tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78162504127734647982024-03-13T05:58:45.047-07:00Fibromyalgia-whats upFibromyalgia is a mystery .. no one really knows yet what causes it. There are many opinion's from studies. Right now the feeling is a "glitch" in the central nervous system causing the brain to perceive pain differently than "normal" people perceive.
I've lived with it for over 35 years. I had to quit working and go on disability (cause Fibromyalgia and arthritis). I've helped lead a local Fibromyalgia Support group for the last 16 years.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-6219073182392002052013-04-03T14:13:00.000-07:002013-04-03T14:17:25.039-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Is Carol still around? Does she still have Fibro? Where has she been?</b></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Yes, I'm still here. Just a few months and I'll have my 74th birthday so I've been around a long time. Do I still have Fibro? Wish I could say "no" but I'd be fibbing. Where has she been? I've been up and down, happy and depressed, in pain and not in pain. Fibro Fog and a clear mind. It never ends. The rust in the golden years hasn't been fun but I'm working hard on a new attitude and to be a messenger of hope once again.</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>"Hope"... what is it? With Fibromyalgia, it's hoping to find solutions that work for me and others and sharing them. I've lived with this foe or friend (depends on the hour) for over 30 some years. I've tried a lot of things and still trying.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>One of the best is stretching. I fail in that as exercise just doesn't ring my bell when hurting. But, once again, I'm going to start on a daily basis. Another good exercise for the mind and the body is walking. It's spring so I am going to try to walk several days a week, starting small and working up. By small I mean a few minutes (maybe only 5.. my body will let me know).</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>I plan to get back into eating healthy foods and let the sugars, starches, etc stay out of my vision. I know they create more pain and that is something I can control.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>"Hope" is praying that there will be gains in the medical fields to help us. More understanding, more caring and more hope and encouragement.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>"Hope" is finding more each day to fill our minds with positive things so we can work on controlling our pain. Hobbies are great. Mine is knitting. What's yours? With knitting I find I get really stiff if I sit and knit too long, so I'm hoping I can remember to take breaks more often. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>"Hope" is remembering that one of the things that help me the most is deep breathing on and on throughout the day. 4-5 deep breath's in and 4-5 deep breath's out. What an awesome muscle relaxer and in turn helps the pain.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b>Have a wonderful spring and summer. Keep "Hope" as a priority in your day. I sure will be!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-56567844020438434382012-01-27T15:49:00.000-08:002012-01-27T15:49:47.126-08:00<br />
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;">Recently I was contacted by a reader asking if she could do a guest article. Thank you Jenna</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"><i><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Jenna
Walters is a recent college graduate and aspiring writer especially interested
in health and wellness. She is especially interested in touching people’s lives
through her writing. <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial;">.Jenna also enjoys
kayaking, hiking, and reading.</span></span></i></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;">Fibromyalgia and Exercise<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;">People suffering from
fibromyalgia often experience symptoms like muscle pain, fatigue and discomfort
at the body's tender points. The disorder can affect nearly every area of the
body, causing constant aches and widespread discomfort. These symptoms make it
difficult for many patients to even think about exercising, but including
physical activity as part of a daily regimen can <a href="http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-and-exercise">significantly
benefit</a> those diagnosed with fibromyalgia.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"><br />
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Exercise is important for everyone, but it is vitally important for those with
fibromyalgia. Physical activity is essential to keeping muscles healthy,
flexible and strong. In the past, many doctors believed that activity would
worsen the symptoms of fibromyalgia, but today it is widely recognized that
keeping muscles healthy is one of the best ways to combat pain associated with
the disease.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"><br />
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Regular exercise can boost endorphines, neurochemicals that are responsible for
positive emotions. The increase in endorphines brought about by physical
activity can help fibromyalgia patients feel less anxiety, depression and
stress regarding both their disorder and their daily lives. Exercise can also
help the body control the release of adrenaline, a hormone that can cause
anxiety when unregulated.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"><br />
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Increased physical activity has also been linked to higher levels of <a href="http://nutritionwonderland.com/2009/06/understanding-bodies-serotonin-connection-between-food-and-mood/">serotonin</a>.
