Update On My Lyme Journey: Part 2

It's been over five months now since I started my new Lyme treatment. Despite working really hard for more than three years using various protocols, my doctor and I found out last September that I still have an active infection. 

Discouraging, but we also found out a significant missing piece to this puzzle in how the chronic Lyme infection has affected my immune system. To read my previous health update about this, please go here. 

I am having some rough days on this treatment; it's really up and down. Some days I feel better, other days I feel bad, and many days fall somewhere in-between. However, it sure beats feeling the absolute worst every day, all day, like I have for so many years.

We're also treating the long-term Epstein-Barr (EBV) infection I've struggled with for quite a while, too. Last fall, the immunologist that my doctor consulted said it's imperative to treat EBV in conjunction with Lyme because they get layered together and play off of each other. Therefore, treatment must target or address both. 

 Several years ago, I was treated by a physician for over two years with different prescription antivirals (Valtrex and Famvir) for Epstein-Barr specifically. Clearly, it didn't work because it's still an ongoing issue for me. However, we didn't know about the Lyme infection back then, so I believe Lyme and EBV do work in tandem, just as the immunologist said. Before hearing that from him, I'd always felt a link between them because of my own experience.

We are also working to correct the severe immune dysfunction the Lyme bacteria have caused in my body. I certainly think this has played a role in the chronicity of EBV, but I also believe Lyme disease directly has everything to do with keeping Epstein-Barr in a reactivated state.

As for the immune dysfunction, I'm stuck in overdrive on my T-helper 2 side, which means it overacts. As a result, this has pushed my T-helper 1 side into suppression, which causes it to underact. All of this is due to the chronic Lyme infection. It's been happening for a lot of years and has thrown me into an auto-immune cycle. The immunologist also told us long-term Lyme infections cause the immune system to become so confused that it literally loses its intelligence, but we're working to restore it.

I'm experiencing more neurological stuff at times, too. I've been having a lot of buzzing, tingling, numbness, burning, and shock-type pains. The sensation on the left side of my face was very dull for several days. All of these sharp, burning pains feel like touching an electric fence that sends a burning jolt through you. While it isn't very pleasant to go through, I think it's actually a sign my body is working to heal and repair my nervous system. I believe the treatment is helping reduce inflammation and better support my neuronal function, which is precisely what it's supposed to do. 

Also, the large Lyme ring rashes I've had on my back, chest, and abdomen for almost a year now are significantly better since starting this treatment. At one point, I seriously looked like I had the Olympic rings on my back, except there were way more than five. Overall, it has mostly cleared up, and I am so glad. A big thumbs up for that! 

I'm not sure what's coming next in terms of how I'll feel. It will probably oscillate back and forth, but either way, I've got to do this. We must deal with this Lyme infection as outright as possible and continue reducing inflammation in my body. I do believe there are some good changes are in progress. I just hope and pray I feel better sooner rather than later.

On a side note, this year, 2014, marks twenty years of chronic illness for me. I can't help but think back through the many long and difficult years and wonder how I've survived it all. It's been hard, and that's an understatement. But, as I've said many times before, and it really is true, God has kept me in ways only He could.

My beloved mother is and has been all throughout these years, my "boots on the ground," if you will. And let me tell you that when you're chronically ill, you need present, tangible help every day. 

Love and well wishes from afar are nice, but they aren't the present and tangible help you need when you're so profoundly sick, debilitated, and fatigued. She's the one who has been by my side through all of this, and I am ever grateful. I can't begin to tell you how much she has done for me over these past twenty years. Not only the big things but also the small day-in-day-out things. I am blessed by her care and devotion in helping me be well.

Prayer helps sustain us very much, but practical help is equally necessary; it takes both to get through this. Actually, when you're that sick and fatigued, and you can't function, you need those real and present hands and feet more than anything else. 

So yes, prayer helps, but it doesn't make meals for you or tangibly meet your ongoing physical needs each day. It doesn't drive you to doctor's appointments and sit with you while you're receiving your lab or test results. It doesn't hold your hand while you're having an awful day. In other words, love in action from somebody is required.   

My Mom and Dad have both made many sacrifices to help me since I've been ill. And I understand how truly blessed I am to have the ongoing support I do because many do not. My illness has been hard for my family too. I know it can't be easy to watch someone you love suffer so much for so long. Chronic illness truly affects everything.

