How do we create wellbeing in our Lyme lives? For anyone reading this, I'm writing a paper on this, but I'm also just curious. For myself, I have found very few things that I look forward to or truly enjoy since I became 8 years ago. This doesn't stop me from trying new things and retrying the old, but I'm curious as to what kinds of things other Lyme pt.s find makes them tick? (no pun intended)
Posted by bettyg (Member # 6147) on :
kado, go to general and read ALL OF KAM'S POSTS; you talk about well-being! she is our inspiration and motivator to live each day to our fullest.
she's contending with things most of us never may encounter. SHE SEES THE GOOD, POSITIVE THINGS EACH DAY. she sees what she can do today that she couldn't 1 year ago.
once you read her posts, you will be able to really write a paper coming from your inner-most feelings in your SOUL that you couldn't do before!
I count my blessings every day and kam's post/others that really put things in perspecive. i can do so much more than they can.
i have spouse's health insurance coverage from dear hubby's retirement plan; i quit work after 30 yrs., 7 months with NO BENEFITS; too young at age 49 in 1998.
i put things on the calendar to look forward to going to, but have to cancel many of them due to the weather, snow/ice on sidewalks isn't safe for me since i need a new hip replacement surgery scheduled 3-5*07. i'm getting tired, so quitting. Posted by bejoy (Member # 11129) on :
Hi Kado,
While I just got my official diagnosis two months ago, I have been treating Lyme one way or another for all of my adult life. I'm 42 and probably got infected about age 8, and then again at 22.
Giving and receiving energy work, especially biodynamic cranial sacral therapy, has been a very positive and helpful experience for me. Hot stone massage has also been remarkable in reducing the pain.
Learning to ask for help, without justifying it, has been a journey. You can't explain chronic fatigue, pain, and brain fog to most people. For me, it has been challenging to learn when to keep plugging through the fog and when to say I need someone else to take the load off NOW!
Natural/biological hormone replacement therapy has been amazing. It has been frightening to discover how much of my personality and attitude is due to hormone levels and balance. I'm a clinical social worker, and I used to think that emotions were something that were only related to beliefs and issues. To my chagrin, I have since discovered that I am my chemistry , and conceded that my hormone producing adrenals have fought the good fight and have lost.
Sequestered chocolate, and forbidden coffee... what more can I say?
I don't allow anger to be directed towards anyone in my home. Exressing anger about a situation is fine, but blaming and blasting someone else for the feelings is not.
My children and animals give me love for life. This week my 3 year old was in the same jammies and covered with boogers for three days, because we all had the flu. Horrors! It was out of my hands! But we all snuggled and loved on each other while we watched endless hours of dumb tv. We keep chicken, and they give us eggs and make us laugh.
I guess the other message there is to not judge myself by other people's standards. I can do what I can do, no apologies. I used to think I was so weak, not being able to stay as tidy and organized as other people. Having read so many lymenet posts now, I see us as some of the toughest most resilient people on earth.
One other thing I have done is to post my name as bejoy. Every time I log on to lymenet I see the reminder. It tells me "Hello...be joy." It does make me think: what am I putting my energy into today. Am I going to be angry and bitter, or am I going to focus on choosing to hold joy in my heart under any circumstances.
Sometimes I need to give in and rant to get it out of my system. When I feel like I have been heard, then it is easier to return to my committment to love and joy. Having a friend or two who will listen without judging or offerring advice until I am ready, is the greatest gift.
This has been a bit longwinded, and might fit better under support than in medical, my appologies.
Now I need to read some of KAM's posts!
Coming direct to you from dog hair, dirty dishes, and giggle central, this is...
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