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Syringomyelia, The Walk of Pain

September 11, 2015

This will likely not be unfamiliar to those that suffer from the same disease as I do. Syringomyelia seems to be a not so friendly life partner. When I think everything is getting better and I go to sleep, I wake to do the walk of pain once again each day.

Sometimes I wish my body was like Legos so that I could detach the parts that hurt. However, stepping on one of those Legos would be an entirely different ‘Walk of Pain’. I don’t know about you, but stepping on a dang Lego has made me dance a dance that I didn’t really know I knew.

What’s so interesting is how similar that pain is between a foot being imprinted by land mine Lego and the daily pain of Syringomyelia. The only difference is I don’t think Syringomyelia has ever made me dance unless jumping like a funky chicken or the seat comfort shuffle counts.

Maybe if my body could be like a Mr. Potato Head so that I could have interchangeable body parts. That could work but with my luck I would end up with Mrs. Potato Head’s spud implants or find my shoes in my butt compartment. That indeed would result in a ‘Walk of Pain’. By the way, I’m trying not to visualize walking with butt shoes.

Ok you might be able to tell that I’m a touch A.D.D… SQUIRREL! I just wish my attention could be as easily lost on the pain when it’s bad.

My wife and I have been finding some interesting options that seem to be helping some that include some muscle stretches, different sleeping positions (no longer sleeping on my stomach), CBD oil spray, turmeric spice added to foods, drinking more water, redusing sugar (not from my wife), reducing gluten foods, reducing any alcohol, reducing caffeine, reducing sodium, along with a couple of other things. The weight loss seems to be helping as well by lowering the pressure and strain on my back or spinal cord. All we can do is try, right?

My friends, please don’t give up on yourself because God will never give up on you.

I pray each day that God gives me strength and relief and He does. I thank God for my wife, daughter, family and supporters. I continually pray and hope that a cure can be found for all of us.

Matthew 4:24 NIV News about Him spreads all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and He healed them.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts or more resource links using my contact page. Peace, Love, Pancakes… — Michael Doc Davis (SyrinGoWhat.com), fellow Syringomyelian

Syringomyelia, Welcome to HELLo

Michael Doc Davis

September 5, 2015

Spinal Web

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Although Syringomyelia may seem like hell at times and for some nearly all the time, but it also seems to be an interesting way to meet people and say HELLo.

I find the majority of my comfort with my family, the beach and resting but I also enjoy writing these stories, perspectives and a few good laughs. This often results in my wife and I meeting new folks. We love saying HELLo to everyone and hopefully cheer up their day and raise awareness.

We obviously can’t take the pain away from anyone, but a little lighthearted / funny, inspirational, and personal experiences may just be that quick physical or emotional pain vacation that someone needs.

Both Christy and I were brought up to love everyone and this is how we are bringing up our daughter as well. As a matter of fact my wife recently saw an older person and said, “Kaylea and I love old people.” However, me being older than Christy, I had the opportunity to point out the foot that she just had stuck in her mouth as I did my best to keep a straight face while laughing VERY hard on the inside.

We are like any other couple with ups and downs, difference of opinions, etc. Yet, we always agree that a simple HELLo can make a person’s day. We also agree that tickling a person when they have gas can turn into some interesting aromatic entertainment unless your spooning. No this is NOT just an Arkansas thing. 🙂

Syringomyelia SUCKS and we ALL can agree on that but the worst thing any of us can do is alienate ourselves or descend into a darkness of ‘no one understands’. There are plenty of people that ‘understand’ and I’ve listed lots of support groups for SM / CM warriors along with those that love and care for them on this page – http://syringowhat.com/is-there-support-for-syringomyelia-Chiari.

I would give this advise, one that sometimes I mess up, be open about what you are going through. Also, be receptive to how it makes those around you feel. You might find out that you both are affected by this disease, just in different ways. Understanding this is EXTREMELY important!

Anyhow, don’t be a stranger, share your stories, fellowship with others (with or with out your disease), never be afraid to laugh a little and just say HELLo.

