Being Old With Chronic Pain plus Loneliness

Posted by Parus @parus, Jul 17, 2017

Anyone else in the same boat?

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@parus

HydroCHLOROthiazide 12.5 mg. Started me on a low dose which suggests they must have checked w/ records prior to change in PCP. Chaos is not healthy for any one of us-especially at a medical health facility. Never has been like I experienced at recent appointments. Even was seen a different doctor because other one was w/ someone else...too weird!!!! Back on Thursday again. Currently not enthused. The standard med. A previous episode in 2014 w/ a different health group resulted in the PCP there prescribing an incorrect dosage of of a med which I took for 9 days before going to the ER as I had no idea of the doc's mistake...I was in renal failure. I asked for the hospital social worker while in the hospital and left that doctor and never looked back!!!! Different health network so no action was taken. Ankles have been swollen since then altho blood work comes back okay for kidney's. Doctor error is a far too frequent. She made several.

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@parus

I understand how important it is to be our own advocate in the medical system. I'm glad to see that you are aware of that as well. Take care and keep us posted as to how you are feeling. I hope your next appointment goes better!

Teresa

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@jimhd

@parus - before you start taking the BP med, you should have your BP rechecked. There are many places that offer that as a free service, especially to us seniors. Do you know what could happen if you took the medicine when you didn't need it? I know that once in awhile, my BP reads high for some reason, but it's normally close to 120/60. How is your BP when you're not in the middle of a PTSD crisis? If the pcp you saw this morning won't cooperate, fire him. And complain. If I complain, I do it in writing and send it to other people associated with the bad guy. I've learned that it pays to squeak loudly. The squeaky wheel thing, you know.

Do you have other options for a human pcp? I join the group in praying for you. Don't forget that God didn't create us with brains and common sense and intuition for no reason.

My policy is always to be polite and gracious to people, especially sensitive people. Then, if that doesn't produce results, get nosy, let them see that you are an intelligent, well read person, and then get aggressive. Stand Up for yourself! You're worthy of respect.

But first, spread a lot of honey around.

I need to heed this advice, myself. Remind me of that.

Love and prayers.

Jim

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@parus - I surely hope they have the little guys lined up next time. You don't need a repeat. Didn't the doctor have your records in front of him, to see that your BP is completely normal? Even so, he should have let you relax a bit and retake it. I hope he'll get to know you better in time and will become a great fit for you.

Jim

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@jimhd Yes, she did...return on this next Thursday and see what the quackie has to prescribe then...that wasn't nice to say. Give the newbie a chance. This oldie is in mega pain and not a happy camper. All of the stress also has neuropathy in an uproar...whine, whine, whine. Also give my body time to adjust to a new foreign substance. Stuff happens. Currently I am feeling like your profile picture...downright pathetic.

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@parus

HydroCHLOROthiazide 12.5 mg. Started me on a low dose which suggests they must have checked w/ records prior to change in PCP. Chaos is not healthy for any one of us-especially at a medical health facility. Never has been like I experienced at recent appointments. Even was seen a different doctor because other one was w/ someone else...too weird!!!! Back on Thursday again. Currently not enthused. The standard med. A previous episode in 2014 w/ a different health group resulted in the PCP there prescribing an incorrect dosage of of a med which I took for 9 days before going to the ER as I had no idea of the doc's mistake...I was in renal failure. I asked for the hospital social worker while in the hospital and left that doctor and never looked back!!!! Different health network so no action was taken. Ankles have been swollen since then altho blood work comes back okay for kidney's. Doctor error is a far too frequent. She made several.

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Yeh, me too or there may be a new exit at the facility...grin.

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@parus

@jimhd Yes, she did...return on this next Thursday and see what the quackie has to prescribe then...that wasn't nice to say. Give the newbie a chance. This oldie is in mega pain and not a happy camper. All of the stress also has neuropathy in an uproar...whine, whine, whine. Also give my body time to adjust to a new foreign substance. Stuff happens. Currently I am feeling like your profile picture...downright pathetic.

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@parus - I'm feeling kind of pathetic, myself. I had a cold a couple of weeks ago and I feel like I have another one. My wife isn't going to be happy if I get up in the morning feeling the same, and don't want to go to church. Right now, I'm sure not up to it. My two hour nap helped a little, but unless I feel a lot better tomorrow, I won't have the energy to play the piano and lead worship at church in the evening. Well, people have made their way through church services a million times without a pianist's help.

