Essential Tremor - The New Chapter Of My Life

A large part of the reason that I began this blog years ago, was that I wanted a place - an outlet - for my thoughts, and experiences. A place where I could express myself. A place where I could share my life journey with others who might also be having the same experiences that I am. A platform to essentially let others know that they are not alone.  One thing I have learned is that what we go through in life is never exclusive to us alone. Although it can often feel that way at times. Some challenges in life can feel very isolating when we are going through them, especially if we don't personally know someone else who is experiencing the same things that we are in that moment.  So, aside from recipes, horoscopes, videos, and life events (etc) this blog is really a continual story of my life. Chapters that I have chosen to share with you.

And in saying that. I am at the beginning of a new chapter in my life. One, which I am now going to share.

Beginning late last Fall, I started experiencing tremors in my hands. Primarily my left hand - but also the right one. The tremors would not last long, and I would not call them severe, however, they were present and prominent enough to freak me out!  They were uncontrollable.  And that frightened me.  But as I said, the first one lasted only a few seconds, while I was trying to pick up a pen from the table.  As I brought my finger and thumb together to pick up the pen, my hand began to tremor, first in the fingers and then like almost a ripple effect, I could feel it reverberate up into my hand and to the lower part of my arm. And then it was over.  I thought to myself - WHAT THE HELL?!?!

Since it was over almost instantly, I just wrote it off as a pressed nerve or something.  Perhaps in the way I was leaning over. Who knows.  I really didn't give it a second thought as I have had what you would call 'shakey hands' for all of my life.  Let's put it this way, although they were not what you would classify as a tremor, I could never be a surgeon. Although my penmanship is much like that of a doctor!  lol

A couple of weeks later I experienced another tremor.  This time it was in both hands.  I also began to feel a tingling in my arm.  OMG I'M HAVING A STROKE!!!  And just as instantly as it struck - it was over.

I immediately raised both my hands over my head and started to verbalize random sentences and stick out my tongue - to see if indeed I was having a stroke. Clearly, I was not.

Over the next couple of months, the tremors kept occurring, with tingling in my arm. The tremors were slightly longer in time, and would very in intensity.  So I made an appointment with my family doctor to discuss this with him.  I explained that the tremors were very random, typically when I was doing something - using my fine motor skills. And that they had taken place over the past 4-6 months. He did an exam and ran a bunch of tests.  Tests included a broad variety of blood work, an ECG and an MRI on my brain.

Can I just pause for a moment and say how incredibly frightening the concept of having an MRI done on my brain is?

The appointment with my doctor was in early April, and the MRI was scheduled for May. I don't mind saying that having the MRI done on my brain is not something that I want to repeat again any time soon. Quite simply put, it was awful!

Anyhow. I saw my doctor again in the first week of June and we went over the results.  My heart is good - excellent in fact.  Actually I have had three ECG's done in the past year - and all of them were fantastic.  The blood work was also good. Now for the biggie.  The MRI. The report stated that I did not have Parkinson Disease.  THANK GOD!!!! Clearly this was my biggest fear!!!  I exhaled a huge sigh of relief. And then it dawned on me that it could be brain cancer, a tumor, epilepsy. God only knows what.  But something was causing the tremors.

My doctor then told me that I have a disease called Essential Tremor.  Also known as Familial Tremor.  I had never heard of this before.  He printed out a couple of sheets for me and told me that I was in the early stages and in time we would have to discuss a treatment plan.  He then told me not to do too much research on it as I would only freak myself out.  He knows me very well.  And, of course, when I got home, I dropped my purse on the sofa, kicked off my shoes, logged onto my laptop and started reading everything I could get my hands on.

And. I freaked myself out.

I suppose that is the very reason why up until this point only my immediate family has been told about my ET diagnosis.  Quite simply, I needed time to absorb the information and get my head around how dramatically my life is going to change. And the challenges that are ahead of me. Not to mention the potential loss of some of my Independence.

It has now been two months since my diagnosis and I feel moved to write. So, here I am. Sharing this news where I share everything challenging in my life. On this blog. With you.

You will notice that on my blog, I have given Fibromyalgia it's own page. Simply because there is so much information and it is such a prominent part of my life that it frankly deserved its own space. I suspect that in time, ET will also reside in its own space on this blog. But for now, I will just give it its own space in the index as I will be updating the progress of this disease as time passes.

So, where to begin? I said that Essential Tremor is also known as Familial Tremor - Why? Well, because for a large majority of the people with ET, it is hereditary. If a first degree family member has ET, you are 5 times as likely to get it. If that first degree family member was under the age of 50 when they got it, you are 10 times as likely to get it.  And if that first degree family member is your parent, you have a 50% chance of getting ET in your lifetime.

