Where There’s A Will, There’s a Way

Posted on August 29, 2024 by Karima Hoisan

Sooo, today I am straying a bit from poems, YouTubes and the virtual world, to address an update about me personally.
In March right after Easter, right after my favorite and beloved cat was killed and my 6 month old Macbook Pro woke up with a cracked Screen!@# I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease, called Pemphigus Vulgaris
A few words on this article above, the pictures are worse than what I have, I have what is called so far a very mild case.  I am only using topical steroids and do not have to take steroids orally.This disease is more prevalent in people of Ashkenazi Jewish DNA. I kid my dermatologist and tell him since I am only 1/2 Jewish (My father:) maybe I will only get it half as bad;)  He smiles at me and tells me, “You just hold that thought dear.”
In my case my trigger was not any medicines but stress and sunlight and my DNA and the luck of being 5 in a million!. I can no longer be out in direct sunlight…..and I am a swimmer!
At first I tried swimming at “the very edge of night”    and that was fine in the dry season, but now most late afternoons we have rain, thunderstorms, not good weather to swim in… Mornings are usually very sunny….so what to do?
By exploring possibilities and finally ordering some long bathing suits, tights swimming gloves, UV protected goggles & socks I was 3/4 covered but my face was the problem. Being a little vain still even at 77, I really wanted to protect my face too. So Voilá, I found the famous face masks I made a silly movie out of..“All DayWrestling”     and honestly they are fabulous!!
Here I am trying it on first moment  it arrived the tags still attached:)
swimmer Image 2024-08-16 at 7.13.05 PM 2
And here I am in action at poolside:)
WhatsApp Image 2024-08-17 at 10.35.19 AM
And this mask my son calls me Darth Vader when I wear it:)
WhatsApp Image 2024-08-28 at 11.03.40 AM
Here I am in a cool down float after my 100 laps!!
float Image 2024-08-29 at 11.42.00 AM
Luckily I have my own pool Alhamdulillah, because could you imagine the shock as I stroll
into a public pool and jump in???
So truly where there is a will, there’s a way!!:) 🏊‍♀️ 🏊‍♀️🏊‍♀️✨  I am so grateful that I figured that out:):)

This entry was posted in Real Life Stuff, Uncategorized and tagged , . Bookmark the permalink.

33 Responses to Where There’s A Will, There’s a Way

  1. daleinnis's avatar daleinnis says:
    August 29, 2024 at 12:44 pm

    woot! Go, swimming luchadora! (Is that a word?) Excellent and exotic looking solution to the challenge.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
      August 29, 2024 at 1:22 pm

      Haha yes I’m a Mexican Luchadora and his china-faced mysterious woman sidekick. Truly exotic and I don’t even feel silly swimming in this costume…I feel free and at the same time protected:) It’s a great solution!!

      Like

      Reply
  2. swadharma9's avatar swadharma9 says:
    August 29, 2024 at 12:52 pm

    creativity is overlighting you most blessedly! superhero energy is guarding the body well, soulkin & you get to play dress-up every day & have a little costume party fun with your medical condition too
    🤪👍🏼🤪 great problem solving, soulkin😘❤️😘

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
      August 29, 2024 at 1:27 pm

      Laughing out-loud soulkin..yes that over-lighting can be flattering:):) It’s true “playing dress-up” is part of the charm..in the wrestler mask I feel like..”I’m ready to rumble” and in the pretty whitefaced lady mask I feel like I swim more gracefully haha . long strokes and almost like synchronized swimming arm movements:):) Thanks my soulkin..I’m so glad you approve!!🏊‍♀️🌹♥️

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Linda G Bass's avatar Linda G Bass says:
    August 29, 2024 at 1:30 pm

    You have always, always been an over-achiever! 🙂 Hurray for you, dear one!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. jsimpsonpoet's avatar jsimpsonpoet says:
    August 29, 2024 at 2:53 pm

    Wow, Karima. Lots of love xxxx

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Cindy Georgakas's avatar Cindy Georgakas says:
    August 29, 2024 at 3:03 pm

    Omg, so sorry you have to deal with this.. I’m always the 1 % so I know well the disappointment. you are a rockstar for “coming out” sharing and making it safer for others to share what happens with them. You’re amazing, Karima!!! 💗 Love the giddyup!!!💗💗

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
      August 29, 2024 at 3:28 pm

      Aww thank you..I think I learned a lot a bout transparency from you in your very honest posts over the years and my dear friend swadharma9 who by example encouraged me to first share my real age:) Thank you, not too sure if anyone who has this rare disease will read this, but there are so many of these autoimmune diseases these days, and you can still figure out how to enjoy your life….Life itself is just worth trying:) Smiling, I started with these 2 masks but there is quite a selection to be had…maybe for my birthday, I will explore a few more looks:):) Big hugs Cindy, I feel you 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      • Cindy Georgakas's avatar Cindy Georgakas says:
        August 30, 2024 at 5:53 pm

        you’re so very welcome, always Karima! I’m totally flattered by your words and that my over sharing 😹😼has been inspiring for you dearest! My fam is always fans but life is life and real life is what happens to us when we are honest. Def swadharma9 is right… flaunt you age and show it off if we’re lucky enough to be here. There are so many and we keep adjusting and dealing with what is as it transforms and changes. Oh yes, more masks please .. anything for mor smiles.. hugs back dearest friend.. awww feeling you too💗💓💗💗

