In a previous post I shared with y’all that my recent MRI results showed improvement and there were NO new lesions, which is great news! I felt so incredibly relieved with these wonderful results, but for some reason which I am sure is probably stress related, I still feel an incredible amount of pain and burning in my legs/feet. This pain and burning sensation is constant and unrelenting, which is nothing more than frustrating.
Trying to continue doing all that I want and need to do become trying because it seems like not much really help the issues I continue to struggle with. I feel that my body is trying to hold me as a prisoner from my own illness. Isn’t there normally parole from prison? Unfortunately parole has not been offered to me, so maybe that means I have not showed good behavior! I know I do not listen well to my doctor (whom I do my best to avoid to at all costs), but I also continue to ignore the advice from the Nurse Practitioner (NP) that I actually like and respect, considering she worked closely with my first specialist that I just loved! During the MRI results reading with the NP, she encouraged me once again to try things to reduce my stress, considering she seems to believe that is where my pain is stemming from. I am do not agree with her completely on this, but maybe she is right.
Avoiding stress in the world we live in seems completely impossible to me, but maybe and not very likely I am wrong. I mean you are not able to turn the TV on without interruptions from the government, spewing nothing but lies! It is impossible to be out among people without one them mentioning some lie they heard on the news that they of course believe. Avoiding stressors that I have been aware of for a long time is possible, but then through no fault of my own they seep through and then cause me nothing but frustrating feelings. I have even tried to ignore the stress-factors, but all that does is bottle up hostile feelings which tend to come out in rather terrible and unhealthy ways!
Now considering my MRI results indicated improvement, I am left to wonder if the pain and burning sensation that will not let up is just my life. This is what makes me feel that I am nothing more than a prisoner in my own body. How do you break-free when nothing seems to help? All that seems to be happening is the walls are growing taller and more impossible to escape from.
Even though the issues I continue to face are frustrating, I will continue searching for the light I know is there somewhere. There must be an end to the pain and burning sensation and in time I am sure I will figure it out. However, by the time I figure out ways to end the pain and burning I am probably going to be very elderly and in an assistant living home, in which they will have to deal with me! I definitely feel bad for those individuals!
I would like to thank y’all for stopping by my site today. I always appreciate you reading my thoughts for the day and leaving your amazing comments! I hope y’all have had a nice day and I hope you are feeling well. Please remember that I will respond to all comments as quickly as I can, as I really do enjoy the open communication we have. As always I am sending y’all LOTS of love and comfort!
Always, Alyssa
Reblogged this on Survivors Blog Here.
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Stress is/can sever pain. You have to make adjustments in attitude to help yourself. This isn’t easy. Don’t watch the news, huge stressor, don’t argue the same argument-put is to rest. All the things you have to do to relieve stress are hard, that is why your pain is so hard. All people with chronic illness can suffer from stress to the point of causing pain. I know you have stress at work, take a stand or forget and do your best to ignore. Their pettiness is not worth the pain. Stress causes other issues in the body with the Adrenal gland. It is serious, get serious about what stresses you everyday. Then look at what you can do something about. Make big changes where can, I don’t watch the news and my stress levels have gone way down. There are some stress that’s situational, learn ways to relieve your stress in pockets of time since you can’t escape it. Don’t expect or beat yourself up. I do and understand you do to. Not getting enough quality sleep is another stressor on body. I’ve learned, very hard, to go to bed at 9:00pm. I bought some lavender spray for my pillow, spray a couple of times. I bought a nicer hand lotion to keep by bed to pamper myself as I go to sleep. Those may not work for you. I continue to look for treats for myself to get my mind off my illness or pain.
I know you have the strength to make changes needed.
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Thank you so much! I actually do my best to avoid the news as all it does is make me SO angry. Unfortunately, my husband is obsessed with the news and plays it online all of the time. Half the time I am not even listening to it. I am at a point where I know there isn’t anything I can do to change what is going on, so why think about it? I do need to adjust my sleep schedule as it is not good at all!! Thank you so much for your comment and I do appreciate your amazing advice!!
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🙂 Get earphones and play relaxing music you like.
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I always have earbuds in both ears! It takes the noise of the morons voices away!
