We've all been told to lose weight, stop (fill in the blank), blahblahblah, and all will be well. Our health will improve vastly. Our pain will diminish. Weight seems to be the first one mentioned each time the subject is brought up.
In April 2010 I started to lose a few pounds. It was slow going. My aches didn't diminish and I didn't feel better, even 17 pounds into the plan.
In April 2011 I got serious about it. I also accepted a psition as a part-time courier with a major healthcare company. At the time, I wasn't sure I could even do the job. It involved getting into and out of a car repeatedly. And walking. And carrying. The first couple of days were horrible! The first couple of weeks were excrutiating. The first couple of months were downright rough.
Then it started getting easier. All of it.
To date, I've lost 54 pounds. I do feel better. Most of the time. Even though I only walk short distances at any given stop, it has helped with the chronic bursitis in these hips. My arthritic knees and lower back still ache, but it has gotten easier. However, I didn't notice much difference until I'd hit the 40 pounds lost point.
I also started taking kelp. Kelp is iodine. This supplement, along with the regular exercise, has given me more energy and has diffused some of the pain issues.
My weight loss goal is 81 pounds. That's 27 to go!
While I'm hopeful, I know that not all the pain will go away even when I hit goal. However, I remain hopeful and believe whatever exercise I've managed has helped.
Even if you can't walk a mile, if you can walk a few feet, do it. Do it every day! After a couple of months, you probably won't be taking those stairs two at a time, but you'll be walking farther--and feeling better about yourself.
Showing posts with label osteoarthritis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label osteoarthritis. Show all posts
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Lifestyle Change, Stress, and the Move
For a variety of reasons, 2010 wasn’t kind to our family, as it wasn’t kind to millions of Americans, and citizens of other struggling economies. I’m happy it is past tense.
Hubby and I made some tough decisions in 2010. We sold our home in Ohio and have minimized our lifestyle. That doesn’t mean we’ve crawled into a hole or that we’re hiding out from the world. It means that we are living well, but in much smaller quarters.
Our newest adventure has been to consolidate down from a fully-furnished 2300 +/- square foot house with an oversized 2-car garage, a couple of storage sheds, and a small orchard and garden, all sited on 3.7 acres. We are now, officially, full-timers in our 36-foot travel trailer sited on a rented lot. (We still have a storage shed—on wheels—which I’ll explain later.)
Just to set the record straight; I’m not one to worship “Mother Earth” any more than I’m inclined to believe that “Nature” will run its course and all will be well with the world. I’m a firm believer in what is written in the one and only holy book, the Bible. I believe there is but one God. I trust that prophecy written 2000 years ago will prevail. I don’t believe that pumping CO2 into the ground will do anything to save our planet one bit more than bankrupting coal-burning electricity producers will.
We didn’t downsize to “save” the earth. We didn’t move into a Tiny House™ (although they’re real attractive!) to prove someone can live in 64 square feet—because Michael and I can not manage that. I can’t manage that. We did it to cut living expenses, to cut down on the hours required for housework and mowing/pruning/weeding, to free up whatever time we have left on Earth for what we consider more important—like spending time with grandkidlets, going fishing, creating art. We don’t miss the big mortgage, the insurance costs that had doubled in 4 ½ years, or the ever-increasing real estate taxes while the value of that real estate spiraled downward.
We are living in roughly 240 square feet which consists of living room, office/dining, kitchen, bath, and bedroom. The walls of the living room are turquoise. The cabinets are off-white and “trendy” (according to a well-heeled friend). We installed a full-size sink with a lovely faucet in the kitchen and the tub surround is one designed for a stick-built house. The fixtures in our (one and only) bathroom are cherry red and our bedroom walls are barn red and gold. We also have a 20 gallon hot water tank. This isn’t your typical travel trailer. This is a travel home. And it’s paid for.
Since we had to move anyway, we moved to Kentucky, just three miles away from five of our grandkids. Two more live about 25 miles east. (Those two spent last evening with us.)
Yes, we sometimes miss all that space. However, I may just have more time to commit to keeping my Freelance Commercial Writer's blog up to date. And this blog. I’ve also been invited to come back as a blogger at a well known health blog—a gig I’d given up because my time was so eaten up with chores—not to mention that pesky OA and FM thing.
Hubby is seeking full-time employment. He’s accepted the fact a career change is in order.
We have faith.
Life is good. I'm even managing to manage the effects of stress on my ever-present Fibromyalgia.
Hubby and I made some tough decisions in 2010. We sold our home in Ohio and have minimized our lifestyle. That doesn’t mean we’ve crawled into a hole or that we’re hiding out from the world. It means that we are living well, but in much smaller quarters.
Our newest adventure has been to consolidate down from a fully-furnished 2300 +/- square foot house with an oversized 2-car garage, a couple of storage sheds, and a small orchard and garden, all sited on 3.7 acres. We are now, officially, full-timers in our 36-foot travel trailer sited on a rented lot. (We still have a storage shed—on wheels—which I’ll explain later.)
Just to set the record straight; I’m not one to worship “Mother Earth” any more than I’m inclined to believe that “Nature” will run its course and all will be well with the world. I’m a firm believer in what is written in the one and only holy book, the Bible. I believe there is but one God. I trust that prophecy written 2000 years ago will prevail. I don’t believe that pumping CO2 into the ground will do anything to save our planet one bit more than bankrupting coal-burning electricity producers will.
We didn’t downsize to “save” the earth. We didn’t move into a Tiny House™ (although they’re real attractive!) to prove someone can live in 64 square feet—because Michael and I can not manage that. I can’t manage that. We did it to cut living expenses, to cut down on the hours required for housework and mowing/pruning/weeding, to free up whatever time we have left on Earth for what we consider more important—like spending time with grandkidlets, going fishing, creating art. We don’t miss the big mortgage, the insurance costs that had doubled in 4 ½ years, or the ever-increasing real estate taxes while the value of that real estate spiraled downward.
We are living in roughly 240 square feet which consists of living room, office/dining, kitchen, bath, and bedroom. The walls of the living room are turquoise. The cabinets are off-white and “trendy” (according to a well-heeled friend). We installed a full-size sink with a lovely faucet in the kitchen and the tub surround is one designed for a stick-built house. The fixtures in our (one and only) bathroom are cherry red and our bedroom walls are barn red and gold. We also have a 20 gallon hot water tank. This isn’t your typical travel trailer. This is a travel home. And it’s paid for.
