Who is with me?

[sugarbugar]

OK, so I've been thinking...most people are on here for help and to vent.  However, I don't see many postings of us coming together with ideas on how to get through this disease together.  So, I thought it would be good to start a post where people can write what they do to help themselves feel better.  Even if it's just to feel better for five minutes, what is it you do?  There are so many  negatives to this disease but if we can find one positive then it's worth it right?
I know I personally cut all gluten and dairy out of my diet.  It has helped my inflammation drastically and I even had negative blood work last time I went to the Dr's.  It didn't take care of my neuropathy or dysautonomia but sure has helped the joint pain and flu like symptoms.  I know this doesn't help everyone, but it sure is worth a try! 
I also like to play solitaire on the PC to get my mind off of what's going on in my body.  I can't always read because I don't have the attention span to comprehend the story most times, so I play games instead!

[syng4hym]

I have started riding my stationary bike for 20 minutes/4 miles in the mornings before work.  I go to sleep early enough so that when my alarm goes off at 6:00, I'm well rested and ready to get on the bike.  This, too, has helped with my need for coffee in the morning.  By the time i get to work, I am so awake that there's no need to drink coffee.  I know that will help with the disease. 

[puccini914]

Good Lord, I can't even think about exercise.  Every time I've got a little bit of energy I've got to focus on 3 things. 1. the kids, I have to make play time with them first. 2. The House, I'm so behind in my housework, I manage to stay on top of keeping the kitchen clean and the laundry done, but the floors are in desperate need of attention. 3 Dear, darling Husband, also in desperate need of energetic attention.  So I really can't afford to spend energy on exercise. becuase it never seems to give me anymore energy or build up any kind of stamina.  Such is life.

[inga]

I bought chickens, so I HAVE to get up and let them out, and at night lock the in and also look for eggs....oh and carry feed....and water....and if I don't do it, they could die....so, I have something that counts on me, besides my grandson, and my dogs.  I am needed.

[sugarbugar]

Syng4Him~ I think it's great you can work out like that!  I personally can't but if you can keep it up, it'll definitely help!
Confused~ I do pilates too!  In all our talking I'm surprised that's never came up    I'm lucky to get it done 2-3 times a week and sometimes for only 15 minutes but it's nice when I can!  Does it help your back too?
Puccini914~ I can relate!  My poor 9 year old does my floors now, I simply can't get them done.  There are days I don't get ready simply because if I do, then I just stole energy from the rest of my day and I would rather use the energy towards my kids or cleaning etc.
Inga~I agree with the idea of always needing to be depended on.  It helps you to not give up.
Thanks Ladies!  These are great!!

[Pisces24]

I'd been doing all our yard work and shoveling snow since I was 13 when my dad was disabled.  Maybe I was a "poor kid" to have to do that but I would have taken cleaning floors over that anyday.
Also when I got my solo driver's license, I was going out to get the groceries, etc  when it was really hot or cold as my dad couldn't stand being out and mom couldn't drive.

Sorry if this sounds harsh, but don't be too sorry for your kids. They should have some responsibility.

[navydad]

Inga,, I had to find out the hard way more then once thres a very fine line between being needed and being used,,, some of the people who used me were prett sly in the way they did it,, I was in over my head before I realized waht was going on

[Jules48cats]

Hello,
I like to read and I do Jigsaw puzzles.  It seems to help my thought process.

I also did Anodyne therapy, for a few weeks in the Spring, I have Neuropathy and it really helped me with the feeling in my right foot,  The first time I went and they put the light sensors on my foot and leg, I thought to myself, I don't see how this is going to help, but after the second treatment, I started to get feeling back in my foot.  Not all of it was pleasant, but combined with the exercises and the therapy, I can now walk up and down the steps using alternating feet.  Before it was one step at a time.  I still do the exercises, and if I need to I would go back for more therapy. 
I was told this doesn't work for everyone but it was a good experience for me.

[sugarbugar]

Anodyne therapy?  What is that?  I'd be willing to try if it helps!

[inga]

Navydad, I am not sure my rooster Lars is that manipulative.  I admit, he is cute, and has his charms, but, as far as using me....well, OK, now and then he gets an extra sunflower seed....

There is a difference in having a role and being rolled.

[malditogrillo]

I think when I start feeling better, I will start working out again.  I used to be a gym rat.   I really miss it.

[LizM]

I have three teenaged daughters and try to stay as active in their lives as I possibly can.  They are my world and they help keep me laughing and smiling.  Together, we make jewelry and sell it.  That is stress relief for me.  Granted, it is difficult at times with the joint pain, but we enjoy doing it together.

Liz

[cmclien]

Nice thread

My daughter talked me into getting a puppy this spring.  She has become a real joy to me (my daughter too! ha ha ha) 
I love that little dog and her pure joy at seeing me even if I've only been gone for 10 minutes.  Plus it gives me a reason to get out and walk every single day.  I force myself to use the treadmill, have done it for years, 3 or 4 days a week, mile and a half but it doesn't give me half the happiness of walking that little dog (yorkie).

Also, I'm a total audible book junkie.  I didn't read a book for probably 20 years once I got out of college, started working, having a family, couldn't find the time.  Then I discovered audible books and I am never without one.  I am an all fiction person, fantasy mostly, you know, vampires, dragons and on and on but it takes me to worlds other then this one and I love to imagine them.  Plus it helps to listen to books or music when you exercise and I find I walk longer just to keep listening to whatever novel I'm on.
Cindi

[Gerty]

I'm just waiting for the weather to warm up and try and short daily walk again but its early spring so warm is coming soon and I can get started Ill take the dog for a walk give myself another reason to be out walking around the town LoL

[Pegasus47]

Hi all:

Most of you already know.  I love music and dancing.  I do Argentine Tango dancing 3-4 times/week.  Work up a sweat!

On days that I feel down, when I get myself onto the dance floor, the energy level just seems to rise.  Then I get really hungry and eat- continue my dancing.  Sleep better on those days.

I also use to sing in a choir- quit 6 months ago.  The dry mouth seems to have changed my voice.  I also play the piano. 

Fortunately, I can still dance- I intend to keep it up as long as I can.  Makes me very connected and happyl.

Pegasus