Category: Pain

A Faith in Jesus

“Faith!”
Photo by Zac Durant on Unsplash

These days, there are a bazillion ways to get help with what ails you! From medications to meditations, exercises to yoga, man-made devices to holistic therapies to psychological. The list could go on and on and on but I think you get my point. These days, Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) patients have plenty of choices.

While I have had to use some medications over the years to keep me from having too much pain, needle-nerve pain is the worst, it is not usually my first choice. Needle-nerve pain feels like a thousand needles prickling me. However, I have not had to take any medication for muscle pain which thrills me to no end.

My first resource when dealing with the pain, new or old, is to call on the name of “Jesus!” Yes, “Jesus!” Sometimes I repeat “Jesus” several times. And, not at all in a profane way, as some might do. I pray that He helps me to get through the challenges of the pain. He does but in many different ways -that’s for another post. Sometimes the pain returns but He is there with me to help me with it too.

Many people will ask, “well, if Jesus can help with the pain, why doesn’t He stop it?” I have to say, “I do not know the answer to that question. When I ask Him He doesn’t always answer that question. One time, I learned it was because a friend needed to see His Power. However, I trust Him and have seen His Mighty Power help me so many times it’s an incredibly awesome experience. Also, many years ago, the serious pain I was suffering led a girlfriend to become a Christian. To me, that is worth it all. While I cannot explain everything in the Bible or how God works, I would say to be careful around someone who tells you they have all the answers to your questions. If someone claims to have all the answers, RUN!

I have a simple strong faith. My faith isn’t ground in having all the answers. It is ground in the Promise that Jesus says He will never leave or forsake me. I trusted Him with my life many years ago and He has NEVER EVER let me down. And, He never will!

If you would like to learn more about the Christian Faith, Jesus, God, and the Bible, please visit Peace With God.

COVID-19 and Me!

“A Man Swimming”
Photo by TALAVIYA RAHUL on Unsplash

I found COVID-19 to be annoying but really didn’t affect me too much. I work from a studio in my home. Other than my Deep Water Aerobics Class and walking my dog, I usually do not see very many people during the week.

Unfortunately, not being able to attend Deep Water Aerobics classes since March 2020 has caused some of the Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) pain to return which I had worked very hard for nearly 14 years to stop or subside.

I didn’t realize at the time of participating in Deep Water Aerobics (DWA) that the routines created by the instructors were helping me with more areas of CMT than just mobility. Some of these include anxiety, nerve disorders, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Often, I find myself getting stressed or nerves begin acting up for no real reason so I believe DWA along with my Service Dog helps me with that.

Though the pools have re-opened somewhat at the Aquatic Center where I participate in DWA classes, I have concerns that lack of strong leadership by politicians will keep the place open. Also, they have not started the DWA classes yet. Since it was a well-attended class before COVID-19 lockdowns, I have to really wonder why it’s not begun yet. Oh well, I digress.

For many years now, I have assumed the responsibility of taking care of myself since CMT is not curable and is a progressive disease. I worked to be sure that I have the insurance and funds to cover expenses for treatments I might need. However, when COVID hit, it left me with finding ways to get care.

About a month or so ago, I learned that a friend at church has a pool in his backyard. He invited me to use it whenever I want. Oh my goodness what a huge blessing. I contacted my Deep Water Aerobics instructor for advice on a routine. I’m sure I will remember a few exercises but it might be easier to have her advice too.

I have started working out in my friends pool. The pool has shallow areas with a deep area in the middle! Perfect! I can do the exercises from my classes and add a few I learned in Aqua Fit which was in shallow water.

I highly recommend checking into a Water Therapy workout such as Deep Water Aerobics or Aquia Fit to help through the challenge issues of CMT’s pain. I have found it to improve quite a few areas of CMT.

As always, remember, speak with your doctor before you start any physical activities or workouts. I am not a doctor and am only sharing what’s worked for me.