Clinical Evidence Supporting Pycnogenol for Arthritis and Knee Pain

See the Fox News report in which Distinguished Professor Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld reports on the benefits of Pycnogenol for ostheoarthritis, knee pain, cognitive impairment, and menopausal symptoms.

I had never heard of Pycnogenol (pine bark extract) until someone put a bottle of Isotonix OPC-3 in my hand five years ago and said it might help with my joint and muscle pain. “Pine bark?” I asked. “Really?” At the time, I was not particularly interested in evidence or studies. I had all the classic symptoms of fibromyalgia, and I just wanted out of pain. But I was unwilling to take NSAIDS like Tylenol or Ibuprofrin on a daily basis because of the potential organ damage. (Do a Google search on  ”NSAIDS and renal failure” for more info. You’ll find articles like this one from the New England Journal of Medicine.) The fact that there was a bioflavanoid rich natural antioxidant that had no side effects and had the potential to reduce pain as effectively as a pharmaceutical pain killer was all that interested me at the time. What was even more interesting was that it actually worked. Over a course of weeks and months, the pain and inflammation I had been living with daily ebbed away.

Then finally I became interested in the science of it, and the fact that there was abundant clinical evidence supporting Pycnogenol as a nutritional intervention for a range of health challenges, including arthritis, blood sugar problems, endometriosis, and high blood pressure. (The Research Library on Pycnogenol.com is a great resource.) A whole new world opened up to me. Yes, Virginia, there is clinical evidence supporting the use of natural remedies and nutritional interventions. Though I had never once in my life consciously felt a physical difference from taking any sort of vitamin, I was officially and very suddenly hooked on high-quality, clinically-researched supplements.

The difference, really, comes down to efficacy and bioavailability. There are tons of supplements out there, but the quality of supplements varies widely. Many have added fillers, binders, and weird stuff like talc and hydrogenated oils that any health conscious person would not consume. And the bioavailability of most supplements– in other words, how easily they can be assimilated by the body– is often negligible. No wonder I had never felt any difference from taking supplements, and had never been compliant with any recommended supplement regimen. I hated taking the pills, couldn’t ever remember which ones to take at what time, and never felt anything when I did take them.

For nutrient absorption, energy, and authentic health benefits, the way nutrients are delivered to the body truly makes a difference. In an isotonic form, nutrients are perceived by the body as the same as its body fluids, and are very rapidly and almost completely absorbed. Once I understood this, I added more isotonic supplements to my regimen that I could mix in with my OPC-3, including a multi-vitamin, calcium, and additional anti-oxidants, plus an isotonic B-complex and vitamin D taken separately with food. It has made a huge difference in my health and energy, and it’s amazing not to feel that aging and decline are my defining life experience.

If this post inspires you, please send the link along to someone you know who suffers from chronic pain, fibromyalgia, or arthritis.

To your health,

Jayna

[Via http://jayna.wordpress.com]

Fibromyalgia: a.k.a The princess and the pea syndrome

Well, at least for me anyway. There hasn’t been a chair created yet that I can comfortably sit on. The sofa is no better even with a memory foam mattress pad on it. I can feel every bump and wrinkle no matter how far down it is. I’ve nick-named fibromyalgia, the “princess and the pea” syndrome for that reason. I have to switch positions often even when on the sofa. It’s a nightmare to sit for any length of time whether it be at the doctor’s officer or worship or at someone’s house. The only “comfortable” chair seems to be a wheelchair. I’ve started using that when I go to the doctor.

Sleeping brings the same problems too. I own several pillows and some of them are going to be tossed out soon because they’ve become too lumpy. You would think that we, in this day and age, would be able to come up with a pillow and chair that would be comfortable enough for anyone to sit on.

[Via http://ladybug45.wordpress.com]

Pain and Life as a Chronic Pain Sufferer

Hello readers,

I wasn’t going to blog today, and haven’t for the last few days because my pain levels have been extremely high. I read Graceful Agony’s blog pretty much every day, and she inspired me to blog today.

I would say that today is an 8 on the 1 to 10 pain scale. After a disagreement with a dear friend for the past few days, stress played a part in this, and now I seem to have yet another sinus infection which has my head aching in just a lovely way.

I don’t know about you all, but over the years of living with chronic pain, I have had to work really hard on NOT talking about my pain. I have found that after a rather short period of time, the general population tunes you out if you keep talking about what you have to deal with on a daily basis. They also look at you as if you are whining, or a complainer, hypochondriac, or attention seeker. I have learned to just keep quiet about my pain and keep pushing forward. Jolene is slowly showing me that there are people out there that actually get it. Other people who are suffering the same way I am, and people who actually have a heart for and understand the pain we live in.

I’m not really sure how I feel about this. Part of me is happy to know that I’m not alone, part of me is sad that others suffer like I do, and another part of me is jealous of those who actually have people in their direct lives that “get it”. I don’t…well, yes, I have one friend who “gets it”, and that’s because she herself suffers with daily health struggles.

For me, refusing to give in until the pain is so bad that it reduces me to a dark, quiet room with an ice pack, is just a way of life. There is never a day that I don’t hurt somewhere, and more often than not it’s more than one thing that hurts. I have never ending pain in my right hip that flares sometimes to the point of making it impossible to find a comfortable position. Sitting, standing, laying down, all of them hurt. My head almost always aches to a certain degree. Today, on my 1 to 10 pain scale (which, mind you is quite different than the ones you see in the dr’s office with a smiley face on one end and a crying face on the other), my head is at about a 4. My pain scale might look something like this if I could create one:



So, if you notice, there never really is a smiley face, and 10 is in rigor mortis, you might begin to understand the difference between a “normal” person’s pain scale and a chronic sufferer’s scale.

I think the thing that bothers me the most is that they refer to chronic pain sufferers…particularly those with Fibromyalgia…as being HYPER sensative to pain. Really? Well, I think that if a normal person felt like Mr. Froggy #2 they would debate about whether to go to work or school or whatever that day, and if they felt like Mr. Froggy #10 they would be hospitalized. Funny how we HYPER sensative folks function at Mr. Froggy #3 or #4’s level on a daily basis, and Mr Froggy #1 is a GOOD day to us.

Ok, well I’ve had enough fun with frogs today. Just wanted to post something in response to Jolene’s blog this morning. I look forward to seeing those of you that do get this in the upcoming chat room! And for those of you that don’t get this…consider yourself flies.

[Via http://joyfulferrets.wordpress.com]

Herb of the Day: Bugleweed

Bugleweed (Lycopus virgincus)

Parts used:The Aerial Parts (flowers and leaves)

Bugleweed was most commonly used for painful areas of the body. It also helps release mucus and taken as a tea aids with congestion and coughs. It has also been known to increase appetite, and in the 20th century, it was discovered that Bugleweed helps the thyroid. By helping, it reduces the activity of the thyroid. Its action resembles that of digitalis, lowers the pulse and lessens its frequency.

Bugleweed is a mild narcotic.

