neg vs positive: part2

ozi2 · Guru

neg vs positive: part2

Andrea · Senior Member

Sorry to hear your news, ozi2; no wonder you're having trouble coming to terms with it. Not a lot we can offer other than our good wishes and support, and the hope that you'll at least fit in some more of those extras, if the damage can be limited. So many things can creep up on us unawares - your advice to 'get out there now and live it' is timely for every one of us.

Andrea

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Andrea, thank you for your kind wishes, I am finding one of the biggest frustrations making travel an issue is my immune system is almost non existent; a simple cold can have dire consequences. My family have to cancel events on short notice if someone is ill which means I loose out on the social access as well. Insurers dont wont to know me...wonder why? smile

Our family is heading to FNQ (Cairns) for a special time together and I am looking forward to that immensely, my grandchildren are a delight.

cheers

ozi2

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Ozi2 - so sorry to hear that mate - take pleasure in what you can, as often as you can - enjoy your grandchildren, and family time together - keep your chin up, and take care.
Keep in touch with us all on the "madhouse".

Sheba · Guru

Sorry to hear that Ozi2. I have friends who have similar afflictions, and I am in awe of how they keep life "normal". Stops me from complaining too much about Breathing problems.

Make the most of everything you can.

Cheers,

Sheba.

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Jules & Sheba, yep, it can appear to be a madhouse on GN's at times and what a great forum it is......I have always enjoyed the friendly banter, information and support that we offer each other.........what a great way to live life hey! If only our pollies could get the message

Safe travels everyone,

cheers

ozi2

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Thanks for the update Ozi, wish it was better news. Have been wondering how you are getting on.

Thanks also for the reminder to get out there and live life to the full, Yep. doing our best with that!

My very best wishes to you, and your family. Have a blast in Cairns!!!

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Gerty, I have been following your posts, and in particular your Kimberly adventures as it was there I had intentions of seeing myself ,....but for this "problem".

It sounds like the pair of you are having a wonderful holiday, long may it continue,

safe and happy times to you both,

cheers,

ozi2

Travel Bug · Guru

Hi ozi2 and thanks for the update.

I think of you often and I am so sorry that it is not better news for you.

The Cairns trip sounds great. Have a fabulous time!! smile

Firefly · Guru

Thankyou for updating us mate, as with the others, I wonder often how you are.

I still feel the sense of humour is there, good on you x o x o

milo · Guru

sorry to hear your news ozi2. even if we cant do the adventure our selves, just watching others do it here is good too...
best wishes.milo

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Firefly, as they say, laughter truly is the best medicine. Over the years and in particular during my service in Vietnam it was the aussie sense of humour that got us through some difficult times. I think any of the ex service and emergency services members would agree that black humour in particular helped pass some bad moments as a way of dealing with stressful situations. (and this disease is stressful for sure)

I am keeping an eye on your travel posts, so keep us all up todate,

cheers,

ozi2

ozi2 · Guru

G'day Milo and thanks. I am really pleased to see that you are planning your next trip.

I will try to do what I can but there are a few drawbacks to where and how I go, I would just love your option of having the motor home....such a good idea for you and your dad.

Reading some of your posts I get bit of a laugh as I reckon your dad is a stubborn old coot, 89yrs, smoking still and still raring to go see our great country. May you both have lots of journeys together,

cheers mate,

ozi2

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Pam and thanks, Cairns will be wonderful, I lived there during 1984, just before the international airport opened......and ole Russ Hinze bulldozed a road through the Daintree.......so there will be much to catch up on.

How goes your own plans for travel?

cheers,

ozi2

Travel Bug · Guru

Hi ozi2,

I have no doubt that you will see a lot of changes. I have only been to Cairns once, that was 4 years ago. I particularly liked the sky rail. I normally hate heights...but I took my courage in both hands and the experience was amazing.
Now that I have the van, I intend visiting Cairns again....also touring around lots of other areas in the North, for next Winter.

