I also wanted to share with everyone, I believe our mental attitude has a direct effect on our overall health and physical wellbeing. Now, this may strike a wrong chord with some. I can accept this and I respect everyone's belief. I have been reading many books on this subject and at first, I too was skeptical. Having been rediscovering my own beliefs since 2008 when my health began this rollercoaster ride, I thought, "what the hell do I have to lose"? Absolutely nothing. I began this journey by having an open mind. I stopped listening to negative statements from others, including some of my own family. And, I will state to you I have family whom (God love'em) constantly speak with such negativity they seldom hear themselves.
My intent here is not too slander any of my family. My point is simply this; once I began filtering out all of my own negative thoughts and I closed my ears to outside negativity, I could literally feel a change. Not only mentally, but physically. No, I have not mastered this. I still continue to read, educate and put into practice what my mind has ingested.
I hope by sharing this even one person out there becomes inspired. I have applied this "positive thinking" to every aspect of my life. Physical, mental and spiritual. I am currently reading, The Power of the Mind to Heal by Joan and Miroslav Borysenko. I recommend this book. Two other excellent books are, Excuses Begone and Inspiration: Your Ultimate Calling by Dr. Wayne Dyer. Namaste!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Happenings...
Greetings bloggers. I hope everyone has been enjoying the summer so far. Life has been really hectic around the Osburn homestead. Regular trips to the water park, family trips hither and yon and yard work. My grandmother has been in and out of the hospital recently. She has end stage colon cancer which has spread into her liver, lungs and kidneys. Her care is now merely comfort care.
I know this is life coming full circle and my grandmother has told me she is ready, but this is never easy. I seem to be responding well (thus far) with my monthly Remicade infusions and weekly methotrexate. I have now been off of prednisone for nearly 2 months. I still have the occasional RA flare. When my flares come on I am usually down for a day. My family has become fully aware of their onset because I'm usually lying around all day. My wife and son are great about letting me have my space and offer assistance when I need it.
I'm learning everyday how best to live with my RA. I have accepted the fact I am living with a chronic illness. RA will be with me for the duration. I have never been one to give up. No matter the diagnoses, chronic illness is life-changing. I am walking a long, hard road but I know I am not walking this road alone. I wish all of you peace and many blessings. Namaste!
I know this is life coming full circle and my grandmother has told me she is ready, but this is never easy. I seem to be responding well (thus far) with my monthly Remicade infusions and weekly methotrexate. I have now been off of prednisone for nearly 2 months. I still have the occasional RA flare. When my flares come on I am usually down for a day. My family has become fully aware of their onset because I'm usually lying around all day. My wife and son are great about letting me have my space and offer assistance when I need it.
I'm learning everyday how best to live with my RA. I have accepted the fact I am living with a chronic illness. RA will be with me for the duration. I have never been one to give up. No matter the diagnoses, chronic illness is life-changing. I am walking a long, hard road but I know I am not walking this road alone. I wish all of you peace and many blessings. Namaste!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Inspiration!
Fellow bloggers, greetings and salutations. Yes, it has been a couple of weeks since my last post. I must be honest with everyone; I just haven't felt inspired to write. I have been battling a tough flare lately. At times, this became a daily struggle to get out of bed. If not for my wonderful support network, I might still be there. My rheumy has also began decreasing my prednisone dosage in order to FINALLY stop this med.
Maybe this slow, weekly decrease has also been a factor.
Fast-forward to today. I am feeling better and am ready to take control again. I accept this chronic illness I have. RA, however, DOES NOT have me. What my "monster" inside me needs to know and accept itself, is I will not let it defeat me. Not even during days such as recently past. I have also been reading many inspirational stories which have not only inspired, but have raised my spirit and strengthened my resolve. I will be posting some of them here on this blog.
I hope all of you are doing well. Feel free to post here if you are, or have been, feeling the same. I bid you peace and good health.
Maybe this slow, weekly decrease has also been a factor.
Fast-forward to today. I am feeling better and am ready to take control again. I accept this chronic illness I have. RA, however, DOES NOT have me. What my "monster" inside me needs to know and accept itself, is I will not let it defeat me. Not even during days such as recently past. I have also been reading many inspirational stories which have not only inspired, but have raised my spirit and strengthened my resolve. I will be posting some of them here on this blog.