If you see a post from us on Facebook or anywhere else for that matter, please feel free to say HELLo and we will do the same.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV So then, encourage one another and build each other up, as you are doing.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts or more resource links using my contact page. Peace, Love, Pancakes… — Michael Doc Davis (SyrinGoWhat.com), fellow Syringomyelian

Syringomyelia and the Cycle of Strife

Michael Doc Davis

August 21, 2015

Spinal Web

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Syringomyelia seems to be a never ending cycle of strife. What do I mean by that? Well, what I mean is there seems to be a never ending bitter argument between how I think my body should feel or what it can do and what Syringomyelia thinks. If I could kick my Syringomyelia’s butt, I would, but I think that might hurt a little since we share the same butt. 🙂

There also seems to be a never ending argument between those of us with Syringomyelia, doctors and other people that don’t understand it. Actually I really don’t understand it either but I know how it makes me feel.

I wake up and it feels like I am in some crazy game show where my body spins a ‘wheel of symptoms’ each morning. Monday, strange sensations in the legs. Tuesday, right leg is better than the left. Wednesday, spasms started and there isn’t an off or undo button. Thursday seem to be a really good day until I freak’n sneezed and there went the feeling in my toes. Friday… who cares, it’s FRIDAY! So this circle of strife just keeps on spinning but I WILL NOT LET SYRINGOMYELIA BEAT ME!

There are sometimes that I think I can’t win and then God fills my heart full of love or my wife and daughter love on me and POOF, I’m back in the ring to fight the next round. Each day I’m here, I look for the positives. Every time there is a new or different symptom, I always try to thank God for all of the many blessings He provides. Each day I am on this Earth, I win. Each day I wake, I see my wife and daughter. Each day I make it through, is another day I’m closer to God’s promise.

I will never see eye to eye with this Syringomyelia, especially when it thinks it’s the boss. I am in control, I just let it think it is. Syringomyelia and I have something in common though. In my household, I am the boss but only when my wife lets me. I wear the pants in the family, mainly because my wife doesn’t like wearing pants. Ha!

All joking aside, know that you are in control of your own outlook on life. Syringomyelia will try to persuade you to a more negative aspect but just tell it to kiss your butt. You got this!!! I got this!!! We got this!!! Say it loud… say it proud… SYRINGOMYELIA!!! YOU WILL NOT BEAT ME!!!

To all of you, I pray that you have increased or continued strength, better health and blessings every day.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts or more resource links using my contact page. Peace, Love, Pancakes… — Michael Doc Davis (SyrinGoWhat.com), fellow Syringomyelian

Syringomyelia – He Said, She Said

Michael Doc Davis

August 15, 2015

Spinal Web

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With Syringomyelia, there are two sides to every story. The side of the person suffering from the disease and the person suffering that feels like they are unable to help.

When I met the love of my life, I thought I had Syringomyelia under control. This seems to not be the case and it has become harder for my wife and I to accept.

The purpose of this story or blog is help those in the same situation to know that they are not the only one(s) in this boat without a paddle.

When I met my wife, it seemed that all of the issues related to Syringomyelia faded to the back of my mind. Love is an incredible pain-killer.

Where we are now in dealing with this disease is not a place neither of us want to be in. She has a perspective that is quite different from my own. Even though that may be the case, I would NEVER say, “You don’t have Syringomyelia, so you don’t understand.” We both suffer from this disease in our own way but together. It’s truly a ‘He Said, She Said’ or ‘He feels, She Feels’ scenario.

It’s a lot like this for us:

He said: I hate hurting
She said: I hate that you hurt
He said: I wish the pain would go away
She said: I wish I could take the pain away
He said: I don’t want to talk about the pain and weakness
She said: Please talk to me about what is bothering you
He said: I don’t seem to be ticklish
She said: Oh crap! I am!
He said: I’m hurting
She said: It hurts me that you are hurting
He said: I can handle this
She said: I will be there for you
He said: I wish I didn’t feel helpless in fighting this
She said: I wish I didn’t feel helpless in helping you
He said: I want to be alone
She said: You can be alone but with me 🙂
He said: You should be with someone who is healthy
She said: Your love is the healthy that I need 🙂
He said: I’m tired of being tired
She said: Just rest, I’ve got this
He said: I don’t want to take anymore pills
She said: I wish you didn’t need to, but it helps and I’ll get them for you
He said: I’m tired of doctors
She said: I know that you are, but we need to get as much help as we can
He said: I love you
She said: I love you more

My wife’s support is my life support and is better than any doctor, prescription, exercise or treatment that I could ever receive. Neither of us understand Syringomyelia but we always try to understand each other. She suffers with me and that hurts my heart. It is just as hard for me to understand what she is going through as it is for her to understand what I’m going through. The key for us is to listen to each other and TALK about it.

