tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post5754181958795839673..comments2022-07-27T00:08:13.293-07:00Comments on The Original Dragon Mother: Rheumatoid Arthritis - on NOT being a hermit...Kazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06883203750700550391noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-36133596964088901212017-06-04T19:24:52.992-07:002017-06-04T19:24:52.992-07:00Indeed, Jodie! It's a life on the edge we'...Indeed, Jodie! It's a life on the edge we're living...LOL! <br />Kazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06883203750700550391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-75666900619942468022017-06-04T17:08:28.824-07:002017-06-04T17:08:28.824-07:00Re reading this much later.. well done you! Ticked...Re reading this much later.. well done you! Ticked a few boxes. <br />PS I'm extremely grateful you and I crossed the line from internet friend to real world friend. Thrill seekers we are! 😊 <br />Jodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12317269460054413371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-82856476535410221662017-05-15T19:00:51.829-07:002017-05-15T19:00:51.829-07:00There was a question about why we'd chosen tai...There was a question about why we'd chosen tai chi on the paperwork we had to fill in. To a point, that's a bit necessary when it comes to medical issues, I think. And it's a valid question, given there are going to be some things I have difficulty with so I can handle that - to a point. None of the other participants have asked - they're the ones I don't need to be answering to! Kazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06883203750700550391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-32770444064582223852017-05-15T18:08:13.201-07:002017-05-15T18:08:13.201-07:00I am with Lene about the tai chi thing - you don&#...I am with Lene about the tai chi thing - you don't have to say much. You don't even need to say you have an illness. You can just say you have a regular commitment that clashes every 4th Tuesday and then it makes the issue an admin problem and not a personal one.<br />If the person is rude enough to pry further, you can still say "I'd rather not discuss it" quite politely and redirect the conversation back to the admin or ask then a question to change the subject or make a quick exit! <br />I hope these issues won't keep you from tai chi. My doctor advised tai chi as one of the best exercises for people with our health issues. I couldn't find one close enough to me but it is something I would love to try. I hope that by the time I catch up on your most recent blog entries you will have done a session of tai chi and made a new acquaintance. The new person we meet tomorrow may have the potential to become one of those amazing lifelong friends that we wonder what we'd do without! <br />Good luck!Jodiebodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377052537742885631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-61450210816307509192017-05-15T18:05:49.864-07:002017-05-15T18:05:49.864-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Jodiebodiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11377052537742885631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-84924196659549148632017-04-09T19:27:38.496-07:002017-04-09T19:27:38.496-07:00Thanks so much Rick! I do get there - if only beca...Thanks so much Rick! I do get there - if only because I'm not inherently an introvert, so I start craving contact. I figure though, if this stuff can get to me, then it must be hell for those of us who aren't more outgoing... As for work, I tell people I'm a writer...covers a multitude of sins!Kazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06883203750700550391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-54330927936260663852017-04-09T17:49:32.078-07:002017-04-09T17:49:32.078-07:00I often find the first question to be the most dif...I often find the first question to be the most difficult. In my case it is what do you do for a living? I am fortunate that Sheryl as a foil most days and that helps a lot. I hope you find your way to the outside world. I have every confidence you are going to be great. I have every confidence in you sister. Rick Phillipshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06927227605885917738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-28585141758331193552017-04-09T17:10:10.802-07:002017-04-09T17:10:10.802-07:00Yes, absolutely. One of the issues with the whole ...Yes, absolutely. One of the issues with the whole hermit thing is how big actual small things can get...in our heads. So, yes, keep it brief, keep it simple, don't FUSS...!!! Thanks hon. xKazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06883203750700550391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-59422826870233552232017-04-09T17:09:11.848-07:002017-04-09T17:09:11.848-07:00Haha! No, I haven't... And with Passover start...Haha! No, I haven't... And with Passover starting tonight, I'll have to wait, because he'll be up to his eyes... AFTER Passover, FIRST THING. Promise!Kazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06883203750700550391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-25606082632272564022017-04-09T11:21:55.561-07:002017-04-09T11:21:55.561-07:00I know that feeling. It's exhausting to go thr...I know that feeling. It's exhausting to go through the whole educational song and dance again. And it's so restful being with people where you don't have to explain. But one of the things I've learned is that in many situations, you don't need to say much. For instance, it can be as simple as saying "I have a chronic illness and have a monthly appointment on a Tuesday. Can I switch to another class that week?" I think sometimes we (and I definitely include myself in this) hesitate because in the past, it has become a Big Thing. But I recently started to figure out that if I keep keep it short and simple, it's often doesn't become quite that big. Anyway, might be worth a try.Lene Andersenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11223128667829847717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-679982583847135662.post-80787466696330964942017-04-09T03:49:11.666-07:002017-04-09T03:49:11.666-07:00I can relate well to the anxiety of meeting new co...I can relate well to the anxiety of meeting new communities of people, or just a new person. It takes mental and physical effort. It's easier NOT to, but then there's the thing of "what does my life become if I wait until I feel up to it to leave the house and socialise"? When I do make an arrangement I know I will be glad that I went. The bonus advantage of being with another chronically ill person is that there's no need to put on the front that I feel fab that day even if I dont, and additionally risk consequently feeling out of sync with everyone. The connection with another having similar illness is not necessarily about talking all things pain, fatigue and chronic illness, but more about not needing to explain anything. Plus being able to give a concise honest reply to the "How are you going today? It just gets way too confusing when a colleague or a non- close friend asks. The reply of a false "yeah really good thanks" or be willing to sound attention-seeking/ pathetic with the truth; which usually demands even more explanation. <br />For me I know it's important to maintain my social life but I tend to do that with mainly the peeps I feel comfortable with-old and new. Or sometimes just sit on the lounge with Netflix and my faithful non judgemental fur kids on my 4 days/wk off from being a nurse. There are always medical appointments to attend,so the couch doesn't get too worn!<br /> Hey Kaz, have you called the choir master yet??Jodshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12317269460054413371noreply@blogger.com