Since we had to move anyway, we moved to Kentucky, just three miles away from five of our grandkids. Two more live about 25 miles east. (Those two spent last evening with us.)
Yes, we sometimes miss all that space. However, I may just have more time to commit to keeping my Freelance Commercial Writer's blog up to date. And this blog. I’ve also been invited to come back as a blogger at a well known health blog—a gig I’d given up because my time was so eaten up with chores—not to mention that pesky OA and FM thing.
Hubby is seeking full-time employment. He’s accepted the fact a career change is in order.
We have faith.
Life is good. I'm even managing to manage the effects of stress on my ever-present Fibromyalgia.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
An Update After the G'Kidlet Run
It's been awhile since I posted here. Seems that when I have the time, I don't have the energy. Or there are too many other projects sucking up what time and energy I do have.
My wonderful son-in-law had knee surgery again last week--third time on the same knee. He probably should have had the torn rotator cuff in his shoulder fixed first--before having to use crutches for a couple of months while his knee is out of commission. That will be next.
What does that have to do with my issues with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis? Well, daughter and son-in-law have four kidlets still at home, ages 3 to almost 15. These are my grandkidlets. Daughter works full time. Which means that I get to go play with the g'kidlets while SIL is recuperating. That's the really fun part.
It IS really fun. They have such huge imaginations, dreams, ideas, wants, plans, and immortal ideals. They also have never-ending energy...
After three and a half days with them, plus the 9 hours of driving to go to and from, I'm exhausted. Every muscle hurts. Every joint hurts. My flank is one burning mess of tangled nerve endings. I could sleep for a couple of days if the grass didn't STILL need to be mowed for, hopefully, the LAST time of the season, and other projects didn't need to be finished before having the whole crew here for Thanksgiving weekend.
How do I do that, you ask? We have a riding mower that I can manage to herd around the yard for an hour at a time. The projects are each broken down into sub-steps. I rest in between. And, I take a lot of pain meds--and, thankfully, I don't have to think much because when taking the meds, I can't think.
As for Thanksgiving--everyone pitches in, including invited guests. Otherwise, I simply couldn't manage to do it. Even then, I'm doing much of the prep work well ahead of time.
Speaking of projects... Back to it if there is to be any hope of staying ahead of the game. Deep breathing through the pain cycles. Naps.
My wonderful son-in-law had knee surgery again last week--third time on the same knee. He probably should have had the torn rotator cuff in his shoulder fixed first--before having to use crutches for a couple of months while his knee is out of commission. That will be next.
What does that have to do with my issues with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis? Well, daughter and son-in-law have four kidlets still at home, ages 3 to almost 15. These are my grandkidlets. Daughter works full time. Which means that I get to go play with the g'kidlets while SIL is recuperating. That's the really fun part.
It IS really fun. They have such huge imaginations, dreams, ideas, wants, plans, and immortal ideals. They also have never-ending energy...
After three and a half days with them, plus the 9 hours of driving to go to and from, I'm exhausted. Every muscle hurts. Every joint hurts. My flank is one burning mess of tangled nerve endings. I could sleep for a couple of days if the grass didn't STILL need to be mowed for, hopefully, the LAST time of the season, and other projects didn't need to be finished before having the whole crew here for Thanksgiving weekend.
How do I do that, you ask? We have a riding mower that I can manage to herd around the yard for an hour at a time. The projects are each broken down into sub-steps. I rest in between. And, I take a lot of pain meds--and, thankfully, I don't have to think much because when taking the meds, I can't think.
As for Thanksgiving--everyone pitches in, including invited guests. Otherwise, I simply couldn't manage to do it. Even then, I'm doing much of the prep work well ahead of time.
Speaking of projects... Back to it if there is to be any hope of staying ahead of the game. Deep breathing through the pain cycles. Naps.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
An Evil Mix
All those foods marked with "points" at daughter's house went bad. They were without power for 8 days following the snow/ice storm that hit Louisville on the 27th. Good thing they had an un-rented rental house that still had power! Daughter and 5 grandkidlets slept on the floor and cooked in a hauled-in microwave. Daughter said those 8 days were tougher on her than the 22 months she spent getting her MBA.
Schools and day care were closed, meaning she missed a week of work too. It would have helped her greatly if I'd been able to drive to Louisville to watch the g'kidlets. However, I have not been cleared by my neurosurgeon to drive. Or to lift.
And we still don't have that great-granddaughter... SIL is supposed to fly home from Seattle on Sunday, but I'm thinking he'll change that flight if Evelyn refuses to join us in the outside world before then. He's been taking looooong walks with Toshie, hoping to induce labor.
I've lost 5 pounds, as of this morning! Not bad for 11 days! Getting inventive with foods is helping. Eating a small apple before supper helps greatly! Only 70 calories, no fat. Taking Hoodia and Acai are also helping - I think. I've also added cranberry capsules to my supplement diet.
However, this morning I awoke to a locked-up and aching right hip. After compensating by shifting weight as I limped to the kitchen, the left hip started aching. It hasn't locked up - yet. Kind husband brought my cane in from the car.
Osteoarthritis, chronic bursitis, and Fibromyalgia are an evil mix of afflictions.
Schools and day care were closed, meaning she missed a week of work too. It would have helped her greatly if I'd been able to drive to Louisville to watch the g'kidlets. However, I have not been cleared by my neurosurgeon to drive. Or to lift.
And we still don't have that great-granddaughter... SIL is supposed to fly home from Seattle on Sunday, but I'm thinking he'll change that flight if Evelyn refuses to join us in the outside world before then. He's been taking looooong walks with Toshie, hoping to induce labor.
I've lost 5 pounds, as of this morning! Not bad for 11 days! Getting inventive with foods is helping. Eating a small apple before supper helps greatly! Only 70 calories, no fat. Taking Hoodia and Acai are also helping - I think. I've also added cranberry capsules to my supplement diet.
However, this morning I awoke to a locked-up and aching right hip. After compensating by shifting weight as I limped to the kitchen, the left hip started aching. It hasn't locked up - yet. Kind husband brought my cane in from the car.
Osteoarthritis, chronic bursitis, and Fibromyalgia are an evil mix of afflictions.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
First post-surgery checkup and...
Today, I'll have my first post-surgery check-up. It's been 3 weeks and two days since surgery.
