How do you cope with multiple chronic problems?

Are you on Medicare or Medicaid?

ME TOO WE GOT TO DO FOR US AND STAY POSITIVE Barb I no family left so its me on my own at 77 hectic but faith and hobbies and special people in your lide seem no one wants to help much unless its a arm and leg $$$ take care Barb

Thank you! Yes it is very rewarding to help, I help doing computer forensic work for our Sheriff’s Department!

Exercise really helps me physically, mentally and spiritually. Walking my dog and taking care of her needs. Talking to my grown children and friends.

Yes, I fully understand the dilemma of multiple pain issues. It is like battling on all fronts, and sometimes treatment for one issue exacerbates the others. Perhaps like me, you have been through several pain clinics that promise much but deliver little resulting in high hopes ending in yet another disappointment. Sometimes it feels like being trapped in painful box/i.e. my body.
I never give up. I am always seeking new treatments on the horizon. And yes, it is always a mental battle.

Hi Sue, it seems you have several ailments which you are trying to cope with. Constant pain is highly stressful, sending cortisone racing around of you internally. One thing always leads to another and for myself I have become more and more aware lately that when pain or discomfort starts to lessen another discomfort always seems to fill the space left behind. Recently I downloaded an app called Curable and have spent some time listening to the interesting and often entertaining research being carried out on the study of chronic pain. Of course one can buy into the app but I don’t have the money for that. I have only taken advantage of the free content and there is a wealth of knowledge and sharing of information to keep one interested and proactive in the handling of their own pain. Just thought I would share this with you. Perhaps you too may find some solace here.
I wonder where you live. I live in CapeTown, South Africa. It is winter here and very cold today.
With kind regards and empathy for the discomfort in you day to day life.
Lesley Ann Scott.

Hello @leslyann and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for joining this discussion to share something that has been working well for you with fellow member Sue, @ashby1947. I've mentioned her handle here so that she may receive a notification of your message in the discussion.

How did you come across the app?

Thank you, I'll check it out. I'm in Florida, where is it very hot and humid! I hope this is a good day for you. Sue

Two people advised me to keep a med set, which is the set of pills for morning, afternoon, bedtime, and a different set for each day of the week. There are different arrangements. You could pick one that looks best for your life. Then, I use the old fashion kind of calendar. I also white out those holidays we don't observe, and I make sure to put in the years worth of all the holidays we do observe. I make sure my calendar has my roommate's work schedule, but the rest of that calendar is only my info. If I am having trouble with my Dentist's office (the one before the dentist I now have was commiting fraud) then I shift if at all possible to some other healthcare issue. I keep my own medical records. I went to Goodwill and sure enough, found a 3 drawer filing cabinet, and I use it strictly for medical information. I check my ins companies information on me, regularly, and notify them if they have bogus disgnosis.

@ashby1947 Honestly, I have seen some of the best and some of the worst ways to deal with MCD (Multiple Chronic Diseases) such as my own. The best ways include one's greater community into the "Healing and Dealing" processes. Over the past 70 years as student, as pastor, as teacher, some of the most effective support has been in the local communities, including churches, fraternal orgs, extended families, business groups, etc. If the local group chooses to be supportive, it can cover areas of issues in almost anyone. I have made notes of literally thousands of ways my family and friends have supported m, and a few ways they have made things worse. But here is a suggestion. Every local church can put together a MCD group of both the troubled and those who want to be supportive of them. Then discuss problem areas, such as hearing, or reading disabilities or whatever, and look for ways to be involved. One of my friends has a genetic issue with reading. I have her a copy of my book about Jesus, written in simple language. She has told my many times That she can read that book, or listen to my recording of Jesus Chronicles, and that is now her daily devotional. Anyway, there is a way that any of us need the support of our families and friends. The church exists to make this cosmos the best possible place for people like you and me to live. The best way calls for each of us to do what we can for one another, and in that way, help ourselves. These groups are exactly that.
oldkarl