ET is not gender specific. It is not race specific. And it is not age specific. However the majority of people who get ET, will get it between 40-50 years of age. Although it can develop in young children as well as elderly people in their 80's.  So, it really can strike at any time in your lifetime.

It is progressive. However, there is no blueprint for its progression. It can be slow but continual or it can be aggressive.  It varies from person to person.  In other words I can remain as I am now with very slow progression over the next decade. Or all hell can break loose in six months. However, the likelihood is that it will progress over years. But there are no guarantees.

ET is not fatal.  But there is no cure.  Treatments for ET include beta blockers, epilepsy medications - separate or multiple medications may be used together as a treatment plan. Failing success with medications, the next course of treatment is brain surgery.

The primary differences between ET and Parkinson's are really when the tremors strike. In Parkinson Disease, a tremor can occur while you are in a resting position. Just sitting on the sofa watching TV and suddenly your hands start to tremor. Parkinson Disease also will typically involve fully body tremors and can affect your gait. PD is also not hereditary.

ET on the other hand, is 8 times more common than PD, and will typically cause a tremor when you are actually doing something. Something as simple as holding your hands out in front of you will cause your hands to shake. ET usually begins in the hands (one or both) and can involve the arms in the tremor. Further progression of ET may involve the hands, arms, head (side-to-side 'no' motion, or an up and down 'yes' movement), tongue, voice, chin and sometimes the trunk. It rarely involves the legs. Although it may. Additionally ET can cause cognitive impairments as well as migraines.

With all of this in mind, it is clear that one's life can be deeply impacted by ET. Writing, tying shoelaces, putting on make-up, putting on earrings, painting your nails, texting, drinking, eating .... the list is really endless.  I mentioned that ET in and of itself is not fatal, however, one must be careful when in the later stages of ET while using knives or cooking. Many serious injuries can easily occur while trying to do every day tasks with tremors.

I have seen that there are many tools available for people with ET (as well as PD) such as weighted utensils, cups, pens, etc. And there are lists of ways to make one's life a bit easier while living with this disease.  I will go into those types of things in future postings as things begin to progress for me.  (Or as the mood strikes lol)

For now, this posting is partially informational for you. And partially therapy for me.  As I said, I have taken the past two months to try and absorb the reality of this disease and how it will affect my life. And I have rarely spoken about it with anyone, other than to inform immediate family and those closest to me about the diagnosis. I suppose saying the words out loud makes it real.  Which is part of the reason I have not done a posting about it up until now.  But, here it is. And it's real.

A Mom Sees Herself Through The Eyes Of Her Children

I came across this story and it touched me so deeply. It brought tears to my eyes. I found it so loving, beautiful and powerful that I just needed to share it with you here.  Every woman deserves to feel beautiful. Every woman deserves to love her body. To hold her head high. To lift her face to the sun. To step out of the shadows. I invite you to be that woman!

This loving story was originally posted on http://bridgettetales.com

Flipping through the pictures on my phone, I see it.

My first reaction is shock. Who took this hideous picture of me?

Self-loathing and disgust swell up and threaten to bring me to tears.

Just as I am about to hit delete, my boy walks in the room.

“Do you know anything about this picture?” I ask him.

I turn the screen so he can see it. He smiles huge.

“I took that of you in Tahoe,” he says. “You looked so beautiful laying there. I couldn’t help it mom.”

“You need to ask me before using my phone to take pictures,” I say.

“I know,” he says. “But mom, seriously, look how pretty you look?”

I look at the picture again and try to see what he sees.

My daughter walks over and takes a look.

“That could be a postcard mom,” she says smiling. “Your so beautiful. I love it.”

I take a deep breath.

This is exactly what I needed.

My default mode is to see and focus on the flaws and imperfections. I’m starting to see a bit more.

I still see my dimply, fat thighs.

I also see a mom collapsed on the shore that just explored the lake for hours with her children.

I still see chubby arms.

I also see the arms of a mom that just helped her kids across the rocks and hot sand so their feet wouldn’t hurt.

I still see a fat woman wearing a black dress bathing suit to try to hide her weight issue.

I also see an adventurous mom that loves her children something fierce.

Like many women, I have struggled with my weight most of my life. It’s not something that will ever go away for me. I don’t have a naturally slim body. Never have.