Vitamin Content:

phenolic acid

caffeic acid

ellagic acid

Aids with

Bleeding, coughs, colds, diabetes, diarrhea, excess menstruation, fevers, fibromyalgia, nerves, nervous indigestion, nosebleeds, overactive thyroid, pain, pulmonary hemorrhages, sores, tuberculosis, ulcers

[Via http://lighthouseherbs.wordpress.com]

SACRED SPACE FOR A HEALING ENVIRONMENT

When I read a book, I tend to gravitate toward sitting in a black reclining leather chair that has an ottoman where I rest my feet.  I also often take a soft olive green throw blanket and wrap it around me.  However,  I don’t really view this as my special sacred space that some authors tell us to create.  They encourage their readers to find even just a small corner in a room and fill it with inspirational books, candles, special mementoes, a comfortable blanket, meaningful pictures, thereby creating a sanctuary where you can experience serenity, healing and comfort.  After reading another Caldecott Winner, Prayers For A Child, I began wondering whether creating sacred space has something to do with creating a healing environment.

As a Christian, I ask God to bless our food at the beginning of each meal.  And of course, I am also familiar with the story of Jesus at Passover blessing the bread and wine before giving it to his disciples and thereby giving them new meaning as they became symbolic of his body and his blood.  But when I noticed that in the book Prayer For A Child, the author included eleven blessings of which seven of these were blessings for inanimate objects, I began wondering what we are really asking of God.   Certainly, when we say, “Bless the hands that never tire/ In their loving care of me” we are asking God to confer His divine favor upon that person.  But that is obviously not the case when we say, “Bless this milk and bless this bread.”  Rather, we are asking God to consecrate these food staples.  Somehow we want our ordinary breakfast of bread and milk to assume something sacred as we want it to be set apart for the service of God.

Years ago, I remember reading a book called   The Sacred and The Profane, and the author discussed what constitutes sacred and how there is more secular, profane aspects in our lives than the sacred.  This little prayer is not only asking God to bless her family and friends, but this prayer is asking God to bless everything this young child comes into contact with.  Therefore, her bed is being blessed, as well as her little painted chair, the lamplight, her toys and her bed.  Recently, I read a lovely argument that when God had placed Adam and Eve in the garden, their purpose was to expand their “sacred space” so that the garden should have gotten larger and larger.  I believe this author, Rachel Field , would have concurred with this lovely thought as she too was expanding this child’s sacred space as she asked for God’s blessing on people and on all these inanimate objects.

This book has led me to ask how much of my home do I view as sacred space? I have certainly mumbled and grumbled enough this winter about how I am tired of spending so many hours in this house.  That certainly doesn’t suggest that I am occupying sacred space!  I have particularly moaned as I have slowly walked upstairs in pain and in fatigue.  It has never crossed my mind to ask God to bless the stairs!  And of course, I have often viewed my bed quite negatively when I am tossing and turning trying to find a comfortable position, often drenched with sweat when my thermal regulator has turned me into a hot furnace.  I have not been saying with this author, “Bless this soft and waiting bed/ Where I presently shall be/ Wrapped in sweet security”!  Interestingly, these past few nights I have been doing exactly that:  asking God to bless my bed, my blankets, my bedroom and it is beginning to impact my perception that God is truly present and that I am occupying sacred space.   I really like the idea of extending my sacred borders in my home and squeezing out the profane as I  bless not just  my loved ones but as I bless all of my rooms and its contents.  It is thrilling to imagine how much more healing, comfort and serenity I can experience when more and more of the space I occupy is blessed by God and thereby becomes sacred.

[Via http://gaylejervis.wordpress.com]

Blessed With An Ordinary (?) Day!

Hallelujah!!!  The thrill of an absolutely “normal,” uncomplicated day.  Abnormal,  for those of us who suffer from any chronic  illness.  The sun was shining and my aches and pain were minimal; I felt great and full of energy. It is a wonder to be me today. I happily went grocery shopping, bought exotic pluots (plums/apricots) ran into an old friend, so nice to see a familiar face,  chatted and hugged!  Drove to the Thrift Shop to see if  I could find cheap toys for my dog’s upcoming 9th birthday and also bought a soft-as-a-bunny mens 3x Tee-shirt to wear to bed.  Took my daughter, to the new friendly TD bank where we deposited all our coins into their new coin machine with great glee, and met the new Manager who smiled at us both and cheered us on. Scored a free  lime lollipop and a bright green pen. We left giddy with cash, smiling and laughing,  just the two of us.

When we came home from the bank we ate dinner.  Two tasteless macaroni and cheese (in my opinion ONLY) Weight Watcher meals and a huge salad, to which I added, red grapes, soft, silky avocado, bits of hard Jarlsberg cheese and baby carrots. My daughter had ranch dressing, I had bright orange Asian Sesame Ginger which came pouring out of the bottle at an alarming rate creating a huge orange puddle. Listened to Kansas on my computer “Carry On My Wayward Son”and emailed with a friend. Stroked my dog Callie’s soft fur, found out someone in our neighborhood was caught in a prostitution ring! So much happening in just one day, all my senses heightened, the sun, glowing brightly in the sky; or maybe it was just me?

A great day with a minimum of aches and pains, mostly my stiff shoulders and the small of my back but I can deal with that. Tested positive to the Thyroiditis Hashimoto’s antibody which I knew I had but somehow I felt reaffirmed. My mother e-mailed me the name of a chiropractor/homeopath person, forgetting that all these things require money we do not have. We have money issues to begin with but she meant well. You are your parent’s child forever.   The guru Dr. I see in the city is madly expensive but I have to see him every 3 months, there is no choice, we have to find the money for that!

After dinner, Jillian baked a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting for her friend, Katie’s, birthday. I helped her with it and while I do not know that much about baking cakes I am good with functional and basic things, like getting the cake out of the pan. Showed Jillian my way of frosting the cake, with swirls, and it actually made her  seem in awe of me: “Wow, Mom you could be a professional baker.”   I felt like the Betty Crocker of the 21 st. century while my daughter looked on with great admiration. She’s 15 and a half, that was a rare and wonderful moment!

Do not overlook your “ordinary” days. Those of us who have few of them are delighted when it happens because it happens so rarely.  Enjoy shopping, going to the Post Office, driving to the library, all because you can and don’t complain. When these days occur to those of us with chronic illnesses, we do not complain; we celebrate. Here’s to Ordinary Days!

[Via http://hibernationnow.wordpress.com]

Needing My Own Piece Of The Moon

I am so very tired.  I experience lots of dizziness, lightheadedness, heart palpitations, chest pains, and cold chills.  I was convinced that I was anemic which I thought was probable since I have been bleeding for the past four months.  However, I saw the doctor today and for once my results of tests look normal!

