As I sat looking at my journaled year in review, I realized I had lost the thread of these annual posts sharing my intention word for the year, and how that played out in my personal life, crafting, and later, fiber arts teaching. I would love to say that all this is to blame on… Continue reading In Pursuit of Intention
Tag: medical unicorn
Wash your hands
Harder than it sounds when you have to carry your own soap…. PEG is in almost every hand soap on the market. I first tried a version of foaming soap that included additional oils for moisture (I used sweet almond oil or fractionated coconut oil), but I found it required the soap to be shaken… Continue reading Wash your hands
Fall out
Last fall, I took a hard fall. Full-on face-plant wipe-out. On pavement. I saw stars for several minutes after Matt pulled me back to my feet. I immediately knew my cheekbone was going to bruise, and that bruise wouldn’t be the only one. The lens of my glasses got scratched; if I hadn’t been wearing… Continue reading Fall out
The PEG Replacements
First, I spent months googling everything I couldn't use anymore. Next, I spent a month googling everything I needed to replace. Then, I cried a lot of real, valid, frustrated tears. Trying to figure out how to function and appear in public without the help of SO MANY things that you just accept are necessary… Continue reading The PEG Replacements
8 weeks without PEG
It's now been about 8 weeks since the purge. True to the model of an elimination diet, I've not actively removed anything OTHER than PEG. There have been aspects to this that have been a pain. Like the realization that I would need to carry my own hand soap with me everywhere. Or I need… Continue reading 8 weeks without PEG
The PEG Purge
By my logic, there was no better time to purge the house than my COVID quarantine. I couldn't leave the house anyway. The main things required to do this were my glasses (that fine print is FINE), a device with internet to google ingredients, and time. All of which I had. Knowing that personal care… Continue reading The PEG Purge
But wait – there’s more!
Because nothing can be simple (and apparently because chemistry is very complex), there are LOTS of names that PEG can go by. There are hundreds of chemicals that include the PEG molecule or are bonded with it. Literally hundreds. The most recognizable one is sodium laureth sulfate, which can be found in lots of products… Continue reading But wait – there’s more!
What is PEG? Why is it ‘Considered Safe’?
PEG is a widely used petrochemical for all kinds of purposes in all kinds of products. If you've had a colonoscopy, you're probably familiar with MiraLax or GoLytely? PEG. It's a very potent laxative. It can also act as an emollient (to soften and lubricate the skin), a humectant (which brings moisture to skin), a… Continue reading What is PEG? Why is it ‘Considered Safe’?
To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? (COVID edition)
Note: This is NOT a place to debate anti-vax arguments, vaccines and autism, etc... This is a place for me to share my experience with personal and family history with allergic reactions to vaccines. Having rare allergies can be very isolating, and my hope is that sharing my experience will offer some help or encouragement… Continue reading To vaccinate or not to vaccinate? (COVID edition)
Donita Westman 