Still have HOPE!

I know that for the most part this happy little group is here to help us through rough times and give advice and doctors tips and such. I think that is a great thing! But, we also need to remember the good that we have in our lives. I was reminded of this just a few days ago...a friend of mine has been diagnosed with progressive metastatic cancer. It started in his esophagus and stomach, has spread to his liver, kidneys, blood and legs. He will be needing a bone marrow transplant if he has any hopes of living for 2 more years. Despite all of this, he greets everyone with a smiling, positive, encouraging face.. his motto is (and this is a direct quote) "whatever will be, will be, so I'm just going to LIVE while I can." He walks with a cane, but is going on a 100 mile bike ride with the Wounded Warrior Project next week. He has reminded me, that while my struggle is difficult, odds are, it's not going to kill me. I just want to remind everyone to focus on the good that you do have in your life, and not to dwell on your difficulties and limitations. I have actually named my little brain bump Isabelle, or Izzy for short. It makes it slightly easier for me to talk about, and if I'm having a rough day I just say "Izzy is being a bit*h! and All of my close friends understand, and say "Knock it off Izzy" and it just kind of lightens my issues. They are always going to be there, so why not have a little laugh as you struggle???

Anyway, my point is, if my friend can deal with rapidly progressing metastatic cancer and knowing he is going to die, then I most certainly can wake up every day and be thankful that I am alive. I stumbled across this song earlier, and it was just so fitting. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_Vzpjv_kR4 Wipe your hands, shake it off, and STAND!

You feel like a candle in a hurricane
Just like a picture with a broken frame
Alone and helpless
Like you've lost your fight
But you'll be alright, you'll be alright

Cause when push comes to shove
You taste what you're made of
You might bend, till you break
Cause its all you can take
On your knees you look up
Decide you've had enough
You get mad you get strong
Wipe your hands, shake it off
Then you Stand, Then you stand

That’s a great outlook on things.

Very true.

Thank you Sunshine.

What you said is very true. We do try and stay as positive as possible then Members say we aren't showing the true side of CM. I don't even tell my story very often because it's so extreme. So, please know we do the best we can and try not to scare New Members or make light of a serious situation and Disorder. We always understand and handle each question as it comes. It's great to have you with us and for the Awesome Post !!! It is easy for us all to feel sorry for ourselves. Chiari can be life threatening. I have started an article about that, because we have Members that are interested. I really hope your friend does as well as possible. He is an incredible person and lucky to have you & Lizzy as a friend.

Tracy Z.

I have been ill for 15 years( since a neck injury) , bed-ridden for 1 year of this time. I have learned to never under estimate the healing power of the human body and brain. We have structural issues that are not 'average' or 'usual.' It is possible, however, that these structural differences can change, or that they may not even be the cause of profound body symptoms.

There are some wonderful meditative/healing sequences on You Tube. They can help balance body energies. Be sure to check out what the modern shaman are up to. Believe - all healing is possible. Sometimes we need a guide. Don't give up.

Hibernia,

You can Post the Links to the YouTube Videos if you have them.

Thanks,

Tracy Z.

Hibernia said:

I have been ill for 15 years( since a neck injury) , bed-ridden for 1 year of this time. I have learned to never under estimate the healing power of the human body and brain. We have structural issues that are not 'average' or 'usual.' It is possible, however, that these structural differences can change, or that they may not even be the cause of profound body symptoms.

There are some wonderful meditative/healing sequences on You Tube. They can help balance body energies. Be sure to check out what the modern shaman are up to. Believe - all healing is possible. Sometimes we need a guide. Don't give up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QvF7m4gUi3o

Here is just one lovely meditation. There are many. Try the chakra balancing meditations, the sound/vibration healing meditations. When you find the ones that are right for you, you will know it. I have learned that we can not 'rush' the healing process, can not feel 'bad' or 'guilty' when we think we should be healing, and aren't for some reason. Just my opinion: Chiari people are special in many ways, with many special gifts in themselves and their families. They have special intuition.

If people can, they may want to investigate: reflexology ( the only thing that eliminated terrible dizziness for me - after dental work), acupuncture, Reiki training - as a student, soul retrieval, and related things. Not everyone who puts out a 'shingle' is a true 'healing guide.' It takes some searching. Don't give up. Believe.

When i had my CSF Leak I had severe Motion Sickness. Medications didn't touch it. My NS brought an acupuncturist in the hospital. I couldn't open my eyes withought being seriously ill and feeling & seeing like I was on a Tilt a Whirl. After the first treatment I was about 70% better. It did take 6-8 months for it to totally go away but I thank God for a progressive NS and Hospital and for the lovely acupuncturist that made a hospital call. I will never discount any therapies and have tried many. I also highly recommend Oriental Medicine Specialists. True educated practitioners. My daughter was sent to one by her rheumatologist as a teenager that is affiliated with Duke Integrative Medicine Department.

Thanks Hibernia !!!

What an encouraging thought! Thank you for sharing!