I'm still experiencing a great number of muscle spasms across my shoulders. I've been "good" and worn this awful neck brace every day. Only take it off for bathing. The best part of that is having hubby wash my hair. He does a great job with the shampoo and conditioner.
Fixed my first supper yesterday. Nobody's favorite, but something I could put together without cutting myself, breaking anything or burning the house down. Lentil soup in the crock pot. We don't like it, but at our ages must eat it for the fiber. Getting old ain't for wimps.
Some of the Fibro BURN has subsided. It now only covers my lower back down to about six inches below my waist-line - well, the waist-line I had before being forced to slow down by osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Pre-surgery, the burn creeped down to about 3 inches above my knees.
This surgery has done nothing for my hip-lock problem, so I'm sure "something" will be done about that at a later date. Still can't walk the length of a block without my hips locking up. Makes it extremely difficult to put one foot in front of the other. I'm thankful for the "freedom" chair we bought a couple of years ago.
I'm also having to re-learn how to use my hands and fingers. If I've covered this before here, please understand that Fibro Fog is still present. Pre-surgery I had to consciously order my hands to do most activities that most just take for granted because their brains are on auto-pilot. Now that my hands are almost working right again, I catch myself trying to over-ride the sub-conscious movements. Note to self: Stop that!
I'll find out today how long it will be before I can drive again. Being house-bound isn't so bad when I have deadlines looming, but it sure would be nice to be more independent.
Will update after my checkup.
On another note: Somehow, a lark I'm sure - or divine intervention - my domain name has been wrested from Tripod/Lycos and my website should be back up and running with GoDaddy today.
Speaking of Tripod: If you sign up with them for their "free" domain offer, THEY, not you, will own that domain name. Then, if you ever want to move your site for, say, the fact that their customer service is nearly non-existent, you'll have to "rent" YOUR domain name from them for the life of the website - or until the Second Coming - whichever occurs first. It was a fluke that my transfer went through on August 26th by me hitting the "transfer" button about 3 dozen times. All were denied except for one. It took Tripod until December 17th to recognize the transfer and they shut down my site on December 19th. Need I say more?
I'm still experiencing a great number of muscle spasms across my shoulders. I've been "good" and worn this awful neck brace every day. Only take it off for bathing. The best part of that is having hubby wash my hair. He does a great job with the shampoo and conditioner.
Fixed my first supper yesterday. Nobody's favorite, but something I could put together without cutting myself, breaking anything or burning the house down. Lentil soup in the crock pot. We don't like it, but at our ages must eat it for the fiber. Getting old ain't for wimps.
Some of the Fibro BURN has subsided. It now only covers my lower back down to about six inches below my waist-line - well, the waist-line I had before being forced to slow down by osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Pre-surgery, the burn creeped down to about 3 inches above my knees.
This surgery has done nothing for my hip-lock problem, so I'm sure "something" will be done about that at a later date. Still can't walk the length of a block without my hips locking up. Makes it extremely difficult to put one foot in front of the other. I'm thankful for the "freedom" chair we bought a couple of years ago.
I'm also having to re-learn how to use my hands and fingers. If I've covered this before here, please understand that Fibro Fog is still present. Pre-surgery I had to consciously order my hands to do most activities that most just take for granted because their brains are on auto-pilot. Now that my hands are almost working right again, I catch myself trying to over-ride the sub-conscious movements. Note to self: Stop that!
I'll find out today how long it will be before I can drive again. Being house-bound isn't so bad when I have deadlines looming, but it sure would be nice to be more independent.
Will update after my checkup.
On another note: Somehow, a lark I'm sure - or divine intervention - my domain name has been wrested from Tripod/Lycos and my website should be back up and running with GoDaddy today.
Speaking of Tripod: If you sign up with them for their "free" domain offer, THEY, not you, will own that domain name. Then, if you ever want to move your site for, say, the fact that their customer service is nearly non-existent, you'll have to "rent" YOUR domain name from them for the life of the website - or until the Second Coming - whichever occurs first. It was a fluke that my transfer went through on August 26th by me hitting the "transfer" button about 3 dozen times. All were denied except for one. It took Tripod until December 17th to recognize the transfer and they shut down my site on December 19th. Need I say more?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Monday is surgery day!
Well, tomorrow's the day. I'll need to be at the hospital at 8:45 a.m. for surgery at 10:45. I was told by my neurosurgeon's office on Friday that I won't be coming home the day of surgery as my son-in-law did after both of his neck surgeries. I may not even get to come home on Tuesday.
It is my plan to chronicle each day of recuperation as soon as I'm able to type. Nothing but gibberish may show up as I'll be drugged heavily to keep me as immobile as possible, but I'm not planning to let that slow me down... much.
If everything goes as planned, my fingers should start working right again. My hands should follow suit. Both should perform better with much less pain.
Pain. I've been told I'll have the worst sore throat of my life, post surgery. Yeah, that makes me really wanna go through with this.
Okay, I'm off to pack up what little bit I'm allowed to take with me and to get a good night's sleep.
Yeah.
Right.
Drugs?? Now! Please.
Life with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia is just one freakin' picnic.
So, if you're of the persuasion, kind thoughts and prayers are being gratefully accepted. Moral support would be good, too.
After all, I'm only allowing a surgeon I've only met once cut open my throat to rip out parts of my vertebrae while he reams out the spinal cord opening, shaves off bone spurs, and re-builds connective tissue and bone.
I intend to ask him what's in that paste he cooks up with the ground up cadaver bones. If it's silly putty and they try to charge me $50K for it, there's gonna be some very loud yelling.
Once I can talk again.
I may have to wait until getting back home to update this blog for the first time. From my stint in the hospital with home-grown meningitis two years ago I'm fully aware of how snitty they get when I remove that little oxygen monitor from my finger and place it on my toe so I can type.
Okay, off to bed...
It is my plan to chronicle each day of recuperation as soon as I'm able to type. Nothing but gibberish may show up as I'll be drugged heavily to keep me as immobile as possible, but I'm not planning to let that slow me down... much.
If everything goes as planned, my fingers should start working right again. My hands should follow suit. Both should perform better with much less pain.
Pain. I've been told I'll have the worst sore throat of my life, post surgery. Yeah, that makes me really wanna go through with this.
Okay, I'm off to pack up what little bit I'm allowed to take with me and to get a good night's sleep.
Yeah.
Right.
Drugs?? Now! Please.
Life with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia is just one freakin' picnic.
