Tag: Compassion

Posted in Awareness

Giving Tuesday

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

Today is GIVING TUESDAY and I want everyone to research a charity before just giving to one.

Some charities no longer seem to be running.

Example

The NONF – which I used to donate and be a member of

Since 2017 they haven’t filed a tax return so they are no longer active

So I won’t give there until they are active again.

So I now donate to

AF (Arthritis foundation) on occasion

St.Judes Children’s Hospital and

Shriners Hospital

Local Battered women’s shelter

Local rescue mission

To search for a charity in USA look it up here.

Type in a specific name or a partial name like Avascular Necrosis and Osteonecrosis and many will pull up but you will see many if not all are no longer available to donate to.

Look them up via irs or attorney general web sites.

Watch out for charities on social media – not all may be legit.

https://apps.irs.gov/app/eos/

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world.

We have made it through Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Sofa Sunday Cyber Monday.

Today is the day to giveback!

Do a good deed

Donate to a cause or charity

But be a smart giver – Do your homework! Font get scammed

Make sure all websites you may want to donate to are secure and legit. https://

https is a must

Look out for fake charities posing as the real deal.

Example the United Way is legit but United Ways mmm nope. etc.

Watch out for social media requests

Giving Tuesday

Created in 2012 by the 92nd Street Y (a New York City cultural center), #GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration that celebrates and supports giving and philanthropy.

According to the official Giving Tuesday website, it has over 30,000 partners in 68 different countries, and since its inception it has generated and estimated 470% increase in online donations on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.

The Giving Tuesday Ask

Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more.

Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. “Join us and be a part of a global celebration of a new tradition of generosity.”

Celebrate Giving Tuesday

There are a number of official online and offline Giving Tuesday events scheduled, and you can join any one (or more!) of them.

Supporting a cause (or causes), can take many forms. It can of course mean cash gifts to organizations in your community, or in your marketspace.

Donations can also be goods and services, including excess inventory or business equipment and supplies.

You or your company can band together to collect donations of goods (like toys over Christmas, or canned goods for a food bank) for a local charity or shelter.

As an individual you can do many things if you don’t have the money, but note even 1 dollar can go a long way at a food bank.

Donate Time many don’t have money to donate and that’s ok. Donate your time instead. Help out at a food bank .

Volunteer in the Hospital be a baby cuddler

Serve food at a mission

Sit with a hospice patient so their family can have a break

Visit a nursing care facility

Volunteer doing something you love

If your a retired teacher help a struggling student.

Donate kindness – lord knows we have a kindness deficit -so many people today are so quick to throw shade and hate- Choose kindness

Be kinder to co-workers

Be kinder to the elderly

Hold open a door

Say please and thank you

Be a better human being

What ever you do give from your heart

Happy Giving Tuesday

Posted in Awareness, Blessed, Coping with Stress, Energy, exercise, Faith, family, God, Happiness

Stress-Anxiety & How To Cope

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

Holidays seem to cause people more stress.

Maybe they are missing a loved one.

Maybe they are working and going to school.

Maybe they are trying to stretch their dollar to pay bills and find a way to buy gifts.

Maybe they already suffer from depression and holidays just add to that depression.

Maybe they suffer from alcohol or drug addiction or food addiction and all the parties whether it’s a work party family gathering often unfortunately includes alcohol and food and lately drugs.

Or all of the above.

It seems today so many people young and old lack good coping skills.

Learning how to cope properly can go a long way for your everyday health. Let’s face it Stress is a health killer.

And it can lead to addiction if your trying to “escape” all the stress and anxiety but medicating whether it’s by food, alcohol, drugs won’t help it will in fact make things worse .

Here, are some of the the best and worst ways to de-stress right now.

And don’t be afraid to reach out to someone and talk about it. A qualified professional counselor or pastor or social worker can help.

BEST WAYS GET SOME FRESH AIR

Research shows that the vitamin D boost from sunlight may elevate your levels of feel-good serotonin. And, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells around you redirects your focus from your worries.

GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD

Do you ever get that never-ending loop of negative thoughts and what-ifs playing in your head?

That’s because stress likes to mess with your mind. A surefire and fun way to get out of your head is to engage in activities that put the focus on your hands or body (think kneading bread, sketching a picture, knitting a scarf, find a craft . As your hands and fingers begin to fall into those familiar rhythmic moves, it sends a signal to your brain that immediately relaxes you and makes you feel grounded.

So immerse yourself in a creative, engaging activity and get ready to press the mute button.

CONNECT TO YOUR SPIRITUAL SIDE

For many centuries, religious groups and native tribes worldwide have used prayer beads to guide their spiritual practice, and research shows that spirituality boosts mood

Buy a set of prayer beads or make your own, and then create a positive affirmation or mantra that resonates with you.

It’s not about religion it’s spiritual mindfulness

Then, next time stress hits, repeat your affirmation as you work your way around and touch each bead.

The more you go around, the more you’ll experience a sense of power and detachment from the source of anxiety as your brain switches into a meditative cadence.

Some suggestions

It’s not who you are that holds you back, it’s who you think you’re not.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we.

VISUALIZE CALM

Find a quiet space, close your eyes, focus your breathing, and transport yourself to your happy place for a few minutes each day. Research from the University of California, Los Angeles shows your body actually produces less of the stress hormone cortisol when engaging in guided imagery

There are plenty of books and articles written on the subject if you need help getting started, but the most important thing is to find a comforting and calming image that works for you (a beautiful blue ocean might be totally relaxing to one person, but a nightmare for someone who’s afraid of water).

Find a beautiful nature picture that makes you happy and use it.

TAKE A BATH

Water has an innate soothing effect on the mind and body since it connects us back to our time in the womb,

Schedule a regular time to soak in the tub. Further your bliss by pairing your bath with scented bath beads.

Pick a scent that smells best to you or go for lavender or jasmine, both of which possess stress-reducing properties.

Just 5-10 minutes can help your stress.

MY FAVORITE EXPRESS YOUR GRATITUDE

Studies have revealed the positive effects of expressing gratitude. While studying brain activity, National Institutes of Health researchers found subjects who showed more gratitude had higher levels of activity in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that has a huge influence on our stress levels.

Plus, gratefulness also activated the regions associated with dopamine, one of those feel-good neurotransmitters. To reap these stress-reducing benefits, write down your feelings of gratitude daily in a journal, or by sending little notes to friends or family letting them know how much you appreciate them. I do try to tell my family I love you and I’m grateful every day.

EXERCISE

Exercise may be the healthiest stress buster : it revs your body’s production of feel-good endorphins, it can help regulate your sleep, lowers the symptoms associated with mild depression, boosts your energy, and helps you remain calmer and more focused, all of which can go a long way toward stress management. While it’s easy to let a daily exercise routine slide when you’re overwhelmed, take steps to incorporate it daily.

WORST THINGS YOU CAN DO : DRINKING, SMOKING, DRUGS AND OTHER VICES

Drowning your stress in a bottle of wine or a pack of cigarettes or a pill or a line might seem to bring a release in the moment, but turning to unhealthy vices like drinking, drugs, smoking, or even too much caffeine only sets you up to stress out more once the high wears off. And will lead to addiction and possibly death.

Since these habits tend to increase the Negative Impact stress is already having on your body (raising your blood pressure, making you jittery, moody, feeling lost, keeping you awake at night to name just a few), you enter into a vicious cycle of feeling more stressed out and then returning to the vice over and over.

DONT HIBERNATE

The thought of hiding away under the covers sounds pretty great when there’s so much to deal with beyond your bedroom door, but sleeping too much isn’t the answer. Studies show that the more you sleep, the more tired you actually feel.

Increased lethargy is only going to make it that much harder for you to focus and much less likely to deal with the stressors at hand.

Plus, studies that have shown an association between chronic oversleeping and diabetes, heart disease, weight gain, and even higher rates of death (though it’s unclear if too much sleep causes these problems).

Adding health problems to your already heavy load is only going to exacerbate your stress levels.

DONT DWELL ON THE NEGATIVE

If you make a mistake at work, or school or home do you assume you’re going to get fired? Do you think you’re going to fail?

Have a fight with your spouse or significant other and worry the relationship may be over?

It’s not uncommon to jump to worst-case scenarios when dealing with an upsetting issue, but blowing things out of proportion only intensifies your stressed. When we’re feeling stressed it’s very easy to view ourselves in a negative light, . Way to soften your inner chatter, goes to negative focus on positive I suggest looking at things from a different perspective. Talk to yourself as if you were offering advice to your best friend and odds are you’ll have much more compassionate and positive things to say.

DONT EAT YOUR FEELINGS

Like alcohol or drugs, food often becomes a crutch when coping with difficult times. I’ve been guilty of this.

Soothing your pain with a high-calorie, high-sugar, or high-fat comfort foods feels good at first, but it can quickly spiral out of control when your mind and body begin to associate negative emotions with eating.

At the first sign of stress, anger, or sadness you’ll instinctively reach for food rather than dealing with the feelings at hand.

Overeating can cause weight gain and make you feel worse about yourself.

DONT IGNORE THE PROBLEM

While it’s normal to take a mental time out once in a while to watch a funny movie or meet a friend for lunch, consistently avoiding the stress in your life is counterproductive.