I hope all of you are doing well. Feel free to post here if you are, or have been, feeling the same. I bid you peace and good health.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis | Anti-Inflammation Diet | Arthritis Today
Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis Anti-Inflammation Diet Arthritis Today
I read this article from Arthritis Today and thought it may be helpful.
I read this article from Arthritis Today and thought it may be helpful.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
A Wonderful Weekend!
What a fantastic weekend! Too bad it had to come to a close. Thursday I spent the day with my beautiful wife and daughter. Went to brunch at our favorite restaraunt in The Highlands-Louisville, Lynn's Paradise Cafe. Check them out on the web. Then off to the park afterward. Friday, went to see my rheumy. Labs look great, thus far, being on Remicade. Prednisone has been decreased. YES!!
Then, my wife and I went for brunch, again, at the Twig and Leaf. A vintage little diner in Highlands of Louisville since the early 1950's. Excellent food! Saturday, the Louisville, Ky area kicked off Derby festivities with Thunder Over Louisville. Twas, a cold and rainy day, however, some folks braved the elements. We stayed indoors. Have a great week. I'll be writing again soon.
Then, my wife and I went for brunch, again, at the Twig and Leaf. A vintage little diner in Highlands of Louisville since the early 1950's. Excellent food! Saturday, the Louisville, Ky area kicked off Derby festivities with Thunder Over Louisville. Twas, a cold and rainy day, however, some folks braved the elements. We stayed indoors. Have a great week. I'll be writing again soon.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Busy, busy, to say the least...
Trying to wind down a bit at work from a busy weekend. I know. How do you wind down at work. So far, things have been fairly relaxed at work. The past weekend was spent celebrating birthdays for Brad and Julia. Both were born in March, only 11 years and 1 week apart. Ha-ha! Fun was had by everyone.
I'm surfing through the RA websites while trying to catch up on the latest RA news.
My Remicade treatments are going great so far. I am working out more frequently now and am walking briskier now...even breaking out into a jog. I'm waking without excrutiating joint pain too. Not sure how long this will last, but for now I will enjoy it.
I'm surfing through the RA websites while trying to catch up on the latest RA news.
My Remicade treatments are going great so far. I am working out more frequently now and am walking briskier now...even breaking out into a jog. I'm waking without excrutiating joint pain too. Not sure how long this will last, but for now I will enjoy it.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Rain-soaked, but pain-free...
Greetings! I hope everyone had a great weekend. We have been hit by storms in the Ohio Valley for several days. I had my second Remicade infusion on Friday. I am feeling better. I know this is not the cure, however, I feel I'm starting to get on with my life. Being without the RA morning pain and stiffness sent starting Remicade has been wonderful.
I have begun working out more frequently and brisk-walking. This has helped me behind the drumkit as well. I am able to play longer during sessions. I wish all of you a great week.
I have begun working out more frequently and brisk-walking. This has helped me behind the drumkit as well. I am able to play longer during sessions. I wish all of you a great week.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Ahhh! Welcome Spring!
Today I have opened the windows and am enjoying the sights, sounds and smells of coming spring. The mild
Ohio Valley temperature with the pleasant spring breeze is welcoming. I will get out and enjoy a walk or perhaps a jog. A great day to get out and move. Blessings!
Ohio Valley temperature with the pleasant spring breeze is welcoming. I will get out and enjoy a walk or perhaps a jog. A great day to get out and move. Blessings!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Ola! TimmyD is back!
Greetings to all! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. We in the Derby City are being drenched with storms and flash flooding. Ahhh, spring in the Ohio Valley.
Last night I played my first gig in 3 years. I had a blast. Some friends were in a pinch and asked if I could oblige. I gladly answered their call. This was an acoustic event. On the musical menu for the evening was a bit of classic rock, some Americana and a sampling of folk. Originals by this band, as well as, covers were
being served.
To the guys of Tarnation, I say thank you, thank you, thank you. The staff of the venue were wonderful and went out of their way for us. The audience was absolutely fabulous. Quite a number were in attendance. We
had so much fun. After the show, we all agreed it felt like a Black Crowes-type jam session.