So, if you're of the persuasion, kind thoughts and prayers are being gratefully accepted. Moral support would be good, too.
After all, I'm only allowing a surgeon I've only met once cut open my throat to rip out parts of my vertebrae while he reams out the spinal cord opening, shaves off bone spurs, and re-builds connective tissue and bone.
I intend to ask him what's in that paste he cooks up with the ground up cadaver bones. If it's silly putty and they try to charge me $50K for it, there's gonna be some very loud yelling.
Once I can talk again.
I may have to wait until getting back home to update this blog for the first time. From my stint in the hospital with home-grown meningitis two years ago I'm fully aware of how snitty they get when I remove that little oxygen monitor from my finger and place it on my toe so I can type.
Okay, off to bed...
Friday, November 14, 2008
Doing business in today's world - when you're exhausted
This week has been filled with frustration. Frustration equals stress. Stress is hard on those of us with FM and/or OA.
The highlight of the week was on Monday when my primary care physician told me that all my tests showed I'm free of cancer, free of high cholesterol, free of RA. WOOHOO~ I was given a go for surgery in December that is supposed to stop my arms and hands from going numb and to get my fingers to stop short-circuiting - and working again.
It went downhill from there.
Tuesday left me with little energy, but projects called. I've been laying a new floor in the kitchen. What would have taken me a day and a half 5 years ago has taken 2 weeks. Two very slow weeks of laying a few 12x12 tiles at a time.
Then the dishwasher would not drain. Took the hose off that attaches to the garbage disposal to see if it was plugged. Not plugged. Dipped what I could out with a measuring cup and then resorted to using the turkey baster. No bad stuff in the filter to keep it from draining. Washed all the dishes by hand. Got done just in time to discuss it with hubby as I lay on the sofa, exhausted.
Wednesday, after 14 hours of sleep I was more tired than I had been on Tuesday. The water softener in the garage began to make funny noises. Checked the salt level, which was fine. Called a repair company for the dishwasher.
The repairman showed up and made his diagnosis: "The pump is bad." The dishwasher is not yet 2 1/2 years old. He said he'd be back on Thursday with a new pump. I did as much as I possibly could before finding the sofa again.
Thursday came and went without a peep from the repairman. No phone call. No show. The garage began making clicking noises again. Clicks like a circuit is not connecting right to turn on the water softener, however a lot louder than the circuit-breaker in my neck that turns on whatever it takes to make my swollen hands and fingers work. I watched Survivor from a prone position and then went to bed.
Today, Friday, after 12 hours of sleep, I crawled out of bed (with hubby's help since I had no feeling from the elbows down and my right hand was about half again as big as it should be) and had 4 giant cups of coffee before calling the repair company - to be informed the repair was scheduled for "before noon today". The repairman showed up on time and went to work on the dishwasher.
I called the company we had ordered our pellet/corn burning stove from three weeks ago, only to be told that it is now on back order until March.
The repairman put the new pump in and got the dishwasher all back together and full of water only to discover that he'd forgotten to put the flange back in. Good thing he'd brought his shop vac to suck up the water that was now all over my new floor.
Waited until the bookkeeper came in so I could request a refund for the pellet/corn stove. She put me on hold and then said she'd have to call me back. That was an hour ago. In 10 minutes I will be back on the phone to her. If she gives me a song and dance rather than telling me a full refund check is waiting, I will drag myself out to my car and drive over there in a much less happy mood than I'm currently in. We need the refund to pay for another stove from another vendor who promises they have 16 in stock in their warehouse.
Hubby took a good look at my hands this morning and told me he will bring home KFC for supper tonight. No wonder we've been married so long.
I could go to bed right now and wake up sometime tomorrow afternoon. I'm too tired to deal with the noise in the garage. Come to think of it, I've been too tired to mention it to hubby ...
However, rather than the rain-mixed-with-snow that was forecast for today, it is sunny and 60 degrees. Certainly a mood-enhancer.
The highlight of the week was on Monday when my primary care physician told me that all my tests showed I'm free of cancer, free of high cholesterol, free of RA. WOOHOO~ I was given a go for surgery in December that is supposed to stop my arms and hands from going numb and to get my fingers to stop short-circuiting - and working again.
It went downhill from there.
Tuesday left me with little energy, but projects called. I've been laying a new floor in the kitchen. What would have taken me a day and a half 5 years ago has taken 2 weeks. Two very slow weeks of laying a few 12x12 tiles at a time.
Then the dishwasher would not drain. Took the hose off that attaches to the garbage disposal to see if it was plugged. Not plugged. Dipped what I could out with a measuring cup and then resorted to using the turkey baster. No bad stuff in the filter to keep it from draining. Washed all the dishes by hand. Got done just in time to discuss it with hubby as I lay on the sofa, exhausted.
Wednesday, after 14 hours of sleep I was more tired than I had been on Tuesday. The water softener in the garage began to make funny noises. Checked the salt level, which was fine. Called a repair company for the dishwasher.
The repairman showed up and made his diagnosis: "The pump is bad." The dishwasher is not yet 2 1/2 years old. He said he'd be back on Thursday with a new pump. I did as much as I possibly could before finding the sofa again.
Thursday came and went without a peep from the repairman. No phone call. No show. The garage began making clicking noises again. Clicks like a circuit is not connecting right to turn on the water softener, however a lot louder than the circuit-breaker in my neck that turns on whatever it takes to make my swollen hands and fingers work. I watched Survivor from a prone position and then went to bed.
Today, Friday, after 12 hours of sleep, I crawled out of bed (with hubby's help since I had no feeling from the elbows down and my right hand was about half again as big as it should be) and had 4 giant cups of coffee before calling the repair company - to be informed the repair was scheduled for "before noon today". The repairman showed up on time and went to work on the dishwasher.
I called the company we had ordered our pellet/corn burning stove from three weeks ago, only to be told that it is now on back order until March.
The repairman put the new pump in and got the dishwasher all back together and full of water only to discover that he'd forgotten to put the flange back in. Good thing he'd brought his shop vac to suck up the water that was now all over my new floor.
Waited until the bookkeeper came in so I could request a refund for the pellet/corn stove. She put me on hold and then said she'd have to call me back. That was an hour ago. In 10 minutes I will be back on the phone to her. If she gives me a song and dance rather than telling me a full refund check is waiting, I will drag myself out to my car and drive over there in a much less happy mood than I'm currently in. We need the refund to pay for another stove from another vendor who promises they have 16 in stock in their warehouse.