I just wanted an easy solution – give me iron pills or give me blood transfusions and make me feel better.  But my doctor believes these  symptoms are a result of sleep deprivation, toxic chemicals and not being able to isolate one more trigger that is also contributing to these reactions!  In the meantime he is urging me to sleep whenever I feel like I can sleep – which would be all day and all night!    However, he reminds me that our bodies heal best when it is resting and I need to strengthen my body before I have this surgery

I left his office discouraged.  I have so many more symptoms that I haven’t listed and I had really hoped that the ones I mentioned could at least be lessened.   I sit here typing hoping that writing down my thoughts will be therapeutic.  I can’t help but think of James Thurber’s book Many Moons that I read last night as I continue my goal of reading the Caldecott Meals Winners.  The king’s daughter is dying and the king asks her what he can do for her. Her answer reminds me  that perhaps I have been putting too much hope in my doctor’s knowledge and his treatment protocols and my ultimate recovery may take something more.  I appreciated the  daughter’s response to her father when he asked what he could do for her.  She replied, “I want the moon.  If I can have the moon, I will be well again.” The king must have respected her intuition since he proceeded to call together his physician, his wizard and his mathematician and told them to get the moon for his daughter!  However, all these “specialists” told the king this was completely impossible.  They remind him of all that they have already provided but this one request is not possible.  Those are my doctors these past thirteen years.  They have tried everything: sent me on countless tests, have given me supplements, prescription drugs, diets, they have instructed me on how to detoxify my home and have increased my understanding of multiple chemical sensitivities.  Yes, these doctors especially my current one, could list their accomplishments.    But I am still very ill.

Sometimes I wonder if the doctors hear my list of symptoms but latch only onto one or two of them and try to solve them rather than seeing the big picture.  Other times I wonder if the doctors know how to actively listen and whether they ask me enough questions. Or perhaps the doctors limit themselves since they only see my symptoms through the lenses of their specializations.   I thought of this when in this children’s story, none of the “specialists” thought to ask questions of the little girl.  When I share my symptoms, does the doctor have a preconceived notion of what the words mean that I am using to convey what is happening to me?  Only the Court Jester thought to ask the little girl what she meant by needing to have the moon. She told him, “It is just a little smaller than my thumbnail, for when I hold my thumbnail up at the moon, it just covers it.”    That was quite a bit different than how the court’s specialists perceived the moon and their perception prevented them from giving this girl what she needed.

After the Court Jester created a small bronze marble- like moon that she could wear on a chain around her neck, she was healed.  I like to think that this little girl understood intuitively that her illness needed not just what doctors could give.  She needed a miracle.  Perhaps, she thought, if you can find a way to give me the moon, I know what was once impossible – my healing – will become possible.”   But she also perceived the moon – her miracle – to be in her grasp.  Is it a little like me as a Christian who believes that I serve a God who can do the impossible and His intervention is possible since I believe He dwells within me?  Dear God, today I really need a piece of the moon.

[Via http://gaylejervis.wordpress.com]

How I find a Word in my head? Oops! Pam fell down!

Thought I’d try to catch up a little bit today.

Overall, Pam has been doing a little bit better. The pain specialist has been working for over a year to find the right combination of meds for her. Finally, I think we have something. He’s managed to narrow it down to two meds. She has several conditions which we’ve managed to get a grip on over the last 4-6 months of evaluation. Each condition seems to have its own type of pain. Some of the types of pain she suffers from is neuropathic pain, radiculopathy and fibromyalgia all of which are relieved with Topiramate (brand name Topamax). He also needs to use a narcotic agent (unfortunately) to manage some of the other types of pain.

So, overall, we see some mild improvement. But, low and behold! After much protesting from me, last week she decided to go outside to get the mail. Yep, she slipped on the snow and ice in the driveway and fell on her knee! Gosh! How could I turn around and say, "I told you so." Well, I did, but only several days later when the time was right. Smile, smile.

Because of her osteoporosis, she has a 5-6X risk of bone fractures. I saw her go down and immediately pictured in my head of having to call an ambulance. Fortunately, she was able to get up. Needless to say, she is sore and bruised all over with a big ‘egg’ on her knee! I did take her for evaluation and no fractures!! But it sure doesn’t help deal with Mr. Arthur in her knee which many of us also have.

Some of my latest thoughts and insights have to do with language difficulty — expression and word finding.

• difficulty finding the right words. I can remember a long medical terminology word but can’t always retrieve a simple word such as sofa, fork, etc.
• I tend to use descriptions in place of words “that thing behind the house you sit on" instead of “patio or back porch”). Recently I couldn’t remember the word "fork" so I resorted to saying, "You know, that thing you stab into food."
• occasionally have difficulty with some pronunciation; familiar words don’t sound right
• sentences don’t sound right or are phrased incorrectly (don’t make sense)
• have difficulty explaining a thought or idea
• I rely on Pam and Chad to guess at the meaning of what I am trying to say
• very frustrating when I have trouble say what I mean
• Now I have a lot of trouble talking on the telephone unless it’s someone I know very well or from many years ago. I think part of it is that there are visual cues over the telephone.

One of the descriptions I was able to use with Pam recently was this. At times, whenever a word won’t come, it’s as though I can picture a long tunnel starting at the front of my head progressing to the back of my head. The tunnel gets more narrow and blacker as it goes to the back. At the back, sometimes there is nothing there, thus no word.

At other times, there is a vague dot or small object or small word which is incomprehensible. Sometimes I can visualize it slowly coming to the front of the tunnel. How far it comes up seems to determine whether I get the ‘word.’ Sometimes, I literally pause and wait for "it" to come forth. Sometimes, it will only come half way and then stops. This is actually more frustrating than if it is just totally blocked. Other times, it all comes forward with the right word but in "slow motion." That’s when I find myself talking and literally saying, "wait a minute." I just need some time for it to crawl up.

It seems very hard to describe all this. If someone can’t follow what I just said, I totally understand.

Enough for today. Just thought I’d share my perspective on word finding.

Warmly………..David

[Via http://knittingdoc.wordpress.com]

The 9 top Conditions Treated by Microcurrent Electro-Acupuncture

If you use microcurrent, what are your favorite treatments?  Please post them here on my blog.

Most people only think of microcurrent electro-acupuncture as a treatment for pain.  There are actually many valuable treatments that address common issues people suffer with.  Here are some of the most useful:

Pain Relief

Rehab – sports, post-surgical – post injury

Facial Rejuvenation

Fibromyalgia/Chronic fatigue

Neuropathy

Headache

Depression/anxiety/insomnia

Chronic Fatigue

 

  Orthopedics/Pain Management  

 Local probe and pad treatments, sometimes in conjunction with acupuncture needles, to stop pain and reduce inflammation

Kinetic therapeutics – microcurrent interferential with active motion or bodywork to speed rehabilitation

Local-distal holographic electro-acupuncture to balance polarity fields of body, speeding healing

Electro-massage to work out knots, trigger points and relieve muscle disorders and pain

Facial Rejuvenation/Anti-Aging

Energy Light Rejuvenation™ protocol to reduce wrinkles, balance facial muscle tone, correct coloration, cleanse lymphatics, and whole body balancing effects

Involves 7 phases of treatment using various microcurrent and color light techniques in conjunction with special skin products

Fibromyalgia

Microcurrent & color light Mu-Shu treatment for Spleen, Liver and Kidney (as indicated) for Root treatment

Electronic meridian balancing to balance body’s polarity fields to relax nervous system and build energy

Microcurrent and color light probe and pad therapies to relieve pain, use with active motion

PNE (chakra) balancing to treat emotional aspects of causation

Electro-massage for improved energy flow in body

Peripheral Neuropathy

Polarized microcurrent pad treatments to relieve pain, improve gait and slow degeneration (best in conjunction with acupuncture needling)

Headache

Local-distal polarized microcurrent to reduce points on head and tonify distal meridian points

 Microcurrent with distal needles for migraine

Extraordinary Vessel treatment with polarized microcurrent to balance gonadotrophic hormones to prevent menstrual-related migraines

Depression

Polarized microcurrent & color light Mu-Shu through indicated PNE centers (chakras) with dialogue to balance emotional body

Electronic meridian balancing to balance yin-yang meridians and calm spirit

Chronic Fatigue

Microcurrent & color light Mu-Shu and PNE treatment in combination with dialogue for Root treatment

Electro-massage for improved energy flow in body

 

[Via http://drstarwynn.wordpress.com]

crashing on crazy...

