Navigating hypopara with the Year of the Horse as my inspiration

“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” — a popular saying often attributed to John Wayne

Red lanterns shimmer above bustling Chinatown streets, their light flickering against a sea of red envelopes and golden paper dragons. The Chinese Lunar New Year began Feb. 17, symbolizing the end of winter and the start of the spring moon cycle.

I am thrilled to leave behind the Year of the Snake. I’m not fond of snakes. To me, the snake feels unpredictable and unsettling, echoing the last 12 months — full of twists, surprises, and worry. Snakes are evil and sneaky, a reminder of the challenges I’ve faced with hypoparathyroidism. As I leave their year behind, celebrating in New York City feels meaningful.

The Year of the Horse symbolizes freedom and renewal in Chinese culture, and its beginning sparks hope in me, reminding me that embracing change can lead to personal growth and renewal, inspiring optimism for my health journey. The powerful beauty of a horse suggests energy, independence, and momentum, qualities that deeply inspire me.

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Ringing in the Lunar New Year

Bari Vapnek goes horseback riding at Gateway Canyons Resort in Colorado. (Courtesy of Bari Vapnek)

While in New York, I visited my endocrinologist and am considering changing my treatment plan. My calcium level is currently 6.7 mg/dL (normal levels range from about 8.6 to 10 mg/dL).

For more than a year, I’ve been unstable, feeling the weight of uncertainty. I blame it on the snake — slow and sneaky, a perfect description of the last lunar year.

I have asked, “What if this instability doesn’t end?” That quiet fear and what I call “the endless limbo” linger through each doctor’s visit and every unknown. It’s so isolating to be navigating this journey solo, but I’ve grown accustomed to feeling lonely.

I struggle with cognitive functioning. I feel foggy, and some of my words are out of reach. My doctor assures me this is temporary. She tells me I’m not alone. “It’s not just about the numbers. We want you to feel like yourself again,” she said.

Over the years, we’ve developed a friendship. I trust her wholeheartedly. Her encouragement helped me see this trip to New York as the perfect time to embrace this next chapter in my journey with hypoparathyroidism.

We agreed on a plan to start by addressing today’s low calcium levels. One step at a time.

My triple crown

In horse racing, a horse needs to win the Belmont Stakes, the Preakness Stakes, and the Kentucky Derby to win a Triple Crown.

As this lunar cycle begins, I will emulate the horse. I hear a sharp crack as the starting gate bursts open, and in that electrifying moment, hooves slam into the earth. Dust explodes everywhere. Muscles ripple, every sinew straining with that first explosive thrust, focused and determined, pushing its limits.

The horse inspires me to pursue my personal Triple Crown — improving my calcium levels, increasing my energy, and managing stress — by embodying qualities like strength, resilience, and perseverance. I also want to build my brave butterfly brand and spend more time with family.

This brave butterfly is racing into the Year of the Horse, not the quickest, but filled with confidence and determination, and never looking back. I’m ready to saddle up and ride my horse with gratitude, into the unknown, remembering that adversity doesn’t end the race. It teaches us how to begin.

Note: Hypoparathyroidism News is a strictly news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Hypoparathyroidism News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to hypoparathyroidism.