I had a new windscreen fitted in the van yesterday. I had some cupboards etc; put in and after I picked it up, a truck going in the opposite direction threw up a rock and put a big hole in it. A nuisance.....but all fixed now.
Next addition will be a solar panel.

I intend heading South some time in September and touring around awhile. I will go to the get together at Gunbower Island in November...and then head slowly back home.

ozi, I have to tell you that your positivity is an inspiration to me. I have nothing to whinge about!!

Have a great holiday! Cheers. Pam. smile

Romy5152 · Guru

Hi ozi2,

Cairns would be great at this time of year, mate - I'm slowly freezing my 'you know what' off, and the brass monkeys of central western Queensland are missing some vital parts! From what I can remember, this is the coldest winter we've had for a very long time. Enjoy your beautiful grandchildren and family in warmer, sunny Cairns!

I'm glad to see your sense of humour is still with you, and if you ever need another distraction for a good laugh, try youtube and search Jim Jeffries. He's Australian, and although his kind of humour is not to everyone's taste (lots of swearing), he is a very funny man and will prove a worthy distraction for a while!

To get to the crux of your current matter: Shutting off your thoughts in your private moments can be difficult, and whilst deep breathing and meditation can be useful, you will always have those private moments - as does everyone. However, I have heard of some people with TI's keeping a TI diary, or simply writing down negative thoughts on paper and then burning the paper to symbolically get rid of them.
Another 'trick' is to indulge your senses. Your appetite may be poor, but try to enjoy your favourite food or drink. If possible get close to nature, listen to birds, look on beautiful views, get close to moving water and listen to its soothing tones, enjoy touch. Proper and relevant use of essential oils can also calm when you smell them.
Treasure and revisit in your mind all pleasurable events and feelings for each and every day. Revist really favourite ones when negative thoughts start to impinge.
At the end of each day, write down all the happy or pleasureable events from the day, however small or large.

Above all, please let family and friends help you in any way that's offered or needed - as long as you feel comfortable with it. They too will be struggling with your illness, so the gains will be two fold.

Peace and all good things, Ozi. We're all thinking of you, and all taking your humbling advice of getting out there and doing things. (Hug)

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Myra, what can I say that says how much I appreciated your kind words, thoughts and suggestions? Well, quite simply "thank you"!

I have just returned from the cancer man who is quite upbeat about RBC (red blood cell count) that at the moment is low but stable enough not to be too worried about, ie, no blood transfusions at this point of time (thank goodness) as the slower the progress the longer the life span if no complications; ie, pneumonia, so its a pneumonia injection this week (good for 5 yrs) on top of annual flu injections and if avoidable stay away from transmittable virus's from family etc. Spleen is enlarged but whilst there is stomach discomfort (relieved to a degree my medication) I fortunately do not have the large spleen that many MF sufferers endure and I have taken steps to ensure that I eat well, lots of small meals whenever I can. Thus so, I have even put on weight! My specialist also reaffirmed that "when"I deteriorate (not if with this disease) then I have access straight away to his clinical care program which includes the latest drug regimes available.

Humour and nature/wildlife........I wouldnt be without it, coupled with my family and a determination not to let go is vital and I find that the symptoms of "mourning"the loss of my life as I knew it are fading as each day goes by. Its not to suggest that I dont think about things as its logical to do so, I just try to give it a time and place and when it intrudes I get on my bike and ride the blues away. At night I seek other distractions until retiring.

Ok, Cairns next week, looking forward so much to seeing the old girl again after 27 years. If all goes well and I handle air travel and stay well then I have been given the green light to give SE Asia one more visit while in reasonable health.

thanks again Myra,

cheers

ozi2

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Hi Ozi2 - good to hear you in good spirits - keep your chin up mate - enjoy Cairns - tho you will notice a huge amount of differences up there - it is a very busy city now - but still a really good place to visit - the lagoon area at the waterfront is lovely, you will enjoy spending time there.

Take care mate - let us all know what you think of Cairns when you get back.

