I don't know about you, but ice packs and I go together like peanut butter goes with jelly. And I have my favorites. Preferably the ones with gel in them versus's the hard plastic kind. What I didn't know, until I joined the chronic pain/fibro family, was that you could make your own.
Say what? Yep. You can make your own! This made me very happy. I am now not limited to what size the store happens to carry. I wanted a long one for my spine. And those are SPENDY with a capital S. I just about had a heart attack when I went looking for one. So I just grabbed one of those super giant plastic bags that walmart has to store sweaters or take things to the beach and made a ice pack out of it. Layed it flat in the freezer and man oh man. Heaven. (I did ductape the top just so I could be sure it didn't 'unzip' and soak my bed.) But the smaller ice packs are just as dandy and what I use most of the time.
Oh! And I take them with me! Which is so great that I can make them at home cheaply and easily because I admit to forgetting mine from time to time when I'm buzzing around town. Super easy and quick to make. Just need a bag, some water, and rubbing alcohol. The alcohol is what keeps it from freezing into a hard ice block and allowing it to mold to your body instead. For a harder ice pack add more water. For a softer ice pack and more gel type feeling, add more alcohol. Do use a towel or piece of fabric between your skin and the ice pack to avoid a skin burn.
Just mix three parts water to one part alcohol and pour it into a strong plastic bag that seals well. BAM! You are done. You are welcome. LOL! ;)
Remember that tonight is the night we all get together to share our tips on daily living with chronic pain. See you tonight at the meeting!
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Monday, February 9, 2015
Tuesday Night Meeting 2-10-15
Its that time again. Three years ago we all came together to make this really wonderful list of helpful tips that we all use for our everyday survival of chronic pain. We'd like to add to it. And to do that, we need YOU. We need your suggestions and tips. What makes your every day life easier? Is there a tip on how to make grocery shopping easier and less taxing? Do you have a exercise or stretch to share? Do you leave something in your car that helps you? Is there something ingenious on how you get your house cleaned? Don't worry if you think its trivial or everyone knows about that. Maybe we don't! Often our pain filled brains just put up this wall and it takes someone stating the obvious. So...What? Whatcha got? We really want to know. We all love having those AHA moments and this is the time to share. Its my most favorite meeting of the year honestly. They are all great meetings but this one, this I get positively giddy about. We haven't added too many as of late so your help is very much appreciated. So come join us! Write your ideas down in the meantime so you don't forget any and I'll see you Tuesday night.
Oh! I would also like to take a second and mention that Janice has set up a speaker in March to educate us on marijuana. I think she has someone pro and con coming so that is really exciting. Nobody cares where you stand on the issue. Its your personal choice. But so many of us don't have any idea what is going on with the new law legalizing it so this will be the much needed information we are needing to make a decision that works best for us as individuals. Another really cool thing to be excited about. Janice is so awesome. Don't you think?
See ya'll tomorrow!
Oh! I would also like to take a second and mention that Janice has set up a speaker in March to educate us on marijuana. I think she has someone pro and con coming so that is really exciting. Nobody cares where you stand on the issue. Its your personal choice. But so many of us don't have any idea what is going on with the new law legalizing it so this will be the much needed information we are needing to make a decision that works best for us as individuals. Another really cool thing to be excited about. Janice is so awesome. Don't you think?
See ya'll tomorrow!
Monday, February 2, 2015
Stress Can Be Such A Pain
Stress can be such a pain. Literally! But don't take my word for it. Go ahead and stress yourself out over something tiny or huge and watch what happens. Just don't blame me for your aches and pains, because I did warn you...
Negative feelings, anxiety, depression, anger, stress --- they all can increase you body's sensivitity to pain. You need to find ways and tools to minimize those feelings in order to manage some of your pain. Its not easy and it takes time to train your brain and your body on how to handle stress. I am always a work in progress. And I have my moments where I fail miserably. But I 'have' learned not to beat myself up about it. I've learned to shrug it off and just jump back in right where I am. Rather than concentrate on the negative, I let go of the past. The things, habits, words, actions, I cannot change. I can however control the 'now' and the "future.' So let whatever is eating at you go. Let whatever response you have to that stress go too. Instead pick one or two of the following tips and retrain your brain on how to respond. Because stress is never going to go away. You're in a permanent game of dodge ball. Hopefully most days you can get out of its way. But when it goes and smacks you in the face when you are not looking, try some of the following to help you stay in the game.
