Learning From The ‘Old’ Year Before Facing the ‘New’

Here we are, right on the cusp of a New Year. Instead of talking about resolutions, I want to look at the transition of 2011 to 2012 in reverse. Before we can move forward and encounter our future it’s important to evaluate the past to learn from our mistakes, celebrate our successes, and let go of fears.

“YES, the New Year is going to be pretty much 

like the old one - unless YOU change that. 

YES, this means you must ignore or let go of your fear, 

take a chance and do something new. 

And YES, it's scary; but YES you can do it, 

because it's YOUR life 

where YOU get to choose that you want to LIVE! 

Or not.”

~by Soren Lauritzen

Think about the six biggest struggles, physical or emotional, that you faced in 2011. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, consider how you dealt with the problem. Did you show courage, conquer a fear, defeat a difficult medical issue, make it a teaching moment for someone who didn’t understand, find a solution where none seemingly existed, or  (you fill in the blank) ?

Stop for a moment to honor your efforts and acknowledge your triumphs. If you keep a journal (and I hope you do!) go back through those pages and put a star in the margin where you see an achievement. Make a quick note of what positive you see, such as *faced my fear*, *made a positive change in attitude*, or *followed through and made it work*.  When you look back, you’ll be able to reminisce not about the negative situation but your positive reaction to it - which is what should be remembered! 

If there were situations you were stuck in which ended in disaster, you should also evaluate your actions. Did fear make you freeze, did you buckle under pressure, did you let your illness pull you down in the moment, did you allow someone else the power to make you doubt yourself, or  (you fill in the blank) ? As hard as it might be, reflect on the  feelings of each event and try to determine where it began to go wrong. Was it in your attitude or did you procrastinate and drag your feet too long? Were you too timid or over-dramatic? Did you underestimate the other person or did you just throw up your hands and give in? 

It might feel uncomfortable, but taking the time to discern what preceded your mistakes can teach you a great deal and help you avoid the same undesirable result next time. Write those difficult words in the margin, such as *gave in too easily*, *should have spoken up right away* or *need to follow through on commitments*.

Later on, when you flip back through the journal pages, you’ll have more than just glimpse of what you did through the year. You’ll have your own little ‘cheerleading memos’ which point out the things you need to work on as well as little affirmations celebrating your successes.

So as we prepare to welcome in the new year, let’s face our past with an honest look inside ourselves and discover how we can meet 2012 with a brighter focus. Although we cannot avoid our illnesses and chronic pain, we can most definitely change how we encounter and react to what life throws at us. 

I wish you all a Happy - and Healthier - New Year!

~* Shannon *~

Here are two other insightful New Year pieces you might like to read:

-How to Have a Happy New Year in Spite of a Life With Chronic Pain by Sue Faulkner Wood 

-Reflecting on our Successes in 2011 by Dr. Laurie Ferguson for the Creaky Joints Newsletter

"Another fresh new year is here ... 

Another year to live! 

To banish worry, doubt, and fear, 

To love and laugh and give!

This bright new year is given me 

To live each day with zest 

To daily grow and try to be 

My highest and my best!

I have the opportunity 

Once more to right some wrongs, 

To pray for peace, to plant a tree, 

And sing more joyful songs!"

~by William Arthur Ward

Tuesday-Newsday #44

Tuesday-Newsday time! Today we look at stories from these subjects: Pain Rx, The Battle for Diagnosis, Sickle Cell Anemia, and Osteoarthritis.  The final category is Surviving a Holiday Party. The piece is “If I go to this party, should I explain my pain?” and is guest post by Lisa Copen for ChronicBabe.com. 

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below.

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. I always include the citation, source, or website so you know where it came from. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!

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*PAIN Rx

Motrin recall for batches that may not relieve pain quickly

Patients suffering from mood and/or anxiety disorder more likely to abuse opioids

New powerful painkiller being developed has abuse experts worried (Zohydro)

*THE BATTLE FOR DIAGNOSIS

For Those With Mystery Illnesses, a 'Clinic of Last Resort': Americans with rare, debilitating diseases come to national center hoping for diagnosis

-article #1

-article #2

Think your doctor missed the mark? Here are seven signs to look for if you feel you’ve been misdiagnosed

Navigating the Net Wisely in a Health Crisis

*SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Double cure for lupus and sickle cell disease with risky bone marrow transplant

Study may help personalize pain medication management for sickle cell disease patients

Some pain relief for sickle cell patients with once-daily Prasugrel

Adult Sickle Cell Drug Hydroxyurea May Benefit Kids, Too

*OSTEOARTHRITIS

Knee Arthritis Pain Study Seeks Patients

Mindfulness Training May Help Arthritis Patients Cope

Osteoporosis Drugs May Prolong Life of Joint Implants

Pool Exercise Helps New Knees

“Mirror Box Therapy” Helps Reduce Arthritis Hand Pain

*SURVIVING A HOLIDAY PARTY

If I go to this party, should I explain my pain? 

by Lisa Copen for ChronicBabe.com 

* Be an Angel of Hope *

It's Christmas Eve and I want to help spread hope through the world. Will you join me?