For a person to simply discount the other’s pain because it’s not the same, is creating their own prison of pain. I never want to be that kind of person. As a person suffering from this disease, I hate it! As my wife, she hates it just as much if not more.

If you suffer from Syringomyelia or any disease for that matter, don’t think someone else doesn’t understand just because they don’t suffer from it too. They are your cell mate. Why let it be solitary confinement? Why would you push people away and then say you are ‘alone’? Open your heart, open your mind and for God’s sake open your mouth. If they love you or care for you, then talk to them, love them and know that they are on your side.

My wife isn’t a caregiver, she is my wife!

Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts or more resource links using my contact page. Peace, Love, Pancakes and Mermaids… — Michael Doc Davis (SyrinGoWhat.com), fellow Syringomyelian

Syringomyelia, Race to Win!

Michael Doc Davis

August 9, 2015

Spinal Web

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The runners get in position on the starting line. The tension is building. They grind their shoes in for the best grip on the track. The announcer fires the starter pistol into the air and they’re off.

I take an early lead but only by a single stride. My competition is staying within a foot length behind me as we round the first curve to the back straight away. I trip, fall and I seem to be struggling to find my footing. My competition passes on the inside. I get up but I’m not running as fast. Still, I keep up with my competition and slowly close the gap. I go down again in the final curve. Am I done… am I out… NO! I look to the crowd and see my family and supporters. My wife and daughter proudly cheer me on. This is the energy I need. I spring to my feet with determination in my eyes. Even with a battered body I push to catch up to my competition and make my way to the finish line. I close the gap once more and find myself step for step beside my competition. We break through the finish line tape with my competition, the turtle, as the winner.

My supporters make their way to field to embrace me. My head held high knowing that I kept fighting, I kept pushing and I won in my own way. A single kiss from my wife, a hug from my daughter, the love from them all and the strength from God is what made these races worth racing. With renewed strength, I make ready for the next race.

Although the above wasn’t an actual race, this race is my daily fight with Syringomyelia. At times I feel like it’s slow and that I could be beaten by a turtle but I will keep racing and I will keep pushing to cross those finish lines. I will get back up when I fall.

God, my wife, my daughter, family and supporters are my energy. There is always hope! There is always the race. We can ALL win our own races!

Dig in, get ready, GO, get up and GO again!

If you are a spouse, loved one, family member, friend or even placing bets that we will win… please just know that YOU are the energy we need. We may not always show how much it means to us but we know that we are blessed to have you in the race stands, by our sides and in our lives.

Syringomyelia is a race and an internal fight. We can all win our own victories and together we can win a gold metal.

Please Note: No turtles were hurt in the making of this story. We even stop on the road to move them to the side. 🙂

Psalm 18:32-34 NIV the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless. He made my feet like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights. He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts or more resource links using my contact page. Peace, Love, Pancakes and Mermaids… — Michael Doc Davis (SyrinGoWhat.com), fellow Syringomyelian

Syringomyelia, through the eyes and from the heart of my wife and caregiver

Michael Doc Davis

August 4, 2015

Spinal Web

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(A blog post from my wife and caregiver, Christy Davis) Syringomyelia is a horrible and debilitating disease. I had no idea just how bad this disease is until recently.

Michael, has harbored this since before we met. He mentioned it here and there since we met in November 2011, but never in much detail. He was so active and constantly on the go. I just thought he was okay and if not he would tell me. During our dating period we were ALWAYS on the go; from runaway beach trips, road trips to state parks, comedy club and other adventures. On May 25, 2013 we left early for Pensacola Beach, I thought it was just one of our spontaneous beach runaway adventures. Michael proposed to me on the beach, that night, as the moon was rising behind him. I had no idea! Luckiest girl in the world! We had a lovely wedding and a wonderful time on our honeymoon. It was around that time when I started noticing something wasn’t right.

I feel extremely guilty that I didn’t ask more questions and learn more about it in the beginning. To speak the truth, it scares the hell out of me. I have picked up information from his website, other stories on listed forums and other websites. For about the last seven months I have watched Michael become more and more less active. During the week and weekend it’s a constant battle with pain and extreme tiredness. Kaylea and I do not like leaving him at home when we go out. Syringomyelia can kiss it. In the future, if Michael can’t go we won’t go.

