Chronic Pain, Autoimmune Diseases & Rare Diseases Check-In

“10 Ways to Relax That Require 10 Minutes or Less


Hey

Ron here...

While it would be nice to just take a long vacation or check out of work each day for a few hours, most of us have limited time and opportunities to relax. However, we usually do have 10 minutes here and there throughout the day.

There are several ways you can relax in just 10 minutes or less. Do this a few times a day, and you’ll find that you might not need that long vacation.

Use these methods to relax in as little as 10 minutes:

1. Meditate. The benefits of meditating are many. It’s incredibly popular right now but has been around for thousands of years. Experts often claim that even just one minute of meditation per hour is enough to gain benefits.

2. Control your breath. Your breath is one of the few parts of your physiology you can control. Slower, deeper, breaths will help you to relax. Focus on the feeling of your breath passing through your mouth or nostrils. Count your breaths if you find that helps.

3. Visualize a peaceful scene. Our moods follow our thoughts. Think about something pleasant, and you can expect to experience a more enjoyable mood.

4. Spend time with your pet. Pets are a blessing. They require little and ask for even less. They’re always happy to see you. Cuddle up with your pet and notice how much better you feel. Your pet will love the extra attention, too. Don’t have a pet? Borrow a friend’s pet.

5. Talk to a friend. Call up a friend, or even better, have a face to face. A few minutes spent chatting with a trusted confidant can do wonders for your stress levels. You’ll also be maintaining your relationships.

6. Take a short walk. A long walk is even better, but if you only have 10 minutes, a short walk can help a lot if you’re feeling stressed. Pay close attention to your surroundings while you walk. It will keep your mind off your challenges for a few minutes.

7. Listen to music. Music has an amazing ability to alter one’s mood. Think of a few songs that will put you in a mood you’d rather feel. Listen away! If you don’t happen to have those songs available at the moment, YouTube has just about every song available for free.

8. Chew gum. Chewing gum has been shown to be an effective reducer of cortisol, the primary stress hormone. Many people like to blow bubbles, too. You can lower your stress and amuse yourself at the same time.

9. Sit outside in the sun. Relax for a few minutes on a nice day and enjoy the sun. The warmth on your body can be a great mood booster, and you’ll get a nice dose of vitamin D, too.

10. Write down everything that worries you. One way to be less stressed and anxious is to write down everything that’s bothering you. Get it out of your system and down on paper. By externalizing it, you’ll often find that things aren’t quite as bad as you thought.

If you’re regularly feeling stressed, it’s important to do something about it. Not only is it miserable to feel stressed all the time, but it’s terrible for your health.

If you want to relax, make time for it each day. Ten minutes can be enough to take the edge off your stress levels. Don’t allow 10 minutes to go to waste. Use them to relax!

Ronald Smith
Rare Disease Story Shirt”

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Why Medical Gaslighting Isn’t Always Easy to Spot.

Why Medical Gaslighting Isn’t Always Easy to Spot | The Mighty

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Today have TMJ pain and always one side of my face and jaw, may have allergies too and sinus headache or a just a headache. It’s get better then shows up again. Idk why.

I was taking hydrocodone and Indocin for pain relief. It was working pretty good. The I got diagnosed with a probable slow GI bleed. They base that on my recurrent severe anemia. GI doctor told me to stop taking Indocin, which is an NSAID and can prevent blood from clotting when you need it to. So I stopped it.

For a good while, I didn't feel any the worse. The good you get from Indocin stays with you for a while after you stop taking it. Well that wore off, and now I'm sore as heck.

I can't take Indocin, if it's going to make me anemic. But I miss taking it so bad. That was my miracle drug. Indocin is prescription only because it can have awful side effects, but it sure did work. Without it, I feel miserable. I am staying in bed way too much. I'm getting awful depressed.

Being on Disability Does Not Mean I'm 'Lazy' or 'Lucky'

“I have been told the following quotes recently after people finding out I’m on disability:
1. “You’re so lazy, you don’t do anything all day.”
2. “You’re so lucky to not have to work.”
3. “Man, I wish I had your problem.”
I hear these on a regular basis. I suffer from debilitating chronic pain as well as a handful of mental health issues, and I can honestly say I am not lucky or lazy. In fact these words are quite hurtful.