Look to techniques that reduce stress and promote relaxation. Such as listening to soothing calming music. Light a candle with a soft comforting scent. Take a hot bath and just let your body relax. This would be the perfect time to try mental imagery. Try to mentally escape to a place or time where you were happy and relaxed. Focus only on positive images. This is not the time to multi task and build your grocery list. Just let everything else go. Picture yourself walking thru a quiet meadow or sitting peacefully by a babbling brook. Can't do it? Then maybe consider purchasing a relaxation cd to help assist you. Or seeing a mental health professional. They are a great resource to use if you need to. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Try deep breathing, meditation, yoga to help you relax. Whatever you are comfortable with. Maybe start with just simple slow breaths and when you've got that consider the next step of meditating. Doesn't need to be for a huge chunk of time. Maybe just do little mini breaks throughout the day if that works better for you. Honestly, its a life saver for me. My life and job is so stressful that I am constantly fighting that anxious stressed feeling and I can feel my pain levels raise higher and higher. I don't have 'time' for meditating, breathing, etc. I got stuff that has to be done! Or so I told myself. Then I told myself to stop. To breathe. Block it all out and breathe. Everyone who needs me can wait for 2 minutes. And they'll be happier for it too. Because if I don't take those two minutes, I grenade on them. So yes. Take those few minutes even if its just here and there. Close your eyes. Deep breathes in, slow exhales out. Roll shoulders and neck slowly. Just let it go. Try doing it every hour or half hour. Thats what I am learning to do. Nothing too huge. Just a quick mini de-stress session. I'm actually much more productive and calmer when I do this. Making me a better person and co worker to be around.
Should I say it? Exercise. I know! I know! That horrible dreaded word. We hurt. We don't need to add to our pain by adding exercise. The doctors are total goons and don't have a clue what pain feels like on a daily basis. If they just lived ONE DAY in our shoes. I get it. I think the same. Doesn't mean I get a 'free pass' on it though. They aren't saying to enter the decathalon or sign up for the next body building competition. They just say to incorporate exercise. I want to hate them too. But I'll be honest with you. I gripe, moan, cuss, sulk, and throw a mini tantrum every day as I go to do my 'exercise adventure' of the day. I have so many colorful words and names to call these Drs.I am not a happy camper, but I do it. Why? Because I honestly DO feel better when I am done. I don't promise anyone anything when it comes to exercising. I listen to my body and if all I can do that day is the minimum, then so be it. I do the minimum. But I 'do' - do it. Even if its just walking in the pool for a half hour. Or ten minutes on the treadmill. I do it. More often than not, once I get past the ten minute mark, I'm feeling pretty good and can go further or longer. My endorphins have kicked in and I now have my natural body pain reliever working. So do try it. Even if its just the minimum to start or on your bad days. And I promise I won't tell you I told you so. (And of course consult your physician before starting any exercise program.) Exercise really is a wonderful way to conquer stress and to help with pain.
Here is a great tip... Join a support group! Seriously! People who have chronic pain feel alone. If you go to a meeting you will soon realize that you are not alone after all. And by joining a group you have instant access to the wisdom of others who endure as well. They may have some tips to assist you. Learn from them. And don't make the mistake I made. I thought it would just be a bunch of people sitting around whining about how much they hurt. Its not! Or at least ours isn't. Janice is FABULOUS about arranging speakers to come in and give us different avenues to explore. We've never had a gripe session. Its awesome! Going to group meetings has given me a huge resource of information. Through the speakers, the other people who attend, its just incredible. So please, at least try a support group. If its not for you thats okay. But you could be happily surprised that you went. And if its our support group, well, I can't wait to meet you!
Another thing that can help manage pain and relieve stress is to stop smoking. Apparently it can worsen already painful circulation problems. Not to mention it increases your risk of heart disease and cancer.
