoimmune disorder, it is not uncommon to get a second, third or even tenth! Each time I step into the Rheumatologist office I am confident that all is going to work out and be okay, then...POP! I have a look of shock and surprise. There is a new medical hurdle to be jumped. It seems to be a never ending cycle. The chaos becomes almost comforting. What about when the box doesn't open? You get to that moment of silence, which in my world becomes a very uneasy feeling. I have gotten so used to that "pop" feeling that as odd as it … [Read more...]
