#that's my rheuma thinks anyway

[thattheatretrash]

hi so once again i am turning to tumblr bc idk what else to do

need some chronic pain related advice so if you can relate or know someone who does please read below

little background about me: i've had chronic pain for almost two years now, and still no solid diagnosis. different things have been thrown out there, but a lot of the tests i've had done have come back negative, not significant, or inconclusive. the only thing that was ever yes yes definitely positive was a mri of my thighs that showed inflammation. however, a couple months later when i had a muscle biopsy of my thighs done, they ruled it not significant, and it didn't point to a further diagnosis. my rheumatologist decided to put me on prednisone anyway, and it HELPED SO MUCH. at least temporarily, i'm tapering it now since it's not good to be on long term. but it helped with my energy levels and my pain/numbness/weakness/tingling/burning/tingling pain in my lower body. i definitely couldn't have finished college without it.

recently, i was put on lots of different meds, and i've been have a bad flareup and new weird symptoms since the beginning of the summer. i also started using weed to help manage pain and fatigue and it helped a lot. however, because i've had so many new (and some very severe) symptoms and couldn't tell anymore what was a side effect and was a symptom, i decided to stop/taper every medication/drug that i could about a week ago (with my PCP's help). i'm still adjusting.

however, the thing i'm probably most concerned about rn is my new neurological symptoms that have been progressing. while i've had things like sensory issues or brain fog in the past, it's taken such an intense turn to the point that i'm pretty sure i've started having seizures? i hesitate to say that in case i'm wrong but i've been having them a lot. since stopping my meds, it seems to be helping slightly. my brain doesn't feel as overloaded. but i'm still kind of having them. i did go to the ER for one after i had an episode in the urgent care waiting room, and they did a CT which looked fine. they diagnosed it as a "headache" and told me to call my rheumatologist to get off my mycophelate mofetil since they thought it was contributing (and i think it definitely was, especially to my digestive system issues, brain fog, and weird random i'm so sad but idk why mood swing things).

i guess my question is, for people who have had seizures start developing later in life, how did you know it was a seizure? i mean i've looked up stuff online so i'm pretty sure but of course i can't really be sure. and how do you manage seizures day-to-day?

also, for people with chronic pain in general, how do you get people to believe you? i just feel like everyone is starting to think my pain is psychosomatic, which i think of course, some of it is. everyone experiences psychosomatic pain sometimes, and i do have a history of mental illness. but i actually feel pretty good right now!! and i'm doing everything i can to limit my stress, pay attention to my body, give myself positive affirmations, rest, do some gentle movement throughout the day, sleeping a lot (8+ hours usually) on a regular schedule, trying to eat a decent diet, meditate, stretch, i mean, i am really trying everything i can.

but i just don't know what do sometimes. so any advice, especially from other people with chronic pain, is super appreciated. and thank you for reading all of this if you did. i hope you are having a wonderful day!! here's to the lovely journey of becoming closer and more loving with our bodies.

[amyjacob]

i just read that today is the “international day of persons with disabilities” so i just wanna say i’m glad i’m disabled. i hate it but i have made so many great friends and experiences and i wouldn’t be the person i am today without my disability

[themhayonnaise]

Can't hike? No prob! (with itinerary and expenses)

I am known as a low-key hiker by friends and co-workers. I started day hiking in 2015 without any experience in any adventures known today (lol). Some of my climbs are okay, some are too adventurous, and some are what we call "buwis-buhay". It actually depends on my mod or my stamina on that particular time (lol).

This time, I decided to take my hike a little more chill and tried Treasure Mountain. I already am hearing this before, but never tried it because my group isn't fond of "chill climbs" or even day hikes. But since I was not feeling very well, but I sure need to unwind, I invited my sisters to join me in this quick trip to Tanay, Rizal.

Note: If you're planning to try Treasure Mountain, please read the whole post for a few important tips!

Rizal is one of the provinces near Manila with many mountains to climb like Daraitan, Pamitinan, Tagapo, etc. These hikes are ranging between levels 3-4 minor hike, but some trails are too difficult for beginners who are actually "softer" than we are expecting.

What's sad is there are people who are faint-hearted or physically weak that are dreaming of experiencing the same thing hikers do. But "health" demands them to slow down and limit themselves to just staying in their comfort zone. Of course, we cannot argue with that, but it's good to know that there are places like Treasure Mountain that can make them see the beauty of mountains.

Related post: Beginner Climbs for the Adventurous You

In our family, I am the only one "G" for an adventure. Well, except from my Dad who's now 76 and still requesting for a Cebu adventure trip (random fact: he's still very good in swimming and free diving, even with arthritis and rheuma). So it is very rare for us family to go for a trip together.

So I was very happy I got time to bond with my sisters on a mountain. Thanks, Treasure Mountain, though you it was very magastos bec we actually have to pay for everything there except for the washroom. Not overpriced, though (except for the tent, I think 500php is very costly).

The experience

Of course, I was the one who planned, organized, and led the trip. It was a DIY trip for the three of us (Noreen, Phine, and I) and it their first time to join me to the mountains. Though they're not satisfied with the sea of clouds as it was not what they expected - so I HATE YOU PHOTOSHOP EDITORS AND TIMELAPSE-ers FOR MAKING MY SISTERS EXPECT VERY HIGHLY OF THE TRUE SEA OF CLOUDS EXPERIENCE.

Anyway, the experience was still great and I am happy they felt tired at the end of the they because that's the real price of witnessing the beauty of the mountains.  I feel like nabinyagan ko na sila, and that was enough. Unless they ask for another climb. Lol

More of my photos can be viewed on VSCO | themhayonnaise.

Treasure Mountain

It is known as Treasure Mountain Educational Campsite and is a private property owned by IDK lol. It is actually for the  people who loves the mountains and that are not that adventurous to hike for hours or days. It's just a couple (or more, depends on traffic. You know Manila. *sighs*) of hours from Manila. You can actually trek to the campsite, but it is also very accessible by vehicles.

Itinerary and expenses

Below is our actual itinerary and expenses. rates are as of November, 2017. See more of Treasure Mountain details and updates on their Facebook page: Treasure Mountain.

Important tips

If you are commuting, jeepneys from Cogeo (pronounced as "ko-gyo") bound to Sampaloc travels as early as 3am. Just go straight to CMA (City Mall of Antipolo).

Tricycle drivers in Cogeo may offer you a service to Sito Maysawa for 150/pax which is 3 times more expensive than jeepney ride rates.

CMA is located along the street in front of Cogeo Village gate 2. You just need a quick morning walk, less than 1km from the highway.

If you are using a private car, be aware that the trail are becoming SUPER VERY MEGA muddy when it rains. Good luck.

At the jump-off, you can hire a habal-habal or a tricycle both for 50 per head. Treasure Mountain have authorized bikers/drivers, but I think they actually cannot accommodate everyone so it is okay to hire other drivers as long as they don't give overpriced rates.

Enjoy your trip, travelers! If you're game for an overnight a surfing camp, join me and my friends this December! Message me here or on my social media accounts or email me at maivargas@icloud.com. :)