Hi @johnjames, welcome to Connect. Mayo Clinic Connect is an online community where you can share your experiences, ask questions, get tips and find support from other patients. Can you tell us more about what you're going through?
If you get an answer, I'd like to know. I also have chronic pain and the Doc finally decided to do a bone scan. Maybe that will tell me something, Look for our Parkinson's group, we have a few on-line folks And, yes my Parkinson's is in general a pain, too
Thank you for writing and your thoughtfulness - My pain is caused by three difference physical problems, 90% is from the two wars ( Viet Nam I was shot and blown up-as was everyone I knew just about) and this war took a toll on my spine and lower back, I was diagnosed with agent orange Parkinson's- chemicals that were sprayed on all of us in the jungle at that time- which is deadly. I also was diagnosed with scoliosis of the lower spine - due from jumping out of Helicopper's off and on my whole career(44 years). The pounding bent my spine-as most of us in that skill set. I left the Infantry about 31 years ago and went to seminary to become an army chaplain- which I stayed in the infantry and from a number of crisis events -breaths in to much chemicals and other agents which- caused restrictive Lung Disease- which also causes pain in the lung and other side affects I won't continue to dump more on everyone- I'm sorry if I have said to much or talked to long. I'm not sure how this works or how much we should talk about- thank you-John.
Thank you for writing and your thoughtfulness - My pain is caused by three difference physical problems, 90% is from the two wars ( Viet Nam I was shot and blown up-as was everyone I knew just about) and this war took a toll on my spine and lower back, I was diagnosed with agent orange Parkinson's- chemicals that were sprayed on all of us in the jungle at that time- which is deadly. I also was diagnosed with scoliosis of the lower spine - due from jumping out of Helicopper's off and on my whole career(44 years). The pounding bent my spine-as most of us in that skill set. I left the Infantry about 31 years ago and went to seminary to become an army chaplain- which I stayed in the infantry and from a number of crisis events -breaths in to much chemicals and other agents which- caused restrictive Lung Disease- which also causes pain in the lung and other side affects I won't continue to dump more on everyone- I'm sorry if I have said to much or talked to long. I'm not sure how this works or how much we should talk about- thank you-John.
Thank you for writing and your thoughtfulness - My pain is caused by three difference physical problems, 90% is from the two wars ( Viet Nam I was shot and blown up-as was everyone I knew just about) and this war took a toll on my spine and lower back, I was diagnosed with agent orange Parkinson's- chemicals that were sprayed on all of us in the jungle at that time- which is deadly. I also was diagnosed with scoliosis of the lower spine - due from jumping out of Helicopper's off and on my whole career(44 years). The pounding bent my spine-as most of us in that skill set. I left the Infantry about 31 years ago and went to seminary to become an army chaplain- which I stayed in the infantry and from a number of crisis events -breaths in to much chemicals and other agents which- caused restrictive Lung Disease- which also causes pain in the lung and other side affects I won't continue to dump more on everyone- I'm sorry if I have said to much or talked to long. I'm not sure how this works or how much we should talk about- thank you-John.
I guess for me, I say as much as I care to share - hopefully just enough. It's probably good to get it said once and for all. My pain comes from spinal stenosis, bipolar disorder, and a leg which has undergone 4 knee surgeries, including two total replacements, and a broken leg which adds a plate from hip to knee - the combination which results in x-ray personnel saying my knee looks like a junk yard! Where the Parkinson's and the essential tremor (which is very bad on top of PD tremors) came from, I have no idea, it's just here.I have fought no national wars, only personal ones, but I thank you for your service. We each have our own problems and must learn to accept the problems of others.
Thank you for sharing- and I agree with you- we all should respect and show compassion to everyone who is struggling with some type of Physical issue and pain. I'm really sorry about all the problems you have gone through and still are, your pain must be beside 24/7, something that is hard to live with- not to mention what it does to use after so long of continued pain and depression- which I believe goes hand-in-hand. And as you said, it doesn't matter where or how it happened- it's the fact that it is and is something those who are suffering must deal with and I pray not alone. Thank you again, John
HI @johnjames and @trouble4343. I read your posts with interest. I am Scott and I was the caregiver for my wife for 14 years while she battled brain cancer. One of her toughest issues was her chronic pain and fighting the anxiety it would bring on. It is awesome to see you are wiling to talk about your experiences here. Chronic pain, depression, and anxiety are so often ignored, dismissed, or seen as simply 'complaining'. Helping others understand they are not alone in their fights is very important I think! They also can be extraordinarily tough to manage in our current healthcare system.
