For a couple weeks, I haven’t quite been myself.

I’ve been extremely tired, not really eating and energy level notably low. A couple weeks ago I started to notice I was losing weight, been getting painful migraines, high fevers at night and developing unpleasant blisters on one side of my mouth. It came to the point where I was upset all the time because I was in so much pain and was scared to know what my body was telling me. My mom finally took me to see the dentist, since it was the blisters in my mouth that was probably causing all the agony.

At the dentist, they took a few x-rays, looked around and immediately knew what I had.

Shingles.

You’re probably thinking, “What? Don’t old people typically get that?” Yes they do, which is why I’m restricted from visiting old folks homes. However, it’s not uncommon for young people like myself to develop shingles as well.

My dentist told me shingles come from the same virus as the chicken pox. Once you have the chicken pox as a kid, the virus stays in your nerves system. When your immune system is weak or you’re stressed, it comes back through your nerves system, typically on one side of your body in the form of blisters or rashes. Shingles can’t be cured, but there are prescription drugs you can take to help the swelling and the pain.

So, that’s where I am at this point. I’m bedridden, bored and watching movies until further notice.

My graduation is in three days so, hopefully I feel better by then. The good news is I do feel better today compared to yesterday, but we’ll see. If you have any questions or jokes or cute animal videos to send me (since I’m literally in my bed with nothing to do), they will be greatly appreciated.

Lesson to be learned? Keep your immune system healthy and don’t stress yourself out.

XO

Jessica

P.s. These smoothies are DELICIOUS and have been saving the day!