Advertisements

Category Archives: Chronic Life

A September to Remember

Chronic Life, Oska Pulse October 2, 2018 Leave a comment

A September to Remember

Before I start rocking October, I want to share why this September is one I will always remember…….

20180922_155250.jpg

  1. I walked with purpose

Until earlier this year, I wasn’t able to walk long distances.  However, with my pain management plan doing such a fantastic job of lowering my chronic pain and inflammation, I am able to participate in walks like the one I did on Sept. 22nd.  The first walk I chose to raise money for was one that reminded me that there is always hope.  Six years ago before I implemented the lifestyle and pain management changes that I detail in my eBook Make Pain Your Bitch: How to Dominate Your Chronic Life, I was ready to end my life….. Thankfully I didn’t, because although I couldn’t see it at the time, there was hope and there was a better life ahead of me…. On this day, I walked for those who feel hopeless, in remembrance of those who lost their lives to depression, and to those who are left behind trying to figure out how to go on without their loved ones. Once again, I would like to thank everyone who donated! Be sure to subscribe to my email list if you would like to be notified about joining or supporting my team next year.

20181001_100547.jpg

2. I went on a hike

Until last Saturday, all my walking excursions have taken place on concrete or sand.  In fact, this wasn’t just my first hike since becoming chronically ill 20 years ago, it was my first hike EVER!!!!  I still can’t believe that I trudged through dirt trails and made my way up and down hills without falling and landing in donkey poop.  What made this hike even more special is that I talked Donna into getting up early and joining me.  We had such a fabulous time and love the workout that our bodies received so much that we plan to do it again.  Check out my Facebook and/or Instagram accounts to see pictures of the donkeys and gorgeous views.

20180928_163227.jpg

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission when you make a purchase from my links. The pennies earned offset the expense of running this blog and provides prizes for my fitness and Disneyability groups on Facebook.

3.  I visited Disneyland every week

I was at Disneyland once and sometimes twice a week all throughout the month.  This is something that I my body would never have been able to handle throughout my entire chronic life.  I not only went to the park, but the exception of a couple of visits, I drove myself each time!!!! No need for pain medication in the parks, all I used was PEMF therapy from Oska Pulse.  For full disclosure, I did vape MMJ and CBD before bed, but I do that every night.

Not one of these reasons to remember this September would have been possible if it weren’t for how well Oska Pulse addresses my chronic pain from fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, degenerative disc disease, and abdominal adhesions.  You can read about all the ways that PEMF therapy with Oska Pulse has helped reduce my pain by clicking here. Visit Oska Wellness yourself and find out why and how others are also living in less pain. As an affiliate of Oska Wellness, I am able to offer you a discount of $55 when you enter my promo code DIVA at checkout!  As those of you who have been following me for some time know, I never endorse or promote products that I wouldn’t use myself or recommend to my family.

How was your September?  Was it filled with memories that will make you smile or was it a month you’d rather forget?  Are you tired of having chronic pain dictate what you can or can’t do?  The changes I made six years ago made it possible for me to begin living and enjoying life long before the amazing improvements I have experienced in the past 2 years.  Find out how you can to by purchasing my eBook.  It costs less than a Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks!! Click here to download your copy today!

book cover web

20181001_150723_0001.png

Pin me!

 

 

Advertisements

Is Your Fitness Tracker Recording All of Your Steps?

Chronic Life, exercise September 27, 2018 Leave a comment

 

 

IS YOUR FITNESS TRACKER RECORDING ALL OF YOUR STEPS_

After years of having my family push me around in a wheelchair, I am thrilled to be able to walk wherever I want.  Although my chronic pain from fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and degenerative disc disease is well managed (and I mean extremely well, click here to read about my pain management plan) I have not been cured.  I still have to pay close attention to my body’s limits.  Being in less pain than I was when I was diagnosed doesn’t mean that I can do anything I want, I am constantly testing and setting new boundaries.  The most important part of creating, remaining within, and pushing my boundaries is tracking my steps.  However, I have found that even with a Fitbit, not all steps are counted when I am pushing a grocery cart or a rollator along a smooth surface.  By the way, I am not fussing over a few steps here and there, I am talking about being off by hundreds and thousands!

