Not Disabled in Spirit

 Greetings again,

There are times when my disabilities get the better of me. There are times when I am drawn into the depths of depression due to my condition and the things I can't do. I dream of a time when this was not the case, but looking back it is simply not true. I have always had issues which have plagued me in a medical sense. The important thing is that I struggle, and I continue to struggle.

I refuse to be disabled in spirit. I will use my power to flourish. I will use my power to live the best life I can regardless of what issues there might be with my body. I will fight for every drop of life I can drink. 

I will not be disabled in spirit. I have a host of medical issues which plague me daily, but I will not accept that these will rule my life completely. I will not accept being disabled in spirit, I will fight for what I can do, where I can flourish. I will not accept that because I have disabilities I should sit back and watch life go by. No. This is not my life, and it will not be my life, I refuse to be disabled in spirit.

If you have a spirit of can, you can do a lot more than a spirit of can't. The challenges present in life are a chance to grow stronger, to learn from mistakes, and grow even more. The necessary thing here is that you are not disabled in spirit, but allow your spirit to flourish, regardless of what issues might plague you.

Cheers,

Henry.

Fight for Life

 Greetings, 

It has been a while since I posted here, I have been somewhat busy writing and fencing, as usual. I have come to a bit of a block, and now I am figuring my way around it, just as I have done for all the other obstacles placed in my path. Fibro has sucked over Winter, but that was expected. Enough of the guff, time for the post...

Cheers,

Henry.

A Fight for Life

I spend much of my days either writing or fencing. This is the nature of my life, it is the life I have to me. The reason for this is that I have determined that I will fight for life. Not just to exist, but to live.

I have had some sort of illness or another, physical or mental, from the day I was born. The thing is that my parents did not coddle me, they did not try and prevent me from doing things, quite the opposite, they encouraged me to do things. They encouraged me to get out with my friends and have fun; they encouraged me to take up sports; and did what they could to support this process.

They encouraged me to try things and find out what I was good at, they encouraged me to succeed where I was drawn, not to be shoe-horned into some path I was not interested in. I decided I wanted to become an historian, not an accountant or some other occupation which would pay a significant amount, my parents supported my decision. This was evident even from when I was in secondary school, and further into high school. I took history subjects wherever I could find them, to increase my knowledge, to increase my critical thinking.

All of this imbued me with a drive for what I wanted, regardless of what that was; if there was a way I would find it, if there wasn’t a way, I would simply find a way. The concepts of “can’t”, “shouldn’t”, “mustn’t” and other such words simply waved a red flag in my face. I will admit some of this tendency did drive me toward trouble and things I really should not have, but each was a learning experience. Every time I failed, I learnt something from the situation. This drive has led me to the place where I am today.

I have sacrificed opportunities and different paths to lead where I am now. Some of those paths were simply closed to me due to my circumstances. I did not berate the situation, curse it, I simply found another way around, some other way to achieve what I wanted to achieve. I am not saying that I have not had my set-backs, times when I could have chosen better, times when I could have done better; no, this would paint the wrong picture of me, I am no saint, no genius, I am just a person who decided what sort of life I wanted and have striven toward it.

Is my life perfect? Certainly not. I still have struggles, and not only with my health. Am I yet where I want to be? Certainly not, I have found a path with no end in sight, a path that will only end with my last breath. This appeals to me that I will never find the end. The Wisdom of Silenus states that we should prefer to die early than know we will never find the end of the path, never learn everything, never do everything we want; I take this not as a reason to be depressed, but to accept the challenge that I will do what I can, I will do as much as I can before my life ends, I will strive to the dizzying heights, even if I never make it.

I fight for life. I want to live, not just exist, and if this requires me to stand outside the normal bounds, then so be it. I will strive for life; I will fight for every little bit of life I can get.

Was it worth it... Hell yes!

 Greetings,

It's been a while, I know. I have been busy writing for my Patreon page which has been keeping me occupied on the writing front. Not much there on FM to tell you the truth. Mostly stuff about fencing and social stuff, though there are some interesting things about disability considerations, and more coming no doubt. I tend to write what I am interested about. Enough of my waffle, let's get to the point...

Story:
Late May, I went to the Bundaberg Show for four days to help some friends with a demonstration of Renaissance fencing, which if you haven't read my blog before, is the thing that keeps me going. I write, and I fence, this is my life. So this experience resulted in me fencing twice a day, for about half an hour against two friends. Camping on a camp-bed. Oh, yeah, and travelling 5 hours by train to get to the place in the first place.

The weekend after this there was an event I went to, for another four days. More fencing all of the days, well most of them, but I am getting to that. Sleeping on a bunk that was too short for me, and travelling to and from by public transport again, as I am medically-disqualified from driving due to my FM. 

The result:
Fibro-flare. I ended up with my arm in a sling for one of the days of the second event, and not fencing. Oh yeah, and a week's recovery, which I am just coming to the end of as I am speaking. Not to mention desperately needing to go and see my physio.

Things I know:

1. Next year the same two events will happen again.
2. Next year I will likely go to the two same events again, and do it all over again.
3. Next year I will likely have the same result unless my FM is gone (yeah, right), or I am much fitter (maybe).

Conclusion:

Some would say I haven't learnt a thing from my experience because I am willing to do it again. Some would say I should learn to look after myself better. Some would say I shouldn't push myself so hard. I say they are "Nay-sayers."

The only question I have to ask is: Was it worth it? If the title of this article doesn't give you the answer, let me repeat that, "Hell yes!" I had one hell of a lot of fun fencing with my friends at the Bundaberg Show and spending evenings with them chatting. I had a lot of fun fencing with old friends and making new ones at the event that followed the weekend after. 

Momento mori - you will die. Yes, so go out and live while you have the chance. Take life by both hands and squeeze every drop of life out of it; be in every moment. Marcus Aurelius said, "Live every day like it was your last." 

Cheers,

Henry.

3 Months Later... A new symptom...

 Greetings,

It has been a while since I have posted on here because I have not really had all that much to say about my FM... days. I dislike calling them "struggles" because that gives the whole thing too much power over me. Sure, I do struggle some days, but I like to think I am on top of it most of the time, even if this concept is only in my head, and that is mostly enough. I have found if I keep myself positive, then that is a good part of the battle. Yup, if you haven't figured it out yet, I am a fighter.

I am the sort of guy who sits on the waiting list to go into the "Persistent Pain Management Clinic" for an extended period of time. I had a second referral sent, because my first one expired. I was told about the appointment well in advance, and decided to investigate pain, and write something about it. You can read it if you like, it's called "On Pain: A Personal Discovery". It was a most interesting investigation. When I went in there for my first appointment and had a chat with their psychologist, she looked at me like, "What are you doing here?" she actually said there wasn't much they could do for me, because I already was doing all they would be teaching me. I dropped a copy of the investigation off for them to read. My next appointment was with the physiotherapist, they gave me the same look. So, I was promptly discharged.

