Feel free to discuss any topic of general interest, so long as nothing you post here is likely to be interpreted as insulting, and/or inflammatory, nor clearly designed to provoke any individual or group. Please be considerate of others feelings, and they will be considerate of yours.
It's been a while since I've left an update on the message board. What's new with me is I'm going to take the early retirement option(age 62) and leave work this January. The reasons are many - the top two being:
1/ the amount of added work load since budget cuts/layoffs last year upped my stress
2/ my priority is my health and I have not had time or energy to properly take care of myself
I've been counting down for the last 13 months and now just 3 months left. Can I afford to leave work at 62? No. I'll have to look for cheaper housing, maybe move out of town. I feel excited to be leaving this job after 15 years. I've been spending my weekends preparing food to eat throughout the work week because I'm too fatigued to cook during the week. Eating right takes time and energy. It's been worth it and I have had good results since I began participating in this forum. I have not had to take medicine since last May when I took Entocort to safeguard my vacation. I am anxious about holiday eating as I have flared up over Thanksgiving/Xmas. Festive dinners tempt me and I have not been able to resist putting things in my mouth in the past. Hopefully this year I'll do better. I wish everyone a happy holiday season. I often view the messages on this board and want to thank each and everyone of you for your postings. I don't have a family member or friend who understands this disease, most never heard of it. I'm very grateful to be a part of this MC family.
Thanks,
Cory
CoryGut
Age 71
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis Sept. 2010
On and off Entocort(Currently Off)
Cory
you are very brave to take these steps, it is not easy to make decisions where it involves changes such as cheaper housing and moving etc.
I was sort of forced into those aspects this year, and have been unemployed for 8 months. In this time i have sort of gone into unconditional surrender, I am managing to survive on an income that is 1/5th what it was 5 years ago. Albeit once i dealt with the mental and emotional stuff, having the time to focus on health and nurture my body, away from the pressure of trying to keep myself well enough to keep working, has provided fantastic wellness.
Healing Hugs
xo
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
It's nice to see an update from you, and it's great to hear that you're doing so well. I hear you about the effects of work stress on MC. I had to shift down a gear or 2 early on, and now I'm old enough to justify at least a mostly retired status, and it sure makes managing MC easier.
I hope the transition into retirement goes smoothly, and it works well for you.
Please don't be a stranger, though.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
It's nice to see an update from you, and it's great to hear that you're doing so well. I hear you about the effects of work stress on MC. I had to shift down a gear or 2 early on, and now I'm old enough to justify at least a mostly retired status, and it sure makes managing MC easier.
I hope the transition into retirement goes smoothly, and it works well for you.
Please don't be a stranger, though. Remember that you will always be a member of our family here.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
Have you considered applying for disability? It would up your $$$ from SS. Also, I believe would make you eligible for Medicare (otherwise you have to be 65).
I had trouble deciding what to do at 62, self employed. We (DH and I) decided to file it and have it direct deposited into the savings account. Have been doing that for a year now.
I am toying with the idea of filing for disability instead because it would be a lot more.
Theresa
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
Nice to see an update from you and I am also in the prep stage of retirement which will take place 6/1/15. I will be 67. I have been winding down and will continue in January working just (2) 10-hour days and for only my boss. It is going to be a big adjustment in June but with my husband retired it is time. Good luck and do hope you can get it all together and not have to go through the stress of moving, etc.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
___________________
Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
Gabes - you are right about "unconditional surrender", it helps to have an "attitude of gratitude" regardless of our lack of financial assets
Tex - thanks for the 'lightness" you bring to so many
Theresa - I thought of SS disability but because I am doing well with diet it's a catch 22 situation. I am not at a stage of needing an operation, or medications which the courts seem to think proof of a disability. I am not considered sick enough to qualify. Then there is $ for a lawyer and the stress involved with a court case. There are some wonderful links on this board from people who went through the SS process, appealed once, and won.
Maggie - Hurrah for you! Heading for full retirement this June! Nice that you've been able to work part-time for you boss who will surely miss you.
I'll stay in touch and we 'seniors' can compare notes on eating/shopping on a budget
CoryGut
Age 71
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis Sept. 2010
On and off Entocort(Currently Off)
Cory - I had to take disability at 62, which gave me Medicare, and made a HUGE difference in my life. I no longer had to pay for COBRA, which, in any case, was about to end. The decrease of stress was great!
I hope things go well for you, and that you find a really nice place to live.
only the other day a friend of mine told me a story, her mother in law was having issues getting an IBD and other AI issues accepted as partial disability, one of the meetings she happen to be having a bad day, and had to rush to the toilet, the toilet happen to be beside the meeting room, the noise and smell of her BM was very noticeable to all in the near area
after 2 years of hell, her claim was approved
She didnt even plan it, the stress of everything was causing the issues
I am currently getting unemployment benefits and was issued Govt health concession card, reduced amount for prescriptions and reduced rates or bulk billed doctors appointments, half price public transport.
Next week I have my medical review with the Govt Agency. should be interesting given that half my diagnosed medical issues did not appear on their listings
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Lesley - you are lucky to have Medicare. Hope it was not too stressful a process for you seeking disability.
Gabes - so funny, the story about your friend's mother-in-law! That's one way to rush it the paperwork through...toot toot!!
I had an incident last month. My dentist found a rash on my upper soft palate and I was sent to an oral surgeon who said it is probably a reaction to my auto-immune disease diet. The lack of fruit and green vegetables in my diet. The rash has now faded since I've added fruit smoothies but it was like I had scurvy or something. I'm still trying to find green veggies with little fiber or gas factor to make into a puree soup, (the green smoothies I made tasted yecky).
CoryGut
Age 71
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis Sept. 2010
On and off Entocort(Currently Off)