I put this to the test one day at Disneyland.  My daughter walked across a flat surface wearing her fitness tracker on her wrist.  Her step count was 500 steps.  I walked the same distance on the same surface while pushing my rollator. My step count was 75!! I found that it picked up steps on rough or bumpy surfaces, but was useless on ones that were flat and smooth.

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  Meaning that at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission when you make a purchase from them.  The pennies earned offset the expense of operating this site and for providing prizes for my fitness buddy and Disneyability groups on Facebook.

Not having steps counted is a problem for many reasons. I need to know my boundaries.  I can’t push past them every day without getting knocked down.  Knowing how many steps I can take in one day or within an hour helps me plan my outings.  It helps me plan for periods of rest or to have my wheelchair in the trunk in case what I have planned is too much for my body.  It also helps me see the progress I am making.

To solve this problem, I began wearing my Fitbit around my ankle.  I compared the recorded steps to wearing it on my wrist without pushing anything and there wasn’t a difference.  Now, whether I am pushing my rollator, a wheelchair, stroller, or grocery cart I know that my steps are being recorded.

If you are like me, your ankles are probably larger than your wrist and your fitness tracker won’t fit around them.  Here are some solutions that will help you keep an accurate record of your steps.

 

 

IS YOUR FITNESS TRACKER RECORDING ALL OF YOUR STEPS PINTEREST

 

The Disabled Diva’s Fitness Buddy Step Challenge

exercise September 26, 2018 Leave a comment

 

steps october

Welcome to my step challenge!

Exercise is an important part of my pain management plan.  Inactivity only increases the pain I experience from fibromyalgia, psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis, and degenerative disc disease.  To keep myself accountable, I created a fitness buddy group on Facebook.  We are a diverse group of people of various ages and physical abilities.  We encourage and motivate each other to reach our goals.

Don’t worry if you missed the cutoff for our current competition, the next challenge will follow shortly.

How to participate

  1. Anyone can take part in the challenge, but to be eligible to win prizes you must be a member of The Disabled Diva’s Fitness Buddies. Click here to join.
  2. You will need a fitness tracker.  Below is a list of fitness trackers to fit every budget, plus free apps you can download to your android or iPhone.
  3. Commit: You must commit to reaching x amount of steps throughout the challenge. The amount of steps for the challenge starting on Oct. 1, 2018 is whatever you choose, but the amount must be decided on and declared in the group by 1:00pm PST Sept. 30, 2018. For example, if you choose to commit to 6,000 steps a day, five days a week, you would declare that your goal is to reach 60,000 steps. Goals are to be realistic and in accordance to your ability.  Do not set a goal that increases your risk of injury or a health setback.  The minimum goal for the challenge is 20,000 steps.
  4. Posting: You must take a screenshot or photograph of your step count at the end of each evening and post it on the daily challenge post which in the group page.  You will NOT be eligible to win if you fail to post your daily results.
  5. Prize: Prizes will vary from one competition to the next.  See announcements in the group to find out what the current prize is.  To be eligible to win you must be a member of the group, reach your goal, and post your results daily in the weekly thread.  Winners will be drawn from those who meet all the requirements of the current competition. The number of prizes available will vary upon the number of participants, how many divisions, and the funds raised from The Disabled Diva’s Product Picks group (earnings from affiliate links fund the prize pool). Prizes will vary from fitness merchandise, gift certificates, and cash (delivered via PayPal). Cash and gift certificates will be issued in U.S. currency, however winners do not have to be residents of the United States. Details of current prizes and requirements to receive them can be found in the group announcements.
This post contains affiliate links. Meaning that at no cost to you, I earn a commission when you make a purchase from my links.

 

Whether you choose to join my group or not, I hope you will find a way to make exercise part of your daily life.