This was a quick clip I made b4 leaving the house earlier today. I like it, haha…it shows my vocal stylings. In all fairness, this day did not go as planned. My Fibro pain is quite bad, I’m very stressed and had to deal with lots of paperwork garbage this evening.

BUT…I have 2 new Clive Owen movies here to soothe away the pain. And my extra Lyrica…THANK YOU MY WONDERFUL RHEUMY!!!

[Via http://kimberlysawczuk.com]

Blogging for ME/CFS Awareness 2010

In May 2010 we’re asking you to blog for ME/CFS Awareness.

We welcome bloggers for ME, CFS, CFIDS, FMS, FM, MCS, PVFS, Gulf War Syndrome and related conditions.

If you don’t usually blog about your health or the health of someone you know please don’t let this put you off from blogging about it in May.  Your post can help us raise awareness amongst an audience who may not usually hear about this group of conditions.

If you are going to blog for ME/CFS Awareness this May we would like to add you to our list of Participants for 2010. Here you can see an up to date list of bloggers and during May we’ll add their posts there too.

Also on this blog you will find Badges you can use on your blog, web site or for your profile picture on sites like Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

As well as blogging there’s also a list of ideas and links for What You Can Do to raise awareness of ME/CFS.

[Via http://meaware.wordpress.com]

Olympic Fever and Blueberry Waffles

OK – Daily Health Check:

Weight –183.  Dang it.  I am UNIMPRESSED.

Misc Morning Herbs – ✔

Allergy Drops – ✔

Prog. Cream – ✔

FM Check – ✔ –Feeling ok.  FM wise… Girly wise… I’ve had better weeks.

I have once again been SUCKED INTO the Olympics…  I love watching sports that are all strength and grace… Like the pairs skating that is on now.  Gorgeous.  Avery has expressed an interest in skating….. I will have to look into that.  I bet she does it well too…    Aidan decided that he’d like to ski on a sled. You mean snowboarding, Buddy? NO! A SLED FOR SKIS~!  Ok then.

I am a bit disappointed in myself this weekend.  I didn’t get everything done that I really wanted to.  I did manage the waffles, and the curtains…. which look nice!!!  The hubby did rehang the towel bar for me!!! (Which is fantasitc as it was making me MENTAL!!!) and he did attempt to hang the rods for the curtains… but in the end.. I had to go get tension rods.  The way the shelves were made, he couldn’t really hang the cafe rods.  No biggie… Kmart actually HAD tension rods today…   And the baskets that are all over my kitchen… were on sale as well… so we added to that collection too.  I wanted one for my couponing stuff… and one for the canning stuff to keep it contained, and the nesting set was finally on sale, so it now holds the fruit, the travel mug lids, and my meds.  It is looking good in there now.  CONTAINED.   The waffles came out good!   I made some hearty apple ones, there were made from a jar pancake mix that we had received for christmas… and were really quite good   Also made was a double batch of blueberry waffles.  I even snuck wheat germ and flax seeds into them.  Aidan helped me make them all.. and since he added the flax and wheat germ in…. they have been deemed, delicious!!  Good, as I froze them and they will be eating them for breakfast for a while!  Oh! I did fold half of the 9o baskets of laundry… 45 to go! (Ok… 7 really.. but they are kids clothes, so it FEELS like 45… )

I am IN LOVE with the air purifier.  LOVE IT.  It’s going to be put to the test though tomorrow, as I take it upstairs with me to do the bathroom.  I’m honestly, NOT looking forward to the exhaust fan.  But I will be going up there armed with White Vinegar, Baking Soda, and Bleach.  Oh yeah… and the copper scrubbies.   Love those.  They have a handle on them, so it’s less awkward to hold, and I can scrub hard and quite literally beat on it… and it scrubs WELL.  It looks like I am taking the porcelain off the tub, but it at least looks clean!

I think tomorrow will be Cookie Day as well.  Clean a rama morning… and cookie afternoon.  I know the kiddos will be happy there… We’ve been making these oatmeal cookies lately, where we follow the regular oatmeal dough recipe, but use potato starch instead of eggs, and I have MAJOR issues with eggs, and adding a ton of dried fruit, and sometimes, chocolate chips.  We are getting pretty good at it too.  We just call them breakfast cookies, as honesly, there isn’t anything in them that we wouldn’t eat for breakfast.  I have made them in bar form… and while tasty, they are a bit thick for the kids… so, back to cookie form we go!

As I sit here and type, I’m trying hard to figure how the pair skating teams that skated CLEANLY, are behind the pair that fell.  THIS IS THE OLYMPICS, PEOPLE!!   Oy.

OK.  SO…. the plan for tomorrow is to:

1. Clean the bathrooms with all green products and the use the air purifier.

2. Make the breakfast cookies

3. Perhaps make a bag for the coupon book ( I plan to research online patterns as soon as this entry goes to press)

4. Consolidate the artwork of the kids to go up to my grandmother… who winters with my aunt and uncle in VT.   I’m sure she’ll be JAZZED to get this package!

5. Flit around like a crazy person and clean up misc stuff as I flit…    To have the energy of a gal on prednisone, without the mania.   I don’t know if that will happen… but I will give it some effort, and/or alot of coffee.

Oh a final note… this tune has been in my head all evening….   Long live the Murphys!  I WILL see them play in Boston before they break up or I pass on.  MARK MY WORDS.

[Via http://sproutingoff.wordpress.com]

We're All Unique: Discussing the Varying Levels of Illness and Wellness in Arthritis - Ashley Boynes, Community Development Director, WPA Chapter

“There are many variations of illnesses. Do not judge, do not compete! Rather, embrace the differences of us all, and strive to, together, find hope!”

As a blogger myself, and someone who utilizes social media both personally and professionally, I often soak in boatloads of information, particularly in the health and wellness sphere. I’ve taken to reading not only news and research, but also others’ personal blogs, “tweets” and posts on Facebook and forums regarding living with arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.

It inspired me to write a blog discussing something that, I think, is very important for the public AND patients living with these conditions to know about – and that is the variations in symptoms, complications, and conditions in those with rheumatoid arthritis and similar illnesses.