So to those who said these comments, please take this into consideration:

1. I can’t work because I am always in pain. If it felt like someone was stabbing you in the abdomen every two seconds, would you?

2. I am not lazy. I physically cannot move. Yep, that means I can hardly even walk two steps without crying some days.

3. My day revolves around medication, doctor visits, and even finding the strength to get out of bed. Please tell me how you would want this. I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.

4. I miss working and socializing. This is not fun. I miss being a “productive” member of society and doing what I love.

5. It takes a lot of fight to even get on disability. It takes endless documents and months to process. I am on it because I need it. I am not lazy or lucky. However, being on disability is something that I am not ashamed of. Although, with comments like these, some days I feel like it’s something I should be. Please take time to consider why someone is on disability, or even better, look into it. It actually takes a lot of courage and strength.
For those of you who are on it – never be embarrassed! You are not lucky or lazy, you are doing the best you can. We should be applauded for going through what we are. Disability and all.”

Being on Disability Does Not Mean I’m ‘Lazy’ or ‘Lucky’ | The Mighty

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Today have pain on the left side of my face, but TMJ not bothering me, and had lower back pain, too and neck pain today too. Seems to be weather related and maybe allergies. Lower back pain could be from stress or sleeping on the couch. Did get a lot of walking in today. Shoulder is better pain wise and my left hand often hurts, but likely due to typing daily for work and using iPhone.

Bad Day Check List

1). Have you been eating healthy?

What have you been feeding yourself lately?

Are you hungry right now?

Could you make yourself some food?

2). Are you hydrated?
Do you need some water or juice?

3). Have you been sleeping enough lately?
Do you need to lay down right now and take a nap?

4). Do you need to shower?
Would a change of clothes help?

5). Are your surroundings neat and tidy?
Could you tidy up your room a bit?

6). Have you been in nature recently?
Have you gotten some sunshine?
Could you take some vitamin D right now?

7). Have you moved your body?
Do you need to go for a walk?
Or go for a run?
Would working out help?

8). Have you spoken to someone who can help you work out your thoughts and feelings?
Is there someone in your life that you can open up to and be vulnerable with?

9). Do you need peace and quiet?
Would meditation help?
Or would listening to music help?

10). Do you need to cry?
By Claudia Kai

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I'm bedbound or at least partially bedbound for the next few days. I'm experiencing post-exertional malaise (PEM) due to my chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). Traditional treatments (like exercise, movement, mindfulness) don't work for me, and could exacerbate my conditions (including my dissociative disorder, DID). So, I try to get rest and deal with this PEM the best I can. It's very depressing when I truly want to get things done around the apartment but can't.

I DONATED PLATELETS IN SEPTEMBER. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM THE RED CROSS ABT MY WBC (WHITE BLOOD CELLS).

WHITE BLOOD CELLS ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM, HELPING YOUR BODY TO FIGHT OFF DISEASES AND INFECTIONS. IF YOU HAVE TOO FEW WHITE BLOOD CELLS, YOU HAVE A CONDITION KNOWN AS LEUKOPENIA.

I’LL BE GOING TO A HEMATOLOGIST SPECIALIST TO TEST FOR “AUTOIMMUNE LEUKOPENIA.”

I SPOKE TO THE NURSELINE THROUGH MY HEALTH INSURANCE AND IT DID HELP.

A FEW MONTHS AGO, I WAS HAPPY ABT NOT HAVING ENDOMETRIOSIS.

STAYING BUSY HELPS ME NOT WORRY. I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO VOLUNTEERING WITH A LOCAL UNHOUSED OUTREACH PROGRAM THIS MONTH.

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Healthcare Open Enrollment Got Me Like

Accepting Applications for Quality Private Health Insurance w/Excellent Coverage in Exchange for MONTHLY Spooning, Home Cooked Meals & a SEXLESS Marriage. #OpenEnrollment #SpoonieLife #Memes #Healthcare #ChronicIllnesses

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I've been medically gaslit and still am. It is, indeed, a form of medical trauma.

