The Lighter Side of PMR/GCA: An Inside Job? - a c... - PMRGCAuk

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The Lighter Side of PMR/GCA: An Inside Job? - a chat with Ade and Des (The Adrenal ‘Guyz’) about Organisational 'Team Work'.... ;-)

markbenjamin57 profile image
46 Replies

Ok 'YOU LOT':

Don’t pretend that you didn’t ask for more of this BS (Bonkers Silliness). Haven’t you all got better things to do whilst getting on with the serious business of surviving PMR and / or GCA? As always, I blame You Lot for inflicting serious Mirth on yourselves via these ramblings from a ‘Full Monty’ PMR sufferer that anyone in their right mind would ignore - or, maybe even better, report to the relevant Authorities.

For my part: I, too, should be getting on with far more important endeavours in my life: e.g. building on my (now) World Class collection of 293 Faux Leather storage containers (snaffled in charity shops over the past 2 years), endlessly polishing and un-necessarily re-polishing my beloved car, and generally being a bit of a nuisance to my N&D - all of which activities are ultimately futile in Life's Big Picture, but which I enjoy immensely in the meantime. That's my story and I'm sticking to it :-D

However, I couldn't resist your many desperate and impassioned pleas for more Mirth here: and so, with generosity of Heart, I have put my precious life on-hold once again to feed your equally Bonkers imaginations with another Post. Why do I do this? My Therapist will probably tell me - so long as I pay my outstanding bill with her very soon. If I don't, it's back to the Self Help books (of which I now have 200 - again, snaffled from the charity shops) ;-/

Ok here goes:

You might have read my last Post (sounds like an epitaph - or maybe the UK Royal Mail 5.30 postal collection?) about a sudden and truly astonishing, positive turnaround in my PMR symptoms. And all that, having broken the eminently sensible Rules about steroid tapering. Oh well, breaking the Rules is story of my life, for better or worse (usually worse).

To quote a certain US President, and as someone who also asks “WHAT THE ****’S GOING ON HERE?!” (even when things are going well), I decide to call-up the Adrenal Guyz* to get their side of the internal dynamics of our very large and complex Organisation - and after a long and awkward stand-off between all of us.

Disclaimer (but seriously..) As I write this I am conscious of the need to be politically ‘correct’ and avoid any implied gender (female / male) stereotypes in my writings and characterisations here. So: ‘Ade’ could be Adele (f) or Adrian (m). ‘Des’ could be Desmond (m) or… er…. (f). (I’ll come back to you later on that one..). As for the term ‘Guyz’ - this is now commonly used in business and corporate life, regardless of f / m gender. Personally, I don’t relate to it, but maybe I’m old fashioned? Either way, and for all followers here - regardless of gender identity or preference - all I can say is: use your imagination and decide for yourselves who ‘Ade’ and ‘Des’ are in your context ;-)

So, back to the Plot. I connect with Ade and Des immediately:

MB (sheepishly, but with best efforts to sound up-beat): Hi GUYZ! All feeling very GOOOOD at HQ. How are things in the Adrenal Department?! It’s been a long time… sorry…

Ade (non-committally): Hey Dude, er, Boss. We, er, Me and Des - are COOL. Things are cool. It’s all cool… (goes silent but hums a melody from an R.E.M. album).

As a Human Communication Consultant, I’m aware of some reticence from Ade to expand on the details, even though seemingly happy. So, I deploy my well-practised Consultative Questioning skills to elicit more from him / them. It’s in all of our interests after all..?

MB (adopting organisational lingo): Yay, that’s cool too Dude! (empathically humming the R.E.M track also). So, what’s going with you Guyz?! Whaasupp?!!

Des (nervously): Boss, sorry but we’ve er, done an Inside Deal with, er, the other Departments here. Sorry again, but we had to go over your ‘pretty’ head on this one (giggling mirthfully). Well, ‘under’ your head to be precise (now giggling uncontrollably).

MB: (pleased - but as the Boss, probing in ‘Management Speak’): Ok Guyz, let’s square the circle, push the envelope, do some blue-sky thinking and all that s**t?

Ade & Des (in unison): Last week we messaged the Pituitary Guyz, the Hippopotamus Guyz, and the Thyroid Guyz. It’s been a long time, so we met-up for a Pizza and a few beers and did some Blue Sky thinking. It was LUSH! But, sorry, we used YOUR brain for the Learning Activity…. (followed by another awkward silence).

