leslie2121
Thanks for sharing some of the measures you take.

Yes! I definitely pay attention to diet (IBD UC and a homozygous MTHFR genetic deficiency have dictated some additional special needs for which I now supplement) and I have grown organic food and foraged for our family (and of course cooked it all from scratch) from produce, grains, legumes to meat, eggs and dairy for about thirty years with habits of fermentation and grinding grains and baking our own as a rule. Our children have carried on as this became lifestyle and they learned. I have needed a lot more help over the last years. Diet does not seem to be a culprit in disease onset or progression for our family.
Omega 3s are crucial and we avoid seed oils. Tart cherry and turmeric are part of my regular intake too. I also use dandelion roots and whole plant products as well as other traditional edible and medicinal plants to soothe what I can. It was just balsam bud collecting season; the salve created helps achy hands and feet. (Especially when all NSAIDs are off the table, for good reason.)
Natural diuretics and anti inflammatories are vital for my relative comfort.
Do any of you enjoy mindfulness practices, meditation, or prayer for stress reduction?
I also love to do my Qi Gong and Tai Chi for gentle but aerobic breathing exercise.
I am becoming better at remembering throughout each day that progressive muscle relaxation is an excellent break when I feel stress in the body. I try to remember to use breathing exercises as well to slow the CNS oor target the autonomic nervous system’s reaction to stress.
Seeking fresh air and optimal sunlight is a goal for every day too. I like to live close to the seasons and the earth.
Being in the water provides the very best relief for muscular-skeletal pain as well as resistance for muscle building. The water work also promotes restful sleep.
All summer long I will end every day that I am able enjoying open water swimming.
This works wonders for me in many ways, but I need a buddy these days. (My son most of the time.)
Do any of you find relief in the water?

I have to be careful to not become over tired or “wired” with too much pain; in that state I am unable to sleep until relaxation and pain relief finally comes.
It’s a difficult balance to maintain.
Is this kind of “over done it” reaction of the body common for anyone else?
(I will need a recovery day or two of just sleep for every special activity or big appointment day. If I fail to rest I end up in worse shape than an over tired toddler!)
Ah.
Another looonngg chapter.
I am doing all I can and know to manage my health and well being.

There is grief that comes with the continual deterioration of health.
Sometimes it is not in our power to make things better.

Acceptance becomes the necessary move.

I hope each of you can find acceptance in whatever circumstances you face. This life is a tightrope walk between hope and contentment.
Out of that precarious place we can practice gratitude and joy in living.