Its been over a year since officially receiving my diagnosis of Psoriatric-Arthritis. I have been on a variety of medications to get the symptoms under control. It has been 9 months since I began treatment with Methotrexate, a very common arthritis treatment, to slow the progression of the disease.
In those 9 months, I have faithfully gone to my doctor bi-weekly for blood tests to monitor a variety of organ functions that can be effected by the medicine. Further, my doctor monitors my white blood cell count, which was quite high, and was a dead give-away of an infection process in my body. My doctor has faithfully called every other Saturday morning to let me know the blood test results. Every call for 9 months was "no change in the numbers, everything is stable." This past Saturday, my doctor called to deliver the results, "there was a change- the white blood cell count is near normal. After 9 months, this is a sign that the treatment is working."
I went to my rheumatologist yesterday. He too was quite encouraged by the results of my blood tests. Of course, he warned me that there is a strong likelihood that I will live with arthritis for the rest of my life. But he said that he is confident that we will at least get it under control. He also referred me to a specialist in hand surgery for people with arthritis. He feels that I may be a candidate for joint surgery in two of my fingers. I never really thought about this as an option, but I am interested to see what she has to say.
The amazing thing I have learned through this is how much living with arthritis has changed me. I vividly remember Joern telling me for years that I was the most negative person he had ever met. When I began the treatment, I remember feeling like being negative about the disease would not help me in the slightest. Because the medicine most often works within the first 6 weeks, my doctor would always ask me how things were doing, to which I would reply "no better, but no worse either. And I am happy with just that." A few months ago, my doctor told me how amazingly positive I was being about the whole thing, and that a positive outlook can only help things along. I have noticed that my positive outlook has gone beyond just the arthritis, it has found its way into all aspects of my life. I think this has helped my relationship with Joern, and has helped me with my job.
So here's to hope. Four little letters that can make a huge difference in someone's life.
Donnerstag, 5. Juni 2008
Dienstag, 3. Juni 2008
For the love of three letters and other Neckartailfingen adventures
Life between Fairfield and Neckartailfingen has mostly provided me with calm. Both highly suburbanized towns are quite uneventful. One way both homes are uneventful are with the weather. I can count the number of major storms I experienced in Farifield on one hand (Hurricane Gloria in 1985 included.) Yet compared to the Neckar Valley, I always felt like a bad-weather pro. I quickly learned that a passing summer thundershower is refered to as a "bad-weather storm" and people here really feel these are major severe-weather events. I often giggled at Joern when he would gravely warn me of an approaching "bad-weather storm" or "unwetter" My response would always be the same, "I wish you could see a hurricane, just once."
Last night though, we had a "bad-weather storm" that shocked me. Maybe these Germans have more reason than I previously thought to fear these storms.
Since we had been having our fair share of heat-related thunderstorms, I felt little concern over the approaching thunderclouds, as we set down to eat our delicious steak dinner. But, when the hail started to fall, the mood in our home went from enjoyable to worried very quickly. Worry? Why? We have our 1988 7-series, the "L", sitting outside in our driveway. The consequences of hail can be horrid to cars.
We waited until the hail got very loud, which meant very big, and knew it was time to run to save the car. In a half-dressed state, the two of us ran out to the car, and made our way to my in-laws house in the hope that their garage was open. We sat out the 15 minute hail storm, which is amazingly long for our area, and then thought it would be safe to leave.
As we turned the car around though and started down the long hill of a driveway, we saw a sight I have never seen. Joern's parent's street, which is also a large hill, had turned into a muddy, fast moving river. The water was about 5 inches deep. It was simply incredible.
Joern and I were really worried about our own cellar, and Joern decided that since other cars were making their way down the street, we needed to as well. We had to drive a really non-direct route, because the fire department had closed the street. It took us about 15 minutes to drive the 2 minute drive, but we finally made it, and fortunately we were not affected. Joern's grandmother was not so lucky though, she got quite a bit of water in her basement.
