Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # Robert Joyce's A 30 Minute Life Living with Multiple Sclerosis & Pain ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://a30minutelife.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [The Multiple Sclerosis rollercoaster brings fatigue and poor mobility](https://a30minutelife.com/multiple-sclerosis-rollercoaster/) - It has been several months since I have written a post. I want to write more, but this horrible disease has pushed me into a corner. Fatigue has reared its ugly head, causing me to have less energy to do the things I would like to do. Besides this, some medications I have been taking - [Invisible Symptoms - Living with MS and Chronic Headache](https://a30minutelife.com/invisible-symptoms-living-with-ms-and-chronic-headache/) - My Symptoms When people meet me they often comment how well I look. This is often the case for people who are living with MS, or headaches. There is nothing that you can see that gives you an idea of what I am feeling on any given day. You cannot see that my leg is - [The Choice - Pain, or possibly more pain??](https://a30minutelife.com/choice-pain-possibly-pain/) - This is a post I wrote on the 16 August 2017. I am in too much pain this week to write, so I am re-posting this. So what should I do? I am faced with a choice, and I know that I have to get some more information, but a decision is looming. Up to - [The Morning Challenge - Choose Living, or Choose to Succumb](https://a30minutelife.com/the-morning-challenge-choose-living-or-choose-to-succumb/) - I don't want to succumb This morning I woke at 7:45. A little earlier than usual. On Saturdays I like to sleep in, and catch up on some rest. One of the symptoms that I have with my Multiple Sclerosis is fatigue. For those of you who don't have fatigue is is very hard to - [A Day in my Life](https://a30minutelife.com/a-day-in-my-life/) - You can listen to me reading this post, and reflecting on what I wrote on Spotify and Apple podcasts. What I will tell you In this post, I would like to tell you about my daily routine. When you have a disease like Multiple Sclerosis, combined with piercing headaches, you need to have the sense - [Why have I called the blog "A 30-Minute Life"?](https://a30minutelife.com/a-30-minute-life/) - I have recorded this post on my podcast (available on Apple Podcast too) and also reflected on what I wrote. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/a30minutelife/episodes/Why-Multiple-Sclerosis-and-Chronic-Pain-makes-me-live-in-30-minute-chunks-e24237q What a strange name for a blog. It is strange, and initially, hard to understand, but I will try to explain. I have a few medical issues in my life. They are: Multiple Sclerosis - [Hospitals: Are they for patient care or doctors careers?](https://a30minutelife.com/hospital/) - “You want me to come back again tomorrow?” I said through gritted teeth. My cheeks were twitching with pain and I asked, “Are you admitting me?” “No, but you must come back tomorrow to see the neurology team, and we will start you on steroids.” I shook with rage. It had become too much. The - [Yahoo, I am walking again.](https://a30minutelife.com/walking/) - I stood, facing the wind, as it brought the southerly warmth all around me. As it surrounded me, I felt joy and gratitude that I could once again walk. Over the last several months, I had stopped my walk, as it was not possible anymore. My legs had been wrapped in the weight of MS. - [Is Patient Centred Healthcare wanted by the Irish health system?](https://a30minutelife.com/is-patient-centred-healthcare-wanted-by-the-irish-health-system/) - For the last four years I have actively used my experience of being a patient to engage with academics, governmental and commercial organisations to put the patient at the centre of the healthcare system. I have had positive and negative experiences along the way, and I think have converted some people to engage with the - [Multiple sclerosis: The rules of my illness have changed](https://a30minutelife.com/multiple-sclerosis-the-rules-of-my-illness-have-changed/) - How do you adjust your life when the rules of your illness change? I share what I am doing now. - [Terry Wahls Diet Study for people living with Multiple Sclerosis](https://a30minutelife.com/terry-wahls-diet-study-for-people-living-with-multiple-sclerosis/) - Guest Post Could a change in diet make a difference for people with multiple sclerosis (MS)? Those are the questions our research team investigates. So far our answer is yes. Diet can reduce fatigue, improve quality of life and walking function for both relapsing-remitting MS and progressive MS. We have conducted several pilot studies which have - [Procrastinating About Goals Living With MS](https://a30minutelife.com/procrastinating-about-goals-when-living-with-ms/) - Setting goals when you are healthy can be a challenge, as you have so many distractions which can pull you away. These can be time, energy and finances, to name a few. When you live every day with fatigue, pain or cognitive problems (over 50% of people living with MS experience this) it makes it - [Tip 2 - Be Healthy](https://a30minutelife.com/tip-2-cope-chronic-illness-healthy/) - Be Healthy?? Be Healthy?? I have a chronic illness, how can I be healthy!! Seriously, it does seem like a contradiction. However, if you really think about it you will realise that of all people someone with a chronic illness cannot afford to live an unhealthy life. You want to give yourself the very best - [Tip 3 - Look after your mental health](https://a30minutelife.com/tip-3-cope-chronic-illness-look-mental-health/) - Look after your mental health "Look after your mental health" is really a sub-category of Tip 2 - Be Healthy. When you have a chronic illness that has no cure your life is thrown upside down. At no stage in your upbringing have you been taught the skills of how to manage the impact that - [Patient engagement: How one pharmaceutical company is failing to adapt.](https://a30minutelife.com/patient-engagement-how-one-pharmaceutical-company-is-failing-to-adapt/) - There is an increasing desire in the research community (public and private) to include patients throughout the medicines development process. This involves a big change is the way these organisations interact with us. It is a challenge, as working with the public and patients often requires a different way of preparing for and organising of - [Excluded, again, by the people who say they want to include us](https://a30minutelife.com/excluded-again-by-the-people-who-say-they-want-to-include-us/) - On Thursday, I attended a webinar for an organisation which states they want to support patients becoming innovators. They want people, like me, and our caregivers, to change the health landscape by creating businesses which, if successful, can change the health landscape. This appears to be inclusive, and I attended, hoping they could support my - [The birthday gift I would like to give back!!](https://a30minutelife.com/the-birthday-gift-i-would-like-to-give-back/) - Thirty years ago, today, I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. In the previous November I was in Queens Square London getting a battery of test done. This included an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and a lumbar puncture (LP). The MRI was a new diagnosis test at the time, as they had just started to use - [Healthy Living Tips for New Wheelchair Users](https://a30minutelife.com/healthy-living-tips-for-new-wheelchair-users/) - Pixabay - CCO Licence When you’re new to using a wheelchair, you have a lot of things to get your head around, and it will undoubtedly take a little while to acclimatise to your new situation. One of the many things you will need to consider along with the pros and cons of electric wheelchairs - [How to Know When You Should Change Doctor](https://a30minutelife.com/how-to-know-when-you-should-change-doctor/) - We rightly give doctors and healthcare professionals a lot of respect. They’re the ones who will help to keep us healthy and live our best lives, after all. However, there is such a thing as giving healthcare professionals too much respect. Sometimes, we just accept whatever they say, always deferring to their specialist knowledge. But - [Will my 2022 goals help me achieve a better year than last year?](https://a30minutelife.com/will-my-2022-goals-help-me-achieve-a-better-year-than-last-year/) - In my previous post, I wrote about some things I achieved in 2021 and now I would like to focus on what my goals are for this new year. At the start of every year, we see many posts on this topic and the themes are so varied, from eating better to becoming a millionaire. - [2021 Patient Advocacy & Me, what an amazing year](https://a30minutelife.com/2021-patient-advocacy-me-what-an-amazing-year/) - 2021 has been an eventful year. The COVID pandemic is still around and it has changed so many lives, for good and bad. For now, we do not know what further impact it will have, but I know its impact on me. In this post, I am going to share how it has helped shape - [Malaga Airport: Treats the disabled like trash](https://a30minutelife.com/malaga-airport-treats-the-disabled-like-trash/) - Over the years, I have written a few posts about travelling with mobility issues. Usually they are informative (I hope) and generally positive. Recently I travelled to Malaga for a holiday. It was a tricky decision because of the pandemic, but we decided on balance it would be safe to use air travel and have - [My 5 step strategy for overcoming anxiety](https://a30minutelife.com/my-5-step-strategy-for-overcoming-anxiety/) - For the last few weeks my anxiety levels have been