Gitzen Girl - Latest Comments in Just a Part of the Whole

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Wendy Love — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:16:02 -0000

Wow! I just found you today and plan to spend some time here reading your posts. You have a wonderful writing gift and are putting it to great use here. I see so many comments which means you are reaching a lot of people! You are very successful at this! Keep up the good work. I have subscribed and I have also put a link to your blog on my blog.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Toy Sess — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:39:44 -0000

What a pleasure to have found this site.
IN HIM

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Lyndajoy — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:11:49 -0000

I found out about you and your blog through My Home Sweet Home blog. I am so sorry about what you are going through, but my prayers are for you and your family. I understand your "joy" theme completely and you are handling this with a lot of grace.

I am shocked to find out that this is about ankylosing spondylitis. I have it in my lower back, and doctors just say "you have arthritis, everyone gets that." I just looked this up for the first time and I am shocked that so many of my symptoms I have that are attributed to other things is in fact AS. You have educated me.

I pray for you and your family.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

a lady's life — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:53:05 -0000

Sara my prayers and blessings are with you.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Lesliehas5 — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:04:12 -0000

Hey, enjoyed perusing your blog. I'm so sorry about your AS. My husband has it, too, although his was the kind that once it fused, the pain disappeared entirely. However, her has had strange things happen through the years, such as a very painful eye condition every once in awhile that is attributed to AS. He had a hip replacement 10 years ago (due to the AS) and will need another one someday. You have a great attitude. Many blessings on your journey. :)

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Elizabeth — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 12:26:19 -0000

Hey, If you don't mind my asking what kind of digestive problems did you have (or do you have)? I was diagnosed with AS at age 22. I'm thinking now (looking back) that what was diagnosed as 'nerves' was probably AS related. Two of our sons have AS and both have digestive issues. Thanks for taking the time to answer. I can be reached at stephensfeather7@gmail.com I found your site through Dayspring update on FB and commented on that post as well.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Nonna — Fri, 13 May 2011 13:14:29 -0000

Your reflections on not being a sick person, but a person who is sick - that's how I try to look at my life as well. I just wanted to say thank you for taking the time and energy to post on your blog - I was encouraged today...

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

christan — Fri, 13 May 2011 06:13:26 -0000

Thank you for your ministry. God very clearly ordained you to be one of His voices on this earth. Thank you.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Michelle — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 16:14:44 -0000

Dear Gitzen Girl, I arrived at your website by starting at Chatting at the Sky, then going to the bio page at (in)Courage, where I found your bio, and then your blog...

I'm struck by the similarities between your experience with Ankylosing Spondylitis, and the experiences of people who have Celiac disease (sometimes spelled coeliac).

According to at least one study published through the National Institute of Health (NIH), "Arthritis appears to be a rare manifestation of coeliac disease."
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ar...

Please contact someone at the University of Chicago's Celiac Center to discuss your experience and explore possibilities: http://www.celiacdisease.net/

I came upon your post less than 12 hours after meeting a man who had been healthy as an ox into his late 20 before suddenly being stricken with arthritis in his major joints. When he received treatment for celiac, his arthritis all but disappeared. We met at a potluck party, at which we were introduced to one another as two people with gluten intolerance (and great food). I too have greatly diminished symptoms over time, through dietary changes and other approaches.

I recommend the University of Chicago's Celiac Center site, as there is a lot of misinformation and misleading partial information on otherwise well regarded web sites.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information, referrals to other sites, or anything else I can assist with. I've already slogged through a lot of what's on the internet in this regard, and would be happy to help you cut to the chase.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

sarahmoseley — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 11:45:27 -0000

Wow, and I sometimes give myself a pity party for my Fibromyalgia...I can identify with the "how are you?" answer...it is apart from the disease because that is a constant presence in my life.

I cannot imagine what it is like to be in pain like that all the time. I know many people with Fibro are unable to work due to the pain, but I am not one of those. I am sore (some days more than others of course), but my biggest Fibro issue is the fatigue, which is nearly impossible to treat. What that means for me is that I have essentially no social life or activities outside of work and church on Sunday mornings. I have given up things I love like playing my oboe in the orchestra or singing in the choir at church. I have seen friendships dwindle because they don't understand about me cancelling at the last minute. Yet I am keenly aware - especially after reading your story - how blessed I am to be able to work and support myself (single, live alone).

You are inspiring. This is the first time I've come to your blog via Bring the Rain...and now I intend to "follow" you in a totally non-stalker kind of way! :)

I hope today is one of the "good days" and thanks for the inspiration and encouragement. You have a great outlook despite your horrible disease.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Stacie — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:51:41 -0000

Hi! I found you via five minute friday with the gypsy mama. Your story of chronic illness spoke to me for a couple reasons. a) my hubs is chiro, and i used to work for him (my dad is a retired chiro) so I actually know what AS is, and my heart goes out to you. b) My hubs has more severe chronic pain issues than 75% of his patients, and while he is able to help people in pain every day, he can't be helped. He is able to work thanks to heavy use of medications, but it has rocked our world. So I'm blogging about loving and supporting someone in chronic pain, caring for the caregiver, continuing in faith, and living life in the meantime (which for me includes parenting my young daughter and twin sons, writing, and graduate school).
I pray that God continues to comfort you and use you for his purposes. Write on!

