Call Me A Cab - I'm Going Crazy

My Dad had a favorite story of me he loved to share.  I guess I must have been about six years old. The house I grew up in had a landing off the back entry door with two steps up to the kitchen. Dad would come in from work, sit on the top stair and take his shoes off there. 

On this particular day I walked by and noticed he was sitting there putting his shoes on. "Where are you going daddy?" I asked. His straight faced reply was "I'm going crazy." (now you know where I get my sarcastic humor)  I asked "Can I go with you?" With his steady grin he replied in the affirmative (he was a military man)  at which point in childlike innocence I ran through the housing yelling "Everyone get your shoes on. Daddy's going crazy and he said we could come." None of us even remember where he really was headed that day, but we all put our shoes on and went with him!

Life comes with it's own set of insanities, and like the proverbial "last straw that broke the camel's back", some days it seems that the little things may just push us right over the edge. That's the time when you want to run (or in my case hobble) through the streets yelling "call me a cab, I'm going crazy" and see who wants to go with you.

I'm fortunate to have a best friend and neighbor that would be the first to volunteer to go to crazy-town with me.  She'd come barreling down the road (we live four houses apart)  honking the horn, frantically waving her arms while yelling "Get in the car. What's wrong with you? Have you gone crazy? Why didn't you call me?"  

You see, not only does she deal with similar medical issues, but we share the same inane sense of humor. When we are together anything can and does set us off in a fit of giggles. Our children joke that their two crazy moms should never venture out together without a chaperon. Actually, they are quite adamant about this now.  All because one Saturday we headed to Port Huron, Michigan for lunch and ended up in customs in Canada. 

Having a team of agents surround the car wearing their SWAT gear and toting high powered assault rifles was an eye opening experience for me. Now when she invites me to lunch I take my passport.

Come to think of it the Canadians probably did think we were insane. When asked what we were coming into Canada for she answered honestly that she didn't want to go into Canadian, she just wanted to turn around.

The look on his face was priceless when she stated that probably happened a lot. In a serious all business manner he replied "Not really, the flashing red lights on the sign that says last exit before Canada usually gives them a hint."

Bending down he looked into the car to get a better look at her passenger (just little ole' innocent me). Shaking his head he said" two redheads, that explains everything." As we were driving back into Michigan Barb asked me "what do you think he meant by that?"

I didn't have an answer for her.  No really I didn't have an answer. I couldn't find words for a suitable reply because I was laughing so hard I was gasping for breath!

Hmm, I wonder if the "two crazy redheads from the states" story is written down in their book of "strange but true" examples of things that have happened to them, because it's definitely in ours! 

Remember to seek out the comical moments that produce the laughter, and laugh until your tummy hurts!  

Blessing! :)

Joy Comes in the Mourning

Recently I've loss two of my dear friends, Catarina Murphy and Annie Dee Dill. These were strong, vibrant, Godly women who radiated with the love of God. They were so much more than just friends; my Sisters-in-Christ, prayer warriors, who were always encouraging others and where the inspiration for me to start this blog.

Catarina was always one to share anything she had. Her heart overflowed with love. She had this infectious child like excitement that spilled out and covered those around her. I miss her laugh and crazy "dancing in the aisles" in stores when we came across a great find. Cathy had diabetes, but it was her beautiful, loving heart that gave out and called her home to Heaven.

Annie radiated with the love of God She had bladder cancer. During this fight for life she allowed God to use her trails as a testimony to His goodness and grace. She was an invigorating,  passionate and inspirational woman of God. On Facebook she started a 'Fighting Cancer' site where she shared her heart as she wrote about her battle  so she could encouraged others to continue the fight with hope.

There passing has left a great void in this world, but I take comfort in knowing that we will be reunited in heaven with them one day.
"God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted." ~ Matthew 5:4 (NLT)
"I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands." ~ Psalm 63:4 (NIV)

Jesus Culture has a song called Rooftops. I can see these dear ladies with their hands held high in worship singing the lyrics "I am yours God, I will lift up my hands and praise you.  Here is the video link:
http://youtu.be/OOxcJZcwE6s 

The lessons that they taught me included the reminder that joy does come in the morning (mourning). Remembering their laughter and joy, makes you want to do the happy dance.

There is a song called Restoration and written by David Brymer.  His beautiful lyrics say: " You've taken my pain and You call me by a new name. You've taken my shame and in its place, you give me joy. You take my mourning, turn it into dancing. You take my weeping, turn it into laughing. You take my mourning, turn it into dancing. You take my sadness, turn it into joy."

