Seizing My Good Days

[Guest guest]

Greetings to all,

Since my diagnosis, August 4.1999, my ability to participate fully in the

board and chat activities has cycled. This has mainly been due to exacerbations

of pain, medical complications, or depression & grief. Though my mother died

March 7, of this year, 2004 has been absolutely great!! Usually, when I am not

seen on the board, it is due to one of the previous reasons, the same with so

many of you. That is why we get worried when we don't see people posting for a

while. 2003 was so bad for me, it was just assumed I was " down " . Many times

it was all I could do to scroll through the posts. Now I just need to find the

time.

These past several months I have actually been able to get together with

friends and family, participate in church activities, and other local events.

The

big deal news is that I have been traveling out of town to weekend dulcimer

festivals. Normally, I could never have done this, as it was just too big a risk

that I would get sick and not be close to a hospital. It has been so much

fun!!! I have been running into Gail West, too!

What is a nice experience is that most of the people I meet don't know I am

sick, and I don't tell them! I find that people treat me different when they

know I have pancreatitis and when they don't know. It has been so long since I

was just one of the guys, well, gals. It is refreshing. It has renewed my

spirit.

It would be so fun to meet up with other members when a festival may be in

your backyard!

As a matter of fact, I am heading down to Bardstown, Kentucky tomorrow

morning to go to Kentucky Music Week. It will be the first week long festival I

have

attended. I have a plan to deal with the fatigue, (which I still have so much

of). I always make sure I have a place to perch at all times and I always

pace myself. That is a new word in my vocabulary, LOL.

There are concerts open to the public so if you are in the neighborhood, drop

by.

I will be back next weekend. I'll have my laptop & cell phone. I'll have time

at night to check my mail, & scroll through the posts. If you do need

something, don't hesitate to contact me. I have had trouble with the message

deliveryt system on the PAI toll free numnber, but that is working now, meaning

I

will get your message and return your call.

I have watched other members finally have some good days. I knew I would

eventually have some, too. I say seize the good days. It is empowering.

Karyn E. , RN

Executive Director, PAI

http://www.pancassociation.org

Pancreatitis Association International

[Guest guest]

Karyn,

it is so good to hear that you are having some good days to enjoy. I

know you had missed going to your dulcimer festivals in the past, so I'm

very happy to hear that you are able to attend them right now. I hope

you have lots of fun while there.

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Note: All advice given is personal opinion, not equal to that of a licensed

physician or health care professional.