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Brain Over Body
Ruth Skinner - with Osteoarthritis - writes:
I've been using Yoga for years and I don't think I would have made it this far without it. I'm 45 years old. As long as I practice I don't use drugs as much. The settling sensation you have "floating away" comes with the natural body reaction to yoga. The releasing of natural body chemicals which fight pain are stimulated. This happens in any exercise regime. Just stick to it!!!
James - with Rheumatoid Arthritis & Fibromyalgia - writes:
In the past couple of months I have come to realize that my body is falling apart and there is nothing I can really do about it. I am still trying to learn and deal with these facts of life I have been dealt, but some day's I don't even want to get out of bed. The world seems easier there. School, and my social life have become harder because people don't seem to understand what the disease does to one's body. I try and explane and then seem to get pitty, something I do not want. This thing is to loose my independence. I can imagine that others have felt the same way as I, and I hope I can be of some help in this matter.
When I start to feel bad I remember the one thing this disease can not take away from me, nor can anyone else for that matter, My Mind. I can think and reflect on the pain and do my best to free it. I try not to let it become, or take over me. This disease does not define who I or you are. To spite the fact that human nature insists we lable all things including people, and their strenghts and weaknesses. Our Minds can be powerful tools in both the physical pain and mental pain we experience with the disease and our personal lives with the greater community on this earth. So I reach out to anyone who suffers this pain in live and to those who see it only through there eye's. Grab on to the Mind you have, think, reflect, and remember only you can define yourself.
Last, I would like to say that I'm not a very religious person but my grandmother once told me that "God gives to those he knows can handle it" I feel there is some truth in that, Don't you?
Jen - with Rheumatoid Arthritis - writes:
Mind over matter is the only way to go. Diagnosed at 19 (what a freshman year of college) and 15 years later (1 hip replacement, 1 ankle fusion, 1 wrist fusion the other wrist fused itself). It's still a matter of mind over matter plus an understanding and respect for medication. I agree arthritis is the enemy and I choose my battles conciously. I knew hiking Mt. Whitney in a day (19 hours) would, one hurt alot and two hurt for weeks after we finished but, now 4 years later I'm still glad I did it. Same with racing sailboats and continuing to snowboard. My doctors don't recommend this approach but, for me taking it head on and daring it to get in my way is the only way to go. But, there are still days (very few) that I can't manage much more than getting out of bed - I just remember I may lose a battle or two but, I don't give up the fight!
Thanks for the website and all the information. It's awesome!
Joan - with Osteoarthritis - writes:
I was diagnosed at age of 32 with osteoarthritis in both knees. I have had surgery, physical therapy,various medications,steroid injections, knee braces, attended a pain management program, and am currently seeing pain psychologist weekly.
I just can't seem to accept this and just keep fighting it. As you know, it has a great impact on all aspects of your life. I have gone from a very active lifestyle to just walking/swimming.
I thank you for all of the e-mails noted here because I realize I am not alone. I am currently pursing knee replacements at age of 34. I have realized though that controlling the pain is a mental game. It indeed is "brain over body" and it is amazing how the mental power can help you through each day, along with strong faith.
I too am a registered nurse and I now have a full understanding of the great need for pain control for all people. I agree that no one should have to experience pain when there is so much out there to help, especially the need to educate and increase the awareness of all.
Thank you. I will keep tuned in to this website.
Let us all live for today and live it to its fullest. God Bless!
Carolan Ivey - with Osteoarthritis - writes:
The other day, at a routine visit to my rheumatologist (a New Zealander - gotta love the accent!), he had a young, fifth year med student in tow. The student asked me how I "deal with" pain. It was a surprisingly hard question to answer. I was diagnosed at age 5 and am now 41, so I literally do not remember what it is like NOT to have some kind of pain every day.
A certain amount of pain, for me, is like white noise. You get used to it and generally ignore it, and get on with your life. Any pain that rises above that white noise, I attend to. (bilateral hips!) How do I deal with it? I live my life as fully as I can within my limitations, and push those limits when I feel the benefits would outweigh the consequences. I used to feel angry, robbed and cheated of the kind of "normal" life that others take for granted. But now I know I am extraordinarily, astoundingly lucky.
How can I say that, you ask? I have a strong faith. A supportive family and friends that coddle me when needed, but are also just as happy to apply a swift kick to my rear if I begin falling into the "poor me" trap. Two beautful children that I still can't quite believe are mine! I count my blessings and try to give my burdens to God. I get up in the morning, put my feet on the floor, and get on with life. What's the alternative? For me, none.
Jenn Tawton - with Rheumatoid Arthritis - writes:
I just have a question. I am looking for information from anyone who is having or has had a very painful and long flare (mine is going on 9 months with all kinds of different things happening - all very painful). Some days I feel that it is too much to have to cope and fight and still live the life I want to. Frustration and anger set in for a short time and then I go on. Thanks for sharing.
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