Candy Cure

I love licorice. John and I visited Finland a few years ago, and learned that the Finns love licorice too, so much so that we visited several candy stores in Helsinki whose sole product was licorice in hundreds of different forms. Salmiakki, a salt and licorice lozenge, was the only licorice product that I didn't devour by the bagful. I think it's an acquired taste. 

In any case, I have always thought that something that tastes so good must have some medicinal properties. 

Then I read this article posted yesterday in Medical News Today.

"What common oral condition appears as shallow ulcers of different sizes, affects one in five Americans, can be caused by food allergies and hormonal changes, and also can cause severe mouth pain? Commonly referred to as "canker sores," recurrent aphthous ulcers (RAU) now can be treated by an extract in licorice root herbal extract, according to a study published in the March/April 2008 issue ofGeneral Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry's (AGD) clinical, peer-reviewed journal. 

The authors examined the effects of an over-the-counter medicated adhesive patch (with extract from the licorice root) for treatment of RAU versus no treatment. After seven days of treatment, ulcer size in the group who received the adhesive patch with licorice extract was significantly lower, while ulcer size in the no-treatment group had increased 13 percent. "

Sjoggies frequently deal with issues related to dry mouth. I'm not sure that canker sores are one of them, but if so, this would be a treatment that would be easy to swallow. 

Uncle Jim

Memorial Day, celebrated today, made me think of all those brave souls who have served in various branches of the military. 

My uncle Jim had an incredible story to tell from WWII. I have a copy of a local newspaper's account of the story dated 1943, from which I found these details: 

He was young, only 19, a bombardier-navigator and was flying with his outfit, the 410th Light Bomber Group. Anti-aircraft fire was intense and his A-20 Havoc bomber came in for a goodly share of the enemy's attention. 

The first flak burst sheared away the right wing-tip and left over 800 holes in the wing.  Another burst blasted out the rudder. Flak ripped into the main bomb-bay gas tank pouring out the main fuel reserve.  In rapid succession the radios were destroyed, all flight instruments put out of commission and the master compass scrapped.

Somehow, he dropped his bombs and turned his Havoc homewards.  He was without instruments and the body of the plane had 431 flak holes in her.  He was lost and had no instruments to navigate by, but he somehow managed to direct the pilot by following roads and rivers. 

Once over the home field, another problem presented itself.  The runway was covered with ice and the bomber had suffered the loss of her flaps and brakes and had a flat tire.  The pilot attempted a landing even though the landing gear had folded.  The plane skidded 300 yards on her nose.....where Jim was sitting exposed to the elements (the plexi-glass had long since vanished).

He got up and walked away unhurt.....his seat still strapped to him. 

Adaptations

Joy Selak, in her book, You Don't Look Sick! Living Well with Invisible Chronic Illness, lists several strategies for dealing with chronic illness. She titles them as her "Top Ten List for Living Well, Even While Sick". 

My favorite item on her list is number four - Enroll in the School of Whatever Works. 

I love this idea, but it has taken me awhile to transition from appreciating this concept, to actually putting it into place. Change is hard. Even if the change results in a decrease in fatigue, it requires expending a certain amount of  energy to discard old expectations and behaviors in order to learn the new. Living with a chronic disease forces one to look at all aspects of one's life in a whole new light. 

I enrolled in this school kicking and screaming and feeling pretty sorry for myself. 

Early on in this process, it seemed that all of the adjustments that I had to make following my diagnosis involved lowering my expectations. Expectations for my quality of life, my income, my ability to contribute to my family and community. This perception, while not entirely incorrect, was an underestimate of my abilities and future. 

This school taught me that there were still an enormous amount of opportunities out there for me to make things work. 

I did have to quit my previous job. But, with the increased amount of free time, I was able to begin volunteering in a church ministry which allowed me to continue to use my education as a nurse. It worked. 

I learned that being engaged in my family members' lives wasn't limited by my energy levels. What worked for me was using cell phones and computers to keep connected when I couldn't be there in person. 

Knit pants, air dried hairstyles, sunscreen, and moisturizers took the place of work clothing, hair dryers and makeup. 

