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LupieToons
LupieToons
Rank Member
Online Status OFFLINE
Member Since 04/05/2008 12:15 AM
Last Online 12/08/2011 10:35 PM
Gender: Female
Birthdate: 12/27/1955
City: St. Petersburg
State: Florida
Occupation: early retirement due to disability
A little about me: I do not wear rose-colored glasses, nor would I consider myself the epitome of optimism. However, I am cautiously optimistic about living with chronic illnesses for which I am told there is no cure.
When I was diagnosed with Graves disease in 1996, I wasn't terribly upset. It was what it was and it was my responsibility to work with my endocrinologist by taking my meds and HRT as instructed and keep my appointments. Check.

In 1999 when I was officially diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, I'll admit that it was a small shock (doctors at the time suspected Multiple Sclerosis), but, again, wasn't falling apart at the seams. My neurologist appeared very knowledgeable (and, in fact, is knowledgeable) regarding MG, ordered the appropriate tests, and taught me much about MG aside from my own "research" on this disease. Again, it was my responsibility to work with my neurologist by taking my meds and keeping my appointments in addition to re-training myself on the daily activities with which I dealt.

In 2001, I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) after years of tests and appts with my present rheumatologist and with audio/visual spatial cog. dysfunction by me present neuropsychologist. Okay, this was all beginning to catch up with me. To make matters worse, I was diagnosed with depression.

Inspite of the above, I was determined to not give up hope. My faith had something to do with that, but my outlook on life in general had an equal share in that determination and hope.

To say that "every day is a treasure chest" may sound a bit Polly-Anna to others, but I am far from being a Polly-Anna. My outlook is that each morning I awake to a new day not knowing what positive things I might come across. But I always knew (and still know) that I will discover something that will benefit myself or will give me the opportunity to benefit someone else. I never know when I put my hand into this treasure chest, what small gift I will grasp. This is my gift to relish and/or glean some sort of understanding that I had not otherwise comprehended. This is my gift to give to someone else, should I wish to or know of someone that would benefit from such enlightenment, if you will. These gifts are not monumental in and of themselves, but by the very nature of each day's discovery I may be better able to help improve myself, or enrich someone else's day.

Something as small as a sincere smile...I'm talking a smile that comes right up from my toes and out my eyes...to someone who is having a lousy day or just needs an emotional boost to their self-esteem. Offering to give a cashier fifty-cents so the kid in front of me can enjoy the candybar he could not otherwise afford. Sending my family a brief text message in the morning, telling them I love them.

By enriching others by any means,no matter how seemingly insignificant, I enrich myself.

Whether it's your treasure chest or your oyster bed, remember what is truly important and never...ever...give up.

Peace out!
Lynne


DISCLAIMER: Although I do have a formal medical background, I am NOT a physician. Any suggestions are just that: suggestions. Always contact your physician for medical advice concerning your healthcare issues.


Dx'd w/Graves' disease in 1996 (had RAI-131);
Dx'd w/Myasthenia Gravis in 1999, had thymectomy in 2000;
Dx'd w/Lupus (SLE) in 2001; abnormal adrenal gland involvement presently.

Have other CNS, cognitive and spinal (cord compression, etc.) health issues.

Married, 3 adult children, 2 cats, and two young guinea pigs (Sweet Pea & Sophie), hobbies to keep me out of trouble, like hand-made jewelry, painting bisque statues of angels (mostly) and other things, games: hidden object, cryptograms, jumbles and crossword puzzles; reading; writing; and movies. I've written prose/poetry that has been published.

Addendum:
I use Yahoo IM and my userID is "NiteOwl716." I am also utilizing the MDJ toolbar, so you may find me there, too.(Feel free to IM me when you can catch me online.) There are not enough hours in the day!


"It's not about waiting for the storm to pass...but learning to dance in the rain."


My Awareness Ribbons
 
"I have myasthenia gravis in addition to lupus."
 
"I have SLE and secondary fibromyalgia."
 
"My youngest daughter has epilepsy."
 
"I am permanently disabled."
 
"My 7 year-old grandson has been living with autism. Grandma loves you, Alex!"
 
"I live with cognitive dysfunction (visual & audio spatial dysfunction); depression."
Awareness Ribbons

My Hugs
Cat306B gave me a Hug
10/28/2012 11:00 AM
a HugWell, I still face unconquered computer problems that have kept me offline since last November [2011]. If science can land a dune buggy on Mars, I can regain a regular link to MDJ. See my new diary entry. It has an important link in it.
Always your FEARLESS leader with love,
ELYAS FRAENKEL ISAACS