The drive back to Joern's parents was sad to me though. People began cleaning out from the 15 minutes that caused chaos. Some of the side streets were impassable due to the flooding, and people had water up their front stairs and into their homes.
What made me feel so sad was the look of helplessness on all the people's faces. All they could do was clean out their homes. There was nothing they could do to prevent the water from coming in though.
What made me smile through it all? The many people high on the hill who came out of their homes to look and to help their neighbors. And of course, the bottles of schnapps and shot glasses they brought with them to bring luck, and to wish away further troubles.
Last night though, we had a "bad-weather storm" that shocked me. Maybe these Germans have more reason than I previously thought to fear these storms.
Since we had been having our fair share of heat-related thunderstorms, I felt little concern over the approaching thunderclouds, as we set down to eat our delicious steak dinner. But, when the hail started to fall, the mood in our home went from enjoyable to worried very quickly. Worry? Why? We have our 1988 7-series, the "L", sitting outside in our driveway. The consequences of hail can be horrid to cars.
We waited until the hail got very loud, which meant very big, and knew it was time to run to save the car. In a half-dressed state, the two of us ran out to the car, and made our way to my in-laws house in the hope that their garage was open. We sat out the 15 minute hail storm, which is amazingly long for our area, and then thought it would be safe to leave.
As we turned the car around though and started down the long hill of a driveway, we saw a sight I have never seen. Joern's parent's street, which is also a large hill, had turned into a muddy, fast moving river. The water was about 5 inches deep. It was simply incredible.
Joern and I were really worried about our own cellar, and Joern decided that since other cars were making their way down the street, we needed to as well. We had to drive a really non-direct route, because the fire department had closed the street. It took us about 15 minutes to drive the 2 minute drive, but we finally made it, and fortunately we were not affected. Joern's grandmother was not so lucky though, she got quite a bit of water in her basement.
The drive back to Joern's parents was sad to me though. People began cleaning out from the 15 minutes that caused chaos. Some of the side streets were impassable due to the flooding, and people had water up their front stairs and into their homes.
What made me feel so sad was the look of helplessness on all the people's faces. All they could do was clean out their homes. There was nothing they could do to prevent the water from coming in though.
What made me smile through it all? The many people high on the hill who came out of their homes to look and to help their neighbors. And of course, the bottles of schnapps and shot glasses they brought with them to bring luck, and to wish away further troubles.
Freitag, 30. Mai 2008
Back to the movie
Well, now that SATC is officially in theaters, I can say a word about it.
I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go with a friend, go with three friends. Whatever you do, you MUST see the movie.
Now, I am dying to see the whole show- AGAIN, and can't wait to buy the movie!
The clothes, the shoes, the girls, NYC, Big, the closet, what more can I say? How difficult must it have been for the writers to add on to a show that ended so wonderfully? They really did an amazing job!
I LOVED IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Go with a friend, go with three friends. Whatever you do, you MUST see the movie.
Now, I am dying to see the whole show- AGAIN, and can't wait to buy the movie!
The clothes, the shoes, the girls, NYC, Big, the closet, what more can I say? How difficult must it have been for the writers to add on to a show that ended so wonderfully? They really did an amazing job!
Mittwoch, 28. Mai 2008
SATC
No spoilers here! But...
I SAW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My friend Mandy and I went to the 8:00 PM preview showing at the OV movie theater here- the best way to enjoy SATC, with a friend :)
I SAW IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My friend Mandy and I went to the 8:00 PM preview showing at the OV movie theater here- the best way to enjoy SATC, with a friend :)
Sonntag, 25. Mai 2008
Restart to life
It seems impossible to believe that I was in the States for an entire month. In the first few years of our marriage, I would often book 6 week summers at home. The booking would always happen as the result of a fight, and surprisingly, by the time summer break came, I could not get out the door fast enough. In the past few years though, I have been tapering down, and last summer, I stayed in Germany the entire time.
