As it is now, to be an organ donor, you opt in and it's displayed on you driver's license. In many countries in Europe, it is assumed you are an organ donor unless you opt out. The statistics show that there is a decreased wait time for organs when needed for a transplant if this opt out method is in place.
The conversation is ongoing as to the best way to handle organ donation. Either method, opt in or opt out, allows you to make a choice as to whether or not you will be an organ donor. The question becomes should we allow people to opt in as we have now in the United States or use the European model of 'opt out' which assumes one is a donor unless he/she opts out?
Are you an organ donor?
Monday, September 26, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
A Learning Life?
Sometimes in my awareness of disease and its ramifications in my life and in the life of others, I want to believe there is something worthy in it. Going through the daily emotional turmoil and discomfort has to mean something doesn't it? People say it builds character or it teaches lessons. Others say it is a result of our dis'ease' with who we are or, even, that we willed it upon ourselves. And, there is the belief that it brings us to a belief in God, a source greater than who we are.
We all suffer at some point and get sick -- meaning that no one is immune. Seems safe to say that there is learning as a result. It's the essence of the learning that one has to examine. And in the examination of your condition, whoever you are, what are you learning? Who are you becoming as a result? Perhaps therein lies the answer as to why.
Call it a learning life? This awareness of illness, pain, and suffering? I suppose the ultimate 'knowing' will empower you, if only to 'know' you don't want illness any longer. Wow, that's a powerful change of perspective...
We all suffer at some point and get sick -- meaning that no one is immune. Seems safe to say that there is learning as a result. It's the essence of the learning that one has to examine. And in the examination of your condition, whoever you are, what are you learning? Who are you becoming as a result? Perhaps therein lies the answer as to why.
Call it a learning life? This awareness of illness, pain, and suffering? I suppose the ultimate 'knowing' will empower you, if only to 'know' you don't want illness any longer. Wow, that's a powerful change of perspective...
Monday, September 12, 2011
September 11, 2011
I listened to the announcer as he described the chaos of 9/11 when the planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City and an overwhelming feeling of fear overcame me. That knowledge that there are circumstances in this world that we have no control over and, yet, have lasting effects on our lives. Terrorism/Illness/War. We ask ourselves, how can this be?
With few answers as to why, I wonder, how do we cope with these circumstances? Until those answers are revealed, I offer support, caring, and understanding to persevere. What more do we have then each other and our own concepts of God?
Please take a moment to share your thoughts and coping strategies as I believe we will all benefit from your contribution. Thank you and be well.
With few answers as to why, I wonder, how do we cope with these circumstances? Until those answers are revealed, I offer support, caring, and understanding to persevere. What more do we have then each other and our own concepts of God?
Please take a moment to share your thoughts and coping strategies as I believe we will all benefit from your contribution. Thank you and be well.
Monday, September 5, 2011
How do you prepare for doctor visits?
When it's time to visit your doctor, it's easy to come up with questions and write them down, but, do you take them with you to your appointment? Is your doctor aware of your concerns and worries? Do you have all the information you need about your diagnosis?
Clearly communication with your team of health care providers is essential for wellbeing. Having over eleven years post transplant, all details matter, and you as the patient must be proactive. I still communicate with my coach prior to my scheduled appointments for clarity and focus. Try to ensure you have someone in your life to help you.
There are many ways to prepare for an appointment that I haven't mentioned. This blog is the perfect place to learn and share information. Remember that sharing important life enhancing suggestions is a great way to empower your life. Take action.
Clearly communication with your team of health care providers is essential for wellbeing. Having over eleven years post transplant, all details matter, and you as the patient must be proactive. I still communicate with my coach prior to my scheduled appointments for clarity and focus. Try to ensure you have someone in your life to help you.
There are many ways to prepare for an appointment that I haven't mentioned. This blog is the perfect place to learn and share information. Remember that sharing important life enhancing suggestions is a great way to empower your life. Take action.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
What matters?
Because it's happened to me I know it's happened to you. How? Because we are all connected. That's why nurses and doctors listen to you when your not well. That's why families gather around when your not well. That's why we are sad when someone we love is not well. That's why we get fearful when a Hurricane threatens our safety or a diagnosis threatens our wellbeing. It matters that we are okay.