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🙂
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Don’t forget, as much as everyone loves your post…..stress may come from posting daily. Take a hard look at that. I had to stop writing everyday, staying up late to get it done. Try writing three days a week and see how you can help yourself de-stress on other days. Just a suggestion.
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I honestly do not stay up late writing, it is always done early in the day and they are scheduled to go out. Somethings I write, like my Monday and Thursday post relieve my stress. Other things I post at random are just what is on my mind. It helps me to write out my feelings. Thank you for your comment!!
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Writing is good, I’ve let it feel like a job sometimes. A job I didn’t like. If you reach that point just step back for a few days. I’m thinking taking a long break so I can focus only on my health.
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I have slowed down some with reading others posts in a timely manner. I now say that I will read them when I have the time. Writing for me, is calming and a release of my negative emotions! You have to do what is best for your health and I will take a break if it gets to be too much to handle!
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You can’t read every post it’s impossible. It’s a balance of how much time do I want to dedicate to reading and commenting. Commenting takes a lot, I’ve seen your responses. They are great, you just can’t do that on all or you eat up your reading time. I would rather have less followers and get to know them better than high numbers that can add quilt/stress to your life.
Balance 🙂
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I agree completely! Honestly, the posts that I comment on are with the followers I have built a relationship with and understand what they are going through.
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It’s impossible to get rid of stress altogether but reducing it some is already a big success.
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I know you are right and I am trying, I promise!!
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My late wife had those symptoms many years ago and she were diagnosed with fibromyalgia, I believe she got medication to help with that… as far as reducing stress, if you have a quiet time, you might try meditation…. I do it… people do it different ways but the idea is have a quiet moment at some point in the day and shut out the world concentrating on yourself… takes practice and effort but it can be done… 🙂
“If you think you can, you can. And if you think you can’t, you’re right”. Mary Kay Ash
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Thank you so much for your comment. I am sincerely sorry that your late wife dealt with these issues. I am giving meditation an honest effort!!
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I know this must sound like a silly question but have you ever tried a foot soaking massage bath. Dr. Scholls makes them, and they work wonderfully. Obviously, they won’t reach your legs, but if you could apply cool compresses that might help. What might also help is turning off the news. LOL! All kidding aside… I have to turn it off too, it drives me absolutely nuts listening to the constant nonsense that our government has turned into. A complete three ring circus is what it is nowadays.
The last company where I worked, I worked in the office but had a great number of miles of the warehouse to walk through daily. My legs and feet hurt like hell daily. I picked up the Doctor Scholls foot massage, and it worked wonders for me.
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Oh no that isn’t a silly question, I have not heard of this before, but I will try it! Thank you for telling me about this. The funny this is, logically a cooling compress would help, but I use a heating pad. It sounds so crazy to most people, but it helps my legs and back. I have put an ice pack on my feet in the past though!
I try to ignore all that is going on with the lies in the government, but it gets a little difficult. My husband loves this crap and all it does is piss him off and in turn pisses me off. I think our country looks like a bunch of fools with no sense and it is Trump and his followers fault!
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I agree with you. Our country is run by a bunch of fools. I’m embarassed to say I’m an American based on this presidency!
The Scholls Foot massage is set for cool and hot settings… and a really nice jet stream. Very soothing.
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I agree with being embarrassed to be an American, but we did not cause these issues and voice how we feel!
I am going to give this foot massage a chance, Maybe it will calm my feet down!
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Oh, I hope it works for you!!!
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Thank you so much!!
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Please, continue to search for the light. I remember doctors doubting me when a discussed back pain from the neck and throughout the spine. The tests results proved I was right. You never know what a future test may reveal or if one day you wake up unexpectedly feeling better.
Life is unpredictable. Have a lovely evening.
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Thank you so much! I will always search for the light that seems hidden most of the time, but it is there! We know our bodies better than any doctor or test, which I will always stand by!
I hope you have a lovely evening as well!
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Even when it is cloudy and raining, the sun is still there.
Have a good one. Kick some butt with your Thursday post.
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Thank you so much! I love what you said about sun always being there. I try to be my own sunshine!!
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Wonderful. You glow over all of us.