steadily climbing. It has been particularly difficult. Anxiety expresses itself in many ways, which include extra fatigue, poor concentration, irritability as well as physical symptoms, like upset stomach, frequent toilet breaks, to name a few. It is horrible and makes it very difficult to do - [More pain and fatigue, because I did not pace myself](https://a30minutelife.com/more-pain-and-fatigue-because-i-did-not-pace-myself/) - Pacing is very important when you live with MS. Over the last week my illnesses punished me with more pain and fatigue, because I forgot this rule. - [World MS Day: Connections](https://a30minutelife.com/world-ms-day-connections/) - Today, May 30, is World MS Day and people living with MS and the organisations which support us, use this as a day of making people aware of the illness. There are so many fantastic events taking place. Here in Ireland the MS Society is seeking sponsors of its balloon race. There will be 9,000 - [A positive week after making a difficult decision](https://a30minutelife.com/a-positive-week-after-making-a-difficult-decision/) - The last week has been much easier since I stopped writing a post every day (you can read why I made this decision here). Suddenly I had time to do some exercise, head outside for a scooter 'walk' and yesterday we went to Galway to collect my new glasses. Everything happened with much less pressure, - [How I make a difficult decision because of chronic illness](https://a30minutelife.com/how-i-make-a-difficult-decision-because-of-chronic-illness/) - On the 24th April I decided to embark on a massive challenge, to write a blog post every day for 100 days. Over the last 23 days I have written 21 posts, missing two days. One of which was yesterday. I have really enjoyed the process of having to write, share the content, and then - [Pain is expensive: A day in my life](https://a30minutelife.com/pain-is-expensive-a-day-in-my-life/) - The last week has been very busy for me. I have had three trips to Galway and I am up against deadlines on a few projects. So I have had to be very careful about pacing, which I am succeeding in, mainly. Yesterday, I decided to write a very short post, so I would not - [Fatigue: Conserving energy](https://a30minutelife.com/fatigue-conserving-energy/) - Last night I slept 10.5 hours. Fatigue has raised its ugly head, so I must listen and adapt. So today, this will be my post. Very short. - [Invisible Symptoms: The impact of a delay on pain and mobility](https://a30minutelife.com/invisible-symptoms-the-impact-of-a-delay-on-pain-and-mobility/) - Medical appointments are a continuous part of living with chronic illness. Yesterday I had to visit the optician about getting new glasses. Usually it is a 30-45 minute visit. First the usual testing of my eyesight, then a scan of the back of my eye and then deciding on a pair of glasses, or in - [Visiting the Optician: 4 things to remember if you have photophobia](https://a30minutelife.com/visiting-the-optician-4-things-to-remember-if-you-have-photophobia/) - Today I will be getting my eyes checked, as I wear glasses. If I remember correctly, I was about 14 when I started to need them. The writing on the blackboard at school was getting very fuzzy. Now I am 52 I need to take off my glasses to read, age does creep up on - [Disabled driving in Ireland: Stuck in a Time Bubble](https://a30minutelife.com/disabled-driving-in-ireland-stuck-in-a-time-bubble/) - This morning I received a message from a friend of mine, who happens to be a disabled driver too, to let me know about the Disability Toll Exemption Scheme for drivers of exempted vehicles in Ireland. This became available in February 2020 and it replaced a very cumbersome scheme where you had to apply to - [Rainy days: Are they good or bad?](https://a30minutelife.com/rainy-days-are-they-good-or-bad/) - A heard of wildebeest was thundering over my head. Luckily I had found shelter under an overhanging rock. Looking around, I saw a few small bones, some scratched lines on the wall, and knew I was not the first to escape under this stone. The smell of these animals was surrounding me and I wondered - [5 tips to help overcome cognitive problems](https://a30minutelife.com/5-tips-to-help-overcome-cognitive-problems/) - More than 50% of people living with Multiple Sclerosis will have some cognitive problems in their life. Because I live with chronic pain, Persistent Post Traumatic Headaches, and fatigue, I also have cognitive problems. This impacts me in many ways, forgetting things, short term memory issues, word finding problems and holding conversations. As these symptoms - [Diagnosis Day: Not the best birthday gift](https://a30minutelife.com/diagnosis-day-not-the-best-birthday-gift/) - Cold, the cold was attacking my right leg. It was if I had stepped into a deep freeze, and this normally active leg was freezing up. It’s movement slowed, making every step an effort. The muscles of my back were screaming in pain. I could not understand why my back was sore, when it was - [Noise Intolerance: 4 strategies I use to manage my reaction](https://a30minutelife.com/noise-intolerance-4-strategies-i-use-to-manage-my-reaction/) - The day after my car accident I started to hear a constant noise in my ears, particularly my right ear. This is know as tinnitus. For me the sound never stops, but it can change its intensity. When it does, I have an immediate reaction. Another symptom has also grown over the years and this - [The power of sharing experiences](https://a30minutelife.com/the-power-of-sharing-experiences/) - Recently, I have been involved in two different projects. Both of which involved me sharing some of my experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis. Progressive MS Webinar Series The first is the Progressive MS Webinar Series, which I am hosting, and is in collaboration with the MS Society of Ireland. The first webinar, about Isolation, - [How I bootstrap my life in 4 simple steps](https://a30minutelife.com/how-i-bootstrap-my-life-in-4-simple-steps/) - When you have a down day, or even several down days, it can seem difficult to pull yourself out of the negativity. As I am not a doctor, or a mental health expert, I can only let you know what works for me. You should always consult an expert. With this disclaimer done I can - [Willpower: Could it be speeding up my decline?](https://a30minutelife.com/willpower-could-it-be-speeding-up-my-decline/) - Just one more step. It was the only thought in my head. One more. If I can lift my leg, move it forward, even just a bit, and then repeat with the other leg. My objective, to get back to the car, which was about 50 metres away from me. Every step seemed to push - [Fatigue: 3 tips to overcome guilt (with a bonus tip too)](https://a30minutelife.com/fatigue-3-tips-to-overcome-guilt-with-a-bonus-tip-too/) - Fatigue is difficult. It is a common symptom of MS, an invisible beast which has two ways of attacking. Sometimes it ambushes you suddenly, with no warning, or it gently creeps up on you, gradually sucking all strength. Whichever tactic the monster uses, fatigue can contribute to decline in your mental health. Yesterday, I experienced - [Can one voice change anything?](https://a30minutelife.com/can-one-voice-change-anything/) - Yesterday I was at a meeting, which was discussing policy. This seems quite abstract as I write it, and perhaps it is. What happens once a policy is written? If it is a large organisation it acts as a rudder, guiding the activities of sections of the activity. This will have an impact on the - [Research vs Social Welfare in Ireland](https://a30minutelife.com/research-vs-social-welfare-in-ireland/) - Yesterday I had the honour of being a keynote speaker at a conference which focused on including patients in research. By this I mean people who live with illnesses should be equal members of the research team, deciding what will be researched and how the research is conducted. The phrase we often use is: Nothing - [Sharing my experience of being a Patient Advocate](https://a30minutelife.com/sharing-my-experience-of-being-a-patient-advocate/) - This morning I had the honour of presenting to the PPI Ignite PPI Annual Conference. As the first speaker at the meeting I wanted to share how I see Patient Involvement in research. 17 years ago I tried to get the Irish government to trial a medicine which I have found works well at treating - [Bittersweet Day](https://a30minutelife.com/bittersweet-day/) - The Bitter We have a 17 year old female Siamese cat. She rules the house, dictating many of our activities. Age comes with more medical issues and cats experience this too. Arthritis is Gucia's problem and she has been licking all her joints, in an effort to ease the pain, to the extent most of - [What is all this noise?](https://a30minutelife.com/noise/) - The sun was shinning yesterday and the heat was glorious. As a result I spent a good part of the day outside. It felt like I was on a Mediterranean beach and as Dr Conor Kerley mention in the Progressive MS Webinar we recorded last week, the sun is great for producing natural Vitamin D. - [Mental Health: Using projects to increase my vitality](https://a30minutelife.com/mental-health-using-projects-to-increase-my-vitality/) - Chronic illness takes many things away from you, things you love or even need. This is devastating and has a negative impact on mental health. I have experienced this many times. The days when I just do not want to get out of bed and the thought of doing anything is just too much. It - [100 Day Challenge - Overcoming procrastination](https://a30minutelife.com/100-day-challenge/) - This morning while I was cycling on my recumbent exercise bike I was watching some YouTube video's. Usually I listen to a Podcast, but I wanted to do something different. Then I thought, perhaps I should also change some of my daily routines and this challenge is what I have decided to do. Why am - [How to: MS & Mobility, what I am doing to help myself](https://a30minutelife.com/how-to-ms-mobility-what-i-am-doing-to-help-myself/) - This was another highlight. In Oct 2019 I was on holiday in San Francisco, and using this I could walk all around Alcatraz, and walk barefoot on the beach. FES was keeping me walking and upright. However, by April 2020, I was back in hospital as my walk had become even worse, despite using Sativex - [The Good, The Bad and the Ugly of 2020 - A Chronically Ill Perspective](https://a30minutelife.