As I’d mentioned in my latest fun facts/trivia post, some people with RA can run a cross-country marathon, others are wheelchair bound, or have total joint replacements before the time they are 18, yet others make careers out of being personal trainers or physical therapists. Some people say you can die from arthritis….other people believe it is merely an inconvenience and not a terrible diagnosis. I suppose, it is all in perception and varies case-to-case. Both of these assessments can, in fact, be true. But, that being said, neither have to be true.

I think that sometimes people with chronic illnesses expect everyone else who has the same condition to feel just like they do. The fact is, that frame of mind could not be further from the truth. People do not “experience” illness and/or pain in the exact same way due to a number of factors. So here, I’d like to explore this issue a little more.

Let’s name our imaginary patients – Joe, Annie, and Beth. (These names were totally chosen at random and are not real people!) All have rheumatoid arthritis. Why is Joe able to jog 5 miles every day, while Annie is in a wheelchair, and Beth can’t work full-time and is on disability for her arthritis? Why does Joe have to eat a special gluten-free diet, while Annie is iron-and-calcium-deficient with osteoporosis, and Beth can eat whatever she pleases? Would you wonder why Joe suffers migraines and vision problems with his arthritis, Annie has fibromyalgia with hers, and Beth has no complications at all with hers, other than seasonal allergies and asthma…but instead of having “flares”…is swollen and in extreme pain every single day?

My answer to this, after reading up on the issue, is simple: everyone’s body is different!!! Everyone’s physiological and biological makeup is different – even down to the cellular level!

One of my favorite quotes of all time is, “Be Kinder Than Necessary; For Everyone You Meet Is Fighting Some Kind of Battle” … I could not agree more. You never know what someone is personally going through or physically feeling, unless you ARE, in fact, literally that person!

Everyone’s body responds differently to drugs, diet, and environmental factors. One medication may work for me, and may not do anything for Annie. Joe and Beth may use the same medication, but suffer far worse side-effects from it than I would. This is why diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are difficult to treat. Often, medications are used on a “trial-and-error” basis. Certain drugs work for certain people, and not others. There is often no rhyme or reason as to why this is. Other factors include lifestyle and heredity, along with comorbidities (i.e. coexisting conditions.) Last, but not least, the time of onset of disease may have something to do with it, too. Maybe how long you had the disease before diagnosing and/or treating it plays a factor in how your body handles it and the complications that may come along with it, as well as effectiveness of treatments.

Autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis are confusing, even for doctors and other medical professionals. There is no known cause, and the disease process works differently for every individual patient. Also, many people with one autoimmune condition have more than one, and so many symptoms overlap, making them difficult to treat. There is no cure, either, for most of these conditions…..so how you handle and deal with these illnesses personally may have an effect on your progress.

I suppose what I am trying to say is that you shouldn’t judge people. Just because someone has the same condition as you does not mean that they feel the same as you, or are physically and/or emotionally handling it as well as you. Not to preach, but, we should all remember that. Every person has their own unique set of circumstances and complications, and, every person – sick or not – has their own set of problems in life. As they say, life isn’t fair…and so, we make the best of it!   One thing that having been slapped with chronic illnesses before even becoming a teenager is this: it not only made me a strong person, but, it also made me a much more sensitive, compassionate, and empathetic person towards others….which has actually helped me deal with my own illnesses.

Here’s the deal: even if, on the surface, two people are the same age, gender, and ethnicity, and “on paper” have the same set of illnesses and symptoms, that does not mean that they will respond the same way physically to the disease process, treatments, or even in attitude towards the illness.

Be realistic. I, for one, know that I cannot run long distances. However, I would never say someone’s arthritis wasn’t as bad as mine simply because they could. We do not know what else they are battling, and, the truth is that all forms of it are bad. Even if it is in remission, that does not mean that it won’t come back. It also does not mean that you will not suffer some other complication from the disease itself or medications in the future.  I support everyone with arthritis and related diseases. I’ve heard from people with arthritis who can’t even fasten their bra. People who can’t climb the steps. People who have lost their voices due to cricoaryteoid forms of rheumatoid arthritis. But, I’ve also heard inspiring stories of people who have run in marathons (such as Patrick who is running a cross-country marathon for JRA!), people became yoga instructors despite their disability, and those who continue with professional sports or dance careers despite their condition. I am happy for these people, and I support them – for I feel that it brings hope to us all – and isn’t that what it is all about?

It is important to remember in our struggles that we are not alone. We’ll always find someone in the world who can relate to our situation. Some may have it better, some may have it worse, but when it comes down to it, we’re all in the same boat … or, at the very least, in different boats, but all in the same river….which, hopefully, will eventually lead to relief and a better life for us all.

Last but not least, here is an idea – we should all talk to other patients like ourselves. Keep dialogue open, whether online or in person. I’m always open to discussing my conditions and treatments, and love learning about how other people are coping. Education is key.

Why does acupuncture provide some extent of relief for me, but not others? Why does massage actually hurt some RA patients instead of help, while others find it immensely beneficial? Why do I feel “icky” after taking Methotrexate and/or Remicade? Why did my friend develop pancreatitis with her Sjogren’s? Why does my grandma have eye problems from her rheumatoid arthritis?  Why do some people need total joint replacements, while others just need injections? How do people handle working full-time and juggling a family while enduring their illness? Why do some people swear by supplements and alternative therapies, and an all-natural route, but it doesn’t work for other folks? It really is interesting!

You’d be surprised at all the first-hand accounts and personal stories that people are willing to share about their illnesses, even if just online! I think that if you can find a good support system of people who can commiserate with you and share their outlook and/or opinion on living with arthritis or related illnesses, that you’ll only benefit! It is hugely beneficial to share, and hugely beneficial to learn by taking in what others are sharing – whether it is struggles, triumphs, or, simply a news article or piece of research. We all need someone to lean on, and together we can form a community of people who understand and embrace one another! We all have our own unique stories to share, and we should all be respectful that…..as we learned from Sesame Street as children, we are all different, special, and unique! Understanding and acceptance are important. Make sure that your family and friends are aware of this, and if you feel that they do not understand your particular case, explain it to them! Communication is a key factor in all relationships whether romantic, familial, friendships, or professional.

Therefore….don’t forget to communicate with us! Please, feel free to share your personal stories! Is it hard for you to see others who are seemingly “better off” with the same illness that you are battling? Or, does it give you hope? Do you get frustrated when people do not understand the severity of your personal situation? Do you have any encouraging words for the newly diagnosed, or, simply comments on the blog? We’d love to hear from you – so post a comment, if you’d like!

Stay tuned for Entry #8 in Ashley’s Journey to Wellness next week!

Thanks for reading, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

Stay well,

~ Ashley Boynes

Community Development Director

Arthritis Foundation, Western PA Chapter

“Voted Best Blogger in Pittsburgh!”

[Via http://arthritisfoundationwpa.wordpress.com]

Is Your Body Getting Enough Oxygen?

Is Your Body Getting Enough Oxygen?

