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How do you cope with multiple chronic problems?
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Jul 18, 2022 | Replies (79)Comment receiving replies
You’re absolutely right about our combination of conditions and how different these conditions can be for each of us. Living with pain especially, has made me feel alone in my struggle and isolated. My activity level changed and I stopped being able to do things with friends and family. As much as I’ve learned about self care, etc. I still have difficult days. After a hysterectomy in 97, my hormones went crazy and I was diagnosed with hypothyroid and depression. I had a couple back injuries prior, after working in the (plant) nursery business for many years. Then fibromyalgia in 03 after a head on automobile accident, but I had symptoms before the accident I just didn’t know what was going on. I was diagnosed with ddd. As my back has deteriorated, I’ve had a lot of pain but couldn’t always distinguish where my pain was coming from with fibro. After a back X-ray, I found out what’s going on there. Now a pain doc wants to do facet joint injections in my lumbar spine for nerve compression. I had a colonoscopy on Thursday, I have tortuous colon. After not being able to go for 11 days, I ended up at the emergency dept. I’ve spent the last 2 months waiting for an appointment with my gastroenterologist. Now this diagnosis!
I educate myself on what to do and how to best handle these different diagnosis. Obviously you have too, I commend you for that! Are you able to get out for walks or any exercise? That can be a big challenge with pain.
Replies to "You’re absolutely right about our combination of conditions and how different these conditions can be for..."
@kjs1964 I am so sorry for all that you are going through. I have had chronic constipation for years.
I have finally found a product, Prebiotic Acacia Senegal Fiber, and eating more green vegetables has helped. I go to physical therapy called Counterstrain, which can help with constipation. I don't know where you live, but you can look it up on the internet. Sometimes, it is called strain-counterstrain therapy. My insurance covers it, and I am blessed. Also, I walk every day, weather permitting. Winters are more challenging, so I go to a soccer field. Also, I am getting back into Qigong and Tai Chi active movements. They have a lot on YouTube - I used to do Yoga a long time ago, but motor vehicles stopped that. Then I started Qigong and Tai Chi, and I do the gentle movements; it helps and helps your whole being. Thanks for sharing
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Hello @anne4u
I agree with you. Living with multiple health issues does complicate things when you want to live a productive life. I've found that exercising is great. Even if you aren't mobile right now and able to walk there are numerous exercise videos on YouTube that you can watch without charge. The great thing about these exercises is that you can do them at your own pace, even for 5 minutes at a time if needed, and modify the moves as they are comfortable for you. As I also have DDD in my back, here is one example of a stretching video that I use every morning to help loosen up the joints. It does make a difference, both in how I feel and in my mood. (Of course, it's always good to check with your doctor first).