@becsbuddy and all...Hello, my friend. It's wonderful to get your message and reconnect. I've missed you and everyone as I, too, have been involved with my own health issues and my son's critical issues that there's been no time, energy nor inclination to chat with anyone. At all! Last year was horrific. The worst year of my life.

In November my son had a crisis and I truly thought neither of us would make it through the year. When 2023 hit the scene, I prayed with a heart filled with gratitude and the knowledge we were coming through and would see the light. I knew, and know, this year will be much better. It's already brought new help for us both in many areas. As we take each day, each moment, and squeeze what joy is available, we give thanks and take the next step. So, I'm sort of back...

I'm sorry you've had more problems. You've dealt with so much for a long time as I recall and I've grown to love your input, your 'smiles', and your good thoughts. You are a welcome sight in my email!

My son's been through hell and I didn't think he was going to make it to 2023. He was on a ventilator for 3 days after being given Ketamine pushed when taken in rescue to the hospital after having days of seizures and rages. The attendants were told he had a Dilaudid pump but gave him that horrid drug anyway. His heart stopped, and he was revived and on CPR until the ER put him on a ventilator. I didn't know anything about this, couldn't find him where he was taken even, for 2 days! It was a nightmare...when I saw him on the vent I almost collapsed and that was only the start of the worst months of our lives.

Since then, he's been hospitalized 2X for emergencies. I've been at the ER 3X for lung infections and UTIs out of control. Sarcoid is back a bit, but I'm actually handling it well. I have a rash and pain/burning/weakness in my right arm and hand, my left arm has a rash, and my feet and ankles are worse, with a rash on both legs/shins. I'm using a steroid cream on these areas and it's working well. I use it for 2 weeks, off for 2, and so on as needed. This is a good solution. Nothing internally. And, it's helping with all symptoms.

My lungs are pretty good, just normal phlegm and junk, but I use a steroid in my xylitol sinus rinse every night and it seems to keep it controlled. I'm using 2L of oxygen with my bi-pap nightly which makes a huge difference. And, I'm taking CBD gummies at night for sleep and a different one in the daytime if I need it for anxiety. All in all, I'm holding my own.

I have low ferritin levels again, Becky. It seems my body can't absorb ferritin or B12, so I give myself B12 shots weekly and get ferritin IV infusions every few months as needed. It's getting low now, my gums are white and lower energy with more weakness, but with rest, I'm doing pretty well. Rest is very real at this point. This week, after going with my son to Gainesville last week for his movement disorder clinic visit, I've had a pretty slow time of it. Those 2 days of travel and docs took it out of me, so I've been feeding my birds, and enjoying YouTube videos with make-up tutorials for women over 70, and 80...What a silly thing to enjoy but I feel like a young lady again with the new tips for my new age. It's been fun. Isolating, but for the phone and my son, but I needed the fun and total rest. A good thing.

I'm truly thankful for you and this site. You've walked with me through so many hills and valleys over the last few years. I appreciate you and all the other Connect friends. What a gift for us to have the support of folks who truly get it. No judgment, real acceptance, and guidance to acceptance of our lives, situations, and bodies as they are. Growth. I'm truly a better person today than I have ever been. God has lifted me up and guided me to folks who would listen, hear, and help. Mayo, you and Connect, and others. I'm full of gratitude on this day.

It's 4 a.m. Friday morning. I've been at this far too long! Suppose I'll hit the bed for a few hours before meeting the sun.
Be well, Be blessed. Stay in touch. Elizabeth