Anyway, I am rambling as I am want to do when I write my posts, I will get back to the point. It looks like the insomnia associated with FM has decided to kick in. My sleep has gradually gotten shorter over the past month or two. When it was getting down around 7 hours, I was a little concerned. This morning I woke up at 3 am, after going to bed at 11 pm the night before. Looks like it is a "thing" now. I will just have to go back and add it to the list I suppose, at least if it settles in without any answers from the doctors. My sleep specialist is not going to be happy. I just hope they don't decide to take my VPAP machine off me. Nope, no typo, I don't have a CPAP, I have a variable pressure machine.

I have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea like other people, but I also have Central Sleep Apnoea as well. The second one means that occasionally my lungs get bored, and just decide not to work. Yup, lots of fun. This explained the really bad sleep I was getting before I was put on the machine and the reason the CPAP machine I was first put on didn't work. Anyway, I think that is enough of an update for now. Still writing, still fencing, my writing is going mostly to my Patreon page, which you should really have a look at if you like my writing. Anyway, I hope you have a comfortable, if not pain-free day.

Cheers,

Henry.

What is a Disability Advocate?

 Greetings,

I thought this subject was pertinent for this blog, even though I have another for my political and social ramblings. However, I want to talk about a disability advocate, and why it is important all of us stand as disability advocates.

No, it doesn't mean you need to go stand on a street corner with a sign, or go hassling people for signatures. We can all advocate in our own ways. I have been posting on my wall, on Facebook, one image per day since July about disability issues, or things related to disability issues. Trying to get some people to think about the issues I am showing. I figure if I can't get my friends to stop, consider, and even care a little, there was little point in me trying to get strangers to do the same.

Advocating for disabilities means, leaving designated spots free for people who need them. Not just carparks, but also seats on trains and buses, and places for wheelchairs and scooters. It means being aware of those who use these devices, and encouraging, and even insisting that others be aware of them as well.

It means being aware of how we speak, not only about others, but ourselves as well. We need to be aware of words which put people down, and also those that lift people up. There are guides available on the internet from the US and Australia as well, not to mention other places. There is even one from the United Nations, which should not be surprising considering the presence of the Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities being present. 

Being an advocate is standing up for others, and standing up for humanity. Disability knows no differentiation of sex, race, colour, creed, religion, sexual preference, social status, or any other way people might want to divide us. You will find people with disabilities among all of these groups, so in standing up for disabilities you are standing up for humanity, and the best of humanity.

One quiet voice, can turn into a roar, when they support a cause they believe in. The same voice becomes deafening when it is supported by other voices. Become the voice that begins the roar.

Cheers,

Henry.

Let's Talk About Pain...

Greetings,

Be warned this one is coming completely off the top of my head, so it is likely going to be a rambling discussion of subjects such as Pain Scales and other such things. Further, there will be other such topics of discussion when it comes to pain present here. Quite frankly, you're just going to have to read along to find out. If you want something substantially more structured, and a hell of a lot longer, have a read of the document I wrote. This one does not appear on my Patreon site because I wanted everyone to read it. I might put it up there as a public post, just to get a larger audience to read it.

Like the "Disability Conversation," the "Pain Conversation" makes people uncomfortable. In some instances it is because it results in the infamous "pain comparison" i.e., my pain is worse than yours, or I have experienced worse pain than you have. This comparison of pain is often a point-scoring exercise, rather than an exercise in understanding which is what is needed in a conversation about pain. If we can understand pain we can move toward dealing with pain.

Rather than a "pain comparison," there needs to be empathy between the people in the conversation, to try and understand the pain that the other experiences. The direction of such a conversation should be directed toward ways the pain can be dealt with, how the pain is removed, or how it is shifted so the person can get on with living. This is the important part, ensuring pain does not control our lives, that we don't just exist, that we live.

The Pain Scale in its classic form is a set of numbers from 0 - 10 where each represents the level of pain an individual happens to be in at the time. For chronic pain sufferers this scale is odd, strange even, as this mythical 0, often does not exist for them unless they are unconscious or anesthetised, or in some similar condition where the brain is inactive. Where there is chronic pain, the Pain Scale shifts, it does not shorten, it shifts, or can shift.

If an individual has "background" i.e., permanent pain, at 3, this is their new 0, therefore the 10 in their scale can be 3 steps above 10, and sometimes is due to being "used to pain." In other cases it works in a different way where the scale simply gets shorter. The other numbers are cut off, 3 is the new 0, and 7 is the new 10, because their pain has increased and their ability to cope has reduced.

In my case my Pain Scale is simply f*cked-up. Then again, I have fibromyalgia (FM), so most of my readers should not be surprised if they have been reading my posts. I have background pain all of the time, the level of which floats, depending on the day, weather, and activity. The only time I have 0 level of pain is when I am unconscious, anesthetised, or asleep (with VPAP on and night-time drugs taken). Pain usually wakes me up in the morning.

How do I deal with my "life of pain" as some writer put it? Depends. Some of the pain I can move to the back of my thoughts. I just tell it to go away because I have things to do, I am simply too busy to be in pain. Other times, I save up my "spoons" and blow the lot of them on activities I love, knowing that I am going to pay for the experience. 

Some will claim this is a "boom and bust" lifestyle and it is not good for me. My response is that I am a quality of life, not a quantity of life, sort of guy. I am going to live my life. I am not going to spend it restricting myself because an activity might hurt, or because I know it does, even though I enjoy it.

There will be those who will say, that this is not your way. No, it isn't. This is my way of living and having a life. I live and I do the things that I love. I contribute to society where I can through my activities and through my involvement with other people. I do my best to not let pain get in the way of these activities. 

I will not be bound. I will not be restricted. I will find ways and means. This is my way. I find each struggle and obstacle, not as a hindrance, but as a challenge laid before me. They are a chance for me to overcome these obstacles and struggles, but they are also a chance for me to overcome the greatest challenger of my life, myself. Pain is just another part of me that is a challenge to defeat. Look forward, not backward; look toward the life that is before you. Love your life. AMOR FATI - love your fate. 

Of interest, I went to the Pain Management Clinic (or whatever they want to call themselves this time), I saw the doctor and talked about my medications and so forth. She changed one of my medications, and my GP and I are discussing whether or not we will change another. I saw their psychologist, and her response was you are doing all that we teach, "What are you doing here?" I saw their physiotherapist and told her about what I do, she also said I was doing what I needed, "What are you doing here?" They both reported back to the doctor, and I was shortly thereafter discharged from the clinic over the phone... might have helped me dropping that 88-page monster I had previously indicated. I believe that my understanding of pain is quite complete, but I am always learning.

Cheers,

Henry.

