Newbie

Chronic pain, chronic fatigue, headaches, migraines...... »

Newbie

by jazzpixie @ 2008-09-14 – 14:12:56

Hi,

this is my first blog so this is really a test run, to see if I've pressed all the right buttons lol.

I hope to start a blog that can be of some help to those of you with long term health problems. I have had various chronic conditions over the last 10-15 years and am now left dealing with pain, fatigue and the inevitable mood issues that go had in hand with always being ill.

There are times when I feel less positive about my life and my future and I find myself imagining what I would say to a friend in my position. 9 times out of 10, I end up feeling better and realising that for one thing, there are lots of things I can do to help myself and for another, I'm not doing too badly really, all things considered.

Thinking through things in this way and sometimes writing it down can be therapeutic for me and it occurred to me, that if I were to share these thoughts in the form of a public log, other people might well benefit from it. I hope so.

Well that should do for a start. Let's see if it works!

Jazz
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Tags:
- pain
- depression
- health
- mental
- ill
- conditions
- fatigue
- physical
- chronic health problems
- long term illness
- dealing with
- coping with
- mood problems

10 Comments to Newbie

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- modone1966
- 2008-09-14 @ 14:26:31
Hello! You seem to have worked out blog better than I did to start with Still not much better but keep on trying
PS Welcome to blogland!
- - jazzpixie
  - 2008-09-14 @ 14:31:15
  Thanks! That was very quick. i only just wrote my first blog and was wondering how on earth I would get people to read it. So the question is, how did you find it? I really don't know how this works you know!
  - - modone1966
    - 2008-09-14 @ 14:35:05
    You will need to click on the bit at the top that says home or blog.co.uk and that will take you to the last few posts, recent pics etc
    - - jazzpixie
      - 2008-09-14 @ 14:53:28
      Ok and if i'd posted it a few hours ago, you wouldnt have seen it?
      My mail is telling me that you've commented but my page doesnt show anything. I'm frustrated already!
      - modone1966
        
        2008-09-14 @ 14:57:31
        
        You can check backon recent posts ( show more ) and I think the 3rd line of your email if you copy and paste it in to the add bar ( or click on it )that will take you to the page and comment
        
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        jazzpixie
        
        2008-09-14 @ 14:59:55
        
        Sorry to use you as my own personal FAQ service!
        So did you click on the link just randomly or do you have experience with the issues I was discussing?
        
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        modone1966
        
        2008-09-14 @ 15:12:36
        
        No worries, Random? No not really, do like Jazz and was saying hello and trying to help a "Newbie" get on in here!
        Luckily the worst thing that I have suffered from is a 6 month headache ( don't say anything - been clear 3 weeks now! )But family have suffered so have a little experience "from the other side"
        
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- jazzpixie
- 2008-09-14 @ 15:17:42
Ah ok. I can sympathise on the headache front. Glad you're doin better now.

As far as jazz goes, I do like it, especially acid jazz and funk. I'm a sax player. Although it's an interesting topic I started the blog with the intention of talking about the health side of things as I think it could be really useful, both for me and for anyone who chooses to participate.

Thanks for your help. I should really think about bed now. Speak later,
Jazz
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- kardi
- 2008-09-16 @ 01:20:05
Hi Jazz i too have major heath issues - i have a rare condition where i grow benign tumours in my joints - am confined to a wheelchair and am in constant pain. BUT whatever i have found that you must keep smiling regardless, through all the pain and tests. A smile is the best medicine - i speak from experience - it also is the only way to keep sane.
- - jazzpixie
  - 2008-09-16 @ 11:19:23
  Thanks for joing me Kardi. I think you are right that a positive outlook is very helpful. Of course we all have different characters and this is easier for some people than for others.
  
  One thing I would say though, is to be cautious about continually putting on a brave face whilst not dealing with your feelings about being ill. Whilst it's true that grumbling about things to the checkout girl or anyone who'll listen is not helpful, it is helpful to be able to be honest with those to whom you are close. You don't have to moan on. You can say, "well actually I've been having a hard few days but I'm doing my best to keep on top of it" and then show interest in their life.
  
  It's a fine line to tread and during the hardest times you should be prepared to call a friend and tell them that you're having a rotten time and could use some help/company/a shoulder to cry on. You'll probably end up having a laugh over something or other.
  
  One thing I do agree with is that humour helps. Though it's not good to constantly use humour as a buffer from reality, it really does help to be able to see the funny side of things, even if you can only do it after the event. I regularly make jokes when in hospital and am having people poking their finger up my bum and other such things!
  
  Well keep smiling and feel free to share more about your experiences, good and bad or to ask questions about other people's experiences.
  
  Jazzpixie
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10 Comments to Newbie

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