I saw a few "old friends" and all of them saw how I must be feeling better. Seeing their smiling faces made me feel better.
I must add here, music has also helped me heal, no doubt.
I am actually working with the guitarist of this band, writing original material. Our music is much heavier and melodic.
By the way, quite surprisingly, I wasn't hurting when I woke up this morning! Yea!! Have a great week
and keep in touch. I will be writing more. Blessings!
Last night I played my first gig in 3 years. I had a blast. Some friends were in a pinch and asked if I could oblige. I gladly answered their call. This was an acoustic event. On the musical menu for the evening was a bit of classic rock, some Americana and a sampling of folk. Originals by this band, as well as, covers were
being served.
To the guys of Tarnation, I say thank you, thank you, thank you. The staff of the venue were wonderful and went out of their way for us. The audience was absolutely fabulous. Quite a number were in attendance. We
had so much fun. After the show, we all agreed it felt like a Black Crowes-type jam session.
I saw a few "old friends" and all of them saw how I must be feeling better. Seeing their smiling faces made me feel better.
I must add here, music has also helped me heal, no doubt.
I am actually working with the guitarist of this band, writing original material. Our music is much heavier and melodic.
By the way, quite surprisingly, I wasn't hurting when I woke up this morning! Yea!! Have a great week
and keep in touch. I will be writing more. Blessings!
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Feelin' groovy!
I can honestly say, for the past two mornings I have awakened without pain or stiffness. I know this is not
a cure, however, I am approaching the next several months with much optimism. Although, twas a light workout, I accomplished a cardio/resistance workout yesterday. The first one ofits kind since August, 2008.
I wish the best for all of you.
a cure, however, I am approaching the next several months with much optimism. Although, twas a light workout, I accomplished a cardio/resistance workout yesterday. The first one ofits kind since August, 2008.
I wish the best for all of you.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Brand New Day!!
This is it! This day has arrived! I am off to my rheumy for my first Remicade infusion. Today, is the dawn
of a Brand New Day! I'll post again later with the details. Peace!
of a Brand New Day! I'll post again later with the details. Peace!
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Autoimmune Epidemic...
This book, by Donna Jackson Nakazawa, is a must-read as mentioned in the previous post. A very
informative, yet, sobering read.
informative, yet, sobering read.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
To begin Remicade...
I visited with my rheumy yesterday and we are moving forward with Remicade. I will begin my infusions
on February 18th. To have a sense of self again still seems so far distant. Feeling hopeful, yet, feeling melancholic. I bid you peace for now...
on February 18th. To have a sense of self again still seems so far distant. Feeling hopeful, yet, feeling melancholic. I bid you peace for now...
Sunday, January 30, 2011
New Year. New Treatment!
A happy new year to you all. I wrote a few weeks ago I intend to post regularly on my blog. I tell you
now, yes, it is my intent. I also wrote I am not one to make resolutions, however, for 2011, I have. First, to
post more often on my blog. Secondly, and most importantly, I'm taking my life back. I have come to terms
with and have accepted the fact I am living with a chronic illness. My RA is not going away. Although this monster may have me, it will not control me. I read the most truthful quote not long ago. I wish I could remember where I saw it. Nonetheless, these words spoke volumes to me. It read; " RA is what I have, not who I am."
Enough said! Beginning the week of Christmas, I spent three weeks fighting shingles. I pushed through Christmas weekend for my wife and kids' sake, however, I was absolutely miserable. I went to an Urgent Care Center the next day after Christmas, received my diagnosis of shingles and was told to follow-up with my primary doc two days later. Wow! What a next two days that was. Constant pain and severe nausea. I did follow up, received some VERY STRONG pain meds and told to rest. I spent the new year celebrating
with my pain meds as I watched the ball drop in NYC. I have been better for the past two weeks.
Next, my wife gets strep which progresses to mono. Geez! What the heck else! She is better now as well.
To say the least, I haven't felt like posting until recently.
I am to meet with my Rheumatologist this week to discuss beginning my treatment with Remicade. I am hopeful this medication will help me regain some of my life back. As I write this, today has been a bad RA flare day. I know this sounds cliche' because so many people often say, " I'm just having a bad day." Really?
