Staying Positive

[Jack]

If I had to pick one thing that has helped me through the past 24 years, it is having a positive attitude. Countless relapses, infections, complications and even a period of marriage break up have come and gone without breaking me down. I'm proud of it! However, I feel it is now taking its toll and I'm starting to struggle at times.
During the past two weeks, on top of everything else, I've had a lung infection. I changed my antibiotics and it cleared up, but they upset my already delicate digestive system to the point where I could hardly eat. I'm now getting over that one, but have an ear and throat problem instead. This is making swallowing all my medication difficult and I'm starting to feel sorry for myself.

Never mind! I expect I'll get over it after a while.
Trouble is, there are more steps backward than forward these days.

Thanks for listening.

[Sangye]

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling with so much, Jack. I've had a difficult past couple weeks, too-- oddly similar symptoms and antibiotic issues.

I keep telling myself, "At some point, this is gonna clear up, too, just like all the past problems have. At some point, I'll be on the other side of this problem, just like I've done before." It's helping me get by. Maybe it'll be a little lifeboat for you, too. Hang in there.

[coffeelover]

Jack,

I hate to hear that you are having some struggles. I believe in the positive approach as well and I get up every morning giving myself a pep talk. Then I get busy! Easier said than done at times, but necessary for me anyway.
I picked up the guitar and started taking guitar lessons. It gives me something to do that I never thought I'd have time for and it challanges me to continue to improve (even if my improvement seems slow at times). I sometimes have to force myself to practice as I would rather commiserate, but once practicing, I get that feeling of accomplishment and that makes me feel better.
I am just suggesting this becuase it works for me. Maybe, this is not your personality. But if you have the chance pick up something....knitting, art, guitar, piano or go to the neighborhood dog shoelter and volunteer to walk the dogs. (or bunnies if you will...) Iknow our community has plenty of avenues for outreach programs that I could volunteer for. (and I do!)
Please feel free to tell me if I am barking up the wrong tree. I know when you don't feel good, you don't feel like doing good either. Please keep talking with us. I will worry about you.
LIsa

[Terri]

Hope things get better soon for you Jack.
I've noticed from reading what others have to say and noticed it to be true for myself, that stress seems to cause flare ups.
I give myself 5 minutes each day to cry,throw things across the room, or whatever makes me feel better for that time. Then I have to believe that God will shield me from the suffering or give me the strength to bear it.
On days that my feet hurt, I think of those who have no feet. That's being a little harsh I guess, but you know what I mean.
I've been feeling pretty bad myself and yesterday I was able to get out and roto-till my garden to get it ready to plant. I was thinking to myself how this disease keeps trying to put me down. I refuse to let it! As long as I can get in to my garden, mow grass or ride my 4-wheeler, I will, and no disease is going to take that away from me! I love you guys!!!! That helps me too.

[Jack]

I'm overwhelmed! Thanks for all your messages of support.

I wrote that post when I was feeling a bit low (as you may have guessed), but things seem better this morning.
I'll try to remind myself that my Wegener's symptoms are a bit like our British weather - if you don't like what you have, just wait a while and it will all soon change.

I think I'll make a start on the "To Do" list today. I have hardly done anything for a couple of weeks and I know that it is not helping me to improve.

Thanks again.


EDIT - Admission! I gave myself a big one-off dose of pred yesterday. It probably explains why I'm feeling better today.
Yes, I know it's bad and I don't recommend self medication with dangerous drugs!

[Sangye]

I betcha you've been on the pred long enough to know how to use it safely--newbies shouldn't do that, but you probably have a good feel for how much to take. And if it keeps you in the game, then it worked!

[Doug]

Jack- I'm happy you are feeling better! One theme we all seem to have in our group is a profound sense of the importance of a positive attitude and an understanding that we will always be heading to a "new normal". May you land on your feet! I promised myself I'd cool it on the smilies for awhile, but your feeling better forces me to break out the classic smiley:

[Jack]

Had a good day yesterday - too good really because I ended up overdoing it! I'm planning on doing just one small job today and being a bit kinder to myself.

[Gail]

Dear Jack,
I am glad you are having a better day today. It's a beautiful day here so I'm sending you some good Aussie sunshine and well wishes. Take care and keep smiling.
Gail :-)

[Luce]

I'm having a duvet day today as well - my first day off sick from work since I went back in January.
Something (meds, food or a bug) has upset my stomach so I spent most of last night making friends with the lavatory and I'm shattered now.
Bit of a wake up call that I'm not quite as well as I like to think I am.

Enjoy your day everyone!