Monday, September 20, 2010

Mama Nina's answers to 30 questions for Invisible Illness Week 2010

Thinking that maybe by this time next year I will have completed the 30 questions; so tired! ;)
Meme for Invisible Illness Awareness Week-- invisibleillnessweek.com

Here's the 30 questions prompt that started last year.

Just a note: I am a ginger marmalade tabby cat; quite handsome by the way ; and married to the lovely Stripey on twitter but must share my twitter account with mom. These are Mama Nina's answers , not Honeybell's; LOL!

1. The illnesses I live with are: Minimal Brain Syndrome from brain injury from car accident, Fibromyalgia, IBS, Spinal Stenosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Severe migraines since 3 yrs old, Ankylosing Spondylitis which will lead to total spine fusing; paralysis; other back problems, ADD, hypothyroid , Neuropathy, Barrett's Esophagus, (this one scares me due to those evil cancer cells), RA?; blood tests vary for this one, Arthritis and god knows what else; but also have great happiness in spite of all these problems; I am a happy 'hiney' or is it insanity? :)

2. I was diagnosed with it in the year: I forget (brain fog)
3. But I had symptoms since: Forever
4. The biggest adjustment I’ve had to make is: not being able to travel and I miss my 2 daughters. I feel badly because I cannot clean the house or dress nicely any more.
5. Most people assume: All is well; its my fault because I try not to burden anyone; there are a lot with more problems than mine.
6. The hardest part about mornings are: mornings!
takes quite a while to get out of bed; It could almost be a comedy!

7. My favorite medical TV show is: Medical Mysteries ( I think that's the name of the show)
8. A gadget I couldn’t live without is: computer; don't own many gadgets. My picker upper thing; that picks up stuff I drop! forget the name of it! LOL
9. The hardest part about nights are: getting restful sleep and staying asleep.
10. Each day I take __ pills & vitamins. (No comments, please) It varies; can't take strong pain pills
11. Regarding alternative treatments I: have an open mind to anything that can help with the fatigue and pain.
12. If I had to choose between an invisible illness or visible I would choose: neither
13. Regarding working and career: can't go there; I used to have a brain; am going to see the Wizard of Oz for a new one soon!
14. People would be surprised to know: I used to walk 8 miles a day and bicycle for an hour every day; then weight train; long time ago; loved to dance and was a workaholic!
15. The hardest thing to accept about my new reality has been: Even after all these years, I refuse to accept it!
16. Something I never thought I could do with my illness that I did was: talk about it to others; share with others; still be a friend to others, my family and my companions (animals).
17. The commercials about my illness: I love this question! The commercials make me want to break the TV!
18. Something I really miss doing since I was diagnosed is: Living
19. It was really hard to have to give up: Writing the book that I had been working on! and other things.
20. A new hobby I have taken up since my diagnosis is: becoming a twitter addict and amazingly finding the best friends in the world! They have given me great joy and they know who they are; I love them!
21. If I could have one day of feeling normal again I would: Join Sea Shepherd Society and help stop illegal whaling! Help more of all the animals in need and finally clean the house. It would also be nice to look and feel "pretty" again. I would actually go to a store and buy a dress and get my hair done. (havent done this in years!) :( Visit my 2 daughters
22. My illness has taught me: to deal with pain and be patient with people but I am still learning
23. Want to know a secret? I own a wheelchair that I "pimped out" (decorated it) but threw it in garage; hate it! have canes but prefer to call them walking sticks, and a walker; they are awful things! I do not use my handicapped sticker!
24. But I love it when people: show unconditional love; so many do and I am so grateful to them; Husband has empathy and understands too; this is a great relief.
25. My favorite motto, scripture, quote that gets me through tough times is: have to think of this one; have so many! Keep Smiling!
26. When someone is diagnosed I’d like to tell them:To be very patient, find a doc that believes you and find a good support group, whether that be your family, friends, pets, or online group. You are not alone and you are loved. It's OK to cry~
27. Something that has surprised me about living with an illness is: That humor prevails! Humor is a great friend!
28. The nicest thing someone did for me when I wasn’t feeling well was: care; really care; I thank them for that.
29. I’m involved with Invisible Illness Week because:
30. The fact that you read this list makes me feel:
Thank you for taking the time to read; I am here for you if you need to share with a friend