Right now I’m the heaviest I’ve been in 10 years. Yet…

I have not let my weight stop me this time. I am wearing tank tops, sundresses and bathing suits in public. I’m running around playing with my kids this summer and I sometimes even feel attractive.

Yes. You heard me.

“I feel pretty. Oh so pretty. I feel pretty, and witty and bright.”

Well…not exactly. But something like that.

Is it because I’m getting older? Is it that I have more to worry about than just how I look? Or maybe it’s because my kids look at me with such adoring eyes.

Really, it doesn’t matter.

I don’t hate my body anymore.

That’s huge for me to admit and hard to even wrap my mind around.

I’m not giving up on exercising and getting healthy. Those are things I will continue to strive for because I want to be around awhile.

Right now though, I just want to love my body where it is. I want it to be OK to see myself the way my kids do.

Thank you kids.

Total Knee Replacement - Surgery Booked

I have lived with arthritis for most of my adult life. And as many people who have arthritis know, it attacks the joints. And often times, people who live with arthritis will experience great pain in their joints. Sometimes the damage is so severe, you will eventually require joint replacement.

This is what I am in the midst of.  The arthritis in my right knee is so bad that the cartilage is completely gone. Causing the bones in my knee to grind together.  For probably fifteen years I have had what I call the ratchet feeling when bending my knee. The clicking that can be heard and felt when bending and extending my leg.

Over the years the clicking has gotten worse as the cartilage wore away, and I began having the sensation of my knee slipping out of alignment. This of course causes extreme, sharp, stabbing pain.  I would then have to bend and twist my leg until I felt the 'click' and my knee would line up once again. At this point the pain would dramatically reduce.

In March of 2013 I had a bad fall outside of my apartment building.  I call this "the beginning of the end".  I never really recovered from this fall. I went straight down on my knees, and the pain shot through my body like a missile. I battled the recovery of the fall through the Spring and Summer, never really recovering from it. It was about three weeks before I could even walk again, and by the end of September, I was in so much pain that I knew my only real option would be to discuss surgery with my family doctor.  Although I am not a fan of surgery, having had so many of them in my lifetime, I knew that if I did not want to end up in a wheelchair, something drastic needed to be done.  Also, a good friend of mine had just had her first knee replaced and was doing so wonderfully well that it really gave me great encouragement that this journey might be right for me.

At my next appointment, I addressed my thoughts and concerns with my Doctor and he agreed that it was time to pursue surgery. Because I am a research type of person, naturally I had read up about it, and after having lengthily conversations with my friend, I knew that the first step was a scope of the knee.  This is essentially a mini operation, which requires the same amount of recovery as TKR (Total Knee Replacement). To me, this seemed ridiculous. I have zero cartilage in my right knee. Coupled with the fact that I also live my life with Fibromyalgia, and so inviting more pain in to my life is not something I take lightly.  I spoke with my Doctor about my concerns and he agreed with me that a Scope is a step we should skip, and go directly to surgery.

In January I got an appointment with a Surgeon, who wanted to do a scope. This frustrated me. Really, it upset me greatly.  I informed him that in no uncertain terms was I interested in having a scope done. And that I would be having the surgery done elsewhere as he was unmovable on the matter.  So, back to my Doctor for another referral.

In February, I attended my new appointment at a different hospital here in Toronto.  Funnily enough, the surgeon I was to see was at home, recovering from his own hip-replacement surgery.  So, my appointment was with a Fellow on his surgical team.  I cannot say what I truly want to say about the woman I saw during this appointment.  But I will say that she was horrible. Just awful.  So much so that I left the hospital in tears. In effect she told me that she would not recommend the surgery to the surgeon.  I was crushed. Devastated. Hurt. I felt deflated. I am only 45 years old, and this awful, horrible, woman in essence, had just said to me that I should live the rest of my life in agony!

I cried the entire way home, which must have completely freaked out my taxi driver.  Once I got home, I cried for three hours!  I was so upset!  Then the fighter in me took over. I decided that this horrible woman - who wasn't even a full doctor - would not have the final say in my future.  I called the office of the surgeon and spoke with his assistant.  Ok.  That isn't entirely true. The truth is I had a full breakdown on the phone with his assistant. I told her of the appointment I just had, how awful the person was, and that I wanted to speak with the surgeon.  She agreed and took my number and told me to try and relax while she looked into it.  She also informed me that mine was not the first complaint/concern/breakdown she had had with regards to this particular "doctor".

A few hours later my phone rang, it was the surgeon, calling me from his home, while in recovery from his own surgery.

WHAT?!?!?! Who does that?!?!?!?  HE DOES!!

