I don't leave my house due to the progression of my conditions

Just a small rant to get things off my chest.
It's been a slow progression, but I don't go outside unless it's a follow up Dr. appt. for my pain meds or to see the pulmonary specialist every 4-6 months. My pain Dr writes me 3 months of prescriptions and my brother does the shopping and some other needs. It's part anxiety and the other part is the progression of my pulmonary disease (Bronchiectasis) and the orthopedic disease avascular necrosis. I've replaced 1 hip and 1 shoulder and still need to replace 1-hip 1-shoulder and both knee's as it progresses. It's amazing that my whole existence has become a waiting game for my next medication dose to relieve the pain. The only good news is that on May 31st I am seeing UNC's (famous) Cystic Fibrosis doctor instead of the pulmonary fellows that I have been seeing for the last 6 years.. Hopefully he can help with the shortness of breath..
Thanks for listening RBeck

Hi. Sorry you are suffering so much. Chronic pain and other medical issues can really screw up a person's quality of life.

In regards to you not getting out, what if you went to a store w/ your brother or someone else. They could get one of those motorized scooters for you to get around the store w/ less pain and less trouble breathing. I know it's not what you want, but it might enable you to get out.

Any way that you can find to get out, even for a little bit, will help your mental health. Hang in there and rant all you want!

keep strong mate. just a positive shout out from the turtle. keep posting. excellent support, info and care.

I'm glad you have your brother to help you.

In winter, I become a 'prisoner' of my house because the cold brings me so much pain!

My partner had AVN and I know it is terribly painful. I hope you can get the other joints done soon and get some relief.

Are you involved with a church? Might they do some home visits to help break up the day for you?

A book club? That sort of thing?

I hope you find something that helps break the monotony of being homebound.

Boy, I can really relate RBeck. Hang in there, I started having progressively worsening shortness of breath recently and it has stopped me from doing even simple things :( I go for a CT scan tomorrow and I hope it helps my doc figure out what is going on. It sure isnt any fun.

Oh my Rj I had forgotten you were on the high road of methadone and no I'm not going to preach here but if you don't recall the post I made and my battle with coming off methadone after 15 years on I will tell you what I posted here that day. Your voice is hauntingly familiar and Susie will remember the state I was in at that time.

I virtually had no life,no joy or laughter,pleasure or pain other than physical pain,I was unemotional to the extreme. I didn't enjoy or participate in any of the things that I had loved in my 50+ years. I lived in a bubble of fog and depression. I didn't attend family activities,didn't decorate or celebrate holidays anymore and that was something I have always enjoyed. I am an avid reader and music appreciator but didn't own a CD or book for years. I loved the ocean and wildlife of Florida and moved here just for those things yet went year's never stepping on the sand and feeling the water lap at my legs. I lived my life for the 5 kids and 3 grandchildren I have but in recent years I nolonger took an active role in their lives,I was just there.

I somewhere in the long journey with methadone became nonexistent and nolonger was recognizable to anyone who knows me. I had traded my self for my pain management literally. I had cardiovascular issues at 50,lost over half of my hearing,suffered 20% dementia and for the first time in my life was being treated for depression. All long-term effects from methadone use.

My family and friends had been watching this deterioration for years without a clue how to stop it and when the cardiac conditions showed up in pre-op testing they held my methadone and gave me hydrocodone so you can imagine the nightmare that was but it allowed a sneak peek into the real deal. Through the haze of withdrawal I and family started to see glimpses of the old me. I could suddenly hear crickets and birds,felt like the four walls I had relished for years closing in on me now. I wanted to do things,go places and laugh again. I listened to about 100 music video that week.

My battle to regain myself began and although it was pure hades and took the next year I got off and my world was back to rights.

Its very possible that your state of mind is closely related to the long-term effects of the meds particularly methadone and Susie said the pump is a good way to go. Look into the possibility of that because the situation with higher dosing is only going to get worse and the depression and lack of interest in life will continue to deteriorate until you are not recognizable to even yourself'