Someone left a post and wasn't sure why I have a wheel chair...
so here goes...
fibromyalgia...
it effects the soft tissue...
muscles, tendons and ligaments...
my neurotransmitters don't work right...
there are also other things that come with it...
chronic pain...
IBS...
chronic headaches...
insomnia...
fatigue...
there are others...but these are what bother me the most...
I also have degenerative arthritis in my neck, spine and hips...
there are no meds without side effects...
threw them away...
I can walk...but I have only so many steps a day...
I can get around ok inside and could outside last year...
this year is not so good...
the pain has hit in the lower back and hips over the winter really bad...
I have had the chair for over two years...
knew what could happen...
but never used it before...
but this year I decided mobility is more important...
I missed the outdoors...
it flares up and fades...
more flares lately...
been pushing it too hard...
they don't know why it happens...
it just does...
you don't get better...
but you can have better days...
people have a hard time understanding that...
they always say- well call me when you get better...
it ain't going to happen...
but it's ok...
there's a reason...
I am right where God wants me to be...
there is a plan...
and I've never had to do it alone...
He's been right here with me every step of the way...
update: January 21, 2015
I am doing much better these days, but still use my chair for walks and when we go shopping if I cannot get one of those riding things...
I still only have so many steps, but my energy level is higher than it was...
got my gall bladder out a couple of years ago and am able to eat better...
sleeping better most of the time, too...
I still flare, and every once in awhile, its a nasty one...
but you just have to roll with the punches...
and be thankful for all the good days you are given...
normal?
nope...
but I am ok with that...
just a bump in the road, that's all...
we all have something that God asks us to do...
this is just one of mine...
;)
you don't get better...
but you can have better days...
people have a hard time understanding that...
they always say- well call me when you get better...
it ain't going to happen...
but it's ok...
there's a reason...
I am right where God wants me to be...
there is a plan...
and I've never had to do it alone...
He's been right here with me every step of the way...
update: January 21, 2015
I am doing much better these days, but still use my chair for walks and when we go shopping if I cannot get one of those riding things...
I still only have so many steps, but my energy level is higher than it was...
got my gall bladder out a couple of years ago and am able to eat better...
sleeping better most of the time, too...
I still flare, and every once in awhile, its a nasty one...
but you just have to roll with the punches...
and be thankful for all the good days you are given...
normal?
nope...
but I am ok with that...
just a bump in the road, that's all...
we all have something that God asks us to do...
this is just one of mine...
;)
Tete,
ReplyDeleteI feel so sad to know your story. I wanted to ask, but i dare not... until you tell me now. Don't know what to say,.. please take care.
Hugs,
milka
Tete, I am sorry you are suffering so! I admire the strength of your spirit. May God hold you in His arms and give you what you need to get through each day.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Beth
Tete, I wish you weren't in pain. I admire your strength and may God continue to bless you and keep you filled with His wisdom.
ReplyDeleteYou have a fabulous attitude. I will pray that you are not in pain.
Blessings,Karen
I know someone about like you with this disease symptoms, and I can say I appreciate your attitude and faith! God bless you, and keep moving forward when you feel well enough too! :)
ReplyDeleteMy daughter also has that one-two punch of fibro and juv arthritis. Diagnosed at 9, now a teen, and still battling daily pain, fatigue, etc. I understand your struggles from watching hers...
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayers for a cure for it all
You are such a cheerful, upbeat person...I'm glad you know the Lord and can depend on His strength. Lezlee
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you. I have my chair folded for now. I know what your going through and determination God and chocolate helps. Bless you.
ReplyDeleteI saw the pic of the wheelchair and had to click on it. Bless your heart... You are a beautiful lady and an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteI was diagnosed with MS in July:) I put a smile by that line because what else can I do? I know each case is different and I could have 20 good years or 2...and a wheelchair may very well become my friend too.
I will remember you in my prayers!
Hugs,
Suzanne
Howdy Tete
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to read about someone with such an awesome attitude.
You are truly amazing .
I do wish God would take away the flare ups far more often for you !
