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Rant

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If you are not in the mood for a bit of anger and frustration, definitely skip this one. This is all off the top of my head with no edits. This shows you where I am when I turn my filters off. But without the swearing.

I do not understand why finding help for chronic issues is so difficult. I don’t understand how or why treatment rarely takes other issues into consideration. And I really do not understand why pieces of a patient take priority over the patient as a whole.

Here’s an example using my issues. Nerve impingement in different areas of my body are treated by three different docs. The resulting pain is amplified by the Fibromyalgia. My neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and hands are a numb, tingly, painful, and weakening mess. The allowances I make to ease the pressure on my neck and shoulders are not the best for my elbows, wrists, and hands. What could be best for them may aggravate my neck and shoulders.

Was that a jumbled mess? I hope not. If so, it’s a reflection of my frustration. How do I choose which pain has to take priority? I’ve been trying to compartmentalize the issues for ages and now my body has had more than enough. I am screaming. Screaming in pain, frustration, and in hopes the screaming takes the edge off.

At least I’m not getting the ‘just lose weight’ suggestions. Yet.

I am not seeking drugs. I need answers so I can feel better. I do not expect to get to 100% ever again. I just want to stop screaming.

The next post will be different. For now, I see Jerrod Carmichael’s new HBO special and spring rolls in my future. Beyond that, I’m undecided.

See you next time.

Chapter 53 is a go

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Welp, it’s been a minute. I’ve been posting regularly on social media, so anything shared here for the part you’ve seen if you follow me. Here are the updates since January.

*Two jabs in the cervical spine
*A new rheumatologist, new tests, and new meds
*A new specialist for my hand/wrist/elbow pain and strength issues (first appointment pending)
*Increased pain, stiffness, and ability to function in general (thanks to pain, weakness, and cognitive issues)
*More daily screaming (pain and frustration)

And a big one – Chapter 53 began on March 30. I am now 13 years older than my dad when he died. I miss him and think he’d like who I grew to become. No make up and in flare central. Basically everyday lately, just a little older.


That’s it for now because my Saturday spoons are almost gone. Hopefully an hour or so with an ice pack or at least a nap will do the trick. Until next time, peace!



So, it’s 2022

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I don’t have much to say about it so far. I don’t want to say anything about resolutions or goals. Not that I don’t have any goals, but I am feeling a little pessimistic about what the year may bring. I was excited about the end of 2020 and look how that turned out.

Here’s to the dumpster fires of the past two years going out. Here’s to better health and happiness to all. Here’s to karma. Here’s to being a better person.

Until next time, peace!

Do you use CBD oil for pain relief?

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Greetings, all! As you may know, I live with chronic pain. Some days are much better than others thanks to physical therapy, learning how to move more effectively, meds, and herbal teas. Something else that seems to help some days is CBD oil.

I’ve experimented with the concentration over the years and have found 1500-2500 mg full-spectrum formulas helpful. I do have to take supplemental meds some non-flare days, so I’m going to try a higher concentration.

If you are considering giving CBD a try, do some research. I don’t mean random sites you may find or the sales pitch from a buddy who will receive a commission. Ask your doctor for sources, especially if you have a pain management specialist. My doc is willing to help me find solutions that do not involve heavy meds but does not hesitate to fuss at me if I am about to make an error.

You can start your research with Dr. Andrew Colucci’s article and review his resources. Also, check the reviews for specific brands on Amazon. You don’t have to shop there but will see what other shoppers think. I tend to start with the two-star reviews then go to three-star reviews. Those tend to be more honest in my opinion.

So, do you use CBD as a supplement or your main pain relief option? Let me know.

Until next time, peace.

Last-minute gifts

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Can you believe that there are only 10 days until Christmas and two weeks left in the year?  I’m ready to say good riddance to 2021 and I’m sure aI’m not alone. 

Have you completed shopping yet? I have not myself and will be baking goodies as a gift supplement. Don’t worry, y’all, I do keep the goodness as holiday goodness and only tweak to make things healthier if ther are strict dietary concerns. 

If you need ideas other than gift cards, here are a few options. 

If you have an amatuer chef on your list, a really good kife is an option. Sam’s Club and Costco have decent sets available.  If a knife is not on your mid, cutting boards, a nice measureing cup and spoon set (skip the plastic), or an apron would be appreciated. 

If a book lover is on your list, you can go with paper or a Kindle for e-book fans. Check the best-seller lists and also take a dive into a beleoved author’s titles and pick up one that the gift recipient would love.  If a coobkook addict is on your list (hint, hint), take a peek at what thie addict has on hand and pick up a companion title or try something a little different. 