There are different forms of medical trauma that rarely get discussed. The heterogeneity of trauma is such that trauma is very diverse, so its etiology (origin) will differ, as well as the responses and sequelae to specific trauma types will differ. Avoidance may be an overall symptom, but avoidance from what? For someone who struggles with medical traumas, avoidance of hospitals or certain treatments might be the response.

Here are some different forms of medical trauma:

1. Medical gaslighting

2. Physiological injuries after experiencing violence-based trauma such as school bullying, school shooting, neighborhood violence, childhood sexual abuse, childhood physical abuse, shaken baby syndrome, being born with birth defects and having to live with those defects because of neonatal abuse by the mother, combat-based injuries as either a military employee or as a civilian living in a warzone, terrorism victimization, hate crime victimization, etc.

3. Psychological gaslighting (and thus being misdiagnosed and/or mistreated in psychotherapy settings - either with professional licensed therapists or, as a double whammy with spiritual/religious/ritual trauma, from a pastoral counselor and the like)

4. Pregnancy trauma (most often experienced by African American/Black women in the United States, according to a recent study that was on a webinar in the past from APA's Trauma Division)

5. Experiencing iatrogenic effects from either a medical professional or a psychological professional (or both); this most often occurs when you've been mistreated due to being misdiagnosed, which are forms of medical gaslighting consequences, or when you are properly diagnosed but the treatment negated to see potential interactions with comorbidities and/or other things like medications, or when the treatments are correct for the correct diagnosis but their side effects are painful and crippling

6. Experiencing medical malpractice or psychological malpractice

7. ICU traumas

8. Other medical traumas not specified above

Each of the traumas will create different reactions in individuals with different histories.

This is why pandemics bring about worsening conditions for some people who have experienced medical traumas in the past - in particular for those individuals who wish not to experience any more medical traumas in the future - especially during a pandemic when resources are scarce, which means risk for medical traumas listed above increase dramatically!

For persons of color, they may be discriminated against, which is hard to prove but nonetheless a form of unsubstantiated victimization in the medical malpractice realm. Some have even died prematurely as a result of medical discrimination and negligence/malpractice.

For impoverished persons of any race or ethnic background, they are at a disadvantage because they often lack healthcare insurance, a healthcare provider, the means to be able to afford the copayments on preventative care and other forms of medical and/or psychological treatments, and the means to be able to find a local provider - which includes trouble with transportation to and from medical facilities.

For persons with mental illnesses, our experiences with the medical community often include medical gaslighting and forms of medical discrimination. Our symptoms are often overlooked, and therefore we are misdiagnosed, under-diagnosed, or not diagnosed at all and therefore mistreated. As our symptoms worsen - some to the point of having preventable amputations, long-term physiological illnesses, preventable cancer, and/or preventable premature death, our institutional betrayal trauma to medical traumas also worsen.

Th*nks-Massacre Celebration Aftermath.

6 Adults, 4 Received a Covid Vaccine. My Mama is the Only One Who Received the Booster. 2 Teenagers, 2 Toddlers & 2 Babies Also Attended. My Niece + Her 2 MN Old Baby Have Covid.

I Stopped By Fixed 2 Plates & Immediately Left. My Teenager Did NOT Accompany Me. We Don’t Celebrate Native Indigenous Genocide but Do Observe National Day of Mourning. I Was the Only Person Wearing a Mask. I Am Immunocompromised, I Have NOT Received a Covid Vaccine.

I Explained to My Mama, You Have to Set Boundaries with Everyone Including Family. My Mama is Mad But Was Well Aware, She Invited Family Over Who Have NOT Received a Covid Vaccine + None of Them Wore Masks .

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I totally agree with what you said above, and I am just realizing what Thanksgiving is and how it had affected Native Americans. I was so blindsided by our culture that I had no idea about its history. I'm sorry.

Also, I hope you and your mom are safe. I don't understand how people can go without masks at holiday gatherings. Haven't we lost enough people that way in our nation? Anyway, I pray you and your mom are safe. Indeed, boundaries do need to be set.

