Thankful
Posted , 13 users are following.
In the USA we just had our Thanksgiving holiday and it's a time when I like to take a look at my life and remind myself of what I have to give thanks for - even in bad times.
3-1/2 years ago my body had been attacked by an unknown demon. In 4 months time I had gone from being a very physically active 61 year old working 50+ hours a week, doing evening and weekend projects, etc to a person who struggled to get dressed and somehow make it through the work day. Being in a vehicle was so painful that I would have to get out every 15-20 minutes to walk around for a few minutes so I could continue. Doctors weren't coming up with any answers and I feared that this unknown demon was going to keep me in this condition or worse for the rest of my life. I was truly terrified. While having more testing done, a physician's assistant suggested that I might have an auto immune disorder and got me a prescription for a week's worth of Prednisone. PMR - the demon had a name. That alone was a comfort. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Life's not perfect - it's not easy working but I've learned to listen to my body. I miss the way I was but am still thankful for what I am now. I haven't had a flare in 2 years, just made it to 5mg/day and for certain give thanks for that! I'm not rushing to reduce. And especially I'm thankful for Prednisone and for this web site and one other site like it. I can't imagine fighting this demon without the drug or without the wise counsel of others here. And for that I am eternally thankful.
We all hope to kill the demon and consign him to a memory of some tough times. This site plays an amazingly important part in dealing with PMR and I am thankful for each and every person here. Be blessed.
5 likes, 9 replies
bob73443 TheRaven
Posted
Thank you for your honest and uplifting message. I am also thankful for all the time that people put in to helping one another here on this forum. And blessings to you as well.
nancy02150 TheRaven
Posted
So true. Nice to know we are not alone and everyone has something different to discuss and find answers or suggestions to help. I would love to give everyone their previous live to PMR and GCA back. I know I would like to be that previous person, but alas I am who and where I am. LIfe brings surprises and setbacks. How we respond makes a big difference. Keep a smile and take each day as it is....listening to your body is a big thing with auto immune disease. Live life to the fullest at the level you are....you never know what tomorrow brings. Cheers to a better 2020 and less people experiencing this disease. Smile, those around you will appreciate it too and you will feel better in the process. POSITIVE THINKING PLEASE.
diana21296 TheRaven
Posted
Hear hear! Thank goodness for prednisolone which stops us being crippled and in pain and for this wonderful forum. 😊
Michdonn diana21296
Posted
Diana, I agree with the help of Prednisone I have been able to have a pretty normal life. And the forum has been a tremendous source inspiration, help, and education, plus friendships!
Now what is better than that!
We all are fortunate! 🙂
EileenH TheRaven
Posted
Thank you!
Positive thought No 1: there are many illnesses far far worse than PMR! We should be grateful for small mercies. 😃
BettyE TheRaven
Posted
PMR is in the past for me but it's not an experience you ever forget and I remember gratefully all the help and support I received from this and other forums ( a? )
A lot less competition and much more co-operation would do a lot for the world. I love the "think globally act locally " slogan.
Rudivl TheRaven
Posted
I have just been reading Brene Brown on the subject of gratitude and how this builds resilience. So powerful when I have just come through an awful flare - the first in a number of years. In the 2 very dark days last week, I felt like everything was caving in and grieved again for the 'me' I had lost and the potential of a future locked in this place of pain. Prednisolone had given me my life back and had lulled me into a false sense of security that perhaps the PMR had vanished...... but alas, no!
Still, the wonder of this drug is that by upping a few milligrams, I am feeling more myself again and able to work and function. I am so grateful to have found this forum. I am following the DSNS tapering guide and have courage to face the numerous rheumatologists with their varying levels of understanding and competence that I have met over this 5 year journey. Back to 10 milligrams and facing Christmas with thankfulness that I am still here and will try to name my blessings more frequently. As my Granny used to sing, 'count your blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done...'
lynda62707 TheRaven
Posted
Thank you so much Raven for your lovely Thanksgiving wish.
You are soooo right. There's much to be thankful for in almost Any situation.....you sometimes just need to look a little harder.😕
But, for sure, I'm extremely grateful for this forum and all the wonderful folks I've "met". Y'all have helped me through some very tough and scary times.
Here's hoping for a great holiday season for us all! xx
Anhaga TheRaven
Posted
Glad you are doing well. I've been on pred since 2015, down to 3 mg at the end of the first year, so for the last 3.5 years have hovered around the 2-2.5 mark. And finally tapering doing double time on the dead slow nearly stop method has got me to 1 mg, and now well ventured on the path to .5. Next taper, in about three month's time, God willing, will be from .5 to zero. I'm not going to stop cold turkey even from .5!