It was not in our heads... it was under our skin. Because of this debilitating disease we feel each others pain as it will strip your life right out of you. The symptoms & damage is HORRENDOUS. Most of us went undiagnosed as cases were not being reported. We never got the bullseye rash that shows that one has Lyme. 80% never get it. Besides Fibromyalgia & Lyme Arthritis (which I can ignore) I was damaged very badly Neurologically. I also have chronic sinusitis which knocks me to my knees post Lyme symptoms like to reek havoc & make all of your other symptome act up worse. In 9+ years I have had 11 piklines-yes that is what you see in the picture, an IV threaded to my heart. I can get 1-3 infusions a day of antibiotics -I have had them in for up to 3-4 months. 11 piklines in 9 years. My art was my saving grace as staying home in bed was not an option. I decide after I could stand up & focus (8 months) I would concentrate on my art. I sold 1400 Wall Dancers dolls each made 1 at a time on Ebay then I went to Etsy. So this be knows what one goes through. the reason for this ugly picture & story is because people tell me Keri if you can do it I can try... I always wanted to paint... I would like to sew ............so my heart & prayers are with you all & I will stand by your side. This is MY story. Last week I was written up in Artizen Magazine. I know everyone wants to ask questions but I do NOT do support groups or get all over Lyme websites. I KNOW what the disease so please try & respect my right to not want to talk sick talk with anyone. I have met great people & learned many lessons on my journey. I cannot change the Lyme Disease but I can choose how I want to live my life & I do! To all of you that have gone through so much of this with me over the years-I love you to pieces! Hugs,
Keri
5 comments:
Keri, you are a living example of courage and positive thinking, plus a creative inspiration! God bless!!!
Hi, Keri !
I found your art on flickr and I've added you as my contact because I really LOVE your ART =)
I have started something called "Beauty of Sorrow".
http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.com/
I'm asking people to contribute and share of those artists who create ART (any kind) out of sorrow, pain, depression, illness, and any other ailments. Would you please check it out and let me know if you would like to contribute to this beautiful new place? I basically will be putting up the work of your choice and little blurb of what it is and link back to your blogpost and you'll be listed as Contributor on the side. I hope you can check it out and let me know. Thank you very much ! Your ART ROCKS !!!
http://beautyofsorrow.blogspot.com/
I would be honored dear lady. Thank you for getting my work & story out there. People feel if I can do it (create with Lyme Disease maybe they can too) & they are doing it! I got them out of bed. Hugs,
Keri
Congratulations on some very beautiful art, and rising to the challenge. I know what it's like, needing a way to express your creativity and feel useful, when something is doing its best to beat you down. I have a severe spinal injury from an accident (my car trunk lid slammed on my head in a high wind), and can't work, and can't do a lot of the things I used to -- like type a lot at one time. But I found I could do artwork, because it used different movements and less strain. So now I have a one-year-old webcomic, and just released my first comic book. I also blog on assistive technologies that make it easier to use a computer.
Keep on creating!
Gwen
http://quarktime.net
Good for you honey. Sorry to hear about your accident. Must have been awful. Staying in bed was not good for me so I got my butt up & its been up since! I went down hard for a couple of weeks where I was very productive but then too there is nothing wrong with a break. when I worked I took vacations! But I am back & started another new piece this morning. Thank you for writing-nice to meet you honey. Hugs,
Keri
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