Let's Get Real:

For five and a half years now, I've been fighting with this thing we like to call Psoriasis. There are good days and bad days. There is bleeding, flaking, crying, arthritis, hair loss, tons of medication, support, love, and loss. There are many more things to having a chronic disease [or five] than just having it. With that said, we're trying something new.

I take a lot of medication. I take about $40,000 worth of medication a year, to be more accurate. At some point, you just become accustomed to it. You go along with it because, really, what other options are there when KU Med Dermatology tells you that they don't know what you should do next because they've never seen your condition so advanced? Really, what options are there when you're bald, bleeding, and broken [physically and emotionally]? I've been to therapy, I've joined Psoriasis support groups [yes, they exist], I've changed medications/dosages a number of times. What do you do when what you're doing just makes it managable, but doesn't fix it?

That's the question I've been asking myself for about a year now.

Yes, things are more under control. Yes, I can dress myself again. Yes, I do more than I used to be able to.

No, I still can't open jars or tightly-closed bottles. No, I still can't wash my own hair with my prescription shampoo. No, I still can't do a lot of things that I used to be able to.

So we're here. Wherever here is. We are at July 8, 2015. Things are good, but they could be better, so I am willing to try something new. If you're friends with me on Facebook, this won't be a shocking declaration, but here it is anyway:
I'm going gluten free.

This is something I've been thinking about for a while. My doctor has off-handedly suggested it. A few of my friends have suggested it. Heck, even a number of strangers have suggested it - because they always have something to say, ya know?

After having done a little research, talking to my aunt on Ben's side who is g-free, and reaching out for tips and such on Facebook, I think I'm ready. I've been scouring Pinterest for good recipes, looking for good reference books, making meal plans, researching cider beers [hey, I've still gotta tailgate!], and talking to a few close friends about making the change. I know it's going to be different; I know it's going to be hard... And I'm sure you're all sitting there thinking, "Why is she making this such a big deal?! Thousands of people are gluten free by health neccessity!"

Well... I'm making it a big deal because I'm unhealthy. I'm over weight, I have numerous chronic diseases, and it's time that I get over myself and do better for ME.

SO HERE IS WHERE I START. MY BEFORE PICTURES:

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1. A close up of my face to track Rosacea and dry-spot development

2-3. Front and side view of my current body shape/proportion to track weight loss

4-5. Front and back view of my legs to track Plaque Psoriasis spots

6-7. Left and right feet to track Pustular Psoriasis outbreaks

8-9. Left and right hands to track Pustular Psoriasis outbreaks

I will be documenting this journey here on the blog. This isn't a ploy for people to follow my blog. This isn't me asking for pity. This is a way for me to hold myself accountable. A way for me to express my joys and frustrations throughout this process.

Will going G-free even help? We aren't sure. I will sure as hell be trying though. I plan to keep a diet/exercise log and take pictures fairly regularly. Stay tuned to see how this goes!