Ahh Pain!!

[Guest guest]

Along with RLS I have endured pain for almost two years that I couldn't

identify. My knees have given me fits but only when climbing stairs, getting in

and out of chairs etc. My inner self has maintained it is not arthritis. I had

x-rays done at the VA and was told I needed arthroscopy and eventually would

need a knee replacement. I got up from my chair and peered at my x-ray. The

cartilage was a bit thin on one side but nothing else seemed out of whack (of

course I'm not a professional at reading x-rays). Anyhow I looked at the bright

young resident and replied that I'd think it over. That was over a year ago.

Meanwhile the pains cropped up in other places, like right now the right side of

my neck on the back is sore as a boil, plus my everpresent knee problem and

pains in other parts which have made it difficult some mornings to get out of

bed.

My sister who is 7 years younger than me has been having a worse time. She's

sought medical help to no avail. Both of us were getting discouraged not

knowing what in the world was/is wrong with us. We are 64 and 71 and realize

our bodies are slowly disintegrating but this is too much too soon.

Then I locked on to the Mayo Health link and there it was. We have Polymyalgia

Rheumatica. Women are twice as likely as men to have it and ironically, the

majority of people with PMR have enjoyed good health up until it develops.

Well, my health ain't been so good but it ain't all that bad.

Now I take Ibuprofen when I feel particularly uncomfortable. My sister may have

to go for a low dosage of prednisone till the PMR improves. It's not supposed

to last more than two years so we're hoping that's so.

It's much easier to bear a malady when you can attach a name to it. At least

then you know what you're fighting. Let's face it.....life is a series of

battles, mild and severe skirmishes and some moments of bliss. In its worst

moments I wouldn't trade it for the alternative. The alternative does not

promise peace and contentment. As the old song goes " I know where I'm going "

but I'm in no particular rush to get there.

As a Christian I know the hideous price that was paid for my life and nothing in

my worst moments comes anywhere near that. So I drink my Tension Tamer tea,

soak in hot scented bubble baths, listen to music crooning from my sound pillow,

take my medicines, spin my wool, silk and dog hair, weave anything that tickles

my fancy, groom and cuddle Mr. Biggles and thank my God for each passing day

including those days (and nights) when I'm half crazed with RLS and other

tortures.

Gotta descend to the depths and ferret out my Advent Wreath for the beginning of

the Season of Advent.

Love to you all and thanks for slogging through this reverie~

CHEERS!

Jeanne and Mr. Biggles in Poultney, VT