Struggling with life and not feeling well can leave you disconnected because what's happening to you is scary. When I learned of my heart condition, I was overwhelmed with a grief that consumed my being and I thought of nothing more. The disconnect threatened my sanity. I isolated and there was no one else that mattered. I became a victim of my diagnosis.
Your diagnosis may be terminal or benign, you may or may not have pain, you may or may not have ability. But, unless you have amnesia, you do have the ability to remember what matters. And, that is that we are all connected. You need only to remember.
Just think about the School Bus Driver who drives the kids to school, the Policeman who helps keep us safe, the Shopkeeper who sells the products we need, the Pharmacist, the Doctor, the Nurse, the Teacher, the Psychologist, the Trucker, the Garbage man, the Coach and the whole gamut of people who keep us connected. We all need each other and what one doesn't need today, they will eventually need one day.
In my darkest hours what mattered was that knock on the door when someone came to visit, that phone call asking how I was, the nurse who attended to me and the doctor who spoke of plans to heal me. What mattered was the looks of concern and caring. I recognized that no one, no matter who they were, wanted me to be sick. And, to you who are suffering, there is no one who wants you to be ill.
So, think about everything that matters to you and share that here so it may remind someone else who matters...
Struggling with life and not feeling well can leave you disconnected because what's happening to you is scary. When I learned of my heart condition, I was overwhelmed with a grief that consumed my being and I thought of nothing more. The disconnect threatened my sanity. I isolated and there was no one else that mattered. I became a victim of my diagnosis.
Your diagnosis may be terminal or benign, you may or may not have pain, you may or may not have ability. But, unless you have amnesia, you do have the ability to remember what matters. And, that is that we are all connected. You need only to remember.
Just think about the School Bus Driver who drives the kids to school, the Policeman who helps keep us safe, the Shopkeeper who sells the products we need, the Pharmacist, the Doctor, the Nurse, the Teacher, the Psychologist, the Trucker, the Garbage man, the Coach and the whole gamut of people who keep us connected. We all need each other and what one doesn't need today, they will eventually need one day.
In my darkest hours what mattered was that knock on the door when someone came to visit, that phone call asking how I was, the nurse who attended to me and the doctor who spoke of plans to heal me. What mattered was the looks of concern and caring. I recognized that no one, no matter who they were, wanted me to be sick. And, to you who are suffering, there is no one who wants you to be ill.
So, think about everything that matters to you and share that here so it may remind someone else who matters...
Monday, August 22, 2011
How do you deal with your pain?
In an effort to live the best life possible with a medical condition that is a source of pain, I found it necessary to 'outwit' my pain. I know people do this on a daily basis by finding ways to alleviate their discomfort.
Of course, consistency and a regular schedule minimize the degree to which pain accumulates. We all know that taking medications as prescribed, eating right, exercising, and getting a good nights rest will make one feel better, but, the truth is its not that simple. There are too many factors that interfere. Often, it's the pain that causes us to stray off a healthy regimen. And, too often, it's the actual pain medication that adds a layer of additional misery.
Since my transplant in 1999, I discovered ways to be manage my discomfort by keeping records, researching the topic, and challenging myself. My pain is now minimal because of time and how I outwit it on a daily basis. 1.) When I first wake in the morning, while lying in bed, I cover my eyes with the palm of my hands and slowly massage my head with my fingers for about a 2 minutes(I learned about this from a guest on the Dr. Oz show).; 2.) I tell myself that I am about to embark upon a spectacular day filled with learning and adventure in an effort to create a mindset for the day(this creative visualization varies on a day to day basis).; 3.) I do some stretches by stretching my legs from side to side, etc.(be aware that any stretches you try should be performed appropriate with your diagnosis and ability).; 4.) I dismiss any thought of pain and continually reinforce that with affirmative sentences like: "I am healthy, whole, and complete."; 5.) Throughout the day, I use cues to alert me of an onset of pain. Cues are individual and require action after becoming cognizant of them. Intertwined with cues I utilize self talk which is effective in confronting the pain and making it manageable.; And, 6.) Stay active with goal setting, interactions with family, friends, and a coach to help alleviate the emotional effect that pain has.
Please share any ideas you may have to overcome pain in your life. Your words can be transforming to others.
Do tell...
Of course, consistency and a regular schedule minimize the degree to which pain accumulates. We all know that taking medications as prescribed, eating right, exercising, and getting a good nights rest will make one feel better, but, the truth is its not that simple. There are too many factors that interfere. Often, it's the pain that causes us to stray off a healthy regimen. And, too often, it's the actual pain medication that adds a layer of additional misery.
