Massage is NOT a Luxury, and I’m NOT High Maintenance

6 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

Hey Everybody,

Hope you’re all coping with the ongoing COVID-19 social distancing. As a person with multiple autoimmune diseases, I am grateful for the efforts Canadians have made to reduce the risks as much as possible for as many as possible. For those of you who have lost a friend, colleague, or loved one to the virus or the horrible act of violence in Nova Scotia, my heart goes out to you.

These are tough and challenging times.

As the fight against COVID-19 wages on, many of us find ourselves fighting battles of another nature. Whether they be mental or physical concerns, prolonged inaccessibility to healthcare services can have a significant impact on our overall wellness.

In my case, I’m in the midst of a full-body pain flare.

  • With knees and ankles that don’t bend, stairs are difficult to navigate
  • My hips are locking mid-stride, which is super odd-looking in the halls at work
  • Shoulder pain is keeping me awake at night, amplifying the fatigue already showing on my face
  • And my butt and back muscles ache constantly

What the Fuck is Happening

There are many reasons for the pain spike:

  • Working long hours on the computer in a seated position – work is COVID related, and can’t be helped
  • Poor diet – recently rectified but still contributing
  • Limited opportunity for physical activity – due to facility closures, but mostly due to long hours at work
  • Stress – at home, at work, self-induced…it’s everywhere
  • Inaccessible healthcare services – by healthcare services, I mean my doctor, my rheumatologist, my registered massage therapist.

YES, I said it. MASSAGE THERAPIST.

I have one, and she has saved my life, my sanity, and my mobility more than once! In fact, I call her my pain therapist. She’s a necessary partner in my mental and physical wellness journey, so I tend to get my nose out of joint when people give me the gears for getting a regular massage.

Really, I think I’ve heard it all… Oooo, must be nice to be so pampered. Wow, you’re so lucky. Oh, another spa day, good for you.

Not Fucking Cool

Nope. Nope. NOPE! Cut the stigma, people.

I am in pain. All-day. Every day. Full stop.

Massage helps to reduce my pain. Note, I said reduce. Not eliminate. My pain, whether brought on by Fibromyalgia or Ankylosing Spondylitis or both, will NEVER go away. My goal has been, and will always be, pain management.

In case you’re new here, I’ve been on my wellness journey for a long time. Twenty-five years – give or take a year – and during those pain-filled days, months, years, decades, I’ve used the services of chiropractors, physiotherapists, homeopaths, and nutritionists. The one I keep coming back to, like a compass needle to North, is my massage therapist.

Why is that? Well, it’s simple. Massage helps me to manage my chronic pain by:

  • Reducing muscle tension
  • Preventing joint immobility
  • Reducing stress
  • Improving blood circulation
  • Correcting posture damage from sitting
  • Stimulating the lymphatic system
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Producing feelings of comfort, caring and connection

It's Science, Baby

But listen, don’t just take my word for it. There are plenty of studies that show massage is an effective treatment for any number of conditions. Thankfully, these days, massage is often recommended along with other “standard” medical treatments and drug therapies.

Chronic headaches? Get a massage. Digestive disorders? Get a massage. Tendonitis? Get a massage. Feeling blue? Get a massage. Bad hair day? Get a massage. Hell, you don’t need a reason, or an excuse, if you feel like you need a massage, or want a massage, don’t hesitate! Make an appointment. Go ahead. Do it.

But seriously, check with your doctor first, because sadly massage isn’t for everyone. Like any therapy, there are risks. Specifically, consult a medical professional if you have:

  • Deep vein thrombosis
  • Severe osteoporosis
  • Bleeding disorders
  • Injuries such as burns, wounds, or broken bones

Also, a word of caution, finding the right massage therapist for you is essential because some therapists can do more damage than good. I had my back go out for two weeks after a bad massage. Worst pain ever! Trust me. You want to avoid this.

My recommendations:

  • Ask a doctor or a friend for a referral
  • When you meet your service provider – don’t be afraid – ask questions. Discuss your concerns. Pinpoint your problem areas and articulate your needs/goals
  • Agree on a treatment plan and a price point in advance. Yes, if you don’t have insurance coverage, massage therapy services can be expensive, but remember, this is your health we’re talking about, and your health is worth the investment
  • Get as naked as you are comfortable with and no more. Want to leave your socks on? Leave em on. Want to strip off your undies. Strip em off. Point is – you need to be comfortable on and off the table
  • Be vocal. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Massage can leave you feeling sore for a day or two, but it shouldn’t increase your pain or put your back out of whack
  • Relax (or try to) and enjoy those parts of the massage that do feel a little pamperish. Yes, massage can be a powerful aid along your wellness journey, but it can also just be a feel-good moment when you need it

Bottom Line

Regular massage therapy is not a luxury or a splurge. It is an essential part of many people’s health and well-being, and an indispensable part of mine!