We spoke for about an hour. I stated all of the reasons that I needed the operation. He asked me tons of questions, screening me.  And ultimately I said to him that with the Fibromyalgia, I would never be 100%, I knew that my life would never be as I wanted it to be, that I would never live a pain-free life, but the truth is that he went to medical school to become a surgeon - to help people, and if there was any chance that he could help me - shouldn't he?  And he agreed.

I was so excited!!! I thanked him (about twenty-five times) and told him that I would see him at the next appointment when he returned to work from his own recovery.  I then phoned his assistant. I could tell that she was waiting for my call. I could almost hear her smile.  I cannot say how thankful I am for this wonderful woman! I just love her to pieces!  She is a large part of the reason that I am even scheduled for surgery!

July 14th I finally got to meet my surgeon in person.  My appointment began with another series of X-rays, followed by a meeting with him.  He is fabulous! So kind. So understanding. Patient.  And - in my research - I have heard/read wonderful things about him from other patients.

We discussed my X-rays, and how interesting it is that my left knee is perfect. It is the ideal picture of what a knee is supposed to look like.  My right knee on the other hand looks like a twelve-car collision.  Just horrible.  So much so that he looked me square in the face and said; "I can see your pain. I don't know how you are standing ...and walking around."

At the end of the appointment I signed the consent for surgery and blood transfusion forms. I was given a ton of booklets and pamphlets to read prior to, and in preparation of my surgery.  Needless to say, there are a lot of appointments involved.  The pre-operative appointment has been booked for August 7th.  This appointment will take up to 5 hours, as I'll be meeting with the Anesthesiologist, someone from PT and OT, as well as nursing staff to go over my medical history.  Then there will be more X-rays, blood work, and an ECG. (Which I am not concerned about, as I have had two ECG's done in the past six months and know that my heart is in great shape!)

My Surgery will be done on September 5th.  Seven weeks from today!  I will be in the hospital for a few days and assuming I go directly home, I will be discharged on the 8th or 9th.  If I go to a rehabilitation hospital, I will be there for a week, before coming home again. Obviously I am praying that I will be discharged directly to my home, where I can recover in my own surroundings.

Then of course, there is a list of other various visits that will be taking place. Staple removal, post-operative appointments, physiotherapy. etc.

This journey is going to require a lot of hard work. Not to mention the great pain! It will be trying. But I am determined. Actually, I really just want to be on the other side of this process. I will be coming home with a walker, and a few weeks later, I will be walking with a cane. It will not be for approximately six weeks before I will be able to walk without an assisted device.  This is what I am looking forward to. Being able to do my groceries, walking my dog - without assistance, and without pain in my knee. Although I realize that it will be a few months before I can do my own shopping again. My eyes are focused on next March. Spring, for me, will spell freedom!

As with other areas of my life, I will be writing about this journey, sharing it with all of you.  I know that there will be good days, and days that are not so good. But as with everything else, I will be candid about the details of the surgery as well as my recovery. I'm sure with so many friends of EE, there is someone - somewhere who may be going through the same trials in their own life. And if nothing else, they may know that they are not alone. :-)

Stay tuned.....!

It's Bell Lets Talk Day!!

Today is Bell Lets Talk Day here in Canada.

For every share, tweet or text, Bell Canada will donate  5¢ towards Mental Health Initiatives in Canada.

If Bell Mobility is your service provider - please send out as many texts as you possibly can today.

If you have a twitter account, please send out tweets with the #BellLetsTalk hashtag attached to each tweet.

If you are on facebook, please visit the Bell Canada page and share the following image with your friends.

It is time to take Mental Health out of the closet! Strip away the stigma. Often times people who battle with mental health issues are ashamed and therefore do not seek the treatment they so desperately need. You would not be embarrassed if you broke you leg, or if you were diagnosed with cancer, or if you got the flu. We need to strip away the shame associated with depression and other mental health issues that millions of people struggle with on a daily basis. The fact is that if you personally are not living with a mental health issue, than somebody you know is!

70% of teenagers will battle depression in their young lifetime. If you know someone who is withdrawn, who is suddenly opting to stay home instead of going to work or school. Someone who has suddenly changed their routine. Someone who suddenly does not want to take part in social activity. Someone who suddenly appears to be self-medicating with drugs or alcohol, they may be struggling with depression and I encourage you to reach out to them!

It is time to join the conversation. Knowledge is power and experience is priceless - when you are dealing with depression, you can very alone and isolated. If you have battled depression or other mental health issues in your lifetime, please share your story with others who may be going through the exact same thing.

