I'm a grandma and I live with chronic pain and illness. I guess it's to be expected after a certain number of years on the planet, but that doesn't ease my frustration with its varying limitations.
I've been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Degenerative Disc Disease, Cervical Stenosis, Bulging Spinal Discs, Migraines, Gluten Intolerance, GERD, Arthritis and, although not diagnosed by my doctor, I am a Human Barometer! There's a heart valve thing too, but thankfully that has remained quiet. The list of things I cannot or should not do is long as is the list of food I cannot and should not eat.
I’m not alone in this battle with my body. My mom has several of the above issues, especially with her back. My daughter has Celiac Disease and is extremely hypermobile to the point she is now being tested for EDS (Ehlers Danlos) and my husband is a diabetic. The fact that we can find anything that we’ll all eat is a miracle every night!
With that many “issues” under one roof, it’s a wonder we get anything done. If I’m having problems because the weather is changing, I can guarantee you that other members of the family are too. So, what do we do?
I, for one, have learned to “give in” to the discomfort and rest. It has taken me awhile to accept this reality and now I quite enjoy it. Rest doesn’t have to be done in bed…I can rest during a slow, leisurely walk on the beach or reading a book in my favorite chair. I can get my laundry done while reading my favorite book or magazine and not rush myself.
I’ve found that changing up my activity also helps. If I sit for too long, either reading or working at my desk, I will have a more difficult time standing up. Same goes for standing or bending too much…there must be a balance and some simple, gentle stretching will help when I fail to find that balance.
Of course, there are days when I’m just too exhausted and brain fogged to do anything and I choose to relax in my room. I’ll fill my diffuser, crank up the infrared heat mat and watch a favorite show. My grandson enjoys snuggling with me, he’s almost 4, so when he’s with me we end up watching his favorite show – cartoons!
I try to eat healthy organic food and not indulge in too much sugar. Being gluten free with a diabetic in the house, we usually don’t have too much fast food but we have found a few good take out options – still looking for the organic take out. There is nothing like a sugar overload to bring on the pain.
The best tool I’ve found in helping my body recover every day is making sure I drink my antioxidant juice and take my vitamins & supplements. I take a multivitamin, but also take supplements with turmeric, msm, all vitamin B’s, vitamin C, essential digestive enzymes and a pro-biotic. The last two along with the juice really focus on improving my gut health. If I did nothing else, I would make sure I maintained a healthy digestive system.
Whatever it is you do to cope with “all the stuff,” it’s important to keep a positive attitude and outlook. Prayer and meditation help to clear your mind to focus on the good that you have instead of the things in life pulling you down. It also helps to focus on others to find ways that you can help and be of service to them.
Even though we try to live this delicate balance, we still have fun with the occasional birthday celebration or home-baked (gluten free) cookies or muffins. My daughter makes an awesome gluten free blueberry muffin with the sprinkle of super fine sugar on top. I wonder if I can talk her into making some this weekend?