I send you my thanks along with courage, strength and peace!
Thank you for writing and your thoughtfulness - My pain is caused by three difference physical problems, 90% is from the two wars ( Viet Nam I was shot and blown up-as was everyone I knew just about) and this war took a toll on my spine and lower back, I was diagnosed with agent orange Parkinson's- chemicals that were sprayed on all of us in the jungle at that time- which is deadly. I also was diagnosed with scoliosis of the lower spine - due from jumping out of Helicopper's off and on my whole career(44 years). The pounding bent my spine-as most of us in that skill set. I left the Infantry about 31 years ago and went to seminary to become an army chaplain- which I stayed in the infantry and from a number of crisis events -breaths in to much chemicals and other agents which- caused restrictive Lung Disease- which also causes pain in the lung and other side affects I won't continue to dump more on everyone- I'm sorry if I have said to much or talked to long. I'm not sure how this works or how much we should talk about- thank you-John.
Hello, @johnjames. Welcome to Connect. *smiles to you* 🙂
First, I would like to Thank You, for your service, and for your many sacrifices, both physically and emotionally/mentally. You have such a dedicated military career...44 years.
Secondly, I want you to know that YOU are NOT alone. The Connect groups are comprised of many wonderful people, people that "survive" daily, as do you, the medical issues that you've shared. I quote you "Parkinson's, PTSD with Chronic pain and anxiety”.
I'm going to tag @colleenyoung, who is the Director of the Connect forum groups. She will undoubtedly, link you to MANY helpful, informative and supportive Connect groups, that will allow you to meet others, that share similar experiences with what you are dealing with.
You listed 4 "conditions" that you deal with daily, in your post. Yet, as I read them... I could feel how heavily they must weigh on you.
As you have mentioned your diagnoses, may I ask if you are currently on medications, for symptom relief, or treatment, and do you find them helpful? Are you seeing a knowledgeable and experienced professional, to help deal with your PTSD and Anxiety?
Here, you will find others sharing their experiences with medications, and healthcare professionals. I personally believe that a significant part of "feeling better", comes from having educated, caring and compassionate healthcare teams, or doctor's.
I'm currently seeking a new Primary care, as I feel it is time to find one that "fits" the qualities I listed.
I'll tell you what I was told when I started posting on Connect... "Write as much, or as little as you are comfortable with sharing". As you know, writing, and talking are a catharsis... a way to vent, and relieve the mind of some of its heavier burdens. DO so... and as often as you would like. I hope that you find by doing so that you are not only helping yourself, you are helping others as well.
Your position, as Army Chaplain allowed, I am sure, many others to find in you support, reassurance and "a light, in the dark". Such a wonderful and supportive position to have held... yet, I'm sure... it came with many a hardship on yourself.
I deal, daily, with Anxiety/ Panic Attacks & PTSD, although, not for the same reasons that you do. I DO understand and relate to the many mental, emotional, and physical "ups and downs”, of both. Again, you are definitely NOT alone.
In another post, you openly shared your exposure to Agent Orange. Again, there are support groups here, in Connect... with others that have dealt with the horrendous after affects of Agent Orange, and serving in the military. As well, other online support groups offer various levels of support.
I am the daughter of a Vietnam Vet, my father suffers the health effects of Agent Orange exposure, and he remains adamant that it NOT only affected him medically, it genetically affected his 3 offspring, and theirs as well. As his adult child, with an array of medical issues, at 47, I have to say, I agree wholeheartedly. @johnjames, I believe that you will be a great asset here in Connect. I have to add though, that I feel, and I apologize if I am incorrect, or if it's something you are uninterested in, but I feel that you would be a wonderful asset to an "in-person support group”, as well. You have such profound experience in having been an Army Chaplain and an "in person" support group would allow you to be supportive, while in return allowing you to receive "more direct", reassurances, support and comfort, that you may seek.