Massage, biofeedback, a healthy diet, and tracking your pain level daily are also ways to handle your stress levels. A simple pain journal could be a useful tool to refer back to. It may pinpoint areas that cause you unneeded stress that you didn't realize. If you could prevent that action from happening in the first place, what a life changer that would be. Sometimes writing it down is all it takes to see something you would not have otherwise.
Remember to breathe and relax your muscles. Let that stress go. Don't let it encompass you.
Blessings to you my friends ~ Kristie
Negative feelings, anxiety, depression, anger, stress --- they all can increase you body's sensivitity to pain. You need to find ways and tools to minimize those feelings in order to manage some of your pain. Its not easy and it takes time to train your brain and your body on how to handle stress. I am always a work in progress. And I have my moments where I fail miserably. But I 'have' learned not to beat myself up about it. I've learned to shrug it off and just jump back in right where I am. Rather than concentrate on the negative, I let go of the past. The things, habits, words, actions, I cannot change. I can however control the 'now' and the "future.' So let whatever is eating at you go. Let whatever response you have to that stress go too. Instead pick one or two of the following tips and retrain your brain on how to respond. Because stress is never going to go away. You're in a permanent game of dodge ball. Hopefully most days you can get out of its way. But when it goes and smacks you in the face when you are not looking, try some of the following to help you stay in the game.
Look to techniques that reduce stress and promote relaxation. Such as listening to soothing calming music. Light a candle with a soft comforting scent. Take a hot bath and just let your body relax. This would be the perfect time to try mental imagery. Try to mentally escape to a place or time where you were happy and relaxed. Focus only on positive images. This is not the time to multi task and build your grocery list. Just let everything else go. Picture yourself walking thru a quiet meadow or sitting peacefully by a babbling brook. Can't do it? Then maybe consider purchasing a relaxation cd to help assist you. Or seeing a mental health professional. They are a great resource to use if you need to. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Try deep breathing, meditation, yoga to help you relax. Whatever you are comfortable with. Maybe start with just simple slow breaths and when you've got that consider the next step of meditating. Doesn't need to be for a huge chunk of time. Maybe just do little mini breaks throughout the day if that works better for you. Honestly, its a life saver for me. My life and job is so stressful that I am constantly fighting that anxious stressed feeling and I can feel my pain levels raise higher and higher. I don't have 'time' for meditating, breathing, etc. I got stuff that has to be done! Or so I told myself. Then I told myself to stop. To breathe. Block it all out and breathe. Everyone who needs me can wait for 2 minutes. And they'll be happier for it too. Because if I don't take those two minutes, I grenade on them. So yes. Take those few minutes even if its just here and there. Close your eyes. Deep breathes in, slow exhales out. Roll shoulders and neck slowly. Just let it go. Try doing it every hour or half hour. Thats what I am learning to do. Nothing too huge. Just a quick mini de-stress session. I'm actually much more productive and calmer when I do this. Making me a better person and co worker to be around.
Should I say it? Exercise. I know! I know! That horrible dreaded word. We hurt. We don't need to add to our pain by adding exercise. The doctors are total goons and don't have a clue what pain feels like on a daily basis. If they just lived ONE DAY in our shoes. I get it. I think the same. Doesn't mean I get a 'free pass' on it though. They aren't saying to enter the decathalon or sign up for the next body building competition. They just say to incorporate exercise. I want to hate them too. But I'll be honest with you. I gripe, moan, cuss, sulk, and throw a mini tantrum every day as I go to do my 'exercise adventure' of the day. I have so many colorful words and names to call these Drs.I am not a happy camper, but I do it. Why? Because I honestly DO feel better when I am done. I don't promise anyone anything when it comes to exercising. I listen to my body and if all I can do that day is the minimum, then so be it. I do the minimum. But I 'do' - do it. Even if its just walking in the pool for a half hour. Or ten minutes on the treadmill. I do it. More often than not, once I get past the ten minute mark, I'm feeling pretty good and can go further or longer. My endorphins have kicked in and I now have my natural body pain reliever working. So do try it. Even if its just the minimum to start or on your bad days. And I promise I won't tell you I told you so. (And of course consult your physician before starting any exercise program.) Exercise really is a wonderful way to conquer stress and to help with pain.