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-2020-a-chronically-ill-perspective/) - I am sitting in my car waiting for my partner to finish the weekly shop, wondering how I can start this blog post. 2020 has been a hard year for so many people because of the uncertainty of the Pandemic. It has killed many innocent people, brought financial hardship to service workers, split communities and - [Why learning to be a Patient Expert has given me a purpose in life.](https://a30minutelife.com/why-learning-to-be-a-patient-expert-has-given-me-a-purpose-in-life/) - My first experience of participating in research was over 15 years ago when I tried to get a trial started on a medication I was using to treat my Multiple Sclerosis, an illness diagnosed a decade earlier. It was unsuccessful. The principal reason, I think, for my failure was a an absence of knowledge of - [Caregiver Stress: Managing Stress When Caring for a Person with Disability](https://a30minutelife.com/caregiver-stress-disability/) - Image Credit Caring for a sick person can be stressful, and it can get worse if the person lives with a disability. This is because the disability presents a whole new level of caregiving challenges. Helping the patient into a wheelchair, turning them in bed, or bathing them is a lot of labor. The stress - [Is Patient Advocacy Worth The Obstacles?](https://a30minutelife.com/patient-advocacy/) - Patient advocacy has many rewards, helping a community and better research are just two. It comes with a cost, and I wonder, is it worth it? - [Living With A Disability](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-a-disability/) - Pic Source - CCO Licence While it is not something that you would wish upon anyone, in fact there are plenty of people with disabilities who do end up living full and happy lives. One of the great movements of recent years has been to show that having a disability is not necessarily the be-all - [How To Look After Your Eyesight](https://a30minutelife.com/looking-after-your-eyesight/) - Your eyesight is one of the most important things that you need to pay attention to. If you are keen to look after your body in general, then overlooking the value of your eyesight is not going to get you very far. It’s not just about being able to see well, although that is of - [Depression in Multiple Sclerosis: Is it inevitable?](https://a30minutelife.com/depression-in-multiple-sclerosis-is-it-inevitable/) - The last four weeks have been a challenge. The number of days I have had to finish in bed, early, has increased. Often seeking solace in a darkened room at 3 in the afternoon. My limbs have been heavier, where trying to lift my arm takes effort. Walking, taking longer, slower every day, struggling to - [Now available as a Podcast](https://a30minutelife.com/podcast/) - A few months ago my local radio station, Connemara FM, approached me about recording my blog posts for the station. I thought it was a great idea and so over the last few months I have been preparing, and finally last Tuesday my first program aired. I was thrilled, and this will be a regular - [COVID-19 Confinement is finishing, or is it?](https://a30minutelife.com/covid-19-confinement-is-finishing/) - It was a warm day yesterday, and I had the chance to sit outside and read. The feel of the sun is fantastic, and I always welcome its feel. Somehow it renews me. The heat is like a charger and it can bring me from nearly depleted to half full. Not bad for an hour - [Winnie's Picks - Painting to improve your mental health](https://a30minutelife.com/winnies-picks-painting-to-improve-mental-health/) - Winnie's Picks reached out to me to review their paint by numbers products, and I accepted. They sent me, free of charge, the Audressells' Bridge painting for me to paint and review. They have not paid me for this review. The painting arrived neatly packed in a tube which contained: Paint by numbers canvasPaintsPaint brushesInstructionsCopy - [Losing everything, again!!](https://a30minutelife.com/losing-everything-again/) - It has been five weeks since I left the hospital where I had IV steroids to help with my mobility. When I arrived home, it took a few days to recover from ‘hospitalisation’ and then my new life started. My mobility had improved dramatically while in hospital and it continued to improve once I arrived - [Fear - Is it reasonable to be so afraid?](https://a30minutelife.com/fear/) - Surrounded by terrible news. On the TV the presenters are asking when will this lockdown stop, can we survive this, or the world is in crisis. The economists are predicting global recession, and some are talking about a depression. There are websites counting the deaths, YouTube has channels urging us to prepare for the worst, - [Should I get treatment now with COVID-19 as a risk?](https://a30minutelife.com/should-i-get-treatment-now-with-covid-19-as-a-risk/) - The hills in Connemara must be growing, and the stairs are longer and steeper. Every step has become a moment of concentration. Before the COVID-19 pandemic had become mainstream, my walking had become worse. My right leg is assisted by Functional Electrical Stimulation, but the intensity of the pulse needs to increase. Because of several - [Welfare punishes medically vulnerable with exposure to COVID-19](https://a30minutelife.com/welfare-punishes-medically-vulnerable-with-exposure-to-covid-19/) - This is a difficult time for Ireland and the world as we battle this virus. One measure which we have been told to adhere to is social distancing, and this will be crucial in the weeks and months ahead. This is being done to help the elderly and for vulnerable people like me who have - [How Patient & Public Involvement is giving me purpose.](https://a30minutelife.com/how-patient-public-involvement-is-giving-me-purpose/) - My legs are a disaster. In the last year I have started using an FES device for my right leg, and my left one is now like my right was a year and a half ago. Sativex helps with my mobility, but its cost is prohibitive, and now I only use it occasionally when I - [Can you take a holiday from DISABILITY? The Irish Government thinks I can!!](https://a30minutelife.com/can-you-take-a-holiday-from-disability-the-irish-government-thinks-i-can/) - To say I am angry is an understatement. Yesterday when I arrived home, fully of optimism about our country and its desire to put the patient (I am writing a post about this too), to find a letter from Social Welfare. Readers of my blog know I have Multiple Sclerosis, and I have the Secondary - [Is Dublin Airport the leader in disability services?](https://a30minutelife.com/is-dublin-airport-the-leader-in-disability-services/) - There are times in life where you see a massive difference in the way two similar organisations approach a situation. Last week I had an experience which both angers me, and saddens me, at the same time. The contrast was stark. People with disabilities travel. We use cars, trains, boats, buses and airplanes to help - [4 Tips On Exercising With A Disability](https://a30minutelife.com/4-tips-on-exercising-with-a-disability/) - When living when a disability or chronic illness, getting active can sometimes be a challenge. Whether it’s managing pain or mobility problems, finding an appropriate exercise regime can take a little trial and error. Rest assured, there are a number of exercises out there that can be achieved and adjusted to suit your lifestyle. 1 - [Reflecting on 2019 and looking forward to 2020](https://a30minutelife.com/reflecting-on-2019-and-looking-forward-to-2020/) - In this post I reflect on 2019 and the obstacles I faced, how I dealt with these, and what I learned in the process. Now, more resilient, I look forward to the New Year!! - [Merry Christmas 2019](https://a30minutelife.com/merry-christmas-2019/) - I would like to wish all my readers a Merry Christmas and I hope Santa brings you your deepest wish!! - [My Sativex Diary](https://a30minutelife.com/my-sativex-diary/) - I have been sharing my experience of using Sativex for spasticity in Multiple Sclerosis in Multiple Sclerosis. This post links to all the videos I have posted live on Facebook. - [Living with Chronic Illness - Gray Days](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-chronic-illness-gray-days/) - Life with Chronic Illness is hard, really hard, and if you get some respite, it hits back with vengeance. - [A life changing trip? San Francisco - Part 1](https://a30minutelife.com/a-life-changing-trip-san-francisco-part-1/) - Holidays are a source of anxiety for many people, and especially people with chronic illnesses. We are leaving the security of our homes where we know where everything is, and also the assurance of a routine. Travelling brings uncertainty. There is also the added discomfort of the journey to and from the location where we - [A life changing trip? San Francisco - Part 2](https://a30minutelife.com/a-life-changing-trip-san-francisco-part-2/) - Following on from A life