Friday, December 4, 2015

In another life, I was (fill in the blank) before Arthritis

Chronic pain, inflammation and 

wicked exhaustion is exasperating!




We all had another life before our diagnosis. Does a diagnosis of chronic pain, bone degeneration end ones life as you know it?

Maybe. But it doesn't have to be all bad. My "Another Life" is so far in the rear view mirror that it barely exists. Even my name is changed (I took my wife's family name). People look at photos of me in disbelief. Not because of my invisible disease, but they can't picture me as that person. 

I was a banker for 15 years in another life.



That's my point. You have more than one life to live. Things will always be changing, sometimes quickly, with chronic illness. I am going into my 3rd (or 4th?) winter with this fiery dragon storming around my joints and nerves. Already symptoms of Chilblains in my toes and fingertips. 

After my injury to my heal, healed, I was able to get back to the gym. My trainer is also a sports massage specialist. So I got a massage and went back to light training on the elliptical. I started training again once a week.


I started to feel better, sleep better and better to be around. Then I was struck with a bad flare Friday after Thanksgiving. Thank heavens for our therapist.
She helped us through the "pain".

The flare lasted a week.

Is my life different? Did I expect to retire like this? 

Studies at Yale have shown that longevity seems congruent with having many lives. People's ability to reinvent themselves creates a more fulfilled and happy longer life. Who doesn't want that?

I plan on having many "another life's" over my lifetime. I won't let one roadblock keep me from being the best husband, friend and neighbor. There's a lot of potential in your future as mine.

Carpe Diem. 

Life is short, live happy and smile often.

Keep Up the Good Fight!





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