"I am Disabled"

Greetings,

There are people out there who will instantly reel in shock from those three words stating, “No, you should refer to yourself as a person with a disability.” To which my answer is and emphatic “No.” There is a story behind this and also a statement. 

I have always been chronically ill, it has only been the illness which has changed. I started off with asthma when I was young (misdiagnosed as chronic bronchitis to begin with). I spent most of my childhood bouncing from the doctors to home to hospital, so much so that the hospital got nicknamed my "second home." It may not have helped that I was having none of it, and was out doing what boys of my age were doing, playing sports, camping and generally having fun, but I sure as hell was not going to live in a bubble, as much as one of my friend's mothers decided she was going to try. I am not the sort of person who usually just gives in to my illness and goes and does nothing.

Once I just started to get my handle on this, as I grew and exercised more, I started getting pain in my fingers and my wrists, over a period of time this spread and began affecting all my joints. I got bounced from one rheumatologist to that, one specialist to that. No one had any answers in the beginning. The only thing that they could tell me was it was not in my head, there was "something" wrong. Not helpful in a world that wants names for things to put on paperwork. I proceeded with life as best I could denying the pain as best I could, denying that there was really anything wrong. It would take years before a) they gave a name to my problem (fibromyalgia) and b) before I would acknowledge that I had a disability, as much as I had friends (and some family) telling me so.

The fact that I can now own that title, the fact that I can now say, "I am disabled." gives me power. This is a part of myself that was missing for years. Now that I have a greater understanding of myself, I can do more, be more. I am embracing it even more these days. Waving it in people's faces to let people know that disabled issues have not been solved, and that we (as in the disabled community) will not be pushed aside. 

Go have a look at the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990 or the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 if you're in Australia, read them well. Then, realise people with disabilities are still being ignored and denied human rights and freedoms other people take for granted. Why? Because people think that so long as these laws are followed, that's enough.

Now for the statement:

How I refer to myself, how I identify myself is more important than any label any other person might want to give me.

I find power in the statement, "I am disabled." Having a disability is a part of my life, and one that took me years to accept. It is not about being alone, quite the opposite, there is a community of people with disabilities. Having a disability just another state of being, it is just another state of being human. No different to being tall, short, thin, fat, black, white, or any of the many other labels we might use to describe ourselves. The state of being disabled just happens to have some other issues to contend with, most of which can be overcome if people in society have a care and consideration for their fellow man.

"Disability" and "disabled" are not a offensive words, people's reactions to them are, as are people's reactions to people with disabilities. 

People are concerned about "politically-correct" language, and don't want people to call themselves "disabled." Well, as a disabled person, I will say that that is not your choice, it is my choice what I call myself. It is my perspective which gives meaning to the statement of my identity, you don't have to understand it, it really only has to have meaning for me.

Cheers,

Henry.

Monetisation: A Question of Requirement

Greetings,

I have previously discussed the question of what my time is worth, and also a post about whether or not my time at university was a waste of time. I have been happy cruising along with my payments from Services Australia, under the auspices of the Department of Social Services. Yes, regardless of their re-branding, change of logo, or whatever, they are still the Department of Social Services, or DSS in Australia. However, more recently, there have been comments about what advantages I have, what privileges I have, and quite frankly with the way that the government has been managing the country, I have been feeling the squeeze on the more social/comfort parts of my life.

The result of all of this consideration? 

There needs to be a little background before I get to that. I write four blogs at the moment, this one, "A Fencer's Ramblings" my fencing blog where I discuss fencing and training in fencing, and all of the details that go along with that pursuit; "A Life with Fibromyalgia" where I discuss some of my medical history, and how I deal with my chronic illnesses, primarily fibromyalgia; and "Olde Wordes: An Examination of Elizabethan English" which began as a foundation for writing the Elizabethan portion of one of my books, which I published, His Practice in Modern and Elizabethan English. This was the second book that I have published, the first one was a book version of a series of my fencing blog articles, plus some extras added in, entitled Un-Blogged: A Fencer's Ramblings.

I write a lot most of my writing does not see the light of day, unless I find that the articles are of particular interest to a particular group. You can find a profile of me on academia.edu with more of my articles; these are more of a scholarly bend to them, though at least one of them is a bit of fun. The point here being that I have written a lot and seen very little in the way of financial recompense for the hours of work and the thousands and thousands of words I have written.

I have begun a profile on Patreon. I will be putting my more considered and researched articles on this site where people can pay me for the effort that has gone into producing the articles. I will not be removing articles from sites where they are already held, unless I do updates or improvements. In this case the newer versions will appear on the Patreon site for access to those people willing to pay me for my time and expertise.

I have no doubt that there will be some who will scoff at these efforts and who will make comment about the monetisation of my writing. To these people, I will say that I am simply expecting to be paid for the work that I am putting in, for the information that I am supplying, for the expertise that I am supplying in the process. If that is not sufficient explanation, then they can simply go elsewhere, as they are not my concern.

I will still put articles on my various blogs, but they will not be of the same size or quality that they used to be, they will be shorter, and likely pointing to more significant articles on the Patreon site. If you want someone to blame for all of this, you can blame the government; all the rich individuals who don't want to pay their taxes; and all those who still believe that people with disabilities choose not to work, and choose to allow their disabilities to impact their lives so much that the government keeps disability payments low, so low that they are under the taxable threshold, while the prices of basic food and accommodation rises.

Cheers,

Henry.

Happy for the Challenge

 Greetings,

I do not post on this blog as much as I have previously, and I probably should. There are things which, I should speak about; which should appear on this blog because they are relevant to me as a person with a disability, but this will come a little later on. This post came about after some thought about my situation, some philosophical thought one could say, but I think it is important that I state it.

To be clear, before I begin this post, I would prefer not to have that list of conditions. I would prefer to be well, and have the concerns of finding "normal" employment. This would have given me access to my dream job, changed a lot of things in my life, and prevented a lot of things that occurred in my history. However, I do not regret any of my history, because it made me the man I am today; without all of that, I would not be presenting the blog that so many readers have enjoyed. Here I state, that I  embrace my fate, I love my life, in the words of Friedrich Nietzsche, amor fati - love your fate, and so I shall.

I am happy for the challenge that fibromyalgia and all my other conditions have presented. If I did not have my disabilities, there would be a long list of things that I would not have done, and would not have known about myself. I will present these things for you to read and to consider.

If I did not have my disabilities: 

I would not have found so much strength. My disabilities forced me to find ways to adapt to the changes in my body. They forced me to find ways to prevail where, by all accounts I should've crawled into a corner and given up. I found this strength within myself, because I had to, and because I went looking for it, because I chose to go looking for it.

I would not have the opportunities I have to write, research, and fence. My conditions have prevented me from getting a "normal" job. They have prevented me from getting the paying version of my dream job. In the same way, because I don't have a "normal" job, I have time to write, I have time to research and I have time to develop my skills in swordplay. More, to choose what I write and research, because I am beholding to no one in this regard.