This neurotransmitter plays an important role in the regulation of moods. When
serotonin levels are low, the brain responds with feelings of anxiety and
aggression. By exercising daily, fibromyalgia patients can increase the amount
of serotonin in the brain, resulting in less stress and a more positive
attitude. Maintaining an adequate level of endorphines and serotonin is
essential to reducing the stress associated with chronic diseases like
fibromyalgia.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"><br />
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In addition to boosting one's mood, exercise benefits the whole body. For
patient diagnoses ranging from <a href="http://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/peritoneal-mesothelioma">peritoneal
mesothelioma</a> to fibromyalgia, maintaing a healthy and strong body are of
upmost importance. Regular exercise can cause weight loss, which may help
relieve pain associated with movement. Physical activity also improves the
quality of sleep, leading to less stress and fatigue during the day. Aerobic
workouts can improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system and lessen
the risk of developing heart disease or high blood pressure. Exercise can also
increase bone and muscle strength, which in turn may lead to a decrease in
fibromyalgia symptoms.</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 7.5pt;"><br />
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Patients with fibromyalgia can reap these benefits by beginning an exercise
program that fits their needs, abilities and schedules. Range-of-motion,
stretching, endurance, conditioning and strengthening exercises can help reduce
the frequency and severity of symptoms. By starting off slowly and setting obtainable
goals, fibromyalgia patients can take charge of their healing through physical
fitness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-24439983841650882262011-09-19T20:05:00.000-07:002011-09-19T20:05:23.284-07:00Curves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-96kb7juuqsc/Tnf-QFRNL1I/AAAAAAAAAjU/cVTvVjGnw8M/s1600/Carol+george+and+billy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFSrJQv7FzU/Tnf_MuGHwhI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Pxehhzb97OA/s1600/Autumn+Leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uFSrJQv7FzU/Tnf_MuGHwhI/AAAAAAAAAjc/Pxehhzb97OA/s320/Autumn+Leaves.jpg" width="320" /><span><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></a></div>I'm looking forward to the beginnings of Fall, not that I wouldn't liked to have summer much longer. Our Falls in SW Washington State are beautiful with different colors. Hope you are looking ahead, too.<br />
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Speaking of looking ahead.... Have you ever jumped into something not looking ahead as to what can happen? I did a few months ago and joined Curves. Oh yes.... pretended I didn't have fibro and arthritis and the 3rd time I went, I did it all (very foolishly) and paid very dearly from it... I went into one of my worst fibro flares along with major arthritis aches and pains. My body was so mad, it decided to have a war, with fibro and arthritis hoping to be the winners as they fought within my body.<br />
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I didn't get back to Curves for about 3 weeks. I planned ahead and thought about what I could do to not have this happen again. I am going at my own pace doing 1 round of the machines instead of two. The next week, I added 1 machine of the second round, then 2 and now I'm at 1 full round plus 3 machines. No major problems and I'm enjoying what I am doing. I do some of the stretches afterwards but not all of them.<br />
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Why oh why do we go through denial and try to be "normal" when we know we are not. Accepting our conditions, our pain and planning ahead can make such a difference in our lives. I have learned a valuable lesson. <br />
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Stand back and look at your own life. What can you do differently to make it a better one, as you cope with your pain. Write down what you have been doing that might be attributed to overdoing, and next to it write your solution. Then do it. <br />
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May you have more pain free days as you plan ahead for them.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-74707991459544073062011-09-06T12:21:00.000-07:002011-09-06T12:21:49.521-07:00Those With Fibromyalgia Need a Hobby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlEVUATkHhk/TmZySc_JWrI/AAAAAAAAAjI/2oqinHL40RM/s1600/Andrea+Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BlEVUATkHhk/TmZySc_JWrI/AAAAAAAAAjI/2oqinHL40RM/s1600/Andrea+Rose.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div>Everyone with Fibromyalgia needs to have a hobby (or hobbies) for those rough times. Whether it be knitting, crocheting, creating cards, reading or whatever. <br />
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Why? <br />
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One of the things I have found over the years is that if my mind is busy at something it takes my mind away from the pain and allows my body to relax. Relaxed muscles don't hurt as badly as tense ones. Whenever we start having pain we scrunch our whole body up trying to get away from it. <br />
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I can't crochet anymore due to the arthritis in my hands, the fingers go numb. But, I love to knit. I can get lost in knitting especially if there is a pattern I need to keep track of as I'm doing it. I like to read (Kindle online has free books), I watch movies from Netflix on my computer. I don't bake anymore but getting into making cookies works, too. <br />
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If I'm not feeling too bad I go for a leisurely walk, but no further than my body wants to go and get back. That remembering to time the walk so you aren't wracked with more pain when you get back is sometimes hard to do.<br />
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I'd love to hear what you do to distract yourself from the pain of Fibromyalgia? I'll be watching for responses.<br />