When you evade your problems, you don’t allow yourself to process or understand what you’re dealing with.

The more you ignore something whether it’s a concrete problem like paying off bills or an emotional one like the fear of losing a job the greater it’s going to get.

Your best bet is to reach out for help and make a plan of action that will eventually diminish your problems and alleviate your stress.

Talk to a counselor , a pastor, a family member.

There is nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed by in asking for help. We don’t judge you.

We are humans and we make mistakes and we get stressed and we feel stuck sometimes.

But we’re not stuck.

Please reach out to a professional if you feel the stress in your life is overwhelming.

And if no one has said it to you today.

Your a wonderful person who is going through a hard time. You can and will get through this. Believe in yourself. Like I believe in you.

God Bless You.

Posted in Awareness, Blessed, Faith, God, Pick Godly Friends, Thoughts, Uncategorized

God Never Forgets Us ,Even When We Forget About Him

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

It’s important to remember that even when we forget God, He never forgets us! He knows what’s happening to us every moment of the day, and He also watches over us. The reason is because He loves us with a love that never fades. Isn’t that fabulous! His unconditional love is always there for us.

The Bible says, “You are precious and honored in my sight, and,I love you” (Isaiah 43:4).

But we have to also remember God does want us to walk with Him every moment of the day and the first step is to begin the day with Him.

Far to often mornings are hurried for most of us , or many that choose to sleep in, but we need , no we must develop the habit of setting aside a few minutes every morning to be alone with God.

Pray about things you know you’ll be facing that day, and read a portion of God’s Word, the Bible.

Then let that portion of the Bible take root in your soul all day long, remembering it and calling it to mind.

In addition, we must develop the habit of constant prayer. I am working on this and now it’s the first thing I do. And even in different situations I find myself saying a prayer vs worrying about what ever it is I may be facing that day, that moment.

When you meet someone new, utter a silent prayer for them. When you learn about a problem someone is having, pray for them. If it’s poor health, job loss, school, drug problems , etc…

When someone tries your patience, pray for them. The Bible says, “Pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

Finally, just ask God to remind you of His love for you not just at church once a week or at the end of the day, but repeatedly.

Some day, we will be in Christ’s presence forever but may it begin now.

Pay attention to those you are friends with or hangout with. Are they also into God? Do they pray and attend church? Or do they try to pull you into the let’s say the dark side….

They drink to much, club to much,use or experiment with drugs to much, use caution with certain people.

Don’t get dragged into their world.

Stand strong and tall in your faith.

Be an example, not a follower . You don’t have to give up your friends but… matter is this:

If you follow Christ, you’re going to probably not have some behaviors in your life, not have some relationships in your life you’ve had in the past.  There is a price tag.  Jesus said, “If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, pick up his cross daily and follow me.”

Here’s the issue, is you can’t have it both ways.  God loves you, but He is the master and the king of the universe and He’s the king of your heart.  And as you surrender, He says, I want you to do life my way.

And there are times where you give up some relationships.  I remember early in my spiritual life I was a newly divorced from my 1st husband and some of my friends said it’s not good to just sit home, so I went running to different bars and doing stuff.  It was cool at first but I seen so many at these bars unhappy trying to drown their sorrows or college kids trying to fit in by drinking just to be part of the crowd. I realized, you know something, I can’t continue in those behaviors.

But you know something, after a few months, I didn’t go there with them.  I didn’t give up those relationships.  And, you know, we still were friends and we talked religion and some came to Christ.

I remember a fellow that was dating a girl who had attempted suicide .

It was because my life was different he came to talk to me.  I gave some information and also a few phone numbers to my church pastor and a couple counseling places.

And they both ended up getting married and coming to Christ and she got the help she needed.

You know, God’s plan is better, but there may be some short-term pain before there’s long-term gain.

You know, that’s life in Gods kingdom.

God loves you, but just as you make a sacrifice for people that you love, God is asking you to make some sacrifices for Him.

That is part of walking with Jesus Christ.

Many follow Hod and then give up because God wasn’t answering their prayers.

Many Christians feel this same frustration. I know I have.

We ask God for something, then wait for him to do what we want. We forget that God knows what’s best for us.

I think God gets blamed for a lot of unanswered prayers that he actually did answer, just not in the way we wanted him to.

God’s response to our sometimes selfish and immature prayers is often “let’s wait” or “this isn’t best for you.” For some people, these “negative” answers feel like non-answers.

Show people the loving God you know through your actions, lifestyle and faithfulness to God.

A life lived for God speaks for itself.

Posted in Ahlbacks Disease, Ancestry, Arthritis, AtomicBlonde, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Blessed, Bone Health, BreakThroughCrew, Chronic Pain, Clinical Trials, Diagnosed, Eat Healthy, Factor V Leiden, Food, Happiness, History, Inflammation, Life, Mindfulness, OA, osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, Osteoporosis, Pain, SONK, SPONK, Stem Cell, StopTheClot, Uncategorized, WegoHealth

Bone & Joint Action Week October 12-20

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

Bone and Joint Action Week is held annually October 12-20 with activities focused on disorders including arthritis, back pain, Osteonecrosis,Osteoarthritis trauma, pediatric conditions, and osteoporosis. The themes and their related activities are designed to raise awareness worldwide about prevention, disease management and treatment.

Statistics on Avascular Necrosis (AVN, Osteonecrosis, Aseptic Necrosis, Ischaemic Necrosis, Femoral Head Necrosis)

Frequency depends on the site involved. The most common site is the hip; other locations include the carpals, talus, and humerus. In most countries, exact figures on incidence and prevalence are unknown.

One Japanese survey estimated that 2500-3300 cases of AVN of the hip occur each year; of which, 34.7% were a result of corticosteroid abuse, 21.8% to alcohol abuse, and 37.1% to idiopathic mechanisms. A French study reported AVN in 4.3% of allogenic bone marrow transplant recipients.

Race: No racial predilection exists except for AVN associated with sickle cell disease and hemoglobin S and SC disease, which predominantly are diagnosed in people of African and Mediteranean descent.

Sex: The male-to-female ratio depends on the underlying cause, although primary AVN is more prevalent in men. The overall male-to-female ratio is 8:1.

Age: Age at onset depends on the underlying cause. Primary AVN most often occurs during the fourth or fifth decade and is bilateral in 40-80% of cases. On average, women present almost 10 years later than men.

Risk Factors for Avascular Necrosis (AVN, Osteonecrosis, Aseptic Necrosis, Ischaemic Necrosis, Femoral Head Necrosis)

Avascular necrosis has several causes. Loss of blood supply to the bone can be caused by an injury (trauma-related avascular necrosis or joint dislocation) or by certain risk factors (nontraumatic avascular necrosis), such as some medications (usually steroid basesd), steroid abuse in general, blood coagulation disorders like sickle cell, Factor V, FactorViii, MTHFR, eNOS and more, chemo and radiation infections in the Bone vascular issues such as vascularitis or alcohol abuse. Increased pressure within the bone also is associated with avascular necrosis. The pressure within the bone causes the blood vessels to narrow, making it hard for the vessels to deliver enough blood to the bone cells.Many deep sea divers get Avascular Necrosis from a condition known as the bends. Gaucher disease.

Progression of Avascular Necrosis (AVN, Osteonecrosis, Aseptic Necrosis, Ischaemic Necrosis, Femoral Head Necrosis)

Hip Stages of avn-on

1-4

The natural history of osteonecrosis is directly linked to the size and level of the necrosis. Very small lesions (involvement of less than 15% of the femoral head) may resolve without any further treatment. Conversly, lesions involving greater than 50% of the femoral head progress to collapse, and ultimately require in total hip arthroplasty.

Symptoms of Avascular Necrosis (AVN, Osteonecrosis, Aseptic Necrosis, Ischaemic Necrosis, Femoral Head Necrosis)

In the early stages of avascular necrosis, patients may be asymptomatic. However, as the disease progresses most patients will begin to experience joint pain; at first, only when putting weight on the affected joint, and eventually even when resting. Pain usually develops gradually and may be mild or severe.

If the level of necrosis progresses further and the bone and surrounding joint surface collapse, pain may develop or dramatically increase.

The pain may be severe enough to limit the patient’s range of motion in the affected joint.

In some cases, particularly those involving the hip, disabling osteoarthritis may develop.

The period of time between the first symptoms and loss of joint function is different for each patient, ranging from several months to more than a year.

How is Avascular Necrosis (AVN, Osteonecrosis, Aseptic Necrosis, Ischaemic Necrosis, Femoral Head Necrosis) Diagnosed?

In the earliest stages of Avascular necrosis plain x-rays are often normal. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) is the key that allows us to detect AVN at its earliest stage.

Osteonecrosis develops when the blood supply to a segment of bone is disrupted. Without adequate nourishment, the affected portion of bone dies and gradually collapses. As a result, the articular cartilage covering the bone also collapses, leading to disabling arthritis.

Osteonecrosis of the knee can affect anyone, but is more common in people over the age of 60. Woman are three times more likely than men to develop the condition.

Risk Factors

It is not always known what causes the lack of blood supply, but doctors have identified a number of risk factors that make someone more likely to develop osteonecrosis.

Injury. A knee injury—such as a stress fracture or dislocation, meniscus tear, bruised patella or combined with some type of trauma to the knee, can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the affected bone.

