With all of the new electronic devices used for scheduling, I’m a bit old fashioned and still prefer the paper calendar. I use the technology on my phone and computer as reminders, but keep a master calendar that can be viewed at a glance to know when I’m coming and going.
Every year when I get my new calendar, I flip through the months marking birthdays, noting important dates and highlighting potential travel plans. I’m always amazed at how full the pages are by the time I reach the final month. As much as I try to slow down, my calendar is always busy.
While I do believe in living life to the fullest every day, I often have conflicts when it comes to booking vacations or making plans. As I’ve stated in past blogs, arthritis has a tendency to interfere with the way I want to live my life. Although I’ve learned to make allowances and I always consider my illness, there are some things about this disease that cannot be predicted. When the interference disrupts plans, the disappointment of having to cancel can be devastating – especially when it involves others.
Have you had to change your plans or cancel them altogether because of an illness? Did others have to alter their plans as well? If so, how did it make you/them feel?
For several years, my family gathered at Norris Lake in Tennessee for a long weekend of camping, boating, water skiing, fishing and swimming. It was an event we all participated in and looked forward to regardless of age or abilities because there was something for everyone to do. Not too mention, it was a great time!
In 2000, my husband, son and I had just arrived when I reached for a flashlight and “blew a joint” (see blog Word Association), causing my thumb to dislocate with such a force, it lodged into the palm of my hand. Needless to say, it was a disturbing sight for others to see and extremely painful for me.
A short while later, my husband and I entered the emergency room in Knoxville. Since surgery was a must, arrangements were made and we returned home the following day unable to spend time with our family or enjoy the lake.
It was such a disappointment having to literally leave upon our arrival. Unfortunately, it’s something my family is used to doing.
I have learned to let the negative people go and ignore their comments. They will never relate to my plight ever.
I have learned doctors don't ever listen to what you are actually telling them. I have lost respect for the medical field. I live without insurance and will never ever be able to afford insurance;I am a case of all preexisting conditions.
I have learned to have a quicker and more devilish sense of humour. Some days,my daughter and I get a fit of unending giggles.
I have learned I must use a wheelchair at festivals, so I may occasionally be able to get up to dance to music, get on a ride, and not require to eat pain killers like candy. This has taught me that people who don't mind me being in a wheelchair are really good friends.
One of the things I cannot do is join the Arthritis Support Group (FACT) when they play miniature golf. I tried once, but maneuvering the walker was exhausting and painful.
There are some people's homes I cannot visit because the front step is too high and/or does not have a railing.
I just have to concentrate on what I can do, like teaching my Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Class, even thought I cannot do trainings any longer. I can do my watercolor paintings and with help will be able to get my works to a spring art show. I can still drive and provide transportation for friends, so it's not all bad.
However, when I am having a painful day, I become fearful of what the future holds for me. I hope I can keep my independence for a long time.
This link was sent to me by Arthritis Intro on Twitter. My blog is here:
http://rawarrior.com
I have LOST many relationships because of Rheumatoid Arthritis and the tremendous burden this disease places on the person suffering with it as well as the families involved. I have learned to accept that not everyone will understand but couldn't they at least try?
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