changing trip? San Francisco - Part 1 Where I shared the concerns I had about travelling a big distance, here I share some things I did on holiday. Harley and Me I am 50 and it is about time I had a good mid life crisis. Being in the USA - [A life changing trip? San Francisco - Part 3](https://a30minutelife.com/a-life-changing-trip-san-francisco-part-3/) - Following on from my description of my visit to the USA which I shared in 'A life changing trip? San Francisco - Part 1' and "A life changing trip? San Francisco - Part 2', today's post will help you understand the title. Cannabis In California the use of cannabis is legal, and I took the - [Functional Electrical Stimulation is changing my life](https://a30minutelife.com/functional-electrical-stimulation-is-changing-my-life/) - Over the last 5 years my walking has slowly become worse. The day after my car accident I felt a heaviness in my right leg. I needed just a little more effort to use it, and it tired quickly. This weight has grown since then, and it now feels like I am dragging a teenage - [A Great Month Despite Chronic Illness](https://a30minutelife.com/a-great-month-despite-chronic-illness/) - Living with a chronic illness can be tough, very tough. For me the sickness is Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and the key word there is Progressive. This means no matter what I do it will get steadily worse, and there is no treatment, just various pills and potions which mask, temporarily, some symptoms. In the - [A Delicate Subject - Disabled Toilets](https://a30minutelife.com/a-delicate-subject-disabled-toilets/) - This post was going to be an information piece about disabled toilets, and the way we should build them. However, in my research, and chatting on Twitter, I have found there are standards (Irish Standards) in place. These even look well thought out, and the Irish Wheelchair Association has prepared a whole book (click here) - [Chronically Hopeful Awards](https://a30minutelife.com/chronically-hopeful-awards/) - Rhiann from My Brain Lesion and Me, Jordyn from The Chronically Unimaginable and Heather from Dinosaurs, Donkey's and MS have nominated me for the Chronically Hopeful Award. I am sorry it has taken me so long to respond, but I have been busy with a few things, mainly managing my diseases. The Chronically Hopeful Award - [Difficult decisions forced by chronic illness](https://a30minutelife.com/difficult-decisions-forced-by-chronic-illness/) - I have a new job, but my mobility is making it difficult. In this post I share why I have decided to get a mobility scooter. - [Disabled Drivers and Climate Change](https://a30minutelife.com/climate-disability/) - In the last few days the government of Ireland announced its goals in tackling Climate Change. They ranged from the use of plastics to home insulation, all to reduce the damage we are doing to the environment. One area of interest to me is transport, especially for those of us who require adaptations compared with - [Important Things The World Can Learn From People With Disabilities](https://a30minutelife.com/important-things-the-world-can-learn-from-people-with-disabilities/) - Everyone you meet in life has a lesson or two that you can learn from them. People living with disabilities are particularly influential. After all, the hardships that they face in life aren’t as easily forgotten as some others. They have to go through each day with strength and determination, struggling to do many everyday - [The Secrets To A Happy Life](https://a30minutelife.com/happy-life/) - Everyone wants to live as happy a life as possible. But it is one thing wanting this, and quite another to know what is actually involved in making it happen. There are many things that can get in the way of your happiness, and the more aware you are of those hurdles, the more likely - [ActivePosture Shirt - Review](https://a30minutelife.com/activeposture-shirt-review/) - ActivePosture supply shirts which help to improve posture, and can reduce discomfort this causes. Readers of my blog can get a 10% discount by using the code - Robert10. - [Meditation: Am I fading like these tulips?](https://a30minutelife.com/meditation/) - Mornings are the best part of my day, when the realisation of my physical state has not registered. Eating a leisurely breakfast, followed by coffee, brewed from just ground coffee. The morning is full of promise, and my day is undecided. After this meal, I put my dishes in the sink, soaking, so I can - [Three Additions That Might Change Your Life](https://a30minutelife.com/adjusting/) - Adjusting to life with a disability is hard, but something that more and more people are having to to do as of late. There are so many things that can change your life in seconds, such as being involved in a car crash, or the sudden onset of an illness that causes you to be - [Excluded, and alone, the Irish government wants this for me.](https://a30minutelife.com/excluded/) - Angry doesn’t even begin to describe my emotion. Frustrated, disappointed, bewildered, and exhausted can be added to this list. What is causing me to feel this way? The policies of the Irish government, as implemented by the Department of Health, Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection, and the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government - [A Few Things That Might Help You to Keep Hope Alive When Dealing with a Chronic Illness](https://a30minutelife.com/keep-hope-alive/) - Chronic illnesses are no joke. They have the ability to bring people to their knees, to make life exponentially more difficult, and to cause serious emotional and psychological turmoil, in addition to the physical constraints that might come along with them. Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple “solution” for dealing with these sorts of conditions. But - [Should I Start Self Medicating?](https://a30minutelife.com/self-medicating/) - There is no escape from the pain!! For nearly 5 years I have had a constant throbbing, stabbing and pulsing pain in my right temple extending to my whole head frequently. It does not stop. Every waking moment is accompanied by this sensation. Sitting on the couch this morning I realized I have tried all - [Little Things That Can Help Living with a Disability](https://a30minutelife.com/little-things-that-can-help-living-with-a-disability/) - This is a collaborative post. Disabled people often find themselves in places that are not suitable for them. This means that they have to develop the skill of problem-solving, as this can help them to find ways around such situations. For some of them, problem-solving has become an art and they have used it to - [Exercise and Vitamin D are Essential - MS Conference](https://a30minutelife.com/exercise-and-vitamin-d-are-essential-ms-conference/) - On the 22nd of September 2018 I visited the Irish MS Conference in Athlone, Ireland. This is the first MS Conference I attended. Over the day I met other people with MS and to hear talks discussing exercise, mental health and an overview of MS and quality of life. Despite the different topics there was - [Liebster Award for 'A 30 Minute Life' and my nominations](https://a30minutelife.com/liebster-award/) - Liebster Award Thank you, Jen, from Tripping Through Treacle for your nomination for a Liebster Award. As I have been blogging for such a short amount of time (4.5 months) I still feel like a complete novice, and for someone who I respect to nominate me for this, I am humbled. Jen has an originality, - [Attending To The Issues That Are Impacting Your Mental Health](https://a30minutelife.com/attending-to-the-issues-that-are-impacting-your-mental-health/) - As a society, we now appreciate the need to take care of our mental health like never before. However, that doesn’t mean that those issues are any less likely to surface. So, if they do, it’s imperative that you treat them quickly and in the most efficient fashion. Mental health issues can be attributed to - [Pacing - Not as easy as it sounds!!](https://a30minutelife.com/pacing/) - “Just set yourself a steady pace, not too much, and listen to your body. It will tell you when to stop.” That is so simple. My body will tell me when I need a break. That's what my physiotherapist, psychologist, doctor and neurologist have told me. I have lived over half my life with Multiple - [Axon Optics COVER RX - Lite - Review](https://a30minutelife.com/axon-optics-cover-rx-lite-review/) - Photophobia, or light sensitivity, is one of my chronic illness symptoms. Over the last few years it has become progressively more difficult to live with and I have tried many types of glasses to combat the pain. Driving has its difficulties, especially at night, as the newer cars all have these dazzling LED headlights. These - [How Does MS Affect Your Relationships?](https://a30minutelife.com/how-does-ms-affect-your-relationships/) - When you’re diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, it’s like receiving a little jar of pain. Like with the Pandora Box, the jar has been left open, and all the pain it contains is slowly flowing out. As it does, you can hear your inner voice screaming, not only in pain but also in terror because, if - [The medical and care systems are broken!!](https://a30minutelife.com/medical-care-system/) - In this post I share my thoughts about the medical and care systems that people with chronic illnesses must use. Is there an alternative? - [Dealing With Problems You Didn't Think You Could](https://a30minutelife.com/dealing-with-problems-you-didnt-think-you-could/) - Everyone has problems, so don’t feel like you’re alone if you’re going through some things. We know people say new year, new me, but there’s only so many