Well, things are going about as well health-wise as they possibly can right now. I am tired, run-down and a serious crankpot, but as far as physical health is concerned I’m doing pretty well. I hit my three month anniversary of being chemo-free which is a huge f*cking deal in my world, so I’m pretty stoked about that. Unfortunately, (of course), there is something that I’m obsessing over, and as usual, it’s my hands.
Some stiffness and occasional pain has returned since phasing out the scary RA meds, but nowhere near as bad as I was afraid it would be. I do have to remind myself that I have my arthritis gloves with me at all times so I can USE THEM, but not due to severe pain like before: I have been having more trouble gripping and controlling my hands (which is worrisome to say the least). I had pretty much resigned myself to the permanent retirement of my favourite chopsticks (I have seven pair and they’re all my favourites, really), and finally grudgingly admitted that my typing has gotten really horrendous- to the point that I am looking at a voice-to-text solution at work. I am going to pick up a special pair of craft scissor since I am trying to get that ball rolling again and the long blades are too hard for me to control for rounded cuts. However, something else has come up that I am literally in tears over.
I’m going to have to cut my hair.
My hair is almost to the top of my shoulders and is the longest it has been in many, many years. But caring for it is becoming a major issue. I wash my hair twice a week on average. It is very fine, but there’s a lot of it and it gets oily if I don’t wash regularly. As my hair has gotten longer, I need to shampoo it twice to get it clean, and as it tangles more easily I now need to condition it as well if I want any hope of being able to brush it. This all takes significant time, tires my shoulders and aggravates my hands (at best), and then I find myself tying it up because I can’t do much else with it- it’s hot, and if the only options are up or down, I go with up. What’s the point?
Hubby helped me wash my hair the other day and what a difference! I still had to shampoo twice, but I was able to skip the conditioner. It still took a while, but not nearly as long as on my own and it was much easier on my hands and shoulders. Unfortunately, this isn’t something I feel that I can ask him to do all the time. If I could get my hands to work properly it wouldn’t be an issue, but obviously this is what I have to work with. I do not dry my hair- neither my hands nor shoulders can deal with a hair dryer, period. I also don’t use product or style my hair for the same reasons. I’d love to get it long enough to wear in a plaint again, but then I think about washing it… *cries*
Another possibility is dry shampoo. I’ve been reading reviews online and hunting around- I’m hoping I can find samples or trial sizes before committing to ordering a full bottle online, since they’re not cheap and I can NOT find any in the stores near me.
So I’m thinking about having my hair cut. I used to have it short in the back and longer on the sides with fringe, and I’m thinking of going back to that without the fringe. That will get me through the summer at least, and then if my hands improve it won’t take quite so much to grow it out again (I hope). I am also breaking down and ordering some chubby-grip utensils for those days when my hands are particularly stupid. It take me forever to eat and I eat on my own more and more often because I have the table skills of two-year-old. I already drink my drinks through a bendy straw- I’d rather not get to the sippy cup stage if I can avoid it.
Ooh! But in fun shopping world, I finally ordered myself a set of scrubs. In a waiting room last week (good grief I spent a lot of time in doctor waiting rooms last week) I got to chatting with another patient with a lovely butterfly top- I never would have guessed that they were scrubs if she hadn’t had her hospital ID around her neck. I’ve been kicking around the idea for a bit; everyone says how comfy they are, yadda yadda, and I can get pants with NO DRAWSTRINGS! Yup- I’m sold. I hope to have them in a week and if they’re nice enough I’ll try and work one or two tops into my workwear (I need nice, short-sleeved tops desperately, but can’t be buggered to clothing shop, ever).
So, blah blah blah, hair angst and shopping stuff. Perhaps I’ll post before-and-after hair pictures…
My co-worker uses dry shampoo and gives it an overall good rating. For what that recommendation is worth.
If you could find out the brand that I’d really appreciate it- thanks!
I can sooo relate to this particular post. My hands are probably the worst of my ra with the right elbow. But…I can not cut my hair short. That length would require much more maintenance for me. I have thicker hair and sleeping on short hair makes it go all this way and that way…rather frightening to look at in the morning. But you have went this route before and it has worked for you. Go with what works! And if you decide on the cut, I for one would love to see the before and after pics if you are up for it 🙂
Short hair can be easy if it is a good cut. I get mine cut by a woman barber and the cut is perfect. If I’m having a bad day I just put some mousse or gel in it and let it air dry. I have dreams about having long hair again, but I sweat too much. I have never used chop sticks, but it is because I am clumsy, I would have food all over me. As far as dry shampoo, I have seen it at Walgreens, the brand I saw was Tresemme. Hope you can find it!
mo