I will do everything I can to help him and be there for him. From back rubs deep into the night (every night), doing my best to keep him on track with medicine, making sure he has healthy meals cooked with turmeric, ginger, etc. and doing my best to keep the house in order. I will not be like any normal caregiver, because I’m far from normal by all means. I prefer the word wife because I said “I do” to all vows including “in sickness and in health.” I will not be going anywhere. My roll does not change and I will always be here for him.

It relieves some anxiety knowing that we have an upcoming appointment for new MRI’s and will soon have an appointment with a neurosurgeon. I will be there for all of this, too. I will make sure he gets the best care before, during and after all procedures.

Psalm 18:2 NIV The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts or more resource links using my contact page. Peace, Love and Pancakes… oh yeah and wishes of many ocean waves — Michael Doc Davis (SyrinGoWhat.com)

Syringomyelia Ocean Therapy

Michael Doc Davis

August 3, 2015

Spinal Web

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I thank God for my wife (my caregiver) on a daily basis that always go so far above and beyond. I wish I could be more of a physically ‘normal’ person or man for her on a daily basis as well. She means the world to me along with our daughter.

You may wonder what this has to do with Ocean Therapy or Syringomyelia. Well, when we are there I can let my mind drift away from the thoughts and pain of the disease.

Being in the ocean water allows me to be free from the constraints of some of my limits. I am weightless and so is my family. I can carry my daughter and play with her with ease. I can hold my wife around my waist or on my back with no pain. No, I’m not saying she is fat. Ha! When I walk in the water, there is nearly no pain as the sand beneath my feet absorbs my steps. My muscles relax as the waves massage my body. I can float and be free, which is how the ocean is my Syringomyelia therapy.

The ocean water is amazing and I always feel refreshed even by being near it. Ocean water doesn’t truly heal but it is definitely my type of therapy.

I highly suggest water therapy, especially salt water if you are able. I truly think you would be shocked at how physically ‘normal’ you might feel. You can free yourself from gravity. You can free yourself from constraints. You can free yourself from some pain.

There are a lot of other benefits to ocean water. Check out this little article from LiveStrong.com. However, it doesn’t mention the strength and stamina training you do while trying to get away from sharks. Just kidding and stuff.

A GREAT place to visit is Henderson Park Inn in Destin, Florida. It’s our new most favorite place to go. While we were there, we were spoiled to the core. Most of all, my favorite therapy was just yards away… the ocean.

I thank God for the most simple things and He always amazes me by His blessings.

Isaiah 43:2 KJV When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts or more resource links using my contact page. Peace, Love and Pancakes… oh yeah and wishes of many ocean waves — Michael Doc Davis (SyrinGoWhat.com)

Is there support for Syringomyelia? Yes there is!

Michael Doc Davis

July 26, 2015

Spinal Web

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Is there support out there for people with Syringomyelia and Arnold-Chiari Malformation?

Absolutely, there is!

One of the biggest battles that went with accepting the fact that I had Syringomyelia was the struggle to find more information about it. This was when I found out that what I had was as rare as my crazy type of comedy. Yes, I am a comedian but I do take this and all diseases VERY serious.

I have found lots of groups, Facebook pages and websites with great information on them. I put some of what I have found on the ‘Is There Support?‘ page on my website http://www.SyrinGoWhat.com. I hope that this page is a good resource of resources that can help you too.

We all need to help each other and help doctors help us.

Please feel free to send me your thoughts or more resource links using my contact page. — Michael Doc Davis (SyringoWhat.com)

Life’s little victories over Syringomyelia

Michael Doc Davis

July 23, 2015

Spinal Web

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Life’s little victories for some are not the same as it is with others. As a person with Syringomyelia these victories for me come in the forms of being able to wake up in the morning, lift my leg or legs to take a step, have a few seconds without pain or a moment when I can feel a part of my body that I haven’t felt in some time. I count myself lucky. There are some in much worse situations than mine that are just happy to be able to breath, not have a headache for a full day or even a few minutes or knowing when they need to use the bathroom. Although I have been handed a deck that is stacked against me, I still feel blessed. This could be far worse but God is working to keep my disease in check. I thank Him daily and I do not blame Him. For more on my story on how all this craziness started, just look at the about page on this website.

I thank you all for your prayers and love. Keep smiling and laughing my friends. Life is entirely too short not too.

Deuteronomy 28:2 NIV “All these blessings will come upon you and accompany you if you obey the LORD your God:”

Please feel free to send me your thoughts using my contact page. — Michael Doc Davis (SyrinGoWhat.com)

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