problems you can try and ignore until they surface again. But considering it is a new year, we think you should live by a new philosophy. Because - [My Resolution for 2019](https://a30minutelife.com/resolution-new-year-2019/) - Chronic illness has taught me many lessons. Living in the moment is the how I choose to live my life in 2019, leaving the past as a memory. - [5 Ways In Which You Can Helped A Loved One In Later Life](https://a30minutelife.com/5-ways-in-which-you-can-helped-a-loved-one-in-later-life/) - Your parents and other elderly relatives spent years providing for you. So, it’s only right that you wish to return the favour as they get a little older. Not only do they face the bodily changes of ageing, but they also live at a time where the world is changing at a rapid rate. Therefore, - [New Year Resolutions For Those Living With A Disability](https://a30minutelife.com/new-year-resolutions-for-those-living-with-a-disability/) - (As we enter the new year, it's time to think about your resolutions, with goals that will both empower your life, and possibly even empower the lives of others. As we enter the new year, it's time to think about your resolutions, with goals that will both empower your life, and possibly even empower the - [Paleo muffins with blueberries and raspberries](https://a30minutelife.com/paleo-muffins-with-blueberries-and-raspberries/) - This is a recipe for some very tasty muffins. Blueberries and raspberries are used in this along with apple. When you make it try different fruit, experiment, and enjoy. The almond flour we make ourselves from the pulp that is left over when we make our own almond milk. Trying to use everything makes sense, - [Back Again!!](https://a30minutelife.com/back-again/) - For the last year and a half I have been writing a post every week. This routine has been part of my therapy and it has caused me to think deeper about how I think about my life. Delving into the dark corners of who I am has unearthed the fears caused by my illness. - [My Life with MS - Week 1](https://a30minutelife.com/my-life-with-ms-week-1/) - Week ending 30 September 2018 In this blog I have been sharing parts of my life, and how I am living with multiple sclerosis and chronic pain. Concentrating on a specific event that has happened in my week has been the fuel for my writing. For the next few weeks I will try something new. - [CBD Oil - Dr. Hempme Review](https://a30minutelife.com/cbd-oil-dr-hempme-review/) - CDB oil is the most recent wonder drug for helping with MS. Hemp and marijuana are both sources of CBD (cannabidiol). When it is extracted from hemp, it has no THC (this is a chemical responsible for giving the high and is in marijuana). You can learn more here. As I have both multiple sclerosis - [My Life with MS and Chronic Pain - Weeks 6 & 7](https://a30minutelife.com/my-life-with-ms-and-chronic-pain-weeks-6-7/) - When you have a chronic illness, it often interferes with your plans. It was my intention to write a few posts last week when I was in hospital. Unfortunately, I could write nothing as the treatment and the hospital caused my pain to increase to a level that writing was pointless. I didn't have the - [My Life with MS & Chronic Pain - Week 5](https://a30minutelife.com/my-life-with-ms-chronic-pain-week-5/) - Week ending October 28, 2018 It was a quiet week and I mainly concentrated on maintaining my health routine. Physiotherapy is continuing, and the FES device is helping. Diet Another great week for food. I have found that the best way to eat vegetables is roasting them. I cut them up into small pieces and - [My Life with MS & Chronic Pain: Week 4](https://a30minutelife.com/my-life-with-ms-chronic-pain-week-4/) - Week Ending 21 October 2018 This week I concentrated all my effort over 3 days. This creates trouble because I only have a few spoons to use in a day and if I steal one from the next day, I causes problems. I had three trips into Galway. On Tuesday it was for physiotherapy, on - [Chronic Illness & Pain: Why get out of bed?](https://a30minutelife.com/chronic-illness-pain-why-get-out-of-bed/) - Finding the motivation to get out of bed when you have a chronic illness & pain is difficult. This is my reason. I am stronger than this illness. I have the courage to face the pain. I have the will to overcome despair. - [Treating MS using Mindfulness](https://a30minutelife.com/treating-ms-using-mindfulness/) - I am a participant in a new study that is being conducted by the Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland - Galway, and the MS Society of Ireland about the benefits of mindfulness in treating MS. This research is being conducted online, and they are actively looking for participants. This is what the - [My Life with MS & Chronic Pain - Week 3](https://a30minutelife.com/my-life-with-ms-chronic-pain-week-3/) - Week ending October 14, 2018 Another week, and another few lessons to learn. At 49 you would think I need not learn anything new, but I am. Life is continually changing, and the circumstances are continually different. When you have change, there is always the chance that the habits and routines you have, fall apart. - [How To Care For Your Elderly Parent](https://a30minutelife.com/how-to-care-for-your-elderly-parent/) - There will come a time in your life where you realise just how much things can change. When you're younger and you watch your parents, you see them as being these invincible beings that keep you safe and happy forever, but as you get older you realise that they're getting older too. It may start - [Popular Sports For People Who Use Wheelchairs](https://a30minutelife.com/popular-sports-for-people-who-use-wheelchairs/) - Using a wheelchair doesn’t mean that you can’t be active. In fact, there are plenty of ways for you to keep fit, one of the most popular being sports. As well as the physical benefits, wheelchair sports are also a great way to relieve stress and tension, boost your body confidence and self-esteem, and hang - [My Life With MS & Chronic Pain - Week 2](https://a30minutelife.com/my-life-with-ms-chronic-pain-week-2/) - Week ending 7 October 2018 What a week!! Full of ups, and downs. But that is the reality of life. If you take part, then things will happen. Some of them good, and others bad. At the end you look back and think; “How did I survive it?” On Friday afternoon, and all day Saturday - [Staying Strong When Your Health Gets You Down](https://a30minutelife.com/staying-strong-when-your-health-gets-you-down/) - Being told you have a health problem is a huge blow. However, most people wrap their head around it and find ways to cope. Still, it doesn’t mean the journey is over. Like all trips, there are ups and downs and fluctuations which test your resolve. One minute everything is under control, and the next - [Minimising a Disability’s Impact On Your General Life](https://a30minutelife.com/minimising-a-disabilitys-impact-on-your-general-life/) - A disability will inevitably have some sort of effect on your life in general. It will make completing certain day to day tasks difficult, and you may suffer from negative symptoms pertaining to the condition. But there are steps that you can take to minimise the impact that a disability can have on your life. - [Becoming Your Parents Carer](https://a30minutelife.com/becoming-your-parents-carer/) - It’s one of the most saddest times that you’ll ever have to go through. Becoming your parents carer may be upsetting to most of you, but it’s inevitably what’s going to happen to them as they get older and older. It’ll happen to you one day in the distant future too! But, if you’re going - [Holidays with Chronic Illness - Malaga, Spain](https://a30minutelife.com/holidays-with-chronic-illness-malaga-spain/) - Holidays. We all look forward to the summer vacation. Visions of sunny, warm days spent with loved ones. My partner and I had been looking forward to our holiday in Malaga since we booked it several months ago. We booked an apartment that advertised as less than a 10-minute walk from the town centre and - [5 management tips that help manage chronic illness](https://a30minutelife.com/5-management-tips-that-help-manage-chronic-illness/) - 5 tips I learned from managing businesses that have helped me with chronic illness. Living with chronic illness is difficult, but my experiences as a manager have given me essential skills that help me live with multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, sarcoidosis and asthma. Living with chronic illness is lonely. The symptoms that you have, and - [The Surprising Benefits Of Cycling For People With Disabilities](https://a30minutelife.com/the-surprising-benefits-of-cycling-for-people-with-disabilities/) - Living with a disability is often a frustrating experience, especially if your disability makes your lifestyle far more sedentary than you’d ideally like it to be. While your able bodied counterparts may have opportunities to vent the quotidian frustrations and annoyances of the day by going for a run, pumping some iron or punching the - [Reach Out, But In The Right Ways: Helping Someone Who Doesn’t Want Our Help](https://a30minutelife.com/reach-out-but-in-the-right-ways-helping-someone-who-doesnt-want-our-help/) - It can feel like banging your head against a brick wall, whether you are helping a family member, or you are trying to get through to a friend, if you are doing your best to help someone, but they don't want our help, the stresses and anxieties of the situation can loom at the front - [Don't Let Your Disability Hold You Back from Starting a Business](https://a30minutelife.com/business-startup-disability/) - People living with disabilities often feel inferior and are not treated fairly in