Here is the video link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LcyQOLVS

Joel Osteen said to: "Celebrate other people's victories. Let their successes inspire you. If God did Something wonderful for them, He can do it for you."

Today's thought: What inspires you? Where do you find your source for inspiration? 

May God take your mourning, and turn it into dancing. Take your weeping and turn it into laughter.Turn your sadness into joy. I'll be practicing my moves until my time comes  for dancing with the stars, Catarina and Annie, when we meet again in heaven. Love and miss you both! <3

Blessing! :)

Missing -The Me I Used To Be

When you are eating cold cereal do you ever read the back of the milk carton?  I'm talking about the ones with the photos of missing persons. Have you ever recognized anyone on there? Sometimes I half expect to see my own picture there under a caption that reads: Missing...the Me I Used To Be.

Ben Franklin is noted for saying "But in the world nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes."  I respectfully disagree. There are other things that are certain such as illness and change. Change is inevitable. Some changes are pleasant like a new home, job, or welcoming a new baby. Other times change is not so pleasant. The loss of a family member, friend or beloved pet, job, home or finances are devastating. As is the loss that comes as a result of illness or health issues.

I've seen my share of all of these. And while we are aware that they will someday happen to us, we are still caught off balance when they occur. Combine multiples of these events at the same time and you find yourself in the midst of an avalanche that you are helpless to control.

I was raised to be a strong woman. During the difficult times in my life people would often comment on how I managed to maintain my composure. The truth being that it was only by the grace of God.  During those times I trusted him to carry me because I didn't have the strength to do it on my own. In reflection, I think it was more of a case of me "sleep walking" through life. Going through the motions by rote, often without my full attention or comprehension of even doing so.

Hindsight is said to see with 20/20 vision. That is especially true when we can look back on things in our past and honestly review them (wearing our bifocals and not the rose colored glasses). A stronger reality since I've become "disabled." I willingly, and wholeheartedly can admit that I do miss the me I used to be.

We take things for granted until we no longer have them. I'd love to be able to run, ride a bike, dance, go horseback riding or even walk without the restrictions of pain.  I yearn for the roller coaster rides that my pacemaker and back restrict me from enjoying. I miss not going to work and the sense of purpose it gave me. (And I really miss the money!)

Give me back the years of being an earlier riser, waking up refreshed and ready to take on the world. Oh for the days when I could kneel, even if only to pull weeds. Wouldn't it be wonderful to regain the ability of running up and down the stairs (OK walking) to do laundry without my knees screaming out in pain? To be able to throw my hands up over my head and shout with glee, without fear of passing out. I grieve the fact that I will not be able to play on the floor or jump on a bed should I be blessed with grandchildren in my future.

Yet I have so much to be thankful for. I appreciate and rejoice over the gifts of hearing, seeing, smelling, the use of my hands, the ability to think, speak and walk. For without them life would be bleak. The world would seem charmless and inhospitable. A cold, dreary and miserable existence. Unless I could change my perspective and see life from God's point of view.

"He has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11 
(NIV)

One needs only to watch the sky to see God's wow factor at work. A rainbow, (and the promise it symbolizes)  the beauty of a sunset, or a sunrise. The crayon box array of colors found in nature which testify to the majestic, artistic, works of God's hands. As his creation, I too am beautiful in his sight, regardless of my circumstances.

"When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." ~ John 8:12 (NIV)

May your life canvas burst with the vibrancy of Jesus, the light of the world.

Blessings! :)

On Ice - Isolation due to Illness

When you read the words "on ice" what picture came to mind? Was it a bottle of wine being chilled on ice, a shrimp cocktail on ice, ice skating or a hockey game being played on ice? Or maybe it was something more literal like "skating on thin ice", or on ice as in waiting or chilling out. I think it would be safe to say that it didn't conjure up any images of solitary confinement or self-imposed social isolation. 

Social isolation usually occurs when a person is separated from other people on a regular basis or for extended periods of time. We don't consider that to be unusual when someone who is suffering from grief voluntarily opts into a state of solitude. This is called self-imposed isolation. We allow it for a short time, after which they need to snap out of it or we assume it is linked to depression. It rightfully may be, and depression is always considered to be a bad  and permanent condition. 

As children being sent to our room and isolated from family and friends was a punishment. That is a view many of us still hold even in adulthood. Honestly, who in their right mind would voluntarily choose isolation?  Isolation is only deemed acceptable when it is a medical necessity to keep others from contacting a contagious illness.  