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38 comments:

  1. I think this is wonderful you has blog! Paws to heart. You has the kindest mama i ever did know. love you hb. xo

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  2. Dearest Hollie,
    You are the kindest friend that any cat could have! You are very special to our family; Thanks! huggles

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  3. Dear HB. You are the kindest friend any cat could has. You are very special to our family as well. Huggles. XO

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  4. Hollie and Sam,
    wheeeeeeeeeeeee!!! I have a bloggie and comments too and a bench to journey to! so excited! MOL!

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  5. Thanks for letting your mama use your bloggie, Honeybell!

    I truly admire you, Nina, for spreading so much love and joy into the world, even though you are hurting. I'm so glad that you and your family are in my life.

    Blessings to you and your wonderful family!

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  6. Dear Janeson,
    Dear friend, you are a blessing to us all! Thank you!
    Now, maybe Honeybell can do a posting of our lovely wedding! I must try to relearn html though; after a long rest! MOL Love to all!

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  7. Please help Mama Nina quit smoking. She needs support! People with chronic illnesses need to preserve their health as much as they can.

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  8. will do capt! will keep trying Amanda; purrs to Charlie, Minnie and shoofly; when are they going to tweet? brrrrrr; love you! xo

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  9. {{{Hugs}}} for your mama Honeybell, she's got the right attitude to get her through this.

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  10. Yes you do have a bench, with a song with lyrics, maybe dionne will come sing for you! weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee XO

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  11. Thank you Theresa! attitude comes from the love from people like you and wonderful twitter friends!

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  12. will start my soujourn to my bench and hope my Dionne will sing! MOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  13. Dear Honeybell, Thank you for letting your mama share her story with us. We all think the world of you and your dear Stripey, now we think the world of your mama too!! xoxo

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  14. All that aside, Mama Nina is still the best human cuddler in the universe.

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  15. Thank you Dana! Love you so much and all that you do for us animals! You are Top Cat! :)

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  16. pfft I thought I was the best cuddler in the universe, Bucky! *SMOOCHIES* *PBK* from mama!

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  17. Dear friends - HB & mama. Thank you so much for writing this blog. You had briefly touched on these things a long time ago in DMs. My heart just goes out to you for what you go through every day. But we admire you so much for your courage and attitude. We love you mama, HB, and Stripey too. The world is a better place just from knowing you. Love you all. Mario & Mary.

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  18. ha ha you want dionne to sing on bench! think that can be arranged hmmmm how we do this? !! MOL! ha ha XOXOXXO loves to mama nina.... mews

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  19. Dearest Hoover and wonderful Mama:
    I'm so glad you have a blog. And thank you, mama, for sharing your story. I knew that you had "medical issues" but I never knew anything exact and I just never felt that I should intrude and ask. I'm so sorry you have to deal with all this, but you are indeed a ray of sunshine amidst it all and you bring great happiness to your friends. You and Hoover are true BFFs to me.
    xoxo

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  20. Dear HB and mama Nina,

    Thank you for the bloggy. You are brave and amazing to be so honest. You and your family are so loved. Me and Hollie and our mamas send hugs hugs hugs and so much love to you.

    Hollie and I are working on having Dionne show up at your bench to serenade you! Cause that's what friends are for! XOXOXOXOXO

    Love and fishes,
    Sammy

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  21. *nosetaps* for your Mama, HB! Me and Mom had no idea about her invisible illness. It is nice of her to share this about herself to help spread awareness.

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  22. Thank you Mario for your kind words. We love you too! Your family is very kind; We still, however, need to reign in your mama and to give you more twitter time! MOL

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  23. My dear BFF; The Great Herbini, 5 star chef and to your peeps, Thank you for visiting my first blog! I need to learn how to blog but it will be a WIP. You and your culinary delights make my day!

