12 months on. A gratitude post

[HappyDiamonds]

I walked my dog just after 6am this morning and had breakfast in the garden when I got back. For some reason I thought of a comment Dorset Lady often makes about looking back after a year and realising just how far you had come. This time last year after finally being diagnosed with GCA and recovering from pneumonia I was at an all time low. Came out of Hospital in a wheelchair, had Carers in every morning and needed a dog walker to walk my Labrador.

Twelve months on, Ive put on a bit of weight, have flushed fat face, can't see or hear so well as I did, have treacle brain, hair like straw, purple bruises on arms and legs, strange cysts on fingers. But, I feel well and can do pretty much all I want to do if I'm sensible about it and for this I am so grateful. Very much appreciate the immense support I have always received from this forum too.

Dorset Lady you are so right! Who knows next year (2 years) I may be off steroids and please my Rheumy. Is there an emoji for flying pigs?

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Actually I think @PMRpro says it’s more than I do, but it’s true…..learning about your illness and how to manage it takes time.

Sometimes you think it will never happen, but it does. Flying 🐖 🐖 notwithstanding (no emoji) you’ll get there!

[HappyDiamonds in reply to DorsetLady]

Thank you. I do actually believe that now and as you say the more I understand the more confident I feel. Its so good to have somewhere to ask questions and share with people who have experience and not just read the book.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

But you chose a positive avatar name - so you must have been pointing in the right direction to start with

This is one of the times when I like being right ...

[HappyDiamonds in reply to PMRpro]

I am so glad you are right.

As for my name its bitter sweet really, I lost my husband to cancer and just before he passed away he bought me a chopard necklace with three diamonds that move in a circular pendant. The necklace is called "Happy Diamonds" and its engraved on it. He bought it because he wanted me to be happy and I never take it off.

We had a mantra whilst he was ill "whatever it takes" and I applied that to my GCA (except for Methotrexate!!! )

[MrsNails in reply to HappyDiamonds]

It is good to reflect & see just how far you’ve really come, l was sorry to read the MTX hadn’t suited you, just as l’m about write a positive MTX Post, l couldn’t reply the other day as l injured my shoulder & hand, so couldn’t hold my phone, it’s still a big of a struggle! I love your story about the Necklace your husband bought you 💎💎💎

MrsN

[HappyDiamonds in reply to MrsNails]

Im disappointed about the MTX too but just wasn't for me, waiting to see what the Consultant is going to suggest. Do hope things are easing a bit for you, so frustrating not being able to do the things we normally take for granted. Please take care.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to HappyDiamonds]

Your late hubby sounds very much like mine….he always lived for the moment…..and dodged the final bullet a few times during the last few years of his life (to the amazement of his doctors.

He told me to be happy after his death as well…..and like you I’ve tried (well as happy as you be!).

Take care 🌸

[Kendrew in reply to HappyDiamonds]

What a wonderful story about your choice of avatar name. That's so touching and says so much about your relationship with your husband and the love you shared.I love your positive attitude and your resolve to do "whatever it takes"! I'll remember that myself. Thankyou. ❤

[SheffieldJane in reply to HappyDiamonds]

His blessings carry on. Xx

[Pondweed in reply to HappyDiamonds]

What a beautiful memory, and thank you for sharing it with us on this brilliant forum. I so look forward to the Healthunlocked 7.12am email.....there is always a nugget of advice, wisdom and support for all us fellow PMR💪PRED Warriors. I just love the 'whatever it takes' attitude.....I am adopting that mantra. Love from Pondweed (my real name, Elodia, is a Canadian Pondweed 'elodea candanesis' 😀

[Telian in reply to HappyDiamonds]

What a lovely memory to have. Your husband will be so proud of you. 🌺

[PMRCanada]

So glad to hear that time has helped you heal despite the side effects, and that you are doing so much better a year in.

I too found that year over year I’ve felt better and better despite managing some of the side effects you mention (bruised skin, straw hair, night sweats between 4-8am). All in all though I’m grateful for the folks on this forum, couldn’t have gotten this far without you!

[SheffieldJane]

That’s the spirit. Long may it continue to progress!

[Jackoh]

Lovely and poignant background to your story. Yes it’s good to look back and see how far we have come on this journey. It may be on going, difficult at times but we have changed and continue to as you quite rightly said “ to do what it takes!” Lovely way to look at it. 💐