the workplace. If you have decided that you would go out on your own instead, however, there will be some difficulties you’d better be prepared to overcome, too. You might not be able to do physical jobs, and as a freelancer it - [Staying Positive When Your Disability Gets Down](https://a30minutelife.com/staying-positive-when-your-disability-gets-down/) - They say that adversity is good for us, and that it brings out the best in us. It helps us push beyond our limits, shakes us out of apathy and despondency and encourages us to be the very best that we can be. While it’s certainly true that many people with disabilities accomplish tremendous feats - [What Your Home Is Missing](https://a30minutelife.com/what-your-home-is-missing/) - Having a good home to come back to whenever you’re done with some lengthy travels is an Godsend. It’s your own space, where you can cook your own foods and watch your own TV, sleep in for as long as you like, and ultimately just be yourself. But what if your home isn’t quite right - [The Particular Problems Of Freelancers With Disabilities](https://a30minutelife.com/the-particular-problems-of-freelancers-with-disabilities/) - Living with a disability, any disability can be an extremely lonely and isolating experience. Everyone around you desperately wants to understand. Everyone around you wants you to know that they’re there for you. But nobody truly knows what it’s like. How could they? They don’t know what it feels like to feel imprisoned within their - [Isolation](https://a30minutelife.com/isolation/) - Isolation is what I felt last week. I was writing in my journal after finishing my meditation and a wave of sadness enveloped me. I wrote it down. ISOLATION. Since that day I have been thinking about this. Wondering why I felt that way. What causes this, and what can I do? Sometimes in everyone's - [Long-Term Health Issues: How To Live With Them](https://a30minutelife.com/long-term-health-issues/) - There are many kinds of long-term chronic health issues which can arise for anyone, and if you are in such a position then it can of course be incredibly concerning. Nonetheless, no matter how bad of a position you may be in, you will still always be able to find a way to improve it - [Recipes: Treats for the Autoimmune Community](https://a30minutelife.com/recipes-treats-for-the-autoimmune-community/) - In the last few months I have been looking at changing my diet (see my post about diet). Up to now I follow the Swank diet. This diet removes all processed food, and anything from the cow. It also doesn't like frying. As an Irishman not being able to eat a traditional Irish breakfast (eggs, - [Addiction: How To Help A Family Member With Problems](https://a30minutelife.com/addiction-help-a-family-member/) - Addiction is so difficult for the person that is suffering, but it’s also an incredibly hard situation for the family and friends of that person. Seeing a loved one going through a hard time like that can be very emotionally draining, especially if they’re going back and forth without ever getting better. If they’re ever - [Pain Management Doesn't Have To Be All About Pills](https://a30minutelife.com/pain-management-without-pills/) - When you are dealing with pain that is long-term, the last thing you need is yet another prescription for medications. Medicines can be expensive, and the cocktail of drugs that a doctor can put you on to manage pain can all be ineffective as they work against each other instead of together. It’s very much - [5 tips to help stop being overwhelmed by chronic illness](https://a30minutelife.com/5-tips-stop-overwhelm-chronic-illness/) - Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror and I see normality. I don’t appear to have anything wrong with me, and occasionally I even fool myself. For a little while. When this happens, I wonder is this all happening inside my head. Is it a fiction I have immersed myself inside? I have learned - [Energy: Ways To Preserve Energy When You Have A Chronic Illness](https://a30minutelife.com/energy-preserve-chronic-illness/) - Preserving energy when you have a chronic illness For those of us with a chronic illness, even the most basic of tasks such as showering, cooking, and cleaning is exhausting and overwhelming at times, depleting our energy. In fact, they can take up so much energy that it almost seems impossible to complete them and - [WEGO Health Awards Nomination](https://a30minutelife.com/wego-health-awards-nomination/) - WEGO Heath Award It is exciting to be nominated for the WEGO Health Best in Show - Blog & Rookie of the Year Awards in the 2018 WEGO Health Awards. WEGO Health is a mission-driven company connecting healthcare with the experience, skills, and insights of patient leaders. They are the world’s largest network of patient leaders, working across - [The perfect diet for multiple sclerosis](https://a30minutelife.com/perfect-diet-multiple-sclerosis/) - The perfect diet for multiple sclerosis It is a very strong statement to say you have the perfect diet. I am sure it has caught your attention and you are wondering what will follow. There are several diets suggested to help you live with MS, and some of these claim to ‘cure’ you of this - [Electric Cars - The future for disabled drivers?](https://a30minutelife.com/electric-car-disabled-driver/) - Electric Cars - The future for disabled drivers? Mobility for people with disabilities is a problem. Public transit still has problems with accessibility. It has improved over the years, but the ability to get in and out of the taxi’s, buses or trains is difficult, and once inside a seat is not always available. Wheelchair - [Chronic illness and pain have become too much!](https://a30minutelife.com/chronic-illness-and-pain-have-become-too-much/) - Chronic illness and pain have become too much! Last Saturday was a terrible day, and it was inevitable that this would happen. In 3 months life has transformed. My job had become a problem as my walk had now reduced to a hobble, with my left leg doing all the hard work. Capable of four hours - [What should I pack in my hospital bag?](https://a30minutelife.com/hospital-bag/) - Packing your bag for hospital? What should you pack in your bag if you will be going to hospital. This is a list of recommended items to bring, plus some other tips. Recently I had to go to the hospital for a course of intravenous steroids to treat my worsening Multiple Sclerosis. Before I went - [Living with Chronic Illness - New Treatment](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-chronic-illness-new-treatment/) - New Treatment A new diagnosis has led to some new treatment. This post shares my experience of the first few days since I heard the news. As I wrote in my last post, my symptoms are getting worse. Waking up as tired as I was when I slept and seeing every slope as an Alpine - [Living with Chronic Illness - What Does It Feel Like?](https://a30minutelife.com/feel-like/) - Living with Chronic Illness - What Does It Feel Like? In this post, I am trying to explain what having my chronic illness would feel like for someone who isn't sick, but fit and healthy. Returning to consciousness this morning, the first thing I noticed was the pain. My right temple was pulsing. Throbbing with - [New Opportunities - Living with Chronic Illness](https://a30minutelife.com/opportunities/) - New Opportunities Traditional work is difficult when you have a chronic illness. Accepting that I have a new path, I find new opportunities for personal fulfillment. Now that I have accepted that my ability to work in a traditional job is not possible I have had to find another reason to get up every day. - [Benefits of Meditation](https://a30minutelife.com/benefits-of-meditation/) - Meditation Meditation is my secret weapon against anxiety. It helps me overcome the knots in my stomach, and calm me. I had to open the door on Tuesday morning while I was doing my meditation. The room had become too hot, and not because I had left the heating on by mistake. The sun had - [Tears](https://a30minutelife.com/tears/) - Tears caused by my changing abilities have caused me to reflect on what is happening now. How will I adjust to these losses? Tears Tears. Driving home on Thursday I could feel my eyes starting to flood. Listening to a podcast about how you had to face your fears I realised that I was in - ['Taking the Air'](https://a30minutelife.com/taking-the-air/) - 'Taking the Air' was considered to be a cure for many illnesses. Life with a chronic illness means that we have to take every moment that is good, and cherish it. As I sat outside today, I was enjoying one of these. Taking the Air Air. Do you remember those pictures of rows of men - [Living with Chronic Illness - New Pain and Despair!](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-chronic-illness-new-pain-and-despair/) - Pain woke me up Pain is a part of living with chronic illness. When a new pain is felt it is easy to fall into a feeling of despair. This is how I overcome despair. It woke me up, the pain. A dark room, pain in both thighs, shoulders and neck and I became disoriented. - [Living with chronic illness - Limits](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-chronic-illness-limits/) - What limits us Chronic illness limits what you can do, often dramatically. In this post I share how I have learned to look at limits in a different way. Limits are all around us. Our limitations are physical, economic, mental, intellectual and medical. This list could be expanded, but I think you will agree, there are - [Living with Chronic Illness - Carpe Diem](https://a30minutelife.com/carpe-diem/) - Carpe Diem Carpe Diem or Seize the Day is a maxim that people with