@tisme @calmmylife57
Well, aren’t we a fine group.
I have the same issues, however I have been blessed with a few more.
I have Functional Neurological Disorder. Oh, how it has changed my life. It has given me double vision, my balance has become so bad I must use a walker or cane to get around. I have fallen several times. Muscle spasms and tremors get very bad when I get nervous.
Walking with a bad gait has made my back pain worse.
Pain is with me every day but I don’t take anything for it. My body is very sensitive to pain meds.

I’m single, 76 years old and have several hobbies that keep me going.

I wish both of you many blessings.
Susan

@tisme @SusanEllen66
Thanks for sharing, the struggle can be so deep at times. Judging the conditions we have and dealing with the time it takes to care for your disabled daughter on your own must be a challenge. You have my respect, and I’m sending you a warm virtual hug! Do you receive any external support from agencies that care for your daughter?

Tisme, I understand what you mean about driving. A car accident triggered my lumbosacral spondylosis with radiculopathy, fibromyalgia 14 years ago. It brought my condition on 5-6 years earlier than I should have had it. I didn’t drive for 10 years after the crash because of the fear and trauma. It was the other person’s fault. I’m glad to be driving now when my pain levels are low and I have full focus. I dread the day I won’t be able to drive because it gives me my independence. My son is very supportive and gets my shopping and takes me to appointments and days out when he’s free. So I understand why you talk about the fear of losing your independence and how it makes you feel.

Susan, yes, we are a fine bunch! I don’t know how you cope without your pain meds. That’s tough. It’s great that you enjoy hobbies and can use them as a distraction. Your body had to give you more conditions to deal with. Bless you, take them in your stride, and take each day at a time. Pain every day, I do breathing and gentle movements when my pain gets too bad. As research shows, movement helps reduce our pain levels, and they’re my distraction. Could you tell me what you do when you experience muscle spasms and cramps? Do you take magnesium supplements, as they can help reduce them? For me, drinking coconut water also helps eliminate them.

I have a cousin in London who is 10 years younger than me. She’s quite good, and we talk a lot via text, FaceTime, and she visits me at least once a year. I usually go to London because I love art and visit the galleries. However, I have to plan my visits, and the staff are usually good when I let them know I might need assistance.

I’m grateful to have good neighbours and friends. I just don’t ask for support from them when I need it, because I know they have their own lives and are getting older too. I do like my privacy, but I’m also a social butterfly. As I’m maturing, I’m finding that the neuropathic pain, muscle spasms, and other symptoms are getting more intense. I’m trying to rest more and use every coping mechanism possible. (I laugh, but it’s not funny, but they say laughter can be the best medicine.)

My mum is coming to visit me on Friday. She lives 88 miles away, and even though she’s 77, she’ll come to my home and help me with chores or sort things out, just like I do for her when I visit.

I’m not ready to give up yet. I have two beautiful grandchildren who keep me going. They’re what keep my heart beating and the love from my son.

It’s funny that I ate healthy, exercised, and looked after myself, but when our bodies become ill or external factors like stress, trauma, or an accident happen, it’s how we respond to it and the support, care, assistance, and finances that determine the quality of life we have afterwards.

I wish you both peace and blessings.