Substitute the word solitude for the word isolation and it takes on a whole new appearance.  Solitude is considered a state of seclusion, (which is still isolation) or a lack of contact with people. It may stem from a deliberate choice, a bad relationship, an infectious disease, mental or neurological disorders, the circumstances of employment, unemployment  or other life situations. 

Short-term solitude is often viewed and valued as a time when one may work, think, or rest without being disturbed. Also it may be a choice due to the desire for the sake of one's personal privacy.

It is often difficult to make a distinction between solitude and isolation. In a sense, these words both seem to refer to loneliness, or the joy and pain that comes from being alone.

"The whole value of solitude depends upon one's self; it may be a sanctuary or a prison, a haven of repose or a place of punishment, a heaven or a hell, as we ourselves make it." ~ John Lubbock

Sometimes my pain and illness make it necessary for me to go into a self-imposed isolation. This short-term period of solitude doesn't mean that I am depressed, nor that I am suffering from mental issues. It simply means that my physical limitations have made it necessary for me to take the time to nurture myself. 

The exhaustion that comes as a result of chronic fatigue, and the sleepless nights due to pain, takes a great toll on me. I require these times of solitude to recuperate.  In order to restore my body's equilibrium physically, mentally, spiritually and emotionally. 

At times I'm not up to talking on the phone. I hope my friends know that this doesn't mean I don't value their friendship.  It just means that for now a text message or e-mail are the best ways to communicate with each other. When my emotional reserves are depleted I don't wish to drag either us down by focusing on the negatives that I am presently dealing with.  

Sometimes, I'll admit that I do get lonely, but knowing that I have friends and family who love me and are there for me helps to keep things in the proper prospective. This includes my wonderful Facebook friends, who because of today's technology, makes it possible for me to  communicate with someone at any time of the day or night.

When I am home bound I don't equate it to being exiled to Siberia, or being held as a prisoner. My home is, and has always been my haven and sanctuary. A place where I can relax, restore, recoup and renew my energy. 

Some may think my illness is an excuse for laziness or even my isolation is pure craziness on my part. Truthfully, it is more of a way of acknowledging my fragility, so I don't let this vulnerability shatter me into a million pieces. My faith in God is what sustains me.

Time spent praying and reading scripture draws me near to God and draws him nearer to me. You see, I've learned that this is essential for me because there are often times in life when I don't "feel" his presence. Life events have a way of changing our focus, and I can't let my "feelings" and emotions mislead me into thinking that God doesn't care about what I am going through.  

"The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." ~ Deuteronomy 31:8  (NIV)

Remember that things aren't always what they seem. You see me, but I may not look sick. You don't see my illness because it's hidden within me. You may not see God, but I know he is real because he lives within my heart! 

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

Wishing you God's peace that passes beyond the emotions and limits of our human understanding. Be blessed! :)

Go Blue! - Dealing with Depression

Like the artist Picasso, everyone goes through a "blue period" from time to time. But if you are depressed, you are experiencing more than just the occasional bad mood or just having an awful, terrible, very bad day.

Depression affect 20 million people in any given year (can we give it back?). Depression is a serious enough disorder that can affect a persons ability to function normally day to day and it only gets worse over time.

Did you know that women are twice as likely (aren't we the lucky ones) as men to develop depression? There are three stages in life when a woman is the most vulnerable to depression, probably because of changes in hormones:

• Each month before her period (PMS)
• After she has had a baby (postpartum depression)
• During perimenopause - the years leading up to menopause-when estrogen levels fluctuate. 

Life events can also trigger depression: divorce, death of a loved one, illness, losing a job, sexual or physical abuse, even poverty and financial problems. Many of us feel sad at times, that's a normal emotion. So how do you know if you truly are depressed of just suffering from a case of the "'blues"? 

Could You Be Depressed? 

To be diagnosed with depression, you must have one or more of the following debilitating symptoms for at least 2 weeks, according to the National Alliance for Mental Illness and the American Psychiatric Association guidelines:

• Feeling sad, empty or anxious.
• A loss of interest or pleasure in the things you once enjoyed.
• Feeling restless, irritable or crying a lot.
• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness or low self-esteem.
• Trouble concentrating, remembering things and making decisions.
• A loss of energy or feeling tired.
• Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much.
• A change in appetite that leads to sudden weight loss or gain.
• Thoughts or death or suicide.

