By Mike Bradbury
Having lived with IBM for more than 20 years, I have a few suggestions for making the journey easier. [Editor’s note: Most of these tips are good advice for anyone, even if you don’t live with a chronic health condition.]
1. Do your chores. As best you can, continue your normal routine, doing the things you love or need to do as long as possible.
2. Exercise, exercise, exercise. Without compromising safety, work out with light weights, ride a stationary bike, take a daily walk, or swim. The important thing is to get into a routine so you don’t skip or forget.
3. Keep your brain engaged! Read a good book, stay involved in your business or job, take a class.
4. Stay involved socially. Stay connected with family, friends, and neighbors. Join a club or group or volunteer with your favorite charity.
5. Keep exploring. Check off some of those places on your bucket list. Take a cruise. Tour your own town.
6. Focus on the positive. The world looks brighter, and you’ll feel better. Besides, your friends and family don’t need to hear about all your aches and pains.
7. Spread awareness. Write an occasional article for the local newspaper about your disease. (Most have never heard of it.) Who knows? It may help someone who is suffering.
8. Keep a journal. Write about your daily condition, attitude, and mental/emotional status. It’s amazing how helpful thinking and writing like this can be. It makes you focus on what needs to be done and where you can make improvements.
9. Help others understand. Explain to your family and closest friends how the disease affects you, so they better understand your needs and behavior.
10. Never, ever, ever, give up!
Mike Bradbury is a retired attorney living in California.
This article first appeared in the Winter 2023 issue of TMA’s The Outlook magazine.
What may seem obvious is that doing those simple daily chores is your only hope.
I believe to many doctors do not understand the profound difference self directed therapy can make and send their patients home with little hope of maintaining mobility.
12 years since diagnosis and I am doing well .
Thanks for reminding me why.
Mike, thank you for these wonderful tips we so often take for granted. I’d suggest printing these tips and post them in your bathroom or on refrigerator so you are reminded every day. We all can do these things!