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Thank you so much! I definitely try, but sometimes might fail.
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Sorry I’m late to the news but I’m so happy for you about your mri results! Hope your body starts cooperating!!
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No worries! Life gets busy and also living with MS, I understand that gets in the way as well. Even with the positive results, my body still wants to be pretty damn mean. Hopefully the weather will get cooler and I will learn to control my stress, then my body will act right! I hope you are doing well Angela!
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Argh, I’m sorry your feet and legs are bothering you so much. Keep fighting to control that stress. I live a pretty quiet life now and I’m immediately aware of stress in my body -it goes absolutely haywire. Hopefully you’ll continue to find strategies that work for you. I hear you about the news, I avoid it at all costs. Some serious insanity!! Calm, peaceful thoughts your way. 💕
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Thank you! I am trying to find different ways to control my stress, but we will see how it goes. I do find that writing helps me because it gets my feelings and emotions out. I can tell immediately when stress gets too haywire, my pain increases drastically. I do try to avoid the news because it is so far beyond insane right now, but my husband is very into it. He watches it online and it is actually background noise right now. I have no clue what is being said though because I am perfecting how to ignore things! Thank you for your calm and peaceful thoughts, they are very appreciated!
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OK, easier said than done here but I want to offer this. As my BP increased to critical levels I was told that I had to find a way to let things go. I’m wired tighter than an airport sandwich and I laughed. But I did learn to make myself do it. I actually learned to look at something and say “not worth it”. Stress is everywhere but I believe it can be done. Once again, easier said than done
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First, I LOVE your comment that you are wired tighter than a airport sandwich, I normally feel that same. Your comment did make me smile though and I appreciate that. It is definitely easier said than done, but it can be done with practice, at least that is what I have been told. I am doing my best to let go and just not care about little things in life. Thank you so much!
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Alyssa……….I am so very very sorry………..it’s not fair such crap happens to such good and beautiful people. To help with stress levels I don’t watch any tv………..none. It isn’t a miracle cure but it has helped.
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Thank you Wendi! The only show we actually watch is General Hospital. I record it so I can fast forward through commercials and anything negative. I have watched this soap opera for so many years. I have a love/hate relationship with it!
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oh my goodness, I use to watch that when I was a kid and did so many years…………i am wondering if i watched it again if i would know what was going on………..
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I honestly have watched it for so long and even had some breaks in between. The funny thing is, you could watch a couple episodes now and be caught up in no time! Sonny is of course still on, but Luke retired!
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I will have to check it out………try to figure out how to record it! thank you for the update 🙂
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You are welcome! I think I will stop watching it completely if Sonny leaves!!
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🙂
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Glad to see you have no new lesions. Praying for your body to feel better and for you to have less stress. 🙏🤗
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Thank you so much! I am learning to destress more, but I am normally wired up pretty tight! It is a work in progress!
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So sorry to hear that you’re in pain Alyssa but you are completely right when you say that stress will make the pain worse; this is probably a daft question but have you explained to your husband and asked him to cut down his news watching?
I would try meditation as well but a guided meditation as just sitting there with just your thoughts for company can leave you feeling frustrated if you’re new to it. I found this really helpful: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxgD9En6Vso&t=18s It’s only 15 minutes but you have to follow what’s being said and it really helps you to focus on breathing which is a natural way to calm our bodies and minds. Hope it helps and in the meantime, hope you feel better soon :O) xx
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Hi Alyssa! Very good news from the MRA! 👍
I read all the comments, and there are really some good advice there. I’ll embrace some of them myself!
My biggest issue now concerning stress, is that I still focus too much on the backpain and stiffness. It’s very hard not to since it’s always there! More or less! And always keeps reminding me of its presense.
But those stressful years are behind me, and I too have stopped listening to news and such. And that makes a huge difference! In many ways I feel very well now, if it just wasn’t the back issues, and all my thougts about it.
Yes, I think too much, not only about pain issues. About all and everything! It’s the hardest to stop thinking about pain, but I’m convinced that’s the best way to go. Do instead fun and pleasing things that helps you (you=us all) to not focus on it.
And I think that actually also means not to spend a lot of time writing about it as well.