Do you feel tired all the time even though you get eight hours of sleep a night? Do your muscles throb every time you complete a workout even though you exercise every day? Do you experience occasional irritability for no apparent reason? If you answered yes to any of these questions, your problem may be a lack of adequate levels of oxygen in the blood.  That’s exactly how I use to feel.  Sometimes I even felt that if I could only breath better, I would feel better.  With our environment the way it is, our bodies are not getting sufficient  oxygen.  The body was made to be able to heal itself and it can with the right amount of circulation and oxygen within the body.

After 2 years of just hanging around the house in extreme pain I found the Original Sun Ancon Chi Machine and the Hothouse.  Within 6 weeks my pain was gone and my deep depression started to lift.  I didn’t know at the time why I was feeling better.   After doing some research I found out that both medical machines increase the circulation and the oxygenate the body.  The body started to loosen up and heal itself.  I cannot say enough about what I have seen these machines do for others.  There is hope if you are willing to put the time and effort into it.  During those 2 years I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  In April of 2010 it will be 5 years since I found these amazing machines and I still use them every day.  My Fibromyalgia flares up about twice a year to remind me to be grateful.

To find out more about these amazing machines and how you can own your own go to  http://wwwTheChiMachineCompany.com

Opening my new office in Rogers, MN on February 9th, 2010.  Call 763-633-5555 for an appt.

[Via http://jocelynewalberg.wordpress.com]

On Being a Girly Girl

I never really was much of a girly girl.  I kind of wish I was a little more so, I’m trying to learn.

I don’t know…I guess I am but I’m not.  See, I used enjoy some girly girl type stuff but then my Fibromyalgia hit me full force at the age of 15.  So things that I was into like make up, hair, clothes, slowly lost their fun.  It took too much time, energy and discomfort.  It’s hard to do make up when you just plain feel like shit (though I did/do it sometimes because sometimes it does help me feel better. Just the motivation to do it, is where I get stuck sometimes), or your hands are acting like you have mittens on (“I was …uh…going for something creative…that’s why my eye make-up is like that.” or “Don’t ask why I have the eye patch, ok!?”)  Hair has always been impossible for me. I really can’t use a blow dyer much.  A) it gets too heavy after a while, B) the vibration doesn’t help that and it does something wacky to jar my forearm muscles, C) do you ever realize how much you contort to dry and brush your hair? (That’s why I quit gymnastics at 15, no more contortion!)  Clothes…*sigh*well, part of the Fibro Fun is having a lot of sensory integration issues on top of needing to take care about pressure/weight on muscles and joints.

So, anyway…I’m feeling pretty good (in comparison to years past) these days!  I’m sort of trying to learn a lot of the stuff I quit learning about way back when.  I’m getting back into some other interests of mine too, like technology.  I can get really sucked into things that interest me and just go into a black hole of abyss and never come out so, I had a lot of my interests on ban.  For awhile I was really sucked into YouTube and well…I think it might happen again.  I have rediscovered it!

How did anyone ever get by before YouTube? I’ve forgotten!  I think now I like it because I can learn all this girly shit and not have to actually spend time with the girly girls.  If it gets to sparkles, ponies, and “OMG! LOL!” there is the fast forward button and mute.  GENIUS!

I have slowly, via the internet, learned how cut my hair.  I’m not terrific at it but it works for me, meaning I like the outcome a whole hell of a lot more than what stylists have ever done with it.  I cut me some bangs today (I messed up the one side a little but meh), I have been trying for years to get someone to cut them like this.  Don’t understand how so much gets lost in communication when someone else cuts it.  So, I’m happy and I learned some more girly shit.  And yes, I used the damn blow dryer!  I’m slowly learning how to do that so I don’t end up wanting to gnaw my arm off or losing all sensation.

I just wish I could actually dress nice.  I realize lately part of my unhappiness is because I like to dress nice but I can’t really.  I miss being in school because then I had the time and I had the “excuse” to do it.  Now, I’m about to run off to work and I have the usual “if it gets paint, glue, or glitter on it…I don’t care” look going.  I love working with kids but having to watch what I wear is not much fun.

[Via http://sameshtdifferentday.wordpress.com]

Help Me Tom Cruise!

Help Me Tom Cruise! is our family mantra; whenever a family member is extremely deranged, sick or tired we shout this out to one another, or at times, even to ourselves, to let each other know how we feel by making a little joke about it.  You may remember Ricky Bobby screaming it after his car crash in the movie Talladega Nights. 

It became the family mantra one night I was driving all the kids home from Catechism, it was dark, and I was making a hard left turn out of a busy church parking lot when these words escaped my mouth at the top of my lungs when I missed seeing an approaching car.  The four of us could not stop laughing, and a new catch phrase was born.

After a long week filled with major drama, which I’m not able to share here, I’m shouting out to all of you Help Me Tom Cruise! to let you all know that I’m just extremely busy, sick and exhausted.  Of course, I’m stressed, too, but it is down a bit, but still there, the bastard.!  I’ve read six books in seven days, which is nice.  My last read was The Help, which is like the best book I’ve read in 2010, if not 2009, just wait for my review!  I spent 56 hours up awake, 12 of which were spent sitting in the surgery waiting room, in hard hospital chairs, waiting for and thankfully getting good news, only to come home and not be able to fall asleep.  I managed nine hours, but then stayed awake another 24 hours straight.  I have had insomnia since childhood, but get it bad like only when I’m sick, or uber stressed.  My record is 9 days awake, with some mini naps thrown in during that time, but no full sleep, even on Lunesta.  That was in 2004 when I had Bronchitis that turned into walking Pneumonia that lasted for three weeks.  I supposed I should be happy my insomnia could have been much worse.

Last night I had a 90 minute in home massage (that I can’t really afford but thankfully I get a huge discount since she is a friend) which I desperately needed, as I have seven herniated, torn and bulged disks in my spine, and have bone spurs in my neck and feet due to my bloody awful Degenerative Joint Disease.  My body has never been more tight and full of knots per my therapist.  Since it had been 4 months since I had any physical therapy or a massage, I knew that was why.  (I had a total of six months of physical therapy last year, two months on each area.  I’ve been getting PT since the 90s, and it hurts so much.)  My massage was the best one I’ve EVER had, and all I kep hearing was pop, pop, pop.  I could have died when she popped a huge knot in my foot.  I was so stiff I didn’t realize that I wasn’t even able to move most of my shoulders and neck muscles, and I felt like a million bucks before getting really sick an hour later.  Sigh.  It was like four different kinds of sickness all at once, never felt like that before.  I drank a ton of water before and after my massage, because they warn you of toxin release, but I’ve never experienced any type of reaction like this before, so I must have been totally toxic because I still feel pretty crappy nearly 21 hours later. 

I repeat, Help me Tom Cruise! 

I have a bunch more books to read, reviews to write, jobs to look for, volunteer shifts to work, school concerts and stepmom stuff to do the rest of the week, so if you don’t see me replying to your comments, or on Facebook, or visiting your own blogs, I hope you’ll understand why.  I’m also planning on a huge stress post, and how to help lower it, so keep your eyes open for it within the next two weeks.  I’m sure it is a post that all of us would benefit reading.

