Part of the solution, not the problem.

I keep saying that I want to be a part of the solution and not the problem. In all aspects of my life. Be it CRPS, how I treat others with kindness, with the medical system in Nova Scotia being so....exhausted of all resources.

I want to help and not need help.

The reality is, I am in need of some serious help. But I am ok and I am going to do better than expected with my circumstances because of my situation and mindset.

I was oh so very excited for my specialist appointment yesterday. After not having a specialist since August when my last pain specialist retired and my physiotherapist and occupational therapist said they have done all they can do.

I was so excited thinking I could be on the road to treatment plans and possible remission of pain for an hour or more. I had my mother in law drive in from out of town to drive my from my town into the city for this appointment.

Well, it was another occupational therapist. My old one felt bad leaving me as a patient and sent a referral.

I was kinda overwhelmed with disappointment when I first realized what the appointment was for, but now, I am so incredibly happy I met Sherri.

She said it seems I have all of my bases covered and I am doing everything that needs to be done. She confirmed this is not going to go away and I need to learn how to live with it. Which she also said I seem to be doing like a champion.

As I explained to her:

Only part of my body works normally. If I need something done, I need to figure out how to within my limits. My daily routine was explained and is embarrassing, but I was encouraged to share with others this trick I found.

I have long hair. It used to be multi colored and fun, but now it's just long hair. If I need it up in a pony tail and my arm is too sore to get up... I wrap an elastic around the end of a vacuum cleaner and suck my hair up into a pony or pig tails. The elastics shimmy off the hose pretty easily and then keep your hair in place.

It's so embarrassing to admit, but she told me it was an awesome tip that she is going to share with others who have limited use of their arms from other, more common disorders.

She called me a problem solver and I really liked hearing that because it's what I want to do. I may need my own help, but I have realized through the past few months, helping others is helping me.

It feels good to give hope, or a smile or laugh. It feels good to compliment someone or loan a shoulder (just one in my case) for them to lean on. It feels good to help others.

Something about positive energy and the ripple it can create and magnify in others and the environment, helps me.

Sherri gave me a reminder of my strength and hope. She knew I would not be traveling back to see her again to learn how to live with CRPS because I'm 'nailing it' according to her. So she gave me a giant gentle hug, against all of their policies, but I could feel how thankful she was of our meeting.

We had talked for an hour about how it is what it is and we gotta find the positives in life. She was laughing almost the whole time and was surprised I could too.

It is what it is. My right arm, neck, back and right leg it seems, are fucked. (Her words not mine lol)

There is no cure, there is only hope of remission for a few hours or possibly longer. But my chances of that are super duper tiny considering how long I have had it now and what has been tried already.

I'm ok with that today. I gotta use my strength to help others in similar situations. It can be overwhelming to do something for 20 something years and then all of the sudden, not be able to.

But there's a lot I can do.

Monthly support group meetings starting in April or May. Organized by myself with the help of 3 friends and our networks of warriors. Along with the second annual Walk to Conquer CRPS. Plus my daily acts of positivity with everyone I encounter. Laughter is the best medicine and luckily it is contagious if applied properly ;)

I think it's going to be a good year :)

I have said this before and I will say it many times again: when life hands you lemons, make lemonade. If you are tired of lemomade, make it anyway and give it to others. Who doesn't love free lemonade? :)

Positive thoughts,

-Kristen

@HippieRaysWays

Due to previous posts being questioned, I want to clarify my blog is posted on Steemit as well as WordPress. I am trying to reach as many people as possible with a message of inspiration <3