If you are currently experiencing depression or are facing another mental health crisis - please seek help immediately!

Arrive Alive - Don't Drink And Drive!

Let’s be honest, nothing ruins the holidays like a funeral.  As you visit with family and friends or attend parties during this holiday season, please remember to plan ahead for your ride home.  Call a Friend. Call a Taxi. Have a Designated Driver. Stay Overnight. Rent a Hotel Room. Whatever you do – NEVER EVER get behind the wheel when you have been drinking! Nor should you accept a ride from a friend who has been drinking!!  Please be SAFE and Arrive ALIVE!!


-Laura

Think PINK

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Join Enchanted Essence by wearing  PINK for October!

♥

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

May 12th 2013 is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day!

Support a loved one still waiting for a cure!

Love and Light

-Laura

10 Tips For Better Sleep

Anatomy Of Walking

Make a step towards a healthier you!

Cold vs. Flu

With the Flu season upon us, I thought this was a perfect time to share this with everyone.  Please do not take this as medical advice. If you feel that you do have the flu - please seek medical attention from your health care provider.

I AM ...

Invisible Illnesses

When you are visibly disabled, nobody questions when you say you are having a bad day.  When you are in a wheelchair - or even on crutches ... if you are an amputee .... if you have a visible mental illness, which is clearly seen to others - you are never questioned.  You can say "I'm not feeling well today" and that is enough.  There is never a need to justify yourself.  Never second guessing.  This is true of every day people - but also with doctors.  Perhaps why so many people with invisible illnesses have such a difficult time being diagnosed.  Doctors just do not believe what they cannot see.  I cannot tell you how many times my doctor would offer me downers and uppers when I would come to him in the beginning - telling him that I could not sleep - yet I am always exhausted.  I cannot begin to tell you how many times my doctor told me to go exercise when I told him that my body hurts.  I had no broken leg.  Nothing to be detected on an x-ray.  Illnesses such as FMS are diagnosed by process of elimination.  Is it MS? Nope.  Is it Lyme Disease? Nope. Is it Lupus? Nope .. and the battery of tests continue - eventually the doctor informs you that you have Fibromyalgia.  And then informs you that there is nothing you can do about it.  The truth of the matter is that many in the medical community are only just now coming around to realizing that FMS is indeed a real illness - and not a 'garbage pail' disease ... as previously thought. It was believed for decades by the medical community that if there was no test to prove you had a known disease - then you were just given the label of FMS and sent on your way.  As if FMS suddenly took on the meaning "Fake Medical Symptoms".  Just because they did not know - they automatically believed you were faking.

When the medical community does not believe in your illness it makes it that much more difficult to have your friends and family understand what you are going through. Never mind the community at large.

I do not profess to speak on behalf of all who suffer with FMS or other invisible illnesses - however, I am certain that I am safe in saying that people who are suffering do not want pity - we want to be validated.  We want to be heard. Understood.  And we do not want to have to justify our every ache and pain.

When I say that I am in a flare - I am hopeful that perhaps someone might say "I hope you have a better day tomorrow."  or "Is there anything I can help you with?".   Looking at me like Bambi in headlights - with a quizzical arch of an eyebrow and asking "Why are you so tired? - What have you done?"  is not helpful.  In fact it in some cases will only add frustration to the situation.  And as we know, frustration can lead to stress, which leads to a deeper flare.  And round-and-round we go.

Unfortunately, those who live with FMS, Lyme, Lupus, IBS, ME and many other invisible illnesses are suffering behind a veil.  Not that we want a big spotlight cast down upon us. Nor do we wish to carry around a sandwich board announcing that we are ill.  What we do need is education for those who are well-bodied.  Training in that just because you cannot see it - does not mean it does not exist. Particularly within the medical community.

If a pregnant woman gets on a bus - people will give up their seat.  If someone with crutches gets on that bus - people will give up their seat.  If an elderly person boards that same bus .... well ... you get the idea.  If a person with an invisible illness gets on that bus and appears to be 'normal' but is in fact in agony and desperately needing to sit - well ... they are pretty much screwed. 

One of the joys I experience with FMS is poor equilibrium.  I can be walking (on a good day) and suddenly it is as though I am drunk - I cannot tell you how many times I have broken my toes on baseboards or the legs of my coffee table.  Balance is indeed a huge issue for me.  Thank goodness for my 90lb dog Bentley who is not a technical dog guide, but helps me immensely, and on many occasions has saved me from a fall!

Can you imagine me standing on a crowded bus?  Yet - I look fine!