Here is a great tip... Join a support group! Seriously! People who have chronic pain feel alone. If you go to a meeting you will soon realize that you are not alone after all. And by joining a group you have instant access to the wisdom of others who endure as well. They may have some tips to assist you. Learn from them. And don't make the mistake I made. I thought it would just be a bunch of people sitting around whining about how much they hurt. Its not! Or at least ours isn't. Janice is FABULOUS about arranging speakers to come in and give us different avenues to explore. We've never had a gripe session. Its awesome! Going to group meetings has given me a huge resource of information. Through the speakers, the other people who attend, its just incredible. So please, at least try a support group. If its not for you thats okay. But you could be happily surprised that you went. And if its our support group, well, I can't wait to meet you!
Another thing that can help manage pain and relieve stress is to stop smoking. Apparently it can worsen already painful circulation problems. Not to mention it increases your risk of heart disease and cancer.
Massage, biofeedback, a healthy diet, and tracking your pain level daily are also ways to handle your stress levels. A simple pain journal could be a useful tool to refer back to. It may pinpoint areas that cause you unneeded stress that you didn't realize. If you could prevent that action from happening in the first place, what a life changer that would be. Sometimes writing it down is all it takes to see something you would not have otherwise.
Remember to breathe and relax your muscles. Let that stress go. Don't let it encompass you.
Blessings to you my friends ~ Kristie
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Hot Hemp Muscle Rub
One of our fellow fibromites/chronic pain suffer has some really sensitive skin and could not use many topicals such as Sombra. They recently discovered "Hot Hemp Muscle Rub" and did not have a skin reaction and really liked the product. I am not sure of the brand etc but I just love google and found some here http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/181-7765163-1847468?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Hot+Hemp+Muscle+Rub if you want to read about it or check it out.
For those of you who like or are interested in Sombra the link for that is here http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sombra&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Asombra
For myself, I like to really burn it up with Tiger Balm. LOL! I should NOT use it because I have horrible skin but hey, I like how warm it gets. And when I hurt I want to feel like it is 'doing something.' Even if its not. These items can be found at your local shops too but I just love amazon. If I am patient and not in a hurry I can just click the mouse and it comes later that week. Lazy? No. Smart? Yes! I detest walking up and down the aisles fighting people when I can just click and get. Much less stressful for me.
I, myself, found a handy little tip. It works great for me! I've said it more than once. More like a million. But its the little things for me. I am just discovering the wonderfulness of essential oils. I won't pretend to know everything there is to know about it. But I'm really interested in learning more. I always put a Altoid mint in my mouth first thing because its so pepperminty (yeah I made that word up, roll with it!) that it blasts through the fog in my brain in the morning and gets me up and going just by that punch of mint to my senses. So the other day I was feeling really anxious so I took some lavender oil to work and was going to put it in my warmer in the office and just see if that would work on calming me. The thing is, the guys at the shop loathed the smell of lavender. Way to girly for them. (Um, whatever, see the door? It says exit.) But to be nice I turned the warmer off for a bit but my anxiety returned. Then I had a lightbulb moment. I had recently attached a ribbon through my hoodie zipper that I always wear. Long story on the ribbon, but just keep rolling with it. Anyhoo... I saw the ribbon and was like AH HA!! Grabbed the essential oil and put some on the ribbon. Viola! A subtle scent of lavender wafting up to my senses and the calming began again. I am absolutely giddy at this simple but ingenious idea. Looking forward to trying different scents for moments like those.
I am using lavender alot. Another one I use alot is lemon. I find the scent of lemon extremely comforting. But you can put any oils you need on the ribbon. Try peppermint for clearing the mind and giving you a bit of pep!
I am now carrying a few ziplocks with a couple cotton balls soaked in different scents to expand on this concept. Its really working for me. Well, when I remember I have them. Its still a routine I am practicing on. But has come in super handy. If its a really stressful day at work I just take out the little cotton ball and have it sitting on the desk near me. Usually I have a calming fragrance. I didn't realize how anxious I tend to be. All the time. Over nothing! So really enjoying this new 'ah ha' moment. Hope it helps some of you. Have a blessed and amazing day!