Symptoms can run from mild, to major or severe. Major depressions can leave you curled up in a ball, weepy and unable to function. Mild depression is still serious, since it can gradually get worse. One chronic, mild form of depression, called dysthymic disorder, is subtle, but no less worrisome. Although it occurs for most of the day, more days than not, you can suffer from it for years without realizing you have it. 
A person with dysthymia always walks around feeling sad or "down in the dumps." It becomes the way that person just is. (like Eeryore, Winnie the Pooh's ever-glum, slow talking, sarcastic and pessimistic donkey friend) 

In fact, about 3% of people develop dysthymia (Greek for “bad state of mind” or “ill humor”) at some point, according to Mental Health America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving mental health.
Source: Article "Just Blue or Seriously Depressed? By Catherine Winters, Special to Lifescript. Reviewed by Edward C. Geehr, M.D. Published January 26, 2013

Can Christians get Depressed?

Of course, they can and do. Depression has been around for a long time. The Bible even addresses the topic. Dealing with depression doesn't make us a bad person, or mean we are mentally weak and spiritual failures. 

If you, or someone you know, is depressed you should see your Primary Care Physician, or a Psychologist, and talk with your Minister. There is no shame in asking for help. We all need it from time to time. 

Reading your Bible is helpful. Check the concordance at the back of your Bible to look up verses by topic.  The following verses have been a help and comfort to me:

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [curing their pains and their sorrows] ~ Psalm 147:3 (Amplified Bible)

"....Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." ~ Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV)

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint." ~ Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." ~ Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

Why Does God Allow Christians to Suffer?

• So we humble ourselves; to admit we can't do it on our own.
• So we turn to God.
• So God can show us he cares for us.
• So God can comfort us.
• So we take our focus off of ourselves.
• So we focus on other people.
• So we can comfort others, as he has showed us how to do by comforting us.
• So we focus on the good (positive) things in our life.
• So we rejoice and praise God for the things he has and is doing in our lives.

"3 Praise be to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves received from God." ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NIV)

"6 Humble yourselves, therefore under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety (worries and cares) on him because he cares for you." ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble. whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things." ~ Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Another great idea is to journal (write down) the answers to prayer and the good things that are happening in your life. Then the next time you are feeling "blue" go back and re-read them.

I'm a University of Michigan football fan. Whether I'm in the stadium or home on the couch, I can be heard yelling "Go Blue!"  We shout this to encourage our team to persevere. We want and expect them to persist in anything undertaken. To maintain a purpose in spite of the difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement.  To focus, concentrate and continue steadfastly on. 

I'm learning to apply this same concept to my spiritual, physical, emotional and mental health areas of my life. So the next time I'm feeling down I will be shouting Go Blue! Go away blue mood, depression you are not welcome here. God is the General Manager of Team Jesus. Not only did he write the game book, he coaches the team, orchestrates the plays and  the defense (his grace and strength) are sufficient for me. Go Blue! Praise God I'm on the winning team.

Wishing you happy days, joyous times and a wonderful life in Christ!
Be Blessed! :)

LOL At Pain - Humor Therapy

Recently I was talking with a friend who has chronic pain and Fibromyalgia. We compared  our different treatment options and discussed the medicines that worked (or didn't work) for each of us. But, I must admit, I was caught off guard when she asked me: "What do you do for humor therapy?" 

I was speechless. Did I hear her correctly? Humor Therapy? What the heck does that mean? It wasn't something that had been mentioned by any of the Doctors and Specialists I have seen over the years. Even though I was still dumbfounded I  managed to rattle off a few of the movies that always get a laugh out of me (think Zookeeper and talking ape).

Later that night, I was still pondering her statement.  Growing up, when life was hard, or events were upsetting, my mom would always say: "Sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from crying." Then I was reminded of the saying "Laughter is the best medicine." Although we use this statement today, many people don't realize that this is derived from a verse in the Bible: 

“A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” – Proverbs 17:22 (Amplified Bible)

Being a good girl, I did like I was taught to do in Sunday School.  I asked myself: how does this verse personally apply to me and my pain? (see I did listen and even paid attention).  It's easy to understand the "a happy heart is good medicine" portion of this verse, because being happy does make us feel better. A "cheerful mind works healing" means that if I focus on the positives, this hope aids in my healing process, while dwelling on the negatives will give me  a"broken spirit," or lack of hope (the medical term for this is depression) which robs me of the joys of life.

"Rejoice and exalt in hope; be steadfast and patient in suffering and tribulation; be constant in prayer." -Romans 12:12 (Amplified Bible)

^{This verse reminds me:} 

• ^{To rejoice or be} happy. 
• To exalt - meaning to praise the virtues of someone (God) or to raise that person into a position of greater authority or power. 
• To be hopeful, or to have an attitude of hope (My hope is in the Lord!) and not feeling helpless or stressed out.
• To be steadfast and patient- to not give up when trouble (or pain, or illness) comes into my life. (To wait upon the Lord)
• To be constant in prayer - not letting anything stop me from, or interfering with, my praying. (There IS power in prayer!)

