Comments for A New Kind of Normal http://www.anewkindofnormal.com Living an abundant life with chronic illness. Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:28:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Comment on Kicking off 2012 with a Blog Challenge! by Challenging some more… | Stacia Priscilla http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/just-for-fun/blogchallenge2012#comment-6312 Challenging some more… | Stacia Priscilla Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:28:36 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3207#comment-6312 [...] is a little late, as I just found out about this challenge. It’s a 30-day blogging challenge, which was supposed to jumpstart a new resolution for readers of A New Kind of Normal. I think this [...] [...] is a little late, as I just found out about this challenge. It’s a 30-day blogging challenge, which was supposed to jumpstart a new resolution for readers of A New Kind of Normal. I think this [...]

]]> Comment on Choosing To Fight by Felicia Fibro http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/choosing-to-fight#comment-6291 Felicia Fibro Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:21:23 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3405#comment-6291 *hugs* I'm so sorry that you had to go through all this additional pain and what comes with it. Your post instantly reminded me of 2 experiences I've had - 1 with a clinic doc, 1 with a rheumatologist. If I had just settled for the advice that the clinic doc (who I'd seen many times) had told me I would've never seen another doc and finally be given my fibromyalgia diagnosis. The clinic doc had basically told me, "Suck it up, I'm in pain too. You need to learn to live with it, I see nothing wrong." I know how hard that type of news is to hear, when you're fighting to find solutions that help you have a higher quality of life. I'm glad you had that keychain and drew courage from it. It sounds like your rheumatologist and you have a good relationship. Maybe you should discuss this situation with him and ask if he has a recommendation of a different pain doc that might be a better fit for you - more open to trying various treatments to find to find something that works for you. Of course, you could also try to discuss your feelings of disconnect between the pain doc and you with the pain doc and maybe that will help him see that you are being realistic, but you're also not giving up. I've had this work well my with current rheumatologist, but I've also had it not work. When I tried to have a similar discussion with my old PCP it just reinforced the fact I needed to find a new PCP after he listened to what I said and basically didn't care. When dealing with chronic conditions is it so important that our doctors consider us part of our healthcare team since science doesn't (yet) understand all about our conditions. Anyway, just thought I'd share my story a bit too - hoping it offers some sense that you're not in this alone. Good luck! I hope this situation (and your pain) improves soon! *hugs* I’m so sorry that you had to go through all this additional pain and what comes with it. Your post instantly reminded me of 2 experiences I’ve had – 1 with a clinic doc, 1 with a rheumatologist. If I had just settled for the advice that the clinic doc (who I’d seen many times) had told me I would’ve never seen another doc and finally be given my fibromyalgia diagnosis. The clinic doc had basically told me, “Suck it up, I’m in pain too. You need to learn to live with it, I see nothing wrong.” I know how hard that type of news is to hear, when you’re fighting to find solutions that help you have a higher quality of life. I’m glad you had that keychain and drew courage from it.

It sounds like your rheumatologist and you have a good relationship. Maybe you should discuss this situation with him and ask if he has a recommendation of a different pain doc that might be a better fit for you – more open to trying various treatments to find to find something that works for you. Of course, you could also try to discuss your feelings of disconnect between the pain doc and you with the pain doc and maybe that will help him see that you are being realistic, but you’re also not giving up. I’ve had this work well my with current rheumatologist, but I’ve also had it not work. When I tried to have a similar discussion with my old PCP it just reinforced the fact I needed to find a new PCP after he listened to what I said and basically didn’t care. When dealing with chronic conditions is it so important that our doctors consider us part of our healthcare team since science doesn’t (yet) understand all about our conditions.

Anyway, just thought I’d share my story a bit too – hoping it offers some sense that you’re not in this alone. Good luck! I hope this situation (and your pain) improves soon!

]]> Comment on Upcoming Attractions by Joanna http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/changesahead#comment-6290 Joanna Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:19:27 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3419#comment-6290 Hey Jamee! I am so excited for this year's Endo Awareness time! I can't wait to get started on everything! xoxo, @EndoJoanna Living With Endo (and Infertility) Hey Jamee! I am so excited for this year’s Endo Awareness time! I can’t wait to get started on everything!

xoxo,
@EndoJoanna
Living With Endo (and Infertility)
Joanna recently posted..Is It Too Late to Get Off The Ride??

