tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3310663352296310172024-02-07T18:19:20.397-08:00Redefining Myself... with Lupus and MSRedefining myself is a process, not an eventKim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-72889149446700620152013-08-11T14:38:00.000-07:002013-08-11T14:40:43.060-07:00
This weeks Sound of Crickets Award goes to:
Okay, let me get this straight... My illness is causing you hardship?!
#SickChickPMA #CNSGrrrl #SickChickHumor #SoundofCricketsAward #RedefiningMyself
Take Time for Reflection
text and image ©2013 Brian Goslow
Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-26053694387266764282013-08-10T12:17:00.001-07:002013-08-10T12:17:10.127-07:00I Do Not Need Your Help!
Asking for
help has gotten easier for me to do in recent years because of my impairments
but back in 2005 when I was first diagnosed with MCTD it was extremely
difficult for me to accept my limitations and even worse to ask other's for
help.
I was battling
with my own pride and self-sufficiency. I had always been able to get things
done on my own- thank you very much. I would get offended (Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-28129530885356938202013-08-08T12:16:00.002-07:002013-08-08T12:27:54.348-07:00
Chronically Sick without
Instructions
Look, I know that I’ve driven some of
you crazy over the years with my failing health stories. I cannot emphasize
enough how difficult and time consuming it has been for me to be trapped in a
body that keeps rebelling against me (my body’s keeper). I’m sure that you have
a thought or two over the years that I might be obsessed about my health
problemsKim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-51079531077108819132013-08-06T22:02:00.003-07:002013-08-06T22:02:46.951-07:00Depression and Rare Neuro-Immunological DiseasesGreat link from the Transverse Myelitis Foundation!Depression and Rare Neuro-Immune Diseases: Q&A with Dr. Lana Harder and Angie Fayadhttps://myelitis.org/resources/tma-blog/depression-and-rare-neuro-immune-diseases-qa-with-dr-lana-harder-and-angie-fayad#CNSGrrrl #SickChickPMAKim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-77267676875916302632013-07-31T11:55:00.000-07:002013-07-31T11:55:18.827-07:00
Today I may feel like shit. Today I may not be able to cook a meal for my daughter, we may have to eat sandwiches, or left-overs. Today I may not be able to take a shower, or brush my teeth. Today my thinking may be so skewed that I cannot even hold a conversation with someone. Today I may not answer the phone or emails. Today I may feel like giving in and giving up. Today I may Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-53187191675887967032013-07-29T10:27:00.000-07:002013-07-29T10:42:04.111-07:00Chronically Ill People Need Validation Do you remember what it was like to go undiagnosed, from doctor to doctor, while your quality of life trickled away? Being dismissed by doctors was one thing, but being dismissed by your family and friends was the absolute worst feeling of abandonment.
Then the diagnosis finally comes, you are vindicated, you get placed on medications. The people in your life think that the diagnosis will Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-31841054423455877832013-07-22T23:58:00.002-07:002013-07-22T23:58:51.397-07:00
Boundary Setting for the Chronically Ill
I'm learning how to set more effective boundaries with people. Being sick with a chronic systemic disease has required me to remove myself from useless relationships specifically emotionally toxic ones. I cannot tell you how being sick has really motivated me with spending my time wisely. I had a few old relationships that were not productive, they Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-40712661884787801522013-07-20T21:04:00.001-07:002013-07-20T21:07:01.400-07:00I remember the few years that I bounced between doctors and tests and the growing list of symptoms. I slowly started not living a high maintenance life style. I didn't always do this gracefully nor always willingly. I caused myself some serious grief and frustration by not setting limits for myself. During the times that I wavered in moments (sometimes hours or days!) of denial of my Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-76246934497982473142013-02-16T15:56:00.003-08:002013-02-16T15:56:34.507-08:00A long time ago I used to be young & had a strong body. Today I have been seasoned some, and my body has other ideas and mind keeps rebelling against those ideas. Then I'm faced with another reality check. I'm not a Zen master. I fight the change, I wrestle shit to the ground, I process things and decompress. I even have moments of feeling defeated but I just keep trying to rise above these Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-83640989571573438722013-01-23T10:11:00.000-08:002013-01-23T10:15:38.142-08:00Beware of the pity-potI've explained to my baby preteen girl, that even though by American standards that we are living at the poverty level, we are still so blessed to have a roof over our heads (even though it is a fight to keep it over our heads, which I'm sure a few of you can relate to). That if we lived in other countries with my diseases and their secondary companions and her with her bleeding disorder, Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-22584482352624223672012-12-20T10:44:00.000-08:002012-12-20T10:44:08.504-08:00Pre-Solstice Reflections for 12/21/2012There's too many people needing to believe in apocalyptic events of 12/21/2012. It's some form of hysteria and a social phenomena that many people in recent centuries have become obsessed with. Hell, there's people all over the world, like say, the well-balanced individuals in France who are going to congregate on some mountain to save their **own asses** from the end of the world and who are Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-10245554844926540122012-12-12T13:15:00.001-08:002012-12-12T13:15:12.515-08:00KIM NAULT's personal National Multiple Sclerosis Society Helping Hands Drive website: I'm volunteering with the National MS Society to help create a world free of multiple sclerosis. Come see my personal website.Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-41740238676861389662012-09-24T14:30:00.001-07:002012-09-24T14:30:25.250-07:00Here's a great video from the Transverse Myelitis Association by Dr. Julius Birnbaum, an immunologist who specializes in both rheumatalogical and neurological diseases. This video is primarily about the various manifestations of CNS lupus. Dr. Birnbaum discusses diagnosis and treatment of central nervous system lupus.
