Wonderful friends

As I have written in a previous blog I have been given the new diagnosis of Osteoporosis. It has put me in a real tail-spin.  I have research and worked out a battle plan to help me continue on my healthy journey. I am really fighting the mental fight right now. I know that I have to keep moving and do back exercises to give my spine support. I know I have to continue keeping my weight in control. I know I have to eat well and the right foods to keep me strong. I know I have to take the medicine that I really don't want to take. Some of the side effects are not good.  I JUST DON'T HAVE MY USUAL DRIVE.  Knowing and DOING are two very different things. As I have struggled I have been talking to myself and giving myself a major pep talk. I decided to began paying closer attention to some of the things others have said to me                                                                                                                                                                    I was walking one day and a couple of friends pulled up beside me in their car. The one said, "we were just watching you walk and you walk with such joy!" That really impacted me. It motivated and spurred me on. I do love to walk. Walking has saved my bones in my legs and hips.  Another friend finally began taking her Rx for osteopenia. She has been told to take it for several years but has not.  I know  that is her way of giving me support(and saving her bones). A friend checks in with me in the evenings and praises me and encourages me to continue with following my food plan. A different friend sends me jokes and we laugh together though we don't live by each other. My brother sends me random pictures of himself sticking his tongue out.  He also reminds me that my days of cliff diving, parasailing, and parachuting might need to stop. (Never would have done those) I got an E-mail from one friend telling me I had influenced her and left footprints in her heart. My sisters and niece send me words of encouragement often. My husband has began working more in the yard and doing the harder things that I use to do. I really enjoy yard work and have done most of it our married life. I plan to do it all again just giving the Rx a few months to start working.(That's my plan) Messages of hope are posted on my FB page. This list could go on and on. I have been encouraged, and lifted up.  I thank you all.  You have given me hope. Many of you I do not know. We have never met but you send me messages that touch my heart and bring tears to my eyes. I only hope that as I continue with my journey I can share something that may lift your spirits and give you the hope and drive to continue with your own healthy journey.

Carry On

  I got this little picture from a friend of mine named  RaeNyce.  She had posted it on FaceBook and I really got a chuckle out of it.  I made a copy and keep it where I see it every day. I once again went into my annual physical and passed with flying colors.  All the lab work came back better than ever. My weight is staying stable. Everything looked great.  Went in for a DEXA bone scan and then got the bad news.  I have been diagnosed with osteoporosis.  My legs and hips are in a moderate risk for fracture  but my spine is in a high risk for fracture.  I knew it was one of those diseases that I would be prone to because my mom and dad both had it.  I have lifted weights and done resistance on my muscles and knew that I needed to do weight bearing exercises.  I walk for miles and miles. I was doing all that. I guess I thought I was going to pass with flying colors. I have been knocked down a little by this. I guess the fear about what I can and can't do has really bothered me.  It is a thought that was not in my head before. "If I lift my little grandson is it going to cause a fracture?" "What about a big bump while riding in my side by side?"  I don't like that little fear in my head. Just that moment of shock,  "WAIT, are you sure your safe to do this?"  I have been struggling and been quite emotional. 
     When I worked as a nurse I took care of a little sweet lady named Alta. She had osteoporosis. She was bed ridden. When she did need to get up to go to the Dr. the aide would help her get into a body brace and leg braces. She was not allowed to put weight on her legs.  She was in constant pain.  I know that some of this chatter in my head is from seeing her. Some of the chatter comes from watching my own mom shake and complain of the pain in her legs if she stood for any amount of time. I have to remind myself that their journey is not my journey.  I  also know that research and medications that can help it have come so far. I just have to remind myself of that.
     Today I got up and went for my brisk walk.  I did my exercises and a few more that have been added to strengthen my back muscles. I am doing research and finding some of the answers that were hanging in the air. I will have to learn to live with  my chatter  that will keep saying to me. "What If?"  I will just have to answer it back. "Sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and carry on....."