]]> Comment on Upcoming Attractions by Shari~Rain into Rainbows http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/changesahead#comment-6287 Shari~Rain into Rainbows Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:47:17 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3419#comment-6287 Agreed, I love your illustration! The only thing maybe that I'd think about would be lightening up your background a tad so there's more contrast between the grey & black. Unless I bend my laptop screen at a certain angle, it usually looks solid black to me, and it's such a gorgeous pattern. Other than that, nothing much. Maybe a Google + link? (You know, once you get that up & running hahaha.) And I'm interested in helping w/the Endo Month thing, but it looks like I'll be having surgery towards the end of the month now, so not sure how that will work out. Don't count me out just yet though. ;-) Agreed, I love your illustration!

The only thing maybe that I’d think about would be lightening up your background a tad so there’s more contrast between the grey & black. Unless I bend my laptop screen at a certain angle, it usually looks solid black to me, and it’s such a gorgeous pattern.

Other than that, nothing much. Maybe a Google + link? (You know, once you get that up & running hahaha.)

And I’m interested in helping w/the Endo Month thing, but it looks like I’ll be having surgery towards the end of the month now, so not sure how that will work out. Don’t count me out just yet though. ;-)
Shari~Rain into Rainbows recently posted..Old Friends, Old Hurts

]]> Comment on Choosing To Fight by Jamee http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/choosing-to-fight#comment-6286 Jamee Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:43:59 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3405#comment-6286 I've been seeing this doctor for 18 months so I know all the ins & outs of being a patient at a pain clinic and don't mind the pill counts and drug tests but after being released to only need to come in every 90 days and then moved back to 30 day intervals and make accusations of abuse is crap. I understand that drugs aren't the full answer. My issue is that he is not willing to try anything else. I've asked about nerve blocks and other alternative and he just blows them off and says that they won't work. I get that every doctor is not going to be warm and fuzzy and I'm ok with that but I draw the line at not giving any concern for your patient's quality of life. I’ve been seeing this doctor for 18 months so I know all the ins & outs of being a patient at a pain clinic and don’t mind the pill counts and drug tests but after being released to only need to come in every 90 days and then moved back to 30 day intervals and make accusations of abuse is crap. I understand that drugs aren’t the full answer. My issue is that he is not willing to try anything else. I’ve asked about nerve blocks and other alternative and he just blows them off and says that they won’t work. I get that every doctor is not going to be warm and fuzzy and I’m ok with that but I draw the line at not giving any concern for your patient’s quality of life.

]]> Comment on Upcoming Attractions by C.C. @ I'm On My Way ~ my journey as a Christ follower, wife, mamma, and fibromyalgia fighter http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/changesahead#comment-6284 C.C. @ I'm On My Way ~ my journey as a Christ follower, wife, mamma, and fibromyalgia fighter Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:09:38 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3419#comment-6284 I think the illustration is really cute! :) I think the illustration is really cute! :)

]]> Comment on Choosing To Fight by Andrea http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/choosing-to-fight#comment-6283 Andrea Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:58:26 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3405#comment-6283 Having had fibro for over 10 years, IC, vulvodynia, RSD in 3 places, I have had many doctors... While most have been wonderful, I have had an experience that I need to forgive so that I don't harbor anger and stress; easier said than done! Don't take it personally, your dr sees hundreds of people with various issues and was probably trying to convey that drugs aren't the full answer to this type of pain. We will still have horrible pain days when even "breakthrough" meds don't help completely; if we recognize that and realize that "this, too, shall pass" it helps to take the fear and anxiety out of the picture. As for visiting every 30 days, that is probably the law for patients receiving the meds he gave you. Certain classes of meds require that you are seen every 30 days and only receive that many days worth of med. They sometimes count pills to be sure you are using them appropriately, and may give drug tests on each visit. I thank them, as I figure it is for my protection... After all, I do not want to be addicted to something on top of my other issues!:-). As for weight, the meds make you gain as does inactivity from pain, but I think studies show that more weight=more pain and joint issues. Don't let a bad bedside manner discourage you!!! I'm praying for your peace and that you remember we do not fight against "flesh and blood" (Eph 6:12). Read Romans 15:13. Blessings to you!:-) Having had fibro for over 10 years, IC, vulvodynia, RSD in 3 places, I have had many doctors… While most have been wonderful, I have had an experience that I need to forgive so that I don’t harbor anger and stress; easier said than done! Don’t take it personally, your dr sees hundreds of people with various issues and was probably trying to convey that drugs aren’t the full answer to this type of pain. We will still have horrible pain days when even “breakthrough” meds don’t help completely; if we recognize that and realize that “this, too, shall pass” it helps to take the fear and anxiety out of the picture. As for visiting every 30 days, that is probably the law for patients receiving the meds he gave you. Certain classes of meds require that you are seen every 30 days and only receive that many days worth of med. They sometimes count pills to be sure you are using them appropriately, and may give drug tests on each visit. I thank them, as I figure it is for my protection… After all, I do not want to be addicted to something on top of my other issues!:-). As for weight, the meds make you gain as does inactivity from pain, but I think studies show that more weight=more pain and joint issues. Don’t let a bad bedside manner discourage you!!! I’m praying for your peace and that you remember we do not fight against “flesh and blood” (Eph 6:12). Read Romans 15:13. Blessings to you!:-)