How about you? Any of your pain-relieving therapies getting a bad rap? Got any recommendations for me to try? Just want to drop a line to say hello and connect? 

Go ahead and leave a comment!

Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.

Current pain level 8/10.

Sharing is Caring!

Massage is NOT a Luxury, and I’m NOT High Maintenance Read More »

To Spring or Not to Spring?

4 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

Hello, My Lovelies!

Just a quick note to let you know I am working on the next blog. I know it’s been a hot minute since my last post, but truthfully, I’m more than a little tired and in the middle of a fairly major flare-up.

I blame the weather! Sunny and plus fifteen on one day. Minus fifteen and snowing the next. Can someone please inform Mother Nature her cycle is out of whack!

Sharing a picture I took yesterday afternoon. I’m calling it Resilience, cause I think we can all use a little extra dose of it these days.

Take care, everybody. Keep up the social distancing vigilance.

More to come!

If you feel up to it, drop a comment, and let us know how you’re doing.

Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.

Edith

Current pain level 8/10.

Sharing is Caring!

To Spring or Not to Spring? Read More »

COVID Hair – Don’t Care!

4 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

Some people have suggested – to my face – that I’m a high maintenance kind of girl. First, I don’t give a shit what other people think. Second, It’s my money, and I worked damn hard to get it. So, if I am high maintenance…GOOD FOR ME.

However, I do think examining the accusation will make for an excellent series of blogs.

So, let’s dig in, shall we?

If the title didn’t give it away, this first post is all about the hairs on my head. 

Ahem. Body hair is a whole other situation, so stay tuned!

Pre Summer of 2017

Like most women, I get my hair done. By done, I mean, highlighted, colored, cut. I used to go to the salon every six to eight months. This is NOT often enough to maintain an attractive or healthy head of hair, but at a cost of approximately 150 to 250 dollars per visit, maintaining my do was expensive.

So, yeah, even though I used good quality products to wash and style (every day), I didn’t follow the eight-week schedule recommended by my stylist. My bad! You would think delaying going to the salon would mean healthier hair, right? NOPE. Split ends. Brassiness. Dullness. Not to mention major roots!

But whatever, I was cheap (my husband even cheaper, leading to more than one hair-care-spending domestic). As a result, I wore my hair in a wet ponytail for most of my adult life. If my hair wasn’t in a ponytail, I was taking a straightening iron to my natural curls because we have hard water, and I didn’t know how to make my curly hair look good.

So, to summarize, at this point, I am:

  1. Going to the salon every six to eight months for a full color, highlight, and trim
  2. Washing my hair daily (with good (not great) products)
  3. Slicking back wet hair and tightly securing with an elastic, or
  4. Using hot tools on color-treated hair

Yep. No surprise, my hair was damaged, but it looked decent enough, and I had enough of it to cover my head.

Post Summer of 2017

The summer of 2017 was a rough time in my life. My stress sharply increased, my diet changed significantly, and my autoimmune diseases went on the attack. Over the next year, my hair fell out in clumps. CLUMPS. No…it didn’t break off because it was damaged. It fell out. At. The. Root.

I had bald spots on the back of my head and around my temples. BALD SPOTS! Even Roy noticed my hair was thinning, and that’s saying something.

By 2018 I was convinced I would lose what little hair I had left. Seriously, when gathered in an elastic, my ponytail was the diameter of a school pencil. By this point, the stress of stressing out about losing my hair was causing me to lose even more hair!

I went to my stylist; he’s been my go-to guy on and off for about fifteen years. I expressed my concerns, we didn’t find a solution, and I left the salon with the same cut and color as always.

Months passed. My head continued to shed. Seriously, I stuck handfuls of hair to the tiles to avoid plugging the drain when I showered. GROSS!

By summer 2018, I couldn’t take it anymore, and I – gasp– when to another stylist. She cut five inches off my hair. Had to be done, and while the shorter style was cute, I was still dealing with bald patches and ongoing hair loss.

In January of 2019, I figured this was my life now, and I began to look for ways to hide my thinning hair. Traditional hair extensions looked damaging to me, but Halo Couture hair extensions, while expensive, seemed like a reasonable option. I went to the only affiliated salon in Ottawa I could find, and the first words out of my mouth when I sat in the chair were, “My hair is thinning. Will Halo extensions help?”

Long story short the appointment didn’t go as planned. The stylist suggested she cut and color my hair first, and then we would talk extensions after. Hoping for a miracle, I stupidly agreed. Let’s just say, after 3 hours in an uncomfortable chair, the stylist never – not once – discussed Halo extensions with me, and I left the salon disappointed, angry, and with red hair.

RED HAIR.

It was not a good look for me. Don’t get me wrong. I love red hair. I envy women with beautiful red hair. Red hair on me…is not pretty! 

Worse, my bald spots were even more noticeable, my hair was in the worst shape ever, and now my self-esteem was taking a hit.

Yes, I love McDonald's cheeseburgers. No, I don't want to look like the man himself.

