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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsBreak thru in my long chronic illness...
Last edited Thu Oct 25, 2012, 06:09 PM - Edit history (1)
today, for the first time in about six months, I was able to clean the kitchen without completely running out of breath. I had to stop once, but I was able to stand there and do the dishes, empty the dishwasher and put some dishes away.
It's little things like this that I am sure everyone at this site bring happiness and joy and relief and comfort.
Just thought I would remind people, especially with the nationwide back drop of a national election looming over all of us, that sometimes, it truly is the little things that matter the most...
On Edit....
Wow! I am grateful for all the support and good tidings.
I just can't answer everyone right now, but I can't thank you all enough. it's been a long slog and over the years, DU has been my link to the world. Thank you all again and thanks for the people who work so hard to make this place feel so much like home!
hedgehog
(36,286 posts)Lone_Star_Dem
(28,158 posts)And I thank you for your reminder. All too often we do tend to forget that fact.
HappyMe
(20,277 posts)You are right - little things do matter the most.
malaise
(275,182 posts)You're so right
Lucinda
(31,170 posts)I know first hand how good those moments are...
Ellipsis
(9,141 posts)blm
(113,729 posts).
livetohike
(22,675 posts)WheelWalker
(9,136 posts)Blessings.
CaliforniaPeggy
(151,310 posts)It truly is the little things that matter the most!
May your improving health endure...
ProudProgressiveNow
(6,164 posts)My health puts me in much the same place. Little things are big victories.
MoonRiver
(36,927 posts)I have gone through 2 surgeries in the last year, and each time it was a struggle getting back to speed. Hope you feel strong from here on.
MynameisBlarney
(2,979 posts)But I am compelled to wish you well and I hope that you have continued breakthroughs.
CaliforniaPeggy
(151,310 posts)WCGreen has been chronically ill for many years with a nasty lung disease that will lead to a lung transplant some day. Check out his blog at the bottom of his post.
I hope you will continue to post here! I'm glad you found us.
MynameisBlarney
(2,979 posts)I will check it out right now.
I plan on posting here more often, I'm a regular on a couple of other progressive sites.
annabanana
(52,791 posts)Truly.. sometimes the "little" things are the biggest.
Whovian
(2,866 posts)I can really relate to day like this.
GoneOffShore
(17,534 posts)madmax
(16,612 posts)As someone who also suffers from a long term chronic disease, Rheumatoid Arthritis and other health issues as expected with age I have felt absolute euphoria if I accomplish even a minor chore. We're not alone.
Ineeda
(3,626 posts)and recently diagnosed with chronic bronchitis (actually COPD). I've been trying to get back into a healthier routine -- exercise, etc. I put on about 10 pounds when I quit smoking and it all seemed to end up around my middle, which makes bending over (to clean litter boxes, etc.) really hard, as in short of breath. So I can relate to "the little things." Congratulations WC Green!
DoBotherMe
(2,345 posts)Congratulations and best wishes for a continued recovery. Dana ; )
DeschutesRiver
(2,359 posts)Still remember how I felt the day that I had a breakthrough and felt none of the dizziness that plagued me for over a year. There is no way I can even describe how it felt to turn my head and have not feel sick. It was just the ordinary act of turning one's head at a normal speed to look at something, but the day when it happened without me becoming dizzy was just a moment lit up in neon.
So I understand exactly where you are coming from - I hope such moments continue to multiply for you!
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)progressivebydesign
(19,458 posts)nadinbrzezinski
(154,021 posts)I am truly happy for you
CTyankee
(64,505 posts)You are very courageous. I wish you the very best!
Dont call me Shirley
(10,998 posts)I also appreciate the little things, like making it to the back of the grocery store without using the cart as a walker. And being able to pick up a full coffee pot with one hand.
hamsterjill
(15,434 posts)Glad you are doing well! You are a wise soul to know how much the little things matter!
WCGreen
(45,558 posts)This is what makes DU, DU...
Cha
(302,617 posts)and I'm happy for you! Hope your healing path gets only Stronger.
LeftofObama
(4,243 posts)The little steps just keep on adding up. I'm so happy for you! Keep on keepin' on!
graywarrior
(59,440 posts)mailman82
(399 posts)EmeraldCityGrl
(4,310 posts)by how you do on your best day. Hope that makes sense. Mostly
hope you have more and more best days.
Brigid
(17,621 posts)Isn't it amazing the things we take for granted?
geckosfeet
(9,644 posts)Jersey Devil
(10,013 posts)Great news that you are feeling better.
Omaha Steve
(102,405 posts)abq e streeter
(7,658 posts)liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)I don't know what chronic illness you have but I know what you mean about enjoying the little triumphs and victories over chronic illnesses. Standing up for 30 to 40 minutes in the kitchen and cook dinner is a truimph for me. That usually happens about twice a week. The rest of the time we are usually eating quick and easy meals that I don't have to deal with.
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)MMMMMMM..... now I'm thinking about my mom making Thanksgiving! :0)
liberal_at_heart
(12,081 posts)In fact the favorite dish on Thanksgiving is my husband's whipped potatoes.
DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)thanksgiving is going to be kinda sad. BUT, I'm sure my mom will find some new delicious way to make things so i can eat them!
David Zephyr
(22,785 posts)DonRedwood
(4,359 posts)I'm glad to know you are doing better. When I was recouping from my heart attack, DU kept me sane, that's for sure!
politicaljack78
(312 posts)I am so happy for you ! Great job !
