Where Did 2007 Go?

It seems like it was Thanksgiving a couple of weeks ago and somewhere along the way Christmas came and went! They say time flies faster and faster as you get older and boy, the person who said that was right on the money!!!

With the end of the year comes a great deal of preparation for closure of one year and the opening of another. There never seems to be enough hours in a day or days in the final weeks. It is so easy to get stressed and overdo and for anyone with chronic pain, this can lead to disaster and added frustration and limitations.

2007 was a very difficult and painful year for me. It seems I spent more time in bed than I normally do and when you begin to feel your heating pad is closer to you than your spouse is, then you know there is a significant problem. I have a birthday coming up in about a week or so and I will be reaching a milestone--the big 50! The number doesn't really bother me but can someone tell me why I feel like I am approaching 60 instead of 50? With all of the aches and pains I have been dealing with, I can only hope that 2008 will be kinder to me!!!

I guess the important thing for me to do when I stress and start overdoing is to stop and prioritize. Plot out a strategy for getting the important things done and be forgiving of myself for putting a few things on the back burner temporarily until I can regain my balance.

My New Years resolution is to get more organized. I already purchased the items I feel will help me accomplish this...now if only I can find the time to do just that!! I think if I cut back and plan to do one little thing at a time then I will manage to do what I really need to do...And I am making sure to plan some down time for resting and using my heating pad so I can try and stop any brewing spasms at the pass...Well it is really late and I need to get some rest. It is important to do so in order to stay as healthy and strong as I can. And hopefully I will be able to cope with the discomforts that I fight with daily...

I want to take a moment to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year...I look forward to visiting with old friends and new ones I will meet along my journey and on my Pain Management and Migraine Boards here on WebMD.

Indie

Related Topics:

• 6 Tips for Better Time Management
• How to Reach Your Goals

Technorati Tags: 2008, resolutions, new years, chronic pain

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To Take a Med or Not Take a Med: That is the Question

Photo by: plasticrevolver

I notice quite often on my message boards people who are trying to wean themselves off of their prescribed medications. For some, the reason is because of becoming addicted. For others it may be they are feeling better and don't think they need to be on them anymore. Sometimes people lose their insurance and can no longer afford their meds. And there are yet other reasons.

It is very important for people to take meds as directed. Be very careful about weaning off meds without consulting your doctor first. And avoid stopping meds suddenly and going "cold turkey" as they say. Doing so can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

There are times when people are feeling great and when they start going off their meds they begin to wonder why they start to feel poorly again and why their symptoms return. Well, the reason is because the medication was helping and you are taking it away.

There are times when folks need to be on medications whether they want to or not. Certain conditions require the use of meds. Think of an insulin dependent diabetic trying to go without medication. It can be disastrous and even life threatening.

People in chronic pain may also need meds in order to function and leave a life of any quality. If it takes meds to accomplish this, then take them. As long as they are effective, remain on them. If they are not effective, talk with your doctor about your regimen and seek a change. Always involve your doctor with you decisions. That way if there is a complication, he/she will be aware of the potential reasons and be able to provide appropriate care.

Related Topics:

• Back Pain: Medication and Addiction
• Medication Safety Tips: Dos and Don'ts

Technorati Tags: pain medication, pain management, chronic pain, health and wellness