18.4.09

Clay Aiken In My Mind

"One morning as I wound an old clock, I thought about the nature of time.
We can't see it, we can't touch it, yet it is there for us every moment of our lives.
What we do with it, how we use it, is ours to choose.
One thing is certain -- we can turn the clock back, turn it forward, even stop it, but time we can't alter.
All we can do is to fill it in the best ways we can find."

thank you BC for this.

Photobucket

Photobucket

This photo of Clay by Fivegoldens is so intriguing to me.


Photobucket



Carolina in My Mind 2004

Photobucket

The following article isn't anything to do with Clay Aiken. The connection is his talent and charismic charm help me in dealing with the mysterious Fibromyalgia syndrome.
Avoiding stress and being able to relax are major factors, and Clay's music and videos are a huge help to me. My blogs are part of my Clay therapy too.

I wrote about fibro in a blog a few years ago. Many Clay fans wrote me for the first time, and became great new friends. Some have FMS too, some have a relative or friend with it. Some are just interested, and that is a good thing.
A lot has happened as to the awareness of Fibromyalgia since then, as well as developments of medication. So far there is no magic pill for me, but who knows what the future will bring!

Photobucket


What is Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition of widespread pain and profound fatigue. The pain tends to be felt as diffuse aching or burning, often described as head to toe. It may be worse at some times than at others. It may also change location, usually becoming more severe in parts of the body that are used most.

The fatigue ranges from feeling tired, to the exhaustion of a flu-like illness. It may come and go and people can suddenly feel drained of all energy – as if someone just “pulled the plug”. Fibromyalgia Syndrome (fibromyalgia or fibro or FMS for short) is a common illness. In fact, it is as common as rheumatoid arthritis and can even be more painful. People with mild to moderate cases of fibromyalgia are usually able to live a normal life, given the appropriate treatment.

If symptoms are severe, however, people may not be able to hold down a paying job or enjoy much of a social life. The name fibromyalgia is made up from “fibro” for fibrous tissues such as tendons and ligaments; “my” indicating muscles; and “algia” meaning pain.


Photobucket

(Some day I'm going to get this printed onto a T-shirt!)


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FIBROMYALGIA

1. FMS is not the newest fad disease. In fact, it isn't a disease at all, and it isn't even new. In 1815, a surgeon at the University of Edenburgh, William Balfour, described fibromyalgia. Over the years, it has been known as chronic rheumatism, myalgia and fibrositis. Unlike diseases, syndromes do not have a known cause, but they do have a specific set of signs and symptoms which, unfortunately for the patient, take place together. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus are also syndromes.

2. The many physical and emotional problems associated with FMS are not psychological in origin. This is not an "all in your head" disorder. In 1987, the American Medical Association recognized FMS as a true physical illness and major cause of disability.

3. Syndromes strike life-long athletes as viciously as they do couch potatoes. They can be disabling and depressing, interfering with even the simplest activities of daily life.


WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ME

internet article sent by a friend

1. My pain - My pain is not your pain. It is not caused by inflammation. Taking your arthritis medication will not help me. I can not work my pain out or shake it off. It is not even a pain that stays put. Today it is in my shoulder, but tomorrow it may be in my foot or gone. My pain is believed to be caused by improper signals sent to the brain, possibly due to sleep disorders. It is not well understood, but it is real.

2. My fatigue - I am not merely tired. I am often in a severe state of exhaustion. I may want to participate in physical activities, but I can't. Please do not take this personally. If you saw me shopping in the mall yesterday, but I can't help you with yard work today, it isn't because I don't want to. I am, most likely, paying the price for stressing my muscles beyond their capability.

3. My forgetfulness - Those of us who suffer from it call it fibrofog. I may not remember your name, but I do remember you. I may not remember what I promised to do for you, even though you told me just seconds ago. My problem has nothing to do with my age but may be related to sleep deprivation. I do not have a selective memory. On some days, I just don't have any short-term memory at all.

4. My clumsiness - If I step on your toes or run into you five times in a crowd, I am not purposely targeting you. I do not have the muscle control for that. If you are behind me on the stairs, please be patient. These days, I take life and stairwells one step at a time.

5. My sensitivities - I just can't stand it! "It" could be any number of things: bright sunlight, loud or high-pitched noises, odors. FMS has been called the "aggravating everything disorder." So don't make me open the drapes or listen to your child scream. I really can't stand it.

6. My intolerance - I can't stand heat, either. Or humidity. If I am a man, I sweat...profusely. If I am a lady, I perspire. Both are equally embarrassing, so please don't feel compelled to point this shortcoming out to me. I know. And don't be surprised if I shake uncontrollably when it's cold. I don't tolerate cold, either. My internal thermostat is broken, and nobody knows how to fix it.

7. My depression - Yes, there are days when I would rather stay in bed or in the house or die. I have lost count of how many of Dr. Kevorkian's patients suffered from FMS as well as other related illnesses. Severe, unrelenting pain can cause depression. Your sincere concern and understanding can pull me back from the brink. Your snide remarks can tip me over the edge.

8. My stress - My body does not handle stress well. If I have to give up my job, work part time, or handle my responsibilities from home, I'm not lazy. Everyday stresses make my symptoms worse and can incapacitate me completely.