This trip home was difficult for many reasons, and wonderful for many reasons. The difficulties obviously lay with the situation with my mother and stepfather. Dealing with the stress of planning care and assistance for two people who do not yet see the need, and just the daily stress of going to therapy, doctors, and other health related sessions got to be quite a drag. Add to that my stepfather and his illness, which has definately had an impact on his personality, and it made for a very tough 4 weeks.
To offset the stress though, I made sure to spend plenty of time with my family. I had such a wonderful time with my dad, my aunt, and my cousins. It is so amazing to watch how relationships have changed as my cousins and myself have grown up. I really am thankful to have had the time to spend with my family.
Fast forward to Friday, when I finally landed at the Stuttgart Airport. There was nothing I wanted more than to be back with Joern. It was wonderful to be home (in Germany), but most importantly, it was wonderful to be back with my husband. I spent quite a lot of time over the past month reflecting on the changes in our marriage. I was so upset at the prospect of spending a month without Joern. I have to admit, it was tough. In those early years, I would busy myself doing anything to keep me from focusing on Joern while I was away. Now, I found myself constantly thinking of Joern, in a quite happy way. My thoughts of Joern kept him close by me despite being half a world away. Seeing what a positive turn our lives have taken really made me happy.
Since I have been back, it has been a return to our version of normal. Sleeping in on weekend mornings. Spending time with Marcel. Running to the grocery store and doing the laundry. I used to think of these everyday tasks as something akin to being in prision. Now, I realize that there is nothing that could make me happier than my little life.
This trip home was difficult for many reasons, and wonderful for many reasons. The difficulties obviously lay with the situation with my mother and stepfather. Dealing with the stress of planning care and assistance for two people who do not yet see the need, and just the daily stress of going to therapy, doctors, and other health related sessions got to be quite a drag. Add to that my stepfather and his illness, which has definately had an impact on his personality, and it made for a very tough 4 weeks.
To offset the stress though, I made sure to spend plenty of time with my family. I had such a wonderful time with my dad, my aunt, and my cousins. It is so amazing to watch how relationships have changed as my cousins and myself have grown up. I really am thankful to have had the time to spend with my family.
Fast forward to Friday, when I finally landed at the Stuttgart Airport. There was nothing I wanted more than to be back with Joern. It was wonderful to be home (in Germany), but most importantly, it was wonderful to be back with my husband. I spent quite a lot of time over the past month reflecting on the changes in our marriage. I was so upset at the prospect of spending a month without Joern. I have to admit, it was tough. In those early years, I would busy myself doing anything to keep me from focusing on Joern while I was away. Now, I found myself constantly thinking of Joern, in a quite happy way. My thoughts of Joern kept him close by me despite being half a world away. Seeing what a positive turn our lives have taken really made me happy.
Since I have been back, it has been a return to our version of normal. Sleeping in on weekend mornings. Spending time with Marcel. Running to the grocery store and doing the laundry. I used to think of these everyday tasks as something akin to being in prision. Now, I realize that there is nothing that could make me happier than my little life.
Dienstag, 20. Mai 2008
My Home Sweet Home
Spent an enjoyable last Monday at home taking photos of my town. I started off in our town marina, South Benson Marina.
We have a fishing pier that follows out of the harbor into the Sound (Long Island Sound that is.)
It's been at least 3 years, if not longer, since I've last walked out onto the pier. It was a little rattling to see that there has been some major shifting of the rocks under the pier, and it does appear to be slowly slipping into the Sound. But, I figured that if it was dangerous, they would have had it blocked off. It did make me a little sad to see how such an important memory may be just that someday, a memory. Since my dad had a boat until I was about 21, a lot of my childhood memories take place on and around Long Island Sound.
I strolled back slowly, savoring the sound, the feel, the scent, and my mind flooded with sorts of wonderful memories with friends and family.
From there, I drove out to the center of our town, and walked around the old town center. Fairfield is steeped in history, having been founded in 1639, many historically important figures spent time in those places I walked along today.