Hubby took a good look at my hands this morning and told me he will bring home KFC for supper tonight. No wonder we've been married so long.
I could go to bed right now and wake up sometime tomorrow afternoon. I'm too tired to deal with the noise in the garage. Come to think of it, I've been too tired to mention it to hubby ...
However, rather than the rain-mixed-with-snow that was forecast for today, it is sunny and 60 degrees. Certainly a mood-enhancer.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
The Bare Bones Basics of: So You Want to be a Writer
It's finally finished! Well, probably not, but it's been pdf'd and is available for purchase. At $6.95, it's a heck of a deal. Page after page of ideas, advice, instruction, examples, lessons learned, and links. It started out at 43 pages before the Muse con. It's sitting at 63 pages now. I've also added the Bare Bones Basics Submission Tracker and the Don't Lie to Yourself Time Tracker to the e-book, plus offering them as living Excel attachments at no additional charge.
I thought it was done until members of my workshop and forum at the Muse Online Writers Conference kept asking for things to be added. And so, they were.
As happy and relieved as I am that the e-book has been finished, getting it to that point meant many, many, many hours of sitting. If you've been reading this blog, you know that severe OA in my neck is causing my hands and arms to go numb with no warning - on top of the Fibro issues that affect my hands and arms. Losing the use of one's hands is a frustrating thing for a writer accustomed to typing 75 wpm.
I'm stiff and sore from sitting. My right hip feels as though it's been dislocated by a mule.
I've just posted the final contest at the Writing for the Trades forum at the Muse. The workshop was held on Tuesday evening and the forum has been running all week.
I've met so many wonderful writers from around the globe, many of whom will become long-term friends.
Re the con, the only things left undone are the three one-hour live one-on-one chats that were given as prizes this week. I'm looking forward to them.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Don't "Drop In"
I’ve been feeling a little guilty for the past couple of days. Guilty because I don’t like to have "drop-in" company. Guilty because I didn’t get to see my relatives. Guilty because some things are just too deeply embedded in my brain to “get over”.
To hell with that. Want to know why? Because I’m exhausted. And I hurt all over.
I would love for this blog to be all cheery, with uplifting thoughts and kind words, and smiley faces pasted all over, but life just ain’t like that all the time when you have Fibromyalgia or Osteoarthritis. Having both is exasperating for someone who has always pushed through whatever – and everything.
I’m a reforming type-A personality. That means “in the process of change”. I have a long way to go. And some things just ain't gonna change.
Only another person who has to deal with extreme fatigue and un-ending pain can truly understand.
From the time I was a little kid, I swore that when I had a home of my own it would be clean. I’m not talking about corners that have been scrubbed clean with a toothbrush. I’m just saying that it should be tidy and neat, with things where they are supposed to be, floors that look like they’ve been swept/mopped/vacuumed recently. Furniture that has been dusted. Clean toilets.
I won’t go into the why of this, but I can assure you that IT is deeply rooted in my psyche from the deep humiliation I felt every time someone showed up at my childhood home.
Because I have mobility issues and must use a wheelchair part of the time, vacuuming and dusting my 2300 square foot house takes a whole day. Changing the linens on the guest beds and washing same takes at least half a day. Washing windows (on the inside only - because my hands don’t work well enough to open them to wash them on the outside – from the inside) takes half a day.
I must get to the grocery store early enough in the day and during the week to be able to snag a handicapped parking spot and motorized cart. That means that I also get home with the goods long before hubby is off work – meaning that I then have to off-load the groceries and carry them into the house. Again, mobility issues make this a long process.
After tossing what must go into the freezer or refrigerator into available spots, I must rest before putting the remainder of the groceries and household goods away. I do not have the energy to fix a big meal for extra mouths or to load or unload the dishwasher, to set the table, to entertain.
I also don’t have the energy or mobility to scrub toilets/tubs, or to do extra laundry, or to mop floors. Some things just don’t get done on time, every time. I'm learning to live with that. But it's not something I wish to impose on others.
Because I have advanced OA throughout my spine, OA in both hips and both knees, chronic bursitis in both hips and one shoulder, obstructive sleep apnea (which means I don’t rest/sleep), restless leg syndrome (which means I don’t rest/sleep), a full-fledged symphony-in-stereo-with-surround-sound tinnitus in both ears 24/7, near-deafness in one ear from chronic infections and meningitis/mastoiditis, irritable bowel syndrome (which means I spend much time in the bathroom), COPD from chronic bronchitis and several bouts of pneumonia - HELL YES, I want advance notice before having a house full of company.
Sure, I could hire someone to come in to clean. I could do that if we didn’t have to spend so much on medications for me. We have insurance, great insurance, but we have a huge deductible. We also must plan and save for our “senior” years – which aren’t that far off.
When the kids and grandkidlets are here, everyone pitches in to help out. Jeremy (19) has been cooking with me since he was 2. Nick (13) loves helping out in the kitchen. Jeffrey, our son-in-law, is a great cook who will step in to help with anything. Daughter can’t cook – and CAN burn water even if we’ve been told that is scientifically impossible – helps with everything else. Son, when he’s home, also helps. The younger grandkidlets don’t even complain when it’s time to pick up toys or to put away games.
But these are my kids and grandkidlets. They understand that I can’t do it all anymore. Even Jacob (4) tries to push Grandma’s wheelchair when I can’t walk anymore because my hips have locked up.
It’s different, at least I think so, when there are real GUESTS in the house. I’d never think to ask them to mop a floor or clean a toilet or fold laundry. I was taught that by my grandparents, especially Grandma Ruth Kramer, who was the epitome of the perfect hostess. She was the diva of entertaining long before anyone had ever heard of Martha Stewart. She taught me well.
And so it is that I want my home to be ready for company. I want to not be exhausted from a trip to the grocery. I want time to plan meals to see what I can cook ahead of time to reserve energy for visiting.
I work from home. Sometimes my office gets messy. (Hubby’s is eternally messy.) He doesn’t touch my desk and I don’t touch his. It’s a mutual respect thing.
Hell, YES, I want to know when company will be here. If anyone has a problem with that, too bad. Please call before “dropping in”. Please give me at least two days notice if you’re planning an extended stay. I’ll do the same for you.
I’m done feeling guilty about this.
To hell with that. Want to know why? Because I’m exhausted. And I hurt all over.