The Turning Point

Hair, and lack thereof, had now become a primary mental preoccupation, and not in a good way. So, what did I do? I hit the Internet hard, did some research, and ultimately broke down and dropped some serious cash on Rogaine. 

Say what? 

Yep. Despite the expense, I started using Rogaine on my scalp to promote hair regrowth.

Did it work?

Yes. Yes, it did. After four months, I started to see some baby hairs sprouting. Here’s the deal, though. Rogaine or minoxidil is not a one and done product. You need to keep using it to continue seeing results. Basically, it’s a use it or lose it situation (the new hair that is). 

Now here’s the kicker…women’s Rogaine is more expensive than the men’s Rogaine (same product descriptions), which is super annoying but waaay typical for the beauty industry.

Okay, rant over. Moving on…

First goal achieved, I now have hair growing where previously I was bald. Yippee!

Now I have to deal with the color. Trust me; red does not fade well, so, if you don’t plan on keeping (and maintaining) the red – DON’T do it!

Also, there’s no going back to blond without help.

A lot of help!

Before rushing in headfirst (hardy-har-har), I did further research. Watched more YouTube videos. What I learned was, there’s no safe way to go from red to blond in one salon visit, and any “expert” who tells you otherwise is wrong!

As you can imagine, by now, I’m a little salon weary, and salon wary. Still, there was no question – I needed professional help. Happily, I found it by accident. Late one night after a dinner date with Roy, we were full, happy, walking on the sidewalk hand-in-hand in the crisp fall air, and that’s when I noticed the beautiful new storefront downtown. 

Turns out, it was a fancy new salon.

That night I Googled it. The owner/stylist trained in Italy, made a career out of working on models, and did not come cheap. The next day I called for an appointment. I was invited for a free consultation that very evening instead.

Given the hair-anxiety I was experiencing, I’m sure you can imagine my trepidation when I walked into Nick’s salon for the first time. Well, let me tell you, he said all the right things.

More importantly, he did all the right things.

Help...

It Ain't Over, 'Till it's Over

My first appointment was all about hair health. The red had to go (Nick’s words), but it would take several appointments to get me back to blond. So brown it was. First, he did a bonding treatment, then the all-over color, then a keratin treatment, and finally a cut. He gave me additional keratin treatments for home, with strict instructions to follow, including no more ponytails.

Yep. Traditional elastics were forever banned. 

Not gonna lie, my Visa card damn near caught on fire when I paid the bill, but already I could tell it was worth it, and my anxiety lessened.

My second appointment was four weeks later. This appointment was all about color. I got a full head of blond highlights, another keratin treatment, a trim, and new shampoo and conditioner. Again, my Visa spontaneously combusted, but my hair was looking fuller and healthier.

Eight weeks later, I went for my third appointment. My hair was alive and doing well, and this visit was all about maintenance. A bit of root color, a few more blond highlights, toning, another keratin treatment, and yeah, my Visa already knows the drill. Burn, baby, burn.

During this period, I also changed my at-home routine:

  1. Now, I wear my hair naturally curly, and I wash once or twice a week – tops.
  2. I also invested in quality shampoos and conditioners for damaged or color- treated hair (Olaplex 1, 2 & 3, Biolage Raw, Verb).
  3. I deep condition regularly (AG Keratin, Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair). 
  4. I use quality styling products (Olaplex #6, Aveda Be Curly, AG Mousse Gel, Verb Ghost oil).
  5. I invested in a Dyson hairdryer/diffuser combo.
  6. I bought a satin pillowcase.
  7. I (sometimes) wear a bonnet to sleep in.
  8. I (try to remember to) keep up with the Rogaine.

Yeah, I spent a lot of money on hair products and professionals in 2019—a LOT of money. But guess what, I don’t regret a single dime. My hair has grown back. It’s healthier, shinier, curlier, longer, and fuller. Bye, bye bald spots.

Actual picture of recovered hair.

The Bonus

I’m not stressed out about losing my hair anymore.

Will I continue with the expensive salon visits, the Rogaine, the products.

100% yes!

In fact, like many women impacted by the closing of non-essential services, I’m overdue for a salon visit. My roots are showing, and my gray hairs are taking over! Yep, I have COVID hair, but I don’t care!

Why?

It’s simple, really.

Because I have hair.

How about you? Have you experienced hair trauma or hair loss attributed to an autoimmune disease? Any tips for haircare during the COVID-19 quarantine?

My advice is…this too shall pass…don’t give yourself bangs out of boredom, ladies!

Special note: plastic coil or spiral ponytail holders are Nick approved – you can get ’em at the Dollar Store.

Also check out Manes by Mell, if you have curly hair. She saved my curls life, and she’s fucking hilarious. 

Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers!

Current pain level 7/10.

Sharing is Caring!

COVID Hair – Don’t Care! Read More »

Dropping the F-Bomb Like It’s Hot

4 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

I’m sure you’ve all heard about the studies done. You know, the scientific research that proves people who use profanity tend to have a larger repertoire of words and a better command of vocabulary with which to express themselves.

