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Five Things I Wish I’d Known Before My Chronic Illness
Neuropathy | Last Active: Apr 27, 2021 | Replies (59)Comment receiving replies
@hopeful3350. Oh, yes. The part that said you grieve a version of yourself that doesn’t exist anymore. I’m working on finding a new ‘me’ who likes to do the same things, only much slower.
Replies to "@hopeful3350. Oh, yes. The part that said you grieve a version of yourself that doesn’t exist..."
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Oh @becsbuddy! I sort of adjust to 'the new normal', only to have it change, and I'm in a 'new new normal!"
Because the really active healthy 'me' slipped away so slowly, I didn't even know what was going on. I blamed myself for getting slower, tripping, being unable to ride my new bike, or climb up hills. By the time I actually had my diagnosis, my old self was lost in the dust, over 4-5 years.
In addition I developed a HOST of other conditions in those 4-5 years, that made my life difficult, particularly the severe anemia, which is exhausting. Now I take iron twice a day, no more anemia. But I toured China in 2007 with the onset of severe PN, severe anemia, chronic UTIs. I waited on the steps of every monument, temple, whatever, while everyone else climbed up and went in.
By the time I had a diagnosis of profound PN in 2010 I was THRILLED to know what was going on. However, the doctor wanted to rule out brain tumors (!), MS, spine problems, and a ton of other things. And of course no cause was found and nothing could be done. I developed several more neuropathies in the next 9 years.
The only thing I can do now is assume that the new normal is the normal I will have NOW. And not worry about what comes next.
Regards, Elained