I have found for the days when I am having good days and I can stand and the pain in my back is manageable, and the numbness in my hands and feet isn't too bad, I get out my mixing bowl and bake. It relaxes me, and it brings me great pleasure to make something that tastes good for my family. As the holidays loom closer I am trying to keep the cookie jar full.
What I found to have taken the place of work, enabled me to keep my mind active and feel connected to others at the same time is the time I spend volunteering at a nonprofit human services agency. I had been a board member for years but as my retirement due to disability approached I took a more active role and now chair the board. Th staff and board are well aware of my limits and we have never had an issue but it has certainly helped fill up the days.
Sounds like a great way to stay out of trouble and keep the mind from idling away to nothing. Volunteer work is also a great way to combat the feelings of helplessness, hopelessnes, and depression because it gives you a purpose in life and gives you the joy of giving. Thanks for sharing.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD
Hello! I am Brenda. I'm turning 59 years young on New Year's Day and have been living with ME/CFS, FM and Rheumatoid Arthritis for nearly eight years. Presently I am suffering only minimally from pain and have been on a steady regimen of Amitryptiline and Cymbalta (50 and 30mg's each) daily. For years I have been knitting dishcloths for friends and family. I find wonderful terrycloth dishtowels and matching oven mitts at the dollar store, then knit a dishcloth to go with it. I use Sugar-n-Cream 100% cotton yarn in many different colors. Now, during the holidays I give many out with the holiday themes on them. People love them and yes, it gives me a sense of productivity and acomplishment when I have so little to contribute to this world. I feel valued and appreciated.
I also started writing on my PC and ended up writing a novel in 2008 which is still in manuscript form as getting it published is spendy and it's hard to get one's foot in the publisher's door. It is a Christian fiction novel that can be expanded upon with a follow up novel including many of the characters. I had never even written one article before but ended up with a 260 page book. Talk about being proud of myself. This taught me that altho I no longer have the cognitive ability to learn something new, I do have a creative mind with imagination that somewhat took over when the learned skills failed me. I have recently married, which I thought would never happen again in my life. My husband is a good Christian man who was willing to love me without many expectations of me.
Helping ourselves to keep as busy as possible, even watching a good documentary on tv, or HGTV while knitting changed my attitude toward life and the injustices that I felt I had to endure with these horrific illnesses. I advocate for research money through PANDORA, Phoenix Rising, Rising UP, etc. (various websites focusing mostly on these illnesses). I stay in contact with friends and family via Facebook which is such a wonderful method of communication for those of us who are so limited in physical energy.
I have also done fabric painting where one can iron patterns unto tshirts, blouses, dishtowels, tote bags, etc. and paint them with fabric markers. This can all be done in your home with no demands on you to keep up to a certain amount of productivity. Do it at your leisure. I recommend Aunt Martha's patterns which also are used for embroidery. Just take your time and enjoy feeling valued once again. Keeping in prayer, fully knowing that God is always with me, helping me through the tough times is essential to my well being. I even experienced a miracle when I went off a few mind altering meds at once, (knowing it was not wise I will say) but after sufferings horrible withdrawals for a few days I cried out to Jesus to give me sleep, as I had stopped the Trazadone sleeping pills too, and that night I slept through the entire night and have not had to take a had to take a sleeping pill since. That was nearly four years ago. If I had any doubt that Jesus could perform a miracle and give me sleep, before that night, I certainly have not ever had a doubt since. God is my rock, my problem solver and my best friend. He is at the center of my marriage and my entire life. I know I wrote a whole lot more here than I probably should have, however, the full story is well worth writing. For myself as well as anybody reading this. God's blessings to you all...
Brenda Brown Elliott
Willmar, MN
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
I just commented on Karen post about "How I manage my fibromyalgia"
What keeps my sanity, craft is really rewarding for me, I can get lost in my painting, sewing, knitting,and it permits me to make me the perfect gifts to my grand kids and friends , I use guided imagery and meditation for many years it can help me get over the humps of a pain surge and save a pill.
Thank you for everything you write here it is a great help for me .
marie
Thank you for expressing your appreciation. We wish you peace, joy, and much creativity in the coming New Year.
Dr. Christina Lasich, MD