What I'm experiencing while on this treatment isn't something I haven't already on some level over the years, but it sometimes gets wearisome. And, again, if you don't have that ongoing tangible support, it's doubly hard and stressful. 

Many do not have the support they need, and they suffer more as a result. Everyone whose sick should have somebody in their life they can depend on to help them, but sadly, that's not always the case. And that hurts my heart.

Let me say that I absolutely believe God is doing what only He can in this, but in the meantime, I have to keep doing what is necessary, too, and it is a full-time job. 

I continue asking Him for perseverance and resolve, so if you'd like to pray anything for me now, please pray for that. And please pray for everyone who has Lyme disease. The suffering is often so tremendous, and not everyone has a caregiver to help them regularly.

Better yet, if you know someone with Lyme, or any chronic illness for that matter (especially with no ongoing support), offer to help them practically in some way. For instance, offer to run errands or help around the house somehow. Perhaps they need transportation to an upcoming appointment, and, if you're able to do so, filling that void would sure lift a burden. Ask what their specific needs are and then follow through with the particular help.

I'll end for now by saying, none of this is easy, but you just have to focus on what needs to be done each day - that's what I've learned through the years.

Take one day at a time. 

Be brave. 

Do the work. 

Cry when you need to. 

And then trust God with the rest. 

Michelle

Never Stop Believing

Even though the days can be long and difficult; Even though our bodies are still exhausted and unwell; Even though we may feel alone and forgotten; Even though this journey seems to be unending—

Never stop believing for something better.

Never give up on your dreams. 

Never let go of your faith.

Miracles do happen.

I'm thinking of you today, friends. And praying hope stays alive and well in your hearts. 

Remember, you are not alone.

In love and friendship,

Michelle

Lyme Disease Awareness Spot Running On Jumbotron At Super Bowl

Those of us who are living with (and have been for many years) Lyme Disease know first hand how devastating and debilitating it is. It is also very misunderstood. So I was elated to see that ILADS, the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society, will be running a public service campaign next Sunday at the Super Bowl on a Jumbotron outside Lucas Oil Stadium to bring greater and much needed awareness to the misdiagnosis of Lyme Disease.

Go to the following link to find out more about the campaign: International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society/Jumbo Tron Campaign

According to Dr. Leo J. Shea III, Ph.D., President of the non-profit ILADS, "Lyme Disease is a silent epidemic in America. We want to alert and educate consumers about this disease, which is often misdiagnosed. Left untreated, it will become chronic and debilitating. Tick-borne illnesses compromise your immune system and the diagnosis, which is largely based on symptoms, can be illusive unless a physician is Lyme-literate."

Another fantastic thing that ILADS is doing is the LymeWall. Check it out; these are the true faces of Lyme Disease. And sadly, some of these precious faces belong to children. If you're reading this and didn't know that children can get Lyme Disease too, I will tell you that it can and has been passed transplacentally during pregnancy to babies. I have a friend whose youngest child contracted Lyme from her during her pregnancy. She didn't know she had it at the time. He's been a sick little fella. If that isn't a stout eye-opener; I don't know what is.

It is my desire to help bring the much due and needed awareness to this disease. I was misdiagnosed for years with MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Transverse Myelitis (likely true secondary to Lyme and/or viruses), Post-viral Demyelinating Syndrome (also likely true), CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome; which is perhaps secondary) and Chronic Mono (which is true but isn't the root; its secondary) among a few others. We found out in 2010 that I really have Chronic Lyme Disease; the true root of this illness of 18 years.

I've written before that I have wondered many times what my life would be like had we found this out sooner. But, after much contemplation and prayer, I know it is a futile pursuit that I must, and do, yield to my faith in Christ. I still have hope for healing for all of us. I still have hope for a better future.

I plan on writing more this year to bring greater awareness and understanding to Chronic Lyme Disease and it's co-infections and how profoundly it affects ones life. It's time.

So what about it my Lyme friends? Should we add our pics to the mix on the LymeWall? Maybe some of you already have. I'm contemplating it. Nevertheless, I think it's great that ILADS, Open Eye Pictures and Burgess Communications are stepping up to the plate like they are. Kudos to them! And kudos to us who keep fighting this Lyme fight daily with integrity, perseverance and guts!