Expectations for a spotless home and elaborate meals went by the wayside. In all honesty, this one was easy to let go.....and it worked.

The School of Whatever Works has indeed taught me several important lessons, and the most important of these is this: I can make a difference. I can enjoy my life, I can continue to be involved in the lives of my husband and kids, and even though my impact will not be made in the same manner as previously, it can still be done. 

I'll bet there are many more semesters ahead for all of us. 

For those that emailed....

It has come to my attention that reader emails have not been sent to my email address. 

I am still a novice when it comes to the technical aspects of this blogging stuff, and I apologize to anyone who contacted me thinking that I would reply. 

The problem is now fixed, thanks to my genius husband. 

Can't promise there will be no more glitches with this blog, but I can promise to reply to all those who contact me via this blog. 

Gettingoutofbedology

Today was a low energy day, and I really, really didn't want to roll out of bed this morning. After reading this article, found on Slow Down Now, I can see that I'm not the only one who feels this way:

"If only we had getting-out-of-bed classes so many problems would go away. We wouldn’t need to wake up bleary eyed and grumpy. We would rise with grace and finesse. We would see each morning as a new life. All would be sweetness and light. The air would be filled with birdsong. There would be benevolence in the hearts of us all.

 

Come on, this is California! Some university, surely, is offering a master’s degree in Gettingoutofbedology, isn’t it?"

Do you think I could take that class on-line? Maybe even from bed?

Whose Idea Was This???

 This strange story from MinnPost.com:

HealthPartners unveils offbeat ad mascot

By Dan Haugen

Monday, May 19, 2008

Meet Petey P. Cup. The 6-foot-11, walking urine vial is being unveiled today as the mascot of HealthPartners' new website and advertising campaign. The campaign appears aimed at a younger demographic that understands irony, YouTube and social networking. 

Petey P. Cup even has a Facebook profile, which says he enjoys watching "Grey's Anatomy," listening to Coldplay and assisting with urinalysis, drug testing and pregnancy tests. Just six friends so far, though. HealthPartners hopes he'll have more soon. The Bloomington health care nonprofit wants the campaign to persuade 40 percent of its clinic patients to sign up for a new website service that will allow them to schedule appointments, access medical records and consult with doctors from their computer.

. 

Words escape me. 

Inquiring Minds Could Look Here

Search for Sjogren's Syndrome and other autoimmune disease information on the University of Iowa's Hardin MD website: 

"Hardin MD was first launched in 1996, as a source to find the best lists, or directories, of information in health and medicine. Hence, the name Hardin MD comes from Hardin MetaDirectory, since the site was conceived as a "directory of directories." The Hardin part of our name is from Robert Hardin, a physician at University of Iowa, after whom the library was named."

Sisterhood of the.....

traveling flamingos? Yup. 

We are having lots of fun with this. 

A couple of years ago, I read an article about the small company that makes those plastic flamingo lawn ornaments seen on kitschy lawns everywhere. The article said that this company was going out of business and the original pink flamingo was not going to be manufactured anymore. I wish I could remember the name of that company......

The article prompted me to be on the watch for a package of these beauties, and I snagged a pair at the local discount store. It didn't take long for us to realize that the splendor of our flamingos was too good to contain, so we decided to share the wealth.

Our little flock managed to migrate to a friend's pond.  They must have enjoyed the change of scenery, because since that first adventure, the pair has been sighted in the darndest places. 

I believe they were last seen heading to the Canadian border with some college kids. 

If you see them, tell them to write or call home. Unless they need money. 

Memory

I am reading two books, and both of them are about improving the memory. 

I keep forgetting to read them. 

This would be slightly humorous if it weren't true. Brain fog strikes again. 

The first, Carved in Sand - When Attention Fails and Memory Fades in Midlife, by Cathryn Jakobson Ramin, seems to have some good information but is not keeping my attention. (Pun not intended.) I will keep trying with this book, and I'll keep you posted. 

The second, The Memory Bible - An Innovative Strategy for Keeping Your Brain Young, by Gary Small, M.D. is a quicker and more interesting read. 

