A Train Wreck in Slow Motion

Posted by frances007 @frances007, Mar 14 11:31pm

In an effort to give up some of my humility, I am here this evening to say that I officially feel like a train wreck. I just can't seem to catch a break, and it feels like just when I catch my breath something else comes along and throws me off the track; the on which I thought that remaining steadfast to others, I would "feel" better, but in reality I feel worse.
Today I learned that I have to have two MRI's at the end of the month. I was anticipating the MRI of my shoulder which I injured when I went into high gear gardening at my sister's last summer because the stress of being around her and her demented husband was insane. The constant yelling by my sister at her husband to use his walker, waiting for him to fall so she could make a decision to place him in a facility, which she has no intention of doing. I do not blame her. She learned this week he will soon be in a wheelchair, a result of a back injury that could be surgically repaired but for the dementia.
I had been hiding something from my doctor for the past several months, because as you know, I don't like to complain. However, a former doctor who is now a friend encouraged me to tell my PCP that I am experiencing increasing weakness in both of my legs, thus the MRI he ordered to day for my lumbar spine. Did I mention I just had one about 6 months ago?
I am in deep with staggering medical debt, trying to pay my bills tonight, realizing that I need to call some of these creditors and come up with a "plan." I realize many others are probably in the same boat. However, when I start thinking about how I am struggling financially, I am reminded of my then partner who took off with my retirement account and promptly ended our relationship. Yes, I am paying the IRS and Franchise tax the penalties each month, knowing that my debt will never be paid off because the interest accrues daily.
I have cried every day this week, talked to my psychologist and we discussed how I could better refocus and things of that nature, which I have been trying awfully hard to do. However, when I stop whatever it is that I am doing, all these horrible feelings come back.
THEN, while trying to be a friend to Carolyn, who as you know has dementia, I feel very frustrated by the entire situation that I tried so hard to repair. Yes, I stepped back from caregiving, but I still see her almost everyday. The woman who was the subject of a criminal investigation was ordered not to return to Carolyn"s or accept any money from her. But guess what, she is still coming over, taking money etc. It was all I could do not to scream at Carolyn this evening, and left quite abruptly after I prepared dinner for the two of us.
What gives? I am not sure I can do any of this anymore, as it is all so overwhelming all at the same time. That "yellow" warning light is going off in my brain constantly, and I keep telling myself, "just focus on the trip to the Immune Deficiency Foundation conference in Chicago in June" Then I can decide which direction to go, where to go and how to get there without a map.
I feel lost, alone. My friends ask me how I am, I tell them the truth, and the conversation/texting stops there. I realize that many do not have the emotional intelligence that we do, but my god, these are people I have known for decades, have been in love with etc. It is so disheartening, isn't it? And here I was thinking I was so strong and could handle all of this. But guess what, tonight I cannot.
Thank you for reading this

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@frances007

I tried to post a new discussion but the server froze up on me.
I recently met with an ENT specialist to go over a CT scan of my sinuses, and which the radiologist noted a deviated septum on the left side. I am immunocompromised and my doctor was attributing my ongoing eye pain and headaches to chronic sinus infections. Imagine my surprise when the doctor reviewed the scan with me and pointed out first that the deviation was on the right side, but more importantly I have bone loss or bone separation in and around my left orbital. A brain MRI has been ordered. I will be referred to an opthalmologist to discuss my dry eye syndrome. As you can imagine I am feeling like I just cannot catch a break. However, I am "on the move," staying as busy as possible and as positive as possible. My anger and perhaps doubt has been compounded by what I believe to be gross negligence on the part of the radiologist who interpreted the scan. I have not slept since last week when I learned this news. I just had 2 MRI's this past Friday, and more bad news to deal with. Sometimes it feels like too much

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I'm so sorry.
I know you feel overwhelmed today, but you are a resilient spirit. You will overcome this too.
Prayers for you

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@lbrockme

I'm so sorry.
I know you feel overwhelmed today, but you are a resilient spirit. You will overcome this too.
Prayers for you

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Thank you very much for your kindness and prayers. While I am not inclined to pray, per se, I do believe that they can work. Yes, I am strong and resilient, probably more than most give me credit for. People like you make all the difference in my small world. Merci

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Hi, I’m sorry that you are suffering. Being alone with one’s self can be really hard. I have an old ongoing problem I haven’t shared with anyone and I’m reading a book that touches on it though I didn’t start this fictional book to address it. I feel alone as I’m sure you do too. I’ll be thinking of you and hope you get some answers to your concerns really soon

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@pml

Hi Frances!
I'm sorry that things are going so bad for you. That's not fair but sometimes life gets very unfair. I know. I've been there a few times myself. The first thing you do is pray and pray hard! Tell God that it is an emergency and you just don't know how you are going to handle this mess you are in! I remember you stated that you weren't raised in a church setting but you don't have to be. The main reason churches started up was there was no paper invented yet and everything had to be communicated by word of mouth and what better way than in a group in a church? All God asks is that you ask for his help. In the Bible it says "Ask and it will be given to you." Also in the Bible it states, "He knows of all your needs." So, just pray and have faith.

The next thing you might want to do is address your financial problems such as you stated about calling the creditors and establishing a plan. By the way, include them in your prayers too. God is very good with money problems. Also did you know that Pawn Shops will often buy items in good condition outright from you? You don't have to pawn them. My husband and I are down sizing and we take stuff to a pawn shop. They buy the items and at a very good price. That way you don't have to have a garage sale or advertise it and have strangers coming to your home. At the Pawn Shop that we go to, they said they see a lot of people doing this for that reason that they don't want strangers coming to their home.

Then address your food situation. Food has become very expensive lately. (Do you really have to feed Carolyn?) Save coupons and shop sales. You probably already do this. Even go to a food bank if you have to. I did for many years and it really helped a lot.

For your peace of mind, perhaps you should stay away from your sister and her husband until things settle down in your own life.

I wish you the best with everything especially the MRI's! I will also remember you in my prayers.
PML

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Food bank? Disability application?

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