Love to you all.

Copyright © 2012 Michelle Holderman

Struggling With Lyme, Pursuing Acceptance And Trusting God With The Rest

The struggles of living with Lyme disease are myriad, absurd, and often unexpected, just as they are with many chronic debilitating illnesses. This past week, I was reminded of this fact yet again.

Out in a store with my Mom when suddenly, I feel the familiar sensation of vestibular dysfunction arising. Subtle at first. Slightly woozy, dizzy. I'm sitting down in my wheelchair, mind you. I feel it in my eyes. There's pressure in and behind my ears and at the base of my head. I feel my neck begin to ache and tighten up. I can't believe this is happening. Rolling around in and out of isles, maneuvering people and small spaces, only makes it worse. So does too much input. Fatigue begins to wash over me. Mom takes one look at me and knows; t's familiar to her because she's seen it so often. 

We're both surprised and disappointed and we leave as soon as we can.

I'm thinking a lot of things.

Vestibular stuff. I haven't felt this in a while. Why is it happening now?

Ginger. I have no ginger with me. Shoot.

Whole Foods is just across the street. We'll go over there and get some.

By the time we get to the car, I'm running a fever and feeling more tired and woozy, a little nauseous. I'm feeling drained. I have no stamina.

What's happened? I used to be able to tolerate a couple of stops before anything like this. And I haven't had vertigo in quite some time. I feel like I've taken two steps backward.

And then it hits me.

I remember just how bad I have felt this year. How, since spring, I have not been out except to go to doctor's appointments, and many times, I've had to drag myself to those. How the Lyme treatment has been so taxing; how CMV and EBV levels got really high again this past summer, and we had to direct our focus on that too; how my spleen and liver have been so congested and dysfunctional; how tender and swollen they've been; how I've had visceral adjustments, and the last one wiped me out for two weeks.

I think I know why this happened. It happened because I've been more debilitated this year (no wonder I have such low stamina). It happened because I've been physically unable to hardly get out. It happened because I have had some better days at home since breaking from the Lyme treatment this fall, but I mistakenly thought that could translate into a better day out shopping in a store.

After many years of living with chronic illness, I know better. Having better days at home and better days out are two totally different things. I know that. I've lived that. But for some strange reason, it didn't dawn on me that I couldn't handle a store or two like usual, even though this was only my second time being out in one since early spring. And there it is. I was expecting the usual. But these are not usual times. And I have had an unusual year of feeling unusually bad.

As difficult as the past 17 years have been, this year has been uniquely complicated and challenging. I began a full Lyme treatment protocol in September 2010. Since then, between treating Chronic Lyme and multiple co-infections (Ehrlichia, Babesia, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Mycoplasma, Epstein-Barr, and Cytomegalovirus), it's been a rough ride, to say the least. There are no words to fully articulate the depth of it all. If you've not been here, you can't possibly know. That's all I can say. It's as simple as that.

Ironically, I had planned to post something quite different today, a post I worked on a few days ago describing the mild, quiet, beautiful days I'd been having at home the week before last. I will still post that but what happened this past week is ever a reminder to me that there are some things we absolutely cannot do for ourselves. Only God can change certain things.

My Mom did run into Whole Foods and grabbed me a bottle of ginger. It always helps, and that day was no different. About 30 minutes after taking 1,000 mg of ginger root, I started feeling some better. Better enough to briefly stop at a store I love and then have lunch at a place I love (you learn to go on and enjoy some part of your day if you can). By then, though, I was totally spent.

One of the ongoing challenges in all this is acceptance; acceptance of what my body can and cannot do at any given moment, on any given day. On the ride home, I felt like I'd had a setback. I have felt this way many times over the years, and it still doesn't feel good. However, I've also learned it's not productive nor healthy to feel frustrated with my body for what it truly cannot do.

Instead, I must practice the love, self-care, and acceptance that I need. I know my body is working hard to repair, restore, and balance to heal. I know I help aid this process through eating good, whole nutrition, proper rest, treatment, therapies, prayer, etc. 