I would not have the opportunity to choose my path. In the same way as the above, if I was not on the disability pension, I would have to find a job. Likely this would entail "something to pay the bills" rather than doing what I love to do. Because I am on a pension, due to my disabilities, I choose my path, choose the path of an author, fencer and self-publisher.

I would not have the opportunity to enrich my life. Some would think that this is odd due to the lower fiscal situation that disability pensioners find themselves in. I enrich my life through reading, through a greater understanding of the world, through a enriching my mind through reading philosophy and understanding the great minds that came before us. I have the time to enrich my life with knowledge.

I would not have found some of the lovely people I have, nor grown such connections with them. I have a lot of people to be thankful in my life. Without my disability I would not have found these people, and it is not because they are support people, though they all fulfil this role in their own way. No, I have grown friendships as a result of kinship through disability; friend support friends. I have found that there are good hearts out in the world, you just have to find them. I will not name these people, but I hope they know who they are. Understand this when I say, I love you all.

There are twists of fate, or circumstance if you are of a more scientific mind, which occur which seem cruel at the time. They seem to rip and tear at us, they seem to leave us twisted and broken, not the same people who we were before. It is true a person will never be the person who they were before, this is the nature of time; you are not the person you were yesterday. You are not even the person you were before you read this article. The question is always how we treat these situations and their results.

A portion of time arrives, a situation occurs during that portion of time; a person makes a choice during that portion of time. Afterward the person must learn to live with the consequences of that decision. This is life. There are circumstances where there is no choice made by the person, the choice comes afterward, the choice is how the person deals with the aftermath of the situation, here there is still choice and the consequences of that choice, and doing nothing is a choice.

The beginnings of this is being thankful for your life, and I surely am. I have many things to be thankful in my life, those listed above are a short list. Remember, your life could always be worse than it currently is, there is always someone who could claim that they are having a harder time that you. Take what you have of your life and embrace it. Take the challenge of life and live it, and live it well. Be thankful for the challenges, embrace them as a chance to grow.

Cheers, Henry.

A Statement About Words

 Greetings,

I don't usually put my political feelings on subjects regarding disabilities on this blog, but I think this one is one which needs some attention. This is a somewhat edited version of another post I made on my other blog for that purpose. If you would like to read the post in its entirety, you can read it HERE.

There is a subject that I have not broached before and I believe it is time, especially with all the talk about Inclusivity being thrown about. I am going to be specific about some words and how I feel about them. In regard to some words I am going to make a statement about how I would prefer to be addressed, in much the same way as a person of a different gender might, but we must discuss this so my intent here is clear.

I have no intention of belittling the importance of those of different sexuality or gender expressing themselves. I believe that every human being has a right to a good and happy life, regardless of their situation. This is regardless of their gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic position, or any other way some interest group may decide to divide people. Part of this is expressing themselves and being known in the way that they prefer, appropriate to their situation. 

Changing the term does not change the situation, it does not soften the situation. To give an example George Carlin once used, previously people who suffered mental stress in war, recognised in World War I, suffered from "shell shock". This was softened to "battle fatigue" in World War II. Since Vietnam we have "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder". The condition has not changed, the veterans still suffer from  the same conditions, the language has just been softened. Softened to make it more palatable to people. The same has happened with those with disabilities.

Changing the term does not change the situation, it does not soften the situation. Previously people were called "handicapped", then "disabled", now some call such individuals "differently abled", all in some measure to soften the words. To soften them so the people can be pushed aside, as though they have been dealt with, so people can feel better about themselves, so people don't have to worry so much. No. The term "differently abled" is inaccurate, and as far as I am concerned, offensive.

Here is my statement: I do not accept the definition as "differently abled". I refuse to be called such and find such a term offensive in its nature. Has a person suddenly gained some different ability due to their disability? No. The term is inaccurate, the term is offensive. I am disabled, a part of my person does not function as well as it does in a "normal" human being, this is the accurate term.

Finally, I will continue to raise these points and complain in this fashion about the use of such words and their inaccuracies until they are fixed, or until the system truly is inclusive as it claims to be, which it isn't, as I have highlighted HERE and HERE. 

Cheers,

Henry.

3 Weeks in bed...

Greetings,

Ironically this was not the result of fibromyalgia...

Onthe 7th September I had a coccygectomy; they removed my tail bone. I had broken it previously and surgery was the only option available due to the break (class 3). The surgery went well. I stayed in hospital overnight so I could be observed. I have since come home and spent most of my time in bed.

Problem with operation in that spot, at the base of your spine, is that there are few options for comfortable positions and movement. Clearly sitting without some sort of aid is out of the question. Standing is limited due to the nerve connections present. So, I have spent most of my time in bed, lying down, in some fashion. Indeed I am writing this on my tablet while lying on my side.

I have been lucky to have a supportive wife to help me, and some friends to visit. Going by my progress, I expect that I am going to be here for another couple of weeks. This is going to be a slow healing and recovery process, just the way it has to be. 

I am hoping to get out and about sometime, but I will have to manage that as last time it resulted in two days of pain. I may just have to be patient and wait until everything settles down properly. Best not to rush it, and put the healing process back. 

Not sure if I will update about this, especially considering I had not thought about it until now. Then again, you never know. Look after yourselves.

Cheers,

Henry.

Pain... It's All in Your Mind

 Greetings,

My last post was about COVID vaccines and my personal journey through having the vaccine. I will be continuing to have the vaccines, of all kinds, not just the COVID ones because they are good for protecting the body, regardless of their side-effects, and that was some time ago. I simply have not had anything to write about since then, nothing which I thought my readers of this blog would find helpful or useful. Today, I have.

How many times have you been told that your fibromyalgia (FM) is all in your mind? How many times have you been told that your chronic pain was all in your mind? In these instances the individuals were using the statement to pass the buck, to place the blame elsewhere or simply discredit feelings and sensations that you knew you were actually having. I have news... in a way they were right.

Pain does come from the mind, but it does not make it any less real. If you are having problems grasping this concept, I recommend watching any one of the many videos on YouTube by Professor Lorimer Moseley. HERE is one to get you started. He is an Australian who studies pain and its effects on individuals, and how it works, recognised internationally for his work. His research is revealing, and it is most useful to individuals who live with pain every day of their lives. Once you have had a listen to Professor Moseley, I would encourage you to read on and see what this revelation has done for me...

If my pain comes from my mind, then I am in partly responsible for the outcomes of this sensation. This is the case because I have active control of my mind, I am the person who decides what I do with my mind and what I think about. Yes, we all get distracted and we all get led off on our little adventures, but if you can control your mind, you can control your pain. Let me say that again, if you can control your mind, you can control your pain.

