*This post is from 2017 and I’ve updated it to capture the years between 2017 and 2023.
There are times when Chronic Illness can get the better of you. I had such a week resulting in shaving my hair off. I’m no GI Jane but do have a nice head minus the scars from brain surgery.
For the past 13 years, I’ve been a caregiver to my grandparents and spent time in Psychic Hospital twice for ECT treatments. Finding an answer to my heart problem took three years, two cardiologists, and a trip to The Mayo Clinic I had a diagnosis in four days.
The search for ?? (Lyme Diseases) started in 2012 and the diagnosis in 2014. It took two attempts to find a competent doctor and tons of frustration. I’m not driving, my cognitive abilities like balance and memory were taken by Lyme.
Last week I discovered a total knee replacement is required and scheduled for 11/14/17. All the falls from Lyme blew out my right knee.
I’m not one to have a pity party but the weight on my shoulders became too much. I gave my husband many reasons why I shaved my head, the truth is CONTROL. I have four chronic illnesses and have to manage my health every day and every day can be different. There are many days I don’t have the strength to bathe, on those days I use medical-grade body wipes.
I’m 54, my mental illness is close to balanced, was looking forward to driving after several years, and most importantly I want to know who I am.
Shaving my head was liberating, a part of the new me came out. I can control some things and have to roll with the punches on others.
Can you imagine coming home from work to find your wife has shaved their head? My husband wasn’t surprised.
Melinda
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
lookingforthelight.blog 
You said it… empowerment. It was liberating for you and I’m glad for that, M.
Sorry about the knee replacement, but you’ve been through so much already. You will conquer this like a boss. Thinking of you. Big hugs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you much for the kind thoughts. After brain surgery what is scarier? Today is the first time in ages I let a blogger get under my skin. Must be time for a nap or better yet bedtime at 7:00pm. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand how you felt better, M. I’ve seen it as a fashion statement as well, including just the other day. Some women can really pull it off and you must be among them. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t leave the house except for doctor’s apps. so no fashion statement for me. I had brain surgery at 33 and have a scar on 1/3 of my head, not very pretty. It’s funny, when my head was shaved for surgery it didn’t bother me to go in public.
I wore a bandana or ball cap and wig to work. No hassle is my style. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been tempted to do this numerous times.
LikeLike
Sure made me feel better and getting ready is a breeze. :)
LikeLiked by 1 person
I get it, I hope I don’t have to ever do this, but I get it. Instead of letting the illness making it fall out you’re doing it.
Big hugs to you ☺️
LikeLiked by 1 person
:)
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here.
LikeLike