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  24. Thank you Sebastian, It is hard to talk about oneself; but it has been great therapy to do so. Thanks for visiting! wheeeeeeeeeee

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  25. Dearest Sam and Hollie and wee ones,
    You truly rock my friends! Thank you. Wouldn't it be great to sit on the bench but maybe just lyrics ; not the actual song! hahaa!

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  26. Dearest HB!

    You rocks and your mama and all kittehs and big papa! But it will be great to sit on bench and Sammy and I will get Dionne to come sing for you HA HA. XO

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  27. Oh how wonderful; maybe for our allnighter on Oct 25/26 anniversary? MOL!! Yay Hollie and Sam! Go Dionne! wait, WOT?

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  28. Yes!! allnighter anniversary OMC sleep for 5 min!! we bring Dionne to you, Sammy and I and wee ones ...hmmmm wait WOT? ha ha XO

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  29. For Mama Nina - you may not FEEL pretty, but all anipals know how beautiful you really are, because we see how kind & understanding you are to anyone who's having a difficult time.

    That kind of being beautiful doesn't need pretty clothes & make-up, & it can't be bought, or faked, because it comes from where all true beauty comes from - deep inside the heart.

    Purrs to you from @ShaynaCat (her OpenID's not working, so she can't post comment herself!) :-).

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  30. Thank you so very much dear Shayna and mama! Your words have made mama cry; in a good way; they were so sweet; paws to heart; thank you!I agree true beauty comes from deep within the heart; you are a dear! hugs

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  31. I agree with Shayna and her mama. true beauty is in the heart, and that is what mama nina is and you HB. XO hugs

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  32. Thanks for sharing this on your little bloggy. I am glad you and HB came to twitter. I hope that your online friendships cuddle you and make you enjoy a part of your day. (purrr, knead, cuddle)
    Its nice to be able to be ourselves and not have to worry about making ourselves pretty on here.
    A co-worker has fibromyalgia, she has just recently retired. The stupid retirement admins do not recognize that as an illness for medical retirement so she had to take an early less pay retirement. Can you believe that? Her older sister has the same illness.
    Anyway, I enjoy your company here online and hope that you know, even on rough days where you cannot join us, the friendship & caring is still there. purrrs

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  33. Dearest Kat,
    Thank you for your loving support and kind words; I do feel the love; each and everyday! It's an honor to know such fine friends!

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  34. Thank you for sharing your story. One gets so caught in minutiae of everyday life: we complain, we moan, we groan, we forget to laugh, we forget to enjoy. Then someone like you comes along and reminds us how well we actually are and reminds us to enjoy. I'm sorry you have an invisible illness but I'll pray so that you always remember not to lose hope and to keep your sense of humor. You are loved. Purrs. Signed: Smokey8 and His Mom

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  35. Dear Smokey,
    what perfect timing your posting is! It means a lot to me; thank you! holds on to your kind words and friendship in my heart; purrrrrrrrrrrs

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  36. My friend... I had no idea your poor mama has so much pain in her life. It breaks our heart to realize and we really wish we lived closer.

    I came here to thank you for your kind words about Inigo, they meant so much to us. You say this in your post, about being amazed at all the caring in the people we've met... we feel that too, and we feel that about YOU.

    Stay strong my dear friend and your Mama.

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  37. Hi dear Rumblessssssssssssss; Hunky Hugs and mama hugs to you and Inigo Flufflebum! Love to you; Thanks for being a great friend! Purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrs

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  38. Hey there Honeybell! Thanks so very much for visiting me on my blog.

    You give your mama lots and lots of cuddles and purrs, okay? Sounds like she would really appreciate them. Sometimes peeps - and cats too - get sick in ways that doctors just can't tell at first. That doesn't mean they're not sick. It just means that the doctors can't quite figure it out. And other peeps should just take the word of the peeps - or cats - who are sick 'cause let me tell you... they know their own bodies best! Who else could possibly know them better? But in the meantime, extra purrs for your mom, okay? I'm sure you do that anyway. purrs

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Stripey, my dear friends, defender of animal rights, lover of nature, Mama Nina has FM and other conditions; loves to help and comfort those with invisible illnesses, love to party and get into troule too! love spinach and peas and roast beasties; human family are vegans; pffft on that! they are crazy, I tell you! HA