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Have a super day.....Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-60354661769213601242011-09-02T16:03:00.000-07:002011-09-02T16:03:25.371-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Oh goodness, I've done another disappearing act for the past six months again. I'm going to make a real effort to show up several times a month once again. </div>
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Is it because I'm fibro-free and too busy.... Wish it was but the years of having Fibromyalgia keep adding up. They don't end.</div>
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I learned long ago that my attitude is what will make each day worth getting up to.... In spite of pain, I try to be a positive, friendly, useful person. I thank God each day for waking up and being in His earthly world. The day will be what I make it....</div>
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Choices, that's the key word. I can choose to feel sorry for myself and make everyone who comes in contact sorry they did or I can do the things I know can help me feel better, whether it be a hot shower or a pain pill to make my day the best it can be. </div>
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I look around each day and see so many others so worse off than I am and they have a smile on their face. If they can smile, so can I.</div>
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Counting my blessings each day instead of dwelling on my infirmities gives me a much better life.</div>
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I love living.... and hope you do, too. If depression has taken over and you can't create good in the days, please see your doctor. He/She can help you.</div>
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In the meantime, I'm celebrating life....thank you, God.</div>
Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-66674219667892372152011-03-31T10:39:00.000-07:002011-03-31T10:39:59.811-07:00Six Months, how could it be?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCsxioXk6Oo/TZS4_0z8yuI/AAAAAAAAAiM/XiJ4abTbO9A/s1600/100_0941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MCsxioXk6Oo/TZS4_0z8yuI/AAAAAAAAAiM/XiJ4abTbO9A/s320/100_0941.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
It's been over six months since I've posted. Where does time go? My wonderful Mom became ill in September and passed away in January. I was busy with her most days which caused fatigue and stress and didn't leave many creative juices left. I miss her a lot but life does go on.<br />
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That's the way with Fibro, it goes on and on and on. We can become passive and let it take us over or we can become reactive and research all the things we can do to help lessen the pain and do them. <br />
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The other day I picked up and carried 3 bags of potting soil.... I knew better but I did it. My back has been hurting ever since.... whose fault was this? Mine. We have to listen to our bodies, we have to remember the things that caused us to flare and not do them again. <br />
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We only have one trip on this earth, we need to help ourselves make it a good trip in spite of Fibromyalgia. What can I do to make my days more productive in a pain free way. What can you do for your self? If it is to be, it's up to me. We all know that phrase.... we need to listen to it and act upon it. </div>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-90802757400684335462010-09-18T20:14:00.000-07:002010-09-18T20:14:37.127-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/TJV-POuAfBI/AAAAAAAAAf8/uXC-Z1wRT4g/s1600/IMG_1079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/TJV-POuAfBI/AAAAAAAAAf8/uXC-Z1wRT4g/s320/IMG_1079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was just thinking about "To Do Lists" which are tiring and overwhelming for most of us with Fibromyalgia. </div><br />
<div> </div>Let's make "My Accomplishments Today" list and list the things you have accomplished during the day. At the end of the day our list will make us feel good....<br />
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<div> </div>Samples:<br />
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<div> </div><strong>To Do:</strong><br />
<ul><li>Vacumn</li>
<li>Clean bathroom </li>
<li>Do Washing </li>
<li>Plan and cook meals </li>
<li>Do Dishes</li>
</ul><br />
<strong>I Accomplished:</strong><br />
<ul><li>made bed</li>
<li>Got dressed</li>
<li>Straightened Counter Top and cleaned toilet in Bathroom, cleaned sink</li>
<li>made breakfast</li>
<li>put dishes in dish washer</li>
<li>vacuumed one room (do the rest off and on during the week)</li>
<li>Fixed Lunch</li>
<li>Put Dishes in Dishwasher</li>
<li>Washed & dried whites from the dirty clothes basket.</li>
<li>Folded and hung clothes</li>
<li>Fixed dinner (hubby put dishes into dishwasher, started dishwasher)</li>
<li>Played on computer and watched TV</li>
</ul><br />
<div> </div>Wow, what a different way of looking at what we can accomplish in a day.. The second list would make me feel really good as any accomplishment we can achieve in a day makes this Fibro World a much nicer one. <br />
<br />
<div> </div>Too often we are beating up on ourselves about how little we got done due to the pain and fatigue of Fibro. Let's start turning it around and find ourselves much happier. <br />
<div> </div>Hope you all like this idea, too.<br />
Carol<a href="http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=7816250412773464798"></a>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-44804664034510472082010-05-12T17:41:00.000-07:002010-05-12T17:46:36.618-07:00Even a weed can be a perfect flower....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/S-tHHTwqqXI/AAAAAAAAAfk/8IxYpX3TMuY/s1600/100_0868.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/S-tHHTwqqXI/AAAAAAAAAfk/8IxYpX3TMuY/s320/100_0868.JPG" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Sometimes those of us with Fibromyalgia can feel like a weed and forget that we are a beautiful creation of God...in spite of our symptoms from our disease. We can either shrivel up like a flowering weed or we can shine in this wonderful world of ours. Just because we are in pain most of the time, fatigued and foggy brained, we are still like a flower to our friends and family. Our attitudes are up to us.... we can either be negative or positive.<br />