Oral corticosteroid medications.

Many diseases, such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, are treated with oral steroid medications.

Although it is not known exactly why these medications can lead to osteonecrosis, research shows that there is a connection between the disease and long-term steroid use. Steroid-induced osteonecrosis frequently affects multiple joints in the body.

Medical conditions.

Osteonecrosis of the knee is associated with medical conditions, such as obesity, sickle cell anemia, and lupus.

Transplants. Organ transplantation, especially kidney transplant, is associated with osteonecrosis.

Excessive alcohol use.

Overconsumption of alcohol over time can cause fatty deposits to form in the blood vessels as well as elevated cortisone levels, resulting in a decreased blood supply to the bone.

Chemo therapy and radiation Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of bone is recognized as a potential complication in solid-tumour cancer patients receiving treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy.

Regardless of the cause, if osteonecrosis is not identified and treated early, it can develop into severe osteoarthritis. And for some with osteoarthritis before avn the disease is even more painful.

Knee stages of avn-on

1-4

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Have a blessed and Pain-free Day.

Posted in Ahlbacks Disease, Arthritis, AtomicBlonde, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Bone Health, Chronic Pain, Endocrinologist, Factor V Leiden, Inflammation, OA, Osteonecrosis, Stem Cell Injections, Thyroid, Uncategorized, Vision

People With Chronic Pain Are Suffering While Addicts & Junkies Are Being Coddled.

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

What does it say when heroin and opioid addicts are given better treatment than a person living with chronic pain?!

Now please don’t go thinking I lack compassion and am being cruel honestly it’s not my intention.

But I am sick of hearing about the opioid crisis every day, especially when

they throw chronic pain sufferers in the same category as a junkie!

News Flash ……….Were Not

Or a person that is suffering with cancer. I just don’t understand it.

Yes I understand that their is a problem in this country with some abusing drugs whether prescribed or illegal.

But not everyone falls into that category.

Why are so many Doctors,Pharmacies, Government Officials patient profiling?

We as a society look down on racial profiling, gender profiling but why is it ok to patient profile?!

Thank God I have an excellent family doctor.

Many people in government and now pharmacies don’t make their job any easier.

In fact they make it hard for decent doctors who don’t over prescribe and patients who don’t abuse drugs or who don’t doctor shop.

All the red tape they have.

Now we have government and pharmacies in our doctor patient relationship.

Telling the public that they will now be limited and controlled on how much medication they receive and that their legitimate diagnosed ongoing pain doesn’t matter.

But we care more about addicts & junkies who choose to shoot heroin over and over again. They choose that life !! Chronic pain suffering is not a choice it’s many individuals reality.

Many people myself included suffer from several painful chronic conditions.

NSAIDS don’t do crap for the pain I feel most days . I have tried many of them. And sometimes the pain medication takes the edge off so I can get things done. No one wants to be in pain. My body has less pain so I can then function more.

But I find that taking CuraMed Curcumin helps me more than a rx for an NSAID.

So I limit my own use of rx pain meds.

And most people I know don’t want to have to take a pills to have pain relief.

But we will,when we need to.

NSAIDs will for some It really depends on your pain and your condition or disease.

Some of the conditions I have Osteonecrosis for one is rare. And has been said it’s second in pain to bone cancer.

More on Osteonecrosis below.

I bilateral pars fracture in L5S1

Lumbar spondylolysis this is a condition in the lower back where there is a defect or fracture in the part of the vertebra known as the pars interarticularis. The pars interarticularis, also known as the isthmus, is a segment of bone that connects the facet joints at the back of the spine. It is a small, thin part of the vertebra that has a poor blood supply, which makes it susceptible to stress fractures. No NSAID can help this. A pain pill barely helps but at least it helps somewhat.

Fractures of the pars interarticularis, known as spondylolysis, usually occur at the L5-S1 level,and rarely at L4-L5 or higher. They can occur on one side of the vertebra or on both. Lucky me mine is in both sides L5S1

SPONDYLOLYSIS

A pars fracture is also known as a stress fracture, or as spondylolysis. Spondylolisthesis is often the result of spondylolysis. In non-medical terms, this means a stress fracture causes the forward slippage of a vertebral body. The stress fracture occurs through a fragile part of the vertebral bone called the “pars” and is often broken on both sides. The fracture may be the result of a direct trauma, by a focused strain usually from athletic activity, or from a genetic weakness in this area of the bone. This is a thin bone that can break with repeated use; imagine a paperclip that has been bent over and over and finally breaks. 

Spondylolysis sometimes causes spondylolisthesis, which it did in my case.

This is when one vertebra slips forward on the vertebra below it.

Symptoms include a deep painful constant ache in the lower back, pain that is worse with movement, and tightness in the hamstrings. If the vertebral slippage is severe, nerve roots can be compressed.

The pars functions as a bony hook and when fractured the posterior support for the vertebrae is broken. It can cause a forward slippage with time. Which mine has about 22 -25 percent.

I also have Spontaneous Osteonecrosis of the Knee, also known as Ahlback’s disease is the result of vascular arterial insufficiency to the medial femoral condyle of the knee resulting in necrosis and destruction of bone. It is often unilateral and can be associated with a meniscal tear.

Osteo means Bone Necrosis means

💀

No orthopedic wants to fix it, trust me I have been to more than 5 but less than 10 for their professional opinions

The stem cell procedure is 8 to 10kusd insurance doesn’t cover any part of stem cell injections that can actually help save the bone.

All the orthopedic doctors I seen said to wait until my knee bone crumbles and collapses and then they will saw out the old bone and give me an artificial knee.

I don’t know about you but to that is totally unacceptable!

A TKR Total Knee Replacement and PKR Partial Knee Replacement-cost 30-40,000usd some places more.

Your basically sawing off the patients bone and replacing it with fake parts

Vs using the patients own stem cells to help heal their own body.

For much less money.

It’s a no brainer

And I also have Osteoarthritis NSAIDs will help this but so does my CuraMed Curcumin so I take that instead.

Sometimes called degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints, affecting approximately 27 million Americans. OA can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in knees, hips, lower back and neck, small joints of the fingers and the bases of the thumb and big toe.

Who’s Affected?

Although OA occurs in people of all ages, osteoarthritis is most common in people older than 65. Common risk factors include increasing age, obesity, previous joint injury, overuse of the joint, weak thigh muscles, and genes.

•One in two adults will develop symptoms of knee OA during their lives.

•One in four adults will development symptoms of hip OA by age 85.

•One in 12 people 60 years or older have hand OA.

So if you add all these together my bones are jacked.

And yet the government wants me to suffer?

Now I will say

I don’t like pain pills I do need them occasionally it’s nice to know that if I need one or for pain I won’t have to jump through fire to get them.

What pisses me off is that junkies od get free narcan over and over often it takes 2-3 doses to revive them. And yet even faced with death they still don’t learn.

And go right back to it knowing it will either kill them now or later. More free narcan and hey we’ll pay for you to go to rehab as well.

And I can’t get insurance to even pay anything towards stem cell injections, that could possibly get me off disability and back to a career in eye care that I loved.

People in chronic pain want their lives back. We would gladly give up all medication to live and function pain free or even with less pain.

We become so used to our pain being a 5 that in days it’s a 3 we feel fabulous, where you may be on the sofa in pain at a level 3 we’re rejoicing. But pain level 7-8 and beyond are sometimes there also and we are down.

I wish the insurance companies would get on board with stem cell injections and Prp injections it can help so many.

So we can’t get the treatment we want because it’s so expensive and not everyone can afford the injections.

Because there is no payment plan.

For pain I take CuraMed Curcumin 1x a day.

5000 iu vitamin

1000 mg krill oil

300mg Coq10

Now and then I will take a pain pill.

It’s a blessing when my knee and back don’t hurt. But usually the back always hurts somedays a lot more than others.

I just think it’s a disservice for people with pain , constant legitimate pain to have to suffer.

I see junkies get free narcan,free rehab yet a girl in my bone disease support group who wants to live and us fighting every day to live has to pain for chemo.

It’s wrong.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/amp/cvs-limit-opioid-prescriptions-7-day-supply-n803486

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/storyline/americas-heroin-epidemic/amp/ohio-limits-opioid-prescriptions-just-seven-days-n740531

Posted in Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Blessed, Bone Health, BreakThroughCrew, Clinical Trials, Diagnosed, Eat Healthy, Eye Exam, Factor V Leiden, Flush not Blush, Inflammation, Life, Meditation, Mindfulness, osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, Recipes, Stem Cell, StopTheClot, Uncategorized, Vision, WegoHealth, WEGOHealthAwards

Would appreciate your vote.

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

Just 2 days left to cast your vote , you can vote for each category I was nominated for. I would appreciate it very much.

Please take a moment to vote for me.

Link to vote.

WEGOHealthAwards

Blog

https://chronicallygratefuldebla.com/2017/08/20/2002/

Posted in Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Blessed, Bone Health, Cardiovascular, Chronic Pain, Diagnosed, Disclaimer, Eat Healthy, Factor V Leiden, Flush not Blush, Food, Homemade Syrups,Tinctures,Rubs, Inflammation, Life, Meditation, Mindfulness, OA, osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis, Pain, Positivity, Rosacea, Stem Cell, StopTheClot, Support Group, Hope, Uncategorized, Vegetables, Vision, WegoHealth

I Am A Patient Leader to Help and Empower Others ~ WEGOHealth Awards 2017

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

 I would really appreciate your vote. Please read my story and why I became a patient leader and advocate. ThankYou.