chronic illness usually follow. Every day brings surprises, some good, some bad. This is a day that something good happened, and I grabbed it with both hands. On Wednesday I had a great plan. Creating an order to my day helps - [THE 3 DAY QUOTE CHALLENGE - DAY 3](https://a30minutelife.com/the-3-day-quote-challenge-day-3/) - Thank you Dizzy for asking me to do this challenge!! There are a few quotes which I will share with you. You can see my first quote here, and my second one here. The Rules: Thank the person who nominated you. Post a quote for three consecutive days (1 quote for each day). Share why this - [THE 3 DAY QUOTE CHALLENGE - DAY 2](https://a30minutelife.com/the-3-day-quote-challenge-day-2/) - Thank you Dizzy for asking me to do this challenge!! There are a few quotes which I will share with you. The Rules: Thank the person who nominated you. Post a quote for three consecutive days (1 quote for each day). Share why this quote appeals so much to you. Nominate 3 different bloggers for - [THE 3 DAY QUOTE CHALLENGE – DAY 1](https://a30minutelife.com/the-3-day-quote-challenge-day-1/) - Thank you Dizzy for asking me to do this challenge!! There are a few quotes which I will share with you. The Rules: Thank the person who nominated you. Post a quote for three consecutive days (1 quote for each day). Share why this quote appeals so much to you. Nominate 3 different bloggers for - [Living with chronic illness - the challenge of travel.](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-chronic-illness-the-challenge-of-travel/) - Travel can be difficult when you have a chronic illness. Needing to plan and prepare for the obstacles that are common for your illness. This is how I live within the rules of my disease. Travel to Dublin Today I attended a meeting of the MS & Me blogging group. (If you would like to - [4 mindset changes that can help you cope with Chronic Illness - A 30 Minute Life](https://a30minutelife.com/4-mindset-changes-that-can-help-you-cope-with-chronic-illness-a-30-minute-life/) - Mindset Living with a chronic illness means looking at life in a different way, altering your mindset is one of the changes that have to happen. These are the four changes that have helped me cope with my chronic illnesses. The mindset of someone with a chronic illness is different from someone who is healthy, - [Living with chronic illness - Transition Day - A 30 Minute Life](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-chronic-illness-transition/) - Transition - Living with chronic illness Life is a series of changes - transition. Some are unexpected, and other you know will happen. I now have to finish the work that I do because I cannot walk fast enough. This is how I am adapting to this transition. Life is a series of transition when - [Living with chronic illness - 5 tips for newly diagnosed](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-chronic-illness-5-tips-for-newly-diagnosed/) - Living with chronic illness - 5 tips for newly diagnosed Being diagnosed with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis, can be devastating. In this post I let you know my experience after being diagnosed and the 5 tips to help you. “Just keep doing what you are doing”. That is exactly what I was recommended - [An unexpected companion](https://a30minutelife.com/an-unexpected-companion/) - An unexpected companion In every journey, you will encounter many things. Some are exciting, frightening, or even amusing. These interludes in our travels make our lives interesting. How we choose to react to these events will have a direct impact on how we feel, and what we can learn. Nearly 4 years ago I had - [Living With MS - Accepting the Challenge](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-ms-accepting-the-challenge/) - Living with MS - Accepting the Challenge Accepting the challenge of living with MS is a choice that you have to actively make. 25 years ago when I was diagnosed was when I first realised that this disease required a different mindset to what I had coming out of university, and working in my first - [The Old Bog Road](https://a30minutelife.com/old-bog-road/) - Waking with a headache Not a 6/10. Some days I wake up with a headache that is worse than I usually have. Tuesday was one of these days, and I dragged myself through the morning. Monday was a difficult day, as one of our cats, Bombel, went missing. I was hobbling around on Monday morning, - [Grateful for all that I have](https://a30minutelife.com/grateful-for-all-that-i-have/) - Grateful for all that I have This afternoon I was sitting in my cave (or more grandly, my office) thinking about what I will write about for my post this week. This den that I have is the place where I meditate 5 mornings of the week, and where I write my journal. It is - [What am I learning from MS and chronic pain?](https://a30minutelife.com/i-learning-ms-chronic-pain/) - Learning from adversity Learning from my chronic illnesses has been a goal of mine. Ever since I was diagnosed decades ago. I am firm in the belief that the adversity that arrives at your door is for a reason. How you choose to react to this, apparently, negative event in your life is something that - [Feeling Emotion's](https://a30minutelife.com/feeling-emotion/) - Emotion Valentine’s Day was on Wednesday, and it is a day that we celebrate love, passion and bountiful emotion. Couples all over the world shared cards, flowers and romantic meals. This is the outward expression of how they feel about each other, symbolising this relationship with something close, intimate. For nearly all my life I - [A Simple Mistake](https://a30minutelife.com/a-simple-mistake/) - Going to Work As you all know I do market research surveys to get me out of the house. Depending on the week, I will work 2-3 days, and each of these days I actually work about 6 hours. It gets me out of the house and meeting people. It does wonders for my mental - [Behind the Illness](https://a30minutelife.com/behind-the-illness/) - Behind the Illness Heather from Dinosaurs Donkeys and MS included me as one of the bloggers that she reads in her ‘ Behind the Illness’ post. I think it is a great idea to share something more about who I am. My blog concentrates on the impact of my illness on my life, and the way - [Getting sick, when you are already ill](https://a30minutelife.com/getting-sick-already-ill/) - Coming Home Life is unpredictable. I have no idea what will happen tomorrow, and when you have a chronic illness this adds an extra level of uncertainty into the mix. Last Monday I returned from my holiday, and I expected that I would need 2-3 days to recover from the trip home. Living on the - [Living with chronic illness - Holiday](https://a30minutelife.com/living-chronic-illness-holidays/) - Back from holiday Yesterday I returned from a 10 day holiday in Poland. Holidays can be difficult if you have a chronic illness. They need a little more planning, and recovery time during, and after, the trip. Since my last holiday, my walking has become much slower. Before going on this trip I was anxious - [Living with Chronic Illness - Back to Work](https://a30minutelife.com/living-chronic-illness-back-work/) - Back to Work So tired. Getting up in the morning is a struggle. Since returning to work on the 6th I have had to do 2 days work. My work usually takes 6 hours in the day, with an extra 2 hours of commuting. I have to do 8 surveys in a day, and Sundays - [6 habits to help you live with chronic illness that I learned in 2017](https://a30minutelife.com/6-habits-help-live-chronic-illness-i-learned-2017/) - 6 Habits to help you live with chronic illness At this time of year, people are looking at the year ahead and making resolutions about the changes that they want to make. In my experience, this idea of change in the new year doesn’t always work. 2017 was a very mixed year for me, as I - [DizzyCast Episode 2](https://a30minutelife.com/dizzycast-episode-2/) - Dizzycast DizzyCast on SoundCloud Episode 2 of Dizzycast is here! ? A Diagnostic Dizzy. In this months episode we have a chat with Christian Rolfe about his journey from RRMS to SPMS, and a recent trial that he has been on for this. Then for Dizzy Discussion we are joined again by the wonderful Jen - [Happy New Year!!](https://a30minutelife.com/new-year/) - Happy New Year If you follow me on Twitter (@A30MinuteLife) you will know that I have had difficulty in writing this New Year post. 4 days ago I sat down at my laptop thinking that I would write something about 2017, its ups and downs. As those of you with Chronic Illnesses know we often - [Christmas and chronic illness](https://a30minutelife.com/christmas-chronic-illness/) - Christmas is coming Christmas, or any holiday time, is usually a cause of stress for people with chronic illnesses. One thing that we need in life is big changes from our usual routine. This stability creates a balance in our illness. Any deviation in this can lead to unpleasant consequences. Negative Triggers In my life, - [Dizzycast Ep.1 A Daydreaming Dizzy — Dinosaurs, Donkeys and MS](https://a30minutelife.com/dizzycast-ep-1-a-daydreaming-dizzy-dinosaurs-donkeys-and-ms/) - https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F365741486&show_artwork=true&maxwidth=500&maxheight=750&dnt=1 Here’s our very first episode of Dizzycast! ? (which is abit scary but also super exciting!) Please head over to Dizzy’s Dotty Team page where you can find out about Meg, Jen and Robert, who all feature in this episode. Or click on their names to potter over to their websites. ? Me and - [Who is Robert Joyce - Video](https://a30minutelife.com/who-is-robert-joyce-video/) - Who is Robert Joyce? - [Finding 'Purpose' when you have a