One thing about having a chronic illness... is that you learn to live within the confines of what is going on physically.
Today was not a good day... and there was alot of pain to deal with... lack of mobility and all...
But it's on days like this that I feel even more acutely what I am grateful for...

Things I am Grateful for Today:

-the understanding and compassion of those around me
-the willingness of my husband and daughter to help me
-my Brina... who is always up for a rest on the couch or in bed.
-"pain tea"--- an herbal concoction that my daughter came up with to help with days like this. It contains Pau D'arco, echinacea, red raspberry leaf, burdock root, dandelion root, lemongrass, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. It really helps.... probably more than anything else I do for pain management.
-hot packs
-massage
-camphor (this is a massage cream that you put on areas that hurt)
-advil (which usually helps... but today did nothing)
-hot showers. Always help...
-rest. Lots of it... and as much as I can. BTW... I love our tempur pedic mattress :)