Migraine Hell

So I've been a busy bee lately! This week I was in a commercial, and two new tv series. I was just an extra in an episode for both but the experiences and networking opportunities were great. 

So a couple weeks ago, I made a bold decision to bring one of my writings to life. I wrote a short comedic screenplay about the frustrations of migraines. I presented it to some friends in the film business and they loved it! 

Being the aggressive passionate person that I am, I started a social media following and we will have our first pre production meeting this week. It's going to be low budget and out of my pocket but the message will be amazing. It will give spoonies a bit of relief and hopefully a laugh. 

We start filming in January after the holidays are done so we have time to raise funds, do promotion, and build a hype. In this experience, I build my media company (I use it for self publishing too) for more than just writing. 

Also after the holidays, I'd like to go into part time work where I currently am and focus more on my art. In order to do that, I need to start finding ways to make money doing my art. 

My first full length fiction novel will be set to release in the fall and I have a romantic comedy screenplay started. I finished a feature film that's a thriller but the budget will be bigger than expected. So I need to build up investors, profit, and capital in order to start it.

My dreams are set in motion. I'm going to be bringing my musical dreams to life soon as well. I can do it all! I can be happy! I can achieve my dreams! 

Work vs. Real Life

I've been struggling these past couple weeks with migraine due to increased stress at work. A part of me wonders how much it's worth being screamed at by people who just want to save a couple bucks. Not only do they raise my blood pressure with the added stress, but I'm also triggering a new migraine. Why is it necessary to call me every name in the book because you wore an outfit for a day then wanted to return it? Why must people proceed to verbally abuse my associates because they were obeying the company policy and doing their job? Do I yell at people when I want something done? NO! I was raised to do the right thing and play with the cards handed to you. Yet, many others skim by, take advantage, and get what they want. How is this right?

Yesterday I went back to the bad neurologist to get my results from a recent EEG: normal. Dude you could have saved me the $40 copayment and just call me. The only thing I'll be using this office for will be getting Botox back. If they can even do that correctly. 

Tomorrow I'm doing a field vision test because my optic nerves weren't looking great at my last eye exam. I'm not going to lie, I'm nervous. With everything I've found out about my broken body, I'm just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It would be great to know what's really going on with my body and how to fix it. However, I don't think I'll ever be that lucky.

So I continue to be yelled at during work to keep my insurance, do a good job, and work with a great team. If it weren't for my coworkers, I'd run for the hills. 

I'm also continuing to audition and submit for acting projects. Keeping my passion current! Slowly working on three writing projects and wanting to premiere them this summer/fall. With the pain and work, I've been trying to find the time to do what I actually WANT to do. 

Projects, Health, and Living

So many things are coming for 2014! I've been slowly getting back to the groove on my writing  as well as adding more ideas to my notebook for the future.

Once I get new headshots (drastically cut my hair), I can submit for more acting opportunities. I've been taking a class with an independent filmmaker and love it! I've made some great friends and have already done two projects in film.

Now that I have insurance and a steady paycheck, I'm getting into debt annihilation mode. I've also started a 52 week savings challenge to save money into a couple accounts. Determination is the key.

As far as writings, my fiction novel is coming along with 5000 words so far and a great beginning to a heart touching story. I'm so excited to share it this summer. I've also been beginning a feature film screenplay but I'm unsure how it's going to go. The only way to find out is to type!

Migraines have been taking a vacation (well not fully) thanks to the wonderful Florida weather. I've been reintroducing foods like dairy to my diet and taking notes on my body's reaction. Cooking has been taking a back burner lately but I'm getting back into the groove.

What have you been working on lately?

The 'Ole Switcharoo

Today was a follow-up with my neurologist about these new symptoms. For those who aren't aware, I have been having entire body aches and pains, constant vertigo, and annoying nausea. I have a small notebook I keep in my purse that I write down how many hours I leave work, my medications list with prices, symptoms, and notes for what to research or do for the future.

I did an EMG on my right wrist and left leg because of my "pins and needles" problems in all extremities, which resulted in a diagnosis of carpal tunnel in both wrists. So now I have pretty wristbands to wear when I sleep to help reduce those symptoms. Don't worry, I'll keep writing!

Sometimes it takes all your energy not to cry when you explain what's going on with your doctor. I don't know why, but it happens. As I fought back some emotion, I asked to rule out some common auto-immune disorders such as MS, lupus, fibromyalgia, and rheumatoid arthritis. My doctor immediately dismissed MS, which is a HUGE relief. She decided to dismiss lupus as well due to my recent blood work, and I agreed. The two that we are now going to investigate are fibro and RA. I've got some more blood to take and hopefully either an answer or clarification. She did seem like a myalgia would be possible, but since my aunt has RA, she wanted to completely be sure I don't have that.

Since my vertigo has been increasing and constant, she made a referral to a physical therapist in a nearby hospital. They will be working on my ears, which is the powerhouse to your balance. I've had problems with my ears before so it seems like a good idea. Plus, it might help before I go to Mayo in August.

We also discussed disability, and she was very open and honest with me. At this time, she didn't believe my case would be approved and she wants to help me stay that way. One thing I truly love about my doctor is she listens and understands what you are saying. I explained I WANT to keep working and eventually advance in my career. Hopefully all the testing I'll be going through for the next couple months will get a final diagnosis completed with a treatment plan in time for grad classes to resume in the fall.

The ole switcharoo that I'm talking about is my medications. We discontinued one and will be trying another. Luckily the office had several samples and a free trial coupon to use before I have to start paying for it. That's what I love about my doctor's office: they normally give the samples to help take the stress off paying for a fully script that might cause a reaction.

It's now raining, which I used to love. I began writing a poem that I'm working on structuring to share soon. It's amazing what can give you inspiration. After writing, I started to feel better about my pain and outlook for the future. It's going to be a rough summer, but I'm strong enough to handle it. I'll be with my family next week to celebrate my father's retirement so it'll be nice to have that time.