Friday, February 6, 2009

Farewell for now...

Its with a real sense of sadness that I say good bye to blogging on this blog for now, as other things in my life will be taking up my time in the months to come. I have loved your visits, your loving and encouraging comments, getting to "know" many of you and just the fun and challenge of thinking of things about which to post!

As many of you know, who have followed my blog, I suffer from chronic and, at times, acute, pain in my upper back of over thirty years duration. The acute phases are happening far more frequently and I'm sitting more and more. A terrible cycle has continued in my body over these many years, in my muscle skeletal system and the time has come (way over due) to start repairing the damage that has been done.

Yesterday I was evaluated at a very long session (six hours) at a Rehab Institute which has had great success with pain management. Long story short, my life style is going to change dramatically in the next few months.

I will be meeting at the rehab institute one day a week for several hours of therapy.

I have therapy to do at home with "rubber bands".

I must ride my recumbent bike daily.

I will be in a specialized aquatic program three days a week.

I must keep a food diary daily.

I must get to bed between eleven and twelve p.m., instead of between two and four a.m.

This is a drastic life style change for me. I am hoping that I will have time to still make cards! I am going to continue with my card blog, hopefully, for now.

If you ever think about it, I would so appreciate your prayers, as this is going to be one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. The consistancy is a necessity, which will be difficult for me. (I am making a spread sheet for some accountability)

I plan to keep up with your blogs, but will not be as faithful at leaving comments because of these new time constraints.

Good-bye for now.

Its been a great ride!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

19 comments:

Kim said...

Joan, you will be missed! I hope and pray you will find great relief with your new therapies. I also hope we can still squeeze in a time to get together sometime in the future.

I will be praying for you!

Anonymous said...

I was just getting hooked. I hope your new focus brings u some relief. Love,
Laurie

Kathleen said...

Wow. That sounds like a rugged regiman, and I can certainly understand the need to relinquish some things. You'll be missed, but you can be sure you'll be in many thoughts, many prayers.

Do give us an update from time-to-time.

God bless you with peace and vigor, and an amazing outcome to all of this!

Kathleen

Anonymous said...

My dear Joan, I will be praying for you and for special strength from the Lord to help you get through this time. Much love to you - Donna

Anonymous said...

JOAN---

I READ YOUR POST, and am hoping that after you get into this new routine, or maybe after your 8 weeks commitment is over, you will return to your blogging. This decision must have come at a high cost, because it has been a work of art and love. I will MISS IT, and bet you will get lots of comments saying the same thing.

The good news is your determination and dedication to this new regime, which truly is a LIFESTYLE change. WOW!!
E

sister sheri said...

Say it ain't so! I'll miss your posts, but I'm going to switch to your other site to keep in touch. I am still determined to get over to Gresham... so I hope you'll be able to schedule that in... I am so grateful that God has brought us together and I will be lifting you up to our Father in prayer... with love, sister...

Jose said...

Sorry to hear this Joan, but I understand you must put your health first, and I am pleased that you have a good programme ahead of you, cant expect a programme like this in the UK!
I will look forward to seeing your cards when you find the time.
My prayers are with you Joan.
Kind regards .. Jose

scrappy jen d said...

Dearest Joan, I am sitting here and cry my heart out, because I do not want this to happen to such a darling woman.....
I pray to our LORD that HE will HELP YOU with all the pain and the busy day's that will be on your path.....
I still hope we can meet this summer.....
I want to hold you and give you comfort....
Sweety, I do not know what to say.....
I am so sad that you are so much in pain......
I wish I was close to help you!
Do not forget that if you are sad or lonely in your difficulties....That I will be that little birdie on you shoulder, sent by GOD!
I cherish all your comments and mails and in mind I'm with you!
Lots of love and a huge hug,
Jen.

Jinksy said...

This is like 'Hail and Farewell!' for me, as I've only just encountered your blog, but very best wishes for your continuing jouney - may the new regime solve a few problems for you. Love from across the pond. x

Ruthie said...

I'm SO sorry you won't be blogging - but praying this new therapy will be helpful to you. It'll be a big change in your routine, but worth it if it will help you. I'll be praying for you. Please let us know from time to time, how the therapy is going so we can pray more specifically. I, for one, will miss you! But know you need to do this.
Hugs to you and my prayers will follow you.
♥ Ruthie

Robin Lambright said...

Oh my, I have been so wrapped up with busyness over the last few day that I did not get to your newest post until this morning.
As so much of life goes we get thrown curves that are unexpected. I will be praying that you will come through this one with flying colors and be back to all of us very soon. I will drop you and email soon.,
I selfishl will miss reading your insights and just visiting with via the internet but totally understand about how life sometimes put other more important priorities in our path, our health being a critical component to so many things.
My prayers go with you.

Talk to you soon.

Blessings
Robin

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear that you are in such bad shape, and I pray that this new routine will help your pain. It seems like it is just time for you to focus on doing what you have to do. I know this must be hard!! I would love it if we could keep in touch over email and you can keep me posted on how you are doing, as you have time.
With love and prayers!
gina
www.chatswithanoldlady.blogspot.com

Sally said...

Joan,
Am so sorry to hear that your condition has worsened. I shall miss reading all your lovely inspirational posts. It sounds as if you will be on a tough time schedule for awhile, but in the end hopefully it will be worth it. Please keep in touch when you can. You will be in my prayers. Maybe you could give us an update once in awhile?

Amy said...

Dear Joan, I was just wondering today how you were doing pain-wise. Thank you so much for sharing this so that we can pray for you! We will too! I hope and pray that the therapy brings some relief for you and that God give you so much peace and endurance in the process! I hope you don't mind if I email you sometime. I will not expect a reply as I will know all you have going on!
It has been such a blessing to read your blog...A special "divine appointment" on the internet! Who'd have thought it??? I can't tell you how special it's been to get to know you. I really feel like I've chatted with you for hours in person though we haven't actually met. You've been a great encouragement and inspiration. You will be very much in my thoughts and prayers!
I think I'm going to stop my personal blog as well...seems to be the season for it...Tom and I are starting a joint one that will be mainly just pictures and happenings at: www.tomasyemy.blogspot.com
I hear Bert and Colleen will be coming in the Spring. I know that will be a great treat. I hope we can meet in person some day!!!!!!!
Much Love,
Amy

Tanya Siekman said...

Joan,

Oh My ... I will miss your blogging. Your life stories are so inspiring and I get such a lift in spirit from them.

But on the other hand, I have made a wonderful friend that is always just a phone call away, and I'll be calling and checking on you.

Take care and every whip-stitch if you can, post a random blog for all of us.

Take care,

Tanya

Technonana said...

Joan, I am so sad to hear this!! but I understand that you just really will not have time!!!
You, my Sweet Sister, are in my prayers, for healing, for comfort, and for peace about the whole situation!!!
I will be checking in on your other blog just to see how you are doing!!!
Love,
Sharon

The Lynn Triplets said...

You will be missed! I hope that your treatments go well. You will be in my prayers!

Angie

Anonymous said...

oh no, I am so sorry to hear that you have so much pain on a chronic basis, let alone at all.

I do hope you find relief and that we see you again very soon.

Take care!

Anonymous said...

You will certainly be in my prayers.

Hugs and prayers,
Michelle