Two years ago I discovered an amazing online organization called Angels For Hope (AFH). They send free crocheted angels (or butterflies or smiley faces) to any ill or injured person who is in need of hope. The attached card tells them that they are not alone, others do care, and they are being thought of and prayed for. In 2010, AFH delivered 85,571 crocheted items. Their goal for 2011 is to finish out the year by touching 86,500 lives. It's a very large goal but they say with faith - and our help - they know they can achieve it!

"Christmas is forever, not for just one day,

for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away

like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon a shelf.

The good you do for others is good you do yourself..."

~Norman Wesley Brooks, "Let Every Day Be Christmas," 1976

I sent a request to Angels of Hope for a crocheted angel to be mailed to a friend of mine in the hospital who was going through a very difficult time. She told me the angel was so lovely and it really made her feel better. She then decided to ask AFH to send a crocheted butterfly to another needy person, continuing the chain of hope!

Angels For Hope offers their crocheted items free of charge, but they do hope you will feel moved to donate. They are also asking for people who are willing to crochet.

This holiday season, as you embrace your loved ones and celebrate peace and giving, don’t forget to share the gift of hope through service to others... perhaps by sending an angel to a soul who desperately needs to be lifted up.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays & Blessings to All!

~* Shannon *~

“Christmas Gift Suggestions:  

To your enemy, forgiveness.  

To an opponent, tolerance.  

To a friend, your heart.  

To a customer, service.  

To all, charity.  

To every child, a good example.  

To yourself, respect.”  

~Oren Arnold

Tuesday-Newsday #43

The news articles today are on these subjects: Chronic Pain, Patient News, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Military Veterans & Chronic Pain. The final category is Traveling with Chronic Pain. The American Pain Foundation features information this week on how to plan ahead and make your travel experiences easier and more comfortable.

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below.

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. I always include the citation, source, or website so you know where it came from. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!

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*CHRONIC PAIN

Chronic pain becoming more common in children and teens, study finds

Life, in Pain: A six-part Series on Chronic Pain in Women who are Finding Help with a Mind-Body Approach - Jenni Prokopy of ChronicBabe.com examines the 6 most common conditions: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, Vulvodynia, TMJ dysfunction and Interstitial Cystitis. 

*PATIENT NEWS

Patients Want to Read Their Doctor’s Notes But Most Doctors Would Rather You Didn’t, study finds

FDA Seeks to Get More Women Into Trials of Medical Devices: One study found women accounted for only one-third of those in major trials

New survey of surgeons finds many fail to discuss their patients' wishes in case the operation goes awry

Some Fish Oil Supplements Fishy on Quality, Consumer Reports finds

Crematoria send prosthetics for recycling

Note from me: What do you think of this? If you have an opinion, please write a comment below

*RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Early Steroid Treatment Eases Pain But Increases Body Fat

Frequent Vehicle Oil Changes Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Experimental pill Tofacitinib works as well as injections

Patients Seek Alternative Treatments

*MILITARY VETERANS & CHRONIC PAIN

Congress approves $10 million for Gulf War illness research

Soldiers Who Suffer Painful Burns or Wounds During Combat are at High Risk for Kidney Injury

Cutting the Pain of War With a Punchline - ‘Comedy Warriors: Healing Through Humor’

Learn more about the film and see a trailer HERE

Healing the chronic pain & disability of muscle loss injuries in the field of duty by regrowing tissue using pig’s bladders being studied

Making a Difference in the Lives of Soldiers With Illness, Disability, and More: ‘The Healing Our Heroes Network’ Ministry Program

*TRAVELING WITH CHRONIC PAIN

Your Pain and Travel Guide, How to Prepare Before You Go  

This 24-page booklet with basic travel and safety information including steps to take before you leave, ‘Dos and Don’ts’ during your trip, issues specific to airport security checkpoints and other modes of transportation, travel must-haves including a personal “less pain” travel kit and other travel-related resources