Prayers with gentle hugs :)
Until next time
Happy Trails
I love your sweet spirit...and so does God.:))
ReplyDeletelove and hugs, bj
I just found your blog, and klicked on the wheelchair. My brother has Fybromalgia as well, amongst others (neck hernia is one of those "other things") He used to be in a wheelchair too....used to because he now lives in Thailand. The heat is doing him good...he is OUT of the wheelchair but not without pain or meds. But he walks around when he can....and drives the car as much as possible. Just wanted to share this with you.
ReplyDeleteHugs from the Netherlands ♥
I was on your Pink Saturday post and decided to click on the wheel chair pic as it caught my attention.I'm sorry you have so much pain but your attitude and spirit are wonderful, we all have a journey and each is different. I take care of my 43 year old son, he has cerebral palsy and is in a chair, he has a great attitude too. He is what keeps me going and God willing for a long time. Bless you and enjoy what you can do, about the wheel chair in the grass, well don't try the beach, we did, and didn't get far! lol Hugs, Marilou
ReplyDeleteHello, Tete!
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best, under the circumstances! :)
People all around us, healthier than us, are busy ruining their health and life, so...
"If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have." - English proverb.:)
You have a gorgeous blog, all the way down to the font! Where did you find this blog template?
Super...and superb!
:)
Think how Stephen Hawkings still gets to do some things...
We should do whatever little we can...
:)
Just read your post and it brought tears to my eyes. I'm 42 & 3 different doctors have recently told me I'm too young to have such a long list of chronic medical conditions. Like you, I also have fibro and DDD Arthritis in my neck, back, & hips. On top of that I have herniated discs in my neck & lower back. MRI indicated they had been that way a long time. I have had hashimoto hypothyroid for about 18 years also. This is just the tip of the iceberg of my problems & I do think there is a connection somewhere. This last year has been difficult for me also & I have lost all my friends. People don't understand INVISIBLE DISEASES & most people won't take the time to learn. When I have what I have deemed a "fibro crash" not even my hubby understands why I sleep for 2 or 3 day only waking to use the bathroom at times or get a drink. I'm sorry to be going on but your story is so much like mine and I just needed to vent. Wishing you better days ahead - Mary
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you. Just keep on going.
ReplyDeleteCher
Goldenray Yorkies
I too just had to click on the wheelchair.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you are in so much pain, Tete. I am reading Joni Eareckson Tada's new book right now and I haven't gotten into it very far yet but I know she will be an encouragement to me, as she always is!
I have my own story... If you would indulge me, I will share just a bit with you. I apologize because it will be a bit long but here goes...
I was diagnosed with MG {Myasthenia Gravis} twenty years ago. {I was still a young woman, raising a family, and was very much on the go when this hit me!}
Like most people, you probably have never heard of it.
It is an autoimmune disease {a form of Muscular Dystrophy} which attacks all the voluntary muscles as well as the lungs. I thought I would end up in a wheel chair too but I only had to use a walking cane for a few years.
God has been very good to me!
I am doing so much better now than in the beginning. But it came with a lot of changes in my habits and attitude. I have always been a perfectionist, so it hasn't been easy, believe me!
I had to also deal with unkind judgments by others because there are those in church circles who believe that Christians should not get sick! I'm sure you have had this happen too along the way.
My faith has grown considerably through it all and the Lord has taught me much about suffering.
I have discovered a secret too! For me personally, I feel a whole lot better about myself when I keep busy ministering to others. With Hubby being in Ministry, this has been an avenue which has paved a way for me to do this.
For the time being, I've had to back off just a bit because I think I had taken on too much but I'm still very thankful for how far I've come.
This past year, I also had a broken rib and had to go to physio therapy for my back. I also have osteoarthritis. Much of the past year I've been in considerable pain but again, I am feeling somewhat better.
There are so many ladies like yourself who are in pain and one feels so helpless, but one thing we can do, is pray for you. And that I will do! I've been there too, sort of. I have not had to make friends with a wheelchair and I pray I never have to.
