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Lilac11

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  • in reply to: Beaten Down by Life #175449
    Lilac11
    Participant

    Hi Anita,

    I had a severe S curve. Doctors think it was to a shock to my right femur. I had a fall down some steps during my growth years and they think that’s what caused it. I had a difference of 15″ between leg lengths before it was diagnosed. That caused the curves. I refused surgery. They wanted to put a rod up my spine, body cast for a year followed by the “16 Candles” brace. I opted for a lift in my right shoe and extensive physical therapy for years. The curve was lessened by the therapy as I grew and my leg began growing again and I picked up and 1″ so I was able to stop using a lift. Carrying children when they were little and the car accidents all compounded to the back issues as I grew older. Fortunately, no adverse affect to my heart or lungs.

    I know chronic pain contributes to my mental state, but I’ve always been pretty tough and resilient. I just think with all of the personal issues and the repetition of betrayals by people I poured my heart into have just brought me to a breaking point. Thanks for taking the time to ask about everything.

     

    Lilac11

     

     

    in reply to: Beaten Down by Life #175173
    Lilac11
    Participant

    Anita,

    Thanks for responding. I am more than willing to share my chronic health issues. I was diagnosed with severe scoliosis at 13. It is somewhat better due to years of extensive physical therapy, but the years plus several rear-end and t-bone car accidents have taken their toll. I now have multiple bulging discs and arthritis in my spine. I have had ulcerative colitis since I was 19. I suffer from frequent migraines. Last year I had two ischemic strokes. For the most part, I was lucky. There were no severe deficits, but after extensive tests that ruled out everything except for the fact I’ve been on HRT for 14 years. After entering menopause, I suffered such frequent and severe hot flashes (day and night) that I could only get about 1.5 – 2 hours of sleep per night, collectively. I began blackout driving. I had tried natural supplements and remedies for 6 months without one bit of relief. I was lucky I didn’t kill someone or myself. That’s when they put me on low dose hormones. I tried for years to ween myself off, but the hot flashes returned with a vengeance.

    After being discharged from the hospital for the stokes, I was taken off hormones cold turkey. Since then the hot flashes have returned and are still severe, but I’m getting more sleep. Along with the cessation of hormones, my joints and muscles are continually achy. I take fish oil and other supplements for joint health. I get some relief, but not enough that I ever feel comfortable or not in pain.

    Less severe issues only serve to compound those above, but I have bunions, plantar fasciitis, a bum knee following a car accident which is beginning to lock up more and more since the last surgery. I also have tendonitis in both wrists and arms as well as progressing arthritis. I know at my age, health issues generally get worse or new ones crop up. I try to be pragmatic about it. Keeping active has always been my best pain reliever, but as I said I don’t have natural motivation anymore. I force myself to do things like my work, hobbies, exercise and housekeeping, but find no mental or physical relief as I once did. I also keep up with a supplement and diet regimen to maintain my health.

    Outside of all these issues, my blood work always shows up great. I’ve had several tests for things like gluten intolerance and allergies which keep coming up negative. My bad cholesterol is low and the good is high. My doctor says I have the cholesterol of someone in their 20’s. I have low blood pressure and am not diabetic. My BMI is on the lower end of normal at 20.4. It’s just so discouraging that doing the “right” things isn’t making me feel any better. Thanks so much for asking.

    in reply to: Beaten Down by Life #175169
    Lilac11
    Participant

    Thanks Michelle for sharing. I’m so sorry to hear all you’ve been going through. I can relate. Some people say knowing you’re not alone helps, but it just makes me sad for other people I can relate to. I wish no one would ever feel like this. I will look into your suggestion. I’ve had counseling before, but perhaps, I will do better with another person. Do you mind sharing what reading materials your psychologist has recommended to you? I’m open to anything besides medication.

     

     

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