Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Shells and T.V...

Shells in my house as a sign of my journey...

If you just caught a glimpse of me on the news tonight...(Here is the link if you missed it;
http://wj.la/Wb2hnK)

Welcome! The story is true, crazy, I'm well aware, but true.

I suffer from Severe Cold Urticaria.

But you are here....so lets get to the getting...

Why and what is a Pilgrimage Gal.....

Let's start with the name Pilgrimage Gal, well it was a collaboration with my delicious Clive Owen look alike, Jeffrey.  I came up with Pilgrimage Girl.... He thought girl sounded too young.  I went to bed and woke up to an empty blog page called Pilgrimage Gal.  And that Friends is the name.

And what is it? Quite simply, It's a journey, my journey...and I share my life, struggles, and daily foolishness. It was supposed to be a record for my young children, a real time document that they would read as adults explaining about their Mom's health. 

I have always-been interested in people who take long pilgrimages come back with all kinds of wonderful, spiritual, life and personal revelations.... I have always wanted to hike "the Way" in Spain like St. James, so my writings are my spiritual reflections on this journey....

So my Pilgrimage is me on my Green Couch, not in Spain, and that's my story... Well kinda of.... You see..

A funny thing happened, other people started reading, commenting and these were folks I had never met.... but they were on this journey, too!  

I have never personally met many of my fellow travelers  Other travelers carrying their own sea shells.  But when, I use my voice, share my struggles, others have found comfort. And this is the gift of a pilgrim, the Spirit, whatever that is for you, works through us all....


So you ask what is this sea shell thing?

When you follow the path in Spain, pilgrims carry, or would wear shells as a symbol of their journey.  The shell on door posts, meant lodging was available. You also would use the shell as drinking cup or plate on your trip. So I keep smaller and larger shells throughout my home as a reminder of this journey. I might not be going far.... But don't be fooled, this is a journey none the less epic...

So that is my little update, explanation, on where things are today...

But, if you are really interested, in me or my story, click on the web version and check out the most popular post marked on the side. They are also some of my most informative....and a way to just dive into life here....

I leave you with the words of Mother Teresa.....

"We can do no great things.... Only small things, with great love."

May your little efforts today be filled with grace and love....

Thank you for joining me on this leg of the pilgrimage.....pick up a shell and join me, or if you have time, send me a photo of your shell.

      - Pilgrimagegal

5 comments:

  1. "We can do no great things.... Only small things, with great love." My small thing is to share the knowledge I have gained from also suffering from cold induced urticaria.

    I have spent 30 years dealing with urticaria when the temperature was 70 degrees or less. It caused me misery and embarrassment. None of my doctors had any solution for me. Four years ago, I read an article online about Zyrtec being used for urticaria. I immediately tried it. Nothing happened at 10mg, but then I had a miracle. At 20mg a day, the hives STOPPED. I have been hives-free for 4 years now thanks to generic Zyrtec. I use Costco's "Aller-Tec" every day. Now, I can swim and not be covered in hives. I can snow ski and sit outside at cafes. It has been amazing to finally stop dreading winter.

    I don't know if this will work for you, but it is worth a try.

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  2. Dear Kathy,
    You got your miracle, I'm so happy for you...thank you for sharing your story on my pilgrimage. I'm blessed by your presence. Zyrtec is not my miracle, we tried it...but I'm still working hard to find mine. I wish you nothing but Health and Happiness...
    Best to you...
    Kathryn

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    Replies
    1. I found your blog because an urticaria drug was in Google News. Your story popped up with it. Your story is the first I have seen with someone with the same condition. Apparently there is a new drug for idiopathic urticaria, Omalizumab. Maybe it will be your miracle.

      Sorry to hear that Zyrtec didn't work for you. I know how awful it is to have cold induced urticaria. It made me miserable. No one around me could understand how uncomfortable it was. I remember being so embarrassed when I got out of a pool if the water wasn't that warm. I would be covered in hives and kids would ask what was wrong with my skin. I also gave up eating ice cream because it made my mouth swell. Winter and air conditioning were my worst enemies.

      I truly hope you find relief. You deserve a miracle, too.

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  3. Thanks Kathy,

    Xolair is the drug from the study... Again another drug that didn't work for me...but may provide great hope for others. Thanks for your support.

    Kathryn

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  4. I'm so hopeful for the new drug therapies for so many... Kathy it make awareness so vital, think of how many people could improve on something so easy as Zyrtec from Costco... That is my hope for the blog and the tv interview....

    Thank you so much!
    Cheers

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