While searching the internet to see if I could find anything relating to Humor Therapy I was surprised to  learn that there is even a Laughter Yoga movement (I'm being serious). Yoga Laughter combines unconditional laughter with Pranayama, the yoga term meaning control of the breath. Clinical research on Laughter Yoga methods, conducted at the University of Graz in Austria; Bangalore, India; and in the United States has proved that laughter lowers the level of stress hormones (epinephrine, cortisol, etc) in the blood. It fosters a positive and hopeful attitude. It is less likely for a person to succumb to stress and feelings of depression and helplessness, if one is able to laugh away the troubles.  It has been scientifically proven that laughter, even if it's a fake laugh, (our bodies can't distinguish between the two) is good for us.  
Source: www.laughteryoga.org/index.php?ption=com_content&view=article&id=180:what-is-laughter-yoga&Itemid=265

Then (wait for it) there are the Laughing Exercises (honestly, I'm not making this stuff up) to work your abs.  "Laugh Your Abs Off" combines yoga exercises with laughing. Although I personally wouldn't pay money to take this class. Nor did I think the video clip was funny (I was getting so annoyed at this woman I really wanted to knock something off of her). But it claims this video is real (real like the TV commercial where the woman says "they can't put anything on the internet that isn't true, and she learned that on the internet" type of true?). See for yourself:  www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Rzw-hV7Ng

My personal Humor Therapy will include watching:

• American Funniest Videos - Which raises the age old question: why do we laugh, even when someone gets hurt?
• The Little Rascals or Our Gang Movies - Picture Alfalfa singing with the soap bubbles coming out of his mouth. The He Man Woman Hater Club episode which is one of my favorites, as is the Rushin' Ballet when they are trying to run away from Butch, and instead Spanky and Alfalfa end up in a dance recital dressed like girls in pink tutus. (I saw that smile!)
• Christian Comedian Chondra Pierce  is funny with her real life take on the humor in our every day life events - "Staying Alive...Laughing" where she talks about her conservative , religious background and tells of her mom starting to wear slacks and getting her ears pierced..."Mama got her AARP card and went to hell!"  www.myspace.com/chondarpierce/videos Or her "Lowriders" skit on women wearing lowrider jeans and their mushroom tops (the flesh that hangs over the top of the jeans).  Just say No to the Low! www.myspace.com/video/vid/7953105
• Gabriel Iglesias - also known as the Fluffy comic in a Hawaiian shirt, and noted for coining the phrase I'm not Fat... I'm Fluffy! While I'm not a big fan of some of the adult humor and foul words he uses,  I do laugh hysterically when he does "The Fat and the Furious" gig about his new VW Beetle car (he's great at sound effects).  www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPqcTFm2ID8
• The Muppets - Who doesn't love Miss Piggy and Kermie? I also giggle at the Swedish Chef, (pass the 'hordy dors') the two old guys in the balcony, and lets not forget ANIMAL!!!!! (OK, who remember the 'Pigs in Space' episodes on the TV series?)
• The Big Bang Theory TV show - who knew nerds could be so funny.
• Jeff Dunham -a ventriloquist comedian with his army of oddball characters like Walter, Peanut, Bubba J the Redneck, Achmed the Dead Terrorist and Jose Jalepeno on a Stick.  http://www.comedycentral.com/comedians/jeff-dunham

So, what's on your Humor Therapy list? 

Thought For The Day:
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but laughter is always contagious!

So laugh out loud with others, think happy thoughts, keep the faith and remember to say your prayers!
God Bless! :)