MB (tentatively, fearing a Management Coup): Ok, what’s the Bottom Line Guyz?

Ade & Des: Ok Dude, er, ‘Boss’, here’s the Deal. We, the PG, HG and TG Guyz agreed that the organisation was being ‘Disrupted’ by an internal Competitor. We were like ‘OMG’ and ‘WTF?!!’. (Again, awkward silence).

Me: So, who’s THAT, and what’s the score?

Des (excitedly): It’s those AI (Auto-Immune) Dudes. They’re like Crazy, man - like Well-Fit, AND pumped-up on Steroids. Those Dudes are like MEGA - they even have tattoos!

MB: I know you’re only a ‘small’ department. So, what did you say / do to these tough AI Guyz?

Ade & Des (giggling nervously, but sounding more excited): We were like: ‘Listen Up, the Boss is the main Dude here. We’re only a small department BUT we have a ‘cut’ in this deal. And.. we can stop the entire organisation if we need to. We said: Just Chill, AI Dudes. We ALL need to keep our jobs - even if the Boss is a bit of a …. sometimes’ (followed by another awkward silence).

MB: So, Ade and Des, how did the AI Guyz respond?

Ade: It’s cool, man, er, Boss. They’re cool, they ‘got it’ when we flexed our small but powerful muscles too. Small is Beautiful… (followed by triumphant sigh..). We have ‘Forward Motion’ now… they’ll cut-back on the steroids - in everyone’s interests.

MB: Phew! Thanks Adrenal Guyz - and send my best to the AI Guyz too. It’s great that you’re all cool. I depend on YOU LOT more than you might imagine. I’m MEGA cool, Thanks! 

Ade & Des: But, Dude, er, Boss, rather than YOU LOT, let’s just call it US LOT? We’re all in this organisation together, for better or worse (followed by sighs of resignation on all sides).

So, the conclusion from the ‘Boss’ here?

After some (admittedly) senior mis-management on my part of this large and complex organisation’s numerous Internal Departments, they / we eventually all talked to each other and came-up with a mutually acceptable Deal all round. Team Work can be a very powerful thing, and sometimes at its best when the ‘Boss’ steps back and lets (or perhaps trusts?) the other ‘Departments’ to get on with things in their own good way.

Being ‘Boss’ doesn’t mean that you are an expert - it’s just a title for someone who is supposed to be in control of everything - but often isn’t in reality. Food for thought..? ;-)

Happy Days all. Keep smiling on the PMR / GCA Journey, and ‘Be Cool’ - especially in our currently very hot UK weather.

MB :-)

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markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57
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46 Replies
tgca profile image
tgca

....and it's not even Friday!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply totgca

;-) tgca, couldn't resist!

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador in reply tomarkbenjamin57

... the bottle was just sitting there saying "drink me" ...

Janll profile image
Janll

I'm relieved to say/know/think , that the heat hasn't just hit my brain, I have company. So glad I couldn't sleep. I now have something to ponder over. Ade and Des. Thanks MB. 😑

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJanll

You're welcome Jan, hope all's going well with you? :-)

Janll profile image
Janll in reply tomarkbenjamin57

I'm under investigation, so to speak. Sounds more exciting than it is. But I'm guessing a lot of people with PMR are each unique with some having added 'extras'. I'm learning how to pace, finally, and still on the go slow method with reducing the pred. Don't like this heat......I hear it's going to rain, eventually. Hallelujah!!!

Keep our spirits up with your stories. Laughter feels good, except when my back goes out.

Jan x

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJanll

I know Jan, we're all so different at the same time as having a common thread. I feel incredibly fortunate to have suddenly (literally) had such a turnaround with the dreaded PMR - and after a relatively short time (2 and a bit years).

It's almost embarrassing to share the news with You lovely Lot (!) when so many of you are struggling indefinitely.

All I can say is 'hang-on-in there' and take each day as it comes. Pacing helps, tapering helps, and healthy living helps with PMR . But, as I've learned, the rest is largely out of our control.

That said (and as the experts here say), PMR can and often does go into remission. It's usually just a matter of when.

Fingers crossed for you, try to keep smiling in the meantime. And fingers crossed for a break in this HOT weather soon!

MB :-)

Janll profile image
Janll in reply tomarkbenjamin57

I am so happy to hear you are still feeling great! That is good news to us all..... because, ONE DAY we will each be sharing our good news too.