@johnjames, I hope my reply to you, offered some support, and not just "early morning" babble. (*smiles*) 🙂
I wish you a day filled with, "positives and feelings of comfort”. ~ Godspeed~ Kim
Hi @johnjames, welcome to Connect. Mayo Clinic Connect is an online community where you can share your experiences, ask questions, get tips and find support from other patients. Can you tell us more about what you're going through?
Thank you for writing and your thoughtfulness - My pain is caused by three difference physical problems, 90% is from the two wars ( Viet Nam I was shot and blown up-as was everyone I knew just about) and this war took a toll on my spine and lower back, I was diagnosed with agent orange Parkinson's- chemicals that were sprayed on all of us in the jungle at that time- which is deadly. I also was diagnosed with scoliosis of the lower spine - due from jumping out of Helicopper's off and on my whole career(44 years). The pounding bent my spine-as most of us in that skill set. I left the Infantry about 31 years ago and went to seminary to become an army chaplain- which I stayed in the infantry and from a number of crisis events -breaths in to much chemicals and other agents which- caused restrictive Lung Disease- which also causes pain in the lung and other side affects I won't continue to dump more on everyone- I'm sorry if I have said to much or talked to long. I'm not sure how this works or how much we should talk about- thank you-John.
@johnjames, I'd like to add my welcome. I'm glad that you started a new discussion here in the Chronic Pain group specific to pain, depression and anxiety. Thank you. I'd also like to introduce you to members talking in other areas of Connect on topics that might interest you. For example
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Hi @johnjames, welcome to Connect. Mayo Clinic Connect is an online community where you can share your experiences, ask questions, get tips and find support from other patients. Can you tell us more about what you're going through?
If you get an answer, I'd like to know. I also have chronic pain and the Doc finally decided to do a bone scan. Maybe that will tell me something, Look for our Parkinson's group, we have a few on-line folks And, yes my Parkinson's is in general a pain, too
Thank you for writing and your thoughtfulness - My pain is caused by three difference physical problems, 90% is from the two wars ( Viet Nam I was shot and blown up-as was everyone I knew just about) and this war took a toll on my spine and lower back, I was diagnosed with agent orange Parkinson's- chemicals that were sprayed on all of us in the jungle at that time- which is deadly. I also was diagnosed with scoliosis of the lower spine - due from jumping out of Helicopper's off and on my whole career(44 years). The pounding bent my spine-as most of us in that skill set. I left the Infantry about 31 years ago and went to seminary to become an army chaplain- which I stayed in the infantry and from a number of crisis events -breaths in to much chemicals and other agents which- caused restrictive Lung Disease- which also causes pain in the lung and other side affects I won't continue to dump more on everyone- I'm sorry if I have said to much or talked to long. I'm not sure how this works or how much we should talk about- thank you-John.
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1 ReactionForgive my typing- if there are words in the wrong place, the parkinsons as you all know causes your fingers to hit the wrong keys all the time. John
I guess for me, I say as much as I care to share - hopefully just enough. It's probably good to get it said once and for all. My pain comes from spinal stenosis, bipolar disorder, and a leg which has undergone 4 knee surgeries, including two total replacements, and a broken leg which adds a plate from hip to knee - the combination which results in x-ray personnel saying my knee looks like a junk yard! Where the Parkinson's and the essential tremor (which is very bad on top of PD tremors) came from, I have no idea, it's just here.I have fought no national wars, only personal ones, but I thank you for your service. We each have our own problems and must learn to accept the problems of others.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you for sharing- and I agree with you- we all should respect and show compassion to everyone who is struggling with some type of Physical issue and pain. I'm really sorry about all the problems you have gone through and still are, your pain must be beside 24/7, something that is hard to live with- not to mention what it does to use after so long of continued pain and depression- which I believe goes hand-in-hand. And as you said, it doesn't matter where or how it happened- it's the fact that it is and is something those who are suffering must deal with and I pray not alone. Thank you again, John
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHI @johnjames and @trouble4343. I read your posts with interest. I am Scott and I was the caregiver for my wife for 14 years while she battled brain cancer. One of her toughest issues was her chronic pain and fighting the anxiety it would bring on. It is awesome to see you are wiling to talk about your experiences here. Chronic pain, depression, and anxiety are so often ignored, dismissed, or seen as simply 'complaining'. Helping others understand they are not alone in their fights is very important I think! They also can be extraordinarily tough to manage in our current healthcare system.