U.S. Travel and Safety Administration has information on Traveling with Hidden Disabilities and Medical Conditions

Addtional Travel Resources -contact information for agencies and organizations you might need

Rudolph meets Dr. Seuss: ‘Be Who You Are’

On November 12, I wrote a blog post about an amazing quote I found on the back of a necklace in an art store. I promised I would write another post about a second quote I was moved by.. and I will do that now. (You can read the first post and get up to speed by clicking here: Make Your Life a Fantastic Ride! )

When I finished copying the quote on the first necklace and replaced it on the rack, I was drawn to a second one. I can’t even remember what the vintage photo looked like. But when I turned it over and read the back, I couldn’t wait to write down the quote so I wouldn’t forget the words:

“Be who you are and say what you feel, 

because those who mind don't matter 

and those who matter don't mind.”

I was totally amazed to find out who spoke those words... Dr. Seuss!

Dr. Seuss was an American poet and writer who is renowned for his much loved children’s books, including “The Cat in the Hat,” “Green Eggs and Ham”,  and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” among his 46 titles.

There’s a whole lot of power in that statement! You have to be honest about who you are, don’t hide your inner essence, face up to society and don’t worry about what anyone says because those who really love you will accept and support your true self. Never compromise!

Since we are in the holiday season, it made me think of one particular example: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. In the famous song from 1949 and in the 1964 animated TV movie, he is mocked and ostracized for his unusual glowing red nose. The other reindeer won’t have anything to do with him and in the movie, even his parents are ashamed and try to hide his nose. Eventually Rudolph realizes he can’t avoid being who he is and he runs away. He meets Hermey the elf is also running away because the other elves won’t let him become who he wants to be; he doesn’t like making toys for Santa and instead wants to be a dentist. Like Rudolph, he won’t settle for being pushed aside as a misfit, so they make a pact to accept and support each other and head off on a journey into the unknown.

After they have a wild adventure, they return home and find that those who shunned and made fun of them are feeling sorry for their actions. The elves allow Hermey to open a dentist office, finally honoring his desire to be different and acknowledging that he really has a role among Santa's elves after all.

Rudolph becomes a hero when Santa realizes his unique glowing red nose can light the way through the foggy Christmas Eve which would otherwise keep his sleigh grounded. 

Hermey and Rudolph didn’t allow a disapproving society - even their own families! -  to force them to change into what they were expected to be. Although they did struggle with being confident in who they are at the beginning of the story, they stayed true to themselves and supported each other in their journey to self-actualization.

In preparing to write this piece, I did a little research on Dr. Seuss and discovered another statement he made which connects to the top quote and so eloquently wraps up this blog post: 

“Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”

Tuesday-Newsday #42

Today’s stories are from these subjects: Pain Rx, Miscellaneous Conditions, Cancer, and Tackling the ‘Holiday Blues’. The final category is Coping with Chronic Pain at Holiday Time. The piece, “In Search of a Merry Christmas” by Lindsay at RunLindsayRun, is about making sure to plan ahead to take care of yourself during the holidays. 

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below.

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. I always include the citation, source, or website so you know where it came from. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!

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*PAIN Rx

Pain Relief Without the High: A New Perspective on Medical Marijuana from UCSF

Read more about the study HERE

update: Washington State’s Pain Law is causing severe anguish and fear for legitimate pain patients. Other states are watching, and could decide to follow suit. Be watchful of legislation in your state! Read about the awful situation here:

-New state law leaves patients in pain

-State pushes painkiller that saves money, but costs lives

*MISCELLANEOUS CONDITIONS 

Multiple Sclerosis May Take a Different Pathway Than Previously Thought: 'Outside-in' disease progression could change approach to diagnosis & treatment

Early Ovary Removal May Raise Arthritis, Osteoporosis Risk: Study showed nearly half of women under 45 who had procedure developed one or the other condition

Sjogren's Syndrome: IV Immune Globulin Relieves Neuropathy

Patients Feel Better Before MRI Shows Results in Psoriatic Arthritis

*CANCER

Study seeking patients: Stanford and UCSF are recruiting to test ultrasound waves for easing pain of cancer spread into bones

Breast cancer drug Avastin revoked for 'life-threatening' risks

Joint Pain Linked To Commonly Used Breast Cancer Drugs

One In Three Women With Secondary Breast Cancer Needlessly In Pain

Many oncologists not on top of managing pain, study reveals

Acupuncture Might Ease Chemotherapy Pain

*BACK PAIN / SPINE ISSUES

Stretching is the Key to Yoga's Back Pain Relief

Low Vitamin D Common In Spine Surgery Patients

Timing May Be Key to Successful Back Surgery: Waiting longer than six months to repair herniated disc may hinder recovery