If you are able-bodied ... and this post finds you ... I ask that you take the time to educate yourself.  Knowledge is power - right?  Learn to examine beneath the surface of what your eyes tell you appears as 'normal'.  Look in the eyes of a person, eyes do not lie ... do you see pain in the expression? Discomfort?  Is the person on the bus hanging on to that poll for dear life?  Do you have a friend or loved one who lives with an invisible illness? The next time they tell you that they are in a flare - or that they are tired .... please do not ask them to take up precious little energy to convince you that their discomfort is legitimate.

My 3C's

When I first became diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, it took me a long time to learn how to accept my ‘new normal’. Realizing that what my life once was – would not be any longer.  This took years for me to accept and in fact – if I am honest with myself … there are days when I forget.  When I still feel as though I can jump up and go – like I use to when I was younger … when I was healthy. 

When you are first given the news that your life is going to be forever changed by an illness … your mind scrambles to find out everything you can about the disease.  And if you are like me – the first thing you do is jump on Google and read everything you can get your hands on!  The problem is that an autoimmune disease is not as cut and dry as say a broken leg.  You cannot just slap a cast on it – wait six weeks and you’re good to go.  With autoimmune illnesses, you can have 100 people who live with these challenges, each in their own way.  Each affected differently.  This is true whether we are speaking of Fibromyalgia, or Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus … even Cancers will affect each person differently.

From my years spent in support groups and forums, listening and learning from the experiences of others, the one thing I did come to realize is that stress is a huge factor in the triggering of flares.  A flare is the term commonly used among the communities to describe … well … the flare-up of symptoms, thus causing great pain and at times rendering you immobile.  I can’t tell you how many times when I am in a flare – I have found myself literally riding the walls to simply get from one room to another.

Once I discovered the root trigger of the flares … knowing that there is no cure for the illness … but there are ways to work around the effects of them.  Learning that when we becomes stressed, our muscles tighten, and when the muscular system is already struggling with dis-ease - indeed the central nervous system is under attack, the tightening of the muscles will induce pain - aka - the flare.

 

The next step was to try and eliminate stress from my life.  How exactly can we do this?  How exactly do we avoid stress?  The reality is that we cannot avoid stress but we can have a say in the way in which we deal with it.

This is when I created my ‘3C’s’ philosophy.  Understanding that we cannot completely remove stressful situations from our lives, but we can indeed have a say in how we respond to those stresses. 

3C’s is actually pretty simple.  It stands for Calmly Choose Control.

Sounds simple right?  Let’s examine…

The first C is Calmly … when a situation arises, it does not help to fly off the handle … in fact it often times will make things much worse.  When we are Calm - we are rational and therefore are better able to assess and respond to any given situation. At all cost we must remain CALM.

The second C is Choose … in life we will be thrown into many different situations … some will be earth shattering and some will be simple annoyances, which can spiral if we allow them to do so.  Simply put – don’t sweat the small stuff.  Aka – CHOOSE your battles.

The third C is Control … and I cannot stress this enough… you must remain in control at all times.  Respond to situations rather than reacting to them.  Now – let me say that even though I have created this system – and I have been working on it for nearly two decades now … I am human … and therefore I am not perfect.  And sometimes people and events can just piss us off – can’t they?  And sometimes we react to them and then check ourselves afterwards by saying ‘I shouldn’t have done/said that.’  Hindsight is 20/20. With that said, self-CONTROL is not the easiest attribute to master.  But one we must indeed achieve. 

Whether you are living with health challenges, work challenges or just life’s challenges, implementing the 3C’s can only aide in providing balance to your world.  And in my case; the 3C’s enable me to live with fewer flares, which further enables me to find joy amidst my new normal.

 

 

The A To ZEN Of Life

Laura's Kitchen

For the past couple of days I have been in the middle of a complete revamp of "Laura's Kitchen".  I have decided to make it an entity in and of itself, and thus the sister site of Enchanted Essence was born!

Both sites are now linked together for your ease of access.  You can still find some of my favorite recipes by simply clicking on the "Laura's Kitchen" tab on the navigation bar as usual.  Remember, new recipes are added all the time. Keep an eye out for my new Christmas Desserts!!

In addition to delicious recipes, be sure to check out the Spice Rack and don't forget to come back soon to check into the Fresh Market and the Wine Corner!!

As always, keep visiting EE for new and exciting changes!!

Until then ... God Bless and Happy Sunday!!