Being critical or harsh with my body accomplishes nothing. I remind myself to be as gentle and caring with me as I am with my Lyme and other chronically ill friends.

So I went to bed when I got home that day - I needed rest. I needed quiet. I needed hot tea. And I needed the total acceptance of where I am. That doesn't mean it will always be this way. It means I accept what I cannot change at this moment and trust God with the rest.

Michelle Holderman 

Copyright © 2011 

The Healing Files: Juicing

I'm now in the ninth month of my Lyme protocol, and I'm finding it difficult to put into words just how deeply this natural treatment is working. Right now, my days are up and down and anywhere in between. But having been so sick every day for several years and now being in this waxing and waning mode is actually somewhat encouraging. Although many days are just plain hard, I believe it reflects that my body is working to heal. It seems this time requires even more perseverance on my part, however. This is definitely a long and winding road, but it is a road ordained by God, and that makes the difference. 

I thought I'd post some photo updates to help share some of the things I'm doing in pursuit of healing and wellness. Today's post is about juicing, and while I've actually juiced for several years, I've become more serious about it since being on the Lyme protocol. Trust me when I say this is a full-time job.

I juice daily right now. And while the combination of vegetables I use varies, organic carrots, celery, beets, kale, and spinach are all a part of my overall regimen.

I initially started juicing freshly grown wheatgrass but soon realized it is very time-consuming and requires large amounts for daily use. Because of its excellent nutritional content, I started adding organic wheatgrass powder to my juice. Although I know nothing can compare to fresh wheatgrass, I find this powder quite good and the next best thing. It's more compatible with my circumstances.

This is the beautiful end product. Juicing each morning positively impacts my health, and adding wheatgrass seems to be a missing ingredient I need. I've noticed a slight but sure improvement in my energy and a more significant improvement in my digestion. I know I am putting whole power-packed nutrition into my body as I drink this daily. 

Good nutrition is a must, especially when healing. Juicing is a vital part of my overall health regimen and combining it with my treatment protocol and other healing therapies is really beneficial. I can see that it will always be an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. Investing in a juicer is so worth the money. It's a great way to get in the daily servings of fresh vegetables that we all need.

While juicing is clearly essential, it does require prep time and energy. Chronic profound fatigue has prevented me from doing even the simplest things through the years, and while my energy is slowly improving through this treatment, it's still a process. Some days, I'm totally back at zero. So I cannot do this all on my own, nor can anyone working to heal from chronic Lyme or any other disease. 

My dear mother continues helping me in so many ways, and this is one of them. She invests in buying, preparing, and juicing these vegetables for me, allowing me to regularly have fresh organic juice. On my own, I would not have the energy to do this every day, but she sees to it that it doesn't happen. I am blessed tremendously by her devotion to helping me be well. 

My Mom and Dad have both helped me so much financially through the years. I am beyond thankful for them and their support. There really are no words. The Lord is supplying what I need through my parents, and I pray He blesses them abundantly for all they have sacrificed and done for me.

Michelle Holderman 

Copyright © 2011 

30 Things About My Illness You May Not Know

I'm joining a wonderful blogging campaign for National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week, sponsored by Rest Ministries. I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. If you'd like to know more, please check out: http://www.invisibleillness.com/.

1. I live with chronic Lyme disease, but this answer did not come easily. Can anybody say diagnosis nightmare?! Like many others, I've been through the gamut of diagnoses over the years. To better understand my personal story, you might consider reading the post preceding this one entitled, Journeying Through Chronic Illness. 

2. I've actually had symptoms since 1992. But everything escalated after having oral surgery in 1994.

3. I was 24 when I first became ill. I'm now 40.

4. The biggest adjustment I've had to make is learning how to live with and manage physical limitations.

5. Most people assume if I'm out, I must be doing fine. That's not true. I do have some days I feel relatively good, but it can change in a matter of hours or from day to day. Most days, I don't feel well at all, and a lot of days are just plain bad. I'm hoping this will change as we work through a new treatment protocol I'm on, especially since we now know what's really been going on all this time!

6. If I'm not feeling well when I first wake up, I know it's going to be a bad day. If I am feeling reasonably good, however, mornings can be the time of day when I have more energy than afternoons. I tend to get more fatigued and run a fever as the day goes on.