I would love for this blog to be all cheery, with uplifting thoughts and kind words, and smiley faces pasted all over, but life just ain’t like that all the time when you have Fibromyalgia or Osteoarthritis. Having both is exasperating for someone who has always pushed through whatever – and everything.
I’m a reforming type-A personality. That means “in the process of change”. I have a long way to go. And some things just ain't gonna change.
Only another person who has to deal with extreme fatigue and un-ending pain can truly understand.
From the time I was a little kid, I swore that when I had a home of my own it would be clean. I’m not talking about corners that have been scrubbed clean with a toothbrush. I’m just saying that it should be tidy and neat, with things where they are supposed to be, floors that look like they’ve been swept/mopped/vacuumed recently. Furniture that has been dusted. Clean toilets.
I won’t go into the why of this, but I can assure you that IT is deeply rooted in my psyche from the deep humiliation I felt every time someone showed up at my childhood home.
Because I have mobility issues and must use a wheelchair part of the time, vacuuming and dusting my 2300 square foot house takes a whole day. Changing the linens on the guest beds and washing same takes at least half a day. Washing windows (on the inside only - because my hands don’t work well enough to open them to wash them on the outside – from the inside) takes half a day.
I must get to the grocery store early enough in the day and during the week to be able to snag a handicapped parking spot and motorized cart. That means that I also get home with the goods long before hubby is off work – meaning that I then have to off-load the groceries and carry them into the house. Again, mobility issues make this a long process.
After tossing what must go into the freezer or refrigerator into available spots, I must rest before putting the remainder of the groceries and household goods away. I do not have the energy to fix a big meal for extra mouths or to load or unload the dishwasher, to set the table, to entertain.
I also don’t have the energy or mobility to scrub toilets/tubs, or to do extra laundry, or to mop floors. Some things just don’t get done on time, every time. I'm learning to live with that. But it's not something I wish to impose on others.
Because I have advanced OA throughout my spine, OA in both hips and both knees, chronic bursitis in both hips and one shoulder, obstructive sleep apnea (which means I don’t rest/sleep), restless leg syndrome (which means I don’t rest/sleep), a full-fledged symphony-in-stereo-with-surround-sound tinnitus in both ears 24/7, near-deafness in one ear from chronic infections and meningitis/mastoiditis, irritable bowel syndrome (which means I spend much time in the bathroom), COPD from chronic bronchitis and several bouts of pneumonia - HELL YES, I want advance notice before having a house full of company.
Sure, I could hire someone to come in to clean. I could do that if we didn’t have to spend so much on medications for me. We have insurance, great insurance, but we have a huge deductible. We also must plan and save for our “senior” years – which aren’t that far off.
When the kids and grandkidlets are here, everyone pitches in to help out. Jeremy (19) has been cooking with me since he was 2. Nick (13) loves helping out in the kitchen. Jeffrey, our son-in-law, is a great cook who will step in to help with anything. Daughter can’t cook – and CAN burn water even if we’ve been told that is scientifically impossible – helps with everything else. Son, when he’s home, also helps. The younger grandkidlets don’t even complain when it’s time to pick up toys or to put away games.
But these are my kids and grandkidlets. They understand that I can’t do it all anymore. Even Jacob (4) tries to push Grandma’s wheelchair when I can’t walk anymore because my hips have locked up.
It’s different, at least I think so, when there are real GUESTS in the house. I’d never think to ask them to mop a floor or clean a toilet or fold laundry. I was taught that by my grandparents, especially Grandma Ruth Kramer, who was the epitome of the perfect hostess. She was the diva of entertaining long before anyone had ever heard of Martha Stewart. She taught me well.
And so it is that I want my home to be ready for company. I want to not be exhausted from a trip to the grocery. I want time to plan meals to see what I can cook ahead of time to reserve energy for visiting.
I work from home. Sometimes my office gets messy. (Hubby’s is eternally messy.) He doesn’t touch my desk and I don’t touch his. It’s a mutual respect thing.
Hell, YES, I want to know when company will be here. If anyone has a problem with that, too bad. Please call before “dropping in”. Please give me at least two days notice if you’re planning an extended stay. I’ll do the same for you.
I’m done feeling guilty about this.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
My Chair and Me
I managed to not take a nap today. Probably because hubby pushed me in my wheelchair at the Country Living Fair. That's just one of the many venues and happenings that I'd be unable to attend if I didn't have that chair. Because he so graciously took me to whatever booth held interesting treasures, I had enough energy to work alongside him weeding in the flower garden, when we got home.
I was even able to walk for a short distance while we shared a chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick. That's a favorite dessert for us, but it wouldn't have tasted quite as good if we hadn't been sharing.
It was my near undoing after the Art Walk in the Short North area of Columbus, OH, three years ago that caused us to buy the chair. Michael and I had looked forward to making the rounds of all the neat little trinket shops and artsy-fartsy, as well as, fine art stores that make up the area for a couple of months. We'd walked one and a half blocks when my right hip locked up. Our evening was ruined because I couldn't walk another step, and I was plunged into the depths of despair and despondency.
A short time later, we bought a used chair from a home medical store for $150. From then on, it has either been in the trunk of my car, or transferred to whatever vehicle I'd be riding in, for use as needed.
I don't use it, or need it, all the time. Most of the time, I push it rather than sit in it while being pushed. Until recently when my right shoulder and arm started into their run down the pain road to hell, I could maneuver myself just about anyplace I wanted to go.
Last week, I drove to the grocery store three times before a motorized cart was available. The first two times, there was no choice but to go back home. It was disheartening because I knew there would be no way I could maneuver my chair around the store while pulling a shopping cart behind me.
It's frustrating at times. Sometimes, like last week, I go home and cry. For someone who has always been so independent, this is unbearable. The only thing that keeps me going at times like this is that I know there are others so much worse off than I.
When you're fighting a disease that causes chronic fatigue, like Fibromyalgia, and also have an auto-immune disease, like osteoarthritis, it's best to celebrate the little victories.
Today, I felt victorious.
I was even able to walk for a short distance while we shared a chocolate covered cheesecake on a stick. That's a favorite dessert for us, but it wouldn't have tasted quite as good if we hadn't been sharing.
It was my near undoing after the Art Walk in the Short North area of Columbus, OH, three years ago that caused us to buy the chair. Michael and I had looked forward to making the rounds of all the neat little trinket shops and artsy-fartsy, as well as, fine art stores that make up the area for a couple of months. We'd walked one and a half blocks when my right hip locked up. Our evening was ruined because I couldn't walk another step, and I was plunged into the depths of despair and despondency.