<br />
Let's work together to do things that make us still feel like achievers... new hobbies and goals, new friends. We might not be able to be that "A" type of person we once were but we can brighten our own world and the world of others in simpler ways.<br />
<br />
Do you know a mother who is exhausted with the duties of motherhood? How about inviting her to come have a cup of tea... or taking a pretty cup filled with a mixture of tea bags and let her know you were thinking of her. Do you know a shut in, whose life could be brightened with a card or a phone call? A hand written note sent to someone in a nursing home or retirement home, crocheting and knitting hats for kids, or lap robe's for someone ill can brighten our own spirits as well as theirs. <br />
Baking some cookies and taking them to a neighbor who has had a rough time can be an upper for both of you.<br />
<br />
The whole message I'm trying to share is that "if it is to be, it's up to me"... When we forget self and do things for others, we feel so much better (and so do they). We are able to get above our pain and enjoy life once again. <br />
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Have a wonderful day....Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-22336844658501185592010-03-31T10:08:00.000-07:002010-03-31T10:08:30.498-07:00Waiting for the Lilacs to Bloom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/S7N8CbtesMI/AAAAAAAAAfc/4dS8Stp-a2k/s1600/Lilac.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/S7N8CbtesMI/AAAAAAAAAfc/4dS8Stp-a2k/s320/Lilac.bmp" /></a></div>Just reflecting how lucky I am to live in a 4 season area. I love God's colors that show in the Spring.<br />
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How have you been talking to yourself lately? Are you being nice to yourself or saying negative things? Well, it's time to change your thoughts and words to yourself. I'm doing a program on this subject at my face to face support meeting next week. For the past few weeks I've been more aware of what I am saying to myself....<br />
<br />
Such as:<br />
* No body can hurt like this, I must be imagining it<br />
* I'm such a pansy, can't even do anything for more than 5 or 10 minutes and then have to sit down.<br />
* It's probably all in my head.<br />
* Come on, push a little harder, I can do it (flare time)<br />
* Maybe I'm just lazy.<br />
* She/He is thinking I'm taking advantage of her/his help. I hate it when I can't do thing myself and she/he helps out so much. It's not fair to her/him. <br />
And it goes on and on.....<br />
<br />
How can I change the way I am thinking? By turning my negatives into positives....like this:<br />
<br />
* I'm hurting today, what can I do to help it? stretch, take medication, go for a walk, a stretch shower<br />
* I'm so glad I can still get my housework done, even though it takes me longer and I need to rest here and there. What I'm doing today will make a difference.<br />
* Yes it is all in my head... in my central nervous system which is all out of whack. I will do what I can to make myself better and not be so mean to myself.<br />
* I would like to push harder but I need to be realistic. If I break up my household chores into different days and just work on one smaller area, I can feel accomplishments.<br />
* No, Carol.. you are not lazy. You love things in order but due to Fibromyalgia it is impossible to be like your old self... You were one of those who liked things done and looking good. You loved your flowers and your home. But due to this weird disease, syndrome or whatever else they want to call it you just can't do it anymore. Look at what you do now... You still have flowers (in pots) and quite a few of them. You still can pick up in just a few minutes and be ready for company (they will NOT know just what you've done the last few days, nor do they care. They are coming to see YOU (ME) and that's what counts. You still love to cook, you just don't spend hours at it. You've made some pretty darn good dinners in way less than a half hour.<br />
* I'm so glad she/he helps me. I know she/he is concerned that I have to live in pain and is more than happy to help out so I have less pain. They LOVE me... and I LOVE them...<br />
<br />
We have to watch our self-talk... it can really bring us down quick. When we realize what we have been doing we can turn it around and love our selves 100% in spite of Fibromyalgia...<br />
<br />
Think about it, my friends.... catch yourself in action.... <br />
<br />
Have a wonderful day... you deserve it!Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-84646933053912683842010-03-05T22:55:00.000-08:002010-03-05T22:56:04.339-08:00Spring is showing her colors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/S5H5--_slHI/AAAAAAAAAfI/rubd7917a7Q/s1600-h/100_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" kt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/S5H5--_slHI/AAAAAAAAAfI/rubd7917a7Q/s400/100_0844.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A couple weeks ago on a sunny day we had visitors in the back yard. My little Sparky came scooting in to the house ... Arfing all the way. Up on the tree limb were 3 smaller raccoons sunning in the sun, napping. Practically standing on my head I finally got a picture of them.<br />
<br />
Our daffodils are out along with heather, forsythia, and flowering trees. Some of the trees are greening up and the grass is growing. We are about 6 weeks early for this beginning of Spring but I'll take it with what so many others are going through with weather and earthquakes.<br />
<br />