Romy5152 · Guru

No worries, Ozi. It sounds like you have a fantastic doctor on side, and a plan in place. I would certainly go tripping overseas if still well enough to enjoy it. The distraction of another culture will also provide lasting memories to bring home with you. I am loving your positivity, Ozi - whether you know it or not, you really are an inspiration to many - myself included.

I also remembered a friend I'd like to tell you about, who is in good health, but who swears by a daily 'tonic' of freshly liquidised vegetable or fruit juice, or a combination of both - I'm talking about the kind of juicer that you can put fruit or veg in with skin, seeds, and all - and only the liquid comes out, but it is such concentrated liquid that none of the goodness is lost - except the fibre in the pulp. Juices like this are so very easily absorbed, and sometimes when you really don't feel like eating anything, juice extraced in this way can be an invaluable source of nourishment - without the bulk. The juicer I have is a Jack la Lanne Power Juicer (yes, when on holidays, I'm a informercial junkie, and Jack and Mrs Jack are sooooo convincing!). It is a little bit on the bulky side (a little like me

) but it is so worth the money I paid for it. I have a lot of fun fiddling with combinations of fruits and juices - some I would not try a second time, but most are really delicious, no matter how I combine them. I try to use fruits and vegies high in anti-oxidents, so have included a list for you, should you wish to go down that track.

Fruits:

Goji Berry
Black Chokecherry
Wild Blueberry
Blueberry,commercially grown
Cranberry
Blackberry
Prune
Raspberry
Strawberry
Red Delicious Apple
Granny Smith Apple
Sweet Cherry
Black Plum
Plum
Gala Apple
Raisins
Oranges
Red Grapes

Vegetables:

Brussel Sprouts
Alphalfa Sprouts
Spinach
Broccoli Florets
Beets
Red Bell Peppers
Artichoke Hearts
Russett Potato
Kale
Small Red beans
Red Kidney Bean
Pinto Bean
Black Beans

Pecans
Walnuts
Almonds

Dark Chocolate
Cocoa Powder
Green Tea
Black Tea
White Tea

Cloves ground
Cinnamon
Oregano

Cheers Ozi! (hug)

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Jules, you can be assured that I will post re Cairns on my return. I am starting to get excited now about spending some real quality time with the little one's and mums and dads. The kids are so funny with what they come out with. Last week my 4 year old grandson told me I have the best toilet that he has ever used!!

Enjoy your travels and all the best,

cheers

ozi2

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Myra... ......what an incredible list! Thank you for making the time and effort in assembling such a detailed list of ingredients....your friends have a most valuable friend in you!

Re my specialist......yes, he is a very talented haemotologist and it was through the efforts of my GP who is also a great professional that I was able to access the program.

Sadly, there are a lot of patients around the world who dont have access to what we have available here and they would give an arm or leg to do so, if just to find some relief from their symptoms. As you can imagine, the mighty USA where so much of the drug research has been done the available medicines are beyond the reach of most of them. I really can't get my head around the callousness shown at times from such a powerful nation and still incredibly wealthy no matter what the financial headlines say. They came up with cheap medicines to counter AIDS in developing countries so what's the problem? (profit perhaps?)

Inspiration? no, nothing like that , but thanks for the boost. My parents gave us lots of love, a voice that could be heard and a set of values that we here on the forum all seem to share as evidenced by your post and every forum member here. We were always told that respect given is respect returned.

And.........today I was told I have glaucoma, so something to occupy my mind in the meanwhile smile and just to make my day I got a good deal on 16cubic metres of mulch only to find my wheelbarrow has rusted out

Ok Myra, thanks again, hope you are nice and warm our west?

cheers

ozi2

Romy5152 · Guru

Hi Ozi,

Thank you, but I honestly look at it like this: "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart, and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words." I have personally identified with this quote many times in the past, and I think all of us know that should we ever be in the same boat as you, it would be comforting to have a friend/friends who will sing to us too (as long as they don't sing off-key! . So, mate, no thanks are necessary.

