Flossy goes to rheumatology.

Finally, I got to rheumatology. My appointment came as part of a waiting list initiative so I was seen in a private clinic by a very approachable, knowledgeable rheumatologist who is trying to get me into the local NHS rheumatology clinic because they basically have bette facilities and access to the same computer system as my GP and all the blood tests.

She diagnosed me with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease with strong leanings towards limited Scleroderma and certain aspects of Sjogren’s and Lupus. I was quite shocked. A lot of the things I just thought were normal actually turn out not to be so normal… Ulcers, hair thinning, dry eyes. What I don’t understand is why my immune system likes to beat me up so much.

In the meantime I will start medication for the Raynaud’s, stay on the tablets for my tummy and possibly start Plaquenil for the Lupus. I also intend to keep running and enjoying the lovely fresh air and great outdoors that does me so much good.

So, how do you tame an over active immune system? Why are these illnesses becoming so common and why, according to a relative, are they so common in Ireland in particular? Other than that, what is the best thing I can do for myself in this position?

Flossy wishes you all a healthy and happy new year.

I found this picture on Facebook and I am not sure about the legalities of posting it but it got me to thinking about all the New Year’s Resolutions I have been making and my friends have also been making. I think it all basically boils down to this: loving yourself a little more. I’m not talking about being selfish or becoming narcissistic. After all, Jesus tells us in the Sermon on the Mount to ‘Love your neighbour the way you love yourself.’

So how do we love ourselves? If we are going to be of any use to the people around us that we are too scared to say no to or don’t want to let down, I guess we need to make sure that we are fighting fit ourselves. I learnt this the hard way before Christmas. I sing in various choirs and get great joy out of it. Coming up to Christmas I became overwhelmed by all the things I had said yes to. Ultimately I had to cancel most of the arrangements I had agreed to, ironically letting people down and becoming completely unproductive! Had I firstly planned ahead, I would have seen I had far too much on, but secondly, I should have picked one or two arrangements, committed to them and done a good job of these two commitments.

How else can we love ourselves? I have a hard time beating up on myself. It affects everything from self-confidence, to friendships, to self image to silly things like talking myself out of hills on runs. As I remarked to a friend who was engaged in a similar activity and train of thought, if you heard another person being as verbally abusive to another person you wouldn’t stand for it, so why do we do it for ourselves? There is time and space for self reflection when we want to ‘better ourselves’ but self reflection also involves being able to acknowledge when you have actually done something well or you have achieved something new. And I am definitely not saying we have to become obnoxiously and aggressively bragging about ourselves. Some of the most competent and confident people I know are also some of the most humble people I am fortunate to know.

On reflection, then, of of my priorities this year is to be better at organising my time. To this end I have bought a diary. An amazing little invention that doesn’t even require wi-fi. It fits in my handbag, requires nothing more than a ball point pen or HB pencil to operate. It doesn’t lose important information because of updates or when the battery dies. It also looks quite pretty and it cost me £1 from B&M bargains! Result! I’ve already pencilled in my running schedule. This is the year I have to pull 26.2 miles out of the hat…

I am going to try to change my thought patterns. It’s easy to be negative. You couldn’t do that! What would anyone see in you? What do you think you are playing at trying to…(run a marathon, find love, mixing with that crowd of people etc)? You still look like TRIPE in that dress! If I wouldn’t find it acceptable to say to another person, I won’t say it to myself. In turn, I will try to be more patient and forgiving of other people’s perceived faults or quirks! We don’t know what battles our friends, colleagues, acquaintances etc are fighting. And another thing, when we criticise either ourselves or each other, in affect we are criticising their maker and I think He probably had a plan in mind when he created that person.

Hebrew 12:11
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.

Wishing you all a successful and fulfilling 2014!
(Hope that wasn’t too preachy!)