I am so excited to announce that I have been nominated for several of the WEGO Health Awards in the

6th

Annual WEGO Health Awards.

WEGO Health is a mission driven company connecting healthcare with the experience, skills, and insights of patient leaders. They are the world’s largest network of patient leaders, working across virtually all health conditions and topics.

Click link below to learn more about their

Patient Leader Network.

https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/12801

The WEGO Health Awards were created to celebrate those who tirelessly support the mission of WEGO Health: to empower the patient voice.

With 16 award categories, the WEGO Health Awards are the only awards across all conditions and platforms, that recognize the over 100,000 yep one hundred thousand inspiring Patient Leaders who raise awareness, share information, and support their communities but often without recognition.

I was diagnosed with osteonecrosis also known as avascular necrosis in late 2014. I was told it was due to the trauma I suffered to my knee(medial meniscus tear)

I remember how I felt, I remember how afraid I was and also a feeling of hopelessness.

If doctors couldn’t help or fix me or even try what was I to do.

I never want anyone to feel that way starving for answers to questions about a new diagnosis and no place to go and no one willing to take the time to explain your new diagnosis. I new others had to be feeling the same way as I was and what an awful feeling that was . Sure I have support from my family but they don’t really understand the pain no one can unless you have it.

So I started the support group Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis Support Int’l to be a safe haven if you will, for anyone that suffers from the disease. On occasion we also allow a family member in the group if the member is comfortable with that so they can also see how this disease/disorder effects people, so they can learn from awareness and education, to have an idea just the type of pain their family member has.

The physical and psychological effects can be debilitating and isolating. Especially when you have what I refer to as a flare up of pain. You can’t plan to go to that wedding next month, you don’t know how you’ll feel in an hour.

The pain can be constant day and night pain or come at any time out of nowhere or in waves and they’re quite perturbing. It’s like a hot lightning bolt and a sledge hammer hitting you at the same time and it can be shocking to those around you,because you end up maybe screaming or yelling,sometimes swearing or just overall mood change because the pain is so intense words truly cannot describe. Some words are hot stabbing shooting debilitating and yet frozen , tourniquet like cutting off your blood supply cold pain that’s what we feel.

Its not just the pain that affects us , but also the sadness or depression that can often come with it. When we think about the future and pain gets in the way of all our plans expectations, it’s a bit shattering.

Everything seems to sort of fall apart and right now you can see only the broken image of the new you .

It’s like looking in a shattered mirror all these different fragments that no longer make you whole.

My life became very fragmented and it was a moment to moment thing because I didn’t know how I would make it through that particular day or make it through what’s going to happen tomorrow. When I was first diagnosed my mind was all over the place.

I’m not terminal but I felt like I was , because my life as I once knew it was done…over.

No doctor I saw had any plan of action to help me in fact I was told we will wait until the joint collapses then replace the knee . Talk about mind blowing!

Osteonecrosis took my career in optical which I loved. It took my hiking in the woods away which I enjoyed. It limits me which I hate. But it’s also given me a new purpose and that is spreading awareness, discussing new treatments, the chance to educate , and reaching out to others. I am a patient leader and activist. Making the invisible, visible

If you allow it, the pain and mental shit you go through when you live in pain and with a rare disorder to boot whether it’s constant or sporadic it can be toxic to the mind and soul sucking.

God forbid don’t ask for pain meds.

When I was first diagnosed my first Ortho said the pain will get intense as if it wasn’t already but I don’t give pain meds. I wondered how bad will it get? I’m already in such pain I can barely stand it. Thankfully my family doctor gave me some pain medicine.

It helped but I don’t want to take it. I’d much rather find out how to fix me.

I’m not some junkie looking for a fix, hell I don’t even want to be at a doctors office.

I would much rather be working or frankly doing anything but sitting in a doctors office.

There is so much stigma that goes along with having chronic pain .

The generalization that everyone is claiming they are in pain just to get drugs is unfair and incorrect, and I think we have to be very careful because pain for most of us is invisible,to others.

When we are out of balance mind ,body , and spirit it makes it so hard to focus.

It makes anything and everything worse.

So we have to change our mind set,respect and do what we can to help our body,and interact with others.

Usually I think people will find that in a support group even if they don’t talk they can listen to people who have the similar experiences, frustrations , challenges,pain, treatments or lack of treatment availability or just simple acknowledgement of I know what your going through, many days is a great help.

And it’s very hard to find that outside a support group.

I never insist a new member speak unless they want to. Some are just so devastated by the diagnosis that they have no words. When I see a new member especially a newly diagnosed one, my heart just knows how much fear they have and how afraid they are. I always let them know that can say anything here and it will remain here. But if they are not ready that’s fine to.

I also offer to send them a copy of a booklet I wrote about avn/on.

I know later their words will come. Right now they need to know they are not alone.

I also raise awareness by several

FB pages

Instagram

Twitter

Personal Blog on word press and blogger

Chronicallygratefuldebla.com

That’s why I am a patient leader and activist.

Here is the link to my WegoHealth profile.

I would appreciate your vote.

You can vote daily up until September 1, 2017.

Here is link

https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/12801

Thank you

Current Nominations in The 6th annual WEGO Health Awards

#WEGOHealthAwards

#PatientLeader

Please share this if you would be so kind.

Social Footprint

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What is osteonecrosis?  The term literally means bone death -osteo =bone necrosis=death.

Posted in Arthritis, Bone Health, Disclaimer, Life, OA, osteoarthritis, Pain, Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

Arthritis and related diseases can cause debilitating, life-changing pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of the adults who have arthritis report that it limits their leisure activities and work. And 25 percent of them say it causes severe pain (seven or higher on a zero to 10 point scale).

There are more than 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases. The most common types include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), fibromyalgia and gout. All of them cause pain in different ways.

Osteoarthritis
In osteoarthritis (OA), the protective cartilage inside the joint breaks down. This makes movement of affected joints more difficult and painful. In time, bones of the joint may rub directly against one another, causing severe pain. Pain can also come from parts of your joint other than the cartilage, such as bone, synovium and ligaments. The intensity of OA pain varies from person to person and can range from mild to severe.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the joints and other organs are attacked by the body’s own immune system. The immune system normally protects a person from viruses, bacteria and other invaders. In people with autoimmune diseases like RA, it becomes overactive and attacks healthy tissue. In the case of RA, the immune system primarily goes after the lining of the joints, called the synovium. Over time, the persistent inflammation breaks down the joint and damages it permanently.

Pain in RA can come from other parts of your joint besides the synovium, such as bone and ligaments.

Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune inflammatory disease in which the immune system attacks the body, causing inflammation and pain. PsA affects the joints, causing arthritis; the connective tissue where tendons or ligaments attach to bones, causing enthesitis; and the skin, causing psoriasis.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is considered a central pain syndrome. This means that the brain and spinal cord process pain signals differently. A touch or movement that doesn’t cause pain for others may feel painful to you (this is called allodynia). Something that is mildly painful to someone without fibromyalgia may hurt you even more (this is called hyperalgesia).

Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain. It may come and go or be constant. Besides pain, fibromyalgia is associated with other symptoms, such as fatigue, sleep problems, inability to concentrate and mood troubles.

Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis, but it does not cause body-wide inflammation like RA or PsA does. In gout, uric acid crystals are the problem. If your body produces too much uric acid or if you are unable to remove the excess fast enough, it can build up in the blood (called hyperuricemia). Excess uric acid can form crystals in your joints. This results in extremely painful joint inflammation. Gout usually strikes in the large joint of the big toe, but can also affect other joints. With a gout flare, you can go to bed feeling fine and wake up with excruciating pain.

Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects many parts of the body, including the joints, kidneys, skin, blood, brain and other organs. It can cause joint pain, fatigue, hair loss, sensitivity to light, fever, rash and kidney problems.

Back Pain
Back pain can be a symptom of several forms of arthritis and related conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia. Most back pain, however, is the result of some type of injury, such lifting or bending improperly, a sports injury or an automobile accident.

Other Musculoskeletal Pain
Soft-tissue rheumatic conditions can also cause pain. In these conditions, muscles, connective tissues such as tendons and ligaments, and bursae become inflamed and painful.

#Arthritis #Osteoarthritis #Rheumatoid #Arthritis #Gout #PsoriaticArthritis

More links to various forms of Arthritis
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/alphaidx.asp?p=a_1

ChronicallyGratefulDebla.com
🌷

Posted in Arthritis, AtomicBlonde, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Bone Health, Chronic Pain, Diagnosed, Disclaimer, Factor V Leiden, Flush not Blush, Happiness, Inflammation, Life, Meditation, Mindfulness, OA, Osteonecrosis, Positivity, Rosacea, Stem Cell, Support Group, Hope, Uncategorized, WegoHealth

From Optometric Tech /Optician To Professional Patient & Patient Leader

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

If you have a chronic condition or illness you may already know and understand what it feels like to be a professional patient.