A short time later, we bought a used chair from a home medical store for $150. From then on, it has either been in the trunk of my car, or transferred to whatever vehicle I'd be riding in, for use as needed.
I don't use it, or need it, all the time. Most of the time, I push it rather than sit in it while being pushed. Until recently when my right shoulder and arm started into their run down the pain road to hell, I could maneuver myself just about anyplace I wanted to go.
Last week, I drove to the grocery store three times before a motorized cart was available. The first two times, there was no choice but to go back home. It was disheartening because I knew there would be no way I could maneuver my chair around the store while pulling a shopping cart behind me.
It's frustrating at times. Sometimes, like last week, I go home and cry. For someone who has always been so independent, this is unbearable. The only thing that keeps me going at times like this is that I know there are others so much worse off than I.
When you're fighting a disease that causes chronic fatigue, like Fibromyalgia, and also have an auto-immune disease, like osteoarthritis, it's best to celebrate the little victories.
Today, I felt victorious.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Constructive Pain Management
I know, I know. I promised to post here every day for a month. Well guess what? Blogger wouldn't let me in again. Finally made it in after re-booting twice.
September is all about pain. My life is all about constructive pain management.
If I take enough drugs to not hurt, my brain doesn't function. My editors get cranky when I'm not on deadline, so I write through a lot of hurt and then collapse into sleep to get away from it for a few hours.
Having been an insomniac most of my adult life - clearly before the symptoms of OA or FM began to show up - sleep is often what I will myself to do. No matter what medications I take at night, even though I keep sleep apnea at bay with a CPAP machine, pain rouses me from sleep. Or, if I'm in one position too long, I'm awakened because a part of me has gone numb for a short time and is then hurting. Or a muscle has decided to cramp - usually in my feet. It doesn't really matter, because Fibromyalgia keeps us tired no matter how much sleep we get.
My job this week is to not only get my story in on time, but to get my office cleaned up and organized. Then it will be almost time for the Muse online writer's conference where I'll be a presenter this year - and I'll have another story due for the construction magazine I've been fortunate to write for for the past three years.
In between, we'll have out of town relatives here for a day or so. And son will probably roll through with his trainee in tow. (Son is an owner-operator trucker who trains new drivers over the road.) Or, one of his previous trainees will roll through because he has come to think of our place as the best bed and breakfast in the continental U.S. (They're really easy to please when they're tired, dirty, hungry, and in need of a laundry room that doesn't cost them $5 a load.)
I really wouldn't have it any other way. If there wasn't so much physical pain in my life, and if chronic fatigue wasn't ever-present, I'd still be exhausting myself climbing the corporate ladder. And then I wouldn't have time to stress over all the other "stuff". Besides, I'd be too tired, anyway.
September is all about pain. My life is all about constructive pain management.
If I take enough drugs to not hurt, my brain doesn't function. My editors get cranky when I'm not on deadline, so I write through a lot of hurt and then collapse into sleep to get away from it for a few hours.
Having been an insomniac most of my adult life - clearly before the symptoms of OA or FM began to show up - sleep is often what I will myself to do. No matter what medications I take at night, even though I keep sleep apnea at bay with a CPAP machine, pain rouses me from sleep. Or, if I'm in one position too long, I'm awakened because a part of me has gone numb for a short time and is then hurting. Or a muscle has decided to cramp - usually in my feet. It doesn't really matter, because Fibromyalgia keeps us tired no matter how much sleep we get.
My job this week is to not only get my story in on time, but to get my office cleaned up and organized. Then it will be almost time for the Muse online writer's conference where I'll be a presenter this year - and I'll have another story due for the construction magazine I've been fortunate to write for for the past three years.
In between, we'll have out of town relatives here for a day or so. And son will probably roll through with his trainee in tow. (Son is an owner-operator trucker who trains new drivers over the road.) Or, one of his previous trainees will roll through because he has come to think of our place as the best bed and breakfast in the continental U.S. (They're really easy to please when they're tired, dirty, hungry, and in need of a laundry room that doesn't cost them $5 a load.)
I really wouldn't have it any other way. If there wasn't so much physical pain in my life, and if chronic fatigue wasn't ever-present, I'd still be exhausting myself climbing the corporate ladder. And then I wouldn't have time to stress over all the other "stuff". Besides, I'd be too tired, anyway.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Still ticking along, but ...
We, hubby and I, just returned home from a family mini-reunion. It was held at our daughter and son-in-law's home in Louisville, KY. The main reunion was held in Kelso, WA, in July, but the KY and OH branches of the family weren't able to attend, so we made up our own plans.
I'm tired and sore from the packing and prep, sitting, standing, limping along, traveling, and living without naps - however short. It's good to be home.
While I'm sure to pay for it all tomorrow, seeing 3rd and 4th cousins again was nice. Meeting their children for the first time was very nice. I'm sure I'll recover from all the hugs and snuggling we managed to do with 7 of our 10 grandchildren. Thankfully, fibro fog has been kept at bay, so when the pain sets in I'll re-live all those hugs as pain relief.
I know I'm behind on my commitment to post here every day for a month. I keep thinking about the article I read online about the couples who commit to have sex every day for a year. Yep, for real. How do they find the time? Do they not work? Not have children? Not ever need to sleep? They surely don't have osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia!
Tomorrow I'll be hosting a Virtual Book Tour stop at The Review Hutch for Jane Bernard. Please stop by at The Review Hutch to say hello to Jane and to find out how she does it all. (However, I won't be asking her about any questions about sex commitments.)
I'm tired and sore from the packing and prep, sitting, standing, limping along, traveling, and living without naps - however short. It's good to be home.
While I'm sure to pay for it all tomorrow, seeing 3rd and 4th cousins again was nice. Meeting their children for the first time was very nice. I'm sure I'll recover from all the hugs and snuggling we managed to do with 7 of our 10 grandchildren. Thankfully, fibro fog has been kept at bay, so when the pain sets in I'll re-live all those hugs as pain relief.
I know I'm behind on my commitment to post here every day for a month. I keep thinking about the article I read online about the couples who commit to have sex every day for a year. Yep, for real. How do they find the time? Do they not work? Not have children? Not ever need to sleep? They surely don't have osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia!