Jan

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJanll

Yep Jan.

Perhaps worth bearing in mind that there could be quite a few people who either have / have got-over PMR without ever making their presence known here, and / or have / have recovered from PMR without ever reporting it or had it diagnosed in the first place?

That's not to imply that this forum isn't an invaluable source of support and guidance to many of us, nor to skew the facts around PMR. Only to say that there can be, and often IS light at the end of the PMR tunnel.

MB :-)

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Mark

Most men seem to hit the 2 year (or thereabout mark).

Your right, we do not hear from the 'plain sailing', it is the more complex.

However keep posting it helps when people see that it can and does go into remission.

On another forum, the members always add at the end of their post so we don't have to ask the obvious.

eg - this is mine:

GCA February 2007 60mg pred

November 2011 REMISSION

Club Zero Member

It's Not What You Gather, But What You Scatter That Tells What Kind of Life You Have Lived, Let's scatter a little good.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply tojinasc

Phew, that's a relief (men / 2 years etc). Sounds like I'm on-track then... fingers crossed.

No worry, I'll keep contributing here regardless, as it's a great source of info as well a bit of fun.

Nice sentiment at the end :-)

Many thanks

MB

Brixhamhampster profile image
Brixhamhampster

MB you are awful but I like you! Very funny. I am giggling at 4.30 am.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toBrixhamhampster

What, reading that nonsense at 4.30 a.m.! You MUST be ill! (only joking...)

You, I and PeeTee had better get together to form the DEAS (Dick Emery Appreciation Society). The 'OYAABILY' gang? (work it out..) ;-) :-D

Brixhamhampster profile image
Brixhamhampster in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Mb I wouldn't want to usurp your star status on this forum. Your fan club is colossal! Thank you for your efforts, they cheer us all, especially at 4am!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toBrixhamhampster

Thanks too Brixhamhampster :-)

I'd gladly be usurped here if anyone is unhinged enough to have a go? It might give me some time-off (only joking..). Seriously, it's always a privilege to have my BS (careful now.. 'Bonkers Stuff') accepted and appreciated. God knows what the Administrators make of it...! ;-)

As for the 'colossal' fan club (i.e. a handful of YOU LOT reading this stuff at Daft-O-Clock in the morning?), I'm like OMG - GET A LIFE!!!!!!!! (again, only joking..)

Keep smiling - and thanks as always :-)

PiersC profile image
PiersC

Excellent - you should submit this to Lancet.......

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toPiersC

Thanks Piers, but the Editor would probably have me certified...! :-/

Tj2017 profile image
Tj2017

Too funny. I had imaginary characters in my head. They will probably enter my dreams tonight. In a good way! Thanks for you humor.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toTj2017

Ah, Bless Tj, so I'm not alone then (imaginary characters etc) ;-)

Now that's what I call 'burning the midnight oil'. Brilliant Mark, just brilliant. :-) We certainly can't say on this one - Quote "we are not amused"

Looks as if you have another fan of Dick Emery in your audience. As you said in an earlier blog, maybe we can form a fan club. Only kidding. :-)

Nice of you to keep us amused

Keep up the good work

Pete:-)

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply to

Thanks Pete.

Funnily enough (excuse the comedic pun), once I started I couldn't stop - was on a roll with it as usual and finally turned in at midnight-ish after a couple of edits. The vino can make you a bit slap-dash grammatically at the same time as getting the creative juices working!

Yep, we have another OYAABILY member of the gang.... :-D

Today, HOT, or what?! 35 degrees c. in WSM, too hot even to polish the Merc...:-(

Thanks as always for joining in with the Fun - much appreciated.

MB :-)

in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Funnily enough, my Merc was the coolest place, but what a waste of petrol :-( As you imply- no chance of polishing it though. I'm always up for a bit of fun, but watch out, it looks as if DL is up for taking your place.

Only kidding, keep us smiling :-)

Pete:-)

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply to

Great minds and all that Pete :-). I had the 'limo's' aircon re-gassed yesterday and didn't want to get out of it afterwards - so coooool!

As for DL? A Stalking Horse - and no messing with her! ;-)

MB :-)

in reply tomarkbenjamin57

:-( :-)

JJackdaw profile image
JJackdaw

If you can't beat em, join em! Lol. At least you seem to have picked up the new language that we're all expected to understand. God only help us in the future. 😂😂 well done again mark, spot on.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJJackdaw

Thanks JJackdaw - much appreciated.