Fitness Trackers

pedometer

PINGKO Best Pedometer for Walking Accurately Track Steps Portable Sport Pedometer Step/distance/calories/Counter Fitness Tracker, Calorie Counter

Free Apps for iPhone and Android phones

If you own an iPhone 5s, 6, or 6s, or an iPhone that has been updated since iOS 8 you already have an app! Check out your iPhone Health app, it’s the white one with the little red heart.

Android: All available in the Google Play Store

Fitbit: You don’t need a bit to track your steps use the “MobileTrack” feature and track your steps with your phone.

Google Fit: Use your phone to track steps and set your walking goals.

book cover web

Walking with Purpose

Chronic Life, Raising awareness September 22, 2018 1 Comment
*This post contains affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I earn a few pennies when you make a purchase through my links.  The money earned offsets the expense of operating this blog/website and provides giveaway prizes for my Disneyability and Fitness Buddy groups.

Walking with Purpose

I wasn’t walking anywhere six years ago. In fact, I could barely take the few necessary steps from my bed to the bathroom without breaking down in tears from the excruciating pain it caused. I felt useless and hopeless. But just like the picture below says, there was and is HOPE! Thankfully instead of ending my life, I reached out for help. Part of what gave me hope was taking a different approach to how I dealt with my chronic pain. The changes I made six years ago saved my life. The new additions to my pain management plan added in November of 2016 allows me to help others in ways I never imagined possible. But this post is not about my pain management plan, click here to read about that, this post is about how regaining my ability to walk without pain has given me purpose and provides hope for me and others.

20180922_155250.jpg

Making Every Step Count

Whether I am using my rollator or walking without a mobility aid, I am walking with purpose. It started with my physical and mental health. As the distance I was able to walk increased, my body and mind felt better. It felt great to do something that my doctors had given no hope of ever doing again. Now that I see that my pain relief isn’t a fluke or short term remission, I feel confident in committing to helping others by putting one foot in front of the other.

20180922_081713.jpg

Choosing a Cause

Choosing my first walk to raise money and awareness for was actually easy. The cause I chose was suicide prevention. My reasons for choosing it are many. First, there was my own desire to commit suicide six years ago. Next was my continuing battle with depression. Although I am much better than I was, depression is an ugly beast that lies below the surface waiting to taunt me or persuade me to believe that I am worthless. Several members of my family have lost friends to depression and suicide earlier this year. Choosing suicide prevention and support for those left behind was a no brainer. As someone who walks a thin line when it comes to revisiting my past demons, I cannot provide the support that people who have lost someone to suicide need. But the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention can and does.

A Worthy Cause

The American Foundation of Suicide Prevention‘s mission is to save lives and to bring hope to those affected by suicide by following five core strategies:
1. Fund scientific research
2. Offer educational programs for professionals
3. Educate the public about mood disorders and suicide prevention
4. Promote policies and legislation that impact suicide and prevention
5. Provide programs and resources for survivors of suicide loss and people at risk, and involve them in the work of the Foundation

 

A Cause I will Always Support

I am glad that I chose to raise money and awareness for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention this year and will do so again next year. Yep, get ready to get blasted with social media posts asking for your support next year!! Besides knowing that the money raised will be used to help saves lives, this event showed me how much they care about those who have been affected by suicide.  The event itself was family friendly.  People, young and old were in attendance.  The location was suitable for people of all physical abilities.  There were strollers, wheelchairs, rollators, and best of all tons of dogs!!! There were free beads for people to wear that represented what they were there for.  Whether it be a personal struggle, loss of a loved one, or for no other reason than supporting this fantastic foundation.  There was a booth to make bracelets in honor of a loved one and another to make a sign stating who they were walking for.  As I sit here writing this blog post this evening, my heart aches thinking about all the people who gathered this morning.  Seeing how many people have been affected by either the loss of a loved one who committed suicide or who have or are currently battling depression or another mental illness was eye opening.  And this was just one event, in one state, in one county, in one city, in one park…..  Imagine if we could see everyone else across the country or even around the world?

