Abide

NaNoWriMo: Seeking Advice

So, I'm thinking very seriously about trying this. In fact, I sent for and have read the first four chapters of the book, which only makes me more determined. I've already signed up.

But I know it's a hard push to my limits, and I'm trying to outline an approach that will help me accomplish it. Because I really want to not just try, but to finish.

Have any of you (who wrestle with illness) done this, or something similar? How did you go about it?

I can't find my wrist braces, which on the upside means I haven't needed them in a long time. They're probably lent out, or under some large piece of furniture. I'll keep looking.

I plan to use the old desktop computer -- it's useless for photos or online, but quite adequate for word processing, and by far the best choice ergonomically. I've been doing all the computer maintenance stuff the past few days, scanning for viruses and adware, defragmenting the hard drive, and so on.

Tentative schedule: after walking the dogs in the morning (or whenever I get up) one hour (I'll set a timer) at the keyboard; break for a snack and a stretch; then one more hour. Walking the dogs is a necessary for them, and for me. Other chores (groceryshopping excepted) can be postponed. I think. I can sleep again later in the day if I need to. 

I'll stock up on food, and do laundry, in the next few days. I'll continue to try to post daily at Watermark, but without high expectations as to quality. I'll let myself order pizzas.

Any advice or suggestions on what I must, and must not, do?

IBS & migraine, depression, fibromyalgia

From Reuters:

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - The findings from a large study indicate that patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are at increased risk for migraine, depression or fibromyalgia, a chronic condition of fatigue, muscle pain and other symptoms . . .

The current study, published in BMC Gastroenterology, involved more than 125,000 subjects and did include a reference group. The subjects were drawn from a large U.S. health plan and were seen for either IBS or routine medical care (the non-IBS group).

Compared with non-IBS patients, those with the condition were 60 percent more likely to also have any one of the three disorders, the report indicates. The elevated risks for depression, migraine, and fibromyalgia were 40 percent, 60 percent, and 80 percent, respectively.

The current findings support previous reports, which have promoted speculation that all four disorders share an underlying biological mechanism, the authors conclude.

SOURCE: BMC Gastroenterology, September 28, 2006.

Emphasis mine. Photo mine, and meant to be cheering.

I was diagnosed with colitis when I was in my twenties, and there is no doubt that when this acts up, all of my symptoms are worse. Much worse.

Anyone surprised by the results of this study?

Queen of Denial

This past week I've been reminded of my most consistent -- and often effective -- coping mechanism: denial. As long as I do almost nothing, I can pretend, at some level, that I'm not actually ill; not truly impaired. I'm just taking it easy. That's all.

But then something comes along that I really want to do. That I do.

And then comes the payback -- days of pain and inertia; that wall of fatigue.

Do I want to stay inert, and so find comfort in denial?

Or do I want to try harder, do more, and be reminded?