This is a skill and like any other skill it takes practise. You can practise through simple things like remaining on a particular topic and not being side-tract when you are thinking about a thing. You can practise by focusing on each individual part of your body and feeling each individual part of your body and then pushing them away. These are practising actions of mindfulness, not in the Buddhist, Dalai Lama, monkish sort of way but in an active form.

If I am actively doing something that I enjoy, my pain levels reduce a lot. I do not feel the pain, because my mind has been taken elsewhere, I am focused on something else. The more that we can find the triggers to these removing our thought patterns away from the pain that we are feeling, the less pain that we will feel. Of course, this works for me. 

I find if I focus on my pain, I end up in a spiral downward which just ends up in more pain. If I can stop the spiral, by distracting myself from the pain, by doing something active, or even something else that I have to focus on, the pain reduces and the spiral doesn't get a chance to start.

Why would I bother to seek out methods such as these when there are drugs available to dull my pain? I have more of a fear of drug-dependency than I do of pain. I would rather save the drugs for some time when I really need them than use them for chronic pain conditions. I would also rather have pain than have the fog associated with having enough drugs in my system to dull my pain. I have been here before and I did not like it at all. I don't want to be hooked on that sensation a person gets when the drugs hit their system. I would rather have the pain and feel alive than be pain-free and in some drugged up, semi-comatose, unable to think, state.

The problem is that our bodies get used to the presence of drugs, so they get dependent on their presence, and they get tolerant of them, so they have to be increased. I have topped out one of mine, so my doctor has had to move on to another one which will work with the one that I am using. This is the reason that I am doing my best to find other ways of dealing with my pain. Activity helps, especially if it is an activity that you enjoy, because you will want to go out and do it. Research, and work on your mind helps, but it is all hard work. The alternative, I believe, is worse.

Cheers,

Henry.

COVID Vaccine: My Second Pfizer Shot

 Greetings,

I wrote a little while ago about having my first COVID-19 vaccine and having the Pfizer vaccine to be precise and what I went through as some information for those with fibromyalgia (FM), so they might be aware of some side-effects. I also wrote it because even through all that I knew that I was doing the right thing and that was the most important thing. Well, with the prescribed weeks later, I went and had my second shot of the Pfizer vaccine, knowing full well what the side-effects would be.

The advantage that I had was that I was prepared for these side-effects so the doctor and I were able to mitigate some of the effects by increasing some of my medications for the period of the side-effects. This helped a bit and reduced some of the effect. I am not going to go and detail the day-by-day side-effects that I experienced after this second shot, I don't think it will serve any purpose. The side-effects were much the same, only slightly reduced.

In about five months I will be eligible to have my booster shot, and I will be having that too. Yes, it will no doubt result in another week full of side-effects, but that is not the point. Yes, it will result in me being inconvenienced for another week, but that is not the point. I will decrease my chances of being infected by COVID-19; I will also decrease my chances of passing the same on to others; and that is the point.

Much like wearing a mask in public where we can't social distance or we are asked to by our government, or public health authorities. We do this not only for our own benefit, but for the benefit of those around us. This is something that has often been lost in our current era, we do not think of others very often, we do not take our heads out of our little worlds to think of how our actions affect others, or how our inactions affect others. 

If anything, I hope that this pandemic teaches us to be kind to our neighbours, to consider our actions and what effect they will have on our neighbours. I know they are high hopes, but you have to start somewhere.

Cheers, 

Henry.

... But That's Not Me

 Greetings,

Funny thing, this started as a Facebook (FB) post, but it grew into something more worthy of a post on my blog, and I have posted so infrequently on this blog that I decided that it was time that I started again, at least on a more semi-regular basis. Before I get to the nitty-gritty of the current situation, I had my second Pfizer shot, with much the same resulting side-effects as the last, i.e. a week-long flare of my fibromyalgia (FM) symptoms. You can read the previous post if you want details. I still think it is worth it; COVID and the potential long-term side-effects would be much worse. Anyway, enough of that stuff, it's not actually why I am here today.

Like this blog I occasionally post some things on FB to raise awareness about FM, these are primarily images which I share from sites across FB. These are not cries for sympathy, I don't want sympathy it does me no good whatsoever. Sympathy is a salve for the individual who gives it. It makes them feel better. Sure it makes the other person feel better for a little while, but it is like giving painkillers to fix a broken spine. They take the pain away briefly, but the spine is still broken; and the painkillers become addictive and begin losing their effect after a while.

Empathy is a little more useful, though I find it difficult to understand how a person who does not have FM can empathise with a person who does. "Empathy is the capacity to understand or feel what another person is experiencing from within their frame of reference, that is, the capacity to place oneself in another's position." as defined by Wikipedia. How can a person "feel" what the person with FM feels every day, what they experience? Empathy is a long stretch in my opinion. Understanding, now that is a possibility, even if it is described through the particular lens of the individual, that will do nicely. Understand that we have our good days and our bad days. Understand that the symptoms are annoyingly random. Understand that it is like a roulette wheel as to whether tomorrow will be a good day or not. Further, understand that people react differently.

Returning to my original position, I post the images because they often do a good job explaining some of what I experience, however I dislike reading many of the comments because they do not relate to me. It's one of the reasons that I have not joined a support group in the decades since I was diagnosed. I have run into people who have FM and there tends to be two types. 

The first type allows their condition to rule their lives. It is the explanation for the reason why they don't do things. FM is the reason they don't or can't go out and do things. FM has ruined their lives because their body will not allow them to do things, because it hurts. They do things and it causes them pain so they don't do them anymore. They focus on the negative.

The second type understands the effect the condition has had on their lives, but pushes against those boundaries every chance they get. They go out and do things regardless of their condition; in some cases deliberately in spite of their condition. They push they pain to one side so they can go out and do things, and find that while they are doing them they don't notice the pain. They push their limits, and pay for it, and then go out and push their limits again, and again. 

The problem is that most of the responses to the images that I find are from the first type, and I am certainly from the second type. I want to find out what I can do, and keep on doing it. I don't want the spiral of ever-reducing capacity. I want to get out there and keep doing things.

I thought about responding to the comments, to show these people that there is hope, but you have to find it within yourselves rather than go looking for it elsewhere. I thought about arguing it from a philosophical point of view, pointing them toward the Stoics for a better way to live. The Roman emperor, and Stoic, Marcus Aurelius suffered from chronic illness. His Meditations as we know it now has passages about pain and illness, because he suffered and responded. I thought about even pointing them toward Nietzsche who also suffered from chronic illness throughout his life, pointing them toward his "will to power", but I wonder what the responses would be. 

Instead, I write to you, my dear reader, explaining how these people are not me. They do not represent everyone with FM; we have not all lost hope; some of us do not live our lives in little balls of pain shutting the world out complaining about all the pain, we have lives to live. The only way to change your life is for you to change your life. Take a different perspective. Change your thought patterns. Don't wait for the miracle cure that may or may not happen. This is your life, go out and live it.