[Via http://thegirlfromtheghetto.wordpress.com]

Median Nerve Block Pt 1 = Rest & Relief

I had the Median Nerve Block on the right side at the end of November.  The procedure starts just like the diagnostic one I posted about earlier. You are taken into a room and once prepped (clothes arranged while lying on the bed sso that the dr has access to the points injections are needed. The a set of 5 injections are given. I know there is a ‘tube’ through which the electrodeis placed into the nerve ending. Each one is burnt for a matter of seconds. I did feel the injection and a electrical shock kind of like touching a small live wire. It was not excruciating but it was noticeable. I think the needles set my Fibromyalgia off. I did have small puncture marks for days to weeks. The first few days I was really on the sofa not feeling well. I have promised to offer a realistic view point from my perspective on these procedures and medications. My Fibro has flared and it blurred the line between pain from the procedure and Fibro. The procedure was on Wed and I was in church on Sunday.

By the end of the first week I was starting to feel some of the good side effects. I was able to get up and work around the house a little without some of the pain in my lower back. But I still had other problems that I say is my hip not back. On the 2nd Wed I was suppose to go in for the Median Branch Nerve Block on the left side. The Monday before I changed the appointment into a consultation one and I refuse to have the left side done. Before all of these procedures I was having no pain on my left side. Or at least not anything like the right. The dr insisted that from my MRI’s the left side also needed to be treated. I think the first injections just lubricated my left side so I did start feeling the pain. On Wed I was unable to go. It was another headache, lay on the sofa day. My appointment was rescheduled until Monday. By the weekend I felt MUCH better. I was able to do limited activities. I did get tied up on Monday with family problems and did not get to the appointment and as of this date I have not rescheduled.

It is now a full month after the procedures. I do feel much better. I can go for long periods of time doing normal activity without the back problem I was having on the right side. The problems I was having driving (my right leg and side had much pain from the pressure of using the gas pedals) are gone. If I do something big like shopping for hours or cleaning out a closet I do suffer pain but it does not occur every second like it did before nor to the degree it was.

I completely say that if this lasts 6-18 months like I was told to expect then it is definitely worth it. I am feeling pretty well in regards to the areas these injections are designed to help. I can pick my grandchildren up for hugs, I cannot carry the bigger one around but I can pick hm up for hugs. If needed I can drive o check on my family in the next tow. I will not do this much but I can without pulling over to the side of the road from the pain.  I will not have the proceduare on the left side. Not at this time. If the pain gets to the point it did on the right and interferes with my day to day activities to a degree it stops me from doing it then I will. But it will have to be very much so than now.

I know God is in control. He has enabled me a respite so that I can take care of family business. So that I can pick my grandchildren up and hug them. So I can continue through a little longer. He is able to do so much more than I can conceive and I am grateful during every movement I could not have done before.

“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.” Psalm 16:9

[Via http://chronicjoy.wordpress.com]

Research Shows: Increased Rate Of Fibromyalgia Following Head And Neck Trauma

This study showed that adults with head and neck injuries are 13 times more likely to develop fibromyalgia.1 Other studies have also shown that trauma is direct related to the development of fibromyalgia.2,3 As I have said in previous posts, STRESS (chemical, physical and emotional) is the cause of fibromyalgia, and the changes in your body, are the symptoms of these stressors.  We take a unique approach, that has the potential to make a significant change in people with fibromyalgia.

1. Buskila D, Neumann L, Vaisberg G, Alkalay D, Wolfe F. Increased rates of fibromyalgia following cervical spine injury. A controlled study of 161 cases of traumatic injury. Arthritis Rheum. 1997 Mar;40(3):446-52.
2. Neumann L, Zeldets V, Bolotin A, Buskila D. Outcome of posttraumatic fibromyalgia: a 3-year follow-up of 78 cases of cervical spine injuries. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2003 Apr;32(5):320-5.
3. Buskila D, Neumann L. Musculoskeletal injury as a trigger for fibromyalgia/posttraumatic fibromyalgia. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2000 Apr;2(2):104-8.

THIS INFORMATION IS PROTECTED BY COPYRIGHT AND IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR DUPLICATION.  WE DO RANDOM SEARCHES FOR THIS MATERIAL ON THE INTERNET.  IF FOUND, YOU WILL BE CONTACTED BY OUR ATTORNEY. THANK YOU FOR RESPECTING OUR TIME AND WORK.

[Via http://drbradshook.com]

Keeping Our Vision

“Where there is no vision, the people perish, but he that keepeth the law, happy is he”   (Proverbs 29:18 KJV).

I have heard this verse quoted many times and applied to many circumstance. I recently realized how applicable this verse is to those of us with health conditions.

Living with limitations, it is easy to lose vision for our lives. Having to give up a job, career, ministry, or daily household tasks, we can feel useless and unnecessary. It becomes easy to fall into depression and isolation, and we can indeed begin to “perish”. I found that happening to myself at one point. The more depressed and isolated I became, the more difficulty I had bringing myself back in to contact with others. I was denying the truth of God’s Word which says that He has a plan and purpose for my life, regardless of my physical condition.

The Lord has a vision and purpose for each of us at this point in time. Before my health decline, my only writing consisted of college term papers written years ago. Yet God had a vision for my life which I would not have thought possible – writing devotionals. The same is true for each of us. We may not all be called to write, but we can intercede for, encourage, and support others to the glory of God in various ways.

Although health problems may seem to limit our earthly usefulness, they do not limit our usefulness in God’s kingdom. God’s ways and thoughts are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8), and He will bring about all that He has planned (Is 46:11). As we seek the Lord’s face, His light will guide and direct us in to the purposes He has for us, even in our infirmities. Every day, may we ask the Lord to see our lives with a thriving heavenly vision, rather than a perishing earthly one.

Prayer: Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart; nought be all else to me, save that Thou art- Thou my best thought, by day or by night, waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light (Irish hymn). Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bronlynn Spindler is a wife and mother of three grown daughters and lives in Fredericksburg, VA. God’s grace and strength give her the ability to deal with chronic back pain, depression, headaches, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com and contact her at spindler@cox.net.

[Via http://chronicillnesspaindevotionals.wordpress.com]

OFF COURSE BUT STILL SEEING THE GOAL

During these past twelve years, I have been given many different prescription drugs to help with my various symptoms.  Inevitably, I would have to stop taking them since adding side effects  to the already present symptoms were not tolerable! Once again, I think I am experiencing side effects from one of my prescriptions .   My thermal regulator is compromised and I am always warmer than anyone else in the room.  Throughout the day I will have spells where the heat  increases until I feel lightheaded and nauseous and extremely uncomfortable. The problem is that this prescription seems to be helping to some extent with the heat changes, but for some reason it is increasing my light- headedness and dizziness and weakness!  I have found over the years that often the side effects merely increase some of the symptoms I am already experiencing which makes it difficult to know whether it is a side effect!  I am hoping I can tolerate taking a lower dosage of this pill since it was helping to some extent moderate the heat that was  waking  me continually throughout the night.