9. My weight - I may be fat or I may be skinny. Either way, it is not by choice. My body is not your body. My appestat is broken, and nobody can tell me how to fix it.

10. My need for therapy - If I get a massage every week, don't envy me. My massage is not your massage. Consider how a massage would feel if that charley horse you had in your leg last week was all over your body. Massaging it out was very painful, but it had to be done. My body is knot-filled. If I can stand the pain, regular massage can help, at least temporarily.

11. My good days - If you see me smiling and functioning normally, don't assume I am well. I suffer from a chronic pain and fatigue illness with no cure. I can have my good days. In fact, the good days are what keep me going.

12. My uniqueness - Even those who suffer from FMS are not alike. That means I may not have all of the problems mentioned above. I do have pain above and below the waist and on both sides of my body which has lasted for a very long time. I may have migraines or hip pain or shoulder pain or knee pain, but I do not have exactly the same pain as anyone else.

Photobucket

Now to carry on with good things from Clay!

237

Photobucket

237

Photobucket

Laughter is the best medicine and this video never fails to make me laugh. Photobucket

Clay Aiken Classics Medley Sterling Heights
video austinclaymate



Clay Classics SRHP

Thank you and hugs to all for stopping by. I love your wonderful comments.

Photobucket

Photobucket


14 comments:

bonniecarmen said...

From one fibro friend to another! Awesome reminder that when we fill our days with good thoughts and kind deeds, there is no doubt that our pain is more tolerable. Clay's music is a balm to our sore bodies and our faith is a balm to our souls! Somewhere they intertwine. Thanking God for friends like you, for music from folks like Clay and for life! B

SueReu said...

ah Ashes ((( BIG HUGS )))

Thank you for posting this information. It was an eye opener for me. I especially enjoyed the "What you should know about me" internet article. I think that a lot of that transcends to many other illnesses/disorders.

Gorgeous pictures of Clay and beautiful blends. It's always such a feast for the senses to come here!!!

Have a wonderful weekend.

Anonymous said...

Clay Aiken, his music, his laughter, his compassion, his everything has been a life saver for me. I don't have fibro, but I do have alot of stress related things in my life, that have been so much better and happier with him in my life. And for friends I have met on the internet!

Thanks for the info.

hugs, Shy

katy said...

I have a friend who has suffered from FMS for years. Thanks for the informative article.

Anonymous said...

thanks for posting the info on fibromyalgia!! It's a very debilitating illness!!

as for the pictures..they leave me breathless!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi Ashes,

I was here this afternoon, but didn't get a comment in.....so it was a GREAT excuse to come back and see your awesome blends and listen to that voice of gold.

I love the "YouTube" of Sterling Heights, it sure makes me laugh also.....he is just too cute!!!

Thank You for the info on "Fibromyalgia," little by little I am learning, but I just can not imagin what you all go through.

Hope Fibro is not bothering you to much these days. Prayers!

Have a GREAT Sunday....

Hugs,
Marlyne

fgs said...

Very interesting and informative blog. I don't know anyone with fibromyalgia, so knew nothing about it. I'm happy you have found some comfort in Clay's music and writing about him because we enjoy that, too.

T said...

Compliments to your great blog. The opening song is so perfect! That voice gets me every time. Your graphics bring beauty to every blog. Amazed with your talent. Very interesting info on the fibromyalgia.

Thanks so much for bringing joy in all your blogs.

Cheers J!

jbc4clay said...

One of my friends has this and it took forever for the doctors to diagnose her.
She still has episodes.
Love your blog.
{{Hugs}}

dee said...

I hope there will be no Fog for you tomorrow ... unless it is a Clay Fog .

Thanks for sharing your therapy .

{{{ hugs }}}

Dianne Barbee said...

Ashes,

Thank you for the handsome, entertaining, funny sides of Clay. Thank you also for instructing us about the "Fibro Fog." I imagine Clay is a huge part of your medication.

I enjoyed half a weekend of movies. Thnx for plugging "my song," LOL!

Have a great week!

Caro

Anonymous said...

Ashes,
Thanks for Carolina in my mind sang to the soft plucking sounds of the guitar....Wow! It brings out Clay's magical voice so well. Love the new blends and the info on FMS. I've learnt a lot from your blogs. Thanks again.

Love,
Sally

barb 55 said...

Joan, I love hearing Clay sing Carolina in my Mind! I've never heard this particular performance of him. It's beautiful. Thanks for sharing,as well as they Classics Melody from Sterling Hgts.

Love your two blends! They're just gorgeous.

I expect Clay's music is one of your best medications. Sure hope he knows how many people he helps.

Love and Hugs,

Barbara

Anonymous said...

I love so many songs that Clay sings but I always come back to that youtube of LISTEN. It is amazing.

Good Search for The National Inclusion Project

YOU SEARCH OR SHOP...
WE GIVE!
Search the Web now Free coupons at top stores
Raise money for Bubel Aiken Foundation - BAF - National Inclusion Project(Research Triangle Park NC) just by searching the web and shopping online!

Followers

Around the World

FEEDJIT Live Traffic Feed

Powered By Blogger