Laughing to keep from crying..

Yesterday I was in horrible pain. We had a good old cold front swoop in and change the temp from 70 to 30. I woke up, and knew it was going to be an interesting day. My hub and son drove me to Walmart, and I hobbled in. I was in incredible pain in my hips and walking was tough. I was determined to keep going, as sometimes walking helps.

When I got to the dairy section, I heard someone walking briskly behind me, so I scooted over. It was an older lady with a head full of gray hair. She looked at me and her face said it all..

What the heck is wrong with you? I am 47, and she was more spry than me. If I had to guess I'd say she was in her early 60's. It's days like yesterday that make this disease so difficult. I just want to scream at people who say "It's not real"- or in our heads.

I feel embarrassed when I shop with my mother. She's 77 and a real go-getter. I'll be riding the scooter behind her because if I try to walk the entire store I will collapse with fatigue because the fluorescent lighting will cause more pain and fatigue for me.
I tried recently to walk a store twice with my family. Before we were 15 minutes into the store my right hip went out and the sciatica pain was pure torture. The other time was because there were no carts and I had to keep taking breaks to sit down when my legs were weak.

My Mom is 82 and prepared a sit down dinner for 20 people Christmas Eve and a dinner for 10 Christmas day. I was over early to help her and she had every thing done and organized...was up at 5:00 that morning and she was running like a top at !0:00 PM. She tires me out just watching her. She is always telling me to sit down and rest :). I'm 61.

Cold fronts are harsh on most of us...pacing is important along with using moist heat. Taking time to soak in a hot bath helps provide some relief for me and also taking a muscle relaxer. If you can avoid the cold and damp, the better. When I was up in Wisconsin, I waited to get into pre heated cars and used my seat warmer. Layering my clothes helped too. Make sure to keep hydrated...cold air can be so drying.

Days I'm flaring and need to go shopping, I prepare my shopping list according to where everything is in the store....hopefully I don't have to double back then.

Living in Arkansas, we have temps that drop by 30 degrees also...I know what havoc that can play on the body. Hoping your flare is winding down!

Hugs, Robin