Re: Update OT

[Guest guest]

                 

________________________________

To: Stillsdisease

Sent: Mon, September 20, 2010 4:02:22 PM

Subject: Update.

 

Hello,

Names Melle. I wanted to give a update on my situation and hope to bring some

light or hope to those who need a different point of view with Stills.

I was diagnosed about almost a month since my first symptoms or so last April

2008. It was the hardest thing I ever had encountered in my life and the best

wake up call. I do not want to ever feel or experience that beginning stage ever

again, yet I know eventually I will have to face it BUT at least I know how to

face it if it ever does happen again.

In October 2008, I decided to move away from Seattle, WA, a city I call home for

about 10 years. I moved back to my home island called Saipan. A Pacific island

way in the middle of nothing. Now why would I do that? Really - as much as I

would love to enjoy the beauty of crystal clear water, sunny all year round

(other than rain or shine), cool breeze, friendly people, and so on. But the

health care system isn't the best in the world. The lack of doctors and other

professionals are an issue and yet here I am - back on the rock after being away

for 10 years.

I wanted a different environment. I wanted to breathe fresh air. I wanted a

simple way of life and I wanted to not stress as much as I did in the busy world

of America. I wanted to see if going back to traditional medicine and so on

would help.

Almost two years later and I haven't had a single rash or flare. Haven't had

major joint or muscle pain. Haven't complained at my worst till this day.

Surely, I am greatful. I had been back and forth to my Seattle doctor to do

annual check ups and so regarding my Still's. My last visit was actually last

April. They were happy to inform me that I am healthier than ever. Surprised to

see a drastic change but really really happy to see that I am not letting the

idea of Still's take over my life.

Could it be a mental thing? Could it be an environmental thing? Could it be a

change of lifestyle? Cold it be a food or diet issue? Could it be all the

different factors in life? Could it be just about any freaken thing in our lives

that affect our own physical well beings? I don't know. All I can tell you is

that I chose to move forward, give myself a chance to change anything I could do

to become healthier and ALIVE! Hek, I forget sometimes that I have Still's.

So what have I changed?

I moved to warm weather.

I take it a good amount of natural vitamin d.

I changed my diet.

I still exercise to build strength where it is needed.

I enjoy and treat myself to an hour massage whenever I can.

I went to a reflexologist also to help with my muscles and joint areas.

I go to a sauna once in a while to help it release toxins (sweat it out).

I live life to my fullest and not let the idea of being sick or so be part of my

everyday life.

Yet, despite it all and no matter what - I still stress with work and everything

else in life. Stress is something I don't know how to get rid off. All I can do

at the end of the day is find something to make me happy. Either a good movie,

good music, going for a walk along the beach, going on adventures with my

camera, and rediscovering this place I once called HOME.

Oh.... and I forgot to mention. I am a bad patient. I stopped taking anything

and everything my doctor told me to take. I know it's a bad thing to do but it's

been over a year since my last kineret shot or a bottle of metrotraxate and so

on. Sure, I'll pay for it later but if I am alive and still kicking at this

point. I think I can go a little further than usual.

The best medication at this point? To live each day like it's your last and to

not let " it " take over your life. Remember to do what you can to be as happy

despite the bad days.

Remember when the days are feeling cruel and bitter to " EAT ICE CREAM " . Ha.

_________________________

*I am not a hypocrite or so. My actions and decisions are solely and

respectively my OWN choices. Do not take any of these personally nor think that

what was best for me would suit you too. Each of us has it worst than the next.

I did what I did because it was my own opinion. Stay on what you need to be

better. Do not take my words as a treatment or so but rather an idea that you

could also achieve better days or so.

        Hi Melle my name is and I'm a new member of stills

disease group.I was diagnosed on September of {2009}Definitely that your life

changes, that's really good for you that you had the possibility to change your

life for good.I'm really happy for you and your experience is really motivated,

I really like your attitude you sure sound like a strong person.As of me well I

said to myself the first time, I was diagnosed is all in my head,but guess what

that wasn't true I do really have this disease.It almost cost my life this

second time around in April of {2010}But thanks God I'm still here and I feel

blessed that I found this support group believe me or not I have learn more of

the experience of the members of the group than of my doctor.Keep posting that

positive attitude is what we need.I hope you keep doing well take care.