You are? I begin a new conversation at this point. However, this does bring up a good question. I'm certain those of you whom are RA veterans have raised this question many times over. What constitutes having a bad day? What does having a " bad day " mean for you? I do have to laugh in spite of myself now because prior to RA (which this was not long ago), I know I said that same question and did not give it a second thought.
I used to spend so much time planning for the future and to be honest, chasing after a "dream" not of my own. I have come to realize over the past 2 years, how much I took for granted. I had a busy career, I was healthy (haha), but I did not feel I was happy. Thank God, I have a loving wife. Since mid 2008, I have been taking a look back. I cannot change those things, however, I have had the opportunity to make changes during this struggle with my health. For that, I am thankful. I live in the moment now. I live in the present. We all need to stop and listen to the birds sing, the wind rustle in the trees, or, perhaps just listen to the sound...of silence. For, it is in that moment, we know we are truly alive.
I am hopeful and optimistic this Remicade treatment can bring the new ME, to life.
now, yes, it is my intent. I also wrote I am not one to make resolutions, however, for 2011, I have. First, to
post more often on my blog. Secondly, and most importantly, I'm taking my life back. I have come to terms
with and have accepted the fact I am living with a chronic illness. My RA is not going away. Although this monster may have me, it will not control me. I read the most truthful quote not long ago. I wish I could remember where I saw it. Nonetheless, these words spoke volumes to me. It read; " RA is what I have, not who I am."
Enough said! Beginning the week of Christmas, I spent three weeks fighting shingles. I pushed through Christmas weekend for my wife and kids' sake, however, I was absolutely miserable. I went to an Urgent Care Center the next day after Christmas, received my diagnosis of shingles and was told to follow-up with my primary doc two days later. Wow! What a next two days that was. Constant pain and severe nausea. I did follow up, received some VERY STRONG pain meds and told to rest. I spent the new year celebrating
with my pain meds as I watched the ball drop in NYC. I have been better for the past two weeks.
Next, my wife gets strep which progresses to mono. Geez! What the heck else! She is better now as well.
To say the least, I haven't felt like posting until recently.
I am to meet with my Rheumatologist this week to discuss beginning my treatment with Remicade. I am hopeful this medication will help me regain some of my life back. As I write this, today has been a bad RA flare day. I know this sounds cliche' because so many people often say, " I'm just having a bad day." Really?
You are? I begin a new conversation at this point. However, this does bring up a good question. I'm certain those of you whom are RA veterans have raised this question many times over. What constitutes having a bad day? What does having a " bad day " mean for you? I do have to laugh in spite of myself now because prior to RA (which this was not long ago), I know I said that same question and did not give it a second thought.
I used to spend so much time planning for the future and to be honest, chasing after a "dream" not of my own. I have come to realize over the past 2 years, how much I took for granted. I had a busy career, I was healthy (haha), but I did not feel I was happy. Thank God, I have a loving wife. Since mid 2008, I have been taking a look back. I cannot change those things, however, I have had the opportunity to make changes during this struggle with my health. For that, I am thankful. I live in the moment now. I live in the present. We all need to stop and listen to the birds sing, the wind rustle in the trees, or, perhaps just listen to the sound...of silence. For, it is in that moment, we know we are truly alive.
I am hopeful and optimistic this Remicade treatment can bring the new ME, to life.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Controlling my " Monster "...today!
I hope everyone had a joyful holiday. Although I had fought a severe case of shingles beginning Christmas weekend, my family did enjoy the holidays. Instead of spiced rum egg nog, I had help from pain meds.
Today, however, is a bad RA flare day. My knee and hip joints feel like I have rocks in them. I have retreated from household projects ( for now ) in order to regain my strength.
My " monster " has won this early skirmish. Therefore, I shall rest and heal and prepare for the battle that shall commence later. Bring It On!
To all of you; have a wonderful day!
Today, however, is a bad RA flare day. My knee and hip joints feel like I have rocks in them. I have retreated from household projects ( for now ) in order to regain my strength.
My " monster " has won this early skirmish. Therefore, I shall rest and heal and prepare for the battle that shall commence later. Bring It On!
To all of you; have a wonderful day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)