Getting out of the dark days of winter helps most fibromites. No the pain doesn't disappear but the mood is brighter which makes coping much easier. Getting out of the house into the fresh air cleanses the spirit. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, Spring is when we really need to remember to pace ourselves. It is so easy to over do at this time of the year... we see the dirty windows, the spots on the carpet, what needs painting, the trimming and planting wait for us outside. PACING is a real key to less pain. Work 10 minutes, or 20 and then rest for 10. Then 10-20 minutes more and rest again. It makes a world of difference.<br />
<br />
Thanks for letting me into your world for a few minutes. How are you and your Fibro doing? Have you any secrets to share that help you endure the pain? I'd love to hear from you....Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-46575265279998508202010-01-27T13:38:00.000-08:002010-01-28T12:54:49.954-08:00Hints of Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/S2H5Yb8drvI/AAAAAAAAAfA/LfFh6FlKUjQ/s1600-h/IMG_1115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/S2H5Yb8drvI/AAAAAAAAAfA/LfFh6FlKUjQ/s320/IMG_1115.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<br />
I don't know about you but I'm ready for Spring and signs of spring are popping out all over. Like most of you, we had a crazy winter this year. We are either getting a false spring or the worst is over.<br />
<br />
The barometer going from lows and back and forth. For us with Fibro, we don't need a barometer, our bodies tell us when it changes. Doesn't matter if it changes to bad or good, we feel it. Perhaps we need to listen to it more. When the pain starts not to overdo and try to do everything in one day. Get extra rest, eat the foods that are best for us, do our breathing and relaxation exercises and work with it instead of against it. We can only do this when we accept our pain and decide to do what works best for us to alleviate it.<br />
<br />
I've been doing too much sitting, too much wrong eating and not doing right for my body. And, I am paying heavily for it. If it is to be, it's up to me.<br />
<br />
I just went out to be in the sun, trying to soak up the Natural Vitamin D... I must start walking. If you live on a big hill you will understand. To get in the car and drive to a safe and flat area is something that is easy to put off doing. If I could walk out my door and walk on flat sidewalks, it would be great. Hmmm, guess I'm making excuses, do you do that, too? I have an area less than 2 minutes away that I can walk safely. We get a lot of rain (I bought a raincoat last year and haven't worn it once)... excuse again. I've really got to put in action what I know I have to do for myself. Why do we seem to procrastinate?<br />
<br />
This is my year to improve myself. I'm starting today. It'll take work not to procrastinate but in the end, it will be so worth it.<br />
<br />
What are you doing for yourself this year?Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-7578429823848147532009-12-24T14:16:00.001-08:002009-12-24T14:19:55.122-08:00The Day before Christmas<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SzPozfBV4gI/AAAAAAAAAes/LVVYj5zFl2w/s1600-h/100_0829_00.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SzPozfBV4gI/AAAAAAAAAes/LVVYj5zFl2w/s320/100_0829_00.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418930747854938626" /></a><br /><br /><br />Hi Everyone....<br /><br />Sure hope you haven't overdone and will be able to really enjoy the day tomorrow. I'm doing pretty good, didn't give in to urges and overdo. I plan to enjoy the day tomorrow, too.<br /><br />Wishing each one of you a Merry Christmas, May God bless you all as we celebrate the birth of our Savior. This is a picture of our "outdoor" tree. <br /><br />Hugs<br />CarolCarolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-22352512618023739432009-11-30T10:38:00.000-08:002009-11-30T10:58:42.950-08:00OOOPS.... did you. . . . .overdo at Thanksgiving? Did you get up very very early on Black Friday? Are you now in extra pain and heavy fatigue?<br /><br />This is a pre-December warning. PACE, PACE, PACE or you won't have a very merry Christmas due to lack of planning and pacing, lack of rest and lack of getting good sleep.<br /><br />We who have Fibromyalgia know if we push too hard we lose.... It's time now at the very beginning of December to plan our days.<br /><br />The Christmas season used to be such a drain on me. Back some years ago, I suddenly realized that I didn't have to make dozens of cookies, tons of candy. My family all has problems with "fluffyness" (except for my thin husband. I quit doing those kinds of things, saving me pain and fatigue. I now make the skinny one a few of his favorites (single recipe) and can then say "I'm done"<br /><br />We used to have a large tree and packages were wrapped with care. We now have a smaller tree that sits in the family/dining room on the table. We go to the kids for Christmas so I don't need my table. I put a few "little" wrapped packages around the tree and the real gifts are "bagged" which leaves me feeling less fatigue and pain.<br /><br />We have boxes and boxes of Christmas decorations. I now choose from them and put up only the favorites cutting the time of decorating at least in half. <br /><br />I do shopping online, gift certicates, cash and very little tromping through the stores. The grandkids much prefer money to getting "stuff" they don't like. The adults like the gift certificates so they can choose what they want to get for themselves.<br /><br />Guess what? We still have the very same Christmas Spirit, no one misses all the sweet stuff and my house still glows with Christmas Spirit and decorations. I am able to enjoy Christmas without extra fatigue and pain.<br /><br />I hope this helps you to think about your Christmas season and make plans to pace yourself and do less and enjoy more.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-17434531925324321012009-11-13T09:34:00.000-08:002009-11-13T10:02:29.197-08:00Support Meetings<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/Sv2ZHhze6YI/AAAAAAAAAeg/YmtnYaqNql4/s1600-h/100_0649.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/Sv2ZHhze6YI/AAAAAAAAAeg/YmtnYaqNql4/s320/100_0649.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403643482526902658" /></a><br /><br />Wednesday was the local Fibromyalgia Support Group meeting. We had 24 attending. I lead the group with the help of others who are on the board. The fact that these ladies helps is what allows me to continue on as their leader.