Other published papers even go so far as to suggest that people who are in the habit of using taboo words may posses a higher I.Q.

In other words, inserting an appropriate cuss word into your conversation doesn’t make you fucking stupid. Quite the contrary, some of the most intelligent people in the world use profanity and use it well.

Despite the science, some claim (read preach) that having a propensity for dropping the F-Bomb like it’s hot is still considered crass or vulgar behavior.

Well, in case you haven’t figured it out. I fucking disagree.

Warning Profanity Dead Ahead

Properly used, “bad words” like shit, ass, bitch, damn, and my personal favorite, fuck, are super effective at clearly communicating how one may be feeling about a particular subject or event at any given moment.

Bonked your head on the doorjamb? FUCK!

Dropped a carton of eggs on your just-cleaned floor? FUCK!

Cut your finger with a blunt knife? FUCK!

Ruined your favorite black sweater by putting it in the dryer? FUCK!

Bounced your bumper off the side of the garage? FUCK!

Managed to accomplish all of the above in a single day? FUCK FUCKITY FUCKING FUCK!

Bam. One word. Expresses pain, anger, frustration, helplessness, despair. You name it. Fuck, or some form thereof, covers it.

Potty Mouth Pain Relief

So what the fuck does this have to do with chronic pain? Well, here’s the deal…

Other than being an outlet for our baser sides, science has also revealed that strategic cursing can act as a pain reliever.

Say what?

Yep! It’s true! Dropping the F-Bomb can make you feel better. Here’s how:

Instant pain relief – swearing can have a pain-relieving effect on our bodies by causing a surge of adrenaline, thereby speeding reaction times to pain situations.

Regular pain-relief – used as a coping mechanism, swearing can help reduce inner tension and stress, and we all know the effects of tension and stress on chronic pain!

Pain prevention – swearing is a non-violent, pain-preventing way to channel your anger without having to resort to a physical altercation. Instead of punching the wall, let fly a string of curses. You will feel better, and your knuckles will thank you.

Pain reduction – swearing can lead to increased blood circulation, elevated endorphins, and boosted serotonin levels. Feel a sense of calm and control after letting fly with the bad language? Yeah, me too.

A Time and A Place

There are other benefits to using profanity as well. These include:

Self-expression, creativity, and clarity of communication. As a writer, I’m always looking for unique ways to express mundane thoughts and actions. Also, studies show using profanity can increase the persuasiveness of an argument. Trying to make a point? Drop in a cuss word!

Social bonding. People swear. It’s as common these days as tattoos. And if done under the right circumstances (don’t swear in your job interviews, people), it can indicate you are open, fun, likeable, and even trustworthy.

Power and control. Swearing can give us a greater sense of control when we need a boost in less than ideal situations. Someone cut in front of you in the lunch line? Feel free to let them know their entitled behavior is unfuckingacceptable.

Or don’t.

To swear or not to swear? As far as I’m concerned, it’s a personal choice.

Me? I’m gonna go with a well placed F-Bomb every time. Not that I’m opposed to using the other bad words, except for the four letter C word, for some weird reason, I can’t bring myself to use it. I don’t object to other people using it. I don’t object to seeing it in print. I don’t object to the anatomy it refers to. I’m just not comfortable with it coming out of my potty mouth! And ain’t that the damnedest fucking thing?

So let’s hear it, sharing is caring tribe. Do you swear like a drunken sailor in a dark bar, or do you prefer to keep your language cuss-free?

Hope you’re all staying safe and practicing social distancing!

Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.

Current pain level 4/10.

Sharing is Caring!

Dropping the F-Bomb Like It’s Hot Read More »

Pill Swallowing Techniques for Pill Haters

4 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

I hate taking pills. Big ones. Little ones. Pink ones. Blue ones. Doesn’t matter. If it’s medicine, it doesn’t go down easy. You know the line – hard pill to swallow – well, it’s a metaphor for a reason.

I can just about swallow a cheeseburger whole, but put a tiny little pill in my pie eater, and my gag reflex engages like I took a swallow of expired (read chunky) milk straight from the carton. 

GROSS.

There's a Name For It

Difficulty swallowing pills, or Dysphagia, can be caused by fear, pain, or other mental or physical conditions that can lead to dry mouth, gagging, choking, and sometimes even vomiting.

Personally, and in the absence of all logic, I’d rather suffer a five-day blackout migraine than take a Tylenol. Unfortunately, for the majority of chronic pain sufferers – myself included – pill swallowing avoidance is not an option.

For most people, the basics of pill swallowing are not rocket science. Put pill in mouth. Fill with liquid. Swallow. But when you’re like me, and you hate taking pills, this method often doesn’t work. Might have something to do with the Globus Sensation. A tightening of the throat not related to a physical condition brought on by stress, anxiety, or fear.

In other words, it’s all in my head.

