Don’t underestimate your strength and ability to ... - PMRGCAuk

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Don’t underestimate your strength and ability to cope

rocketman42 profile image
23 Replies

I was diagnosed with PMR about 7 years ago and most of us who have PMR and are on prednisone have “full plates” and feel overwhelmed. This last year has been particularly challenging for me yet, surprisingly, I find myself still standing and wanted to relay a message.

History: Recently I hit a pothole while bike riding and was hospitalized with seven fractured ribs, I then came down with COVID, then my mother passed away and now I was diagnosed with 3 blocked coronary arteries and had 3 stents placed on Friday.

Amazingly, I don’t think the PMR caused any complications when dealing with any of the above issues and I did not have to increase my 8 mg dose of prednisone.

The takeaway here is don’t underestimate the strength you have and don’t give up.

DON'T EVER GIVE UP !!

We’re all going to make it.

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23 Replies
Nextoneplease profile image
Nextoneplease

Wow, rocketman, you’ve had a difficult time! I’m sorry to hear of your accident and health problems, and of your mother’s passing.

I’m glad though, that you’ve felt able to tackle these issues without undue interference from PMR 😊 So take good care of yourself, and make sure not to overdo things, you don’t want a setback now!

Thank you so much for the reassuring post. It’s only too easy and understandable to get downhearted. Well done you! And all the best to you xx

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

I am so sorry for the huge challenges that you have had to face this year. I am sad that you lost your mum on top of everything. Your attitude heartens me. Yes we can survive this and whatever life throws at us. Sending a Yorkshire hug! X

Kendrew profile image
Kendrew

Hi rocketman42,

What an inspiring post......but what a difficult time you've had. I'm very sorry to hear about your mother..on top of everything else it must have been extremely stressful. Well done for being able to manage all those 'experiences' so well.

The Royal Marines, the Navy Seals & the Special Forces all have some of the toughest and most brutal training of all military establishments.

They're training prepares them for hardship and challenges most of us thankfully will never have to endure. Amidst all of this is the knowledge and belief that their ability to survive and carry on comes not from their physical strength alone but much more from their mental strength! The strength of the mind is what gets them through and much more powerful than physical strength.

I truly believe this is relevant in all areas of life and although it won't cure our condition, having a positive, mental attitude will certainly helps us through our own daily challenges and facilitate the ability to be more resilient when under duress.

123-go profile image
123-go

Thank you for this, rocketman. You have a quality that instinctively grounds you and that is admirable. I do believe that it's something that can be acquired (with practise) if it doesn't come naturally; the human mind and and our ability to cope in extenuating circumstances is often exceptional.Well done!

Constance13 profile image
Constance13

Unbelievable! 🥺 I do hope you have someone looking after you. Your positive attitude will pull you through.Good luck. 🍀🍀

whitefishbay profile image
whitefishbay

You sound very upbeat for having had an annis horribilis. Condolences for your Mum.

rocketman42 profile image
rocketman42 in reply to whitefishbay

Not upbeat at all. Just trying to stay even keeled since the only thing I can control is my attitude to what life throws at me. I'm just grateful that I had the strength to overcome the adversity and wanted to pass along the fact that everyone reading this can too !

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Another inspiring post! Sorry to hear about your mum and very best wishes as you work through these trials. X💐

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog

Rocketman42 you are a star. This was just what I needed to hear. Recently moved from 3 generational household on 16 acres, found apartment for 100 year old mother, one for 40 year old autistic son and one for me and partner all within walking distance. On day of move ambulance called for partner, endocarditis, aortic valve destroyed and aneurysm on base of aorta. 8 hour surgery,4 months in hosp and news that op had failed. Now too weak to withstand further surgery. Makes 5 years of PMR a breeze! BUT we can walk, talk, laugh and enjoy sunshine and wine. Giving up has never been on the cards, tears sometimes, - but make it we will. I'm with you all the way 🤸‍♂️

Nextoneplease profile image
Nextoneplease in reply to Poshdog

So sorry the op failed, Poshdog. Glad to hear your spirits are good, though - you’re another inspiration! All the best to you and the family 💐xx

Poshdog profile image
Poshdog in reply to Nextoneplease

Thank you, have just read your profile so I know what you have experienced. This site brings us all together, support is wonderful. Thank you again for kind words, much appreciated 🥂

Nextoneplease profile image
Nextoneplease in reply to Poshdog

Cheers Poshdog 🥂

Viv54 profile image
Viv54

So sorry to hear about all your sadness, life can be very hard at times .🌷

LemonZest11 profile image
LemonZest11

What an uplifting post! So sorry for all your challenges this year, but through it all you have found the courage to tell us about them. You're an inspiration, I hope things improve soon.

Jane-s profile image
Jane-s

Rocket man, Thank you for your brave inspiring post. It’s just what I needed today. Sometimes it all gets too much but you helped me a very low moment. Thank you. Take care of yourself

PMRpro profile image
PMRproAmbassador

Ouch!!! Ribs hurt! At least there are stents now - old-fashined bypass and the broken ribs would have been a bit much.

Sorry to hear about your mother

Longtimer profile image
Longtimer

Amazing where our strength comes from, and you have found yours.....a sad but positive post.....keep doing as you are....well done...hope you get back on the bike soon!...🙏

Rose54 profile image
Rose54

SupermanCan l just say that if you are lucky to be offered the rehab 6 week exercise course take advantage of it .

I had heart attack 3 years ago no stents but loads of meds Rehab gave me my confidence back .

I still go weekly just one hour just make sure you don’t overdo it .

Condolences on lose of your Mum had to go through that myself last year and covid this year .

But still here and smiling most days

Koalajane profile image
Koalajane

Sorry to hear about your awful year but well done for your strength!

HappyDiamonds profile image
HappyDiamonds

So sorry that you have had such an awful year but glad you found your inner strength to cope. Sincerely hope that the next year will be more kind to you.

nuigini profile image
nuigini

Rocketman, what an appropriate handle for you. 🚀 Keep looking forward and upwards. Definitely an inspirational post.

WarmVelvet profile image
WarmVelvet

Oh my goodness. You have done so well to come through such a challenging time and still keeping positive! Never give up. What a role model. Look after yourself.

cycli profile image
cycli

I've always known that no matter how hard it gets or how low you feel there is always some one who has had to dig deeper and come up from further down. Great post rocketman42. someone after my own heart as are many here. Sorry you have had such a bad time.

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