Cat306B gave me a Hug
06/10/2012 11:45 AM
a HugThis Thursday, June 14, along with USA Flag Day, is the June 2012 monthly meeting for my United Nations NGO Committee for Mental Health. If you have questions, comments, ideas, suggestions, and the like that extent to MENTAL HEALTH issues and needs worldwide either from your personal perspective or ranging to the whole world, please contact me with whatever you have.
Since my MDJ activity is currently part time and hampered by internet connect problems, I may not have time to return your messages right now.
But be sure I will see the Committee is aware of our MDJ feelings and positions. And I will with the July {{HUG}} make sure UN NGO Committee for MH June 2012 meeting "Talking Points" are returned to all group members.
Happy June to all,
Always yours,
Elyas

Cat306B gave me a Hug
05/31/2012 07:45 PM
a HugHello, MDJunction People!!
Well, it seems even though I planned to have internet by now, it hasn't happened. Truthfully, I am
beginning to think if I annouce a plan to have internet, some force of nature intervenes. So, I hope
and pray to have regular internet sometime, maybe. I think, until then, I will maybe try sort of
"part time" MD Junction leadership again with all of you understanding, I hope, I am doing this with a
Netbook, off site, and part time.
I had pretty regular times set aside when I was a leader "full time". And that is what I wished to do
again. But maybe it's better to do something rather than nothing at all. So, let's together start again
with whatever happens. It sounds good to me. Let me know what you think. I'll do my very best to
respond whatever!!
Best end of May 2012 to you all. I'll try to send out a June message soon with more about this part
time MDJ leadering.
Always yours, [[[HUGHUGHUG]]]
Elyas

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My Diary
That's the way I roll!
I do not wear rose-colored glasses, nor would I consider myself the epitome of optimism. However, I am cautiously optimistic about living with chronic illnesses for which I am told there is no cure.
When I was diagnosed with Graves disease in 1996, I wasn't terribly upset. It was what it was and it was my responsibility to work with my endocrinologist by taking my meds and HRT as instructed and keep my appointments. Check.

In 1999 when I was officially diagnosed with myasthenia gravis, I'll admit that it was a small shock (doctors at the time suspected Multiple Sclerosis), but, again, wasn't falling apart at the seams. My neurologist appeared very knowledgeable (and, in fact, is knowledgeable) regarding MG, ordered the appropriate tests, and taught me much about MG aside from my own "research" on this disease. Again, it was my responsibility to work with my neurologist by taking my meds and keeping my appointments in addition to re-training myself on the daily activities with which I dealt.

In 2001, I was diagnosed with Lupus (SLE) after years of tests and appts with my present rheumatologist and with audio/visual spatial cog. dysfunction by me present neuropsychologist. Okay, this was all beginning to catch up with me. To make matters worse, I was diagnosed with depression.

Inspite of the above, I was determined to not give up hope. My faith had something to do with that, but my outlook on life in general had an equal share in that determination and hope.

To say that "every day is a treasure chest" may sound a bit Polly-Anna to others, but I am far from being a Polly-Anna. My outlook is that each morning I awake to a new day not knowing what positive things I might come across. But I always knew (and still know) that I will discover something that will benefit myself or will give me the opportunity to benefit someone else. I never know when I put my hand into this treasure chest, what small gift I will grasp. This is my gift to relish and/or glean some sort of understanding that I had not otherwise comprehended. This is my gift to give to someone else, should I wish to or know of someone that would benefit from such enlightenment, if you will. These gifts are not monumental in and of themselves, but by the very nature of each day's discovery I may be better able to help improve myself, or enrich someone else's day.

Something as small as a sincere smile...I'm talking a smile that comes right up from my toes and out my eyes...to someone who is having a lousy day or just needs an emotional boost to their self-esteem. Offering to give a cashier fifty-cents so the kid in front of me can enjoy the candybar he could not otherwise afford. Sending my family a brief text message in the morning, telling them I love them.

By enriching others by any means,no matter how seemingly insignificant, I enrich myself.

Whether it's your treasure chest or your oyster bed, remember what is truly important and never...ever...give up.

Peace out!
Lynne

My diagnoses are Myasthenia Gravis, SLE (lupus), Graves' Disease (post-ablative RAI-131 in 1997), other CNS issues, cord compression in cervical, thoracic and sacral spine areas; mod-severe OA; TIA in 2005. Other issues.

I'm here to offer support and share.

TitleDateViewsComments
Kissed by a Breeze 08/07/2010  450 0
Living with neuromuscular disease and being a caregiver, too. 04/29/2010  472 2
Going on a slide on a hot day 03/13/2010  285 0
Shadows of 2009 and Anticipation of 2010 01/01/2010  309 0
I think I can nearly whistle "Dixie" 10/08/2009  424 1
The chest tube is OUT! :) 09/30/2009  420 0
It's not CA, but... 09/29/2009  351 0
Trying to round a curve in a square maze 09/27/2009  339 0
What am I doing here at 3:00 A.M.!?! 08/16/2009  380 0
I am back, but not up to snuff yet. 07/07/2009  444 2
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