Video by: Transverse Myelitis Association
Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-50487076604672725112012-09-23T12:52:00.001-07:002012-09-23T13:08:31.412-07:00Find 5 things to be grateful for today
Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-1390408922000695252012-09-21T23:06:00.001-07:002012-09-21T23:08:32.503-07:00No is a Complete SentenceI was such a yes kind of person before I got really sick!!!Yes, I'll cook and clean and work and raise my kid, and entertain the masses and pluck my eyebrows, and play lay counselor to people not interested in changing. Yes, to over booked days and exhausting schedules, and yes! to every request, yes to every phone call and chopping food and cooking and folding laundry! Yes! I was super wife, Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-2939969937674148982012-07-21T14:00:00.000-07:002012-07-21T23:14:43.334-07:00Neuro Psychiatric SLE FAQ It's estimated that 70-90% of SLE patients will experience central nervous system involvement. Many experiencing mild to moderate cognitive impairments and headaches - both increasing in intensity during times of active disease. The Lupus headache often only responds primarily to corticosteroids (even at moderate doses) and very rarely to pain medications. While a smaller percentage of Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-37027612229607526582011-11-24T00:16:00.000-08:002011-11-24T00:33:00.428-08:00The Person that I am BecomingThanksgiving isn't just a day or an occasion; or if your fortunate enough to have it, a paid day off from your employer. Thanksgiving is a consciousness, a state of mind of appreciation & gratitude for things in my life. Look, even when I've faced many challenges I can still recognize the things in my life that bring quality to my life. In the last two years I've walked through some Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-12816472142549989012011-09-30T14:09:00.000-07:002012-09-13T13:37:31.447-07:00
Two Types of Fatigue in Demyelinating Disease:
In demyelinating (neurological) diseases, there are two types of fatigue: primary and secondary.
Primary fatigue is thought to be caused by the disease process itself and is caused by the demyelination in the central nervous system. The slowing of messages from the brain and spinal cord and a buildup of muscle weakness combined, can be a Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-28878138283917611222011-09-27T20:19:00.000-07:002011-09-30T14:10:24.055-07:00Elevating my AdversitiesIt's been real challenging and bumpy ride with this current flare. It all started out with a mild increase with my neuro symptoms, evil headaches, fevers, and I had no strength to raise my right arm above shoulder level. My right hand swelled so badly that my knuckles disappeared and no range of motion accompanied by pissed off achy pain. Sidebar: this is the first evidence of arthritisKim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-14250826100287524652011-07-31T12:57:00.000-07:002011-09-30T14:04:42.842-07:00The Disabled Lady with a Walker Saves the Pitt-bull Family from Stupidity and Mayhem“Empowerment is the result of external sources inspiring us inwardly."
©2010 Kim Nault
July 27, 2011
I recently received a few public service recognition's that I would like to share with you:
Judy M. : "Kim a.k.a. Blockhead will now be addressed as THE PITBULL WHISPERER. For her courageous Mc Guyver esque
plan to deal with neighborhood pitbulls. FSU"
Image courtesy of SNL
Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-31267296042406012802011-07-30T22:50:00.000-07:002011-07-30T22:50:00.426-07:00Welcome Welcome to Redefining Myself with Lupus and MS This blog page is a part of my commitment to educating, encouraging and empowering others who are living with these chronic illnesses, of which there is no cure. The enteries that you will find here will be from my personal experience, some hilarious, some bitching, but always packing a punch of witty determination. The Internet is revealing Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-45822672961499172092010-12-15T20:45:00.000-08:002011-04-04T15:45:38.959-07:00Serving the Lupus Community One Click at a Time!My New Year Bash with CNS inflammation, Solu-medrol, and espresso!February 06, 2011 I did have that brain MRI on December 22nd. It showed active lesions, which had me rather disgusted to say the least. I was feeling like my brain tissue was defeated. I decided not to focus too much on the news and turned my attention to my family and the holidays. Do know that I spent a few mornings weeping Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-31754970199785185082010-08-31T12:57:00.000-07:002011-03-04T11:03:25.977-08:00Welcome to Redefining Myself!Welcome to Redefining Myself!
(Official Big Grrrl Online Lupus 'Zine!) I'm so glad that you stopped by for a visit! If you read something worthwhile be sure to share my link with others!
“Empowerment is the result of external sources inspiring us inwardly." ©Kim Nault
This blog is still under construction! I am so glad that you have stopped by for a visit!I'm CNS challenged, but not dead! I'mKim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-74209578976827702162010-08-19T14:37:00.000-07:002010-08-31T14:23:46.559-07:00CNS BattleAugust 19, 2010
Last week the leg weakness and numbness began to wax. By the weekend I was parked on the couch. Usually, I do the wait watch and see thing for a few days. To see if things get worse and begin interfering with my ability to ambulate. Well, I had fallen several times over the weekend and couldn't move about very well as the weekend ensued. I knew by Sunday night I needed medical Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-331066335229631017.post-38283102215041429052010-04-02T10:53:00.000-07:002011-02-18T20:49:08.965-08:00Welcome to Redefining Myself!
“Empowerment is the result of external sources inspiring us inwardly." ©Kim Nault
This blog is still under construction! I am so glad that you have stopped by for a visit!I'm CNS challenged, but not dead! I'm still facing severe inflammation in my CNS and brain. I am not stabilized YET! I am hoping that Cellcept will cool things off and maybe even bring remission! My objective is effective Kim Naulthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02791874577691491571noreply@blogger.com