Chronic Illness](https://a30minutelife.com/finding-purpose-chronic-illness/) - Purpose When you have a chronic illness you can struggle to find a purpose in life. A reason to get up in the morning. If you are well you probably have a job that you go to 5 days a week. This gives you a focus in life. Not everyone enjoys their work, but it - [Why I always listen](https://a30minutelife.com/why-i-always-listen/) - Why listen? The hardest thing to do when you are suffering is to “Listen”. Your body is sore, uncomfortable. You are tired, fatigued. Stress and anxiety are your constant bedfellows, and depression looms in the near distance. With your mind and body shouting at you constantly, this noise can stop you from listening. Why is - [Living with Chronic Illness - How I cope with pain](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-chronic-illness-how-i-cope-pain/) - Coping with pain Meditation has become part of my daily routine. I have a room downstairs that I use, and I look outside while I try and focus on my body mapping routine. Today I was in the middle of my routine, looking at the trees, and suddenly my eyes became painful. Was this a - [Living with chronic illness - Bad Day](https://a30minutelife.com/bad-day/) - Bad Day Last Sunday was a really bad day for me. If you follow me on Twitter you would have seen my post on Monday about how I was dealing with these doldrums by using meditation, and journaling. The previous week I had been having troubles with work. My fatigue was draining me of energy, - [Living with Chronic Illness - Winter is Coming](https://a30minutelife.com/living-chronic-illness-winter-coming/) - Winter is Coming On Tuesday I was out at work. My work is doing market research surveys, and I go from door to door, seeing if I can get someone to be a respondent for my survey. I enjoy this job and the people that I meet and it is something that I can do - [Living with Chronic Illness - Opportunity](https://a30minutelife.com/living-chronic-illness-opportunity/) - Opportunity When someone dies that is close to you, you inevitably reflect on your own mortality. It is one of those truism’s that we cannot escape. It can also be a positive action, causing you to endeavour to change your own life, in a positive way. My experience My mother passed away recently, and it - [Living with Chronic Illness - Fooling Myself](https://a30minutelife.com/fooling-myself/) - Am I fooling myself? I am serious. What is the point in trying to develop my skills? I am disabled. It is so easy to take the route of giving up on improving myself as a person. It would be much less painful to spend the whole day watching TV, and lamenting the fact that - [Living with Chronic Illness - Storms in my head](https://a30minutelife.com/living-chronic-illness-storms-head/) - Living with Chronic Illness - Storm in my head Ophelia passed through Ireland on Monday, and we were expecting fierce winds and rain. Most of the country felt the wrath of the hurricane, but in Connemara, we seemed to remain in the eye of the storm. Having a chronic illness can make you feel like - [Blog ranked 90 in "Best Chronic Illness" Blogs](https://a30minutelife.com/blog-ranked-90-best-chronic-illness-blogs/) - Amazing news This blog has been ranked 90 in a list of the "Top 100 Chronic Illness" blogs. This on top of being ranked number 37 on the list of "Top 100 Multiple Sclerosis" blogs makes this a fantastic week. Thank you to everyone who reads the blog, as this could not happen without you. I - [How can I be happy?](https://a30minutelife.com/how-can-i-be-happy/) - How can I be happy? How can I be happy, I have MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Sarcoidosis, and chronic headaches. Pain is a constant in my life. In fact, after over 3 years of being in pain, I have forgotten what it is like, not to be in pain. My joints are sore, head throbbing, and - [Anxiety](https://a30minutelife.com/anxiety/) - Anxiety Anxiety can impact your life in many different ways. For me, it usually comes with a knot in my stomach, that just never disappears. In this brief video clip, I describe how I find the cause of my anxiety, and then take control, so that it is no longer a problem. - [Ranking - My blog has been ranked](https://a30minutelife.com/my-blog-has-been-ranked/) - Ranking I was very excited to see that my blog has been ranked number 37 for MS blogs. Thank you everyone for making this happen. - [Tip 5 - Adjust to the new normal](https://a30minutelife.com/tip-5-adjust-to-the-new-normal/) - The new ‘normal' I cannot walk any more!! I am in constant pain!! These are some of the new realities for people with a chronic illness, the new ’normal'. You no longer have the luxury of being able to hop out of bed and go for a long walk. Everything in your life has to - [Tip 4 - Get Support](https://a30minutelife.com/tip-4-get-support/) - Get Support? It is my illness. I can manage it on my own. Don't interfere with my life, you don't know what it is like. These thoughts have spun around my head so many times in the last 25 years, I have lost count. It can be lonely when the people around you don't understand - [Tip 1 - Master your chronic illness or it will master you](https://a30minutelife.com/tip-1-cope-chronic-illness-master-will-master/) - Mastering Your Chronic Illness Having a chronic illness can seem all-consuming. The danger is that, and it probably does, it can take over your life. Permeating every aspect of your life. So, how do you prevent this from happening? The key is that you must become the Master of your chronic illness. How MS impacted - [Living with Pain - The new 'normal'](https://a30minutelife.com/living-with-pain-the-new-normal/) - Living with Pain - The new 'normal' Living with pain is a huge pain in the neck. it is my new 'normal'. I have had constant pain for the last 3 years as a result of a car crash. It presented itself to me the day after the accident, and it has been my constant - [Who is Robert Joyce?](https://a30minutelife.com/who-is-robert-joyce/) - Hi EveryoneThank you for checking out my blog. I hope there will be some content that you will find of benefit to you. I would like to give you some background on who I am.BackgroundI am 48 years old (born in 1969) and live in Connemara, Ireland. It is a beautiful part of the world, ## Pages - [Who is Robert Joyce?](https://a30minutelife.com/who-is-robert-joyce/) - My name is Robert Joyce and this is my blog 'A 30 Minute Life'. Thank you for checking it out. I hope there will be some content that you will find of benefit to you. I would like to give you some background on who I am. Background - [Anxiety, stress and depression during the pandemic](https://a30minutelife.com/managing-anxiety-stress-and-depression-during-the-pandemic/) - Episode 1 - Anxiety This is the first in a series of four programs recorded on Zoom with a live audience. The topic of the series is How to manage anxiety, stress and depression for people with Multiple Sclerosis during the pandemic. In this episode you will learn what is anxiety, why do we get - [Blogs that I am following](https://a30minutelife.com/blogs-i-follow/) - On this page, I will be sharing the blogs that I am reading at the moment. If you have any suggestions on blogs that I should look at, use the contact form here. Multiple Sclerosis Blogs Dinosaurs, Donkeys and MS: In this blog, Heather shares her journey with MS. She is accompanied by her trusty companion, - [Home](https://a30minutelife.com/home/) - [Meditation/Mindfulness Video](https://a30minutelife.com/meditation-mindfulness-video/) - Meditation/Mindfulness Video Meditation is a beneficial routine in my day. I have found that since I started, it has been easier to live with the chronic pain that I experience and adjusting to the rollercoaster ride of living with Multiple Sclerosis. I would encourage you to make this part of your daily routine. - [Informational Page](https://a30minutelife.com/informational-page/) - Mauris pellentesque sapien eu lacus efficitur, et molestie orci auctor. Aliquam pellentesque malesuada ante nec gravida. Morbi sit amet sem tellus. Nulla at nulla at magna interdum ultrices vitae eu nisi. Nullam sit amet auctor velit. Vivamus tincidunt tempor ipsum. Nam ac mollis purus. Vestibulum quis tellus tincidunt, tempus turpis et, convallis est. 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[dealing with addiction](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/dealing-with-addiction/) - [Autoimmune Protocol Diet](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/autoimmune-protocol-diet/) - [AIP](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/aip/) - [using diet to help with symptoms of autoimmune disease](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/using-diet-to-help-with-symptoms-of-autoimmune-disease/) - [Long-Term Health Issues: How To Live With Them](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/long-term-health-issues-how-to-live-with-them/) - [isolation of chronic disease](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/isolation-of-chronic-disease/) - [pain](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/pain/) - [problems](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/problems/) - [Home comforts](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/home-comforts/) - [special treats](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/special-treats/) - [Start a business](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/start-a-business/) - [helping the elderly](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/helping-the-elderly/) - [Vacation in Spain](https://a30minutelife.com/tag/vacation-in-spain/) - 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