New Studio Blog

April 24, 2024

I’ve been very quiet since mid- last year. I underwent cataract surgeries in both eyes, followed by 3 more outpatient procedures for my right eye. Followed by a diagnosis of macular degeneration. However, I am pleased to report my vision remains at 100%. Unfortunately the arthritis in my right hand (drawing hand) was the next thing to flare up. About 3 months ago I began having a sharp pain at the base of my thumb. X-Rays show that the base thumb joint, where it attaches to my wrist, has become mildly dislocated due to the arthritis. It also affects my right index finger. So holding a pen, using a mouse & keyboard, gripping a cup of coffee - all these things are painful for me. I now wear a rigid brace and my new Dr. has referred me to an orthopedist for steroid shots - I have not decided yet to do that, knowing how painful those shots are.

Fortune smiled on me in the form of a new Dr. and a new hospital beginning this month. I won’t go into details, but the (healthcare?) I was receiving prior to this was slowly poisoning me with expensive prescription medications I did not need at all. Nausea and vomiting had become a daily issue for me, this has been going on for the past 3 years. My new Dr. discovered this upon seeing my blood tests for the first time and made several immediate changes, including putting me on injectable insulin - that alone has both saved and changed my life for the better. Not taking the unneeded drugs that were slowly poisoning me resulted in no more nausea, no more vomiting, and a host of other positive impacts that affect my daily life.

I am currently re-arranging my studio to better accommodate my hand issues and fully intend to resume work on my next illustrated book, “Over There.”

Until next time …