God bless you, Tete! I hope you will consider me a friend who knows somewhat what you're going through.
BTW, I was raised a Baptist, ministered in the Nazarene church which is a sister church to Wesleyan, and am now back in an independant Baptist church. I also have three sons. Seems you and I have a few things in common! Take care, dear lady.
Blessings and hugs,
Sandi
Hi Tete, I often see your comments on blogs I visit. I just read you comment on NanaDiana's blog about walking without your chair, and wanted to say well done. I have a friend who suffers from fibromyalgia and severe chemical sensitivity. I sometimes wonder if I suffer the same. I doubt I'm in the same amount of pain as either of you, but I certainly suffer and some days are much worse than others.
ReplyDeleteThis morning I decided I'm going to try and walk everyday. I'm a bit hit and miss, so I want to find out if it's just lack of fitness, and if so I can do something about it. Some days are so bad I can barely walk or stand. I also suffer extreme insomnia. These things combined help me to have empathy for ones who do suffer more than me, and that's why I felt compelled to say well done to you for managing your walk. I can only begin to imagine the pain you would have been in, and are probably still in as a result. I always enjoy reading your comments on others blogs.
Hugs to you,
x
I understand just what you are saying about the list of pain and problems and about what people say about call when you feel better. I have Wegeners Granulomatosis and Celiac Disease. I read a little quote recently “You would never say it’s just cancer get over it” Nobody has been that harsh to me but I sometimes feel like people don’t take my illness just as deadly though. I do however get real funny looks when I tell people I count my illness as a blessing. Well, that’s because many people don’t know my Jesus. He suffered much worse than I am and I feel through my suffering I am drawn to Him. I also have a wheelchair and a walker. However I do get around without most days. I pray you have more good days than bad. Now that I know this about you I will keep you on my daily prayer list. Know that our Lord is hearing about you from me daily!
ReplyDeleteTete,
ReplyDeleteThough I am not in a wheelchair yet, and hve just started using a cane recently, I know the pain of arthritis and whatever else is causing my nerves and muscles to hurt.
Some days are better than others, and I, like you, will keep going, until the Lord tells me it is time to slow down.
Hugs,
Jettie
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, and three other types of Arthritis, but this is the second year I'm off all of my medications.
ReplyDeleteSome days are better than others; the winter was horrible, but I'm waiting until the good stuff is available for me. I work until some of the stiffness goes away and have a chair outside so I can sit down (frequently).
I shall be praying for you, Tete. God is so good!
Joey
Wow....you absolutely amaze me! I am always inspired by what you and your family accomplish in a day and by your energy and happy attitude. I pray that you can have less pain each and every day. Love and hugs....
ReplyDeleteDear Tete, I read this post after scrolling down your blog and saw the wheelchair. I understand even more now your comment on the house ramp.
ReplyDeleteYour story is amazing along with being an inspiration. I am sorry you have had the face this challenge and with pain. Like your said, God has a plan and maybe one day we will understand his WILL. I was diagnosed with Osteoporosis about 10 years ago and it certainly has it's issues for me but I do not have pain at the moment. I must be very careful not to fall down which is hard for me to stay still most days but I am trying.
My ribcage is beginning to turn a bit due to scoliosis with the Osteoporosis and somedays that is painful, but I can handle it and still work rings around most half my age. LOL
Glad I read your post and will keep you in my prayers going forward. God makes no mistakes, and I am sure he had our paths cross.
Blessings to you.
Celeste
Fybromalgia is in our family and friends.
ReplyDeleteI have some medical issues too. With pain and now sight in one eye.
I am like you. Keep going slow but sure and wise and not over do. I find best to encourage others and thank others in my life as well.
I am so grateful I am a child of the King too.
What would I do without him. Nothing. Meaning if I never excepted his Grace. I would be flat on my own.
Your story is touching. I will keep you in prayer .
Being sisters in the Lord. We keep each other in prayer. I see you have others as well. That is so lovely.
I just commented in your blog of the passing of your dear sister in-law this morning 1/31/2015
God Bless