Pattye, you are doing exactly the right thing. Exactly! I'm so glad to hear you will not let your illness control your life! I'm totally sure that is the way to go and the only way to maintain one's quality of life, while being ill.

How do I know this? Well, I had osteoarthritis in my hips for 16 years, becoming increasingly disabled, and finally could only drag myself around a few steps at a time, using two crutches. I was mistakenly diagnosed with inflamed muscle attachments, and was told I would have to live with this for the rest of my life. Not until last spring, when I saw a doctor again, did they understand that I was not a hypochondriac, grumbling about a little pain which anyone else would stand without a word. No, now they suddenly understood how severe my conditioin was and wanted to do a hip replacement immediately. So now I have had two, and am very happy with them.

I wrote about all this in my book "Hips Attached!" (obtainable through lulu.com), and this was my way of dealing with all those 'lost' years. Also, I see it as a way of helping others keep their spirits up and deal with the pain and immobility, and also with medical care. And, as an added bonus, I hope doctors, nurses and others in medical care will read it, to add to their understanding.

Anyhow, I am so grateful to be able to walk again, and not being in pain any more! Psychologically, because I have done what you do (only not travelling so much, which would be great, and maybe I can start doing that now) - doing things I enjoy and want to do, not locking myself up somewhere and pitying myself. I have been able to keep my spirits up mostly (only sometimes it gets unbearable, of course, but everyone with this kind of problem will understand that) because I have refused to be ruled by my hip problems. I have not accepted to be regarded as a pair of hips, but have demanded (and got, mostly) the respect every person should have. Doctors have asked me how I managed, they expected me to be bed-ridden.

But I am not a hero. Just an ordinary person, refusing to be "ill" - although I was, in fact, very ill, I just didn't let that fact totally ruin my life.

So keep doing what you do! And keep giving others hope and joy! Because you do, with your blog. I noticed right away in your photo, that you look a bit like an angel, with that enormous green leaf behind you, almost like a wing.

Best wishes!

Madeleine