Helpful Advice

So what can we do when a spoonful of sugar doesn’t help the medicine go down? Well, there are plenty of articles out there offering suggestions on how to take your medicine. Recommendations include:

  • Drinking lots of water – before, during, and after the pill swallowing attempt
  • Employing the use of relaxation techniques – deep breathing, throat humming
  • Visualizing success or changing the inner monologue – I can do this, as opposed to, I can’t do this
  • Building up tolerance – practice makes perfect, people – I have witnessed this as truth
  • Establishing routines – taking your medicines at the same time and in the same way, daily

Edith's Technique

All of the above may work for some people. Not for me. I have my own method…probably a genetic tic I inherited from my father who also hated swallowing pills, but who ultimately ended up eating them by the handful – kinda like me and smarties.

Anyhoo, the technique is simple really.

  • **Put liquid in mouth first – this is the critical first step
  • Squeeze pill between pressed lips avoiding liquid dribbling onto chin
  • Don’t let pill touch any other part of the mouth including teeth, tongue, and palate
  • Squeeze eyes as tight as possible
  • Grimace
  • Swallow
  • Repeat swallowing with as much additional liquid as necessary
  • Thank God when success ensured and pill hits the wide-open space of the stomach
  • Grimace again
  • Finally, go about your daily business proud of the fact that you wore your big girl pants to the pill-popping party and showed that little yellow bitch who’s boss

Seriously though, is there a little bit of resentment on my part about having to take medication at all? Hell, yeah. I hate taking pills. To manage my chronic pain, I’ll be taking them for the rest of my life. Truth – I forgot my pill last night and again this morning – could be a passive-aggressive forgetfulness – who knows?

Do I feel better when I remember to take my current prescription? Yes. Yes, I do.

How about you? Do you take your medicine like a kid in a candy store? Or are you more like me? A two-year-old who needs to be wrestled to the ground and forced to open her mouth, leaving the parent sweating in a crumpled heap of defeat five minutes later?

Hope you’re all staying safe, practicing social distancing, and taking your pills regularly and on time!

Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.

Current pain level 4/10.

Sharing is Caring!

Pill Swallowing Techniques for Pill Haters Read More »

Stress – Don’t Let it Kill You

8 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

No question, we are living in stressful times, and that was before the onset of COVID-19 and the impacts of social distancing.

Stress is a normal part of our daily lives, even positive life changes like getting a promotion, planning a wedding, buying a house, or even the birth of a child or a grandchild can produce a stress response.

Our bodies react when change occurs. Mentally, physically, or emotionally, we’re going to have a stress response to the majority of situations we face daily. Doesn’t matter if we’re aware of our stress or not, we all react to some degree, our individual responses varying depending on our personal triggers.

Stress isn’t all bad. It keeps us alert, ready to avoid danger, motivated to take action. These are good reactions. Most of the time, stress keeps us alive, driving our responses to emergencies by infusing our bodies with adrenaline for a potential “fight or flight” situation.

Here’s the deal though, prolonged activation of our stress responders causes both mental and physical wear and tear on the body. 

Symptoms of chronic stress can include:

  • Headache/dizziness
  • Upset stomach/gastrointestinal problems
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Chest pain
  • Depression
  • Panic attacks
  • Anxiety
  • Sexual dysfunction – whaaaat! Ain’t nobody got time for that!
  • Muscle tension/pain especially in neck, face, and shoulders
  • General aches and pains
  • Sleep issues
  • Cognitive issues
  • Weight loss or gain

There’s more – the list can go on and on – but I think you get the idea!

In addition, prolonged stress can bring on or worsen symptoms associated with other diseases and chronic pain ailments, such as:

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Ankylosing Spondylitis
  • Arthritis
  • Lupus
  • Cancer
  • Heart Disease
  • Diabetes

Again, this list can go on for pages. So, I’m gonna stop here, cause it’s stressing me out.

5 ways to reduce stress:

The good news…there’s lots of advice out there on how to manage stress. And yep, these are going to sound remarkably similar to the things we should be doing to reduce chronic pain and maintain our overall health:

  • Exercise
  • Eat healthily
  • Get proper sleep
  • Take medications on time
  • Utilize relaxation techniques – deep breathing, meditation, yoga, tai-chi

5 additional ways to reduce stress:

Keep a positive attitude – not always easy, but it goes a long way in times like these.

Be assertive – let people know what you need but keep the drama for your mama. Actually scratch that, she’s probably more stressed than you are. Just be kind while being assertive.

Make time for hobbies – write that blog, take that walk in nature, make that recipe you’ve been dying to try.

Set limits and manage your time effectively – don’t spend hours upon hours doing shit you hate.

Seek out social support – it’s why we have a tribe, people! We don’t need to be in the same room. Heck, we don’t even need to be in the same country to support each other in a meaningful way. For me, memes, emojis, and inspirational quotes posted on Facebook don’t count as meaningful! They can be funny or moving, but they don’t replace personal interaction.

