Multiple Disorders

[safenow]

there are practitioners out there who won't just write you off as crazy

Few, and far between, I'm sorry to say.

 

[Mercy]

Thank you all for being able to hear me and not judge me.

 

[Sammyxxx]

I have found in the year since giving up cannabis my symptoms have worsened. I sleep less, am more easily triggered and feel less confident to face the world. I have now been diagnosed with PTSD as a result of more symptoms occurring an am now waiting on m first ever therapy session which is on Monday. I must say since being diagnosed and reading up here and on other sites so many things have become clear to me. What has not become any clearer is how I am ever going to get past any of this.

 

[The Albatross]

Sammyxxx, it is tough to rejoin the living without chemical insulation. My DOC (drug of choice) was booze. My ex husbands was harder drugs, my present husbands is spending. Hope it goes well for you and I commend you for giving up cannabis.

Something that really motivated me to take up the challenge was reading up on the outlook for people with "co-occurring behaviors" substance abuse/mental disorder or illness. The statistics suck. It sure gave me something to shoot for.

 

[Jenfa]

On Effexor XR 150 and Prazosin 2mg

Bipolar I, PTSD, Fibromyalgia, Raynaud's (primary), Ulcerative Colitis. It's like a bag of fun. I got so many doctors, I forget who does what. Sometimes they aren't doing anything so it's cool. The meds for bipolar and fibro do not like each other at all. I wish they did, but I'm pretty sure bipolar meds don't really like anything or anyone. They're pretty hefty. I think the autoimmune stuff makes them intolerable to me. I black out, go into weird mania sometimes, huge weight gain. Weight gain makes the fibro and raynaud's much worse.

PTSD triggers bipolar which triggers fibro with triggers colitis. Raynaud's doesn't need a trigger, really. I'm freezing 24-7. You may be in a bikini, but I'm in a parka and mittens. I done brang that sexy back.

Best home remedy so far is humor. If I can't laugh at that it hurts when I laugh, well.. ..lol

 

[DharmaGirl]

I have PTSD from complex trauma, spinal stenosis, chronic pain, degenerative arthritis in my spine, and the petty stuff. I found having a pain psychologist helps so much. I also see a pain doc, who prescribes narcs. I live in WA state, so I am considering using marijuana for my pain and PTSD and insomnia. I have been told by a medical provider that it works for PTSD, and its common knowledge that it works for pain. I would rather use that then narcotics every day. If I do use it, I will be cut off my narcotics. Not a big deal if the marijuana works for the pain. I would have to try it for pain first.

 

[Lionheart]

I just wanted to say that, for what it's worth, my heart goes out to all of you who suffer from multiple disorders. I think you are all very brave and insightful.

I don't want to go too far off topic, but I will mention that I use shamanic techniques for clearing myself of negative energy, (such as smudging and sea salt baths), also marijuana (occasionally), massage therapy (when I can afford it), hydrotherapy, prayer, meditation, etc. I am also finding that dialectical behavior therapy, (or DBT...a type of cognitive behavior therapy) helps with the PTSD/ depression and also helps to indirectly relieve muscle pain, IBS, and more.

We may all be different in what works best for us mentally, physically, and emotionally, but I hope that whatever you have found works for you, that it will bring you maximum healing and comfort!

Peace,
Lion

 

[AngelKeeperJ]

..... but I will mention that I use shamanic techniques for clearing myself of negative energy, (such as smudging and sea salt baths), also marijuana (occasionally), massage therapy (when I can afford it), hydrotherapy, prayer, meditation, etc. I am also finding that dialectical behavior therapy, (or DBT...a type of cognitive behavior therapy) helps with the PTSD/ depression and also helps to indirectly relieve muscle pain, IBS, and more.Lion

Right on, Lion! What I respect and admire about you, is that you realize that with multiple disorders like we have, ' multi-mode' treatments are what help the most. Combinations of what you mentioned, as well as others. Not giving up, or giving in (my motto) are essential to feeling better! Because weather barometer changes quickly in some areas, as in my area, there is quite often no chosen method that will work all the time.

I've learned to call my emotional, physical, spiritual, and mental ups and down "storms". They usually pass or change, just like the weather, or by changes in our routine, or unexpected events that 'rock' our worlds.