Between the physical pain and symptoms and emotional symptoms, the constant doctor appointments in search of that one person knowledgeable enough to help vs refer you to yet someone else and the numerous tests and procedures (not to mention having to keeping track of all of it & all the bills that go with it ) having a chronic condition can become a full-time job and to be honest it’s more exhausting than a good day’s work.

Speaking of work.
You may find yourself needing to cut back on hours at work , go to part time or stop working altogether.

Although this may be a necessity for you and your health, other people don’t always understand why you’re not working.
They may have these crazy misconceptions that you’re now somehow slower , lazy on vacation or lucky not to have to go to work .

Those of us with chronic conditions know, this is so wrong .
And we need to say this for those who don’t understand what we feel or go through. Maybe then people will be less judgmental.

So here is what most people don’t know or understand about not working due to chronic condition or illness.

I personally would much rather be at work.
People look so surprised when I tell them that, some act as if I’m off on some luxurious vacation.
They have no idea that I’m probably home.

So yes, I’d rather be at work because being at work means I’m healthy again.

Logically I know that one good day doesn’t mean I have to ability to hold my full time job again , but its nice to hope I will be back to work someday.

I wish people knew how much I miss my job. I stayed far longer than I should have and probably did more damage to my knee than I needed to, because it was such an important part of my life.

I lost 90 percent of my social life when I left my career and now being at home mostly all day every day is incredibly isolating, not to mention how guilty you feel not doing your part. Every day I hope that I’ll be able to work again someday soon , there are only so many episodes of a tv show a person can watch , I am writing a book and I do take classes.

Being on disability and trying to get the best treatment is a full-time job.
I fill out paperwork constantly new doctors , more questions than answers.

Researching new treatments and the cost only to find great new Like about stem cell injections helping my Osteonecrosis but then being let down seeing that it’s 5-10k and never covered by insurance.

Then the frustration and sadness sets in because I live in America and I paid into Medicare and my share of taxes. And yet the government continues to hold up proven treatment that could help tens of thousands and yet some countries allow the cost of stem cells for their patients.

I also think many people see me and because I wear a little makeup and curl my hair, I think she doesn’t look disabled or ill. They don’t see me on the days I can barely move .
The days I need help going to the store because it gets so cold in the winter here in Ohio I am literally like concrete and in a great deal of pain.
Thank God Giant Eagle grocery store has a new shop for you curbside express.
You will be utilizing it this winter.

I try to be positive even when I’m in pain. I have a disease that is called Osteonecrosis due to trauma to the bone which has left me with a lack of blood supply to the knee.If you don’t have AVN/ON you won’t ever understand my pain.
I also have Spondylolisthesis L5S1 spine issues.
And Osteoarthritis another painful bone condition then add Spondylolisthesis,Hypothyroidism and Rosacea to the mix

Even though I get disability I do feel guilt now and then. I feel like I’m not contributing financially to my marriage and to be honest I miss working and making my own money.

My husband reminds me that he loves me and I would be doing the same for him if it were reversed and he’s right.

Being home all the time can be really lonely. If I had the energy and the physical stamina to be out and work, everyday life would be more fun again.

The isolation from limited human interaction is challenging so I started to take a few classes here or there, attend a seminar for this or that and meet new people. I’m going to be a health coach.

I find things to keep me and my mind busy.
I have a support group for Osteonecrosis.

I find that the spondylolisthesis is the more st painful of the few conditions I have, and the pain from Osteonecrosis is being managed mostly but it has its flares.

Osteoarthritis the stiffness is really indescribable.

But I make my own pain rubs and herbal remedies you can find many in this blog. But more will be in my book.

I became a patient leader and advocate.
I wrote a booklet about the Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis
And I blog and I’m writing a regular ebook and it should be completed by the end of the year.
link to blog ChronicallyGratefulDebla.com

I would love to find a decent work from home job.

Trust me, I would love to hold down a regular job in the optical field again.

No one realizes that a job does more for you than just pay your bills. It is part of what gives you self-esteem.

People always want you to be there for them, but are they ever there for you? Most of the time no.

I’m bored out of my absolute mind. I loved working and until my pain got bad, my job actually took my mind off it for the most part.

So next time you see your friend or family member that’s on disability don’t envy them.

Maybe remember to call them a little more often.

And let’s hope someday the government will help people get their life back by adding stem cell injections to all forums of insurance.

Posted in Arthritis, AtomicBlonde, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Blessed, Chronic Pain, Disclaimer, Eat Healthy, exercise, Factor V Leiden, Flush not Blush, Food, Gluten Free, Happiness, Herbal, Homemade Syrups,Tinctures,Rubs, Inflammation, Meditation, Mindfulness, OA, Osteonecrosis, Positivity, Rosacea, Stem Cell, StopTheClot, Support Group, Hope, Uncategorized, Vegetables, Vision

Get To Know Me

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

Hi, I'm Debbie and I have Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis, It's a rare disease/disorder where you have a temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone.
I developed my avascular necrosis/osteonecrosis after I suffered a meniscal tear. I'm lucky and very grateful because the doctors don't feel it will go to any other joints . Others including small children are not so fortunate.

We need more research on so many levels and trials.

I love to learn.
I love to educate
I love to help people realize their is always hope.
I have started to go to a more plant-based diet to help the pain caused by inflammation.

However I still will eat meat once a week no more than 2x a week.

I also personally take supplements all ok'd by my PCP

Vitamin D varies from 2000 to 5000 iu a day based on lab results

CoQ10 400mg a day

CuraMed Curcumin 375mg my
Ortho had me start with 1 in a.m and 1 in p.m for the first week, then take 1 a day.

Krill Oil – Not Fish oil
I buy Antarctic Krill Oil Platinum by 1MD because it's top quality.

Krill and fish oil similarly contain EPA and DHA, but they differ in the way that the omegas are bonded. The omegas in krill oil are mostly bonded to phospholipids while in fish oil they are bonded to triglycerides. The fat cells in humans are also in phospholipid form. A study done on the metabolic effects of krill oil concluded that the omega-3s from krill oil may be more readily and effectively absorbed after ingestion and distribution into the bloodstream.

I have gone from eating food that really wasn't that healthy to eating mostly plants real food. To help my body by giving it the best nutrients possible.
I have to say my pain has decreased.
I will have a cheat day now and then.
But when you get used to eating good healthy food anything other than that just doesn't taste as good.

So I will be posting various recipes on my main blog and sometimes here as well , ones that I tried and loved as well as some information about myself and about Osteonecrosis aka Avascular Necrosis and a few other things

I Research a lot of things
Osteoarthritis
Osteonecrosis
Spondylolisthesis
Factor V Leiden Heterogeneous
Hypothyroidism
Rosecea
Clinical Trials
Stem Cell and Prolotherapy

I love history and being outdoors

One thing I know I will do again someday is hike . Since diagnosed with Avn I haven't lived or hiked as much as I used to do to limitations because of bone problems.

I love learning and applying new things into my own life.

I truly believe we can help our pain and diminish symptoms and heal our own body most of the time if not all the time.

We just need the right tools and the know how.

My Links

Facebook Main Profile https://m.facebook.com/public/Deborah-Andio

Main Blog ChronicallyGratefulDebla.com

YouTube Awareness Videos https://m.youtube.com/user/debbieandio

New Blog on Google 3/8/2017 http://chronicallygratefuldebla.blogspot.com/2017/03/hello-i-am-debbie-andio-i-am-blogger.html

Link to Mini Fact Videos http://cortanavideo.trade/user/UC1RtmEwtWKC8w9EgE2IwOFg

Twitter https://mobile.twitter.com/debbiea001

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/debbiea_1962

FB Information and Awareness Pages Bone info and Joint of the Day https://m.facebook.com/AvascularNecrosisRareDiseaseDayFeb29/

ON/AVN https://m.facebook.com/Osteonecrosis-Avascular-Necrosis-Support-913679995417381/

ON/AVN https://m.facebook.com/ONAvascular-Necrosis-Knowledge-752404224891578/

Recipes https://m.facebook.com/YummyGoodness/

Facebook Link https://m.facebook.com/ChronicallyGrateful.Me/

NewMorning Talk Anyone who wants to do a f b live via a guest message me. Various topics health, pain, food https://m.facebook.com/MorningTalk.Healh/

Posted in Arthritis, AtomicBlonde, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Blessed, Bone Health, Cardiovascular, Chronic Pain, Diagnosed, Disclaimer, Eat Healthy, exercise, Factor V Leiden, Food, Hacks, Happiness, Herbal, Inflammation, Life, Meditation, Mindfulness, Music, OA, Osteonecrosis, Positivity, Uncategorized, Vision

Various Relaxation Techniques

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

See full Disclaimer at bottom
of the post

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Disclaimer
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The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. By using the website you are participating at your own risk.

With so much stress that comes with having a chronic condition and the world we live in is full of several fast paced situations , hurry here, hurry there , doctor appointments, tests,people with little to no patience and they want us to move a bit faster!
Excuse You! But I have a bone disease and I am going as fast as I can.
People judging us
It can be overwhelming
It's no wonder at the end of a day we can't sleep.

I think personally everyone needs to learn how to just open our mind relax and chill a little.

Relaxation Techniques
Using the Relaxation Response to Relieve Stress

For many of us, relaxation means zoning out in front of the TV at the end of a stressful day.

