charlobo-a-go-go

I found myself at the dermatologist’s office the other day. I have been dealing with a mini flare up, and it’s starting to get on my nerves. I was really excited to start a new drug, Stelara, but I was a little leery that safety and efficacy wasn’t tested beyond two years. Hello, that’s a little scary.

So I’m sitting in my blue paper gown and we’re talking about life, and she said

You know, you have a pretty good attitude, given your situation.

Well, yes, I should hope so. I’ve worked years at it. I figure you don’t have a choice about your situation. Yes, I have a chronic illness. Yes, it’s annoying. Yes, it’s changed my life completely. But my attitude about it has separated me from the others in the same situation. I have found myself trying hard to be out and about when I know for a fact others would rather stay in and avoid people. I work with people every freakin’ day. Something about me has to change - so I opted to change my attitude.

I credit this to helping keep me sane when things are going off the handle, when the world seems impossible, when I can’t get to sleep because it’s just too much. And it’s made my world a much happier place. Now if only I can keep it up.

I don’t know what my next medical option is going to be. I was given some topicals, and while they’re great, they’re not the answer. I can only hope for the best because that’s a choice I’ve made a long time ago.

-Char