When my chronic illnesses first stole my ability to hit the dance floor, I didn’t really think much about what I had lost…. Then last year a burning desire to move my feet ignited……..
Tag Archives: pain pals
Living multiple lives.
Originally this post was going to be called “Living a double life,” but then I realized that I don’t just lead two lives; I live multiple lives. What I mean by this is that my life, when going through a flare, is totally different than when my Psoriatic Arthritis is in remission, and my remissionContinue reading “Living multiple lives.”
Spoonies are like snowflakes, each has a different story to tell
Recently a fellow spoonie posed a question online. She asked if she should share the details of her struggle because some people have rudely questioned her disability. They say that she is just fishing for attention. Anyone who suffers from chronic conditions like Fibromyalgia, Psoriatic Arthritis, Lupus, Lymes, MS, Endometriosis, etc.… knows that the struggleContinue reading “Spoonies are like snowflakes, each has a different story to tell”
Why I would suggest Disneyland over Disney World to someone who suffers from chronic pain.
It is no secret that I love Disneyland. Besides the magical memories made with family and friends, Disneyland provides me with physical and mental therapy. Because of this, I never hesitate to suggest a Disneyland vacation to my friends that suffer from chronic pain. However, I am not as quick to suggest they go toContinue reading “Why I would suggest Disneyland over Disney World to someone who suffers from chronic pain.”
Doctor Appointments That Do More Harm Than Good
Whether someone suffers from chronic pain or not, I feel it is safe to assume that most people see their doctors for two reasons. The first is to stay healthy, and the second is to find answers and get well. The last thing we expect is to leave that appointment physically feeling 10X worse thanContinue reading “Doctor Appointments That Do More Harm Than Good”
Insult or Compliment?
When someone says “You don’t look sick“, do you take it as an insult or a compliment? Personally I take it as an insult and here is why. 1. “You don’t look sick” is an accusation, not a compliment. Those words accuse the person in pain of being a liar. If people who haven’t aContinue reading “Insult or Compliment?”
What they don’t see
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”
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”
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”
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”
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”