But this does little to reduce the damaging effects of stress.

To effectively combat stress, we need to activate the body's natural relaxation response.
You can do this by practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, rhythmic exercise, and yoga or chair yoga if you are challenged with Bone and joint issues.

Fitting these activities into your life can help reduce everyday stress, boost your energy and mood, and improve your mental and physical health..

What is the relaxation response? Well based on what I have read …
When stress overwhelms your nervous system, your body is flooded with chemicals that prepare you for "fight or flight."
This stress response can be lifesaving in emergency situations where you need to act quickly.
But when it’s constantly activated by the stresses of everyday life, it can wear your body down and take a toll on your emotional health.

No one can avoid all stress, but you can counteract its detrimental effects by learning how to produce the relaxation response, a state of deep rest that is the polar opposite of the stress response. The relaxation response puts the brakes on stress and brings your body and mind back into a state of equilibrium.
When the relaxation response is activated, your:
•heart rate slows down
•breathing becomes slower and deeper
•blood pressure drops or stabilizes
•muscles relax
•blood flow to the brain increases

In addition to its calming physical effects, the relaxation response also increases energy and focus, combats illness, relieves aches and pains, heightens problem-solving abilities, and boosts motivation and productivity. Best of all, anyone can reap these benefits with regular practice.
How to produce the relaxation response
Simply laying on the couch, reading, or watching TV while sometimes relaxing isn’t going to produce the physical and psychological benefits of the relaxation response. For that, you’ll need to actively practice a relaxation technique.
Finding the relaxation technique that’s best for you may be interesting because there is no single relaxation technique that is best for everyone.
So I am going to touch base on a few and post their YouTube links below.

The right relaxation technique is the one that resonates with you, fits your lifestyle, and is able to focus your mind and interrupt your everyday thoughts to elicit the relaxation response. You may even find that alternating or combining different techniques provide the best results.

How you react to stress may also influence the relaxation technique that works best for you:

The “fight” response. If you tend to become angry, agitated, or keyed up under stress, you will respond best to stress relief activities that quiet you down, such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing, or guided imagery.
The “flight” response. If you tend to become depressed, withdrawn, or spaced out under stress, you will respond best to stress relief activities that are stimulating and energize your nervous system, such as rhythmic exercise, massage, mindfulness, or power yoga.

The immobilization response. If you’ve experienced some type of trauma and tend to “freeze” or become “stuck” under stress, your challenge is to first rouse your nervous system to a fight or flight response (above) so you can employ the applicable stress relief techniques.
To do this, choose physical activity that engages both your arms and legs, such as running, dancing, or tai chi, and perform it mindfully, focusing on the sensations in your limbs as you move.

Deep breathing
With its focus on full, cleansing breaths, deep breathing is a simple yet powerful relaxation technique. It’s easy to learn, can be practiced almost anywhere, and provides a quick way to get your stress levels in check. Deep breathing is the cornerstone of many other relaxation practices, too, and can be combined with other relaxing elements such as aromatherapy and music. All you really need is a few minutes and a place to stretch out.
How to practice deep breathing
The key to deep breathing is to breathe deeply from the abdomen, getting as much fresh air as possible in your lungs. When you take deep breaths from the abdomen, rather than shallow breaths from your upper chest, you inhale more oxygen. The more oxygen you get, the less tense, short of breath, and anxious you feel.
•Sit comfortably with your back straight. Put one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
•Breathe in through your nose. The hand on your stomach should rise. The hand on your chest should move very little.
•Exhale through your mouth, pushing out as much air as you can while contracting your abdominal muscles. The hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little.
•Continue to breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to inhale enough so that your lower abdomen rises and falls. Count slowly as you exhale.

If you find it difficult breathing from your abdomen while sitting up, try lying down. Put a small book on your stomach, and breathe so that the book rises as you inhale and falls as you exhale.

Progressive muscle relaxation
Progressive muscle relaxation is a two-step process in which you systematically tense and relax different muscle groups in the body. With regular practice, it gives you an intimate familiarity with what tension as well as complete relaxation feels like in different parts of the body. This can help you to you react to the first signs of the muscular tension that accompanies stress. And as your body relaxes, so will your mind.

Progressive muscle relaxation can be combined with deep breathing for additional stress relief.
Practicing progressive muscle relaxation
Consult with your doctor first if you have a history of muscle spasms, back problems, or other serious injuries that may be aggravated by tensing muscles.
Start at your feet and work your way up to your face, trying to only tense those muscles intended.
1. Loosen clothing, take off your shoes, and get comfortable.
2. Take a few minutes to breathe in and out in slow, deep breaths.
3. When you’re ready, shift your attention to your right foot. Take a moment to focus on the way it feels.
4. Slowly tense the muscles in your right foot, squeezing as tightly as you can. Hold for a count of 10.
5. Relax your foot. Focus on the tension flowing away and how your foot feels as it becomes limp and loose.
6. Stay in this relaxed state for a moment, breathing deeply and slowly.
7. Shift your attention to your left foot. Follow the same sequence of muscle tension and release.
8. Move slowly up through your body, contracting and relaxing the different muscle groups.
9. It may take some practice at first, but try not to tense muscles other than those intended.

Mindfulness meditation
Rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, mindfulness meditation switches the focus to what’s happening right now, enabling you to be fully engaged in the present moment.

Meditations that cultivate mindfulness have long been used to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Some of these meditations bring you into the present by focusing your attention on a single repetitive action, such as your breathing, a few repeated words, or the flickering light of a candle. Other forms of mindfulness meditation encourage you to follow and then release internal thoughts or sensations. Mindfulness can also be applied to activities such as walking, exercising, or eating.
A basic mindfulness exercise:
1. Sit on a straight-backed chair or cross-legged on the floor.
2. Focus on an aspect of your breathing, such as the sensation of air flowing into your nostrils and out of your mouth, or your belly rising and falling.
3. Once you've narrowed your concentration in this way, begin to widen your focus. Become aware of sounds, sensations, and thoughts.
4. Embrace and consider each thought or sensation without judging it good or bad. If your mind starts to race, return your focus to your breathing. Then expand your awareness again.

Body scan meditation
This is a type of meditation that that focuses your attention on various parts of your body. Like progressive muscle relaxation, you start with your feet and work your way up. But instead of tensing and relaxing muscles, you simply focus on the way each part of your body feels, without labeling the sensations as either “good” or “bad”.
Practicing body scan meditation
•Lie on your back, legs uncrossed, arms relaxed at your sides, eyes open or closed. Focus on your breathing for about two minutes until you start to feel relaxed.
•Turn your focus to the toes of your right foot. Notice any sensations you feel while continuing to also focus on your breathing. Imagine each deep breath flowing to your toes. Remain focused on this area for one to two minutes.
•Move your focus to the sole of your right foot. Tune in to any sensations you feel in that part of your body and imagine each breath flowing from the sole of your foot. After one or two minutes, move your focus to your right ankle and repeat. Move to your calf, knee, thigh, hip, and then repeat the sequence for your left leg. From there, move up the torso, through the lower back and abdomen, the upper back and chest, and the shoulders. Pay close attention to any area of the body that causes you pain or discomfort.
•After completing the body scan, relax for a while in silence and stillness, noting how your body feels. Then slowly open your eyes and stretch, if necessary.
Rhythmic movement and mindful exercise
The idea of exercising may not sound particularly soothing, but rhythmic exercise that gets you into a flow of repetitive movement can be very relaxing. Examples include:
•Running
•Walking
•Swimming
•Dancing
•Rowing
•Climbing
For maximum stress relief, add mindfulness to your workout
While simply engaging in rhythmic exercise will help you relieve stress, if you add a mindfulness component on top, you’ll get even more benefit.
As with meditation, mindful exercise requires being fully engaged in the present moment—paying attention to how your body feels right now, rather than your daily worries or concerns. In order to “turn off” your thoughts, focus on the sensations in your limbs and how your breathing complements your movement.
If you’re walking or running, for example, focus on the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the rhythm of your breath, and the feeling of the wind against your face. If your mind wanders to other thoughts, gently return to focusing on your breathing and movement.
Visualization
Visualization, or guided imagery, is a variation on traditional meditation that involves imagining a scene in which you feel at peace, free to let go of all tension and anxiety. Choose whatever setting is most calming to you, whether it’s a tropical beach, a favorite childhood spot, or a quiet wooded glen.
You can practice visualization on your own or with a therapist (or an audio recording of a therapist) guiding you through the imagery. You can also choose to do your visualization in silence or use listening aids, such as soothing music or a sound machine or recording that matches your chosen setting—the sound of ocean waves if you’ve chosen a beach, for example.
Practicing visualization
Close your eyes and imagine your restful place. Picture it as vividly as you can—everything you can see, hear, smell, taste, and feel. Just “looking” at it like you would a photograph is not enough. Visualization works best if you incorporate as many sensory details as possible.
For example, if you are thinking about a dock on a quiet lake:
•See the sun setting over the water
•Hear the birds singing
•Smell the pine trees
•Feel the cool water on your bare feet
•Taste the fresh, clean air
Enjoy the feeling of your worries drifting away as you slowly explore your restful place. When you are ready, gently open your eyes and come back to the present.
Don't worry if you sometimes zone out or lose track of where you are during a visualization session. This is normal. You may also experience feelings of heaviness in your limbs, muscle twitches, or yawning. Again, these are normal responses.
Yoga and tai chi
Yoga involves a series of both moving and stationary poses, combined with deep breathing. As well as reducing anxiety and stress, yoga can also improve flexibility, strength, balance, and stamina. Since injuries can happen when yoga is practiced incorrectly, it’s best to learn by attending group classes, hiring a private teacher, or at least following video instructions. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can practice alone or with others, tailoring your practice as you see fit.