7. My favorite medical TV shows are ER, China Beach, Emergency, and Hawthorne.

8. An electronic gadget I couldn't live without is my iPhone. I especially like it when I'm not feeling well. I can listen to music and access email, FB, Twitter, and other apps, all from bed. Even though I use my laptop regularly, it's just too big to deal with when I'm feeling bad. That's when my iPhone really makes the difference for me.

9. Sometimes, people just don't understand. And sometimes, people say the wrong things. These are two things I've had to both accept and make peace with. And while this is true of life in general, it is amplified in chronic illness. This was much more difficult early on in my illness, but there are still those occasions when it stings a bit. I truly believe most people mean well; they just don't understand the complexity of living with chronic illness, pain, and/or disability.

10. The number of pills I take daily varies. I use homeopathic medicines, which are liquid, so I add so many drops to my water and drink or take them straight by mouth. My herbal and nutritional supplements vary. Some are liquid also. Presently, I'm taking 4 pills a day.

11. I like and benefit very much from using alternative medicine and therapies. I spent several years using prescription medications but have found a great deal of help through natural and alternative means. I believe everyone has to find what they feel is best for themselves and certainly what works. My physician is a Naturopathic Doctor. I have Massage Therapy and other bodywork regularly. Epsom Salt and aromatherapy baths can help ease muscle and joint pain and greatly help with detoxification. I've also found eating whole nutrition is extremely important. So I eat a very healthy diet, which initially stemmed out of necessity, but I feel better when eating whole, nutritious foods.

12. My wheelchair is the most tangible, visible part of my illness, and that's what people always go to. But it certainly isn't the only part. Clearly, not being able to walk is a huge deal! However, it is one obvious reflection of many invisible aspects of this illness. I pray for the day, and this is my faith speaking when I am well and will no longer need to use this wheelchair. I'll be thrilled to become totally invisible in that sense!

13. I haven't been able to work in my chosen profession for many years now. It took me quite a while to accept that. You know - one more thing I had to give up. But I truly believe God has other plans for me.

14. People would probably be surprised to know that I play the drums :)

15. Some of the hardest things to accept about this new reality have been the many losses and limitations with chronic illness and disability.

16. My illness actually opened the door for me to speak to nursing and radiology students at a local college about my perspective as a healthcare professional and a patient. Based on my own experiences, I created scenarios for the students to assess how they would potentially respond. We then had open discussions about it, and many of them began to share their own personal stories. It was a really great experience for me, and I hope it was for them as well.

17. I am thankful for the good days or moments I have, even if they are few and far between. Living with a chronic illness and disability has undoubtedly brought a whole new and unique perspective of life; it has been a teacher in many ways.

18. Some of the things I really miss doing since being chronically ill is having the stamina and energy to go out shopping with my Mom and run around all day, i.e., shopping, having lunch, shopping some more, having coffee, etc. I miss going on vacations too, which require energy and money. Mostly it's the simpler things I miss, like taking a walk in the woods, especially in the fall. Being able to walk and run with my nephews. Or being able to indulge in something sweet without repercussions.

19. It's difficult to fully express the deep struggles of living life with a chronic illness. One mourns for the physical losses that accompany disease and the loss of friends, jobs, lifestyles, etc. One thing that was really hard for me to give up was my total independence. Thankfully, I'm still independent in some ways. This has come through making our home more accessible and by investing a great deal of hard work into physical therapy, being devoted to working with my doctor, and sticking to my diet and treatment regiment. It's certainly not been easy, and it's certainly not been fun, but through it all, I've learned a lot about trusting God and how to depend on Him and others.

20. A new and serious hobby I have taken up since my illness is photography. And interestingly, I've found the view of the world around me is literally different because of my being forced to slow down and sit down. I catch things around me that others can sometimes miss.

21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again, I would want to spend it with my family enjoying copious amounts of carefree fun at the beach. I want to run with my nephews into the ocean! If not at the beach, then at home grilling out, riding four-wheelers, walking in the woods, running and playing with my nephews, building a bonfire, roasting marshmallows to make smores, etc. I would truly savor having an abundance of energy, feeling good, and being able to move around freely without limitation.

