So much to be thankful for!

[ICTexas]

I wanted to share an experience I had during my time away from the ICN in the hopes that it would encourage others. The doctor did an MRI of my brain because I was having migraines and he basically wanted to rule out anything else. Well, the MRI turned up a defect in one of the veins in my brain. Initially I was told they were very sure I had an unruptured aneurysm and was scheduled to see the neurosurgeon 2 days later. After additional testing by the neuro they determined that it was a defect but not an aneurysm and not life threatening and probably the source of my migraines. My point is that after going through that my outlook completely changed. I have always had a "my body is my enemy" attitude since my dx with IC but I came to realize that I choose to feel (emotionally) the way I feel and I could continue to hate my body or I could be thankful for everyday that I feel good AND when I don't feel good just do my best to help myself until I have another day that I feel good. This may seem really basic to some of you but for me it has changed my life. I no longer feel guilty when I have to rest because I look at it as preparing for a good day instead of missing out on stuff that particular day. I hope this makes sense. I just felt compelled to share it with all of you. My point (and I do have one) is to make the best of the good days and be thankful and give yourself permission to take care of yourself on the bad days and throw the guilt out the window. Also, don't feel like you have to move heaven and earth on your good days - you may have more good ones if you don't. Anyway, these were lessons I learned - I hope they help someone.

Pam :party:

[Dixiefireball]

Good advice.
I'm so sorry you have been threw so much but please know you will be in our prayers
You really gave us alot to look at.
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[crystilclear]

I really understand where you are comming from and it is a great way to look at things. I think I get caught up in the guilt way too much but I feel bad because my kids are missing out on so much because of me. I'm glad that you are ok. My hubby's grandmother has kidney cancer and it made me think. Atleast my conditions aren't fatal and my kids have me here and I do love them so much. It is great to be able to have such a healthy perspective on things. Thanks for sharing it makes me remember to thank God for the little things because the little things are what I cherish most. I love the sound of my kids little feet running all over the house and when they say their prayers at night in their tiny innocent little voices. I am also grateful for their requests to God for mommy to feel better and not to have anymore pain. My 4 year old said mommy I'll kiss your pain away and it's all better! Maybe it doesn't go away but it sure does warm my heart for the sweet sentiment and gesture from my little guy! Take care - Chris :)

[jen_dahling]

Thank you for this post. It really means a lot to see a positive attitude. So many times I have to remind myself to stop and take a look at what is really important. Preparing for the best of times during the worst of times is so much healthier than focusing on the pain and anxiety. Thanks again!

[Katrina]

Thank you for sharing that