We should all try to ignore pain and such as much as possible instead! And as the others have said. Try to avoid stress.
And we have an political election coming up this sunday. And especially one of the parties is very much like your Trump… I refuse to see and listen, and hope for the opposite party/parties to win.
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Thank you for your comment. I find writing relaxing, which is why I write about things other than pain. Yes, I will write some about pain and that is only when I am very frustrated.
I am so sorry you have a Trump like person as well. I guess they really are everywhere!
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I often feel the same. Unfortunately there is no way to avoid stress in life no matter how hard we try. I worry about being in an assisted living home when I’m older too and it makes me sad worrying about what my future will look like when there’s nobody alive anymore to look after me. I think we should all try and do at least ONE thing each day to relax and de-stress. Maybe I’ll do a blog post on it in the future when I feel better.
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I agree with you! We all need just one thing that helps us relax and de-stress. Mine is writing, but it isn’t for everyone! I hope you find something that helps you!
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Mine is art. I love art so much because it gives me a purpose, I can make things for others and it reminds me of my grandparents who were both artists. When I paint I hope I make them proud and I feel their presence. I also love singing but something is not right with my voice and I am finding it difficult to breathe and can’t hit the high notes anymore. 😦
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I am sure your grandparents are very proud of your art work! I am happy to hear you have this outlet and art really is an amazing thing to be good at. What do you like painting most?
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Butteflies. And flowers and trees. Nature mostly.
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Thank you so much! I LOVE butterflies!!
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I will share with you when I have my new website up and running. Just not sure which host to go with.
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I am so excited to see your new website!! Is it going to be through WordPress? WordPress is easy to use and there is a plan you do not have to pay for. I wish you nothing but luck sweetie!
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I am with WordPress at the moment but I am looking onto upgrading to a paid plan so I can have my shop and own domain name not a .wordpress one.
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I am more than certain you will make the best decision and your new site will be amazing!
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Thank you. i really hope so.
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I am more than certain you will. Just try to have the in yourself and things will line up the way they are meant to!
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Sorry to hear the pain hasn’t eased. And I agree with previous comments, stop watching the news. I stop watching the news, and only catch up with what I wish to read on teletext…we cant not have every day stress, but we can control to a degree what we can and can’t worry about. Its hard to say not to worry about circumstances which are out of our control, we are human with feelings, but we can’t let it get to us so much it starts having a physical impact on us!. Its hard, and you’re a caring soul, but you also need to concentrate on you and your health. Wishing you a good day today lovely.x
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Thank you so much! I honestly do believe the NP is 100% right that the stress is causing all my pain. My previous doctor confirmed at one point where some of my lesions are will indeed cause pain. Who knows who is right or wrong? I say this because even when I am not under any stress, I do still have pain! I hope you had a great day and you are feeling well! xx
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Oh I totally understand!.NP can be present when everything is good, we can’t win!. Hope you had a good Friday and here’s to a great weekend!. 🙂
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Thank you! My Friday was okay because I have learned how to completely tune people out at work. I do not think I heard anything they said today and they were LOUD!! I am so glad the weekend is here and I hope you have a lovely weekend as well!!
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I’m so sorry for your pain. It does not sound tolerable day in and day out!!! It could drive someone mad 😡!!!!!
Idea—when you hear something that is making your emotions rise try a MINDFULNESS Technique. Research shows the more you stay stress free/relaxed in your day the better you will sleep. (I love the CALM App— I wrote about it in my blog even!)
Idea—my son plays competitive sports, when he hurts he will soak in a cold bath with ice—could something like that offer some relief??
Alyssa— my thoughts are with you!!! Your daily discomfort and pain is unsettling and difficult. It is also hard to live with the idea of a new normal. I’m dealing with that too. My thoughts are with you sweet girl! Try to stay positive, healthy 🥗, 🛏 rested, hydrated, relaxed.
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Thank you so much! I trying to focus my attention and energy on positive thoughts. I feel like writing helps my stress stay at bay, but it seems like many people disagree with me. I hope you have had a pleasant day and you are feeling well!!
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Writing helps me to!!
It’s nice to have a outlet.
Tomorrow is Friday Alyssa. Yea!!!!