Take What You Need

Methods Of Mediation

Regardless of the method you choose, meditation is a wonderful way of connecting to the spirit within as well as the spirit, which surrounds us.  BEing ONE.  BEing still.  BEing in the moment.  Reducing stress, anxiety, high blood pressure.   To center one's self and achieve balance and harmony.

Remember that each breath is a meditation.  So don't forget to breathe...

Cognitive Dysfunction

Cognitive Dysfunction - affectionately known as brain fog - or fibro fog, for those with Fibromyalgia.

What does it mean??  Essentially that your brain is betraying you.  It is frustrating and challenging to deal with as you live your life on a day-to-day basis.  People who live with autoimmune diseases such as FMS, MS, Lupus know well what it is to attempt to function during a brain fog attack.  You feel as though you are slipping - losing your faculties ... feeling as though you are a person of advanced age - when in fact you are maybe 25!  Forgetting why you entered a room.  Asking a question - then asking it again five minutes later, with zero recollection of having asked it the first time - or what the response to the question was.

Doesn't sound too terrible - right?  Well ... were that all it involved - perhaps one could live with ease under the 'fog'.  However that is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg.

Symptoms of cognitive dysfunction can vary from mild to severe and differ from person to person - and from day to day.  Some of the symptoms include but not limited to:

Word Use and Recall: Difficulty recalling known words.  Use of incorrect words, inability to recall names.

Short Term Memory Problems:  Forgetfulness, Inability to recall what has been read or heard.

Directional Disorientation: Not recognizing familiar surroundings, easily becoming lost, having trouble recalling where things are.

Multitasking Difficulties: Inability to pay attention to more than one thing. Forgetfulness of original task when distracted.

Confusion and Trouble Concentrating: Trouble processing information, easily distracted.

Mathematical/Numerical Difficulties: Difficulty preforming simple math, remembering sequences, transposing numbers, trouble remembering numbers.

Many people who suffer from Cognitive Dysfunction often say that the effects of the 'fog' is often worse than the physical symptoms and/or pain they experience from their illness.   I can say from personal experience that this, for me, is true. Being in pain - even physical agony is one thing.  Feeling that you are losing control of your faculties is something altogether different!  Imagine speaking and suddenly - in mid-sentence, you completely forget what you were saying. Imagine this happening all of the time.  Imagine getting 90's in math in school ... now imagine on one day you can do a running mathematical total in your head .... and the very next day, having to use a calculator for simple mathematical problems.  Having to repeat a phone number over and over as you write it down as not to transpose the numbers.  When at one time you were a virtual phone book for hundreds of numbers! Imagine that Monday is different from Tuesday - and Wednesday is different again. And sometimes 1 o'clock can be different from 2 o'clock.

Causes of Brain Fog is not known.  However, it is theorized that the following may be contributing factors:

- Lack of Restorative Sleep.   (This is not the same as not getting enough sleep.)
- Abnormal Cranial Blood Flow Or Volume.
- Brain Abnormalities.
- Premature Brain Aging.
- Mental Distraction Due To Pain.

In Fibromyalgia (FMS) Brain Fog / Fibro Fog is generally worse when the pain is worse. When you are in a flare. In FMS and ME, it can be worsened when exacerbated or under sensory overload.

According to Marshall Pathogenesis, cognitive dysfunction is caused by microbes. More severe forms of cognitive dysfunction are seen in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia - to name but a few.

Studies suggest that women with autoimmune illnesses such a FMS, MS, CFS will experience cognitive dysfunction more frequently and more severely than their male counterparts.

Unfortunately there are no cures for CDS - and treatments only work for some people.  Essentially putting a band-aid on a broken leg.  For me, it is worsened when I am in a FMS Flare.  And has become more frequent once I became diagnosed with early-onset MS a few years ago.

Essentially it comes down to reducing flares - as flares seem to amp up the fog .... a vicious cycle really.  Stress or over exertion will trigger a flare - a flare will trigger the Fog - the fog triggers more stress.

The bottom line is understanding and learning to cope.  What doesn't kill us makes us stronger!  Stress is one of the certainties in life.  Attempting to reduce stress will reduce the frequency of the flares which in turn will reduce the severity of the CDS.   Ultimately having people who understand and support you is key.  Because when you are in the middle of the fog - and feeling lost - it is nice to know there is a hand to grab - a hand to lead ... without judgement.

Remember, you are not your illness!  And an illness is just that.  An ILLNESS. And bares no reflection on the person you are, any more than a wheelchair defines someone who is losing the ability or function of their legs. So, much like the person who uses a wheelchair - or a cane as a tool to cope with loss of leg function.  Find tools to help if you are afflicted with CDS .... notes, recordings, meditation....  there are no right or wrong answers ... if you find something that works - use it!!