Our old town hall has been standing as its current state since , after it was rebuilt following total devistation as the British set fire to the town center in 1779.
Gen. George Washington spent time in Fairfield too, in order to assess damage to the town. He rode by the old town hall, and stayed at the Sun Tavern.
Sun Tavern, George Washington stayed here in 1789.
Old Fairfield Academy, private school, opened in 1804
I walked back to Independence Hall, known as the “new Town Hall,” built in.... I also wandered over to the grounds of the Burr Homestead.
The Burr Homestead was home to the Burr family (the parents of vice-president Aaron Burr.) The grounds are quite beautiful and peaceful.
I also learned today that John Hancock married at the Burr Homestead. Duh, that would have been a perfect place to hold a wedding ceremony.
The day was really enjoyable. Of course, I didn't get to photograph all the wonderful town landmarks before it started raining. I guess that will have to wait till my next trip home :) It will give my readers something to look forward to!
New York Part II
Sunday was a wonderful day! My cousin Elizabeth and I went to NYC for the day.
It took us quite a while to get going, thanks to my forgetfulness :) But, once we got on the train, our super day began.
Our train got in around 12:45, which gave us 2 hours before our show. So, we made our way up to 5th Ave and then headed towards Central Park. Our destination? Lunch and Tiffany.
I must admit, I was worried that lunch at Trump Tower would be extravagant.
But, it turns out that they have a great little sandwich bar, salads, and pizza on the lower level of Trump Tower. We had an enjoyable, inexpensive lunch in a beautiful setting.
After lunch, we went next door to Tiffany. Although I have been in Tiffany before, I never made it above the first level. This time though, I had a destination in mind, specifically, I was there to buy my first piece of jewelery from Tiffany & Co.
I absolutely love my new bracelet! It was a bit intimidating to shop there, but it was much better to have Elizabeth with me :)
As we made our way back down towards 42nd street, it began to rain. Ugh! Eventually, I was forced to buy a $5 umbrella, although I was fully aware of the fact that those umbrellas usually are only good for one windless rainstorm. No matter, I was desperate!
We made our way down 42nd towards Broadway. The theater was near the heart of Times Square,
right across the street from Madame Toussaud's which was really cool. We were fortunate that they did not make us wait outside the theater until 10 minutes before the performance (the way we had to for Curtains.) It turns out that the Hilton Theater was beautiful on the inside. Not like the Al Hirschfeld Theater was not georgeous on the inside, but the Hilton was significantly larger. Our seats were incredible, third row from the stage, left of the aisle. Even though our seats were not center, we had an amazing view of the stage, and even could see into a corner of the orchestra pit.
The show, Young Frankenstein , was so great! I had only seen the first hour of the movie, so I had a general sense of the story, plus, Megan Mullally was going to be in it, so I figured we were in for a treat. The show was way better than I could have imagined! The lighting and special effects were amazing! One of the best parts was the dance sequence with the monster. It was much longer than the scene in the movie (okay, I saw that part too,) and was just incredible. The monster tap danced for about 5 minutes, then the dancers came on and did this huge dancing sequence. It was just wonderful.
The actor who played Frederick Frankenstein played the pharmacist from season two of Desperate Housewives (the one who killed Bree's first husband.) He was really superb. Not only was his singing wonderful, but he was able to fit the part incredibly well. Of course, we were really there to see Megan Mullally (Karen from Will and Grace). My cousin Elizabeth feels about Will and Grace the way I feel about Frasier. So, it was cool to be able to be there with her to sit three rows from Karen :) It was kind of cool, Mullally played Elizabeth, Frederick Frankenstein's flashy, bitchy fiancee. It was funny because the character was quite similar to Karen, she was even able to use the Karen voice :) But, she is such a wonderful actress, I was so impressed! Her voice was so huge, it filled the entire theater, absolutely amazing!!!! I have a new found appreciation of her, and can't wait to watch Will and Grace with new eyes!
