We all have those kind of days . The days that put everything into perspective.
I have promised myself that this will be a positive blog, but this post is about turning a negative into a positive. Let me explain.
I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands. I am self injecting Methotrexate (which is one of the drugs from the chemotherapy cocktail). It has been helping and his given me some relief from pain. There are days however when things are not good. Pain is severe and quite frankly it must makes me crabby.
I am definitely a glass half full kind of person, but when the pain gets really bad it is hard to concentrate, never mind think of the glass and whether it is full or empty.
Today was one of those days. I felt myself becoming snappy, and if someone gave me a tiny bit of sympathy, I could feel tears welling up. Not a good way to be, especially if you are trying to keep up your ‘fabulous’ and professional persona, and of course keep your invisible crown on your head!
At 4pm I gave in and reached for a painkiller. I try very hard to steer away from them, but there comes a time, and this is my first piece of advice for dealing with those kind of days.
If you are in pain – take a painkiller.
The next piece of advice is to distract yourself. After work I went silly shopping. I wandered around the supermarket and bought easter eggs, and crazy dessert pizza.
The final piece of advice is not to wallow. I was invited out by a friend and although my head was telling me to stay home and rest, my spirit said get out and live. I had a lovely evening with good company and yummy food, and to an extent forgot about the pain. (The pills I had taken helped a bit too).
My lovely sister called to find out how I was, and I think was a bit surprised to find me out and about. I guess this post goes towards explaining why.
My philosophy is to embrace life, no matter what. I embrace life, and try to be fabulous, regardless of the circumstances.
When I wake up tomorrow, the RA will still be there, and the pain might wake me up in the night. No matter what in the morning, I will put my make-up on, position my invisible crown and find my fabuliciousness.
And when I have a good day, I will appreciate it even more!
xxxx