On Pins And Needles - Acupuncture for Pain Relief

The most popular form of pain relief that medicine has to offer is pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs. If, like me,  you've spent a lot of time in chronic pain, you know that these medications can also have unreliable results. After a while, our bodies adapt to them, their effectiveness wears off, and we require higher doses or a change in  medications, or a combination of medications. For many of us, the side effects from some of the prescription medications can be worse than the pain condition it's self.  I have found a wonderful Doctor who has been great about researching the latest medications being used to treat pain. She also knows about the alternative holistic treatment options, and has taken the time to educate me on them and their effectiveness, and has given me the option to try them.  When you live with chronic pain their comes a time when you will do anything to get some relief. So, at my Doctors  recommendation, I have  incorporated many of them into my personal treatment plan.  Massages  - to relax the muscles (and me, as I have been known to fall asleep during them.) Be sure to let the therapist know that you have fibromyalgia and to adjust the pressure so it doesn't cause you pain during the massage.  Heat - to relax muscles and help with stiffness by boosting blood flow to the places where you hurt. I use an electric blanket on my bed, a heating pad, and an electric throw when I am sitting. A warm bath or shower helps. And you can throw your clothes into a dryer to warm them before you put them on. Chiropractic - adjustments and decompression have worked to relieve back, neck and shoulder pain for me. Physical Therapy  - to strengthen muscle support and alignment of of ligaments. Acupuncture - for chronic pain is a powerful and natural treatment. The needles stimulate points on your body that release endorphin's and other natural pain relievers. They also, according to research, increase the electromagnetic signals between the different cells in your body. This can encourage healing and eliminate pain. It is painless, and I have it done to both of my ears and down my back. After 15 to 20 minutes I feel relaxed and in less pain. It lasts about 3 to 4 days before the effects wear off. It has also helped with my fibromyalgia by retraining my brain in its response to nerve pain.   Acupuncture Treatment for Pain Management  Acupuncture for pain management has been used for centuries. Because it treats your body as a whole, acupuncture not only reduces pain immediately, but it can help you avoid future pain in the same areas. It’s so effective that conventional medical doctors now often suggest acupuncture treatment for pain. Acupuncture increases blood circulation to different parts of your body and relaxes your muscles. It also helps promote emotional well-being and can increase the effectiveness of your immune system. Instead of bringing the rest of your health down in order to reduce pain (like conventional medications do) it raises the level of your whole body health.  Source: http://www.acupages.com/Acupuncture-Pain-Relief-Treatment-for-Chronic-Acute-Pain.html In a 2006 Mayo Clinic study, acupuncture appeared to significantly reduce fatigue and anxiety among people with fibromyalgia. Other studies have suggested that acupuncture can temporarily ease fibromyalgia pain as well. Yet researchers who analyzed several clinical trials, including the Mayo Clinic study, concluded that overall, acupuncture is not effective in treating fibromyalgia.  Source: webmd.com/fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia-pain-10/alternative-treatments-for-fibromyalgia  Acupuncture For Pain Relief Is Real “These effects may be real relief,” says Rick Hecht, MD, research director at the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. “There may be active ingredients that are still there even though the needles are not going into specific points and specific depths. What is doing it, you can’t tell, though other research is being done to break down the issue.” Source: webmd.com/pain-management/news/20120910/acupuncture-pain-relief?page=2 Trying it for yourself may be the only way to find out if it works for you. It may take several acupuncture treatments for you to conclude whether its benefits, if any, are worth the money. Many insurance plans do cover physical therapy, acupuncture. and massage with a referral from your Doctor. Always check with your Primary Care Doctor before trying any of these alternative treatments.  Good luck and God Bless! :)

I Haven't The Foggiest Idea!

Have you ever walked into a room and couldn't remember what you went there for? Or placed an item somewhere you knew that you could easily find it, but can't? Or how about saying something, pause, and forgetting what you were talking about?

Do you know that scary feeling that comes when you question if you are losing your sanity? Not the "insanity is hereditary, I get it from my kids" mommy kind. I'm talking about the "Senior Moment" kind, where you begin to wonder if you really are losing your mind. That lay awake at night "what if" type: what if it's the onset of Alzheimer's? What if it's a brain tumor, or what if it's  something just as awful? 

We all have forgot birthdays or other events, or forgotten items when we've gone to the store specifically to get them. People with chronic illnesses deal with this quite often. Memory problems can be caused by the side effects of medications, the pain, sleep disturbances, or the medical condition itself. For people with fibromyalgia, memory lapses happen more frequently and can be more severe. That cognitive problem is know as "fibro fog" or "brain fog".

What is Fibro Fog?

For people with fibromyalgia  "the chronic pain disorder triggers a sudden forgetfulness known as “fibro fog" or “brain fog.” It changes cognitive functioning and leads to memory loss or other thought-processing problems", says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., fibromyalgia expert and author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! (Avery Trade). 

He goes on to state that these cognitive problems may make fibromyalgia patients fear they’re developing Alzheimer’s disease, but the two aren't related. Dr. Teitelbaum explains that; “Fibro brain fog" can make you lose your keys, while Alzheimer’s makes you forget how to use a key."

