March 2012, Nashville, Tennessee~

Greetings!  I hope and pray this finds you all doing well ... sorry if I haven't written; my diabetes has been giving me fits.  Just got out of the hospital last week 'cause I had a diabetic crisis and am still feeling rather poorly, but am finally starting to feel a little better.  Got some new meds; hopefully that will do the trick ...

Aurora Skydancer here.  I am trying like hell to get my diabetes under control, but it's still as erratic as ever (meaning my blood sugar levels).  I have to be so careful on what I eat and what I do.  In addition, I have to check my blood pressure every day and have been in the hospital twice for that (once in December 2 years ago and the last time in 2009).  My health has been nothing but a constant battleground and I am sick of it all already!!

Happily, I have finally lost more weight: have lost a total of 100 pounds; it's made a world of difference!  I am able to get around a LITTLE better (the operateive word being "little") and am now able to breathe without having to stop every so often, just so I can try to catch my breath.  I still wear the oxygen at night, but other than that (and doing my breathing treatments and taking my breathing meds), I am doing much better in the lung/breathing department.

I am in my 50's now: turned 53 back in December.  I look like I have aged 30 years; I feel and look more like a very old woman.  My skin on my arms is all saggy-baggy, and I have loose skin everywhere.  I look horrible!  I'd love to get surgery to get all this extra flab cut off me, but trouble is, I can't afford it ... not on my paltry disability check!  (I get maybe $600 every month; after bills, I'm lucky IF I have $20.00 to my name!)

I am still at the nursing home, but I am one of the healthier ones there.  At least I can get around and do some things.  I am grateful for that.  I take exercise classes three times a week (water aerobics, light duty Zumba, and regular aerobics); it has made a world of difference, but because of my COPD and diabetes (plus heart issues), I have to always be so careful ...

Thought I was doing good for a while, but then the ol' diabetes decided to be a horse's ass and ended up back on Needle-Stick Row.  My arms are still bruised and looking rather ugly.  I am embarrassed to wear short sleeves because of the bruising that's still left and the flabby arms!!

I have been journaling reguarly and keeping busy with my exercise classes; have even gone out to eat a time or two with some of the healthier residents of the Home where we are and it's done wonders for my sagging spirit.  I pray I have more good days; I have had enough with the setbacks and never ending series of doctors!!!!

Well, today is Water Aerobics, then we're going out to eat (Appleby's), so I will run along for now.  Take care and may the great spirit bless you!

~Love, your friend in Tennessee, Aurora Star.  :)