Finally, if you find yourself needing a little extra support in managing your stress, seek professional help as required. Sadly, I’m not a professional…look for a qualified therapist!

The point is, do what you like to do – and what you can do – to reduce your stress. You’ll live longer. You’ll be happier. The people around you will be happier. We’ll all be rolling around in a big pile of stress-free happiness. Wouldn’t that be lovely?

Unrealistic.

But lovely.

So tell me, what are some of the things that stress you out, and what do you do to manage your stress?

Personally, I get super stressed when the three men in my life (Roy and the boys) get to bickering about EVERYTHING. It drives me nuts. Usually, I end up yelling about how crazy they all are before I remove myself to a quieter room in the house. 

Fight and flight. That’s me.

I also get to organizing when I’m stressed. Rough week at work – look out junk-drawer – I’m coming for you!

Anyhoo, I got no time for stress right now. I’m up to my eyeballs managing COVID-19 emails. So, I’ll end this blog by saying, stay safe out there, and practice social distancing, if not for the sake of your health, then do it for someone you love!

Take care, everyone.

Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.

Current pain level 6/10.

Sharing is Caring!

Stress – Don’t Let it Kill You Read More »

Living in a COVID-19 World

11 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

Today is my last day of sitting by the pool in Florida. Ask me two weeks ago, and I would have said I’m in no hurry to get home. Ask me last week, same thing.

Today?

Well, I’m not in a hurry, but I am looking forward to it.

No, not the weather, unless by some miracle it’s twenty-four degrees with non-stop sunshine. Nope. Still have the same aversion to winter and cold temperatures as when I left.

What’s prompting my change of heart?

COVID-19.

Ten simple COVID-19 strategies for the immunocompromised...

Am I fearful? No. Worried? Not more than your average immunocompromised person. Basically, I know what to do to protect my family and myself as best I can.

  1. Twenty-second hand washing routine
  2. Sneezing and coughing etiquette – tissues when available, elbows when not
  3. Social distancing
  4. Flu shot
  5. Routine home disinfection
  6. Responsible household preparation – no unnecessary hoarding of toilet paper and hand sanitizer
  7. Keeping abreast of the situation without increasing stress levels (super important for chronic pain sufferers)
  8. Monitoring of elderly and higher risk family members
  9. Staying home if feeling sick or unwell
  10. Self-isolating and seeking medical attention if flu-like symptoms present

This is not a drill...

Well then, if I’m not overly worried about it, why is COVID-19 the reason I’m looking forward to going home? Good question. Happy to answer it.

My former boss called while I was on vacation. She’s been tagged as the Public Health Agency of Canada, COVID-19 Event Manager. I told her she would be before I left on vacation two and a half weeks ago – so no surprise there.

The surprise came when she asked me to join her, taking on my former role as her advisor. It’s a high profile job for her, and she wants me on her team.

I COULD NOT BE HAPPIER.

So much of my identity is wrapped up in my job, and when my (read favorite) boss left to take on a bigger challenge, my role in the organization I stayed with shifted not so subtly. Personally, I need to feel like I’m contributing in a significant way at work, and that wasn’t happening.

Don’t get me wrong, I’ll fetch coffee, manage HR or finance issues, change calendar appointments. No problem. I’m more than willing to do what needs doing to allow others to focus on priority issues.

But I also need to feel like my ability to work at my level is recognized. I need to know the advice and guidance I give to senior management is heard and considered.

My former boss trusted my advice, and she took it – or not – as appropriate, but she never made me feel like I couldn’t or shouldn’t contribute – even with the fibro fog stifling my words on some days.

And that’s why I’m looking forward to coming home and going back to work, because I know, supporting her on the Canadian COVID-19 response will be a challenge and an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to an important public health issue for our country.

Contributing to the cause...

All this to say, I’m going to be busy, with a lot of my time dedicated to being the best advisor I can be. As a result, some things are going to take a back seat – writing and blogging possibly being one of those things. We’ll see how it goes.

There are other things, however, I’m determined to keep on keeping on. Healthy eating and exercise are at the top of my list – more important than ever with everything going on in the world today – not to mention the benefits of both on stress management.

Anyway, my computer is overheating and acting wonky because I’m sitting in the sun, so I gotta wrap this up. I just wanted to take this opportunity to touch base with all of you before I start my marathon drive home, and to express my hope that you’re all able to prioritize your mental and physical health in the coming weeks.

How about you?  I would love to hear how you are coping with COVID-19 and what the impacts have been on you, work, family, etc. Or, if you have any tips or tricks to share on how to stay as healthy as possible in light of the situation, leave them in the comments below. I’m sure there are many in the tribe who are maybe a little anxious and could use the support.

Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.

Current pain level 3/10.

Sharing is Caring!

Living in a COVID-19 World Read More »

When Yoga Hurts

14 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

I enjoy going to yoga. The act of getting to the gym in the dead of winter – not so much – but once I’m there. I’m good.