I send you my thanks along with courage, strength and peace!
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHello, @johnjames. Welcome to Connect. *smiles to you* 🙂
First, I would like to Thank You, for your service, and for your many sacrifices, both physically and emotionally/mentally. You have such a dedicated military career...44 years.
Secondly, I want you to know that YOU are NOT alone. The Connect groups are comprised of many wonderful people, people that "survive" daily, as do you, the medical issues that you've shared. I quote you "Parkinson's, PTSD with Chronic pain and anxiety”.
I'm going to tag @colleenyoung, who is the Director of the Connect forum groups. She will undoubtedly, link you to MANY helpful, informative and supportive Connect groups, that will allow you to meet others, that share similar experiences with what you are dealing with.
You listed 4 "conditions" that you deal with daily, in your post. Yet, as I read them... I could feel how heavily they must weigh on you.
As you have mentioned your diagnoses, may I ask if you are currently on medications, for symptom relief, or treatment, and do you find them helpful? Are you seeing a knowledgeable and experienced professional, to help deal with your PTSD and Anxiety?
Here, you will find others sharing their experiences with medications, and healthcare professionals. I personally believe that a significant part of "feeling better", comes from having educated, caring and compassionate healthcare teams, or doctor's.
I'm currently seeking a new Primary care, as I feel it is time to find one that "fits" the qualities I listed.
I'll tell you what I was told when I started posting on Connect... "Write as much, or as little as you are comfortable with sharing". As you know, writing, and talking are a catharsis... a way to vent, and relieve the mind of some of its heavier burdens. DO so... and as often as you would like. I hope that you find by doing so that you are not only helping yourself, you are helping others as well.
Your position, as Army Chaplain allowed, I am sure, many others to find in you support, reassurance and "a light, in the dark". Such a wonderful and supportive position to have held... yet, I'm sure... it came with many a hardship on yourself.
I deal, daily, with Anxiety/ Panic Attacks & PTSD, although, not for the same reasons that you do. I DO understand and relate to the many mental, emotional, and physical "ups and downs”, of both. Again, you are definitely NOT alone.
In another post, you openly shared your exposure to Agent Orange. Again, there are support groups here, in Connect... with others that have dealt with the horrendous after affects of Agent Orange, and serving in the military. As well, other online support groups offer various levels of support.
I am the daughter of a Vietnam Vet, my father suffers the health effects of Agent Orange exposure, and he remains adamant that it NOT only affected him medically, it genetically affected his 3 offspring, and theirs as well. As his adult child, with an array of medical issues, at 47, I have to say, I agree wholeheartedly.
@johnjames, I believe that you will be a great asset here in Connect. I have to add though, that I feel, and I apologize if I am incorrect, or if it's something you are uninterested in, but I feel that you would be a wonderful asset to an "in-person support group”, as well. You have such profound experience in having been an Army Chaplain and an "in person" support group would allow you to be supportive, while in return allowing you to receive "more direct", reassurances, support and comfort, that you may seek.
@johnjames, I hope my reply to you, offered some support, and not just "early morning" babble. (*smiles*) 🙂
I wish you a day filled with, "positives and feelings of comfort”. ~ Godspeed~ Kim
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2 ReactionsMigraines
Thanks for tagging me @kimsworld!
@johnjames, I'd like to add my welcome. I'm glad that you started a new discussion here in the Chronic Pain group specific to pain, depression and anxiety. Thank you. I'd also like to introduce you to members talking in other areas of Connect on topics that might interest you. For example
- I have PD (Parkinson Disease) http://mayocl.in/2abXKUs This is a good place to meet others talking about Parkinsons. @ggopher also has Parkinson's presumed from agent orange.
- In the Mental Health group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/mental-health/ there are several discussions about depression and anxiety
- Agent Orange/Dioxin related illnesses http://mayocl.in/2d3pT2A
I hope this helps you connect with others. I look forward to your joining the conversations.
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