Spice Up Your Life

Spices and Herbs often have more disease-fighting antioxidants than even most fruits and vegetables!  Therefore, including more fresh herbs, spices, and oils in your food will not only create more delicious tasting meals, but may also benefit the health of both; you and your family!

Anise (Pimpinella anisum) alleviates abdominal pain, improves salivary secretion and thus promotes digestion, reduces spasms of the trachea and bronchial tree, and provides antimicrobial protection; also is known to improve the flow of breast milk

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) improves appetite, alleviates abdominal cramping, promotes bile flow, and  helps to protect the digestive tract from viral and bacterial infections,. helps to expel phlegm from the respiratory tract, and protects from, as well as fights, bacterial infections.

Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) promotes appetite, alleviates digestive discomfort, improves digestion, protects from, and fights, bactrial infections of the digestive tract, helps to expel mucus from the respiratory tract, and reduces inflammation of the respiratory tract as well as the genitourinary tract.

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) promotes appetite, supports bile flow and digestion, reduces abdominal cramping and flatulence (gas), helps to expel mucus from the respiratory tract, and protects from, and helps to fight, fungal, viral, and bactrial infections.

Cayenne is used to provide relief to rheumatic and arthritic pains and from throat pain or sore throats. Cayenne is also used as an effective remedy for digestive tract ailments such as stomach cramps, acidity, acid reflux and gas, as well certain circulatory system ailments.

Celery Seed is used to treat high blood pressure, heart disease, and to lower cholesterol.  It is also known to be antiseptic and antibiotic in nature as well as have anti-inflammatory properties.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) supports a healthy appetite and digestion, promotes sweating, helps to protect from, and fights, bacterial and fungal infections, and tonifies the cardiovascular system.

Cloves are high in nutrients as they have a significant amount of proteins, iron, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium and hydrochloric acid. They are also rich in vitamins like A and C, manganese, and dietary fiber.  They are also used to treat indigestion, diarrhea, and to boost the immune system.

Coriander is used to treat colic and nausea. It also calms the digestive system.

Cumin (Cuminum cynimum) has antimicrobial properties, promotes a healthy appetite and digestion, and reduces abdominal spasms; also used for infrequent or weak menstrual flow.

Fennel is used for relief from anemia, indigestion, flatulence, constipation, colic, diarrhea, respiratory disorders, and menstrual disorders.

Garlic is used against infection as it improves immune function, helps lower our cholesterol levels, and helps to control our blood pressure by thinning our blood therefore lowering the risk of heart disease.

Ginger is used for nausea, motion sickness, and nausea due to chemotherapy.  It can be consumed when you are feeling car or airplane sickness, or even if you are simply nauseous from something bad you ate!

Nutmeg (especially nutmeg oil) is used to treat stress, pain, menstrual cramps, heart disorders, indigestion, blood pressure, cough and bad breath. However, nutmeg is toxic in large doses so care should be taken when using it.

Olive Oil (Extra Virgin) is known to decrease the risk of heart disease, as well as benefit bone health, digestive health and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

Oregano (and Oil of Oregano) is used for protection against viral and bacterial infections.  It also has anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergenic properties.

Rosemary is used to calm the digestive system as well as treat headaches.

Sage has anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory properties and can be used by those with inflammatory conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis), as well as bronchial asthma, and atherosclerosis.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) promotes a healthy appetite and digestion, alleviates inflammation of the respiratory and digestive tracts, protects from, and helps to fight, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, and promotes flow of urine.

Turmeric is used as an anti-inflammatory and may provide an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn's Disease.  It can also provide relief for rheumatoid arthritis, help with cystic fibrosis and is thought to help prevent cancer.

Movember

MOVEMBER is  upon us.  The month were men everywhere register their clean shaven faces for November 1st and then grow their mustaches for the entire month of November to promote Awareness for Prostate Cancer.

As most of you now know, my father passed away of Prostate Cancer  nearly three months ago.

To my male friends ... please, Please, PLEASE get yourselves checked!!!  And do so regularly - annually!!

I saw first hand what prostate cancer can do to a vibrant life.  Your loved ones need you here and TRUST me, cancer is NO WAY to go!!

So .....  Shave off the facial hair ....
then register at MOVEMBER CANADA and let the growth begin.

Be sure to check and follow the rules!!  Yes there are rules!!

And here they are!!!

I expect to see all of my male friends with furry faces this month!!!

Now .... Go and REGISTER!!!

http://ca.movember.com/