Cheers,

Henry.

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You will notice a lot of Wikipedia links in my posts. This is a great resource of free information which is now reliably researched, as you will note by the references which appear at the bottom of each page. I donate to the Wikimedia Foundation every year to keep this non-profit group operational, and I recommend that everyone do the same, you can do this HERE. Please give, and keep this free source of information alive, there are few of them these days.

The COVID Vaccine: My First Pfizer Shot

Greetings,

There are somethings that must be made clear before you begin reading the following entry. First, I apologise that it has been so long that I have made an entry on this blog, I just have not found anything which I thought was relevant to write. Second, this was my first Pfizer vaccine shot against the COVID-19 virus and I went in with open eyes. Third, I have multiple co-morbid conditions which likely added to the symptoms which you will read below. Fourth, this is intended to educate, not scare, any of my fellow fibro-fighters in regard to the Pfizer vaccine. Finally, and most importantly, I will be having the second and booster shots when they become available. One could almost term me as a pro-vaxxer, if I could afford it they could line up all the vaccinations and I would have them all.

These records come from my Facebook page, made so I could record them and post them here, no I can explain the situation...

"Pfizer vax No.1 done... about 12hrs ago, certainly not looking like I am going to be up to much this week if symptoms persist." 

In preparation for my vaccine, I cleared out my entire week because I did not know how my fibromyalgia (FM) was going to react with the Pfizer vaccine. I had heard varied reports from people with various chronic health conditions. By this time I was feeling a little uncomfortable, nothing new after being out all day really. I seemed to have missed the +24hr mark, obviously I was busy with other things, or just plain forgot. The reports continue...

"Pfizer +48hrs: general aches, FM not playing well at all, headache, joints not happy, costochondritis present; a little warm, but not feverish."

By this time the vaccine was truly in my system. I was beginning to feel the real symptoms of the side-effects. "Flu-like symptoms" is how they describe it, some "aches and pains" is a further comment. What it really means is it wakes all your FM symptoms and turns them all on. This was actually just the side-effects warming up.

"Pfizer shot+72hrs: fibro is still in "flare mode"; last night right leg froze up and made walking "interesting"; have a headache which is almost constant and has been so since 6hrs+; pick a joint it's probably either stiff, painful, or waiting it's turn; focus is varied, "fibro-fog" is having a party unless I focus hard, which exacerbates headache; pottering along, doing what I can, not expecting much.

Still going ahead with second, regardless."

By this time I was experiencing side-effects which I can only describe as what I experienced during some of my worst fibro-flares. You can see the physical and mental effects that it was having on me just by the description. I spent most of the time relaxing as much as possible, like I do when my FM is flaring. You will also note my usual stubbornness present in regard to having the second shot, even with these symptoms present. I would rather go through all of this all over again, than have the higher chance of getting COVID and the possible after-effects of that. Moving on with the story...

 

"Pfizer +96hrs (4 days): headache is still there; "fibro flare" is beginning to subside; walking is becoming less painful, joints less painful, but still present; overall some improvement, hoping to be "sociable" by tomorrow."

The worst part of it was over by now. There was still some pain, but I was certainly more mobile than I was before, even 12hrs before I made the report. I mean I know how stubborn I am, but this was actual improvement. I was still unstable, still had a bit of lingering "fibro-fog" but it was certainly improving by this stage, and looking back, I have certainly been sicker.

"Pfizer update +6 days: Almost back to "normal" (whatever the hell that means). I still have lymph glands which are up. I still have some muscle soreness and achy joints (but much less than it has been). I still have the headache, but it is background noise. Thank goodness "fibro-fog" has almost reduced down to normal levels, that has been the worst in my opinion. Screw the pain, screw the movement limitation, the "not being able to think properly" thing sucks the worst."

The last report that I posted appears above. I did not bother with another report a week later, which was yesterday actually. I am mostly back to "normal" I am now just living with the consequences of being inactive for a week. My body doesn't like moving too much my brain is back to its usual self, though I do have a niggling occasional headache, which could be explained by my messed up neck. I definitely believe that the fibro-fog was the worst. If I could've just sat and watched or wrote, or played games, that would've been alright, but the fog made it hard along with the headache.

In a nut-shell, I've had fibro-flares which were worse, some which were brought on by other medications, some which were brought on by completely external sources. I will be getting the second Pfizer shot, I know that there is the potential for a repeat, or worse, of these symptoms, but in the end it will be worth it. As Nietzsche said, "What does not destroy me, makes me stronger.” The Stoics, through the emperor Marcus Aurelius, who had his own chronic health issues, had a similar approach in that everything is fuel for the fire to make us greater.

Talk with your health professional, see which COVID vaccination is right for you. Prepare for the possible side-effects by reading about them, informing yourself as you would anything else, but ask your health professional about anything you are worried about. Do not fear the possible outcomes. Know that you are not only doing this for yourself, but your loved ones, and those who cannot have the vaccine. This is not just a question of being good to your loved ones, but everyone you meet, being a good human being. I will leave you with this comment from the aforementioned Marcus Aurelius to consider.

"Have I done something for the common good? Then I too have benefited. Have this thought always ready to hand: and no stopping." Marcus Aurelius - Meditations

I hope that what I have said will help you, not inspire you, but help you. I wish you a pain-free day.

Cheers,

Henry.

Diet: A Rude word?

 Greetings,

Why would I be talking about diets and dieting? Well, I am sure not turning into some 'dieting guru' that is going to tell you to live on some 'super-food' that will help you lose enormous amounts of weight in a short amount of time. I am going to tell a few home truths about the word "diet" and how it is often seen in the modern world, and then I am going to share my experiences with my change of diet, because that is what this blog is for, because it has helped by fibromyalgia, and I think it will help it in the long-run.

The definition of the word "diet" from the Oxford English Dictionary is: "The kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats." (https://www.lexico.com/definition/diet) So, nothing there about weight-loss or calorie-control or anything of the sort, simply what a person habitually eats. The problem is that in the modern world we have so often head about fad diets to assist us lose weight such as: The Ketogenic Diet, Noom Diet, Weight-Watchers, Atkins Diet and Paleo Diet, that every time we hear the word "diet" we think that someone is trying to make us lose weight.

Well, here's the kicker, the result of a healthy, balanced, diet, combined with exercise is that you will lose weight. Sure some tailoring to meet particular goals might help, but keeping to healthy things works. The diet which is most popular with my local health agencies at the moment is the Mediterranean diet. Yes, what people eat in the Mediterranean region, nothing more. I have been changing my food habits toward this way of thinking over the past three months or so to lose some weight, on the advice of my Hepatologist and her team to assist with my liver function, along with a healthy increase in my exercise. 