20180922_155534.jpg

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.  Also don’t forget to subscribe to The Disabled Diva to receive email updates on how you can join and help me support worthy causes like this one.

OSKA_Product_diva

All the DIVAS benefit from less pain and inflammation thanks to their drug-free pain relief devices. You can too! Plus save $55 with promo code DIVA

walk with purpose

 

 

 

Use Your Words

Chronic Life, Donna September 9, 2018 Leave a comment

Use Your Words

donna words post blog

“You are so much fun.” My friend said that to me in between tear-producing guffaws as we laughed about me trying to park the car (a common struggle for me). I didn’t even acknowledge the comment because I was still attempting to park, and my brain was processing her words slowly. I heard them, but they settled into my brain and didn’t truly get digested until later. Ever since they’ve regularly echoed in my mind and heart and made me smile.

How wonderful would it be if we told people what we like about them? It’d create a ripple effect of joy and positivity. So often, we wait for a special occasion or possibly even someone’s funeral to share what we admire, value, and appreciate about them. Sometimes we’ll say it to someone else but not to that person. For example, let’s say you’re getting together with two of your friends that have never met each other. You tell Friend A that they’re going to love Friend B because of their great sense of humor and kind aura that makes everyone feel at ease. Here’s my question for you. Have you ever told Friend B that you love those things about them? For many people, that’s a “nope”!

online therapy large logo

Save 20% at Online-Therapy.com when you register through this link.

My challenge to you is not to wait to tell people what you admire, value, and appreciate about them. Truly, we never know how much time we have to tell them, so why not do it now?

Yes, it feels a little strange. A little vulnerable. Out of your comfort zone. If you’re an introvert like me, it’s even harder. You might find that sharing in writing is more comfortable—a note in the mail, a text, an email. A video or audio clip sent privately on social media is another option. Whether you want to tell someone that you love how they seek out newcomers and make them feel welcome, express your admiration for their always-on-point eyeliner, or share with your spouse that you appreciate how they do that chore you hate (even though they hate it, too), keep it simple. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture or long and flowery. It can be an offhand comment while you’re in the car together or a quick Facebook message. Feel free to make it “bigger”, though! You might want to share in a heartfelt face-to-face chat or long note in a card. Depending on your relationship with that person, what you want to acknowledge, and your personality, you’ll approach it differently. You can even use this post as a segue… “Hey, I saw this blog post about not waiting to tell people what we appreciate about them, so I just wanted to say that I love how you [insert awesome thing about them].”

Need some help getting started? I like this list of loving expressions. I challenge you to share your heart with someone once a week! We show how we feel through actions, but don’t forget to use your words. Words are so powerful; let’s use them to uplift others and strengthen relationships! Who will you share with first?

Join our Facebook groups!

Spoon Rest

Disneyability

The Disabled Diva’s Fitness Buddies

The Disabled Diva’s Alternative Pain Fighting Forum

The Disabled Diva’s Product Picks

book cover web

 

September is Pain Awareness Month

Chronic Life, Fibromyalgia Awareness, Oska Pulse August 31, 2018 Leave a comment

SeptemberisPain AwarenessMonth fb

September is pain awareness month.

Throughout the month I will be sharing different ways to reduce or alleviate chronic pain.

*Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission when you make a purchase thru my links.

One of my favorite pain relief options is PEMF therapy with Oska Pulse from Oska Wellness. Here are a few reasons that I love this wonderful little piece of technology. It is convenient; I am able to administer treatment wherever and whenever I choose. There are no side-effects! How many pain relief treatments have you tried that didn’t create more issues?! Last but not least, it WORKS!! My beautiful blue device reduces and eliminates inflammation and pain like nothing I have ever tried before. Since combining it with the other components of my pain management plan, I have been able to achieve relief I never thought possible and have been living a full and active life. But don’t just take my word for it, check out what others have to say on their testimonial page.
Another reason I love Oska Wellness is that they are committed to helping people feel better! This month and this month only, Oska Wellness will be donating $10 to the National Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association for every Oska Pulse sold! This foundation works to unite patients, policy makers, and healthcare, medical and scientific communities to transform lives through visionary support, advocacy, research and education of fibromyalgia and chronic pain illnesses.