Dr. Small, director of the UCLA Center on Aging, does a really good job of putting a positive spin on unsavory study results regarding the age link to memory problems. An example: He says, "Scientists have found the incidence of Alzheimer's doubles every 5 years. At that rate, 100% of us would get Alzheimer's by age 110 if we lived that long." 

The positive spin: Dr. Small cites another study in which mature lab animals were studied. Half were allowed to live in a mentally stimulating and exciting environment. The other half was exposed to dull, standard-issue laboratory living environments. The researchers found that those animals exposed to mentally stimulating environments had higher numbers of neurons in the memory areas of the brain as well as better learning abilities than the experimental animals in the less interesting settings. 

"If these findings hold true for humans, they point to continued mental activity throughout life as a strong preventative for future cognitive decline."

The book goes on to elaborate on the most productive mental activities and lifestyles to ensure a healthy brain, and in doing so, avoiding Alzheimer's disease and other memory affecting disorders. His suggestions include several memory tips and exercises, and also guidelines for modifying the daily diet. 

I found his dietary suggestions and their rationale fascinating. 

"Scientists have shown that one of the omeaga-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenic acid, or DHA, which comes from fish oil, actually increases acetylcholine, the brain messenger critical to normal memory function but lost in Alheimer's disease. People with insufficient DHA in their diets or low levels in the blood will experience learning difficulties and cognitive decline. These can and do improve when dietary DHA is high. Research indicates that omega - 3 fatty acid capsules may improve memory difficulties and other symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. "

Another interesting study conducted by the Honolulu Heart Program studied caffeine's effects. This study followed 8,000 people over thirty years. It concluded that coffee drinkers had a five times lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease than those who did not drink coffee. Dr. Small also states that systemic studies show that in the short term, caffeine can improve learning and recall abilities. 

Aside from dietary fats and caffeine suggestions, the book outlines other elements of a healthy brain diet: 

Eat a low-fat diet

Stay aware of overall caloric intake

Avoid stress eating and late-night snacks

Toss away your yo-yo diet plan

Avoid processed foods and high-glycemic-index carbs

Eat foods rich in omega-3 fats.

Avoid omega-6 fats

For a daily antioxidant boost, eat fruits and vegetables

Drink tea, and try frozen or fresh blueberries for snacks 

There are many more strategies and tips included in this very interesting book. ALWAYS remember, as with all information quoted in this blog, that this information is not intended to replace medical advice. Never begin an exercise or dietary supplement regime without consulting your doctor. 

Autoimmune Go Fish

I was talking with a friend today. She also has an autoimmune disease, and we were sharing our laundry lists of symptoms. 

We both agreed that the worst symptom of them all, by far, is the life-altering fatigue. She said that when she sees the doctor, fatigue trumps any of the other symptoms that she is dealing with. And there are plenty of other symptoms. 

Wouldn't it be nice if we could turn all of our symptoms into playing cards? That way, all of us with autoimmune disease could get together and play some kind of card game. A game with rules that allowed players to swap cards. I do think that the fatigue card would trump all others, but other people may not feel the same. 

I can see it now. 

We would all be gathered together sitting with our feet up in cushy recliners, surrounded by cases of bottled water. No, wait - wait - we'd all have those goofy hats where you can put a water bottle on either side of your head, and there's a tube going down to your mouth. You know the ones -  I think they are actually for die hard beer drinkers, but if the hat fits........put water in it. 

And each of us would have our own cool-mist humidifier aimed directly at us. Yes, yes - and we'd all have stacks of our favorite cookies with something to dunk them in. Because who can eat a cookie without dunking it, if you have sicca syndrome? 

Of course we would all need the rules to the game posted on a huge, easy to read poster, since we would all forget the basic concepts in a heartbeat. 

"If you take my fatigue card, I'll take your dry skin AND irritable bowl syndrome."

"Nah. But I'll trade you my cotton mouth and brain fog." 

Too bad there isn't a way for us all to trade away all of our symptom cards, and start with a whole new deck.