~Kristie
For those of you who like or are interested in Sombra the link for that is here http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sombra&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3Asombra
For myself, I like to really burn it up with Tiger Balm. LOL! I should NOT use it because I have horrible skin but hey, I like how warm it gets. And when I hurt I want to feel like it is 'doing something.' Even if its not. These items can be found at your local shops too but I just love amazon. If I am patient and not in a hurry I can just click the mouse and it comes later that week. Lazy? No. Smart? Yes! I detest walking up and down the aisles fighting people when I can just click and get. Much less stressful for me.
I, myself, found a handy little tip. It works great for me! I've said it more than once. More like a million. But its the little things for me. I am just discovering the wonderfulness of essential oils. I won't pretend to know everything there is to know about it. But I'm really interested in learning more. I always put a Altoid mint in my mouth first thing because its so pepperminty (yeah I made that word up, roll with it!) that it blasts through the fog in my brain in the morning and gets me up and going just by that punch of mint to my senses. So the other day I was feeling really anxious so I took some lavender oil to work and was going to put it in my warmer in the office and just see if that would work on calming me. The thing is, the guys at the shop loathed the smell of lavender. Way to girly for them. (Um, whatever, see the door? It says exit.) But to be nice I turned the warmer off for a bit but my anxiety returned. Then I had a lightbulb moment. I had recently attached a ribbon through my hoodie zipper that I always wear. Long story on the ribbon, but just keep rolling with it. Anyhoo... I saw the ribbon and was like AH HA!! Grabbed the essential oil and put some on the ribbon. Viola! A subtle scent of lavender wafting up to my senses and the calming began again. I am absolutely giddy at this simple but ingenious idea. Looking forward to trying different scents for moments like those.
I am using lavender alot. Another one I use alot is lemon. I find the scent of lemon extremely comforting. But you can put any oils you need on the ribbon. Try peppermint for clearing the mind and giving you a bit of pep!
I am now carrying a few ziplocks with a couple cotton balls soaked in different scents to expand on this concept. Its really working for me. Well, when I remember I have them. Its still a routine I am practicing on. But has come in super handy. If its a really stressful day at work I just take out the little cotton ball and have it sitting on the desk near me. Usually I have a calming fragrance. I didn't realize how anxious I tend to be. All the time. Over nothing! So really enjoying this new 'ah ha' moment. Hope it helps some of you. Have a blessed and amazing day!
~Kristie
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
January - A new beginning.
Happy New Year to you all! I hope your holidays were crazy and full of boisterous cheer. I know I sure enjoyed mine. And I have to admit, I was spoiled rotten. Again. Oh darn... :)
I am going to make a concious effort to get this blog up and going strong this year. I want to fill it full of useful information. Not only to record meeting notes and topics but to also supplement information through out the month. So be checking back in every so often to find a helpful tidbit or two. And use that comment box below! We love hearing from you. If you have a suggestion, I'd love to hear it. If you want a certain topic to be covered, please let me know. We will do our best to get more information out there to you.
This months meeting was of course ran by our wonderful and lovely Janice. I don't know HOW that woman does it. But I am so grateful for her. She was looking for ideas from all of us on what we'd like to see the group become or a direction we want to go. We all agreed that it is a fabulous group and wonderful people partaking in it. But is it meeting your needs? Do you have ideas or thoughts on what you think it should be? Have? Become? Feel free to email me, Janice, or leave a comment below and I'll make sure your suggestion is addressed. Can we accomodate everyone? Maybe not. But Janice does try to make sure that everyone is heard and gets the info they are seeking. We aren't going to have a magical get well pill. We don't possess any magic wands to fix you. You must actively seek out the tools too. You must use and adapt our suggestions to suit your needs. Do remember what works for one, might not another. But don't stop. Keep looking. Keep trying. And never, ever, give up.
Gentle Dental has now moved into the Pain Management building and is letting us use their lovely new chairs. So pretty and comfy. Thank you Gentle Dental! And I saw some lovely paintings and such in the waiting room. I really like how they make the space comforting and homey. Don't you?
