Validation?

So, is it validation when your therapist is astounded that you are actually dealing with so much or just comical? I know it is her job to support me and to show compassion but she is genuinely shocked. When I told her this whole arm injury experience pales in compassion to the urinary issues she actually had tears. Sometimes I do minimize my challenges because I have had so many and if I focus too long on how much I have to deal with, it can be overwhelming. I am pretty tired of this brace because it is so heavy and uncomfortable and as the clock would attest hard to sleep in. Writing at least gives purpose to lost sleep.

I have been following a blog by Laurie Edwards and then ordered her book "Life Disrupted" and it has been such a blessing for me right now. It is empowering and insightful for anyone with chronic illness. I can't recommend it highly enough. She lays out the diagnostic process and how frustrating it can be as well as gives incredible ideas on dealing with the medical community. I have been doing this for 50 years and still learned and reinforced some very important principles on listening to your own intuition about your body and your condition.

I left a Physical therapy appointment recently feeling unheard and categorized. It was incredibly frustrating but I was able to feel confident in my decision not to go back to that therapist because she dismissed my input and concerns. I am the expert when it comes to my body and Laurie emphasizes this in her book.

Someone asked why I end each post in prayer - well prayer is the most important part!

My thoughts or writing about my emotions is irrelevant without my relationship with my Savior and sharing His Grace in my life. It is my desire to share that with anyone who comes across this page. Prayer is a powerful thing and I have had many miracles and answered prayer in my life. In 1993 I was in a car accident and herniated two discs in my neck. The pain became all consuming and for years I had severe muscle spasms that would land me in bed. I had a hard time taking care of my kids much less myself. The pain and spasms would yield for awhile and then return just as awful. All of the pain and difficulty was on top of my chronic CMT In 2003 I reached a breaking point and even though my faith in God was strong I was broken and didn't feel I could continue. I called a sweet friend of mine in tears asking for prayer and it helped to calm me down. She specifically prayed for healing and a permanent release from the pain. The next day on the way to a doctor appointment I was in another car accident but this time within a week I was free from pain and muscle spasms. My chiropractor said it was the adjustment he had never been able to do on me because my neck was so tight. No one else in the accident was hurt but my 2001 car was totaled. That pain has never returned.

Father I pray for my CMT

family tonight and for all of their various burdens, let them know they are not alone and that you are there to comfort them. For those with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, cancer, any chronic disease that someone is struggling with provide rest and healing. Your power is so great and your mercy never ending let if flow over anyone reading this post and I pray the difference in their day would clearly be from you.  Amen