<br /><br />We meet monthly for two hours at a local restaurant. They give us our room free if people order lunch. Almost everyone does so that works out great. We have a raffle (2 for #1) of white elephants, handcrafts, things from the garden in the summer, fresh brown eggs, and much more. Everyone who enters will get a chance at winning something. We draw the tickets from a basket. The first drawn have the biggest choices of a prize. Most people pass after winning once.<br /><br />We have speakers, programs done by the Board members, open question/answer or discussion times. The board meets every two months to plan meetings ahead.<br /><br />We have a library of books that have been purchased with the raffle monies. We do free handouts with each meeting.<br /><br />Last month we had 31 compared to the 24 this time. The Columbus Day holiday had kids at home for the mom's and we had competition from the ugly new flu bugs.<br /><br />Why am I telling you about all this? A support group helps us so much. Sometimes we are hurting so bad that we really don't want to go but when we do, we find ourselves forgetting our pain.<br /><br />Our meeting is a fun one (no pity party stuff). We learn, we care about each other, we laugh a lot and best of all we are with people who understand this invisible disease. <br /><br />If you don't have one in the area, you might want to start one. Our paper runs a free ad for us along with the free newspaper nickel ads. Pick a restaurant that isn't too busy that has meeting rooms and ask if they would let you use it free if people order food.<br /><br />As you get members get others to help you. We have one for the raffle, the library, setting up and taking down, ones to fill in if you can't be at the meeting to lead it sometime in the future. DON'T do it all by yourself as you will burn out.<br /><br />Let the local doctors know about the support group. Make some fliers with your phone number on them and info about the meeting. Give them to doctors, whenever you come across someone with Fibro. Your local newspaper might do a article about a new Fibromyalgia group.<br /><br />We find that evenings are too tiring for us to do. I feel bad about the working people but we are not superwomen, we can't do it all. <br /><br />A good support group is good medicine. Do I get worn out and my body full of pain after a meeting. Yes, I do. But it is worth it to help others like me. I never plan anything for the next day. That's recovery time.<br /><br />Please let me know if you start a meeting or go to a support group. You'll never know the benefits unless you try it. If you want more info you can e-mail me at <br />mrs.carol at gmail.com Be sure to correct this before putting into your address book with the @ sign.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-25383793210767339182009-11-10T10:05:00.000-08:002009-11-10T10:15:40.683-08:00Bright Lights<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SvmrwJOozkI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/DGedlupVOLE/s1600-h/100_0787.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SvmrwJOozkI/AAAAAAAAAeQ/DGedlupVOLE/s320/100_0787.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402538071607004738" /></a><br /><br /><br />One of the things I've found is that when winter rolls around my spirits go down, down and down. Those gray days really get me. I bought a bright light last month and have been using it daily. It really does make a difference in my mood.<br /><br />With Fibromyalgia we deal with depression due to the chronic pain and fatigue. Anything that might help us is worth a try.<br /><br />It sits near my computer so as I am computering in the a.m., I turn it on. After a few minutes I don't even notice it. I usually keep it on at least 30 minutes a day and on some of the dark rainy days I've used it twice in the day.<br /><br />There was an article in our newspaper which spoke highly of using them just a few days ago. Two doctors from our local hospital/clinic were interviewed.<br /><br />By the way, the little guy in the picture came into the yard during the day a couple weeks ago. He got tired of me taking pictures of him pawing through the squirrel food and climbed the nearest tree... non the less.. A Holly tree. Bet he had second thoughts about it.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-14466333423893362882009-10-23T10:24:00.000-07:002009-10-23T10:32:56.068-07:00Stretch Stretch Stretch<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SuHnCAy8kgI/AAAAAAAAAeA/EJhVfK2D2xM/s1600-h/100_0748.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SuHnCAy8kgI/AAAAAAAAAeA/EJhVfK2D2xM/s320/100_0748.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395847850326004226" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy Fall to you all.<br /><br />Stretching is a key to relieving pain of Fibromyalgia. <br /><br />The muscles shorten when tight with pain, stretching lengthens them, relieving that pain. Stretching makes us more flexible which helps when doing chores around the home. Stretching can be fun and easy to do but there are some rules. Don't overstretch, start slowly working up to more stretches. <br /><br />Put "Fibromyalgia Stretching" into Google and you will find lots of good links for stretching.<br /><br />Now... I'm off to find some good stretching exercises for me.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-13250669376295223412009-10-06T11:03:00.000-07:002009-10-06T11:12:01.045-07:00Where have I been?<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SsuG7gPWlVI/AAAAAAAAAdw/aQgN2C_RT-A/s1600-h/100_0050.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SsuG7gPWlVI/AAAAAAAAAdw/aQgN2C_RT-A/s320/100_0050.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389549735903663442" /></a><br /><br />Where have I been? Have you ever heard of a Fibro Cave or Arthritis Cave or any other cave? I crawled in and hibernated for a while. I bet you have all done that at one time or another. Your pain, FATIGUE, etc takes over and you don't want to do anything extra. Every thing is an effort. If you haven't been there, I'm glad. It's not fun.