        Liked by 1 person

      • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
        August 30, 2024 at 6:29 pm

        ❤️🤗🙏🌹💕

        Liked by 1 person

  6. macalder02's avatar macalder02 says:
    August 29, 2024 at 3:03 pm

    Muchas veces no se puede medir con palabras tu caso. Aparte de no tener conocimiento cabal de tu enfermedad, está la parte sentimental. Si uno se considera verdadero amigo, tiene impacto la noticia y solamente tu fortaleza para asumir la enfermedad, me quita muchos pesares. Como de dice, todo tiene solución si uno se lo propone. Y tu has podido cumplir tu sueño. Me alegro por tu actitud y tus ganas de superar todo inconvenientes que se ponga frente tuyo. Un gran abrazo amiga.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
      August 29, 2024 at 4:14 pm

      Muchas gracias Manuel por tu abrazo y tu preocupación, pero realmete estoy muy bendecida de tener un caso muy leve y tambien para poder todavía nadar que es mi ejercicio preferido y me ayuda de mantenerme las ánimas en alto! Exactamente Manuel, como dicen, todo tiene solución menos la muerte jaja. Muchas gracias por este lindo comentario y me siento muy agradecida con tantos vibracions muy positivos en esta comunidad:) Una abrazo enorme para ti Manuel:) 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  7. calmkate's avatar calmkate says:
    August 29, 2024 at 3:39 pm

    ouch sorry to hear of your discomfort and super glad you’ve found a workable solution!
    Keep doing those laps and you might live another 77 years, PV or not 🙂

    Like

    Reply
  8. P. J. Gudka's avatar Pooja G says:
    August 29, 2024 at 3:41 pm

    I’m so sorry about your diagnosis but I’m so glad you’re not letting it stop you from enjoying yourself and living your life!

    Like

    Reply
    • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
      August 29, 2024 at 5:37 pm

      Thanks Pooja and I am just not going to let it..and at the moment, the pool water doesn’t seem to cause any adverse affects. My doctor gave me my next appointment end of March 2025, so I feel that’s a very good sign, it is under control so far..so so far so good:):) I stay positive:)

      Like

      Reply
  9. Sadje's avatar Sadje says:
    August 30, 2024 at 1:58 am

    I’m sorry about the diagnosis but autoimmune diseases strike whenever they feel like. You’ve found the perfect solution through your innovative thinking. Looking awesome my friend

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  10. Joey's avatar Joey says:
    August 30, 2024 at 2:06 am

    I think of a Sith lord with that red mask haha XD

    Dear Karima, I am so glad you found a way to deal with the difficulties in a joyful way and keep doing what’s good for you. 💖

    Your life is so full of color and vibrancy — go, you!

    Big hugss, Joey

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
      August 30, 2024 at 9:32 am

      Haha I love that and Yes! I am now Lord Sith:) In any case after I swim my 100 laps I feel like a super power and now I can do it even with sun Yaay. Ahh thank you for saying that Joey…I do have lots of color and vibrancy around me because as you know…I love both of those things! Big hugs and Greedy next week?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  11. AmericaOnCoffee's avatar Americaoncoffee says:
    August 31, 2024 at 4:35 am

    I am sorry to learn of all of your sufferings. You’re a beautiful positive spirit Karima. Deep in my heart, I believe you are an overcomer. Talk to God and have faith. Healing hugs to you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
      August 31, 2024 at 8:53 am

      Ohh thank you so much for your kind words and yes I do stay positive and stay am enjoying Life and all its wonders. I talk to God many times a day and have a strong faith and yes, this helps me stay positive and thankful. Big hugs back and thank you for your concern 🤗🙏♥️

      Like

      Reply
  12. Dawn Pisturino's avatar Dawn Pisturino says:
    September 4, 2024 at 2:32 pm

    Gosh, I’m so sorry, Karima! What a terrible way to live. I think I would shrivel up and die if I could not go out in the sun. Take good care of yourself. You are younger in spirit than most people I know. God bless you.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    • Karima Hoisan's avatar Karima Hoisan says:
      September 4, 2024 at 2:39 pm

      Thank you so much for your inspiring words Dawn. I’m still outside just no sun on bare skin, but here in Costa Rica, it’s pretty hard to avoid the sun alltogether. Now that I’m back doing laps 5 days a week in the mornings, I feel myself again. Thank you again and I am grateful always for a wonderful life:)

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment