Hello everyone! I'm rather behind on posting both here and on my youtube channel, but I was pushing myself too hard in June and my health suffered for it. Two years later and I still don't have a firm diagnosis, but it looks like I most likely have chronic fatigue syndrome. I've been doing a lot of research and think the condition may have been triggered by a horrible flu I had in 2014. Some of the research suggests CFS is either a virus that never really goes away or somehow messes up the immune system (or possibly the gut bacteria balance). Not much is really known about CFS, but I am researching all I can. Most sources suggest if I feel the need to rest I should rest instead of trying to "push through it", as overexertion can cause the CFS to get a lot worse (which is what happened...oops...). So I've been taking it very easy the last 2 weeks and am slowly getting a bit better.
I haven't really gotten dressed up as often as I would like, but I managed this cute Victorian inspired look a couple weeks ago. My original outfit was very different, but the humidex was very high that day and I needed something lighter. I settled on a Victorian underwear look instead of the prim-and-proper look I had planned. The "dress" is actually a nightgown I've had since I was a child, which I tried to dye black a few years ago. That obviously didn't work, but instead turned the material a soft, mottled blue-grey. I paired it with my What Katie Did corset, a cameo necklace I made from a broken earring, and a pair of Victorian inspired boots.
I have so many videos planned for my youtube channel, but just haven't had time to film them. I'm hoping in the next few weeks to start a series about making vintage perfume from old recipes. I also just bought some awesome new 1920's wave clips I want to try out (I think I have a wave clip addiction! They are so neat!). For those of you who haven't seen it, I posted a video over on my youtube channel on how I did this hairstyle a couple weeks ago:
I hope everyone is having a good week!
That's All.
I'm sorry to hear about the CFS, that can be really debilitating. Take care of yourself!
ReplyDeleteThanks :) I've been resting a lot so hopefully I will get at least bit more energy soon.
DeleteIf you're having stomach problems too, you might want to look into diverticulitis. I was really sick over winter and that was one of the problems. It made me extremely tired and gave me "mystery" fevers. I hate to be the person giving medical advice without being asked, but they took a long time to diagnose me with it because it's typically not in younger people so it wasn't something they considered so I wanted to throw that out there :) Feel better soon, being sick for so long is the worst, and so is the stress of not knowing what it is
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestion. Sorry to hear you were sick and also had a hard time getting a diagnosis. I know how frustrating that can be! I don't want it to be chronic fatigue syndrome (since there isn't much you can do to "cure" it), and am still researching other alternative illnesses. I've had soooo many tests by this point, there aren't many possibilities left. I'm pretty sure diverticulitis has been ruled out but I really do appreciate the suggestion!
DeleteWhat an awesome corset! Thank you very much for sharing more about the immense challenges that you've been battling on the medical front. I count CFS amongst my (more than fifteen different) chronic illnesses and know firsthand what a staggering impact it can have one daily life and the ability to do even the most basic of things, at times. My heart and complete understanding are with you and I'm always here if you need someone to talk to about CFS or anything else at all.
ReplyDeleteEndless gentle hugs,
♥ Jessica
I'll admit I was hesitant about posting about my health issues as I like to keep my blog as upbeat as possible, but it has had such an impact on my life I felt rather disingenuous not mentioning it. Thank you so much for the support! It really means alot to me :)
DeleteThanks! It's def. a weird feeling to be relieved about so many tests, but at some point it freaks you out because after so many things are clear you wonder what the heck else it could be. Good luck :)
ReplyDeleteOh Kate, I'm so very sorry that you're having these health issues. -Elizabeth
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words :)
DeleteIm so sorry about your health issues but thats a gorgeous look! Ive been thinking of getting a WKD corset to wear over my 50s dresses
ReplyDeleteThanks :) I love my WKD corset and definitely recommend their corsets. I've had a few "costume corsets" over the years, but this corset is a totally different animal. It's incredibly sturdy, provides great back support, and (after the initial break-in period) has been surprisingly comfortable.
DeleteHi Kate, I have ME/CFS (as it's known in the UK). Glad to hear you're already pacing yourself and getting the rest you need. Hope you're able to manage your symptoms and start to feel a bit stronger as a result. Great photos as always! Samantha x
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for the support :) I've been reading a lot about ME/CFS and am surprised how fairly common it is! Sorry to hear you've had to deal with it too.
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