If you’re unsure whether a specific yoga class is appropriate for stress relief, call the studio or ask the teacher.
Tai chi
If you’ve seen a group of people in the park slowly moving in synch, you’ve probably witnessed tai chi. Tai chi is a self-paced, non-competitive series of slow, flowing body movements. By focusing your mind on the movements and your breathing, you keep your attention on the present, which clears the mind and leads to a relaxed state.
Tai chi is a safe, low-impact option for people of all ages and fitness levels, including older adults and those recovering from injuries. As with yoga, it's best learned in a class or from a private instructor. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can practice alone or with others.
Self-massage
You’re probably already aware how much a professional massage at a spa or health club can help reduce stress, relieve pain, and ease muscle tension. What you may not be aware of is that you can experience many of the same benefits at home or work by practicing self-massage—or trading massages with a loved one.
Try taking a few minutes to massage yourself at your desk between tasks, on the couch at the end of a hectic day, or in bed to help you unwind before sleep. To enhance relaxation, you can use aromatic oil, scented lotion, or combine self-message with mindfulness or deep breathing techniques.

Starting a regular relaxation practice
Learning the basics of these relaxation techniques isn’t difficult, but it takes regular practice to truly harness their stress-relieving power. Most stress experts recommend setting aside at least 10 to 20 minutes a day for your relaxation practice. If you’d like to maximize the benefits, aim for 30 minutes to an hour.
Tips for making relaxation techniques part of your life
Set aside time in your daily schedule. If possible, schedule a set time once or twice a day for your practice. If your schedule is already packed, remember that many relaxation techniques can be practiced while you’re doing other things. Try meditating while commuting on the bus or train, taking a yoga or tai chi break at lunchtime, or practicing mindful walking while exercising your dog.
Don't practice when you're sleepy. These techniques are so relaxing that they can make you very sleepy. However, you will get the most benefit if you practice when you’re fully alert. Avoid practicing close to bedtime or after a heavy meal or alcohol.
Expect ups and downs. Don’t be discouraged if you skip a few days or even a few weeks. Just get started again and slowly build up to your old momentum.
If you exercise, improve the relaxation benefits by adopting mindfulness. Instead of zoning out or staring at a TV as you exercise, try focusing your attention on your body. If you’re resistance training, for example, focus on coordinating your breathing with your movements and pay attention to how your body feels as you raise and lower weights.

Here is a few links I use to
relax
reduce pain
help me sleep better

These are my favorites and I listen to it daily and a few I listen to now and then

Daily
Mindfulness
https://youtu.be/-2zdUXve6fQ

Stress Relief and Confidence
https://youtu.be/-KMngzCWgTw

Morning Meditation for Healing
https://youtu.be/q9ZR_CJhuLc

Reiki for pain relief
https://youtu.be/3nJtajgAb34

Relax Video Male Voice
https://youtu.be/_jD3VxSGM-k

https://youtu.be/oA_rY4N8XJA

Sounds for Anxiety depression
https://youtu.be/AmqDOA-JALg

Meditation Sounds for pain relief
https://youtu.be/XiNne25uMK8

To help you sleep
https://youtu.be/xQ6xgDI7Whc

Disclaimer
Usage Policy
•
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. By using the website you are participating at your own risk.
• Make sure you practise with enough free space around you. Wear comfortable clothing so you can move freely.
• Please take responsibility for your own body and include extra warm up and cool down stretches where appropriate.
• You should avoid alcohol and drugs before yoga and meditation. Also no heavy meals for two hours before practice. Keep yourself hydrated before and after your yoga practice.
• If you feel dizzy, light-headed, faint, or if you experience any other discomfort, stop exercising immediately and consult a medical doctor. You are responsible for your condition during your practice. Exercise within your limits. Never force or strain. Seek attention and advice as appropriate.
• We offer no medical advice. You should consult a medical practitioner before starting any new exercise regime. This is particularly important if you are overweight, pregnant, nursing, regularly taking medications, or have any existing medical conditions. This website may not be tailored to your current physical and mental health. We accept no liability whatsoever for any damages arising from the use of this website.
• We do not recommend that you attempt any of this or yoga exercises for the first time without suitable experience or supervision.
• While This website takes reasonable efforts to maintain this website in an accurate and up-to-date fashion it may contain some technical or other mistakes, inaccuracies or typographical errors. This website cannot be held responsible for any mistakes or omissions on this website.

Posted in #Blessed30Challenge, Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Blessed, Bone Health, Chronic Pain, Diagnosed, Eat Healthy, Factor V Leiden, Happiness, Inflammation, Life, Meditation, Mindfulness, OA, Osteonecrosis, Positivity, Rosacea, Uncategorized, Vision

Body Betrayal: How to Find Gratitude and Happiness While Coping w/ Chronic Pain or Illness

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

This disease called Avascular Necrosis is a terrible one especially when your dealing with multifocal avn.

I am grateful to only have it in one joint

All chronic conditions that change our life and lifestyle suck and if we're not careful depression could easily take over and we lose sight of the beautiful spiritual being we are on this human journey called life.

I understand it can be depressing, being on a fixed income blows, I understand you may not be able to do the same things as before but your still the kind loving person you always were.

Don't let the pain consume your every thought.

Don't ever doubt that you have a purpose we all have a purpose in life and sometimes it will change somehow we are going through this for a reason. I'm not sure what that reason is but we were all put on this path for something.

Maybe we are going through this instead of dealing with something worse.

Do you like to write? draw? paint? poetry? craft?

I personally love photography

Are you able to still drive?

What is the one thing that could help make your life easier?

I always think of this quote when I am sad in pain and missing my old "normal " life.
Now I have a new normal

“As long as you make an identity for yourself out of pain, you cannot be free of it.”
Eckhart Tolle

Up until the past year , I also often felt betrayed by my body. It was always breaking down, leaving me frustrated and pissed off.

No one else around me seemed to have as many problems.

Each moment we are in chronic pain or dealing with illness, we can choose our attitude toward it. I know pain is a bitch and it sucks and we can't do the things we used to. But maybe we have to focus on the things we can do and celebrate small victories vs beating ourselves up for things we are unable to do.

So I wanted to share a few small tips I’ve learned along the way

1. Do what you can.
Focusing on all the ways you are limited brings on a case of the “poor me’s” lickety split. “Poor-me-land” is the most unfun place ever so get outta there as quick as you can and hop on the gratitude train.
Seriously. Focusing on what you can do gives you more inner peace, keeps you grounded, and inspires you to take action.

2. Don’t do what you can’t.
Being a martyr and pushing yourself to try to appear less weak to yourself or others is a recipe for disaster. So don’t try to be a hero. If it hurts or it will hurt, and you hear yourself saying, “I should” or “Screw it, I’m doing it anyway” that means your inner critic has barged in and is running the show.
The best way I’ve learned to deal with mine is to banish to a sofa.
As weird as this may sound, it’s my way of calming down.
Then I have the grace to give myself a break.

3. Stop trying to heal.
I know it sounds weird, but hear me out. The idea of “healing” brings to my mind someone who is sick, broken, less than good enough.

What if instead of trying to heal yourself, ask yourself if you treat your body with absolute kindness?
What would that look like?
Of course you may still need to see health practitioners, but your intention shifts from getting someone to fix what is broken, to the ultimate in self-nurturing.

4. Meditate.
I don’t think there is a person alive who couldn’t benefit from meditation.This is really true for anyone experiencing chronic pain.
If you are unsure how message me.

5. Invest as much as you can in your health.
Eat as well as you can afford.
Get enough sleep
Rest when your body needs rest. You must laugh at least once a day. See your doctor and take your meds as directed.

6. Nourish yourself.
When I feel like crap or am in pain it’s so easy to eat sugary foods or chips to comfort myself and it's quick. Who wants to cook when your in pain

But it always backfires because I end up feeling empty and drained after the rushing sugar or carb high. When I choose food that I know my body will love me for, it helps me by putting more energy into healing itself. I feel more alive when I eat healthy.

7. Find pleasure.
Illness is a drag, no doubt about it. But humor and pleasure are incredibly healing. Surround yourself with as much pleasure as you can. It doesn’t have to be grandiose or expensive.
Simple pleasures every day can help alleviate suffering, whether it’s watching a comedy, crocheting, painting,using your favorite tea cup, being in nature, reading a good novel or listening to your favorite cd.

Whatever works for you.
Write a list of your favorite things, because sometimes we forget in the moment, and reminding ourselves of the fun stuff helps us do a 180 toward joy.

We have to every single day get up tell ourself how wonderful we are compliment your kids.
Celebrating the small things we can do will help us take our mind of what we can't do.

Your life style may have changed but your still a beautiful spiritual being on a human journey.
We cannot lose sight of how great we are pain or no pain.

