Life Lately With Kristy Nicolle- December 2022

Life Lately With Kristy Nicolle- December 2022

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Introduction:

Life lately?

Well, it’s been hectic.

I’ve got big plans for 2023, and the cold weather recently really put a bump in the road of my progress as temperatures in the UK plummeted into the minuses and my joints because like broken glass.

Quite a bit has happened since my last one of these two years ago, but I’ll keep it recent. Christmas is coming up fast, and I still haven’t done any wrapping… (shocker) so I should probably get this written so I can get on that.

Health and Fitness:

Well, my health and fitness has been pretty good. I recently hit the 100km mark on my cycling over the last few months, which when you consider I took a 4-week vacation in the middle isn’t bad. I also bought one of those weight loss hula hoops in the black Friday sales so have been using that- much to Mark’s horror. (The noise is absolutely horrendous.)

Back in September I got my official EDS diagnosis after 7 years of fighting the NHS for answers and eventually throwing my hands up in the end and making the pricey choice to go private in London. I got my diagnosis and can’t help but feel after going into the Doctor’s office and being told- “I quite frankly can’t believe anyone would doubt you have this disease, especially given that you’ve been telling them this exact fact for years” that I was justified in kicking up a fuss with medical professionals over the last almost decade of my life.

I know doctors go to medical school and all, but maybe listening to the patient who is living with their symptoms daily and is begging you to do just that might be a good move in terms of patient care and bedside manner. Just a thought.

Off the back of my diagnosis appointment, I’ve been referred to a gastric specialist who is specifically looking at gastric issues in Hypermobility and EDS patients, so I’m hoping that after dealing with problems in this area for most of my life I can finally get some answers in January. I am kind of sad that after so long the NHS failed me so dismally in this area, as I’ve always championed them due to how they saved my life during my Kawasaki Disease treatment age 6. Either way though, I’m glad I have an answer for what’s been the source of so much pain and suffering these past years, not in the least because I can now try to move forward and get physiotherapy from a specialist who understands the limitations of someone with EDS.

Vacation:

I just got back in the middle of November from a three- turned four- week vacation in Orlando, FL. We got stuck in the US due to hurricane Nicole, adding an extra week onto our plans. Luckily for us, the company we booked our villa through moved us into an identical holiday home round the corner, and we managed to get a flight home the following Tuesday. I had a great time on Vacation- we did the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, visited Harry Potter Studios, did plenty of shopping, and I also contracted COVID during- so that was an experience. (The US has SOOO many drugs you can buy without a prescription like WOW.)

I also learned a ton though, because it was my first-time back theme-parking since becoming chronically ill. The DAS system in Disney was second to none. Every single ride queue was accessible with my ECV, and the DAS ride pass system made getting onto the attractions without standing in line so easy. I didn’t feel excluded from everyone else at any time, and I found the staff to be helpful and courteous. I also highly advise anyone going to Disney world or any theme park with Chronic Pain or invisible illness to get an ECV. It allows you to last longer in the parks before needing to head home, as well as giving you more energy to enjoy the time in the parks. I also advise booking your DAS pass timeslots for the rides in advance via Disney’s website, their support team who you video call is fantastic and super helpful.

Another thing I gleaned from my time in the states was that my body no longer likes long haul flights. Sitting in the plane seats in economy for 9 hours just didn’t agree with my body, and I found myself almost having to be physically lifted off the plane by air stewards. I had never realised you could be in so much pain from only sitting, but after this trip I’ll certainly be thinking long and hard before getting on another long-haul flight, especially in Economy.

Work:

I am currently writing a short story for a charity anthology, which is totally unrelated to any of my other series and titled The Fate Eater, which is currently sitting at about 12,000 words and it will conclude at around 20k. I am also super excited to be re-launching the Queens of Fantasy Saga with new covers and re-edits next year, which is a project that will be starting in January and will continue through to the early summer/late spring! In addition, I’m working on a book that I’m hoping will release in Fall next year- a secret project if you will, so stay tuned for more information on that little gem.

As if that wasn’t enough, I’ll also be releasing the first collection of Infiniflash Fiction near the end of next year, with over 60,000 words worth of glimpses into your favourite character’s and worlds from the Queens of Fantasy Saga.

In other news, my Patreon has been officially taken down, but I want to thank everyone who supported me for the duration it ran, the money went back into my business and helped with marketing and running costs, and was so appreciated. I’m also extremely thrilled to tell you that I’ve taken my merchandise store down from Redbubble and will be developing an in house merchandise line next year that will be available via my website, as well as the fact that I will be offering logo and graphics services officially from my website as well! In other words, I have plenty to keep me busy!

Conclusion

I am getting excited for the holidays; I have been working hard since I got back off vacation and It’ll be nice to get a few days off with family and friends. I’m also excited for 2023! I have so much work to do but I’m looking forward to relaunching my original Queens of Fantasy Saga and putting out some new stories into the world. I hope you have a great holiday season and spend it with those you love most.

Happy Holidays!

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