I received a flu shot yesterday. I experienced a horrible flare up last night. I took two of my emergency medications. I’m going to rest this weekend, watch movies, BuJo on YouTube and get next week set up in my planner.

Right after I got my flu shot within 30 minutes, I was super nauseous and had a migraine. I stopped at a convenience store for herbal tea. That tea was horribly too sweet. I put raw honey and lemon juice in my herbal teas.

The nurse had concerns. She said part of the needle is made with latex and the flu shot has some ingredients similar to eggs. I noticed the questionnaire asked about egg allergies. I always carry my Epipens. I explained my plan of action for the next few days. #spoonie #allergyready

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Cocosurviving, I responded to your post in a different thread. I just wanted you to know that I'm thinking of you and hoping that you feel better soon.

I appreciate the kind words of encouragement.

I have not had much of an appetite. I ate light the first few days. Has anyone else tried Tummy Pops? I purchase mine from Amazon. Tummy Pops are ginger lollipops that help with nausea. They really help me. I usually have one while making hot herbal tea.

Tonight I ate a wild rice burger. I use Beyond Meat which is plant based.

I started using a meal planner. Pre-planning meals cuts down on eating out which is better for my health.

I also started focusing on money management. I started tracking my spending and I use a money management system to track/create a debt reduction plan. Example, I have all my medical bills listed on one sheet. I add each payment I make an the new balance.

This morning I immediately noticed overcast and I don’t like when it’s dark, doom and gloom. I dropped my teenager at school then purchased a lamp. The sales rep was really helpful. I told him I needed a lamp that allows higher wattage lightbulbs…which helps me with depression.

I hope everyone is doing ok. Holidays are really hard when you have a lot of loved ones no longer here and/or strained family relationships.

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I love eating ginger candies once in a while, but I haven't found any good ones yet. I never heard of the Tummy pops, but they sound like they would help.

When I used to have a nutritionist (I don't anymore; this VA doesn't offer it like the other VA did), I was encouraged to preplan meals. I was supposed to be on the FODMAP diet and then try to reintroduce certain foods later to see if I had allergies or some sort of intolerance. I may do that down the road.

I like plant-based foods a lot. I only eat a few meats, but I've been cutting down.

I'm trying to eat more fresh fruits and veggies, but they tend to spoil before I eat them. It's so expensive to order every day, so I will need to plan my meals every two or three days, or perhaps every week. I used to only buy processed foods for the entire month and rest for 2 weeks with no deliveries. But now I had to deal with finding some "new normal."

I'm alone for the holidays, but I'm okay with that. I do get to visit with my rec rehab therapist tomorrow morning for a brief walk. I have gifts for her. We both wear masks. She's vaccinated and boosted and masked.

I also get to see two friends at separate times outside on Sunday, so that I can hand them their gifts and the extra wine that they accepted. I bought 12 bottles of a blend of reds and whites a few months ago, but I can't drink all that. I also didn't realize that wine expires, so I needed to give them away. I'll keep 4 for myself. We all wear masks, and we're all vaccinated and boosted.

I have a wonderful psychotherapist and music therapist that I see weekly. They are great supports as well.

Altogether, I have 3 therapists for very different things.

Music therapy is said to work on multiple parts of the brain at once, which also helps me ground with the alters. I have DID. I'm learning how to read notes for the very first time.

I'll be online here for Christmas and NYE. I'm not going anywhere.

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It seeks iTunes is down. I’m trying to upgrade to VIP.

•Many times People With Physical Disabilities, Invisible Disabilities, Chronic Illnesses, Trauma, Medical Ableism, Lack of Diversity within Healthcare and Struggles with Health Insurance…..

•We post on social media seeking to reach other individuals with the same struggles. If that’s not your struggle and you have no lived experiences with these struggles, be silent instead of giving dismissive toxic positivity.

•I’ve been alternating Hydroxyzine, Cetirizine, Allegra and Dexamethasone. Drinking No Caffeine Herbal Tea for the Nausea.


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