Let’s start the week with a positive thought by Joining Annie from McGuffy’s Reader and her Sparks.
This last week has been a very painful reminder of the extent of my RA. Positive thinking was out the window as the best I could do was hold on and ride it out. However, when the flare started to settle….the day was so sunny, everything seemed brighter and clearer…. more alive, welcoming and calm. Do we need to see hell in order to appreciate our surroundings? Yes, a look at the worst life can throw at us can show let the beauty we see every day shine through.
Do we need to see hell in order to appreciate our surroundings? I think we do because it’s only when we make it through the fog can we truly appreciate and understand the blessings in life. Struggles and challenges define our priorities. I’m happy to hear you made it through the darkness into the light.
That quote is so true! I am praying you get some relief this week from your RA. My grandmother had it so badly her fingers and toes became deformed. My dear friend in Raleigh has it too, it’s such a terrible disease. (((hugs)))
It is very debilitating but I can deal with daily things….the flare ups cause life to cease as normal while the swelling takes over. I too have deformed fingers, hands and toes….but its part of what makes me the……the son of a seacook! hehe
Glad you got through this. That’s about all you can do. I used to get terrible migraines and when I woke up as the headache began to abate, I expected to hear someone calling “Lazarus ! Come forth !” Applying a warm cat sometimes helps.
I can just imagine coming out of a migraine….things would seem so smooth and finally quiet. Life does seem so alive and interesting following an attack. I had warm cats applied to everywhere….they believe a warm cat is the cure to everything. hehe
I think applying warm cats is a universal remedy. Or warm dogs, as the case may be. Have you looked into essential oils? I’m just starting to learn about them and have had good results with some things.
I love essential oils and have been using them. Now, Kali has been diagnosed with asthma and seeing as meds are out of the question for her, I am getting everything unscented. Kali has perked up quite a bit since then.
I’m struggling with what to write. ~hugs~ Upbeat people overcoming pain always give me bittersweet joy. I wish you all the best, from one crazy writer, an understanding partner, and two spoiled cats.
These are wise words, garnered from experience. Jean, I understand. I have RA, too. (And Sarcoidosis. And secondary issues.) Some days are miserable. Some mornings I can barely walk when I first rise from bed. My heart goes out to you. Truly. Gentle hugs, my friend.
You can well understand where I’m coming from Annie. Getting out of bed is a challenge, first thing in the morning,,,forsure but we do it and are ready to start the day. Thanks for the gentle hugs,
Oh Jean! I am sorry you have not been 100%! I send you love and purrayers!
What a great quote! I LOVE this one!
And I want to send you a big THANK YOU!!!
Marv Loves his new fish!
Love Barb
Love your spark sweet friend. Sorry you were having a flare up. Those are the worse for sure. Thankfully I haven’t had one yet with everything else going on but I’ve been a little down. You fixed that up last night when I got home. Ya’ll are the sweetest peeps ever. Love you! XOXO – Bacon
I’m so sorry you have to be in so much pain. I agree though – nothing makes us more grateful and appreciative of what we have than the dark times. Just human nature I guess. We think so much of you and your girls … just saying 🙂
I came home from work today screaming in pain during my one hour drive with my neuropathy pains. But yet, I realized I haven’t had it as bad as today in quite a number of months. So I find I can be grateful that these episodes are coming less often lately. I’m still in pain 3 hours later today but not as bad and there is still hope that this too may pass! Juliea
This was heavy my friend! There are no 2 ways about it….intense pain is hard to take but the episodes are less often….strike one up for you. The pain will finally subside and I am always amazed that I after a week….I don’t remember how intense the pain was.
Thank you. It lasted about 4 hours and took one 800mg ibuprofen and a couple of hours later 400 mg more. But it’s gone now. Hope it stays gone for awhile.
Oh Jean I’m sorry the RA went into flare-up….wee sure are soldiers aren’t we?? My OA & Skeletal Hyperostosis decided to flare-up after the molar left! So from one kind of pain to another! I’m sleeping at least 10 hours daily….not much energy & can barely walk. At least it is snowing out which cheers me up (weird aren’t I?) & it is the 1st nite of Chanukkah & that always brings a smile to my face!! I made it thru another year & am lighting those candles…it really helps me cope I can tell you.