I grew up with my mother always complaining about her aches and pains, which I know now were true, but it has made me reluctant to talk about my own pain issues. So, I mention them sometimes, but try not to let myself hear the words coming out of my mouth.

Having PTSD, spinal stenosis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy in my ankles and feet due to the compression in my lower back, and depression with anxiety could make me bitter, but I just don't want to 'end up' with a face that shows the pain. LOL, I remember learning how to cross my eyes, and people would say "don't do that or they'll stay like that forever" really made an impact on me. Therefore, I don't want my face to have the creases and wrinkles of someone who is grumpy with pain.

Sometimes it is unavoidable, but for the most part, I'm able to keep it from the front of my heart and soul, and face!

My advice to all, keep trying methods, new, old, and sometimes just treating yourself well, and taking good care of you, is the best medicine.

 

[goingonhope]

I too have a hard time taking care of myself. I'll push myself, knowing that it could cause an adverse reaction,

Me too, and still too often.

What on earth motivates us to do this type of thing?

I've put things off. I've had doctors say to me, why didn't you tell me it was that bad. I think, I did. I just don't see the need to be 'loud' about it, but I guess you have to.

This notion, which I've too highly valued and resorted to, when taken to any extreme, can find us very ill, keep us precisely this way and, or get us outright dropped and dead.

Kind of like - :wacky: "he dropped dead," ...and "she dropped dead", :wacky: - and oh :O_o: what nice people these once were. ... If only they hadn't been so mild, considerate and inappropriately thoughtful and needless. ... Or perhaps, if only not so frantic, rough and reckless in getting real.

Perhaps the practices of self-discipline and balance, the graces of some self-worth and faith and simply accepting No as your own answer. - I won't go to these lengths, anymore!

My 80 something grandma use to say it best, listen to your body. She said it took her until late in age to finally do that. She was always reminding me to do that. I guess she knew she had to. :)

:)...:tup:

 

[JadedGhost13]

I do not post much (read a lot) I have multiple diagnosis and it seems I add more to the medical pad with each passing month. I recently have started self medicating with MJ being I have been medically retired within the past few months. I have to say I was very Leary of trying it, however it helps me with so many things. I am able to rest, it eases my pain, I have less nightmares after toking, and it eases anxiety. I only use as a medication and as a last resort. In fact I forget I have it on hand most of the time and my spouse reminds me it is here and I should use it. It especially helps when I am on one of the steroid cards I have to take so often for DDD. The steroids do a number on me and the MJ seems to help balance me out while I am on them.

 

[Lionheart]

I just wanted to update that I am doing well with CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome) as I haven't had a flare-up in quite some time. Fibromyalgia is being treated and is under control. Depression is light (except for when I am grieving the loss of my father) and PTSD/anxiety levels are low.

I have had some flare-ups of IBS and I am having some difficulty with COPD; I am struggling to stop smoking and the rescue inhaler I get is not enough for the 'attacks' I have, so the first of the year I need to be re-evaluated for respiratory care. Other than that I am doing pretty good....considering I have 5 chronic illnesses, (with the exception of COPD), I couldn't ask for much better than I am doing right now.

I sincerely hope others are learning to cope, heal, and comfort themselves.

Peace,
Lion

 

[Lionheart]

As I have mentioned previously, I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromylagia, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,....

....to which Diabetes and Sleep Apnea, have now been added....

....(not to mention, flat feet, erectile dysfunction, pinched nerves in my arms, a slipped disc in my back, irritable bowel syndrome, and an irritable urinary bladder) etc.

The list keeps getting longer with 7 chronic disorders, but thankfully, I am more determined than ever to improve my quality of life.

Still, I must admit that sometimes, the sheer volume and magnitude of symptoms gets me down and I start slipping into a deep depression.

So, it behooves me to say that each "like" I receive on the forum, each word of encouragement and hope is not lost on me and is a great blessing!!! My spiritual beliefs, my forum friends, my family, and my professional support team are all in the world to me....without them I would be suffering much more intensely and I would be all alone to boot.

As difficult as it all is at times, I remain grateful and happy with my life.