DISQUS

alece · 6 months ago

i just love you so much. i hope you know.

gitz · 6 months ago

I do, kiddo. Love you back and praying for you while you're in Africa. Just remember I'm only an email away. :)

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Christina J. Werdebaugh · 6 months ago

I can't tell you enough how amazing I think you are. Our experiences are alike in many many ways. Your transparency with your readers is such a gift, and helping others to understand what it's like to live everyday with chronic illness is priceless. I,too, take meds to eat, digest, bm, pee, see, breathe, walk, crawl, stop seizures, etc.etc. on top of supps and alternative treatments out the whazoo. Sometimes I feel like my life is on pause or slow motion while everyone elses is on fast forward. People take for granted simple things like being able to eat the things you like and go to the bathroom without assistance of medication, catheters and enemas. Or just being able to walk outside on a sunny day. You remind them of what a blessing life is in the simplest ways. I, too, have tried everything under the sun, and learned FINALLY after surrendering to God that I handle life much better when the prognosis worsens around every turn. I'm so proud of your strength and courage. Keep up the good fight. Thanks for giving of yourself and your gift. Wishing you many many good days, my friend.
Blessings,
Christina W.

Robynn's Ravings · 6 months ago

I do not know how you keep from being overwhelmed, Gitz, and I know you must be at times. But your faith, joy, and humor shine through all you do. Thank you for giving us a look at what you face and deal with everyday.

I would like to know when your symptoms started, what they were in the beginning, and how old you were. My son suffered a major bout of iritis for no apparent reason with an accompanying low white count. Probably an anomaly but not something I'd want to miss if I should be looking closer. They checked him for R.A. but that was negative.

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house on ranchero · 6 months ago

Amazing...that's what you are!!! Oh, and sometimes a pain in the _ss....you can add the letter of the day to complete :*
Love ya

Robin~All Things Heart and Hom · 6 months ago

Thank you for talking about this. I knew before but feel I know better now. I pray for you already Sweet Girl but this post helped me understand how to better direct my prayers.
I'm always humbled by your attitude today more than ever. Love and gentle hugs~
Robin

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Gail · 6 months ago

Bathtub. Brothers, Banister - you could choose one or put two or more together. ;)

Marla Taviano · 6 months ago

Brains. You're obviously very intelligent. Who in your family passed on their smart genes? :)

Hugs to you today, friend!

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Candy · 6 months ago

Bible - your favorite passages and the ones where you find the most sustaining hope. Or bravery. Unless you want to save it for "C" and courage. I so admire that Attitude of yours. Your faith and hope are such an inspiration, Sara. I'm so blessed to have "met" you.

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Vicky · 6 months ago

Its overwhelming to me to just read about it. I can only imagine this long and most difficult journey you've traveled. I think you will help a lot of people by talking so openly about it and working so darn hard to live such a productive life. I hope you fully know and feel just how productive your daily life truly is and how much you showing up here everyday is so motivating!! Love that hawk about as much I love our Gitzen Girl ;)

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Stephanie · 6 months ago

Thanks for sharing your story. I think it puts a lot of things in perspective for people.

For B, I think it should be books and blockbusters. The best and worst of your movies and book picks.

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Gail · 6 months ago

Just found this on my storytelling listserv and thought of you.
"there is a buddhist saying that recognizing that everything is already broken, liberates the mind to be joyful"

Debra · 6 months ago

Praying for your healing ... He can do it ... and I know He is proud of your walk and how you share it and encourage others.

Brownies, Bible verse, Banana's, Bandana's, Boxes, Bra's, Boys, Boredom ... there's a few b's. Have a great day Sara!

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Nancy · 6 months ago

Is there anyone else in your family that has this? Or extended family? I ask, because our youngest has some genetic issues, but we have been told his was caused by a fluke mutation. You are so not a whiner! And because I am a whiner, you inspire me to try not to complain over every little thing!

We have some campus outreach students this summer and the first thing the young lady noticed yesterday was your canvasses. She really liked them. I am going to show her your site eventually......yesterday it was just getting to know them!
Prayers!

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Heidi L. · 6 months ago

Thanks Gitz for another amazing post!
I liked the earlier mentioned idea of books and blockbusters. Would love to know some of your favorites!

Sorry to hear this has been a rough week for you. Hang in there...and also don't be afraid to take a little break if you need to. One thing you can count on...we'll all be here when you get back. Big (gentle) hugs to you today!

GranSan · 6 months ago

You are truly an inspiration. Makes me realize how small and simple may pains are.

For B - I like Bible (favoite verse), the Beautiful things you enjoy or Blessings you've had

Ed · 6 months ago

I am also interested in Bible passages, or quotes from any books, that help you deal with life. I know you use your favorites for your canvasses. Do you consciously seek out a particular verse, depending on your mood?

Do you brew coffee or tea with your meals? Which is your favorite blend?

Of course seeing Riley in a black bandanna, which would really bring out his bad self, or perhaps even a babushka, would be neat. Don't tell him, but I think he would look as cute as a button.

