Welcome to Living an Unlimited Life by Julie Ramsay. My goal is a life unlimited by setbacks. Topics include invisible illness, chronic pain, mental health, caregiving, Alzheimer's, and mindfulness.
So good to see you yesterday, and to hear about this blog you've begun. I'm sorry for the reasons it exists, but also comforted by the knowledge that I am not alone.
I was a caregiver from a young age to my mother, who suffered from mental illness. Later in her life, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and eventually she died by suicide. I have PTSD as a result of caregiving and surviving my mother's suicide, and OCD also. Both are pretty well managed, but it took more than a decade of therapy to get there.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of autoimmune arthritis in my lower spine. This was after more than a decade of back pain that I thought was just from carrying extra weight. I felt guilty because exercise was painful for my back, so I avoided it.
I, too, do not like the difference in the air when people find out I have these invisible struggles. I'm grateful that you are sharing your journey (and that Dave brought you into our lives).
Hi Amy, thank you for sharing so honestly here. First of all, what you dealt with your mother is A LOT. Some serious trauma. Good for you that it’s managed as that is a tough one! I feel for you for what it took to get there.
I’m actually familiar with Ankylosing Spondylitis, as a doctor tried to diagnose me with that 20 or so years ago. I researched it quite a bit and was not convinced it was the right diagnosis. But what do I know? Only that no other doctor since then has come up with it. As I recall, there are a few layers to that one….it’s a bit tricky.
I’m happy to have a phone conversation if you want to talk about the latter diagnosis or any of this. Or, we can just connect on this the next time we meet up.
I admire your drive for life despite the painful obstacles! What I now realize is that so many of us have invisible illnesses.
Since 18 years of age, I have been living with mental illness. Exercise or any type of physical activity has proven to be the never failing way to improve my mood.
Thank you Julie for your writing. I will stay tuned!
Thanks for joining the community Alicia! You are spot on that invisible illnesses are everywhere. Some people don't even know they have them, they just keep on keeping on. Education on the topic would go a long way.
Exercise is a great way to get the endorphins flying and lightening our spirits.
Thanks, Adrian! I know -- when you know, you know. Those of us on healing journeys feel like we know each other well, when really we've just met. But we know the feelings, we understand when someone says "I couldn't attend since I wasn't feeling well". Or "I just couldn't finish that task last night." Thanks for subscribing and going on this journey together!
Julie! Great to see you here. You know I share your passion for many of these topics especially invisible illnesses and mindfulness! I'd love to colloborate on and spread the word about these important topics.
So good to see you yesterday, and to hear about this blog you've begun. I'm sorry for the reasons it exists, but also comforted by the knowledge that I am not alone.
I was a caregiver from a young age to my mother, who suffered from mental illness. Later in her life, she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis, and eventually she died by suicide. I have PTSD as a result of caregiving and surviving my mother's suicide, and OCD also. Both are pretty well managed, but it took more than a decade of therapy to get there.
Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis, a type of autoimmune arthritis in my lower spine. This was after more than a decade of back pain that I thought was just from carrying extra weight. I felt guilty because exercise was painful for my back, so I avoided it.
I, too, do not like the difference in the air when people find out I have these invisible struggles. I'm grateful that you are sharing your journey (and that Dave brought you into our lives).
Hi Amy, thank you for sharing so honestly here. First of all, what you dealt with your mother is A LOT. Some serious trauma. Good for you that it’s managed as that is a tough one! I feel for you for what it took to get there.
I’m actually familiar with Ankylosing Spondylitis, as a doctor tried to diagnose me with that 20 or so years ago. I researched it quite a bit and was not convinced it was the right diagnosis. But what do I know? Only that no other doctor since then has come up with it. As I recall, there are a few layers to that one….it’s a bit tricky.
I’m happy to have a phone conversation if you want to talk about the latter diagnosis or any of this. Or, we can just connect on this the next time we meet up.
Thanks for the share, Amy.
Very inspiring! Thank you for your vulnerability and sharing your experience.
Hi Karla! Thanks for reading and stopping by here to comment. Glad to have you in the community!
I admire your drive for life despite the painful obstacles! What I now realize is that so many of us have invisible illnesses.
Since 18 years of age, I have been living with mental illness. Exercise or any type of physical activity has proven to be the never failing way to improve my mood.
Thank you Julie for your writing. I will stay tuned!
Thanks for joining the community Alicia! You are spot on that invisible illnesses are everywhere. Some people don't even know they have them, they just keep on keeping on. Education on the topic would go a long way.
Exercise is a great way to get the endorphins flying and lightening our spirits.
Thanks for sharing!
I feel the honesty in your words and I'm looking forward to reading about your succes stories.
I'm personally on this healing journey for many years now and I'm sharing the gifts I received with anyone that is open to receive them too.
Thanks, Adrian! I know -- when you know, you know. Those of us on healing journeys feel like we know each other well, when really we've just met. But we know the feelings, we understand when someone says "I couldn't attend since I wasn't feeling well". Or "I just couldn't finish that task last night." Thanks for subscribing and going on this journey together!
Thank you for the restack, Nathan! @nathanvan
Julie! Great to see you here. You know I share your passion for many of these topics especially invisible illnesses and mindfulness! I'd love to colloborate on and spread the word about these important topics.
Tracy - that sounds amazing! I’ve been meaning to reach out but it’s been a hectic start with Substack plus with my healing journey still in progress.