Trying this again

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

I didn't think about our being about the same age and having aging parents or recent deaths of parents and loved ones over the holidays or the problem of dealing with a diabetic cat and going anywhere. Sorry to have started a downer thread last time. Shall we ignore that one and try again?

How about a Thankful thread? It can be anything and everything.

I mentioned to Woodyswife how my BackJoy cushion had helped my sciatica: I was diagnosed with Siatica this year and someone suggested I try the Backjoy. I got it through Amazon for about $30 and it has made such a difference! It's a hard plastic brace sort of thing that you sit on in any kind of chair. I took it on the plane and buses on our trip. It stabilizes your pelvis and back in the position you should sit. I was hurting all the time before and now I am back to riding my bike and walking with my friends.

 

[Robin&BB]

Re: That sciatica - I am addicted to Haflinger boiled-wool clogs, and am so thankful that a dear friend up in Gunnison, CO turned me on to these more than a dozen years ago! They have a negative heel cup and the footbed forms to your unique footprint the longer you wear them. They have made such an incredible difference for me (I've had herniated discs in my lower back & bouts of sciatica). It wasn't until after I started wearing them that I realized this: Even the slight heel elevation of most sneakers and hiking boots can "skew" the spine just enough to cause/exacerbate back problems. Although my German-made shoes are not exactly what someone in NYC would call "high-fashion," I don't care one whit - as there's nothing that looks worse than somebody gimping around due to back pain!

And I think everyone here would agree that we're ALL very, very thankful for this amazing resource that is FDMB, and for all the people who participate here! Sending hugs to all of you and your kitties!

 

[Lynn & Rupert]

I am so happy to hear you are feeling better now Sue! My sister has had sciatica problems, once she was bed ridden for weeks and I know the pain is terrible. Nice to know you have a wonder pillow and shoes that are helping! I am going to recommend them to my sister.

I am also thankful for FDMB, they kept me relatively sane while dealing with Rupert's diabetes. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for my kitties. I am thankful for my health. I am thankful for my new home in Florida. Most of all, I am thankful to be alive!

 

[Carol & Murphy (GA)]

I am thankful for acupuncture - Sue- I had terrible sciatica a few years back while I was living in Cambodia so no hope of any help. It led to horrible plantar fasciitis of my left foot due to walking weird. Almost had back surgery in Singapore (I am thankful I did not) About a year ago, ruptured a cervical disc (text neck) - acupuncture made all the symptoms disappear after a few months I am now a real believer in it

 

[Sharon14]

Don't worry Sue, the last thread wasn't a downer,not for me at least. After writing down my story, it made me realize that, Instead of whining about the long drive, I should be thankful for my family. We all made it through Katrina, and New Orleans and the Ms. Gulf Coast are thriving!

I too had sciatica until I found, http://www.classicalstretch.com Since starting this excercise program, I have little to no pain at all. I'm thankful for that too! I haven't tried acupuncture on myself, but I have had it performed on one of my horses that had arthritis. It really helped him a lot. He got to where when the vet arrived, he'd drag me to him for his treatment!

 

[Sue and Oliver (GA)]

That looks like a great video, Shannon. I loved the title, "Aging Backwards". Now, there's the plan!

 

[Carol & Murphy (GA)]

That looks like a great video, Shannon. I loved the title, "Aging Backwards". Now, there's the plan!

 

[Sharon14]

If you're interested in trying Classical Stretch, check your local PBS station. Many of them carry the show.

 

[Rachel]

I'm thankful for all of you and this community. And I mean that in more than just as a wealth of FD knowledge. My family doesn't live nearby and I really don't have a ton of friends either. But this community has become a family to me. This is a place I know I can go to talk when I'm feeling down...even if it isn't related to kitties at all. Basically, you are all my family.

On a less profound note, I'm thankful for super soft yarn and my lovely new (to me) fridge that I got for a deal. It's nice to not have to open the fridge up every few days and empty the drawers of water in the sink and then use 2-3 towels to get all the water out of the bottom!

 

[Merlin]

Oh Rachel, your frig sounds like my hot water heater. I was bailing water about every six hours. Then after about four months of that crap, I got a new hot water heater (just last month) and I felt like it was Christmas. Since it was so nice and a shiny gray, I had to clean up my whole laundry room after it was newly installed. Just like you all have said, I love this FD community. I am thankful for this place and all the people here. We all are trying so hard to help each other and our little fur babies. I feel blessed finding this place.

I am also thankful for my family. I have two wonderful grown daughters, both who were recently married, both who are married to very wonderful men, and both who are named Cody! Although my family is small, I have some awesome brothers and their families who I see a couple of times a year. I am also thankful that my health has been pretty good and has allowed me to do several long distance backpacking trips. I am thankful that I have found several organizations where I volunteer and continue to learn and grow.