Of course, I did go to the show with an almost criminal- Elizabeth tried to take a picture at the end of the show. They aren't kidding about not being allowed to take pictures, an usher showed up in about 3 seconds! Incredible!
I realized that I have really been missing out on a treasure, having grown up so close to New York City, and not going to see shows on Broadway. I can't to go see a show the next time I'm here!
Following the show, we spent some time in Times Square and then made our way back to Grand Central Station. All in all, it was a super great day. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to spend such an enjoyable day with such an enjoyable person :)
It took us quite a while to get going, thanks to my forgetfulness :) But, once we got on the train, our super day began.
Our train got in around 12:45, which gave us 2 hours before our show. So, we made our way up to 5th Ave and then headed towards Central Park. Our destination? Lunch and Tiffany.
I must admit, I was worried that lunch at Trump Tower would be extravagant.
But, it turns out that they have a great little sandwich bar, salads, and pizza on the lower level of Trump Tower. We had an enjoyable, inexpensive lunch in a beautiful setting.
After lunch, we went next door to Tiffany. Although I have been in Tiffany before, I never made it above the first level. This time though, I had a destination in mind, specifically, I was there to buy my first piece of jewelery from Tiffany & Co.
I absolutely love my new bracelet! It was a bit intimidating to shop there, but it was much better to have Elizabeth with me :)
As we made our way back down towards 42nd street, it began to rain. Ugh! Eventually, I was forced to buy a $5 umbrella, although I was fully aware of the fact that those umbrellas usually are only good for one windless rainstorm. No matter, I was desperate!
We made our way down 42nd towards Broadway. The theater was near the heart of Times Square,
right across the street from Madame Toussaud's which was really cool. We were fortunate that they did not make us wait outside the theater until 10 minutes before the performance (the way we had to for Curtains.) It turns out that the Hilton Theater was beautiful on the inside. Not like the Al Hirschfeld Theater was not georgeous on the inside, but the Hilton was significantly larger. Our seats were incredible, third row from the stage, left of the aisle. Even though our seats were not center, we had an amazing view of the stage, and even could see into a corner of the orchestra pit. 
The show, Young Frankenstein , was so great! I had only seen the first hour of the movie, so I had a general sense of the story, plus, Megan Mullally was going to be in it, so I figured we were in for a treat. The show was way better than I could have imagined! The lighting and special effects were amazing! One of the best parts was the dance sequence with the monster. It was much longer than the scene in the movie (okay, I saw that part too,) and was just incredible. The monster tap danced for about 5 minutes, then the dancers came on and did this huge dancing sequence. It was just wonderful.
The actor who played Frederick Frankenstein played the pharmacist from season two of Desperate Housewives (the one who killed Bree's first husband.) He was really superb. Not only was his singing wonderful, but he was able to fit the part incredibly well. Of course, we were really there to see Megan Mullally (Karen from Will and Grace). My cousin Elizabeth feels about Will and Grace the way I feel about Frasier. So, it was cool to be able to be there with her to sit three rows from Karen :) It was kind of cool, Mullally played Elizabeth, Frederick Frankenstein's flashy, bitchy fiancee. It was funny because the character was quite similar to Karen, she was even able to use the Karen voice :) But, she is such a wonderful actress, I was so impressed! Her voice was so huge, it filled the entire theater, absolutely amazing!!!! I have a new found appreciation of her, and can't wait to watch Will and Grace with new eyes!
Of course, I did go to the show with an almost criminal- Elizabeth tried to take a picture at the end of the show. They aren't kidding about not being allowed to take pictures, an usher showed up in about 3 seconds! Incredible!
I realized that I have really been missing out on a treasure, having grown up so close to New York City, and not going to see shows on Broadway. I can't to go see a show the next time I'm here!
Following the show, we spent some time in Times Square and then made our way back to Grand Central Station. All in all, it was a super great day. I really enjoyed having the opportunity to spend such an enjoyable day with such an enjoyable person :)
Abonnieren
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