Sclero-what?

This year, the Northern Utah Scleroderma group decided not to do a 5K, but instead did a comedy night. I wasn't able to go, and was a little bummed as I have loved the race the last two years. It was fun to have so much of my family gathered in one place. Because of this, we nearly didn't do t-shirts (that and the fact that I put it off forever, then my mom was going to have hip surgery, and it was all just last minute). For the last year, though, I have been thinking that I wanted to continue to do t-shirts every year, with the proceeds going to a deserving family, whether they had Scleroderma, or not. I had in mind the family I wanted to donate to this year, so it broke my heart when we initially decided not to do shirts. I just couldn't shake the feeling, so I asked my mom again if we could do it. She, thankfully, said yes, and we were able to get the word out and sell shirts. Last year after the 5K when we were all at my parents house for Kennan's farewell, I wa...

When I was in high school, shortly before my 16th birthday I got tonsillitis. I was given some medicine, which resulted in me breaking out in hives. This was right before we were headed to UVSC for a team volleyball camp, so I got to go with a swollen face, and red splotches all over my body. It was miserable, to say the least. Plus, the guy that I liked was also down there for a wrestling tournament, and he stopped by to watch us. Talk about embarrassing! (Well, to a 16 year old anyway! ;) Fast forward to shortly before Christmas. I went in for my regular check-up, and I told Dr. Walker about being bloated all the time. He recommended going on an antibiotic to clear out any bacteria that may be lingering in my stomach. He prescribed Amoxicillin, which I started taken. I made it about 3 days before my face started burning. I got up for church that next Sunday morning to a bright red, swollen face. It was awesome. Not. My face eventually cleared up, but then the hives spread ...

It's actually surprising to me that it has taken this long for this to happen. I have worried that it may possibly happen many, many times, but yesterday was the first. Here's the backstory... For the last year or so, I have been extremely bloated all the time. So much so that I have people ask if I'm pregnant at least once a week. My doctor has given me a recommendation to do a colon cleanse, but I have yet to find time to do it. I work M-F, and every other Saturday, and my weekends have been full, so I haven't had time to do it. I decided to try something more natural, that wouldn't require me to spend time at home, basically living in the bathroom. I found a recipe on Pinterest for an "all natural "secret" detox drink recipe" that should "help bloating, increase energy, speed-up metabolism, stabilize blood sugar and boost your immune system." All things that would be perfect for me. It called for lemon juice, apple cider vine...

Last year, the day before the Northern Utah Stepping Out for Scleroderma 5K, I was told we were going to have a "casual Friday" where we could wear jeans & USU shirts. So I show up in my jeans and an Aggie shirt. When I walked in I noticed my co-workers wearing a light blue shirt, which I thought was odd since USU is dark blue, but I didn't really think anything of it until I got to my station, and there was a card and this T-shirt sitting at my station. All my co-workers were wearing them. Not gonna lie, I teared up a bit. It was pretty awesome that they would do that. We had quite a few people ask about it, which was awesome, because it's just another opportunity to spread awareness (plus let the members know that I don't actually have an eating disorder, and that I am not just naturally awkward in my stance!) It has been a hard few years dealing with this disease, but the one constant outside of my home has been work. My co-workers have been amazi...

After the success we had {last year} we were excited for the 2015 race. I can't even begin to express my gratitude for the love and support that has been shown towards me and my family over the last few years. I love seeing family get together, and people gather for a good cause. This year (and by this year, I actually mean last year...2015) the race was held in SLC. It was a beautiful location, and the weather, though a bit chilly, was still beautiful. Greg and I got up bright and early, and headed on our way. I seriously was so blessed to have so many people come out and support. I had my friend Jenna come all the way from Rock Springs with her new baby to walk with us, as well as Buck & Aub, and then tons of family. It was so wonderful to see everyone! We had shirts made again, and it was awesome seeing everyone wear them. Me & Jenna Me, Aub & Buck My cousin Michelle & I with Michelle's daughter Kennedy Brady, me & ...

...an update! I know, it's been so long, you probably figured I was healed of all my Scleroderma...wrong! I have had many MANY thoughts over the last almost year, but have just not written stuff down. I will try to do better though, because before you know it, an entire year will slip by. And here we are! Trying to decide where to start.... Here goes... So I think the last real update I had just started going to physical therapy. What a joke. I know I need to do a lot of the stretches on my own, but literally, my appointments were about 5 minutes. I could have googled stretches on the internet, and not had to pay hundreds of dollars. (Actually I don't think they charged me for some of the appointments, but still!) The stretches kill me, and I have a terrible attitude about them (even still). I just don't feel like they are very effective, and maybe part of it is just me wishing to see results within the first couple of days, but I don't. It just gets frustrati...