]]> Comment on Choosing To Fight by BalancingMama (Julie) http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/choosing-to-fight#comment-6282 BalancingMama (Julie) Thu, 02 Feb 2012 19:45:39 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3405#comment-6282 So sorry you've been dealing with such bad flares. You are so inspiring, and I'm glad you have a blog to share your fighting spirit with the world. I wish some people I know & love could be fighters like you. And overweight? .... really? Rubbish. :) So sorry you’ve been dealing with such bad flares. You are so inspiring, and I’m glad you have a blog to share your fighting spirit with the world. I wish some people I know & love could be fighters like you.

And overweight? …. really? Rubbish. :)

]]> Comment on Choosing To Fight by Jamee http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/choosing-to-fight#comment-6279 Jamee Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:46:45 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3405#comment-6279 I don't think I'm in denial. I have the understanding that pain, at some level, will always be a part of my life. It may or may not get worse. I'm not denying that. The only thing I'm refusing to accept is that I should just roll over and accept that I have pain because "my body is wearing out" or that there is no chance of relief in the future (which is basically what my pain doctor suggested). I accept the fact that pain is a probably going to be a part of my life, of my "new normal," but I refuse to believe that there is absolutely nothing we can do about. Yes, my illnesses are incurable but that doesn't mean we can't a way to treat the symptoms, specifically the day-to-day. I know flares will happen and those days the pain will be harder to treat and that's ok. I'm fighting for the day-to-day symptoms so that I can use my spoons for loving! I don’t think I’m in denial. I have the understanding that pain, at some level, will always be a part of my life. It may or may not get worse. I’m not denying that. The only thing I’m refusing to accept is that I should just roll over and accept that I have pain because “my body is wearing out” or that there is no chance of relief in the future (which is basically what my pain doctor suggested). I accept the fact that pain is a probably going to be a part of my life, of my “new normal,” but I refuse to believe that there is absolutely nothing we can do about. Yes, my illnesses are incurable but that doesn’t mean we can’t a way to treat the symptoms, specifically the day-to-day. I know flares will happen and those days the pain will be harder to treat and that’s ok. I’m fighting for the day-to-day symptoms so that I can use my spoons for loving!

]]> Comment on Choosing To Fight by RevRuby http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/chronic-illness/choosing-to-fight#comment-6275 RevRuby Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:41:30 +0000 http://www.anewkindofnormal.com/?p=3405#comment-6275 I applaud your attitude to fight, and I think that drttt is a jerk, but it does almost sound like you're in denial of your own pain and what it means for the rest of your life. Is it all sunshine and roses? No. But it doesn't have to be stormclouds either. Find a way to make flares more pleasant. For me this meant that the check my mom gave me for christmas bought a roku box for the bedroom. Now when I am having a huge flare I can watch netflix and many other wonderful channels. All the things I don't have time for chasing three kids and working. I don't wanna be a downer, fight to your hearts content, but don't lose focus that if you use your spoons fighting you won't have any left for loving. I applaud your attitude to fight, and I think that drttt is a jerk, but it does almost sound like you’re in denial of your own pain and what it means for the rest of your life. Is it all sunshine and roses? No. But it doesn’t have to be stormclouds either. Find a way to make flares more pleasant. For me this meant that the check my mom gave me for christmas bought a roku box for the bedroom. Now when I am having a huge flare I can watch netflix and many other wonderful channels. All the things I don’t have time for chasing three kids and working.

I don’t wanna be a downer, fight to your hearts content, but don’t lose focus that if you use your spoons fighting you won’t have any left for loving.
RevRuby recently posted..purple people eaters are eating my face

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