Do you ever get him any bacon flavoured dog biscuits? Does he like blueberry pie from the bakery, made with lots of butter? Make sure they don't burn the pie.

I am going to guess that Riley may sometimes acts like a bully, but he is never a burden. I know he shines a lot of brightness in your life. Does he have any brothers? Does he come from a large brood? He really is your best friend.

Bravery, beauty and brains are the three best words to describe you. Now I am starting to babble.

Sheryl · 6 months ago

i know you didn't share your story so that we would tell you how wonderful you are. BUT...you really do amaze me. when i start to think that my life is limited by my illness, you often come to mind. your attitude and your joy are contagious. i know they come from Jesus.

the letter "b", huh? bras, bugles, bandanas!

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gitz · 6 months ago

I know that you and others go through your own daily struggles, which is why I decided to answer the questions... everyone has something and knowing others make it work definitely helps.

Hoping your day was a good one...

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gitz · 6 months ago

AS usually starts in your early 20s [which I was], but there are juvenile cases. I wouldn't say iritis is a big cause for concern, but it's good to keep filed away in your memory banks should other things arise. I was tired, having a lot of aches and pains, getting sick easily and was developing symptoms when I was in a head-on car accident. They believe the trauma sped up the disease process and it went downhill quickly from there.

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gitz · 6 months ago

oh leslie... i hear that everyone born on May 13, 1973 has that pain in the _ss =-X tendency. :-P

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gitz · 6 months ago

thanks, friend... i tried to be pretty straight-forward about it; i know it' a lot to take in, but i have been getting more questions lately and thought it would be a good time to talk about it again. As always, your prayers are appreciated :)

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gitz · 6 months ago

SO FUNNY... all three of those things together brought up a specific memory. Go figure :)

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gitz · 6 months ago

Oh, I don't know if I got the brains as much as the bull :)

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gitz · 6 months ago

Thanks, Candy... it's so fun knowing we've met through this blog world and yet you live down the road and are connected through friends. The world just gets smaller, doesn't it?

Thinking about you and the pup today. Sorry again for your loss...

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gitz · 6 months ago

The hawk has been keeping me going this week :) Thanks for always showing up here... you're one of the best by-products of this blog!

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gitz · 6 months ago

Oh, I like that suggestion a lot...

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gitz · 6 months ago

I LOVE that, Gail. The more I read it, the more I absolutely agree. That might need to go on my wall :)

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gitz · 6 months ago

Thanks, Debra... and thanks for all the "b" suggestions, too. I think I'm going to like these challenges...

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gitz · 6 months ago

I'm so glad she liked the canvases... that's so flattering!!!

When I was diagnosed, mom remembered that my great-grandpa was fused into the position of his wheelchair when he died; they had to break his bones to lay him flat in the coffin. They didn't have a name for it back then, but I'm sure he had AS. My oldest brother was diagnosed with psoriatic spondylitis a few years after me. Where mine started in the larger joints/spine and moved elsewhere, his started in the smaller joints and moved bigger. He has slowed down some, but is living a very productive life and able to take the medications, which is a huge blessing. He has three kids to keep up with and it makes me incredibly grateful he's able to so well.

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gitz · 6 months ago

So funny to have you call me gitz :) I like it!

I can't tell you how long I've been wanting to call you and catch up, but just can't find the voice or energy. Thanks for showing up here all the time so I can see you anyway :)

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gitz · 6 months ago

We all have small, simple pains and big pains. But I've learned we all have big joys to look at, too. That's the most important part.

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gitz · 6 months ago

I can always count on you, Ed :)

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gitz · 6 months ago

And the joy comes back from all of you... it's why I try to do this every day whether I feel like it or not!

Now, as for the bra... does it count that I barely need one?!??!?! :-P

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Robynn's Ravings · 6 months ago

Thanks Sara,
It certainly isn't something I've thought about a doubt that it is a concern
but he got sick from everything for about a year, had sore joints and deep
tissue, and then the iritis. Seems to have resolved mostly but I always try
to stay informed. I'm so sorry you have had to walk this road.
Hugs.....
Robynn

Robynn's Ravings · 6 months ago

P.S. Do you live in Ames, IA? For some reason I was thinking that. One of
my cousins who was just here lives there.
On Mon, Jun 8, 2009 at 11:02 PM, Robynn Reilly <robynnsravings@gmail.com>wrote:

gitz · 6 months ago

Oh, you're a good mom to check every avenue. I hope whatever it was is something that's behind him, but you're right to stay on top of it!

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gitz · 6 months ago

I don't... I live in Cedar Falls, but I do have some family in Ames. Those were fun pics on your blog with your cousins...

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mrsc · 6 months ago

Just like everyone else comments- you are amazing and inspiring!

I agree with the others too about favorite Bible passages or Books that have made a difference in your life.

Rita · 6 months ago

Is it even possible for him to be more precious?! You are one lucky girl. Just love that little boy of yours. Thank you for the pictures too.

tam · 6 months ago

B- boy. tell us about your first boyfriend.

:-P

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