I had put on about 40kg over the past four years or so. Part of this was the result of medication effects from a bad chest infection, other part of this was my body catching up with muscle mass, another part of it was a dose of depression which reduced my activity. In any case it resulted in me being an unhealthy 118kg. Now let me say that this weight is unhealthy for my frame. It may not be for yours, it also depends how it is distributed. Most of those who know me will be now looking through photos unbelieving of my change in shape, but it is there.

Anyway, I started the change slowly, increasing my uptake of some foods while reducing the intake of other foods. The point of this process was that I wanted this diet to become my diet thus habitual, not something that was going to be for a short time, but for a long period of time. I could have stayed on the diet for the period of the program, hit my goal, and gone back to old habits, but what's the point? Then I would have to start the process all over again. I wanted these changes to last, and even continue. I made gradual changes to my diet so they would be sustainable. Also I went for healthy and tasty food.

One of the reasons people don't stay with a change of diet is because they don't like the food. You need to find food which is tasty. The Mediterranean diet was easy for me, I like olives and mushrooms, feta cheese, garlic and similar things. All of which are part of the diet. You throw in red wine, avocados and  salmon, the diet is also good for raising your HDL, so good for the cholesterol.

As a result of this diet and the exercise that has gone along with it, I am now more healthy than I have been, my pain levels are a little reduced, though this time of year my body always gives me hell because it decides that it is time to take a holiday. Oh, and as of yesterday I have lost 10kg, and I am looking forward to maintaining the same diet because it is a real one, food that I habitually eat. 

Cheers,

Henry.

Psychological Aiming: A Respiratory Pause

 Greetings,

One of they problems that causes some issues, or at least used to in a big way, was Sleep Apnoea. I have not only Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) which is the common variant where the soft palate tends to block the airway when I sleep, but I also have Central Sleep Apnoea (CSA) my lungs sometime decide they want some time off and just stop. Needless to say, without my sleep machine, I don't get much sleep and it could cause some catastrophic health issues.

My snoring as a child was described as me taking a breath, breathing in, and in, and in, and then holding it for a while, then letting it out, and out, and out, and out, then stopping. Then finally breathing back in again. It was the stopping, the 'respiratory pause', before breathing back in again which used to scare both my mother and also my sister if they ever had the misfortune of being awake when I wasn't. 

Interestingly, for another project, I have been reading through some pistol training manuals. I read all sorts of things all of the time. It is amazing the things you can find on the internet. Anyway, I came to a part which deals with breath control, and it advises the shooter to fire when, during the 'respiratory pause' the natural gap in the breathing where the person is most relaxed. I got to thinking...

My mother shot pistol when I was a child, and I have no doubt that I would have been around when my mother was being taught to shoot. She actually ended up being a better shot than my father. Further, all of us in the family were eventually taught how to shoot. I held my first rifle at the age of 8 years old. 

The first lesson I was taught was not to point a weapon at anything that you don't want to hit, a rule which follows for all weapons. I teach the same rule to my fencing students in regard to their swords. The second rule was to assume that any weapon that you have not checked yourself is loaded. But I digress...

So you have a family who was taught how to shoot, how to control their breath while shooting to ensure that the rhythmic motion of their bodies did not disturb their aim. Further you have a child who has breathing difficulties to start with. I suffered horribly with chest infections when I was a child. This was the part of my chronic asthma that bothered me the most. 

Maybe in the back of my mind I was not only extending my 'respiratory pause' so I could aim better, so I could shoot better, but also taking the whole idea of breath control to another step along. Slowing your breathing down when you have breathing issues is sure a benefit, and it has been mostly a benefit since then, though it has scared some nurses in hospitals, seems it keeps you heart rate a little slow. Not really helpful for their parameters for "normal," but great for calming yourself and other benefits.

Cheers,

Henry.

AMOR FATI - Love Your Fate

 Greetings,

So I have been studying a little Stoicism of late, actually I have been reading and learning about Stoicism quite a bit of late as it suits my method of thinking and I wanted to share a thought about one of Stoicism's philosophical tenets. I think that this will be of assistance to some, especially those who have chronic pain, or other chronic health issues, like fibromyalgia (FM) which is what much of this blog is about, my travels through life with FM. To explain how this philosophical tenet works I will be telling a story, my story.

AMOR FATI - Love Your Fate

In the far past days of  my childhood, I had the urge to serve, I did not know this at the time, but when I look back at it this is what the urge was. My first choice of occupation was to join the military forces, my first choice for this was to join the army, go to the Australian Defence Force Academy, become an officer, lead men, and so forth. Of course, this dream was shattered when I found out that I would not pass the medical examination, I was a chronic asthmatic. So even if I was as fit and smart as the rest, No getting in there.

My second plan, once again was to serve. I wrote to my great-uncle who was an Deputy Commissioner in the Queensland Police Service whether there was a chance I could become a police officer, even being a chronic asthmatic. He wrote back to me telling me that I could but before I went for the medical, I would have to have two years completely clear of asthma. Well, that was not going to happen in a hurry, so I shelved that idea.

When we were asked in school what we wanted to be when we grew up, needless to say I had already had a good, long, think about where I was going, and my limitations. This boy wanted to be a fireman, that girl wanted to be a nurse, I decided that I wanted to be an historian. So, from them on any chance I got I would study history of what ever I could get my hands on.

The same pattern followed through my High School years, my eyes were firmly set on my goal. I had a look at other options on the way. I even dabbled a little with the idea of being a shot firer, the person who sets and detonates explosives at mines, but I was clearly going for my goal. Well, there were some stumbles, like failing my first attempt at university, and spending three-and-a-half years unemployed.

During that time of unemployment, with too high a skill level, and no qualifications, that I was put in an office traineeship. Seemed like an idea to tide me over until university places and funding was available. Then I developed pain in my fingers and wrists, to the point that I could not write or even make a sandwich. Here is where FM loomed its ugly head, of course it was misdiagnosed for about two-and-a-half years, meaning that I ended up on anti-inflammatories, which damaged the lining of my stomach, so now I cannot take them at all.

Eventually, I got a diagnosis from a specialist at the local hospital. End of the traineeship, not much good having an employee who has to take random days off because his body doesn't work. I applied for a disability pension. It was rejected and told that it would all clear up in six weeks (I wish). More job search without luck. Eventually I ended up going back to university to do the degree that would set me on the path to becoming an historian.

The Disability Support Officer at the university was great, she helped me manage my degree so I could handle the work. I was given extra time for my examinations, a laptop to type on rather than write. My lecturers were also really understanding, I was able to get extensions on my assignments when I needed them, and they understood my random absences. Only issues throughout the whole thing was dealing with the government to remain funded, and this happened almost every year.