Study Questions Use of MRI Before Back-Pain Injections: Routine imaging has little clinical value for certain patients

Single Injection Allows Relief From Pain For 8 Months Following Spinal Cord Injury

Study Shows Injections of Ozone Helped Treat People With Back Pain Due to a Herniated Disc

*TACKLING THE ‘HOLIDAY BLUES’

Shaking The Holiday Blues Away

Beating the Holiday Blues

*COPING WITH CHRONIC PAIN AT HOLIDAY TIME

In Search of a Merry Christmas

by Lindsay at RunLindsayRun

Distract From Your Pain with Classic Holiday Movies

The holiday season often causes those of us with chronic pain to suffer severe flare ups from all the activities. Besides using direct techniques to deal with our pain like prevention through pacing ourselves, taking more medication, applying heat/ice, and other physical treatments, there is another way I like to manage my pain: Distraction.

Distraction works because “your brain can only focus its attention in so many areas at one time. Pain sensations compete for attention with all of the other things going on around you. Just how much attention your brain gives each thing depends on a number of factors, including how long you have been hurting and your current mood.” (text from HERE)

Distraction techniques include such things as visualization and listening to music. I like to use television shows and movies - particularly classic old films! -  to distract from pain. At this time of the year, there are some really great ones to choose from. Since I love old movies so much I thought I would share some of my top holiday choices with you.

These films don’t have fancy visual effects, sex scenes, car chases, incessant swearing, extreme violence or any of the other things most modern films seem to feel are necessary. They rely on deeper emotions, explore the bonds of family, embrace spirituality and generosity, and most of all don’t shy away from love in its purest and most innocent forms. These movies really grab my attention and truly distract me from pain - so I’m sure they will work for you, too. Plus, you’ll be entertained by some of the best actors and actresses and come away with a warm happy mood. Some of the films are completely centered around Christmas (like Miracle on 34th Street) but a couple I’m including aren’t holiday movies per se but do have important Christmas scenes. I just can’t leave them out!

I’m going to start with the movies I most highly recommend, followed by a few I haven’t yet seen but plan to catch based on friends’ recommendations, and I’ll end with the classic ones that everybody loves!

~* HIGHEST RECOMMENDATIONS *~

THE BISHOP'S WIFE (1948) - Drama

This is my favorite holiday film! David Niven is the bishop, who is obsessed with building a cathedral and asks God for help. Dudley the Angel (Cary Grant) arrives to give him aid, but what exactly does he really need help with? The Bishop’s wife, played by Loretta Young, is being neglected by her husband who is more focused on ego and status than love and family. Dudley becomes close friends with the wife, making the bishop jealous. The bishop worries the angel has been sent to replace him, and he realizes that love is the greatest of God’s gifts and family is worth any sacrifice. This is truly a film not to miss during the holidays. My husband and I watched it together last year and I know we’ll watch it again.

MEET JOHN DOE (1941) - Drama

This is an exceptional film, a top favorite of mine regardless of the season. It’s particularly appropriate given the current economic climate in our country. After a feisty newspaper columnist (Barbara Stanwyck) is told she’s fired, she comes up with a scheme: she pens a phony letter claiming to have received it from a man protesting how bad things are in the world and announcing his plans to jump from the roof of City Hall on Christmas Eve. She signs the letter "John Doe," and its publication results in an explosion of public interest in the fictitious man. To continue the lie, she hires a hobo (Gary Cooper) to play the role. John Doe becomes a hero to the American public. He falls in love with Barbara but he doesn’t know what he should do. But then he finds out he’s being made a pawn in a sinister political plot. Will he actually fulfill the threat in the fake letter written by “John Doe”? This is such a great film! 

CHRISTMAS IN CONNECTICUT (1945) - Romantic Comedy

Barbara Stanwyck stars as a homemaking specialist who can't even boil water! She lives alone in a New York apartment and cannot cook, but she writes a popular magazine column about a family life on a Connecticut farm as a housewife with a husband and child. When she is forced to provide a family Christmas holiday for a war hero and her boss, she panics. In order to prevent being exposed as a fraud, she agrees to marry a friend and even finds a stand-in baby to complete the lie... but things go wrong and madcap comedy ensues! 

THE SHOP AROUND THE CORNER (1940) - Romantic Comedy

James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan star as feuding coworkers in a Budapest shop who