<br /><br />We have had a wonderful summer here and now are coming into the cold Fall nights. The tree's are turning colors and leaves are beginning to fall. It's a beautiful time of the year in the Pacific Northwest. We have 4 definite seasons, my favorites are fall and spring. Not much of a winter person. Summer is great but requires so much work to keep up with the flowers and yard as I love lots of color around.<br /><br />Have a wonderful day..... (Oh, the picture is of my little guy, Sparky)Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-71703528780468266192009-07-22T12:10:00.000-07:002009-07-22T12:17:03.947-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/Smdkt8Zf9FI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/g5_9wZCuKiQ/s1600-h/000_0022.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/Smdkt8Zf9FI/AAAAAAAAAdQ/g5_9wZCuKiQ/s320/000_0022.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361364621877834834" /></a><br /><br />I hear people so often saying that moving to a hotter place like Arizona, etc helps their arthritis and fibromyalgia.<br /><br />My past few weeks say "phooey" to that as we have had hot weather and I have been in constant flares. Yesterday at a luncheon of 11 women, 3 others were feeling the very same as I. I don't know the answer but I don't think that is it.<br /><br />Have you ever felt a difference when you have been somewhere else than your home area? I'm curious to know.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-42757488780288550132009-06-19T08:55:00.000-07:002009-06-19T09:09:47.058-07:00Acceptance<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/Sju1ktGloNI/AAAAAAAAAco/H1_JzzeZu2Q/s1600-h/100_0411cropped.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/Sju1ktGloNI/AAAAAAAAAco/H1_JzzeZu2Q/s320/100_0411cropped.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349068624619741394" /></a><br /><br />I have struggled with choosing another subject and this morning I thought of <br /><strong>Acceptance</strong>.<br /><br />This is one of the hardest things to do after finding out we have Fibromyalgia. I do not believe we can become "better" until we accept the reason for our pain and then learn all we can about it and how to "Live" (really live) with it. It's very easy to try and pretend it's not there until we have another flare. It's hard to find doctor's who give us answers other than a name.<br /><br />Therefore we have to be our own teacher and find out more information on the illness and coping with it day by day.<br /><br />We go a few days, or a few weeks or if we are lucky a few months without a major flare and then we start doubting the prognosis again. Our brain chatter is sometimes our worst enemy if it is negative chatter.<br /><br />The patients who say loud and clear "I may have Fibromyalgia, but it doesn't have me" and "I'm going to learn all I can about coping with it and apply the information to my life so that I can still enjoy each day" are the ones that live happier and with less pain.<br /><br />When we learn all we can, we learn how to do the following things.<br />How to Pace my activities <br />Stretching exercises<br />How to get good sleep<br />What foods might make pain worse<br />What anger can affect pain<br />Stress and how it affects the whole bodyCarolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-87444306727976264202009-05-27T19:53:00.000-07:002009-05-27T20:04:14.321-07:00Pamper Me's<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/Sh38082t6fI/AAAAAAAAAb4/bABo1ON_nMM/s1600-h/100_0360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/Sh38082t6fI/AAAAAAAAAb4/bABo1ON_nMM/s320/100_0360.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340702719750302194" /></a><br /><br />My daughter called me a few days ago asking if I would like to have a Daughter/Mom day celebrating my birthday that is coming up next week. I didn't waste any time saying "yes, yes, yes" as I love those days when we can spend time together.<br /><br />A gift to me was lunch and a pedicure. I have only had one pedicure in my life and it's been years ago. Wow, with my feet and legs hurting from arthritis and Fibro, it was like heaven on earth.<br /><br />It last over an hour and was so great. She massaged my legs and feet and oh what a wonderful feeling it was. She finished with a "hot rock" treatment on my feet. I have soft skin (after buffing with a grainy cream, oil and lotion) on my legs and feet. I have pretty toe nails painted a lovely pink. I think they look at least 10 years younger and so that makes me having my 60th birthday not my 70th.<br /><br />The lesson is that we need to do some pamper me's now and then as we are dealing with every day life and Fibro's famous fatigue and pain. It doesn't matter if it is a hair do, a body massage, a pedicure or what ever... it's doing something for you.<br /><br />This was a day to remember for me... how was your day? <br /><br />by the way... the beautiful blue jay is chomping away on my suet cake outside the family room window. Having the hobby is making me feel good... never realized we had so many beautiful birds here in our own yard. I'm still out to "capture" a few others .... one of these days. Never thought I'd have a mama duck and her ducklings waddling down my hill either. Despite Fibro, life is fantastic.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-33814513287906165912009-05-23T13:41:00.000-07:002009-05-23T13:44:57.237-07:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/ShhgJ4wTnaI/AAAAAAAAAbg/lMLoppHcK-c/s1600-h/000_0012.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/ShhgJ4wTnaI/AAAAAAAAAbg/lMLoppHcK-c/s320/000_0012.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339123081217809826" /></a><br /><br />I know, I've been MIA lately. Why? Been busy working in my yard and letting some things go. The yard is getting caught up, the warm sun is getting my plants to grow and bloom and life is great. : )<br /><br />You know that as you work, you think. I got to thinking about Fibromyalgia and the grief of finding out you have this weird disease or syndrome, whatever you want to call it.