What you say is so true, it is the little things that we are able to do, that we do quickly for ourselves or for others that matter in the grand scheme of things and just my posting you are helping others and providing hope. Thank you !
trailmonkee
(2,681 posts)jamesatemple
(351 posts)Those activities we took for granted just a few years ago seem like nearly impossible tasks now. I'm out of my wheelchair after takin' a course of steroid injections. I can walk a bit but just goin' out to get the mail nearly exhausts me. Then, W.C., there comes a day that I feel good enough to do a thing or two that I've been puttin' off for a long time. Little things, that is. But I pay for doin' 'em the next day.
Aw, what the hell! I've been a few places, done a few things, seen the elephant down at the circus. I've got a good wife, handsome sons, the prettiest grandchildren in the world. I'm gonna follow your example of concentratin' on what I can do and to hell with what I cain't. Me and my better half voted on the first day of early voting here in Texas. Those two votes were the highlight of that day for me.
Keep on, keepin' on. This little gaggle of cyber-friends makes my days and, apparently, yours, too, just a bit easier.
ProSense
(116,464 posts)best wishes for continually improving health.
TBF
(33,321 posts)I completely understand - I have arthritis myself. Glad you had a great day!
Skittles
(156,929 posts)senseandsensibility
(19,498 posts)us about what's really important. I needed that today. So happy for you, and best wishes for a continued recovery.
sueh
(1,853 posts)vanlassie
(5,838 posts)RainDog
(28,784 posts)Rowdyboy
(22,057 posts)Who would have thought that cleaning the kitchen would do it for you? For me, it doesn't take much at all-the love of a good man, a dog and the tolerance our two cats grant us is enough for me. To ask more would be greedy.
Life is sweet when you have enough to eat and the rent and utities are paid and your medicine is paid for. Would that everyone had the same situation.
jerseyjack
(1,361 posts)midnight
(26,624 posts)blazeKing
(329 posts)It's those things that people take for granted..and when they're gone it is DEVASTATING. Even just being able to clean the kitchen without having to lay down being out of breath. Where you wonder if you'll ever be well again.
I know what you mean...I get very ill and in pain when I eat. Looking at my favorite foods, I mentally want it but I can't eat. It's those things that everyone just assumes you'll always be able to do...until you can't and it's devastating until you are healed.
And when Mitt Romney and Republicans attack people like you, I or others and call us lazy and entitled and good for nothing...it lets us know we are in the right place, we are in the party that cares and has compassion.
I wish you well!!!! And congrats
Science Geek
(161 posts)I hope things continue to improve! And, try to take it easy on yourself while you improve. It's important to not over-do.
I had a bad patch about ten years ago; I wouldn't wish health problems on my worst enemy.
gateley
(62,683 posts)Wishing you a new victory every day!
roguevalley
(40,656 posts)hostage by illness. Healing waves of love to you.
Irishonly
(3,344 posts)It is a wonderful feeling and I am happy to hear your good news. Little news is often great news.
Liberalynn
(7,549 posts)BootinUp
(48,312 posts)wishing you the best.
2theleft
(1,136 posts)I hope you keep getting better and better. Looking forward to reading your blog. Sending healthy thoughts your way!
davidthegnome
(2,983 posts)You're right... it really is the little things, some times. It's great that you're feeling better.
crim son
(27,497 posts)May there be more such good days ahead. (((hugs)))
eridani
(51,907 posts)peacebird
(14,195 posts):hugs:
qanda
(10,422 posts)Blessings to you and wishing you many more good days.
Maraya1969
(22,906 posts)I don't know if you are into meditation or visualization but I'll share this one visualization that has helped me a lot. I learned it kind of from a Chi Gong CD. The CD talks about having each side of your body, (head, feet, front, back, sides) go all the way to the horizon and then collect the "beautiful loving Chi" and have the Chi come back into your body.
So I was trying to do this one day and I centered on my lungs and I just imagined my lungs, say the front, going all the way to the horizon in front and then the bronchi going all the way to the horizon and of course they got real big so I kept imagining that my lungs would go all the way to the front of the horizon, (it helps if you can get a glimpse of the sky first) and the bronchi too. And then I was able to go to the back and do the same. And then I was able to do the sides. Finally I was able to feel like my lungs were as big as the world,
And I swear if you do it in a peaceful setting you will feel your lungs relax, (you have to learn to do this relaxing but concentrating) and get bigger and take in more air. Well at least it happens for me. Now I am able to do it while walking.
But it sounds like whatever you are doing is working! I'm really happy for you.
a kennedy
(31,371 posts)Odin2005
(53,521 posts)Javaman
(62,919 posts)CrispyQ
(37,578 posts)blackspade
(10,056 posts)It's nice to be able to achieve little things like cleaning the house or cleaning up the yard.
It's good for the soul.
juajen
(8,515 posts)ermasdaughter
(85 posts)Renew, Revive and Recover!
Liberal_in_LA
(44,397 posts)Tierra_y_Libertad
(50,414 posts)Cancer and knee replacement has kept her from going anywhere on her own.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)Tierra_y_Libertad
(50,414 posts)She has displayed great courage and tenacity throughout this ordeal. I can't begin to say how much I admire her.
Thank you.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)It's true that sometimes it's the little things that count the most.