Tomorrow I'll be hosting a Virtual Book Tour stop at The Review Hutch for Jane Bernard. Please stop by at The Review Hutch to say hello to Jane and to find out how she does it all. (However, I won't be asking her about any questions about sex commitments.)
Saturday, August 30, 2008
September: National Pain Awareness Month
September is National Pain Awareness Month in the United States.
I would have given this designation little thought before being diagnosed with high-end-pain illnesses five years ago. I have not one, but two, disorders/diseases/illnesses - with all of each one's accoutrements. I also have osteoarthritis in varying degrees through my spine, both hips, both knees, and possibly - one shoulder.
The National Fibromyalgia Association has done a great job of getting the word out that Fibromyalgia is not only real, but affects millions of the world's citizens.
The makers of Lyrica have done more to turn the tide regarding how this disease is perceived than any other promotion in my recollection.
Having said that, I must also say that Fibromyalgia affects short-term memory. It affects thought processes. However, the television commercials have run often enough that I can safely say I haven't been hit with "isn't that the one they said was all in your head", nearly as often. It still happens from time to time, but not every other time the subject is brought up.
I must also say that Lyrica has helped me to cope with my symptoms. You see, we who have Fibro tend to live with constant pain. The severity fluctuates, but never goes away completely. I pray every day that a new study doesn't find that Lyrica is detrimental in another way, as the Cox-II medications were found to be.
If you read this, please take a cruise on over to www.fmaware.org and read about the disease. That way, you'll already be armed when someone you know is diagnosed. It will happen.
And please remember to say a prayer or two during September (and throughout the year) for those of us who may not appear to be the happiest persons you've ever met. Happiness may be a state of mind deal that can be altered by a positive outlook, but it's a whole lot easier to be "sunny" when you don't hurt.
I'm daring myself to post here every day during September and to use this forum to keep a running journal. If you choose to follow this to see if I can do it and I screw up and forget to post ... email me to let me know I'm not holding up my end of the bargain.
I would have given this designation little thought before being diagnosed with high-end-pain illnesses five years ago. I have not one, but two, disorders/diseases/illnesses - with all of each one's accoutrements. I also have osteoarthritis in varying degrees through my spine, both hips, both knees, and possibly - one shoulder.
The National Fibromyalgia Association has done a great job of getting the word out that Fibromyalgia is not only real, but affects millions of the world's citizens.
The makers of Lyrica have done more to turn the tide regarding how this disease is perceived than any other promotion in my recollection.
Having said that, I must also say that Fibromyalgia affects short-term memory. It affects thought processes. However, the television commercials have run often enough that I can safely say I haven't been hit with "isn't that the one they said was all in your head", nearly as often. It still happens from time to time, but not every other time the subject is brought up.
I must also say that Lyrica has helped me to cope with my symptoms. You see, we who have Fibro tend to live with constant pain. The severity fluctuates, but never goes away completely. I pray every day that a new study doesn't find that Lyrica is detrimental in another way, as the Cox-II medications were found to be.
If you read this, please take a cruise on over to www.fmaware.org and read about the disease. That way, you'll already be armed when someone you know is diagnosed. It will happen.
And please remember to say a prayer or two during September (and throughout the year) for those of us who may not appear to be the happiest persons you've ever met. Happiness may be a state of mind deal that can be altered by a positive outlook, but it's a whole lot easier to be "sunny" when you don't hurt.
I'm daring myself to post here every day during September and to use this forum to keep a running journal. If you choose to follow this to see if I can do it and I screw up and forget to post ... email me to let me know I'm not holding up my end of the bargain.
Friday, May 25, 2007
My Reason for this Blog
Initially my plan was to set up this blog anonymously, ala Miss Snark. (You'd have to be a writer to get the humor in that.) That way I could bitch and complain at will. However ...
As I mulled it over and began to digest my motive for this blog I began to realize that if all I wanted to do was complain, I could re-join the online Fibromyalgia groups, listen to the tales of woe, and thereby promote the self-serving woe-is-me pity party--which was the reason I left the groups.
I am a writer. But there is so much more to my life. I have a wonderful husband, great kids, even greater grandkids (which is what I hoped for when considering eating my young), and a full life.
A FULL life. In spite of having Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis.
Yes, I get tired. Yes, I hurt--a lot and often. Yes, I spend much time with doctors. Yes, I take medication. Yes, I must use the motorized carts to do my grocery shopping and then pray hubby gets home from work in time to unload them--before the ice cream melts. Yes, I have a wheelchair to use on those days when I can't manage to walk OR when the whole family goes to the zoo. Yes, I understand my illnesses are life-long and there is no cure. Yes, I get down sometimes. Yes, I deal with depression.
I also do many of the things I always wanted to do but didn't have time for, now that I'm unable to work a "real job". Like read. And write. And take short naps and long bubble baths.
If you have landed here, you were most likely researching either FM (Fibromyalgia) or OA (Osteoarthritis) because you have one--or both--or someone close to you does.
My plan is to be honest, yet upbeat. To be real. To share--often. Even on the not-so-good days.
Feel free to leave a comment, or to comment on a comment.
As I mulled it over and began to digest my motive for this blog I began to realize that if all I wanted to do was complain, I could re-join the online Fibromyalgia groups, listen to the tales of woe, and thereby promote the self-serving woe-is-me pity party--which was the reason I left the groups.
I am a writer. But there is so much more to my life. I have a wonderful husband, great kids, even greater grandkids (which is what I hoped for when considering eating my young), and a full life.
A FULL life. In spite of having Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis.
Yes, I get tired. Yes, I hurt--a lot and often. Yes, I spend much time with doctors. Yes, I take medication. Yes, I must use the motorized carts to do my grocery shopping and then pray hubby gets home from work in time to unload them--before the ice cream melts. Yes, I have a wheelchair to use on those days when I can't manage to walk OR when the whole family goes to the zoo. Yes, I understand my illnesses are life-long and there is no cure. Yes, I get down sometimes. Yes, I deal with depression.
I also do many of the things I always wanted to do but didn't have time for, now that I'm unable to work a "real job". Like read. And write. And take short naps and long bubble baths.
If you have landed here, you were most likely researching either FM (Fibromyalgia) or OA (Osteoarthritis) because you have one--or both--or someone close to you does.
My plan is to be honest, yet upbeat. To be real. To share--often. Even on the not-so-good days.
Feel free to leave a comment, or to comment on a comment.
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