The title Me & My Shadow reffers to the shadow being my multiple chronic health issues that follow me around 24/7 I live in British Columbia & I used to be quite energetic, I loved to dance and we went to clubs & pubs quite often because my partner is a bass player in a blues band, so dancing was almost a religion with me. I loved to go for walks around the lake and take in Natures beauty. I love to read a lot, but now I only read when my health allows, but I am learning to find alternatives such as Audio books, not the same but the next best thing I guess.  I used to love to take long bubble baths by candle light, with a glass of wine and relaxing music in the back ground when nobody else was home. My health problems have even robbed me of that.  I have a hard time planning anything because more often than not I have to cancel or re-schedule.   I had a job that I loved, I was a sales associate and Canadian Diamond specialist at a Jewelers, untill 2007 when my poor health finally took over.  I was in a lot of pain for over a year before that but put it down to having a high energy job and always standing, So I self medicated with 1,200 mg of ibuprofen 3 times a day just so I could get through my work day, but even they got the better of me and I can no longer take Ibuprofen as they came close to damaging my stomach.  But by the time Sept of 2007 came I could no longer even stand without holding myself up at a counter, which didn't look very elegant in a jewlery store. I would also take off my shoes and want to cry out from the pain, then the glands in my neck started to swell up so bad I looked like a chipmonk with its pouches full of nuts.. I ended up going to see my Doctor who immediately refered me to an ear nose & throat specialist, who thought I might have an Autoimmune disease called Sjogren's Syndrome, I said Sogen what???? never heard of it lol. He reffered me to a Rheumatologist who confirmed after many tests that I did have this thing I couldn't pronounce. I also went on to see a Neurologist and he thought I should be also tested for MS as both that and SS have many of the same symptoms, but it was SS. Within the next 4 years I would also be diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Acid Reflux, Osteoarthrits, Fibromyalgia, Angle Closure Glaucoma & the start of Cataracts on both eyes, Insomnia. Oh and Duhhhh Depression, go figure on that one Eh?? So here I am today on permanent disability, struggling to keep flair-ups, symptoms, etc under control. My goal is to eventually get myself to a point where I can go back to Jewelery a few hrs here and there. I have a standing offer from an indipendant jewelers that they will work around me. If I accept.  I am So So thankful to "The computer technologists that be" for creating social networking sites. online support groups, blogs etc. At least I always know that If I have a bout of Insomnia there is always someone someplace in the world to talk too.  Thanks so much for listening, or should I say reading, bcause if you are at this point chances are you read the rest.                

Love & Light

Diamond~Diva