Sending you gentle {{{hugs}}} & love Sherri-Ellen & POTP frum Purr-amedic Dharth Henry =^,.^=
Thank you for the gentle hugs Sherri- Ellen. We are strong and with Dharth, Shoko and Kali’s help will be around for some time to come. You are a remarkable lady so continue with what you’re doing.
We ARE storng with our furbabies by our sides Jean! Thank you for your kind words also. You are a real inspiration to me!!!
Gentle {{{{hugs}}}} Sherri-Ellen ❤
We are strong with our furry faces by our side, Ladymum. Always remember that anything that is a label on us….like Epilepsy with me……is just a word and doesn’t describe me. I spend less than 1% of my time doing anything involved with epilepsy.
Jean I am so sorry that you have been dealing with a bad flare up. I wish there was something that could be done to help alleviate these flare ups. It makes me sad to hear that you have to be in pain so often 😦
Alas, this flare up was rough but I was trying to get off of Methotrexate….usually a cancer drug…very good for RA but I had been on it for a few years and wanted to get rid of the side effects. Two months after getting off…this happened. I am now back on it and short term some steroids. I am starting to feel way better than I did.
You are such a wise lady, happy to hear you are so much better.
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Not wise just observant my friend…have you noticed this feeling also?
Jean
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I must say yes, we have to have bad days, if not, how we know the good ones.
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I agree!
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And knowing this is a step in the right direction of understanding.
Have a fabulous day filled with wonderful Sparks. ♥
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You’re right….just knowing that after the pain…life will be bright and alive, gives one HOPE!
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kali N shoko…sorree mom had a crap azz week last week~~~~~~~ hope thiz onez LOTZ WAY better ♥♥♥♥♥
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Ya, it was a cwappy week for her and us too, cause she never even tried to play. She seems happier this wek though.
Shoko
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Do we need to see hell in order to appreciate our surroundings? I think we do because it’s only when we make it through the fog can we truly appreciate and understand the blessings in life. Struggles and challenges define our priorities. I’m happy to hear you made it through the darkness into the light.
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Thank you Lisa. You are right…a glimpse at the other world does make us appreciate the blessings we have.
Jean
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Oh I do love that quote………!!! Glad you are feeling better……….I TRULY am!
Love, Pam
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A good quote….it was a tough go but a friend helped me through it….thank you friend.
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That quote is so true! I am praying you get some relief this week from your RA. My grandmother had it so badly her fingers and toes became deformed. My dear friend in Raleigh has it too, it’s such a terrible disease. (((hugs)))
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It is very debilitating but I can deal with daily things….the flare ups cause life to cease as normal while the swelling takes over. I too have deformed fingers, hands and toes….but its part of what makes me the……the son of a seacook! hehe
Jean
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Yes…always darkest before the dawn. Sending love and healing thoughts – keep going 💕💕💕💕xxx
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Thanks for the support Samantha.
Jean
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Beautiful spark. I love your positive attitude. I hope you are feeling much better. XO
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Everyday is a little brighter…thanks Ellen.
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Glad you got through this. That’s about all you can do. I used to get terrible migraines and when I woke up as the headache began to abate, I expected to hear someone calling “Lazarus ! Come forth !” Applying a warm cat sometimes helps.
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I can just imagine coming out of a migraine….things would seem so smooth and finally quiet. Life does seem so alive and interesting following an attack. I had warm cats applied to everywhere….they believe a warm cat is the cure to everything. hehe
Jean
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I think applying warm cats is a universal remedy. Or warm dogs, as the case may be. Have you looked into essential oils? I’m just starting to learn about them and have had good results with some things.
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I love essential oils and have been using them. Now, Kali has been diagnosed with asthma and seeing as meds are out of the question for her, I am getting everything unscented. Kali has perked up quite a bit since then.
Jean
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I just read about that. Sometimes I am amazed and dismayed by the things I never knew before.
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I’m struggling with what to write. ~hugs~ Upbeat people overcoming pain always give me bittersweet joy. I wish you all the best, from one crazy writer, an understanding partner, and two spoiled cats.
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Thank you my friend. It was a bittersweet experience also.
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These are wise words, garnered from experience. Jean, I understand. I have RA, too. (And Sarcoidosis. And secondary issues.) Some days are miserable. Some mornings I can barely walk when I first rise from bed. My heart goes out to you. Truly. Gentle hugs, my friend.