As for the lingo, I'm like "FYI I'm MEGA, LUSH and ULTRA COOL. But OMG that's TMI..." (work it out...) ;-)

JJackdaw profile image
JJackdaw in reply tomarkbenjamin57

OMG! Uv dun it bro! Ur bcmn a lege 😂😂😂😂👍

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJJackdaw

JJ, please get the terminology, abbreviations, grammatical / spelling errors and syntax correct in SMS messaging / the social media context.

Do you mean?:

"im like yr like OMG? Yr so bad im like AWESOME!!!!! 2 L8 4 me 2 bcm a leg-end at my yrs! im like MEGA :<<<<"

OMG, what have we started here...?! ;-)

:-D :-D

JJackdaw profile image
JJackdaw in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Lol. Something like that.😂😂 your fast becoming a legend on here mark and we all look forward to the next dose of laughter from you. 😂😂

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJJackdaw

As for being a 'Legend' JJ, do you mean 'Ancient and not necessarily reliable?' If so, that suits me! ;-)

Thanks again - back soon with more (be careful what you wish for...) ;-/ :-D

MB :-)

venezia1 profile image
venezia1

Desde (moaner)!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply tovenezia1

Nice one venezia - and very appropriate! Thanks :-)

jinasc profile image
jinasc

What happened to 'Syn, Act and Hen' ?

Syn (F) Act (M) and the Old Chicken' Go figure....................

Did they take pass the Test helped by Endo............?

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply tojinasc

Maybe YOU should be writing this stuff too, sambucca?! ;-) :-)

jinasc profile image
jinasc in reply tomarkbenjamin57

No chance......................just could not resist this at all.

Need snail mail address for your first article in 'You are Not Alone' you might want to frame it for the 'Loo'

Out early July.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply tojinasc

Thanks sambucca. I'll send you a PM here with my home address.

MB :-)

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Love the characters and the emphasis on the fact that we think we're the boss but we're not at all- constantly readjusting to this. Thank you Mark for your light relief.

Jackie X

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJackoh

All party of the service Jackie :-)

As always, it's You Lot who egg-me on to inflict more of this stuff on you.

Yes, when I conjured-up the 'Ade & Des' characters, this was in the back of my mind. Humour (if you can call my ramblings that), often does subtly make some more serious points about the Stuff of Life...

But, of course PMR proves us wrong again and again!

MB X

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

Oh come on now - as the 21st century Bard, surely it should be Desdemona!

A suitable quote perchance for PMR/GCA sufferers from said play -

"How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees?"

And maybe this for you - "Men should be what they seem"

Phew, got a headache, better have a lie down.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toDorsetLady

Wow DL, lovely compliment - but don't you mean the 20th c. 'Bored'... ;-D

I LOVE the (original) Bard, who few people know was also passionate about Home Cooking.

Tonight I'm reading one of his greatest works: 'Ham Omelette'. Next week I'll delve into Julius Ceaser Salad (there's plenty more if you're not careful...) :-D

Better stop now or it'll all end in tears

MB :-)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Hope it's cooked As You Like It, but make sure it's not too spicy and gives you a Midsummer Night's Dream, although some may say It's Much Ado About Nothing.

Plus if you're on the vino make sure it's poured Measure for Measure otherwise you may think you're Henry V and start spouting his Agincourt speech. "Once more in the breach........"

Sweet Dreams

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toDorsetLady

Touchee DL - love it! :-)

Pat9442 profile image
Pat9442

How I relate to this! I had huge problems with my guyz - ade and ren a few months ago. Having given them such a long time off they really were unhappy when asked to get out of bed and do some work. So we had a conference and I agreed to let them sleep a little longer and to wake them up more slowly than before. They agreed and went happily back to their little beds. I continued to drip feed the pred they wanted and then lo and behold one day they stretched their little arms and legs, agreed with each other that the 'ooman was totally boring and that even work was more fun. On my part I agreed to give them just a little pred each day (in case it all became too much for them) and we have lived in mutual harmony for several months

Long may it continue. Pesky little creatures!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toPat9442

Lovely analogy Pat - and soooo accurate! :-)

isabella2015 profile image
isabella2015

Thankyou boss! great, i'll stay cool! or try to

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toisabella2015

Thanks too Isabella. Yep, stay Cool (literally and metaphorically)! ;-)

MB :-)

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