Okay, truth. I’m good when I get into the yoga room.

First, I have to walk the gauntlet of judgey machines, ellipticals, treadmills, rowers, stationary bikes, all of them mocking my flabby belly for passing them by. You should be doing a cardio workout they clamor.

Next come the weight machines, usually occupied by a couple of burly guys lifting heavy loads, and making it look easy. They don’t pay any attention to me, and I’m grateful, and also a little putout.

I’m fifty. I’m not dead.

And now, I’m wondering if they can see my panty lines through my yoga pants.

Keep walking. Keep walking.

Enter the yoga center...

Okay – yep – now I’m good. No judging here. No judging out there either but – helloooo – crazy brain talking.

Take a breath. Register. Grab a mat, a bolster, a strap, a couple of blocks, two pads – not one – but two pads for my knees. Set up my space, near the wall, at the back. Now I wait. Do a bit of stretching on my own.

A pre-stretch stretch. Cause I’m gonna need all the help I can get.

The instructor arrives, young, peppy, cute. I try not to judge. She’s about to kick my ass.

She starts the music. It’s soothing. She talks us through some slow breathing. At least, I think she is. I can’t actually hear her. Stooopid ears. Deep breaths now. Feel your chest expand. Mine feels like it hits a wall. I can’t breathe as deep as I used to. Stooopid Ankylosing Spondylitis. Oh, shit! We’re moving now. Okay. Downward dog. I got this. Glasses slip off my nose. Now I can’t see. Stooopid eyes.

She goes through the yoga routine. I follow along as best I can. Yep, you bet, I feel the stretch of muscles that have been neglected for too long. It feels good. It hurts, but it’s a good kinda hurt. The instructor takes us down to the floor for the end of class unwind, the find your inner peace moment. She’s still talking. I still can’t hear her, and my brain’s still going a mile a minute, but hey, I did it. Yay! I made it through my first yoga class since I stopped going…in February of 2019.

Barbie isn't real...

I started back at it in January 2020. One class that first week – Stretch and Unwind – not bad, I can do this. Moved up to two Stretch and Unwind classes by the third week.

Too easy. I’m a yoga ninja now, so I sign up for the Hips and Shoulders class. Not gonna lie. I started to cry about halfway through. Not because I was in pain. I was…in pain, but that wasn’t why the silent tears rolled. Nope. It was the dawning realization that there’s shit I can’t do anymore and am never going to be able to do again.

It was the frog pose that did it. My hips will not allow my legs to open in that way. Not without snapping off my body like Barbie doll legs. Problem is – I’m pretty sure mine won’t snap back on.

It sucks losing something that came to you so easily before. I’ve always been flexible, always been athletic. Team sports mostly. Basketball was my first love, followed by soccer. Both fast-paced. Both high-impact.

I continued to play my favorite sports as long as I could. Somewhere in my early thirties, the pain started to outweigh the gain, and it took longer and longer for my muscles to recover from a game. Add in the Fibro fatigue, and sometimes it was everything just to drag myself onto the court or the field. It got to the point where I couldn’t play any longer, not without risking a serious injury.

My auto-immune diseases took sports from me.

Not the love of sports, but the ability to play them. That was tough; I was an athlete stuck in a non-athletic body. I ate my feelings, gained weight. Eventually, I joined the gym, tried going to aerobics classes, lifted weights, trudged along on the cardio machines. I hated it. Kept trying to convince myself otherwise, but yeah, I’m not a gym girl.

After the tears...

Now I walk for exercise, do yoga for muscle conditioning, and recently I tried aquafit. I loved it. I think I smiled through the entire class. Thanks for bringing me, Suzanne! So I’m adding aquafit to my list of things I CAN do to help myself stay mobile.

Happily, aquafit is one of the activities offered at the resort I’m staying at in Florida, and I’ve been to two classes. The instructor is sixty, funny, and a ball of energy. She makes me laugh out loud, these days, it’s what I need. A group activity where I don’t need to speak to anyone if I’m not in the mood, but the option is there.

Best part – nothing hurts after.

SCORE!

Sure, as I continue along on my wellness journey, there will be more tears, more frustrations, more things I can’t do. But I’m learning, I’m growing, and I’m figuring out what I can do. It’s all part of the process.

For now, Jodie is waiting for me to get my butt in gear. We’re going for a walk – to IHOP for breakfast – what could be better? Exercise I can do, sunshine and prescription sunglasses, a delicious and healthy breakfast, and a best friend to share it with.

If I’m crying, they’re happy tears.

Wishing you all a low pain week.

Until the next blog – peace out pain sufferers.

Current pain level 4/10.

**Still waiting to hear back from Subscriber 26 -WASSHES. If that’s you, check your spam folder. You’re one of two winners of the Sharing is Caring Prize Package. Please touch base with me by March 14 to secure your win!

Sharing is Caring!