Respect and values. Yes, they are still out there Ozi, and although they can sometimes be a forgotten commodity, the more I teach children at school, the more I understand why I left nursing. I am a Teacher's Aide in Learning Support, but I do teach - individuals and groups - and I love teaching. Generally, the kids are very good and only sometimes need a gentle reminder to say please or thank you, but the one area I find manners is never missing is in ESL (English as a Second Language) students. In the past 5 years, I have taught a Chinese student and 3 South African students to read, write and speak English.

They were, and still are, wonderful kids, but I hear some really funny things in the course of my job. One day, I was sitting beside my Chinese student in his Year 7 class helping him with his work, when our Principal came in to inform the kids that our cleaner was away for a week because she was sick. He asked them if they could please just be that extra bit careful when they go to the toilets, because one of our staff members had kindly volunteered to clean them while the regular cleaner was away. After the Principal left the room, my Japanese student turned to me and whispered, none too quietly mind you, "In China, students clean toilets. Bloody stink too!" Here was a boy who didn't have a very good grasp of English, but knew exactly when and how to use a swear word! I couldn't help myself, and laughed before I could turn away to hide my face. After I gently reminded him that 'we don't use that kind of language at school', we proceeded with his lesson, but I'll always remember him for that. (Your comment about your grandson and your toilet made me think of this.) I digress though - this boy had the most beautiful manners, as did the South African children, and most of the time, the other kids I work with are respectful. Occasionally though, like yesterday, the wheel does indeed turn full circle. I was reprimanding a student (in a group) about his behaviour, and said, "Besides the fact that what you're doing is unacceptable, I don't get paid enough to put up with that kind of behaviour." The student immediately asked me how much I was paid, and before I could even begin to think of a reply, one of the other students (who can be equally as naughty) jumped to my defence with, "That's none of your business!" I was most impressed!

I have heard it said many times that 'we should look more carefully in our own back yard before aiding people in other countries'. I personally think there's room for both, and it's why I admire the work that eye specialist Dr Fred Hollows (for one) started, and that his wife Gabby continues to this day. Without people like them, what an even sadder world we would live in. Location and circumstances play a big part, but I have to wonder too, if it is sometimes all about the mighty dollar.

Ozi, I hope you continue to feel 'well' for some time to come. Glaucoma is not nice, and since you appreciate humour, I wish there could be as wonderful a cure for it, as my cure for dusting. If I wear my glasses I see the dust, if I don't, it's not there!

Take care, Ozi. (hug)

-- Edited by Romy5152 on Thursday 28th of July 2011 08:20:17 AM

-- Edited by Romy5152 on Thursday 28th of July 2011 03:52:20 PM

jules47 · The Happy Helper

To digress - and comment on Romy's post re dust - I found a little plaque shaped like a house with the motto - "my house is protected - by a layer of dust" - I love it, it's stuck to my front door!!

Romy5152 · Guru

Nice one Jules - where did you find it?

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Hi Romy - in a little town called Culcairn NSW - little antique shop - lady had them made for her - she had lots of other ones as well - it took my fancy.

ozi2 · Guru

Hi Jules, may I digress too? Just 2 more sleeps then Cairns!Feeling in pretty good health considering and have had a really productive week, achieving a multitude of jobs without too much fuss is very satisfying. FNQ report to follow,

cheers everyone

ozi2

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Have a great tri Ozi2 - looking forward to your report.
Cheers!!!

ozi2 · Guru

jules47 wrote:
Have a great tri Ozi2 - looking forward to your report.
Cheers!!!

Hi Jules, hi everyone, well I have survived the Cairns trip ( report posted on the general forum) and I have to say that the flu and pneumonia injections paid off big time as the number of infected travelers on board the plane was very high and I just had to switch off and leave the outcome in the hands of the travel gods......all good so far but I have every digit crossed! biggrin

Hope this finds you all in good health,

cheers

ozi2