Since my transplant in 1999, I discovered ways to be manage my discomfort by keeping records, researching the topic, and challenging myself. My pain is now minimal because of time and how I outwit it on a daily basis. 1.) When I first wake in the morning, while lying in bed, I cover my eyes with the palm of my hands and slowly massage my head with my fingers for about a 2 minutes(I learned about this from a guest on the Dr. Oz show).; 2.) I tell myself that I am about to embark upon a spectacular day filled with learning and adventure in an effort to create a mindset for the day(this creative visualization varies on a day to day basis).; 3.) I do some stretches by stretching my legs from side to side, etc.(be aware that any stretches you try should be performed appropriate with your diagnosis and ability).; 4.) I dismiss any thought of pain and continually reinforce that with affirmative sentences like: "I am healthy, whole, and complete."; 5.) Throughout the day, I use cues to alert me of an onset of pain. Cues are individual and require action after becoming cognizant of them. Intertwined with cues I utilize self talk which is effective in confronting the pain and making it manageable.; And, 6.) Stay active with goal setting, interactions with family, friends, and a coach to help alleviate the emotional effect that pain has.
Please share any ideas you may have to overcome pain in your life. Your words can be transforming to others.
Do tell...
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Dealing with fear--what can we do?
Lately I've become aware of some underlying fears that are dominating my movements. I've known about these fears and have chosen to ignore them because to face them, well, then, I would have to be proactive and do something about them. Does that sound like you?
For me, I know it's time to have a look at my fears and see what can be done. In a way, doing nothing keeps me in this little sphere where I can be negative, lazy, fearsome, and changeless. A favorite excuse has been my transplant and the side effects of my medication that cause my anemia, bone loss, and digestion issues. These issues, like for many of you, are a daily occurrence for me and require a lot of energy to contend with.
'Fear' leaves us all paralyzed, and, for some odd reason, comfortable in such an ungodly place. And, while in that place, we spread our fear to our family, our friends, our neighbors, our community, and to everyone we meet. The next thing you know everybody is shifty eyed, anxious, afraid to express themselves, awkward in manner, and exhausted. I've recognized the need to express myself through thoughtful communication, confidence, eye contact, and with positive clarity. Couldn't we all benefit from that?
So what can we do? I decided to try a strategy that has worked for me in the past and I invite you to see if it will provide any benefit for you. To begin, I start by identifying each fear, becoming clear on why I have the fear, weighing the options I have to dispel the fear, and considering the consequences of any actions I may have to take. I spend time gathering information and becoming informed. Then, I talk with my coach and others about replacing my fear with something positive, workable, life-enhancing, and responsible. Then I take action and make a change.
With the process outlined above in mind, I hope dispel three of the fears that are prevalent in my life right now. I believe this is one way to try and I ask that you share what works for you.
Do tell....
For me, I know it's time to have a look at my fears and see what can be done. In a way, doing nothing keeps me in this little sphere where I can be negative, lazy, fearsome, and changeless. A favorite excuse has been my transplant and the side effects of my medication that cause my anemia, bone loss, and digestion issues. These issues, like for many of you, are a daily occurrence for me and require a lot of energy to contend with.
'Fear' leaves us all paralyzed, and, for some odd reason, comfortable in such an ungodly place. And, while in that place, we spread our fear to our family, our friends, our neighbors, our community, and to everyone we meet. The next thing you know everybody is shifty eyed, anxious, afraid to express themselves, awkward in manner, and exhausted. I've recognized the need to express myself through thoughtful communication, confidence, eye contact, and with positive clarity. Couldn't we all benefit from that?
So what can we do? I decided to try a strategy that has worked for me in the past and I invite you to see if it will provide any benefit for you. To begin, I start by identifying each fear, becoming clear on why I have the fear, weighing the options I have to dispel the fear, and considering the consequences of any actions I may have to take. I spend time gathering information and becoming informed. Then, I talk with my coach and others about replacing my fear with something positive, workable, life-enhancing, and responsible. Then I take action and make a change.
With the process outlined above in mind, I hope dispel three of the fears that are prevalent in my life right now. I believe this is one way to try and I ask that you share what works for you.
Do tell....
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