Hey… it’s Anna 🖤.
I know I’ve been a little out of touch lately.
Life has been busy.
Actually, busy is probably an understatement.
Between work, medical appointments, trying to secure my next contract, and my body deciding to stage a protest, I haven’t had much energy left over for anything else.
But I’m here.
And honestly, I needed to sit down and get some thoughts out.
Work Has Been Keeping Me Busy
One of the biggest things on my mind lately is work.
I don’t think I mentioned this but, my current contract is coming to an end.
So while I’m still doing my regular duties, I’m also trying to figure out what’s next.
It’s one of those situations where you’re trying to focus on the present while simultaneously worrying about the future.
And if you’re an overthinker like me, that’s basically a full-time job by itself.
I’m hopeful.
But I’m also realistic.
Finding stability is important.
Especially when you have bills, responsibilities, and people depending on you.
So that’s been taking up quite a bit of mental space lately.
My Body Has Been Acting Up
And then there’s my body.
Because apparently life felt I wasn’t busy enough.
For the last four days I’ve been incredibly stiff.
Not a little stiff.
Not “I slept funny” stiff.
I mean wake-up-and-question-every-life-decision stiff.
My shoulders have been aching.
My back has been aching.
My knees have been aching.
Honestly, at this point it would be easier to list what DOESN’T hurt.
And I know some of it has to do with the weather.
The temperatures have been colder than normal lately.
My joints absolutely hate the cold.
They take it personally.
Every time the temperature drops, my body responds like:
- “Absolutely not.”
And then the stiffness starts.
Thank Goodness for Hot Showers
One thing that has been helping is making my showers a little warmer than usual.
Not lava hot.
Although trust me, I’ve been tempted.
Just warm enough that my muscles and joints finally stop arguing with me.
There’s something about standing under warm water when your whole body feels tight and achy.
For a little while everything relaxes.
The pain doesn’t disappear completely.
But it softens.
And sometimes that’s enough.
💊 I Had to Call in Reinforcements
Today I finally admitted defeat and took some Dual Action pain relief.
You know the one.
The combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
And honestly?
It helped.
I don’t like taking pain medication unless I really need it.
But sometimes you have to be realistic.
There comes a point where pushing through isn’t helping anybody.
Especially when you still have an entire shift ahead of you.
🖤 My True Ride-Or-Die: Diclofenac Gel
Now let me tell you about my actual best friend.
Diclofenac topical gel.
That stuff goes everywhere with me.
Everywhere.
If I leave the house without my phone, I can survive.
If I leave without my Diclofenac gel, we’re going to have problems.
Today I got a little break during my shift and immediately pulled it out.
I basically applied it like lotion to my legs.
And within a short time I could feel the difference.
It’s not magic.
But it’s close enough.
Honestly, if Diclofenac gel ever starts accepting employee applications, I’d like to nominate it for employee of the month.
Because it has done more for my knees than some people have done for my emotional well-being 😭
My Mom Loves It Too
I actually bought some for my mom recently.
And now she’s a believer too.
Every conversation seems to include:
- “That gel really works.”
And honestly?
She’s right.
So if you ever hear me talking about it repeatedly, just know it’s because I’ve tested it extensively.
By extensively I mean I’ve practically become a walking product review.
Thankfully Work Wasn’t Too Bad
The good news is the actual shift wasn’t terrible.
School is still out.
Which means fewer people.
Less traffic.
Less chaos.
And thankfully less garbage.
That’s always a win.
The lounge areas and study spaces are staying pretty clean right now because they’re not being used nearly as much.
So my body appreciated the break.
Trust me.
When you work a physical job while dealing with chronic pain, you learn to appreciate every easy day you get.
🎉 Days Off Are Finally Here
Tomorrow and Friday are my days off.
And honestly?
I need them.
Badly.
I plan to rest.
Recover.
Recharge.
And probably spend some quality time with my heating pad.
Because clearly we’re in a committed relationship at this point.
🩸 Iron Infusion Number Two
Tomorrow is also my second iron infusion.
June 4th.
2:00 PM.
Round two.
The process is pretty straightforward.
About two hours for the infusion itself.
Then another thirty minutes of observation afterward to make sure I’m not having any reactions.
The first infusion went really well.
Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised.
I felt pretty good for a couple of days afterward.
I had a little more energy.
A little more life in me.
And then gradually I could feel myself sliding back toward the fatigue again.
Which tells me I definitely need these treatments.
So tomorrow we’ll do it all over again.
Three more infusions.
One step at a time.
🤞 Hoping For Better Days
I’m hoping the iron infusions continue to help.
I’m hoping my body decides to cooperate.
I’m hoping the contract situation works itself out.
And honestly?
I’m hoping for a few less aches and pains.
I don’t think that’s asking too much.
At least I hope not.
Well… That Was Eventful
So that’s my little update.
Life has been busy.
My body has been grumpy.
Work has been manageable.
And tomorrow I’ll be spending part of my day getting topped up with iron.
As exciting as my life gets these days 😭
Thank you for checking in on me.
Thank you for reading.
And thank you for sticking around while I figure life out one day at a time.
I hope this week has been kind to you.
And if it hasn’t?
Hang in there.
Tomorrow is another day.
Another chance.
Another opportunity for things to get better.
Until next time, lovelies 🖤💋
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