Do you have a gamer on your list?  Honestly, a gift card may be vest unless you have requests.  Witha  gift card, they can pick up expansion packs for a game they already love or pick up a game they have their eye on. Gamers can be particular about their equipment, so keep that in mind as you shop. 

I hope these suggestions help.  I’ll add another list of suggestions another time.  

Untl next time, peace! 

 

November is here! How goes all?

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So, how are you fine people doing? Can you believe 2021 is almost over? I’m blown away and also glad to see the end is near. These past two years have been a whirlwind of weird and not the good kind of weird. But until December 31, 2021, at 11:59 PM, we have to keep pushing.

So, what are your plans for the next two months? I’ll be over here, planning menus, working, spending family time in the nearly empty nest, and training. Training will consist of getting these ankles, spine, and knee ready for the Shrimp & Grits 5K on January 15. Want to join me? It will be a blast! It’s part of the Charleston Marathon events and the after-party is fun.

I had to sit out due to injuries and it hurt. I entered a few years ago as a thing to keep me motivated and moving forward. Having to sit out made me feel like a failure. I know that I did not fail, I just had something to handle before I could participate again. So I am going to get to it. Slowly, but will intent and determined to hit a decent pace before the race so I can compete. I compete with myself more than anyone else. My goal is to beat my last finish time.

So, are you going to join me? Registration is open now and you have plenty of time. Come walk with me! We’ll walk, enjoy a little of the after-party, then go grab some lunch. I am tempted by the Bless Your Heart Bling that participants of any of the Charleston Marathon and Myrtle Beach Marathon events will get. Those events are on March 5. Are you tempted, too?

Let me know what you’re up to. I’d love to hear it! See you later!

How is it almost May?

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Dude.  Time totally got away from me (and the rest of the family) in April.  Hubs and I are fully vaccinated as of April 29 and he did not get sick.  I did.  And did I ever.  I did not have any breathing issues, but the fatigue hit me like a ton of bricks and I had massive brain fog. It’s been like a never-ending Fibro flare working overtime.  It’s not over, but I am getting back to me.

Well, getting back to me living at the 4-5 range instead of the 2-3 from February.  That pothole hit did a lot of damage. It knocked out our tire, my back, and my mojo. But that’s not what I want to dwell on.

Did you catch the Pink Moon (Supermoon) this past Monday?  We had to wait until after midnight to get a really good look, but it was worth it.  Sister Moon showed up and she was fierce! 

I have a few projects in the works, including our garden, finishing up the kitchen, and other painting projects.  What do these projects have to do with health?  They are labors of love and those make my heart smile.  Yes, they are work and take a little time almost every day, but they are worth it.  I’ll share here, Instagram, and YouTube  I’ve kept my promise to myself to post more often and I think you’ll like what I have to share.

Speaking of, is there anything that you would like to see?  Recipes?  Reviews?  Photos?  Workouts?  A little of everything is on the table. Why? Because there is always a little of everything on the table.

Congratulations to my cousin who is getting married this weekend.  I wish I could be there.

Is a wedding or gardening in your weekend plans?  Let me know what’s up because I’d love to hear it. No matter what your plans, please remember that you are loved. Have fun and take care until next time.

Peace.

Welcome to February!

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How was your January? Mine was a continuation of 2020 in some ways, but I stayed on track. 

I’m 8 pounds lighter and 5 inches smaller than on January 1.  I am blown away!

I’m playing the long game, y’all. Eating better, moving a little more, and keeping my health in focus. This means not focusing on other’s progress and comparing mine to theirs My journey is not just about weight. It includes becoming more mobile and strengthening my back so my spine has more support. It includes finding the best ways of managing Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome symptoms. Most importantly, it involves taking care of my heart, mind, and body.

I learned a little while ago that I have to take care of myself if I wanted to be of help to anyone else.  Part of that included recognizing sharing the truth about what I could and couldn’t handle on some days. It was not as easy as it sounds and was vital.  Burnout led to increased pain and exhaustion along with lost productivity.  When I’d get to that point, I’d be no good to anyone, including myself.  Sleep was not restful and meds made me foggier than I could handle.  Errors at work were harder to catch and the idea of housework made life just too much.  All I could do was sleep and work.  I hated that and do not want to revisit that schedule or mindset again.

Don’t get me wrong – there are still foggy, painful days, but they don’t last more than a week at a time. I’m so thankful for that.

I am going to go on and on if I don’t move to another topic.

So, February.  What are your plans?  Any goals?  Mine include keeping on the cleaner meal plan with treats on occasion (The Ultimate Portion Fix is my jam) and moving more without pushing so hard that I lose progress.  Let me know what you’re up to.  I want to hear it!