So, you'd think a person with a degree is more easily able to find work, right? Nope. Now you are too over qualified, or under-qualified, you are sandwiched in between where you need to be. I spent a year or so being bounced around again, not finding suitable employment due to my FM. So, I went back to university to do Honours. Finished that, now I am technically qualified in my field. Of course, the offerings for historians are like hen's teeth, they do exist, just very rare.

During my last years of High School I had joined a medieval and Renaissance recreation group the SCA, and was enjoying myself recreating bits of history. If you enjoy studying history, what could be better than living bits of it? This enjoyment did not abate all the way through these ups and downs.

Along the way I had learned how to use a sword called the rapier, now think of a weapon which is the grand-father of the modern epee, and you are on the right sort of track. This is a different sort of fencing: it is not restricted to a strip, it is fought often on a marked out field called a list; unlike sport fencing, you can use your other hand sometimes even to carry another weapon; this form of fencing is based on treatises from the 13th to the 17th centuries. I was developing quite a bit of skill along the way.

To cut a much longer story short, I do still study bits of history, but it is usually something to do with fencing. I fence more than most people, and I actually teach people how to fence. I actually did get on the Disability Pension, so by default I am being paid by the government to research history, and teach people how to fence. I am also writing and publishing some books, which I never thought was going to happen. All in all I am happy with the way things have turned out. This is because I have embraced the way things have turned out rather than resented it. Yes, it has taken me longer than most to get here, but I am more comfortable with what I am doing than most are with what they are.

AMOR FATI - Love Your Fate means to love your life the way it is, not resenting things that did not happen and not hoping for things that might not happen. It is accepting things the way they are and embracing them with all your heart. I accept that my conditions impede my progress, but without them I would not be in the position that I am in now, more in control of what I do during the day than most, more in control of my career than most. Take your life and live it to its fullest.

AMOR FATI - Love Your Fate

A small side note, you will note that I have used lots of Wikipedia links. It is because I believe it is a good resource and worthy of use. It now has the research of many more respected resources as you will find in the bibliographies of many of the articles and I encourage my readers to donate to the Wikipedia to keep this valuable resource alive and free for all.

1/365 is Not Enough

 Greetings,

Last year I gave an update of my list of illnesses that were current (https://alifewithfibromyalgia.blogspot.com/2019/09/the-list-i-am-here.html) just to let people know exactly what is going on with me, should they really want to know. Well, this year has been no picnic I can tell you and the COVID-19 pandemic has been just the beginning of it. You throw in costochondritis on top, which has this habit of imitating a heart attack, and things have not been a hell of a lot of fun. (Yes, I have chest pain, and can't breathe properly. No, I don't want you to call an ambulance. I can't breathe properly because I have chest pain. No, it is not my lungs.) Not to mention the other parts of my body have been playing their usual merry hell. Oh, the COVID pandemic has been lots of fun too, especially when you are one of the "high risk" category. Crazy when the rules that you have been following and trying to get others to follow suddenly become policy...

... stay home when unwell.
... wash your hands.

... stay away from sick people, and distance from people in general.

So here we are on "R U OK?" Day again and social media is being flooded with memes and bits and pieces of people asking the simple question. Well, again I am going to say, "No, I am not OK, and I have damned good reasons not to be." That being said, this is my state of affairs. This is what I have to deal with.

I do not expect people to be checking in on me every day, or even today, aside from the fencing class that I have this afternoon. In fact if people did try to check on me every day I would find it truly irritating, but that is just who I am. I work through things myself, for the most part. When I need help, I will get around to asking. Yes, my wife, and my doctor both think this should be more often.

One day out of 365 is not enough, people need to be reaching out to one another all of the other 364 days of the year as well. It is even more so in the current situation with the pandemic going on. People are not "OK" at all. People are feeling isolated, people are feeling like their world is crashing down around them (in some cases it is), people are being confused by different messages which are being put out there, and all of this is creating stress on people. Even for people who aren't "at risk" i.e. those with mental health issues, this is rough.

Make time to talk to your friends and family. Use some of that endless phone credit you have. Use some of that endless internet time you have. Get in touch, make a connection, talk to someone. Make a real connection with them, see how they are really going. Make a habit of doing this. If people took it upon themselves to do this it could change things a lot.

Go find a friend or someone in your family to talk to. Not just today, but other days in the year. Make a change for the better. They are interested in what's going on in your life, just as you are actually interested in theirs. Just try it. The time you have in their company will be time you are happy you spent.

Cheers,

Henry.

Will the Lessons Be Learned?

Greetings,

The world as I write is in the grip of the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. There are very few countries which have not been impacted in some way by this virus, and the ones which have been impacted by the virus have been impacted heavily. Australia has been impacted quite heavily, "social distancing" measures have been introduced along with self-isolation and quarantining measures as well. We have already seen a panic-run on shops of some essentials, and as a result rationing put in place to prevent further occurrences of such panic-buying of these essentials.

Hygiene measures have been put in place to prevent the spread of the virus. Sick people have been told to stay at home, hence the self-isolation. People have also been told to wash their hands, and keep their hands away from their faces. The interesting thing is that these measures should be "common sense" things that people should be doing anyway.

Flu season is also upon us soon. It is most interesting that the same people who are being paranoid about COVID-19 and posting on social media about it are the same people who do not get the flu vaccination, and also the same people who often continue to go out in public when they are sick. If the current pandemic has taught us anything is that everyone who is able should get vaccinated, if possible, and sick people should stay at home so they do not infect others. Why?

The 1918 pandemic which killed 50,000,000 people was not some random virus. It was a strain of the influenza virus, or flu, H1N1 to be precise, also known as "Spanish Flu". What is ridiculous is that every year we have a new strain of the flu turn up. Every year it spreads around the world during winter months when we are at our most vulnerable. Scientists have been warning us for years about an upcoming pandemic of the same proportions, if not worse than 1918. Watch the Netflix series "Pandemic" and reconsider how you think about the flu.

The problem is that people look at the flu and because it is common and lots of people survive it, they don't worry about it. It is not the people who get sick and shrug it off which is the concern, it is the immune-suppressed and immune-vulnerable which you get vaccinated for. You get vaccinated so you do not pass it along to your friend who may be under treatment or may have a chronic condition.

If anything gets learnt from this pandemic, it should be the importance of people a) getting vaccinated because it is available; b) not going out when they are sick; and c) people paying attention to simple hygiene such as covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hands regularly.  Do it for your elderly parents. Do it for your immune-suppressed friend. Do it for your friend with a chronic health condition. Do it for me. Just do it for yourself.

Hopefully the lessons will be learned and remembered and the flu will not have as much of an impact. Learn the lessons from COVID-19, apply them during flu season too. This is a personal responsibility thing, everyone can do their part. It starts with you.

Cheers,

Henry.

#washyourhands, #getvaccinated, #getafluvax