When Yoga Hurts Read More »

Winners of the Sharing is Caring Prize Packages Are…

Leave a Comment / Living With Chronic Pain / /

Subscriber number 26, you are the winner of the random draw for the Sharing is Caring Prize Package!

Email sent your way. Looking forward to connecting with you.

Subscriber number 12, you are the subscriber with the most blog post shares! Email sent your way as well.

Will make a formal announcement on the blog as soon as both winners get back to me!

Thanks for entering everyone!

There will be another Sharing is Caring Prize in the future. Maybe when I reach my original goal of 100 subscribers?! Who knows, in the meantime, if you enjoy the blog, and want to keep helping the tribe grow, keep on sharing!

For now, peace out pain sufferers.

Edith

P.S. Sorry for the crappy video guys!

And OMG – no one ever told me my voice was like nails on a blackboard!

Will work on my video skills, as to voice, I think we’re all shit out of luck!

Sharing is Caring!

Winners of the Sharing is Caring Prize Packages Are… Read More »

Solo Travel and Mental Health – Hint – Avoid Traffic Jams If You Can

13 Comments / Living With Chronic Pain / /

I like to travel alone – or maybe – it’s best to say traveling by myself doesn’t bother me.

Jumping in the car solo and driving for twenty-two and a half hours, sure no problem. I’ve got my thoughts for company. I talk out loud using funny accents. Give a blow-by-blow commentary of the life blurring by outside my window. I listen to music. Sing at the top of my lungs. Make plans – for tomorrow, next week, next month, a year from now.

A solo drive of any length is an excellent opportunity for personal reflection. For figuring out what you need from life. What you want from life.

Yes, Dean Winchester as a travel companion is a NEED.

It will also test you.

A sore ass by the time you reach Syracuse, New York. ✔

Dense fog through Pennsylvania. ✔

A navigation system that refuses to take you around the gridlock from Baltimore to Washington. ✔

Waking up to a flat tire in Fayetteville (left rear) and putting air in it yourself (my first time) while your back is spasming. ✔

Blowing a tire belt (right front) at the Woodbine exit in Georgia. ✔

Meeting the owner of 3 Guys Mobile Tire Service in rural America. (He was great by the way.) ✔

Driving on a spare tire to Jacksonville, Florida. ✔

Sitting in a sketchy Burger King reading a book on retirement while getting four new tires installed. ✔

For me, it’s all part of the adventure.

Until I hit the construction traffic less than fifteen miles from my resort, and it took an extra hour to get here. Then it was back to nails as weapons time. ✖

All this to say, with Roy’s remote help on the new tire situation, I made it to Kissimmee in one piece.

And I’m thrilled to be here. Or rather, I’m thrilled not to be there, at home, alone, in the cold. (Roy is currently in Africa for contract work.)

Heck, sunshine, warm temperatures, and flip-flops – what’s not to love – right?

Yep. I’m in my happy place.

Am I pain-free? Nope.

Reality check, I never will be.

Am I pain manageable? Yes. Thank you. Yes, I am.

It’s day two in Florida, and already my knees hurt less. My back hurts less. The brain fog is, for the most part, gone, and I expect continual improvement over the next few days.

Why?

Lot’s of reasons. The warmer temperatures, the stress-free environment, the extra walking, the grocery store sushi for lunch, the reading by the pool with a vodka soda, the writing of this blog on the patio with a glass of wine, the plan to go to bed early and get up early to do it all again.

If you’re thinking, sounds mental, I’d have to say I agree.

But I’m adding the word health to the mix.

It’s a mental HEALTH thing.

For me, body wellness goes hand-in-hand with mental health. I can’t achieve one without the other, and when I’m spiraling the chronic pain drain, my mental health is never far behind.

I needed a way out. Florida presented itself, and I took it. There’s still some residual guilt about leaving work at a critical time (COVID-19). Add in some guilt about leaving family behind (mostly just Mum). Plus a bit of guilt for spending money on a trip for just (GASP) myself. And sure, the doubt creeps in.

But for now, I’m where I need to be both mentally and physically, and that’s all I can ever really hope for. So, I’m going to enjoy the next two weeks. I’m going to read and write. Sit in the sun, talk to strangers, and shop at Target. When Jodie gets here, I’m going to do more of the same, except with more beer.

So, tell me Sharing is Caring Tribe, what do you do when you reach your emotional, physical, mental health limits? How do you escape? Do you grab a book? Binge a new Netflix series? Drink a couple of glasses of wine? Tell me what your go-to strategies are for coping with long bouts of weather-related pain, cause lord knows there will still be snow on the ground when I get back!

Wishing everyone a Happy Leap Year Day!

Oooo, and don’t forget the sharing is caring draw is happening soon! Stay tuned if you’re in it to win!

Until the next blog, peace out pain sufferers.

Current pain level 5/10.

Sharing is Caring!

Solo Travel and Mental Health – Hint – Avoid Traffic Jams If You Can Read More »