Source: How to Stop Cognitive Problems for People with Fibromyalgia By Linda Melone, CSCS, Special to Lifescript, Reviewed By Edward C. Geehr, M.D.Published December 14, 2012  www.lifescript.com/health/centers/fibromyalgia/articles/6_ways_to_beat_fibro_fog

Fibro patients often start the day exhausted. They struggle to fall and stay asleep and often suffer from a variety of sleep disorders. (i.e. Sleep Apnea, Restless Leg Syndrome) Daily fatigue triggers cognitive problems, says Roland Staud, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Florida’s rheumatology department. So the more sleep-deprived you are, the more symptoms of fibro fog you’ll suffer.

When my pain worsens, or my fibro kicks in, what a relief to now know this, and have a legit excuse for the crazy things I say and do.  For example, once my son found the Windex bottle in the refrigerator and asked me why I had put it there. I wasn't quick witted enough to come up with a plausible excuse like "it makes it clean better." Instead I said: "Where's the milk?" You see I had them both in my hands to put away, and in my own defense let me make it clear that the refrigerator sits next to the cabinet that holds the cleaning supplies. (And yes, thankfully I had put the milk in the refrigerator.)

I also am known to "talk backwards" as my children have called it. You see, the thought process seems to be normal in my head, but I jumble them up when I speak. Like telling a child to "comb their teeth and brush their hair." They are laughing hysterically at me and I haven't the foggiest (pardon the pun)  idea why. Then there are also the times I speak and even I don't understand what I meant or was thinking. (This we have labeled the "element of surprise.")

It makes my kids crazy that I am in a conversation with them and then randomly change the subject and speak about something that just came to mind, and they haven't a clue what I'm talking about. (And no, I don't intentionally do this to mess with their minds.)

Today we live in a world where our every day multi-tasking modern lives – with computers, TV, texting, tweeting, emails and cell phone calls all going at once – can overstimulate the brain and increase our stress levels. Our brains can only hold one thought at a time, so these constant interruptions disrupt our ability to focus, concentrate and retain information. Which explains why too often I really haven't the foggiest idea!

Wishing you many happy thoughts and the ability to retain them, and patience with those of us who can't!

God Bless! :) 

Becoming Invisible

Definition of INVISIBLE. 1. a: incapable by nature of being seen . b: inaccessible to view : hidden.  2: imperceptible, inconspicuous. 

Source: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invisible

Remember the cell phone provider's commercial where a man on his cell phone walks around asking "Can you hear me now"?  For many of us the real life questions is: Can you SEE me now?

I can't pinpoint the exact day, date or time, but one day it just happened to me; I became invisible.
Not the cute 'Casper the friendly ghost' kind of invisible. (Although it might be really cool to be able to fly, walk through walls, and to see and hear people without being seen.) But the 'ugly' statistical  1 of about 10% of Americans who have a medical condition which is considered an invisible disability.

Nearly 1 in 2 Americans (133 million) have a chronic medical condition of one kind or another. 96% of people with chronic medical conditions live with an illness that is invisible. These people do not use a cane or any assistive device and they may look and act perfectly healthy.

Invisible Disabilities are disabilities that are not immediately apparent. Some people with visual or auditory impairments who do not wear glasses or hearing aids may not be obviously impaired. (Some may wear contacts or have a cochlear implant instead.) A sitting disability is another category of invisible impairments. Sitting problems are usually caused by chronic back pain. Those with joint problems or chronic pain may not use mobility aids on good days, or at all. Other examples include Asperger syndrome, attention disorders (ADD/ADHD), brain injuries, chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, epilepsy, and repetitive stress injuries.

Invisible disabilities can also include chronic illnesses such as renal failure, diabetes, and sleep disorders if those diseases significantly impair the normal activities of daily living.

Source: http://www.websters-online-dictionary.org/definition/Invisible+disability 

For many years I have lived with chronic pain. Migraine headaches, back, knee and hip pain and because of those old injuries osteoarthritis. Next came the asthma, heart problems (pacemaker), sleep disturbances (sleep apnea), chronic fatigue and then lucky me, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. 

People who know me, or see me, often comment on how healthy I look. Many of them have no concept of how difficult most days are for me. Pain keeps me up tossing and turning all night. (Take note that's often the best time to call me or find me on Facebook) Lack of good restful sleep often means sleeping in later or napping throughout the day. Some days I can't physically get out of bed. Not because I'm lazy or depressed, but just because I simply can't.

