I Had To Disappear

Where have I been? For some of you, I have been here. Posting about past projects and Animal Crossing inspirations. For others, you may have noticed I have pretty much disappeared. I have not read nor commented on anything on WordPress and Social Media. I also have not been checking in on my friends or family, as I had been frequently attempting to do.

In 2020 my husband and I made a decision, a resolution, to spend more time with friends and family. To share the most valuable thing we possess, our time, with those we love. When Covid-19 struck the world, we were forced to do this over the internet and through phone calls. I made a point to reach out to those I loved frequently last year, and the beginning of this year. But a few months ago I couldn’t. I couldn’t talk to anyone.

The truth is, I had to disappear, for several reasons. I was emotionally and physically exhausted. Since January 2021 I had been dealing with several health issues. I had been experiencing shortness of breath, and had a swollen lymph node that would not go away.

After a few tests, the doctors thought I had a mass on my heart. Thankfully, after another test, my heart was cleared! I had no mass! I was fine 🙂 Well, sort of…

I was still experiencing the shortness of breath. Something was still wrong. I just didn’t know what.

After a few more tests, the lymph node was revealed to simply be caused by a tooth that needed a root canal. After that was completed, it slowly went down to normal.

In checking my lymph node, though, the doctor found a tumor on my rib. As I have tumors all over my body due to my bone disease, Multiple Osteochondromas, I knew this was probably one of those.

I was sent to a specialist, a Cardio Thoracic Surgeon. He took one look at me, and said he had to send me to a “Super Specialist” (his words, not mine..lol). He told me that he mostly dealt with heart patients, and he wanted me to see someone who had experience with my bone disease.

Off to another doctor I went. The tumor, as it seems, is rather large. Unlike my other tumors, though, that stick outward, this sticks inward. It cannot be felt from the outside, but it was certainly seen on my tests.

My “Super Specialist” really was super! He made me feel so comfortable and safe! I was informed that removing the tumor would mean we would have to remove a couple ribs, and put a plate in. This would be a surgery requiring a long recovery.

Though the tumor is pressing on my ribs, causing scarring on my lung, it is not causing a great deal of pain. I did realize all those times I thought I was having breast pain was actually from the tumor. But the pain is not frequent, nor severe.

With the doctor’s help we decided to hold off. Every year or so I will get scans, see if the tumor is growing, and we will take it from there.

I also found out I had most likely been misdiagnosed with asthma. I stopped my inhalers, at request of my physician, to monitor myself over the next few months, followed by a lung function test next month. When I stopped the inhalers, my breathing instantly improved!

I still struggle with shortness of breath at times, but nothing like it was! I attribute this to anxiety, as I have been dealing with a lot the past few years. My husband and I have been finding ways to deal with our stress, and it has brought us closer together!

We do laugh, my husband and I, because we always seem to invite all different types of change at the same time. Change causes stress, and we always have a lot of change at once.

Last week was my last day as a private nanny, as the girls are returning to school. I am looking for a job, dealing with health problems, but still I was able to get the Covid vaccine! After approval from three doctors, I feel much safer 🙂

Plus, we just adopted a puppy! Our wonderful little bundle of joy is named Hershey, a chocolate Boston Terrier.

These past few months have been stressful, but also very joyful. It is for this reason, I had to disappear. I had to take a break from the internet for my emotional and mental health. I had to experience each day for what it was, seeking joy when I could, relaxing when I could, and had to just be. I had no other choice.

I may disappear again in the future. Who knows? When life throws a lot at you, you need a break! I took my break, now I’m back. Hoping to share all of my mini-adventures, and inspire you to seek the little joys in life 🙂

Thank you for your support, for your love, and for your friendship! It truly means the world to me 🙂

---

Have you ever needed a break from the internet? What do you do to promote mental health in your own life? Don’t forget to comment or reach out to me on:

Twitter– @storiesofpetey

Instagram

Pinterest

Facebook

To always stay up-to-date on Stories of Petey, sign-up with your e-mail to get notifications on my latest blogs.