NFMCPA-2017-logo

And it gets better! When you enter promo code DIVA at checkout or purchase through this link, you SAVE $55!!! So, you save money, the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain Association gets a donation, and you will benefit from the best pain and inflammation reducing product available!!

Still not convinced that Oska Pulse is right for you?

Join my Alternative Pain Fighting Forum where I have tons of third party reports about the device.

Click here to discover how it has helped me. I began documenting my progress on my blog soon after I began using it daily.

And last but not least….. click here to visit Oska Wellness yourself!

Don’t forget DIVA saves you $55!

SeptemberisPain AwarenessMonth pin

book cover web

How CBD Helped Me Quit Smoking

CBD, Chronic Life, Health issues August 27, 2018 Comments: 6

How CBD Helped Me Quit Smoking

How CBD Helped Me Q tw

Click here to learn more about CBD

Disclosure: I am not a medical professional. I am not issuing medical advice. I am just sharing my experience. This post contains affiliate links, meaning that at no cost to you I receive a small commission when you make a purchase from them.

Whether you smoke, vape, or chew it, nicotine is never good for your health. Nicotine can cause dangerous health issues with your lungs, heart, gastrointestinal system, and more. I was a smoker for most of my life. I began smoking when I was a teen and unsuccessfully tried to quit numerous times throughout my adult years. With my 50th birthday nearing I began evaluating everything I was doing for my health because I plan to live for another 54 years! While I have made great strides in cleaning up my diet and incorporating daily exercise into my life, I was still smoking cigarettes. Because of other health improvements, it became easy for me to notice the negative effects that smoking was having on my body. Then finally one morning I had had enough and said “NO MORE!”

bio cbd beach

You can’t go wrong with Bio CBD+! Click here to check them out!

I knew that if I really wanted to quit this time I would have to avoid methods I tried in the past. This meant that cutting back or going cold turkey wasn’t the answer. The trouble with cutting back is that as long as I knew I had cigarettes around, I would smoke them. Then I would buy another pack and lie to myself by saying I would only have one or two a day. In the past going cold turkey turned me into a raving lunatic. I would become so irritable and nasty that my family would actually beg me to smoke a cigarette!

Months prior to quitting for good, I had begun vaping medical marijuana and CBD. Until that point, I had been medicating with edibles, tinctures, or smoking it. I found comfort in vaping, it was like smoking but without the smell. It was also less time consuming and more affordable than smoking. A quick toke here and there and I was good to go. Vaping also satisfied another issue, I liked how it felt to hold a cigarette, inhale from it, and exhale smoke. I found vape pens that looked and felt like a cigarette. Recognizing that I would need to wean myself off of nicotine, I also purchased a few nicotine cartridges.

sooth cbd trav

Click here to check out Soothes’ disposable vaporizer

Within the first few weeks, my craving for nicotine disappeared. However, my desire to smoke whenever I wanted to relax or if I felt anxious or stressed was strong. Not wanting to continue buying nicotine cartridges, I began taking one or two hits of CBD whenever the urge to buy and smoke a pack of smokes overtook me. Within seconds of exhaling a calmness would come over me and I no longer felt the need to smoke.

It has been three months since I quit. While not the first time I have attempted to quit, it will be my last. I only reach for my CBD cartridge when I need it, which believe it or not isn’t every day!! You may be wondering why if I had been using CBD for years wasn’t I able to quit smoking long ago. The reason is that I wasn’t listening to my body or recognizing why I was craving a cigarette. Now I know, I know when I need it to help me focus or to overcome a craving. Another difference is that by using a vape pen it is easy to keep with me and use at all times.

Would you like to learn more about CBD?  Click here for expert information.

Click here for a list of my preferred CBD products.

Click here to check out my Facebook groups

book cover web

How CBDHelpedMe StopSmoking pin.png

 

%d bloggers like this: