The content in this blog is based on my experiences and the guidance I have received from my Care Team determined by my individual and evolving needs. Before beginning, trying, or experimenting with anything mentioned in this blog, you
There are so many articles out there with advice on how to exercise with fibro. This one, for example, and also there isthis one, But out of all of the ones I have read, this one is my favorite. Giving actual examples of low impact exercises that definitely have a "beginners" level helps me more than any motivational "feel the burn" mumbo-jumbo out there. Of the exercises it lists, I am curious about the following: walking, swimming, yoga and tai-chi. I am the opposite of flexible, but I have had an interest in yoga for a long time now. I've experimented with various youtube videos that claim to be super-easy, beginners-only, fibro-friendly, and even fatgirl-friendly... but I have had no luck in finding something that didn't make me stick out like a sore thumb. And then, I read this article about the different yoga styles available. It gives me hope that I might be able to find the right thing for me.
No matter how crappy I am feeling or how exhausted I am, I always take a few minutes and do my daily clicks. I'm torn between believing that these daily clicks make a difference and that its just some kind of guilt-triggered-spam that tricks us all into looking at advertising. Either way, I always feel a smidgen better after going through my clicks. And on no-spoon-days, I'll take that smidgen of improvement happily.
It used to take me a little longer because I had to jump from bookmark to bookmark to bookmark - but now the actual layout of the page makes it so much easier! Are you interested in clicking some free help their way? I have laid out some simple step by step instructions :)
1. Go to THIS PAGE 2. Look for this logo on the upper left hand side. 3. Look to the right, one icon at a time, and it shows all the other pages you can go to make a difference just by clicking! Its totally free.
4. Under the row of icons, you will see a bar that says something like "click here to offer..." whatever page you are on. Click that bar. That's it! You just helped someone else :) This is an example of what the page will look like when you click on the different sites you can help. This picture may be fuzzy, so please feel free to click on it to make it bigger so it will be clear. :) Oh and my paint program skills aren't that great lol but hopefully it will help you get the idea that I am talking about.
I know this sounds cheesy but doing these daily clicks - even on days I don't feel good, especially on days I feel really bad, help me feel a little less sorry for myself... because I am taking a moment to do something for others. That helps me give myself permission to rest as much as I need to, because I have done what I can do for others.
Well I am over feeling betrayed and now I'm just kind of pouting a bit about having to find a new doctor. Since it has been a while since I made my own selection, only thinking about my own health, I have been researching things to keep in mind when making the choice. Leave it to MedicineNet to have the best article! The article was written and edited by Medical Doctors, which explains why they thought of things I hadn't even considered. My current doctor did make a recommendation for the new physician joining the group, but I haven't made up my mind yet. I would like to remain within the Erlanger Health System, because so many of my Specialists are within the system.
Which hospital(s) does the doctor use? Are you comfortable with the possibility of being treated at one of these institutions should the need arise?
Where are routine x-rays and laboratory studies performed? Can these be done in-office, or will you have to go to an outside laboratory?
How long must you wait for an appointment after you call? Can you be seen on the same day if you have an urgent need?
Who covers for the physician when he/she is away? Whom should you call if you have a problem after-hours? If the doctor works in a group, are you comfortable with being seen by one of the practice partners?
Does the physician frequently refer patients to specialists or does he/she prefer to manage the majority of your care themselves?
The article brought up some good points, but I haven't made up my mind yet what I'm going to do.
You can check out the article in its entirety, here.
Goodness it is hot in Tennessee! And it will only get hotter. Like many others, I am taking my lunch to work almost daily. But with these crazy temperatures, I'm hesitant to bring somethings because I don't want it to ruin. Then a friend of mine posted this little brilliant gem on Pinterest.
Does it work? I don't know... Will it work? It should, in theory... Wow Amber that looks like a cheap fix! Oh yeah it does! Keep your fingers crossed for me!
A young woman went to her grandmother and told her about her life and
how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to
make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling.
It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.
Her grandmother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water.
In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the
last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without
saying a word.
In about twenty minutes she turned off the
burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She
pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the
coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her granddaughter, she
asked, "Tell me what do you see?"
"Carrots, eggs, and coffee," she replied.
She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and
noted that they got soft.She then asked her to take an egg and break it.
After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg.
Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The granddaughter smiled, as
she tasted its rich aroma. The granddaughter then asked. "What's the
point,grandmother?"
Her grandmother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity--boiling water--but each reacted differently.
The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being
subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had
been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior.
But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became
hardened.
The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water.
"Which are you?" she asked her granddaughter.
"When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"
Think of this: Which am I?
Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength?
Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the
heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a
financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and
stiff?
Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart?
Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water,
the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it
releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things
are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you.
When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level?
When I was first diagnosed with an illness, I was in high school, Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. We didn't the internet back then and my doctor was more focused on talking with my Mom than helping me understand what was going on with my body. Then in 2006, I was diagnosed with the flu, shingles, and a few other things... After numerous specialists and almost two years of researching, I was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, which (according to my doctors) is a combination of Fibromyalgia Lupus and Arthritis. But this time, I wasn't alone. I had support from my family and friends, as they educated themselves about my condition. I also had the group of spoonies I had met online, twitter, facebook, online chat rooms, blogs, podcasts, forums, support groups.... I wasn't alone! And that made all the difference.
Today I am thankful for the opportunity to vote. This precious gift is a right for every American that was paid for by every single military person who has served or is currently serving. Please don't let their sacrifice go to waste, everyone needs to vote and make your voice heard. If you have questions about voting, from where to go to what kind of identification to bring, please take a moment to get that information here.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, in 2010 more than 960 people were living with HIV in the Hamilton County area. And there are more than a million people across the country battling the virus today.
"It's like knowing if you're pregnant or not. It's just something you need to know," says Mark Treadway.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, in 2010 more than 49 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in the Hamilton County area. The same year, 10 people died as a result.
"The problem with HIV is identifying people with HIV, linking them into care and retaining them in care," says Dr. Jay Sizemore.
"That's why I volunteer at these things... it's not for me, it's for the people coming after me, and there are a lot of people out there. And 20% of the people out there don't even know they have it," says Mark Treadway.
This article was so well written that I brought it directly to my blog. While I normally discuss my current diagnosis, I feel that we can never do enough to promote Awareness, Testing, Education, and Prevention for HIV. I am also friends with Mark Treadway and have been a patient of Dr Jay Sizemore's, both quoted in the article.
Like so many others on YouTube, I am a faithful fan of Michelle Phan's videos. I'm not one for wearing a lot of make-up and things, but I do enjoy her homemade skin care secrets.
For example, Michelle walks us through making an exfoliating scrub out of three things that can be found in anyone's kitchen. This is definitely on my "to do" list!!
In this video, Michelle shows how to use an organic egg to give yourself a facial can tighten and boost your skin's appearance. I haven't tried it yet, but I am considering it.. :)
Here Michelle walks the viewer through making homemade pore strips!
Here are the links to a few other low budget homemade tricks that she clues us in on:
I cannot believe it is already October! This is my favorite time of year! I love how the weather cools and becomes crispy in the mornings and at night. I become hypnotized at how the sunrises and sunsets take on an eye-catching quality that can take my breath away. I enjoy the sounds of local football games going on, distant music of the marching bands performing at half-time and hockey season is in full swing!
On a personal note, I love that I can wear any color of polish this month and no one blinks an eye! I love to experiment with my nails, hair, etc and this time of year is the perfect opportunity to do just that! Another thing I love about October is that it is truly one month as busy as I am!
No really, think about it. Even without looking at Fall Festivals and Halloween (or End of the month parties), October is packed with opportunities to spread awareness and educate ourselves on things that are very important. October is Breast Cancer Awareness. I am a major advocate for women to become proactive and take an active stand when it comes to breast cancer. Monthly self exams can and will save lives!
Whew! That is a busy month! But wait, I'm not done! I'm saving one of the ones that I feel is extremely important for last. This one effects all of us spoonies, no matter what our chronic condition is.
The last October Awareness that I want to mention spills over into November but it is hugely important and something that many of us experienced spoonies advocate to new people who are being diagnosised. Know your medications/supplements! Celebrate National Drug Facts Week by educating yourself on what you take, why you take it, what is its side effects, and how does it work with other things you take. This is important to remember, not just from October 31 to November 6th, but all year long! So this October, take some time to reflect, educate, and spread a little awareness of your own! Happy October!
