My family and friends have noticed that my stress level has been increased a great deal in the last few weeks. I have a big responsibility at my church coming up. It’s a Single Mother’s Appreciation Day. My friend and I share getting this ministry off the ground each year. It’s a lot of work to do and with the day approaching, it gets more stressful.

I had a migraine this week that lasted for two days. I know it was related to the stress I put on myself. Instead of accepting that things get a bit frazzled now, I began to worry. That same day that I felt like I was going to explode because I got a late start to my day and thought of all I didn’t do, I got the migraine. See how it works?

When I told Darlene, my friend about what happened we decided that we need to call each other when things are feeling like they’re piling up on us. We can talk about it, spend some time together relaxing with some iced tea on the patio furniture at another friend’s house and re-focus.

I’m still working on giving my worries and problems over to God as he is the one in control.

I’ve read about work at home jobs for people with disabilities. There are many possibilities out there like selling on eBay, blogging, being a virtual assistant, selling term insurance, telemarketing and much more.

I’ve posted about this before here so I hope you’ll take a look. I’m learning about more opportunities and know you will too.

Remember that keeping active when you’re sick or disabled can help lessen Depression, keep your mind off of your physical problems and help you to gain confidence in yourself.

I have an opportunity to take part in a treasure hunt. Staying healthy often means finding things to do that make you happy. Well I have a chance to do something new and exciting. PayU2Blog and jewelelegance.com are running a treasure hunt where the winning prize is a 14k Gold Anklet.

Some other things that make me happy are diamond pendants. If I could have a few of those I’d feel great! Just kidding…or am I?

Every once in a while I watch Celebrity Fit Club. This show really aggravates me because I just can’t imagine people losing that much weight in that short of time and doing these really difficult fitness routines but still having the energy to go out to bars, have parties, get drunk, stay up at night talking and acting like fools. But, that’s just my opinion.

I guess being on television, having an ex-Marine (oops I don’t think there are ex-Marines!) yell at you like you’re in boot camp, having to show your before and after body shots and weigh in may play a bit of a factor in their desire to lose weight.

I remember on one of the shows the old American Idol host, Brian Dunkleman saying at weigh in that he though he had gained weight because of muscle growth. I thought now this guy is smart! I can use that excuse the next time I go to the doctor and my weight is up instead of down.

Seriously, I’ve been told so many times about yoga that I’m going to give it a try. Since my foot and knee problems have now put an end to my walking, I have to do something to keep active. I have to try to lose some weight. And since there’s no Non-Celebrity Multiple Chronic Illness Fit Club, I’ll be doing it on my own, thank you very much!

Having Myasthenia Gravis and living in Florida pose a huge problem. Since the temperature is often in the 80′s beginning as early as April, staying out of the heat is difficult. You see one of the things that makes MG symptoms worse is heat. Even walking outside to get into an air conditioned car can cause problems. I do try my best to remain in air conditioned buildings and cars.

Even doing that may not be enough. My neurologist tells me that just feeling that blast of heat for a few minutes can cause me to not feel well. He says that he gets more phone calls, emergency appointments and emergency room visits as the weather gets hotter.

There’s so many things that I miss doing in the “summer” in Florida. I miss the beach. If I go I have to have a place nearby where I can get cooled off quickly, so that means not using public beaches. I miss sitting taking my daughter to the park so she can play on the swing sets. I miss going for walks. I miss going to Disney World during the days in the summer.

My attitude has been and will always be though, that although there are things I can’t do, I will focus on what I can. Five years ago, I couldn’t even get out of bed. I was unable to do most anything. The MG is under control now so I’m grateful for that!

IBS is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It is important to note the word “syndrome” which means a group of symptoms. IBS affects the colon with symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, cramping, gas, constipation or diarrhea or both.

From Mayo Clinic.com:

No one knows exactly what causes irritable bowel syndrome. The walls of the intestines are lined with layers of muscle that contract and relax as they move food from your stomach through your intestinal tract to your rectum. Normally, these muscles contract and relax in a coordinated rhythm. But if you have irritable bowel syndrome, the contractions may be stronger and last longer than normal. Food is forced through your intestines more quickly, causing gas, bloating and diarrhea. In some cases, however, the opposite occurs. Food passage slows, and stools become hard and dry.

Some researchers believe IBS is caused by changes in the nerves that control sensation or muscle contractions in the bowel. People with IBS may have a heightened sensitivity to stretching of the bowel with gas leading to pain or bloating. Others believe the central nervous system may affect the colon. And because women are twice as likely to have IBS, researchers believe that hormonal changes also play a role. Also, many women find that signs and symptoms are worse during or around their menstrual periods.

IBS is diagnosed often by your symptoms but your doctor, often a gastroenterologist may want to rule out other possible diseases by the use of tests such as a sygmoidoscopy, colonoscopy, lactose intolerance test, blood test to rule out celiac disease or a CT scan of your abdomen.

There is no cure for IBS but there are treatments that are often used on a trial basis. In other words, what works for one person, may not work for another. Diet changes are one of the main things used to help control IBS. Sometimes there are foods that trigger this syndrome. A food diary can be used to determine what may cause problems and then those foods can be avoided. Also eating smaller meals should help too.

There are some prescription medications that doctors may try as well as over the counter laxatives, fiber supplements and anti-diarrheal medications. The use of OTC’s should be discussed with your doctor and may also be used on a trial basis. Antidepressants are also prescribed. Either a tricyclic antidepressant or a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) can work treat IBS. These medications not only help relieve the depression that may accompany a diagnosis of this syndrome but they can help the nerves in your colon work as they should.

Relieving stress is often another way to help reduce symptoms. A very important note here, stress does not cause IBS, but it can exacerbate symptoms. If you require help with stress counseling may be something to look into.

Please visit the IBS Research and Treatment Act link on About IBS.org. Let your voice be heard by contacting your congress person.