The definition of pain is, 'A highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness or injury'. Of course there is also the silent pain of mental or emotional trauma, and throughout all our lives, all of us will have experienced both. Many of us will have woken up this morning experiencing one or both, and during these moments it's hard to focus on anything else. Having PMR/GCA is a bit like the news.....when it manifests, it's often not a pleasant experience with much perceived as negative. You know the saying?.... No News is Good News! Well similarly, you'd never hear anyone saying, "Oh! I woke up this morning with pain and stiffness in my neck and shoulders again. So pleased its back...I've really missed it.......and as for the steroids, well can't wait to increase them....again!!" Sadly, it's always 'bad news' for most of us when the condition decides to rear it's ugly head!
Today is a special day for me though, and as I look back over my past 63yrs, I think of all the good, happy, healthy, pain-free times, and theyre in abundance..... far more so than I'd probably remember whilst in the midst of a flare, and I think it sometimes helps to just stop and take a moment to remember this.
Life can feel unfair, lonely, cruel, painful, but it can also feel wonderful, joyous, uplifting and nurturing. Things that are worth having in life don't always come easy and 'managing' this condition certainly doesn't! Whatever we're going through on a day to day basis, there will always be a smile to be found somewhere and the light always finds a way through. There's a lovely saying' 'The darkest day only lasts 24hrs'!
So, today I'm going to celebrate!..... Celebrate having a roof over my head.....food in my belly....a son and DIL who love me..... having a kind, lovely man for a husband.... friends who 'care' and all the positive things I can be thankful for despite having PMR..... and yes!.....I'm even going to celebrate having PMR, because PMR has helped me to understand my body so much more....it's helped me take better care of myself and it's allowed me to find support and new friendships from the most caring and genuine body of people here on this forum. It's helped me understand what's important in life, and re-evaluate my priorities, forming new but equally fulfilling goals.
PMR is NOT what defines me, and I am so much more than that!
Today I'm going to celebrate simply, being alive......because today is my birthday!
🥳🥂🥳🍹🥳🍾🥳🍷🥳🍸🥳🥂🥳
Written by
Kendrew
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Happy birthday 🎉🍾. Can definitely relate to your sentiments re positivity. It was my 66th birthday yesterday and despite having a truly awful flare and lockdown I got lots of lovely cards and messages from family and friends. As an added bonus I finally get my state pension and a bus pass!🤣😂
What a lovely message! It's a great reminder that we have only one life (that we know of) and it's true that we should try to find some joy in each day and be really aware of each time we smile and what is making us smile. I feel uplifted after reading this and send thanks and all my good wishes for your special day. 🤗x
Big birthday hugs to you. Love your post. After 5 years and turning 62 in the summer I’m fed up being defined by PMR. A lot of the time I put it to the back of my mind - if my body allows! - don’t talk about it and concentrate on other lovely things. It is what it is and time continues to pass so we have to live and enjoy life as best we can. Today’s a good one ☀️☀️
What a lovely post It is all too easy to allow an illness to define you - and become so wrapped up in how it has changed your life for the bad to miss how it may have changed it for the good.
I have friends I would never have met without PMR - and that would have been such a shame.
'Lent' I haven't had alcohol since Christmas, it became a new year resolution. I found that in lockdown I was beginning to drink more wine which I enjoyed immensely, so I did the difficult thing and stopped completely.
I gave up G&T late last summer - I had drunk that extra, or at least, more often. But wine remains the same and did all along: 2 small glasses, never drink more. But I my go back to just 1 ... And Sundays is a small prosecco - but I replace one of the wines with the bubbles.
Lovely post! It's made the day for lots of us I'm sure. Definitely treat yourself to a piece of cake and a glass of something fizzy! love and good wishes. xx
Thank you for this, your right, instead of being miserable because I'm feeling pain and fatigue, I should celebrate the fact that I can still do things, despite the pain I have a good mind, I have a supportive family I can still sew which I love doing. I'm not dying and one day when covid is far less important I will get help to control my meds, let us pray we all do.
Hi Kendrew, What a breath of fresh air you are!!! It appears you had a beautiful birthday, which was richly deserved.
I’m new to this site and am learning tons about PMR from all the lovely folks here. It’s been challenging to understand some of the discussions on this site, as the measurements and names of medications are different in Britain from the US. Yet, I am learning a lot and get to giggle at some of the “quaint” sayings.
Having been bedridden since September 3rd and having had minimal relief from 10 mg./Pred., I’m finally realizing that I may need to shift my goal from getting totally “off” Pred. Like many, the side effects have been as awful as the pain from PMR.
I’m glad to read that you were able to return to a job you enjoyed. How wonderful! I cannot imagine the energy it took to perform such a job.
I, too, am thankful for having a roof over my head, food in the pantry, and a loving husband and three fur babies. The last year of COVID lockdown has been challenging for all; however, being retired and having a monthly income has helped me to be thankful that I don’t have to struggle without employment.
Although I’ve always had lots of friends and am a highly extroverted person, I was feeling a bit low today as my favorite friends rarely call to see how I’m doing. Having had decades of physical pain due to injuries from several car accidents, I fear I might be a downer to those who bother to ask how I’m doing. I can barely take my dogs for a walk or do much of anything. I always try to be positive, yet I realize no one can truly understand the depth of pain this invisible illness and the medications can have on our bodies. Knowing those who understand is invaluable...
Just wanted to drop by and say “Hello!” Thanks for your lovely, positive sentiments. I needed to read them today and I am grateful you are a member.
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It is all too easy to allow an illness to define you - and become so wrapped up in how it has changed your life for the bad to miss how it may have changed it for the good. 
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