It is difficult not to become discouraged when my progress is once again hindered by these frustrating but predictable occurrences.  However, recently I saw a great visual demonstration that keeps me optimistic.   I was watching a DVD from Jack Canfield’s program, “Break Throughs To Success”.  He had a person stand twenty feet in front of him saying, “You’re On Course” when Jack walked straight ahead.  When Jack began to take a side step or began walking in circles, the person would say, “Off Course.”  This process would continue until Jack stood directly in front of him.  In other words, no matter how many times Jack got off course, as long as he got back on course,  he still reached his destination!  This demonstration was to impress his viewers of the importance of receiving feedback from others when you are attempting to reach a goal.   For me, what resonated fully was that  no matter how many side steps or setbacks I experience that arise from being chronically ill, I can still attain my goal of becoming healthier.  It may just take a little longer!  Today, I feel like I am a little “off course”, but perhaps after I see my doctor on Friday, I will be given some new ideas on how to get back “on course” and actually stay “on course” for awhile!

[Via http://gaylejervis.wordpress.com]

My day, his day

Sorry about the disappearing act there, folks. Those migraines really knocked me flat. I’ve gotten things back in hand, just in time for the semester to start (whoo boy). Right, now, on to the real entry.

I wrote a while ago about how my service dog having a bad day could mean a bad day for me. It’s a two-way street. Me having a bad day often means a bad day for him.

The worst are probably migraine days. I end up stuck in bed, with the fan on to provide white noise to cover the screaming neighbors and the general noise of living in the city. Oh how I miss the suburban house of my childhood when I have migraines! When you do not share walls with anyone, it is much easier to get true quiet, which is one of the things a migraine makes you covet intensely.

If I’m stuck in bed, Hudson’s stuck in the bedroom. On my side of the bedroom. Which means he’s got at most a 30 square feet to move around in – a 3′ wide corridor that starts with his dog bed and runs between the dresser and the bed to the door. In all honesty, it’s probably smaller than that. He’s not supposed to wander around in the rest of the bedroom, not that it’s real easy to get around in.

Because we live in an old house, the bedrooms aren’t very big. We have a queen sized bed, mostly because I sleep with a body pillow and am very demanding of my space. The boyfriend is a very average sized guy, not the kind of rail-thin waif that could squeeze in to less the 1/3 of a full sized bed that I’d leave free for him.

So there’s poor Hudson, stuck in that little tiny space. I can’t give him a toy full of treats like I do when I’m busy downstairs working, because his method of getting the treats out of the toy involves throwing the toy at the ground repeatedly, a rather noisy operation. Exactly the kind of thing that would make me start crying during a migraine.

I also can’t get up every hour or so to work on something with him, the way I do when I’m doing schoolwork. It’s part of what keeps his brain busy – we practice service tasks. We do his daily training routine. Once again, the kind of thing I can’t do when I have a migraine. I’m usually dizzy, nauseated, and in a great deal of pain. Standing up, bending over, and the other sorts of thigns I have to do to work on his training just ain’t happening. Frankly, when I’ve got a migraine, the best thing to do is sleep through it.

So that’s what we do. We sleep. At least, I assume he does, out of boredom. The boyfriend has to take the dog out to do his business, and bring his food up for me to give the dog.

When it’s a subluxed hip, or my back all a mess, the situation is much the same, though then I do sometimes remember to give Hudson toys to play with. He tends to get bored with them rather quickly, though, and so there we lay – me reading, him sleeping.

I’ll admit, I feel quite a bit of guilt for all the things he doesn’t get to do on days when I’m laid up. I mean, a dog is not meant to live in the narrow space between dresser and bed. He’s meant to go run, to play, to just be a dog. He’s meant to spend time with me, learning and goofing off. And when I’m having one of these kinds of bad days, he doesn’t get any of that.

These are not, however, the bad days I feel the worst about. Oh no. That distinction goes to the days where I am in a great deal of pain but must go do something anyhow – whether it’s going to school or a doctor’s appointment.

Then, I’m short tempered. Short on praise. Quick to correct, and harsh with my corrections when I don’t get obedience quickly. Unable to be patient when he’s getting scared by traffic or the trolley we have to ride on, because he’s hurting me.

I imagine those are the worst days for him. Getting snapped at, rarely being told he’s doing things right, me forgetting commands and needing him to do things anyhow…

These are the days you don’t imagine would happen when you set out to get a service dog. The days where your health condition punishes your dog, for no reason other than that you have to rely on him and can’t deal with imperfect work. It’s unfair, it’s harsh, and all I can do is humbly apologize to him and promise I will try harder not to do that next time. The boyfriend may understand why he gets his head bitten off when I feel like this, but Hudson does not.

I cannot express how thankful I am that dogs are such forgiving creatures, for Hudson does not hold these days against me. I think he remembers better the days when I take him to the park and throw his toy for him again and again than he does the days when I’m not fit to work with anyone, least of all him. Or at least, I hope he does.

[Via http://brilliantmindbrokenbody.wordpress.com]

I'm starting to feel the effects...

I woke up this morning feeling a little…better. Nothing huge. Perhaps not so much “great” as “not so bad”.

Been dealing with a bit of water-weight, but that’s because I’ve been having more sodium than usual (I’m “sodium-sensitive”) and not enough water to help flush things out. It’s interesting how drinking more water helps reduce water weight. I know why, scientifically…I’ve just always found it amusing.

I’m sure part of my improvement is related to the fact that I started back on my supplements yesterday. I take a number of them to help combat deficiencies in my diet due to poor nutrition. Not so much because of what I’m eating now as due to the poor eating habits I’ve maintained for far too long. Note: No, I’m not interested in getting any sort of spam about nutritional supplements. The routine I have works. Not to mention that I loathe spam. And spammers.

I made some mighty tasty Chicken Soup with Greens late last night. I had the midnight munchies and threw it together. I thought about calling it Green Chicken Soup, but figured the mental image might be a bit much.

I need to cook up some other grains besides millet. Don’t get me wrong…I really like millet (yes, I know…it’s “bird seed”). But it’s been in just about everything I’ve eaten for the last four days, including the aforementioned Chicken Soup with Greens. It’s time for a change-up.

It was hard getting back on the diet…err, lifestyle change…but the biggest obstacle was mental. Thinking about “all those foods” I couldn’t have. That’s why I finally focused on the “One At A Time” part of it. Once choice at a time. One change at a time. One step at a time towards my goal. If I look at the whole journey, it’s overwhelming. I can do one step. And then another. And another.

This morning I found some of the fudge my daughter gave us for Christmas. Good fudge. Tasty fudge. But I looked at it and not only did I NOT want some, I thought, “Bleah”. There wasn’t even a craving there. A few days ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about snagging a piece or three. An interesting note: I’ve heard that if you’re craving chocolate, it can be a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Due to my fibromyalgia and other issues, magnesium is something I really need to take, but I haven’t consistently taken my supplements for awhile. I’ve been having horrible chocolate cravings lately…something I don’t normally do. One of the supplements I started back on was my magnesium. Today…no chocolate cravings. Hmmm…

Being in the middle of this lifestyle change wasn’t the hard part. Starting it was. Today, looking back…I’m glad I started back on it. I’m feeling better enough to remember that it’s well worth it.

One choice at a time.

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