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

gitzengirl — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 18:03:51 -0000

thank you, Sue... praying you find a bit of relief in every day, I know how
even manageable pain can wear on a spirit. :)

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Sue — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 17:57:31 -0000

What a beautiful blog you have! I clicked over from a link on another blog, and when I clicked on "My Story" the words Ankylosing Spondylitis jumped out at me. I hadn't seen or heard those words in years, but I remember reading about it when I was preparing to do a report on Arthritis in the eighth grade. I had just been diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, so my teacher was letting me do a report on cassette tape, since I couldn't write at that point.

Anyway, I never grew out of my condition like those hopeful pamphlets from the Arthritis Foundation said I might, but it is manageable now. I loved your latest post about math and the rosary, and I'm sure that I will think of you often as I pick up mine! Thank you for your beautiful, positive writing. I look forward to reading more!

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

KatieBulmer.life — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 15:00:37 -0000

Would you be interested in sharing your story with my readers at www.imperfectpeople.net?

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Liza — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 11:26:46 -0000

Sarah, I would like to commend you for your grateful and joyful attitude despite such circumstances! I'm blessed by your story :-))

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

kaythelulu — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 12:34:08 -0000

We never know where God will lead us. You have such a faith that you are encouraging to everyone. Found your blog on In-Courage ... so very encouraging. Will pray for you each time I open you blog, which will most likely be every day. Thank you and God Blesses.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Katie — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 10:36:14 -0000

Stumbled upon your blog - I first read about your closet space turned inspiration and then wanted to find out more about you.
Enjoyed reading your perspective and a little about your disease. Katie

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Stacy@hiswaynotmine — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 21:48:50 -0000

"Soldier's are developed in peace time, but made in battle" (Spurgeon)...you are a mighty soldier and an inspiration to each of us. I just stumbled upon your blog and my heart aches for all that you have to endure each day. You are a token of God's grace and mercy. Thank you for sharing your story....His story. You certainly are choosing joy and inspiring many. Glad I stopped by. May God strengthen you today.

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Mary — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 12:52:23 -0000

I also have an autoimmune disease and was diagnosed with it (finally) 15 years ago. I love your attitude and I love that you say "my body is brutal but I'm ok". Like you , I have pain every day. Some days the pain is less then others. I stay as positive as humanly possible, do the best that I can every day and I smile! Thank you for sharing just a small part of what you are going through.

Mary

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Britt — Sat, 01 Jan 2011 22:54:33 -0000

I completly understand where you are coming from I have As g(ankelosingspondolitis) also I have had symptoms since I was 16 and for years the doctors did not know what was wrong with me . It can be so frustrating and hard to keep a positive attitude. Before I started taking Enbrel it took me 20 minn. to get to the bathroom in the morning. You have a positive attitude and that will take you a long way never give up hope that they will find a cure or atleast somthing that will help you with your symptoms. I know that after being on Enbrel it took me a while to get use to not having the severe pain I expected to get bit in the back as I use to call it and not be abel to move or walk with out a cain. I hope you will feel better soon remember to enjoy your good days!

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Kristen — Mon, 13 Dec 2010 01:41:34 -0000

Thank you for sharing your story... your courage! I have an illness that displays many similar symptoms (Chronic Lyme Disease for 20 years) and have had to learn how to balance life, realize I do have limits and remember to dream, even though the dreams look different than they used to. It encourages me to read about the courage of others with a chronic illness without diminishing the reality. Thank you for your blog!!!

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

BelovedAimee — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 02:41:24 -0000

found you through incourage. you're awesome. God is good. Bless you. :)

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Becky Keife — Fri, 03 Sep 2010 01:01:21 -0000

Hi, I found you from (in)Courage. Thanks for being such an incredible example of living every day to the full with joy and courage from the Lord. Blessing to you on your journey!

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Pkrains — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 00:58:33 -0000

Hi, Sara,
As I read your story, I couldn't help but think, "she's a very wise person and at such a young age." I suppose that's one thing that pain and having to "be still and know" does to us. I was diagnosed with Behcet's disease (also an autoimmune disorder) in 1986, but probably had it for several years before that, but the doctors, much like you mentioned in your story, didn't know what was wrong with me and could only ask intimidating questions that I had no answers for at that time. Now it all makes sense. I was able to continue working for a while after my diagnosis, but eventually had to give up dreams of working in the medical laboratory, and then after starting a second career of freelance writing, I've almost had to give it up completely, as well. As you said in one of your posts, God gifts us for the things we need at the moment, but maybe what I need now is to just be here for my family. I love your button that says "Choose JOY!"... I want to post that on my blog that I recently started. If you get a chance, stop by and say, "Hello." (http://www.pinchofthissmidg... ) Thanks for speaking honest words that bless and enCOURAGE others like me to keep "doing the task at hand." May YOU be BLESSED, as well. Pat

Re: Just a Part of the Whole

Shelli2000 — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 00:21:48 -0000

HI there...came across your blog from Angie's. I will be praying for you and reading along!

Love Shelby
sweetviewfromthehills.blogs...