I’m Annoyed

Yeah, I’m annoyed.

And I’ll tell you why.

It’s so annoying that the simple things – the things everyone tells you your whole life – are the things that make you feel the best. This isn’t news, but it’s a hard lesson that a lot of us, me in particular, have to learn.
Some very quick backstory:
In 2021 I had a medically necessary hysterectomy. In 2022 I was diagnosed with MS. Both of these things together have made the last few years….difficult.

While my own brain was convinced the sky was falling, I’ve had the most awesome medical team anyone could hope for telling me that’s not true. And through regular physical therapy (twice a week for the past two years) and a complete diet shift, I’ve done a LOT to regain my health. Like, a shocking amount. Now I am by no means the picture of health, but considering I could barely stand to do dishes two years ago, and now I can walk a good distance with the help of walking sticks, I’d say I’m doing pretty good.

And what was it that did it for me? That even allowed me to have the mental shift? Diet and exercise. What does everyone always tell you is the answer to any ailment? Diet and exercise. It’s true. It’s simple. And it’s ANNOYING.

I also struggle a lot with constant dizziness/lightheadedness thank to my special brain. Last time I went to my PCP to ask about a drug for this, I just said, “Hey, so all I really want is to not be dizzy. If I don’t need the drug, then even better.” I was told to try eating/drinking more salt and exhaling completely and forcefully. I started doing both of these when I got home and wouldn’t you know it – I felt better by even the next day. I’ve been putting LMNT in my water for about 3 years now, because in general I don’t hydrate well, so I upped that. (My referral link if anyone wants to try it, you get a free sample pack with your order: http://elementallabs.refr.cc/laurenhead) I also set an alarm to do deep breathing exercises on the hour. This actually makes a lot of sense to me, because since my hysterectomy I haven’t really been good at deep breathing. Because I had tummy stitches, I got used to breathing shallow while they healed, and then….never went back to breathing normally.

Salt and air, two basic human needs to be alive, and yet, I wasn’t using either well. Did the change help? Exponentially. Is it annoying? Oh yes.

So yes, I am annoyed. I am also grateful. How fortunate that my biggest issues can be solved with such simple things. I will say, just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s easy. Some days I really don’t want to stretch my legs, but if I don’t I’ll be stiff and walk like a drunken pirate. Some days I really don’t want to drink all the water I should, or even eat enough. The knowledge of how much of a difference it makes keeps me accountable. Sometimes I don’t do All The Things. I make that conscious choice, and then pay for it later.

I am NOT here to tell you that all the simple things are easy and will solve all your problems, and you’re silly for not doing them. I am here to tell you that in my specific case, they typically work, it takes real effort, and it’s annoying as hell. I can be thankful and annoyed at the same time, which has been my current state of being.