Pain Is Really Getting Old!

The last SI injection I had done has already worn off and I am feeling the ramifications of the weather cooling down here. I have found that cold weather really aggravates the arthritic portion of my pain. It seems to hurt much worse if things are stormy, rainy, damp, or really cold. I can tell 24 hours before a storm front is going to move through. It really stinks!

I wish things would move quicker. I just found out it could be 3-4 months before I get the permanent SCS implant done. It depends on how long the insurance drags their feet getting this procedure pre certified. I am really sick and tired of being at the mercy of the insurance company for the treatment that I need for my health.

I know that I am fortunate to have insurance and I should not complain but it is very frustrating to deal with this day in and out. I am really glad that I can write my thoughts and feelings out here and share with you!

Stress Relief-Part 3 Organize Your Life, Examine Your Relationships

Relieving stress is not just a physical thing. There are many emotional and mental components that attribute to our stress levels. I know that when things get disorganized around me that it makes my stress levels go up considerably. I have had to make some changes in my life to organize things better which has helped to relieve my stress. Case in point, one of my medications makes your short term memory very fuzzy. I have always been proud of my excellent memory and how I could remember numbers without writing them down. Today, sometimes I can walk through the house and forget why I went to that room.

To help reduce the frustration with all of this, I have started making lists of things to help me out. I have a dry erase board on my refrigerator that has any important activities or projects that are coming up for our family or my children. This helps me make sure I do not miss anything that is important for the kids. I also have a notebook that I write many lists in. I go through and mark off the tasks as I do them. It has humbled me a bit to do this but it is much better than being proud and forgetting something that would be much worse!

Another thing I have had to revisit in my life is my relationships. Some of our relationships can be toxic. These can cause enough stress and strain all by themselves. If you find yourself in one of these relationships, it is time to revisit why you are in it. It would be wise to find ways to distance yourself from that relationship so you can have more peace and contentment in your life. I found that when I let go of a few relationships like this I found some instant stress relief. I did not want to do this but I honestly could not help these people. They in turn were keeping me up in the air with all their life issues and I just had to let it go.

Finally, it is really good to plan a getaway several times a year. It does not have to be anything elaborate or expensive but it needs to be either relaxing or fun! Plan some couple time with your spouse or partner and go away for a weekend. It will revitalize you and your relationship!. Have a family weekend getaway and do something that the whole family can enjoy. Just remember, do not pack the whole time with so many activities that you are more tired when you return from your trip than when you left!