After almost two weeks of suffering from my muscles attacking my spine and neck, last night I felt like I was finally on the upswing. I could feel my muscles relaxing and my joints popped whenever I moved my body. I sounded like a bowl of rice krispies. With less pressure on my neck, my brainContinue reading “What they don’t see”
Tag Archives: MS
Time-Out
It’s been a rough day. I was woken up this morning by intense abdominal, leg, and back muscle spasms. Tears rolled down my cheeks as each wave of spasms squeezed tightly. As the day progressed, their frequency decreased, which allowed me to rest. In addition to this, my stomach feels as though it is filledContinue reading “Time-Out”
The Pain Coma
Painsomnia has an evil sibling, the Pain Coma. Unlike a real coma, I am not completely comatose, but my physical and cognitive abilities are drastically reduced. In some ways it resembles a real coma as in no matter how hard I “will” my body to move, it won’t, it’s paralyzing. Then there is the feelingContinue reading “The Pain Coma”
What the rides at Disneyland have taught me about my conditions
This morning someone sent me an analogy on Twitter comparing having Fibromyalgia and riding Space Mountain. They tweeted that having Fibromyalgia and riding Space Mountain are the same as there are lots of ups and downs, tight curves, but no way to see them coming. This is spot on!! However it is how we choose to face those ups, downs,Continue reading “What the rides at Disneyland have taught me about my conditions”
Painsomnia, like insomnia but worse
We all know what insomnia is, but what is painsomnia? Painsomnia is when your pain(s) keep you from falling asleep or from reaching a restorative sleep level. With normal insomnia I would just get up and make good use of the time that should have been spent sleeping. UnfortunatelyContinue reading “Painsomnia, like insomnia but worse”
Sootheze Toasty Spa Friends Product Review
I was recently asked to review a Toasty Spa Friend from Sootheze. The Spa Friend I chose was the Smooth Kitty Collar. I chose this particular one for two reasons. The first is that I love cats and the second is that this kitty looks just like my cat Dr. Rocky. Disclaimer: “I have beenContinue reading “Sootheze Toasty Spa Friends Product Review”
When my mind and body are at out of sync
I honestly don’t know which is worse….. when my mind and body are both exhausted and useless or when my body is out of commission yet my brain is working overtime! Sometimes I prefer when my body and mind are both wiped out. Although nothing gets accomplished, at least I don’t become anxious about all theContinue reading “When my mind and body are at out of sync”
My favorite therapy
Therapy and chronic pain/illnesses go hand in hand. There is no way to go through life living in pain and not needing some type of therapy. We need physical therapy to strengthen our bodies to fight pain and illness. We need some sort of emotional therapy to keep from going mad from the pain thatContinue reading “My favorite therapy”
A fulfilled dream and squashed fears
Who says dreams don’t come true? Not me!!! It has been over 30 years since my first trip to the Happiest Place on Earth. Some people think I am crazy for wanting to arrive early when I do visit. But one of the things I love about arriving prior to opening is seeing which familiesContinue reading “A fulfilled dream and squashed fears”
I would probably die
I wouldn’t find this funny if it weren’t for my quirky sense of humor. But it is true if I had to run for my life, I probably would die. Thanks to permanent nerve damage in one leg and muscle weakness due to my chronic conditions, the chances of my being able to run toContinue reading “I would probably die”
The Year of Christmas
**UPDATE** October 31, 2016 While my friends and family are stressing over trying to figure out when they are going to have either or both the time or energy to put up their trees and decorate for Christmas, I am relaxed and ready to partake in loads of holiday fun! The year of Christmas hasContinue reading “The Year of Christmas”
Down’s and Disneyland
Last week my brother in-law, Tim, came to California to spend some time at Disneyland with my husband, daughter, and me. My brother in -law is not your typical 40 something man, he has Down’s Syndrome. This mini vacation is the second that my husband and I have had with him at Disneyland. The firstContinue reading “Down’s and Disneyland”
Pets that detect illnesses
Meet Dr. Rocky. I am sure you have heard at least one story about how a dog or cat detected cancer or another health issue in their owners. I have three cats, and only one of them believes he has the power to heal me or point out where the source of pain is located.Continue reading “Pets that detect illnesses”
30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know
30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know 1. The illness I live with is: Psoriatic Arthritis, Degenerative Disc Disease, Fibromyalgia, nerve damage from surgery, and possibly MS 2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: I was diagnosed with Fibro at age 33, PA at 34, DDD at 44. Nerve damageContinue reading “30 Things About My Invisible Illness You May Not Know”
My fashion secret
Chronic pain has changed my life. It has altered the way I do things. It has meant giving up old hobbies and trying new things. It has completely changed the way I view life. The one thing I didn’t expect to change was my wardrobe. My wardrobe overhaul began prior to my first diagnosis 12Continue reading “My fashion secret”
Wet’N’Wild Palm Springs
My first visit to a California water park with chronic pain! See if Wet’n Wild in Palm Springs was worth the visit! I must admit my experience with water parks is extremely limited. As a teen, I frequented Big Surf in Tempe, AZ. At that time all they had was the large wave pool andContinue reading “Wet’N’Wild Palm Springs”
When someone sees thru my mask
The world is filled with people that have no understanding what it is like to live with chronic pain. There are also some that sympathize, even though they can’t imagine what people like me are going through. I consider that small group to be angels, coming to us when we most need them. While chattingContinue reading “When someone sees thru my mask”
Assumptions
You know the saying, “When you assume you m ake an ass out of you and me”? Assumptions can cause unnecessary resentment, stress, jealousy, and unjust judgment upon those that assumptions are being made on. Recently a friend shared that a mutual acquaintance asked her why I needed my wheelchair. My friend replied by namingContinue reading “Assumptions”
Not so Invisible
Because most of the symptoms that stem from my conditions are invisible to the naked eye, I have often wished that there was some way for others to be able to see my pain without me having to say that I am in pain. A week ago I was reminded that I do have aContinue reading “Not so Invisible”
Rocked my Disney Side
Approximately two weeks ago my family and I rocked our Disney Sides at the 24 hour party. The first I had ever heard about Disney’s 24 hour parties was a month prior to this one. Being the Disney Geek that I am, my first thought was “Heck ya”!! My enthusiasm waned as IContinue reading “Rocked my Disney Side”