12 steps to handle stress of pmr

[bunnymom]

So I am realizing that PMR has completely overtaken my life and my husbands as well. So as I am looking for tools to handle this disease I realized I needed to fall back on what has worked for me before. For 18 years I have been a member of AlAnon and I am going to use the steps that have helped me deal with the disease of alcoholism help me manage the stress of my current condition. Step one says I am powerless over PMR and my life has become unmanageable (substituting PMR for alcohol) so I surrender and yes I am powerless . I accept and surrender and for right now that is enough.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hi bunnymom,

Glad you have found a way to deal with PMR.

I've never been in therapy, so cannot comment on that - a fact of life, in no way judgemental - we all deal with instances in different ways.

However, I do think we all have to recognise we have a problem, whether that be medical, addiction, whatever, to enable us to move on. Once you've (everybody) acknowledged that, you are not powerless, but in fact the opposite. You have the power to control that problem by the way you live your life. Once you know the problem it is not unmanageable, it may be difficult but not unmanageable. So as we always say - little steps, in your own way, in your own time.

I wish you and your family well.

[bunnymom in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you DorsetLady. I am trying to live life to the fullest realizing that PMR will go when it goes. I cannot control the course of the disease so that is the surrender. I trust that someone greater than myself is taking care of me. Finding all of you is part of that. Wishing you well also.

[Rose54]

Hi Bunnymom

Their is no right or wrong way its just whatever works for you

I feel I took control of PMR once I knew what was wrong with me it was a relief to have a diagnoses.

I wont let it dictate my life .

Still manage to work full time ,have days out ,go on holiday but have to plan things better .

The first thing I learnt was to put myself first, something I have never done before.

We are all individuals and PMR is not the same for everyone.

You can only do your best

Make sure you make some time for yourself everyday and rest when ever you need to .

Best Wishes

Rose

[bunnymom in reply to Rose54]

Go to my first rheumy appt tomorrow. I will be armed with info but hoping he will have some answers.

[Rose54 in reply to bunnymom]

Good luck

[JJackdaw]

Hi bunnymom.

Everything in your own time, do only what you feel you can when you can.

God bless

Catherine

[bunnymom in reply to JJackdaw]

Yes thank you and He does.

[Zacsmimi]

I think you may have something there. We are so often taught that our health is "a battle" and we have to "fight" disease. etc., when first of all in order to cope at all, we must accept....

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Zacsmimi]

Which I've been saying on the forums for nearly 7 years - and boy, have I had some stick at times!!! Accused of telling people to give in...

[HeronNS in reply to PMRpro]

Just copied this on another post. It seems relevant here too:

The Serenity Prayer is the common name for a prayer authored by the American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971). The best-known form is:

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.

[bunnymom in reply to HeronNS]

Isn't that it in a nutshell .

[trish29 in reply to PMRpro]

Hi PMRpro ..I've never seen any posts over the years where you have told sufferers of PMR/GCA and other health issues to give in ..I've always seen that you have advised people to pace themselves and to get more medical advice. As we have Both been long time PMR sufferers ourselves and would like to be off the Prednisolone we can only keep hoping . This last few days have been better for me pain wise which has already given me a clearer head to think things out ( not so much brain fog) and yesterday I got back on my Mobility Scooter for the first time.l believe this came from my lovely Bowen Therapy on Monday and my deep breathing exercises and Mindfulness moments. I have to learn not to be pushed into doing more than I can do and to stop feeling guilty for having PMR ..You and a lot of others on the Forum have been an inspiration to me and have got me through this last winter where I have been mainly Housebound. Thank you for your Support and Advice that you have Always given me .. Best wishes trish29

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to trish29]

So glad you are feeling a bit better - onwards and upwards!

[trish29 in reply to PMRpro]

I will try PMRpro , I'm trying to pace myself as it's Pete's Birthday Weekend + Fathers Day. At least the weather is nice over here with such sad news all around..enjoy your weekend ..trish xx