Janice spoke of a movie coming out with Jennifer Aniston in it. The movie is called "Cake." Here is a link to the trailer https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=UTF-8&fr=crmas&p=the+movie+Cake also staring Anna Kendrick and Sam Worthington. "Claire" played by Aniston is a chronic pain sufferer and is in a support group. She is struggling with another members suicide. Hopefully it will raise awareness of what all of us go through daily--- We'd all love to go see it together so I'll pass on the information as soon as I hear it. Even if you can't make the group showing, I encourage you to go on your own. I'm really looking forward to it!
Something you might want to mark on your calenders is January 21st. They are having a continuing education class for medical cannibis and pain management. The speaker will be Dr. Ethan Russo. There is a charge for going. I will let you know more details as soon as they come in as far as costs and signing up. I do know it will be at the Eugene Downtown Athletic Center. This is a personal decision for you and we are not leading you in any direction. Just getting information out to those who would like to know more. The presentation is from 6:30 to 8 but you can get there as early as 6:00 pm for networking.
Would like to do a quick reminder that the Tamarack is open to the public for free on Saturdays from 3 to 4 for Ai Chi unless there are five saturdays in the month. Go to their website at http://www.tamarackwellness.com/to look at everything they have to offer. And I would like to remind everyone to check the bulletin board at the Pain Management Office because its full of great resources!
Thats about it really. We shared some funny stories to get everyone laughing because its true, laughter IS the best kind of medicine. Just really enjoyed everyone and all the positive vibes that were floating around. I left feeling exhilerated and peaceful all at the same time. And most of all, I left feeling like I belonged. They have become my extended family and it means so much for me to be a part of it. I hope to see you at the next meeting!
I am going to make a concious effort to get this blog up and going strong this year. I want to fill it full of useful information. Not only to record meeting notes and topics but to also supplement information through out the month. So be checking back in every so often to find a helpful tidbit or two. And use that comment box below! We love hearing from you. If you have a suggestion, I'd love to hear it. If you want a certain topic to be covered, please let me know. We will do our best to get more information out there to you.
This months meeting was of course ran by our wonderful and lovely Janice. I don't know HOW that woman does it. But I am so grateful for her. She was looking for ideas from all of us on what we'd like to see the group become or a direction we want to go. We all agreed that it is a fabulous group and wonderful people partaking in it. But is it meeting your needs? Do you have ideas or thoughts on what you think it should be? Have? Become? Feel free to email me, Janice, or leave a comment below and I'll make sure your suggestion is addressed. Can we accomodate everyone? Maybe not. But Janice does try to make sure that everyone is heard and gets the info they are seeking. We aren't going to have a magical get well pill. We don't possess any magic wands to fix you. You must actively seek out the tools too. You must use and adapt our suggestions to suit your needs. Do remember what works for one, might not another. But don't stop. Keep looking. Keep trying. And never, ever, give up.
Gentle Dental has now moved into the Pain Management building and is letting us use their lovely new chairs. So pretty and comfy. Thank you Gentle Dental! And I saw some lovely paintings and such in the waiting room. I really like how they make the space comforting and homey. Don't you?
Janice spoke of a movie coming out with Jennifer Aniston in it. The movie is called "Cake." Here is a link to the trailer https://search.yahoo.com/search?ei=UTF-8&fr=crmas&p=the+movie+Cake also staring Anna Kendrick and Sam Worthington. "Claire" played by Aniston is a chronic pain sufferer and is in a support group. She is struggling with another members suicide. Hopefully it will raise awareness of what all of us go through daily--- We'd all love to go see it together so I'll pass on the information as soon as I hear it. Even if you can't make the group showing, I encourage you to go on your own. I'm really looking forward to it!
Something you might want to mark on your calenders is January 21st. They are having a continuing education class for medical cannibis and pain management. The speaker will be Dr. Ethan Russo. There is a charge for going. I will let you know more details as soon as they come in as far as costs and signing up. I do know it will be at the Eugene Downtown Athletic Center. This is a personal decision for you and we are not leading you in any direction. Just getting information out to those who would like to know more. The presentation is from 6:30 to 8 but you can get there as early as 6:00 pm for networking.