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I have always found writing the best therapy and I am sure I always will! I am glad you have an outlet with your writing as well!
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2018 is called the year of the pain. I do my best to joke about it but it’s true.
I had knee surgery on my right knee to remove scar tissue. It was nice to have to scar tissue gone, unfortunately there was still pain in the knee.
While favoring my right knee I was putting a lot of stress on my left leg. This caused my ankle to hurt. It started to feel like a bad sprain. By April it was so bad that I was using my office chair as a wheelchair to get around the house. I was taking pain pills, anti-inflammatory pills. You name it. I was even wearing a brace.
Nothing worked.
I had some relief in July after an injection. My knee felt a lot better and my ankle didn’t hurt as much. But I could tell it was still there and sure enough, when the injection wore off the pain and weakness in my ankle returned.
We visited a specialist in Portland, Oregon. We covered everything. From knee replacement to ankle operation. You name it. In the mean time, while I thought it over, she suggested two things:
Penetrex – An anti-inflammatory cream.
Turmeric Curcumin – A wonder drug in a nutshell.
I rolled by eyes and humored my wife and started taking the pills and using the rub the week of August 13th.
I have been pain free since August 20th.
If you haven’t tried this please do. At least talk to your doctor about it.
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Thank you! I am sorry you had to deal with pain, but I am so happy to hear you have been pain free. I will mention this to my doctor and see what she wants to do. Her and I never see eye to eye on things, but it is worth a shot!!
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Stress is an issue with my illness, too–when I get stressed, just run. Run fast and far. 😛 It brings out Dark Meg.
Maybe you could get an easy-to-care-for pet!! Like a kitty cat!!
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Stress is horrible and causes my pain to literally sky-rocket! We do have two amazing cats and they help so much, well until they make a mess!
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Talk about it, do some research and in the end do what you feel is best. If anything use me as an example. I’m a tough sell and I’m sold.
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Thank you!!! Honestly writing helps my stress levels, even if many think I am wrong!
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Writing is the best drug. 🙂
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I could not agree more!! It is healthy and creates many thoughts!
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Alyssa, I know that dealing with the same issues day after day is frustrating. I know it seems like there’s no answer but in order for things to change we have to behave in a different way. Things will never change doing the same things over and over. That’s scary because change is scary but so needed to bring about better results. Just consider that changing one thing at a time and watch the positive effect that will have. Change takes time but the results are amazing, like you. I’m always here to help in any way I can. Hang in there, you can do this. All my Love & Support, Mom.💜💜
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It definitely gets frustrating, but dwelling on the issues will never solve anything. I do my best to keep looking forward and never backwards, if that makes any sense. I need to practice taking care of myself just a little more than I do and let things go more. I hold onto way too much frustrations. I have found my level of stress and negativity increases drastically when I am at work. Everyone there is SO hostile, which creates a horrible work environment. Writing helps me with reducing stress. So I am thankful for this chance to write what I want! I appreciate your reading and leaving a wonderful comment!!
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Reducing stress is a lot easier said than done. All I can suggest is you inventory that your hot stress buttons are and realistically assess what you can change in terms of how you react to them. One thing for sure, STOP WATCHING NETWORK NEWS! Or any new program for that matter
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Thank you! Yes, reducing stress is easy to say, but hard to do. The funny thing is, the news is always background noise because it is all my husband listens to. I am perfecting how to ignore people talking! I have decided that I do not care what is going on with the government because there is not much I can do about it. I am practicing letting go of things I am not able to change and focus on what I can change, if that makes any sense!
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It does
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I hope you had a nice Friday and I hope your weekend is amazing!
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Thanks. Currently hooked up 5o an IV getting my semi annual infusion
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Oh goodness, sounds like you are having an amazing day. I hope you get plenty of rest this evening and the rest of the weekend!!
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The light is there, not because it’s hard to find; just a little hard to see! Blessings to you; wishes you comfort, and peace!
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Thank you for this amazing comment! I know you are right with every word!
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Any changes in the pain and burning Alyssa?
Has your move made it better, worse, same, 🤞 perhaps none existent?
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Right now things are about the same, but I think it is because I am trying to do WAY too much! I am sure once things settle down all the burning and pain will as well!
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