22. My illness has taught me much about patience and perseverance. I've learned a great deal about God, trusting Him, and truly learning to walk by faith and not sight. Not an easy lesson. I've learned a lot about myself and about health and nutrition. I've learned to recognize and appreciate small joys in life; they really do keep you going. I've learned carrying a dream in your heart is essential to survival. And I've also learned the one thing this illness cannot take away from me is my identity in Christ.

23. One frustrating thing is the many pat responses I've gotten from people." But you look good!" or "It can always be worse, can't it?" or "If anybody could do this, it's you." I realize others cannot automatically know the ins and outs of living daily with a chronic illness and disability. Still, it can be frustrating to be told how good I look when I've just come out of 3 weeks of feeling my absolute worst. And clearly, I know things can always be worse, but it doesn't change my present circumstances. As for the last one, what choice do I have? I find those who have understanding usually do so because of dealing with an illness themselves or having experienced it through someone they love.

24. I like when people will address my illness and disability and not talk around it. I find children are refreshingly open and honest about such things. I welcome their curiosity and questions. My nephews have asked me many questions about why I can't walk and why I have to rest. They're certainly not intimated by a wheelchair. I also like when people will look me in the eye and acknowledge me. There have been many times over the years when I've been out in public and had someone turn away from me or direct conversation to my mother or whoever I was with. I now realize that has more to do with them than with me. Still, it doesn't feel very good. Conversely, there have been those who have gone out of their way to hold open a door, say hello, offer a smile, or strike up a conversation. So there really are some kind, thoughtful people in the world, and they far outweigh those who are not.

25. Some of my favorite quotes and/or scriptures that get me through tough times are: 

Psalm 34:18 "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (I find a lot of solace in reading the Book of Psalms).

"...Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Philippians 1:6

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; don't lean unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

"So do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

"Hope knows that if great trials are avoided, great deeds remain undone, and the possibility of growth into greatness is aborted." - Brennan Manning.

"Never, never, never give up." - Winston Churchill.

"Sometimes God allows what He hates to accomplish what He loves." - Joni Eareckson Tada.

"It's not whether you get knocked down; it's whether you get up that matters." - Vince Lombardi.

26. If someone has been diagnosed with a chronic illness, I'd like to tell them to not compare where they are and how they feel with someone else; we all deal with this differently. I'd say it's alright to feel those roller-coaster emotions - scream, have a good cry, talk to a trusted friend, rip the newspaper to shreds or blast the music really loud; whatever helps. I would tell them to look to God for strength and hope. I'd also add that questions or struggles with faith are common in chronic illness, but they do not necessarily equal a loss of faith; it's okay to work through that. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to reach out and seek help when you need it. And I'd also say find a great online support system or resource like Rest Ministries; it can make a huge difference to connect with others who relate to what you're going through.

27. One surprising thing I've learned is that chronic illness is not simply black or white but many shades of gray in diagnosing, treating and living with it. And it affects the whole family, emotionally and financially. My brother once said to me, "Michelle, while this is physically taking place in your body, it's happening to all of us." I've never forgotten that. And it's true.

28. Someone doing something nice for you means a lot anytime, but that's certainly true when you're chronically ill. My Mom, my caregiver, does nice things for me regularly; they're just too numerous to mention.

Several years ago, before having to quit work, a close friend of mine came to my house and wrapped ALL of my Christmas presents for me because I was not feeling well enough to do it. Very nice.

A sweet friend of my grandmother's use to send me notes and cards every week. She did this for many years before she passed away. She would often just write something very simple but meaningful. Very nice. And speaking of my grandmother, she, like my mother, did so many nice things for me while she was alive. She would often make me homemade meals and goodies that only she could. Mostly, she and my grandfather would come to visit me every Sunday afternoon. I enjoyed spending that time with them. I love and miss her very much!

29. I'm involved with Invisible Chronic Illness Week because I want to put a face to what living life chronically ill is really like and help others understand that a lot of the suffering of chronic illness and pain is not often visible to others. Also, I want to share hope and support with those living with chronic illness and/or pain. Even though many days are hard, and even though some days are beyond brutal, you can get through it with God's help and the love and support of family and friends.

30. The fact that you took the time to read this list makes me feel you're interested and care. And for that, I say a deeply heartfelt thank you!