Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Hi @mikween, I have not heard of the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction but they sound impressive from their website. I also did a search of them on Google Scholar which is a good place to search for research, medical and educational info - you can also filter the results by latest year, and more. I was surprised how much information showed up. John

@elkcg ,, just a thought .. on my MAC/Bronchiectasis Connect .. one of my Members put up a GoFundMe on her Facebook page to go to Mayo Clinic .. it worked for her .. just a thought .. don't have a clue how it works .. but maybe a family member or friend could help you? She DID get to Mayo Clinic! Good Luck! Katherine

@elkcg. Hi, Laura. I, too, was thin and active before my multiple illnesses hit me. I went from 112 (I am 5'6" - I used to model) to 172. A lot of that was a drastic lowering of activity. I literally could not do any extreme sports any longer. Heck, I can barely walk a few blocks without pain. I have found water exercise to be best. I also had to change the way I ate and what I ate. I have been very lucky most of my life to be able to eat pretty much and still maintain my weight. However, once the fibro, RA, Sjogren's, spinal stenosis and, now, Lupus took over, my health went down hill fast! It has taken me years of finding the right combination of medication and battling depression (I am on medication for depression) before I started getting my weight under control. Some of the medications actually cause weight gain, but ease the symptoms - so, I just had to adjust more. I am only down to 168, but am thrilled with each accomplishment. I have found peace in learning to accept that this is the "new" me. It just is what it is. I do my best to stay positive and do my water exercises. I used to be super depressed and verbally beat myself up all the time. This site has also helped me. Lots of good suggestions and there is comfort in knowing I am not alone. We are all struggling. Some days are better than others. But keep strong. Try to accept new limitations, but forge ahead on things you CAN do. You are in my prayers.

I haven't spoken to the doctors that would do my weight loss surgery. My neurologist gave me the name of a great surgeon. I went online and I'm in the process of filling out the huge amounts of paper.

This forum is great. I am getting so much help and no loneger feel alone

I got the schedule today for the stimulator implant, July 19. Can't wait!

@elkcg

Your med list reads like mine. It's surely frustrating trying to find the right combination. I've been seeing therapists for 15 years for depression, PTSD, anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and suicidal ideation, as well as chronic pain from idiopathic peripheral neuropathy. We keep going and searching for what will help us.

Jim

That's great news Jim! Hoping it works for you.
John

@elkcg Laura, if I can answer any questions on weight loss surgery, let me know.

Hi @mikween and John @johnbishop I also like to search on Vitals and LifeScripts for doctor reviews by patients. I find using the three of them gives a fairly good representation of the doctor.
Jen