<br /><br />We GRIEVE our past life when we could do so many things in one day. We grieve for the body that wasn't sore and hurting so much of the time. We grieve for days without pain. <br /><br />It's good to grieve but life goes on and one day we need to ACCEPT who we are and how we are at this moment. The old "us" is gone but we can, even now, CELEBRATE the days as they come. There are still LOTS of things we CAN do.... there are NEW hobbies and FUN things to do that do not create more pain.<br /><br />I have enjoyed so much this spring having my camera, getting a tripod to help steady the shaky hand. I have realized so much beautiful things around me that I never noticed before. The old saying "Stop and smell the Roses" is so true. The BLESSING of Fibro (bet you didn't think there are any) is that we have TIME to stop and smell the roses.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-25050836249357513582009-04-23T09:40:00.000-07:002009-04-23T17:11:36.612-07:00Well, I did it....<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SfEDsJBrAGI/AAAAAAAAAao/7q6rqkufeu4/s1600-h/100_0250.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SfEDsJBrAGI/AAAAAAAAAao/7q6rqkufeu4/s320/100_0250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5328043891028066402" /></a><br /><br />I overdid in spite of taking breaks. I bought over 2 dozen trays (some single, some quads) of plants along with the two cherry tomato plants I buy each yer. All but 4 trays have been planted. I need to "tie" my daffodils first and then plant my impatient's around my tree and and in the large barrel by the street.<br /><br />I also dumped old pots with good potting soil into the wheelbarrow and recycled the pots into the recycle can. Why do we hang on to stuff like this?<br /><br />I was hurting and sore last night, in spite of a couple of pain pills during the day.<br /><br />But it was so worth it. I love color. I'll be sharing some of my pictures as I go along.<br /><br />I've found a patch that really seems to help the sore and knotted muscles that pulsate with pain from Fibromyalgia They are called "Salonpas" and are sold in quite a few stores (Safeway, Rite Aid, Walmart and more). They really help and are very reasonable in cost.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-62079804579430493122009-04-15T13:51:00.001-07:002009-04-15T13:55:43.469-07:00Exercise Balls and FibroI'd like to share a link of one of my followers, today. Her blog explains it well. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.google.com/reader/view/user%2F07843874933442762302%2Fstate%2Fcom.blogger%2Fblogger-following#stream/user%2F07843874933442762302%2Fstate%2Fcom.blogger%2Fblogger-following">Country Whispers</a>Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-73668447280091540992009-04-13T09:59:00.001-07:002009-04-13T10:07:48.797-07:00The Day after Easter<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SeNwHeUbBfI/AAAAAAAAAZY/yILLcTeIdaI/s1600-h/100_0215.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SeNwHeUbBfI/AAAAAAAAAZY/yILLcTeIdaI/s320/100_0215.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324222458182174194" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />I hope none of you overdid during the Easter Weekend. I hope your day was a great one with family.<br /><br />Spring is showing up all over here in SW Washington State. The picture is my little violets peeking out from their hiding place.<br /><br />I've been doing a little outside. Weeds seem to grow in the spring quicker than any other time. I make quite a few trips outside with my little pal, Sparky. While he is doing his "thing", I'm pulling some weeds. Amazing at the end of the day what a difference it makes. And doing it in "spurts" allows me to enjoy my yard much more. The pain level of overdoing is not there. <br /><br />I hope you are remembering to pace yourself and doing your projects in "spurts" and rests. <br /><br />Enjoy Spring...Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7816250412773464798.post-8280228775842817732009-04-02T11:40:00.000-07:002009-04-03T12:46:22.730-07:00Exercise and Fibromyalgia<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SdUGvxlvYkI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/a5Ii__9dI7Q/s1600-h/sized+smaller.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_r3JoQrXhHBU/SdUGvxlvYkI/AAAAAAAAAZQ/a5Ii__9dI7Q/s320/sized+smaller.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320165952643359298" /></a><br /><br />Like my hummingbird picture I took this morning? See those wings and tail fly? That is natural exercise for that tiny bird.<br /><br />How can we do "bit's" of exercise like that? We recognize we cannot exercise like "normals" can but we also need to recognize the little ways we can get exercise throughout our day.<br /><br />Dance your way through dusting, picking up or whatever. It can be with music or not. Moving our arms and legs within range of motion helps work those muscles. Lifting arms up into the air.... shaking our hands, shaking our total bodies while doing deep breathing to circulate the oxygen through out our bodies.<br /><br />I have a paper sack rule for working outdoors. I'm not sure I have told you about it so am describing it here. Yep, spring comes and yard work begins but we simply cannot do long hours of heavy work. I fold down the top 3 inches of a grocery paper bag(to make it a little stronger) and then when the bag is full of clippings, weeds, etc (loosely, not packed) that signals me to take a break. Amazing what 10 minutes 2 or 3 times a day how much gets done. This is one of my golden rules of gardening. PACE yourself.<br /><br />Taking walks at our pace several times a day gives us exercise and fresh air that raises the hormones that create good feeling in us. Depression is common with chronic pain sufferers Getting out and walking helps that. Do nature walks, looking for little things that we can watch or admire.<br /><br />Take a walk through your main street, checking out the little shops along the way. Pick up speed between the shops so that your heart rate goes up.<br /><br />Don't sit for hours at a time, get up, move about doing a few minutes of walking in place or marching throughout the house several times<br /><br />What do you do for exercise? Could you share some here? Have a beautiful day...and soon to be weekend.Carolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10838604253601095047noreply@blogger.com3