We’ve all had them. Those years we wish to forget. (2020 anyone?) For me personally, it was 2012, 2016 and 2018. Those were the years from hell for me. In spring 2012, I was diagnosed with Blepharospasm. A muscle contraction disorder where the muscles around my eye twitch uncontrollably. During a flair, my eyes slam shut leaving me temporarily blind until the contraction calms down.
In Spring 2016, I woke up and I couldn’t walk on my right foot. In 6 months, I was wheelchair bound which lasted for 2 years. I was finally diagnosed with CIDP, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. It’s a rare immune disorder where the immune system attacks the myelin my nerves are encased in. So my poor nerves can’t send signals as fast as they used to or sometimes not at all. Which means sharp pains, muscle weakness, extreme fatigue and feeling like your skin is on fire.
Then in 2018, I was diagnosed with Vestibular Migraines, Tinnitus and Hyperacusis. Vestibular Migraines is when your eyes, ears and head are not in sync causing dizziness, brain fog, and the inability to concentrate well. Tinnitus is ringing in the ears and Hyperacusis is extreme sound sensitivity.
Needless to say, it sucks being sick. Everyday is literally a struggle to just survive. I’m absolutely exhausted most days, it’s hard to focus on a task when your body is weak, feels like it is on fire or you’re so dizzy you can’t see straight. But, I find that when I’m drawing, I can escape from it all even just for a little bit. It keeps me positive with my personal situation and I feel a sense of accomplishment when I finished a drawing. Even when it feels like my body is against me, creating art makes life that much easier to deal with.
Spring 2016 – It’s Starts
Initially thought it was just tendinitis. Little did I know that in 6 months, I would be wheelchair bound.
Winter 2017 – Wedding Day
One of the few pictures of me in my wheelchair. I didn’t want to accept that this could be my new normal.
Summer 2017
Emergency infusion in the hospital for 4 days as I was completely paralyzed from the waist down.
2018-Now
Started weekly infusions at home which soon started the Vestibular migraines, ear ringing and sound sensitivity.
MYCATCANDRAW STORY
The name “mycatcandraw” was created in honor of my two old girls, 24 year old Lucy, who passed away in early 2016 and then for 20 year old Daphne who passed away in early 2020. Both my girls were such great companions, so sweet and helped me remain calm and strong when going through those rough early years when I was initially diagnosed.
Long story, short. It makes me smile to make others happy. Life is so short, we need to enjoy as much as we can. That is why my goal as a feline artist is to make you smile when you experience my artwork. If I can do that, I have accomplished something truly special.
To learn more about my particular medical conditions or if you are interested in donating to help fund research and awareness, please click on the links below.
