My name is Hope.
I live in the San Francisco East Bay.
I work in Healthcare.
I was once an EMT.
My past education is a Western/ Eastern medical practice.
I have 2 crazy rescue dogs.
(free obedience training greatly taken!)
I'm in my late 30's.
Since I could stand, I've always sung, tumbled, danced, made music, created artsy stuff.
Spain is my favorite place in the world.
I play the drums.
I love all types of music, but the louder, harder, more drum driven it is, that's where I keep the dial.
Why a blog now? Why, because I want to document that I can accomplish my dreams and wants, despite what my body thinks it can dictate. I see a lot of websites about RHS (see below) from a medical aspect, but never how do I overcome it? What makes it better? Is there relief, besides drugs? Yes, yes there is. I'm living proof believe it or not and I plan to merge what I'm doing and how I make myself better into one place. Here.
And now, my story....
A few years back, I decided to take my hobbies to a small business level after hearing that "you should sell these!" over and over every birthday present or Christmas package. Unfortunately, 8 years ago I developed a weird sensation in my throat and a deep sensitivity to most sounds. Fast forward 2 weeks later, I had facial droop, couldn't get out of bed, close my eye, open my mouth, trouble breathing, and couldn't walk without help coupled with a 10/10 level of pain in my face, neck and ear. Luckily, I was diagnosed the same day with Ramsay Hunt Virus. I've spent years rehabilitating my balance, my memory, the shaking in my hands, the shape and muscles in my face. I've weathered the broken bones from falls and the total lack of understanding from doctors, family, and friends...to no fault of their own. Rare diseases and a stubborn disposition are a very lonely place to put yourself. Albeit, I am blessed with an understanding, nurturing mother who never wavered, and understood or pretended she understood, even if she didn't. She has not left my side mentally, emotionally, or physically throughout all of it. I've tried every medicine on the market, every holistic remedy, anything I could get my hands and head around. I'm, as I write, in the middle of a relapse and am now considered Ramsay Hunt Syndrome Type 1 with Cerebellar Degeneration.
......Now the good news. From bed, I have been finally getting my cyber work done. Working on my sketchbook, which is harder for me than putting material in hand, and getting more research done on how to get better. Just 2 weeks ago I was dancing in heels at a wedding. You have no idea of what a victory that was?! Going Paleo has helped a ton. I don't think it's a cure all, but celiac problems seems to inflame my body to it's highest degree. I also bought a new blender to make eating easier. I have one more week of antivirals and steroids and then it's on to my next planned rung of my ladder in life. I will not be deterred, I will document, I will heal, and I will create.
XOXO
Hope
Dancing 2 weeks ago.
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#Ramsay Hunt Virus Type I #RHS #East Bay Creations #Hope Esperanza #chronic illness
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