Grammie's Double Whammy

I am married to an incredible human being. I know. He's my husband and you would expect me to say that, right? Well,you have no idea...Steve has supported my hopes and dreams since before he married me. I am still in awe of his commitment to all that makes Ellie happy... Support is an extraordinary process. A living,breathing and consistent example of love and dedication. I certainly consider it as important as any therapy or remedy I may utilize to manage and live with Depression, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis. Perhaps even more important. When I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression at 30 years old, it was probably not a surprise for Steve. He had been living with my undiagnosed monster for eleven years. Thus began a journey of meds and therapy he did not sign up for. Still...he  loved me. As I drowned in sorrow after a miscarriage on the heels of this diagnosis, Steve stayed right next to me. He just knew it was him, not words,I needed. I was a...

I know. It has been a long time. Having spent the last few months angry, optimistic, irritated and hopeful, I am moving on. I have made dietary changes and incorporated new ideas into an overall wellness protocol. I still struggle with gluten free. This subject deserves some time, so I will save it for another post. Organic produce and grass fed meats have been an easy switch, thanks to this wonderful part of the country I live in. Exercise has only been in therapy form with limitations, due to a ruptured Achilles tendon and Plantar Fasciitis . A recumbent bike (thank you to my husband) in my living room has been a welcome addition to the process. The first ride in December was a difficult 3 minutes. This week, I am up to 30 minutes. Mental Health is still a struggle. After being robbed of the effective Pristiq, I have since been on the generic for Cymbalta. Now I spin the hamster wheel on the generic for Effexor (I hate insurance companies). Sunshine and movement ...

Seventeen years old. Graduating High School. The world at me feet....and an irritated, itchy, red, I'm gonna-tear-my-head-off scalp. Ugh. I thought maybe I had dandruff. I went to a drug store and bought Head and Shoulders shampoo. Certainly that would clear up the problem. Not so much. I tried Selsun Blue . Ok. I guess I will try something else. The 80's dandruff solutions were pretty slim pick ins and the itching had become ridiculous, so I made an appointment with my doctor.  Psoriasis. What the heck is Psoriasis? How did I get it? My doctor suggested this skin condition may be genetic and that I had too much stress in my life. My scalp had become so itchy as I began college, so I figured it must be stress. After all, I had just experienced an infamous right of passage and it was an exciting time. Maybe "good" stress could make this happen. My quest began. In the past 29 years I have tried many things to relieve stress. Acupuncture, deep breathing, exercis...