Many acquaintances have stopped inviting me to do things with them because they consider me to be 'unreliable' because I can't make concrete plans in advance. Sorry, but I'm at the mercy of my health conditions who dictate the course of my day. Often I am 'held hostage' in my own home by pain who is a relentless jailer. The isolation leaves me feeling not just forgotten, but also invisible. (Pity Party table for 1)

When my world is falling apart physically, financially, spiritually, figuratively or literally, I know that God is a reliable refuge, and a source of strength. He can always be trusted!

"God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble." ~Psalms 46:1 (NLT)

Because of this I've learned many valuable lessons:

• My illness may limit me, but it doesn't define me. Instead it forces me to find strength in my weakness.
• Feeling weak doesn't make me a weak person. Instead it's made me more aware of other strengths.
• I'm not being 'selfish' when I put my own needs first. I've just learned to give myself 'permission' to take care of myself.
• My medical condition may have imposed limits on my activities, but my mind and my faith have no boundaries.
• Just because I can't always be available when others want me to doesn't make me a bad friend. It just means I know my limitations and I've learned to establish boundaries.
• I've learned to be more understanding and compassionate to others, because we are all dealing with our own problems in life. Acknowledging that I don't know what those things are and how they are affecting that other person has taught me to show more kindness and to be less critical.
• When I don't know what I can 'do' to help others, I've learned that the most powerful action I can take is to pray for them. There is power in prayer and God does hear and answer our prayers.
• When my life doesn't go as I had planned I can become bitter or become better. The choice is mine, so I chose to make the best of it.
• My mother used to say, "sometimes you just have to laugh to keep from crying." I choose to laugh, for after all laughter is often the best medicine!

"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

I want my life to make some difference in  this life. So I encourage you to join me in my journey to becoming the best me I can be!

 Blessing!! :)

I'm One In A Million

Over 12 million Americans suffer from fibromyalgia, and I'm one of them. Research shows that women are 10 times more likely to develop this condition than men are, and women between the ages of 25 to 60 have the highest risk of developing fibromyalgia.

What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory and mood issues. Researchers believe that fibromyalgia amplifies painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. 

WebMD defines it as: "the most common musculoskeletal condition after osteoarthritis. Still, it is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Its characteristics include widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue as well as other symptoms. Fibromyalgia can lead to depression and social isolation."  Source: http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/what-is-fibromyalgia

There is no fibromyalgia cure, and there is no treatment that will address all of the fibromyalgia symptoms. My personal treatment plan includes medications, massage, physical therapy, acupressure and acupuncture.


What Are The Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia causes you to ache all over. You may have symptoms of crippling fatigue even on arising regardless of how much you have already slept. Specific tender points on the body are painful to touch. You may experience swelling, disturbances in deep-level or restful sleep, mood disturbances or depression.Your muscles may feel like they have been overworked or pulled. They'll feel that way even without exercise or another cause. Sometimes, your muscles twitch, burn, spasm or have deep stabbing pain. Some patients with fibromyalgia have pain and achiness around the joints in their neck, shoulders, back, and hips. This makes it difficult for them to sleep or exercise. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia can include:

Widespread pain

Anxiety

Concentration and memory problems (known as "fibro fog")

Depression

Chronic fatigue

Headaches

Irritable bowel syndrome

Morning stiffness

Painful menstrual cramps

Sleep problems

Numbness, and tingling in hands, arms, feet, and legs

Tender points

Urinary symptoms, such as pain or frequency

What Causes Fibromyalgia?

It is not clear what causes Fibromyalgia. Researchers are constantly looking at various explanations for the occurrence of fibromyalgia. Some are exploring hormonal disturbances and chemical imbalances that affect nerve signaling. Other experts believe fibromyalgia with its deep muscle pain is linked to stress, illness, or trauma. Still others think there is a hereditary cause or say there is no explanation at all. But while there is no clear consensus about what causes fibromyalgia, most researchers believe fibromyalgia results not from a single event but from a combination of many physical and emotional stresses. It is also thought to be linked to the brain and spine responses to pain triggers.

Fibromyalgia Triggers

Common triggers that make symptoms worse include:

• Cold or humid weather
• Too much or too little physical activity
• Stress
• Poor sleep

Please know that I am not a medical professional and that I am sharing this information for the purpose of helping others know more about this condition. You may find more information on the following links which are the sources I used:

http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/what-is-fibromyalgia

http://www.maycoclinic.com/health/fibromyalgia/DS00079

http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Fibromyalgia/fibromyalgia_ff.asp

In future posts I will be sharing more of my personal journey. It is my prayer that we can  develop friendships, encourage each other, pray for each other and to build a support network as we share our challenges and successes. 

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Be Blessed! :)