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!
Sunday, February 27, 2011
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.
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