Good plan, I spend so much time at physios and doctors etc and children and grandchildren now, and no time on me

Here here 2012 the year we call should reclaim our health and bodies.

My younger sister has been dealing with auto immune diseases for the past 17 years. I knew that she had a lot of illnesses, but wasn't sure exactly which until last week when she told me that she has been diagnosed with five auto-immune diseases. She is a nurse so she has a better understanding of her illnesses. It seems as if each time I speak with her she has a new problem. She fell recently and bruised her face and broke her front teeth and now the doctors are telling her that she needs to have surgery on her feet. She told me last week that she is declaring war on the devil. She said that every time she turns around there is something new with her body and she is not accepting it. She believes in pampering herself. She has regular massages done a the massage school. She gets her hair done regularly and she tells me that she doesn't consider herself as "sick", because saying that she is sick may mentally keep her from doing the things that she enjoys. She is a people person and has a group of friends that she attends church with and they go to dinners, plays, on trips and all types of things. I am so proud of her. She is such a good role model when it comes to never saying no to taking care of self.

Brenda, I think it's wonderful that 2012 is the year you WILL take back your body. I believe in you an know you can do it.
Blessings,
Kim

Brenda, Here's to a Wonderful and exciting New Year for you and anyone else in this group with the same thoughts. We DO deserve to pamper ourselves at times, and we need to listen to what our bodies are telling us, though, we often ignore the body.
hugs your way.
tracy

Brenda, Terrific idea to pamper the body. I am going to take your advice. I need to think more about the osteoporosis that I now have from the prednisone. I think with all the processed foods in the stores and meds with so many side effects, it is amazing that we all do not have several autoimmune diseases. I hope your sister gets better. I hope the pampering will help your situation too. Good Luck.

Best wishes to both you and your sister for improved health. And best wishes for a better 2012 for all of us here at Daily Strength. BTW, that massage sounds good. I think I might make an appointment after Thanksgiving. Great idea, Brenda!

For me the pampering is taking the shape of a medical moratorium. I am not going to consider a change or medical appointment unless it is an emergency from Dec 7th to Jan 10th. I need a break. I have seen at least two doctors a week since Feb it feels. Many specialists and return visits. It is just too much, too much to consider and change and prepare for and i am overwhelmed at times.
I can't do massage or nails at this point, but just a nice cup of tea, and listening to music can put me in a self care place. I keep busy keeping up with my kids and husband, and trying to keep all the balls in the air. For a month i need a break, and plan to take it.

May we all find our calm place. Happy Thanksgiving, Shawna

First regarding the pampering. My daughter started beauty school a couple of months ago and she called me yesterday and told me that she needs me to come up there next week so that she can do my hair, manicure and pedicure for an evaluation. Of course I am going and she also has a male classmate who is going to cut my hair for me. I normally wear my hair in a short natural and since starting on Prednisone it has really grown out and I was telling her that I needed a haircut and she hasn't gotten that far yet, so he is cutting mine. Spoil me please !!!

As for the doctors appts, if I wasn't in so much pain, which hasn't been as bad the last two days, I wouldn't see any more doctors for a while, but I have 3 appts this coming Tuesday and one each for the following 2 Mondays and then one on the 13th. The good things is that they all fit within this calendar year as far as having met my deductible with UHC.

I have been talking with God a lot about my pain and also drinking Noni juice, If only my swollen feet would also listen to the plan.

Brenda I think it is a wonderful idea naming 2012 the year you take back you body!!! I believe we should all join with you.....can't speak for anyone else but I would love to join you. Pamper yourself my friend....well deserved!!!

hugs!!

Barb

Boy do I know how you feel with being all bruised up from needles. I still have a hideous bruise on my right hand from my surgery over 2 weeks ago. I have turned into a very tough stick. I blame it on the 7 iv'sand dozens of blood draws I have had since August.

Good for you as claiming 2012 for yourself!! Keep up the positive attitude and enjoy your pampering!!

Brenda, How nice that you can do pampering and visit with your daughter all at once!!! sounds super fun. I too wanted to push to the end of the year for the deductible thing, but it overwhelmed me and i need a break more than anything else. My wise aunt has had MS for 40 plus years and recommended i just take the break!!! i think she is right. I'm sure next year i will get to the limit again, i am not near stable, so i have a long way to go and many more appointments to endure.

Wishing you all the best, shawna