Good Comedians to laugh at
Ralph May.
Katt Williams
Jay Larson
Ali Wong
Ellen De generous
Janeane Garofalo

Relaxation and meditation sounds
You
https://youtu.be/luRkeDCoxZ4

I may have days may pain takes over and my plans have to change.
But I am grateful for I was allowed another day to start again and appreciate my family and friends

Posted in Arthritis, Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Blessed, Bone Health, Cardiovascular, Chronic Pain, Diagnosed, DNA, Eat Healthy, Factor V Leiden, Happiness, Homemade Syrups,Tinctures,Rubs, Inflammation, Mindfulness, OA, Osteonecrosis, Positivity, Stem Cell, StopTheClot, Support Group, Hope, Uncategorized, WegoHealth

~Health  Awards ~ Advocate Nominee 

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla

I was notified about a month ago I was nominated for a few awards in a few categories for awareness I vowed when diagnosed with avn /on I would never want anyone to feel as alone and scared as I did in 2014. 

https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/12801

My Ortho who diagnosed me really never took the time to even explain to me what I had, or come up with any positive plan of action. He did say when I asked when the plan was …..we will wait until your knee collapses and the replace it !!

Are you frickin kidding me!! That was his plan of action.

Well thank god my knee still is hanging in there and no sign of collapse and when it does happen if that happens he won't be doing surgery.

After the initial shock and grief I went through for what my life was and what may now be I vowed to be a world changer The Ortho also failed to tell me how rare this is and when I did my own research and found out how rare it was rare, it  left me feeling even more alone.

Sure my husband was and family were supportive but they had no clue what I had 

I also have a few other medical issues 

Osteoarthritis Spondylolisthesis Hypothyroidism , Factor V, Rbbb.

And I advocate for all and then some. 
I don't want anyone who was diagnosed with anything to ever feel alone. 

But when you have an orphan disease it just makes it harder some days to deal with. 

It's not like heart disease or cancer where there is constant education, awareness and research being done. 

I hope to change that. Osteonecrosis aka Avascular Necrosis had no cause ribbon so I made them, designed them. Now we have one

There was little information I changed that, I wrote a booklet for patients who have or are just diagnosed with Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis 

I stay up to date on new treatments, trials

I also compiled an ongoing list of doctors not just locally but world wide who are knowledgeable in Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis.

I am so honored to have been nominated 

I was nominated for 8 or 9 different categories and I am asking for your support(vote).

I would greatly appreciate it. 

Also there are so many other wonderful nominees maybe you could also give them a vote as well
Here is how it works 

Click below link

You will come to my wegohealth leader profile 

When you click endorse you will have the option to share it you don't have to but thanks if you do. 

It will then take you back to endorse screen so you can vote for the next award I am nominated for. 
As an advocate for Osteonecrosis and a few others things, like Osteoarthritis,Spondylolisthesis,Hypothyroidism, Heart Disease I take pride in all the research I do to raise awareness. 


I am a voice and resource in a rare community for those of us who are suffering with Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis the orphan disease most people have never heard of unless your diagnosed.
I have the honor this year again of being nominated for many of the categories 16 health awards this year as a member of wegohealth.

Thank You In Advance. 

https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/12801

Posted in Avascular Necrosis, Awareness, Chronic Pain, Inflammation, Life, Osteonecrosis, Support Group, Hope, Uncategorized

The Importance Of A Support Group

Posted on by ChronicallyGratefulDebla


Living with chronic illness is incredibly challenging at times (understatement of the year!) You wake up with no pain then sudden pain,or you wake up in pain deal with all day pain. You can’t do this , you can’t do that. Because your body just won’t allow it. You have to be strong even when you don’t want to be. 
Then there are days you just want to say “I give up” and lay in bed because it’s the only place your bones and joints don’t hurt as much. That’s a slippery slope, that’s when depression wants to creep in and destroy you even further instead of physically now it’s effecting you mentally.

The answer is Support! You need to get in a good support group.

 Even if your immobile there are many groups on Facebook all you have to do search it. 


If you have Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis your welcome to join us. 

https://m.facebook.com/groups/DeadBoneDiseaseAVN/

But having a good group of people in our lives on whom we can lean on, share with, commiserate with,can greatly decrease that challenge of depression setting in. 

So that’s why today over on my blog

http://www.ChronicallyGratefulDebla.com 

 I’m writing about the importance of a good support system.

We really need them when it seems like the world is crashing down. But we also need them in the days we’re doing ok. 
Have you ever experienced the pain of rejection or just felt less of a person from the people you thought were there for you? 

Friends & Family either refuse to understand or just don’t want to be bothered by learning about the disease \ disorder.

Or your own brain starts thinking I’m useless, I can’t do anything like I used to. You need a support system! 

Many people who don’t have a chronic life, struggle to understand life with a chronic condition. I wish they did but honestly the only people that understand are those that also have chronic condition.

Some people including people you know, at some point may say really hurtful things out of pure ignorance like gee you don’t look sick, or wow your house is a bit messy today ,or what did you do today , or geez I wish I didn’t have to go to work anymore.
Or they blame you for your illness/ condition.
Well if ate better,exercised more maybe you wouldn’t be in this spot , or smoked less etc….

Just ignore them. Badgering you isn’t going to change your illness. You even wonder why did I tell them about your illness.
Yes, unfortunately some people should not be trusted with your feelings or the the truth about your pain.

 They just won’t understand. And it’s not up to you to keep explaining yourself.

But there are good listeners that offer you a good and safe support system,you just need to know how to identify them!

I really want you to get in a good support system , make it a priority, even if things aren’t too bad right now or you just been diagnosed and have no one to ask questions to. 
Get in a support group. 

You will be so glad you did. We can help you with any questions you may have , we’re here to listen, offer life experience, suggestions. We don’t offer medical advice as that’s between you and your doctor.

You can’t just expect everyone to be there for you in your struggle with illness. Let’s face it not everyone can handle it, and quite frankly not everyone will want to . And not everyone is worthy. 

How Will A Safe Person Make You Feel?

Do they make you feel comfortable being yourself? 
You should feel comfortable with who you are, flaws and all. No one should make you feel judged or less of the amazing person you are. If they do move on….

Do they make you feel energized? Ready to fight a good fight? Supportive people should nit suck the life out of you, leaving you feeling worn out.

They should make you feel more energized by the time they leave or hang up the phone. If you find a person exhausting, they should not be in your support system. 

You should find support from a variety of relationships. No one person can give us everything we need not even your spouse!.

Your Spouse

If you aren’t married or in a serious relationship, this obviously doesn’t apply. But if you are, your spouse can be the most immediate source of support in your life. 

Most of us live with spouses that don’t have an illnesses themselves, so they have a lot of learning to do in order to understand us. 

Your responsibility is to explain your condition and your struggles and what you would like from your spouse. Spell it out! 

They are not mind readers so don’t expect them to simply know or understand.However, don’t assume your spouse is able or willing to support you in this way. Unfortunately, some are not, but luckily there are other relationships that can be supportive.

Your Family

If you have people in your family, whether it’s a spouse, parents or cousins, they should be a part of your support system. Just be sure your relationships are healthy and helpful. 

Again, communication is key when it comes to family because they’ve known you so long. They may be relating to you based on assumptions, so be clear about your needs.

Your Friends

Ahh yes friends can be some of the best relationships to be part of your support system. You get to choose these people, and choose when to see them, when to talk to them. 
Just realize not all your friends will be a support for you, but one or two that will is great. 

Friends should be encouraging and understanding, and this should be mutual. 

Your Support Groups

The best people to understand what you’re going through are those who have experienced it themselves. 
That’s why support groups can be so helpful. Whether it’s through Facebook or a community center, others who are struggling as you do can help you through what they have already experienced 
They listen well, empathise, and offer advice when you want it. 

Chronic illness can often be very isolating, but support groups provide a like minded community. One word of caution for any online groups: when people aren’t interacting face-to-face they feel more comfortable saying whatever they want.

Just because people are in the group because of their experience with illness doesn’t mean they will be safe people. 
Always exercise caution when sharing in online forums. Make sure you’re aware of the risk of receiving unkind words and unwarranted advice.Some individuals can be just rude. 
I don’t tolerate mean people and people who bully others are just inconsiderate these people will be removed. 
I also have seen other groups where the leaders were the bullies. Get out if you join a group where the leaders are bossy,mean and or downgrading. No one needs that. We have enough to deal with. 

Your Pets

Who doesn’t love a dog or cat, bird, lizard whatever …that snuggles, they can be life savers dogs they get you out of the house for walks, and even help you meet people in your neighborhood. Time at home is much less lonely than it would have been before a pet enter your life. 
Pets can be the best part of a support system. For some therapy pets can be a crucial part of the ability to function. For others it can be therapeutic to have something to nurture. And they love us no matter how we look or feel. 
I personally don’t have a pet as they are not allowed in my building, but when I visit my family their 2 dogs are so lovable you can’t get bored when they are around. 
If you don’t have a pet and are considering one make sure you are prepared in how to care for it. Be sure you are physically able to do so. Also, I hope you consider rescuing one. 
I hope you find a good support system. If you have Avascular Necrosis/Osteonecrosis your welcome to join my fb group. 
https://m.facebook.com/groups/DeadBoneDiseaseAVN/

Have a great day.