Background

I was diagnosed with a muscle biopsy about eight years ago. The best information about Polymyositis is at the MayoClinic website. Go there because I'm not going to give the dis-ease any attention here.

I've had many miraculous healings and believe our bodies were made to heal themselves. I told my doctor I will heal from this and he said he believes me.

I went to a naturopath, tried NAET allergy treatment and spent thousands on nutrition counseling. I went from not being able to hold up a book, to running an animal sanctuary. I am now in my second partial remission.

Things that have truly helped: studying Science of Mind and the Law of Attraction and putting them into practice, homeopathy, new Physical Therapy methods practiced by Therapeutic Associates, getting off of Norco and EDMT.

When I took up art again, I got better and the more time I put in as an artist and with my rats, the better I feel.

Holding friends close and being open with how I'm feeling without spending time complaining has been good for me.

My biggest lesson, that I am still learning in phases, has been to rest. I came from a time when just hanging out was considered lazy.  Some phases of learning to rest have been: cutting my things to do list, then cutting it more; saying no, saying yes but can I sit to do it, saying yes but do you mind if I lie down, asking for help, lowering my standards, breaking tasks down into small pieces, allowing myself to sleep until I wake up, making time to watch and listen to things that make me laugh, learning mindfulness.

Learning to love myself has also been in phases. Ever had a hard time looking at yourself in the mirror? I can do it now, and even like what I see. Latest lesson there has been to ask for love or attention when I need it.

I went off of oral chemotherapy two months ago, without permission from my doctor. My cpk counts are back up and I had to go back on it last night. I'm feeling sick today, but hopeful. I was able to cancel my days' appts with understanding people. I'll work from home doing work I enjoy. I'll go down the block to the local bookmobile and get more free stuff to read and listen to. I've got lots of tea, homeopathy, chicken soup and other good things to eat, 16 animals to share my day with, plenty of fresh water and a warm, cozy home. Just writing this must have improved my immune system!