Would like to do a quick reminder that the Tamarack is open to the public for free on Saturdays from 3 to 4 for Ai Chi unless there are five saturdays in the month. Go to their website at http://www.tamarackwellness.com/to look at everything they have to offer. And I would like to remind everyone to check the bulletin board at the Pain Management Office because its full of great resources!
Thats about it really. We shared some funny stories to get everyone laughing because its true, laughter IS the best kind of medicine. Just really enjoyed everyone and all the positive vibes that were floating around. I left feeling exhilerated and peaceful all at the same time. And most of all, I left feeling like I belonged. They have become my extended family and it means so much for me to be a part of it. I hope to see you at the next meeting!
Friday, April 11, 2014
April Meeting
Happy Friday! Hope life is treating you all well. I finally
made it back for a meeting. I missed it. J Everyone is just so
fabulously supportive and you just don’t get that everywhere you go. At least I
don’t. To me, walking into a meeting is like walking into a warm hug. Instant
acceptance and understanding. Yep… I missed it!
Linda and Charlie weren’t there. Which I was quite bummed
over. I mention this for two reasons. One, I want to kid them a bit. I show up
so they don’t??? LOL! But the REAL reason I mentioned this was because they
took the night off to reconnect. They took time for themselves! This is so
very, very, important. You MUST make time for yourself. You MUST make time for
your partner, caregiver, etc. Please, if you are not doing so, make this a
priority!
As usual the superwoman we call Janice (founder of the
support group!) did the introductions and asked us to think of one positive
thing that happened that week that made us either laugh out loud or at least
smile. That’s a really good habit to get into. Learn to focus on the positive.
I will upload the Fibromyalgia Awareness Day poster at the
end so you can mark your calendar accordingly. And while you have the calendar
out, it’s a good time to just go ahead and put a reminder on next months page
for the second Tuesday. That will be when the next support meeting will be.
Every second Tuesday of the month.
Janice mentioned that there is Tai Chi classes and yoga
classes available at the Oregon Heart Institute. So if interested, that’s something
to look into. Really does wonders for those of us that have balance issues.
They do so much more for your mind, body, and soul but it’s up to you to decide
if its right for you.
Our guest speakers were Dr. Scott Pengelly and Dr. Joshua
Haber from Pain Society Of Oregon. http://pain-consultants.com/our-practice/ They were really great. Told funny stories
and explained things in layman’s terms. Which was very helpful to me J
If you don’t keep it simple, I tune out. They introduced the concept of R.A.F.T.
to us and broke it down so we could follow. They use the R.A.F.T steps in their
office to treat you. I did take some notes but was suffering silently with a
migraine and nerve firing. So any mistake or error in what they said is mine
and I apologize.
The R in R.A.F.T
stands for RESCUE. Finding some
relief not only with medication but with alternative care options. But the
first step is to rescue the patient. Stop the spiral fall they are on and get
them as comfortable as they can so they can focus on phase two. Phase two is
the A in R.A.F.T. Which stands for ADAPTATION. They work with the patient
to find out what works for them. Making small changes in your everyday to make
them work optimally for you. Whether it involves changing the time you take your
medication etc. As for the F, that’s
for FUNCTIONALITY. Being able to
address the issues, show with learning and adaptations that you can still learn
to enjoy and perform tasks. Finally the T
stands for TRANSFORMATION. This
entails you using all the skills they teach you (like breathing exercises etc)
to make permanent changes so you may step away from the chronic pain and start
living. Just like kitchens and garages have different tools for different
tasks, you should have different ‘tools’ to use against your chronic pain.
Dr. Pengally mentioned the function of the limbic and
amygdala in the brain. It was very enlightening. I encourage you to look up
their functions. I’m currently at a loss on how to explain it. The limbic is
always on and everything gets processed through it. Really quite fascinating!
Just a really great meeting. We were treated to a train poem
by Verna at the end. Hope to see you soon. Every second Tuesday of the month to
be exact! Until then, soft hugs to you all J
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