Praying for everyone involved... the images that I have seen on TV are haunting. Peace and safety, Betsy...
I try to draw my core values from those listed in Galatians 5:22 in the Bible, particularly trying to work on patience and kindness....
A lot of food pantries are really being hit hard. I read the other day that demand at local food pantries is up 48% over this time last year. They really need monetary donations because they are able...
The co-pay on my Crohn's drug went up from $40 to $75 monthly. I have my annual check-up with the GI this month and have debated about asking him if we might to go a less expensive drug, but then I...
Hi Ethix, it does sound like OCD; I have just a touch of this, having to check locks, switches, etc. before going to bed each night. Hope you find some helpful resources here. Take care, Betsy (-:...
Chocolate....
I like the strategies suggested by Aries and Kitt. Heck, just the sight of the cuff makes me nervous! Whenever I go in for a colonoscopy, they keep a cuff on me that automatically checks my BP every...
Hey Maz, I've heard about the Australian heat wave on the news here in the U.S. Very frightening. Extreme heat or extreme cold is so dangerous. I hope you are taking good care of yourself. I have...
Another vote for Cinderella....
(((Mizz))) anything that can melt is easier than anything you have to swallow. I'm glad it's not strep! Feel better soon! Take care, Betsy (-:...
(((Corrie))) I am also wondering if you could move somewhere else where job prospects and better healthcare are available. Is it feasible for you to relocate? Betsy...
Thanks Kitt, and everyone, for your encouragement. (-: I am going to find something special to do this weekend to take my mind off things for a while. Betsy...
Thanks for the encouragement... I am indeed trying to remember how good it feels to have this news, to know that something turned out well, so that I don't panic every time something happens to me....
The nurse called today from my gyn doctor's office and my follow-up pap test came back normal! I am so relieved. I still have to go back for another in 3 months because they want to see 2 normal...
(((Maz))) I am so sorry that you are going through this sickness and pain. I hope that you will find relief with the help of the anti-nausea medication. Take care of yourself and do get some rest....
(((Nanners))) I am so sorry to hear of your loss... please know that I am praying for your family. (((Melodee))) it sounds like you handled that situation as well as you could... it is not easy to...
I am inspired by many people, but I would have to say that my nephews inspire me the most. They are joyful, energetic little boys who remind me that there are happy moments in life, and I am grateful...
That's interesting, Nikki... actually, I was going in a slightly different direction there... the problem with having a chronic physical illness, especially something like Crohn's, is that it's hard...
(((Maz))) I'm so sorry that you're so sick! And sorry the meds are so expensive. I am praying for you and hope you find strength and feel better soon. Betsy (-:...
Happy Birthday Lyn! (-:...
Journaling can be very helpful. I've found that when I don't have another outlet for my feelings that just writing it all down helps enormously. It doesn't even have to be a journal... sometimes I...
No, mine does not get worse when I am sick... in fact, it's a bit the opposite... I hate being sick, but there's a tiny part of me that feels relieved to be taking a break and taking care of myself....
Sounds good to me! I've never had a pedicure... maybe I'm overdue!...
Well, the test is over and now I can relax and hopefully be awaiting good results. The nurse and doctor were very positive about it all and I hope they're right that it will be okay. Going to put my...
(((Lyn))) thinking of you and hoping we'll hear from you soon. Betsy (-:...
Hey Ally, welcome... very much like you, I've always been taught to suck it up. And very much like you, my problems get worse at that time of the month, about a week to a week and a half in advance,...
Hi Gail, a little soda probably wouldn't hurt. You know as I do that having an inflamed gut and being nervous is not a fun combination!! I am hopeful that the test will come out well, but whichever...
My all-time favorite movie is The Sound of Music, and it always makes me feel better when I watch it. Lots of other favorites, too, but that one tops the list....
Well, it just got more exciting... doc's office called and moved the appt up 2 hrs b/c she has to leave early! So now it's 1:30 instead of 3:30. My supervisor is a saint, she really is... she said...
Hi Kitt, sending you hugs and prayers in abundance, and hoping that your sister finds lots of strength. Betsy (-:...
Hi Ben, I hope you can find the help you need. As for being single, try to keep it in perspective... you are not alone. When I feel that way, I call someone so I can talk so them and not feel alone....
This afternoon, I have to go back for the repeat pap test... yes, the day is finally here, the appointment that I booked weeks ago. So... I came to work this morning and two coworkers have called in...
Soonblue, yes, we could definitely use more sunny days! A local weatherman announced on the news yesterday that we've had only 13 sunny days out of the last 42... more than some areas, I guess, but...
Thanks for the suggestions....
Neither can I, Kitt. Feeling that lack of control is a huge issue to handle and tough to understand... very tough....
(((Maz))) I'm sorry that you are feeling so bad. You're right, we do have good and bad days. For what it's worth, I was excited this morning to see that the sun is coming up a little earlier here......
I tried early last year to get an exercise regimen going for myself and lasted about 4 months. I kind of gradually dropped it but want to get going again. It did make me feel stronger. Unfortunately,...
(((Imakeeper))) you'll be okay... I've had lots of scope procedures myself and know that anticipating the procedure can be scary. I will be thinking of you. Good luck!...
It's okay, Maz. For me, cold temperatures and lack of light are definitely triggers. I'm not particularly fond of crowds, either, but can handle them sometimes without any trouble. It depends. And I...
Yes, I have experienced this when panicking. I have felt real or imagined symptoms of the illness that I fear. It is a scary phenomenon but I do believe that it exists based on my experience....
That's really what I have to learn to accept, that even if there is some kind of bad news, I am not alone and there are people to help me get the care I need. Avoiding the doctor isn't going to keep...
You will do a great job, Kitt... congratulations!...
I will be thinking of you and hope that all goes smoothly....
Thanks to both of you. Again, this comes back to my issues about my mother and her attitude towards illness, all those times when I've been made to feel like I should soldier on instead of stopping...
I've been thinking a lot lately about what makes me feel anxious. I've realized that every time I go to the doctor, I am afraid that I will get bad news... anticipatory anxiety is keeping me from...
I am getting things together this week to donate to a charitable organization to help people out who are in need. Tonight I am going to wash a big load of clothing to donate. Tough times abound and...
This is a great question, Maz... mine are: (1) I let myself think that bad things only happen to me/make myself feel alone when it isn't necessary. (2) I worry about things that I can't control...
(((Kitt))) so sorry that your family is going through this situation again... if I had a way to get through to your daughter-in-law, I'd suggest that she seek counseling, especially career...
My first year after college, when I left home, was the best year... everything seemed possible and nothing was holding me back. I would give anything to relive that year....
Hey Celey, I think we worry anytime when we don't feel well suddenly and certainly that is justifiable. Having had Crohn's for 13 years, I have experienced a myriad of odd symptoms, some due to the...