Welcome to the start of 2015. Yes, I am 3 days already into this year and late posting but as the title on my blig says, that is "Life on the Fringes."  My New Year's resolution this year is to write ideally every day about what it is like to live with several chronic illnesses or as some call them, invisible illnesses. Being realistic though, I'd like to try and get a post up at least every few days, even if it is just a quick one.  My plan is for this to be a lay it on the line, no playing down anything kind of place where I talk about whatever happens to be on my mind on any given day. It will probably not always focus on my various ailments but then again who wants to constantly focus on not so great stuff all the time. Instead, it will be sprinkled into my posts and will always include an update on how I am feeling. This is as much for me to track my symptoms as it is for the reader to get a look inside what it is like to live life on the fringes.

   To start, let me introduce myself. I go by the name Chris but my given name is Christina and I am happily married with 3 strong willed kids ages 6,7 and 9. My middle one is my boy and the most like me at times so we butt heads the most. My husband, Josh, works in the IT field and for the most part, understands my issues and takes great care of the kids and myself. I consider myself very lucky.

   I was blessed or cursed, depending on the day, with more than one chronic illness. According to my Rheumatologist, I have moderate to severe Rheumatoid Arthritis which has progressed to the point of her telling me to file for social security disability 2 years ago. We are still fighting that battle to get it approved despite all my specialist supporting it. I also have a Primary Immunodeficiency called Common Variable Immunodeficiency which is considered a rare disease and a suspected nerve condition called Heredity Neuropathy Pressure Palsy. This is on top of more normal chronics, asthma and several eye issues like cataracts. All of these issues are managed by a team of specialists, mainly by my Immunologist, Rheumatologist, Pain Management and my Ophthalmologist doctors.  My youngest, Charissa, has been dealing with joint pain, stiffness and fatigue since she was 4.5 years old and is being followed by a pediatric Rheumatologist while my son was just diagnosed with, what we hope will remain, seasonal asthma.

All these illnesses, slow me down and make me adapt but I try not to miss the important events in my kids and husband's lives.  In order to do this, I plan ahead knowing if I have an event coming up or a crazier than usual day, to rest up or make sure my husband can drive so I can crash to and from things.   Thankfully during the winter, travel soccer is down to one day of indoor training so I try and use this time to recover from the previous season.

My life can be crazy at times with all 3 kids playing soccer, my oldest playing travel and sending them to my church's Christian school of which there is no bussing. Even if bussing was available, I doubt I would use it much. Many times, I go to events relying on adrenaline to get me through knowing I will be crashing at some point and my body does give out on me.

So, this is me or at least an introduction into my life.  The first two days of the year have started out well with my body being allowed to rest some on the first and running errands on the 2nd. Despite being busy though, I was able to take a nap to and from one place and my husband treated the family to Linner, aka lunch/dinner at Quaker Steak and Lube which was a new place for me. Any place that makes me want to eat more than a few bites is a good thing and I loved their ranch wing sauce.

Until tomorrow.....