I hope you can forgive my poor memory. How does neuropathy affect you? I know how painful it can be, and I'm still learning about all the ways it's affecting me. I never gave much thought to my nervous system until it started sending lies to my brain. Maybe what we need is a truth serum. 🙂

Sleep well tonight.

Jim

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Yes, I do believe the congregation will manage w/o a pianist. The neuropathy thing? As to why I have it still is a mystery. Combination of inappropriate meds and stress. My nervous system lies to my brain most of the time (well stated @jimhd ). This morning I feel like I am covered in cobwebs and cannot get rid of them. No spiders, but many of their webs.
No need to apologize for a poor memory. I keep hearing about short term memory loss to the point I told another that it makes perfectly good sense as I am 66 and the knowledge head is so crammed full that nothing new will fit.
The why of neuropathy, even if known, does not help with the discomfort and pain. All meds for this vicious villain were a disaster. At one of those lows where I do not have much enthusiasm left. Not a so much a self pity as the never ending battle with acceptance. At times I find myself thinking, "I am not Job"! An extreme thought.
Sleep last night was the usual...Do you notice the neuropathy less when you are moving? There are times that if I am not moving the tingling pain seems that it will cause me to lose my mind...Apologize if that statement sounds outlandish. It is true and possibly the mind will one day rest.
Seems many of us are discouraged-we keep moving on as best we can.
Life can at times be a defecation receptacle and it is a struggle to continue looking "up".
Think you could bottle and share the truth serum???
Hope you rested well...A Capella worked for centuries.

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Wow!! I can relate to everything going on here. So sorry for the stress you experienced Parus. I also have extreme PTSD and haven't received any treatment because of my rural location & uneducated 'quasi counselors'. One thing that I have documented that raises my BP is PAIN, & PTSD. Might I suggest taking a friend &/or advocate with you? I find they treat you a bit better & give you more time when someone else is there to witness their actions. I've determined live is to short the next time someone wastes your time you might want to use one of my prepared lines~"Your rude ineptness is intolerable-don't bother sending a bill." and walk out. Truly I've done this & more. I like to keep my BP down so I take on the persona of Anglia Landsbury's character Jessica Fletcher from Murder She Wrote. She is polite, firm & full of tenacity. Sometimes I take on Robin Williams Mrs. Doubtfire she a bit goofy & sarcastic, dripping with honey if need be!! Then as Jim mentioned send the problem to the superiors. making sure to keep a copy for yourself. Date everything. Try to write an outline of the incident as soon after it happened as possible so everything is fresh. This is the hardest part for me to do. I still have a big job in this area-I'd rather not relive it or give it anymore of my precious time. I just got an incite to help in this area. Instead of thinking of reliving it by bringing it up again I am going to think of it as a cathartic release exiting my arms & fingers as I write/type it out!! Power. I feel a bit energized by all of you here with your posts. I do remember 3 times I walked out. Neither time did I get a bill & some times a Nurse or other staff who heard would smile knowingly.

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Paracat~ please don't give up on a new puppy friend! My income is rated as 80% below poverty. I have 2 Service Dogs & an antique cat. I truly believe when we talk to each other about animals, friends & family we lost that they will all get to know each other in Heaven & be there to greet us when we get there. At that time we will have a relaxed 'knowing' of being connected in peace & contentment.

As the Anniversary of Toby's passing approaches maybe you will have strength to find a joy to mark the occasion. I like to go to a Shelter & take a caged doggie out for a walk, give them lots of love & tell them about my lost loved one. This can honor Toby & give another dog hope. Some say it is too cruel to take a dog out for a walk like this then leave. After years of doing so I feel it gives them hope, encouragement, fresh air & exercise. They need to interact with a variety of people-it will make them more adoptable. Next month is the one year anniversary of my dear sister's death. She love's doggies as I do. She has many in Heaven & a few of mine too! Message me if you want some suggestions on getting a puppy. There's even ways you can Foster & receive money for food & Vet care. Please excuse me if I've been too personal.

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@parus

This pretty much sums things up...

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@parus

Oh, I like that!! Words of wisdom to be sure.

Teresa

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