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P.S. We missed your fill-ins. But…just take care of You.
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You can well understand where I’m coming from Annie. Getting out of bed is a challenge, first thing in the morning,,,forsure but we do it and are ready to start the day. Thanks for the gentle hugs,
Jean
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Exactly. I focus on what I can do, not what I can’t. I am here if you need an ear…or a gentle hug.
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Oh Jean! I am sorry you have not been 100%! I send you love and purrayers!
What a great quote! I LOVE this one!
And I want to send you a big THANK YOU!!!
Marv Loves his new fish!
Love Barb
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Glad he got them. Try a water filled sink for the small fish. Marv will love it.
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Sending pawsitive thoughts your way. Feel better! Patzy and Miss Juliea
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Thank you ladies.
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that is true…. but we hope the darkness isn’t for long and the light can chase all darkness and the shadows away… at least for a while….
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I am confident the shadows will be gone before long. I am stronger and my outlook is good my friends.
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Love your spark sweet friend. Sorry you were having a flare up. Those are the worse for sure. Thankfully I haven’t had one yet with everything else going on but I’ve been a little down. You fixed that up last night when I got home. Ya’ll are the sweetest peeps ever. Love you! XOXO – Bacon
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Just wish we were there to share with you. We will be together again soon.
Loves,
Jean
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Can’t wait!! XOXO – Bacon
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Chronic illness and pain is so debilitating – glad you’re going through a positive time once again. Wishing you the very best.
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Thanks Sheryl. Your upbeat and beautiful posts help my positive mood.
Jean
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I’m so sorry you have to be in so much pain. I agree though – nothing makes us more grateful and appreciative of what we have than the dark times. Just human nature I guess. We think so much of you and your girls … just saying 🙂
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I came home from work today screaming in pain during my one hour drive with my neuropathy pains. But yet, I realized I haven’t had it as bad as today in quite a number of months. So I find I can be grateful that these episodes are coming less often lately. I’m still in pain 3 hours later today but not as bad and there is still hope that this too may pass! Juliea
LikeLike
This was heavy my friend! There are no 2 ways about it….intense pain is hard to take but the episodes are less often….strike one up for you. The pain will finally subside and I am always amazed that I after a week….I don’t remember how intense the pain was.
Hugs,
Jean
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Thank you. It lasted about 4 hours and took one 800mg ibuprofen and a couple of hours later 400 mg more. But it’s gone now. Hope it stays gone for awhile.
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Oh Jean I’m sorry the RA went into flare-up….wee sure are soldiers aren’t we?? My OA & Skeletal Hyperostosis decided to flare-up after the molar left! So from one kind of pain to another! I’m sleeping at least 10 hours daily….not much energy & can barely walk. At least it is snowing out which cheers me up (weird aren’t I?) & it is the 1st nite of Chanukkah & that always brings a smile to my face!! I made it thru another year & am lighting those candles…it really helps me cope I can tell you.
Sending you gentle {{{hugs}}} & love Sherri-Ellen & POTP frum Purr-amedic Dharth Henry =^,.^=
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Thank you for the gentle hugs Sherri- Ellen. We are strong and with Dharth, Shoko and Kali’s help will be around for some time to come. You are a remarkable lady so continue with what you’re doing.
Hugs,
Jean
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We ARE storng with our furbabies by our sides Jean! Thank you for your kind words also. You are a real inspiration to me!!!
Gentle {{{{hugs}}}} Sherri-Ellen ❤
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We are strong with our furry faces by our side, Ladymum. Always remember that anything that is a label on us….like Epilepsy with me……is just a word and doesn’t describe me. I spend less than 1% of my time doing anything involved with epilepsy.
Loves, Jean
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Jean I am so sorry that you have been dealing with a bad flare up. I wish there was something that could be done to help alleviate these flare ups. It makes me sad to hear that you have to be in pain so often 😦
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Alas, this flare up was rough but I was trying to get off of Methotrexate….usually a cancer drug…very good for RA but I had been on it for a few years and wanted to get rid of the side effects. Two months after getting off…this happened. I am now back on it and short term some steroids. I am starting to feel way better than I did.
Thanks for your kind words.
Hugs,
Jean
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Excellent Sparks post. We hope you are feeling better.
The Florida Furkids
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