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First full day at College.

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 9/16/2009 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
I cannot bloody describe the pain that I am in now. Don't get me wrong, pain and panic attacks aside, the day went well.

There was just a lot of walking involved :(

Need a serious talk with my doctor about this, I think. Just a little moan there, I'll have a proper look on here and look at everyone else's posts tomorrow evening, assuming I get any work I have to do out the way quickly :)

Hope you're all doing well,


Christopher.
Posted 9/16/2009 9:03 PM (GMT 0)
Chris,
can you look into getting a motorized Vesta or motorized bike?
sure might help with the walking, just a idea...
Lotz of soft hugz...
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Christopher))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
the X-treme X-360 Electric Scooter, looks cool...
The XB-562 Electric Bicycle, looked cool too, kinda like a snake front if you add the fangs
Posted 9/16/2009 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
I would look into it, but I have to get a bus, a train, then another train from where I live, bit difficult to take things like that on a long journey! Thank you for the suggestions though.

I'm trying not to use my cane atm, because at 18 years old when you go into college, you just look like an idiot with a cane and I feel embarassed enough as it is, I don't want to add to the panic attacks lol. Also because my shoulder is messed up, the cane would add to that.

I really do appreciate the suggestions though. Oh, and I just sign everything Christopher, please call me Chris lol. :)

Christopher xxxxxx
Posted 9/16/2009 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Chris,
Congratulations on getting through your first day, tough as it was! I know there are others here trying to get through college, or achieve other goals, and it will never be easy.

Any change in routine can bring added pain and stress, so you may need to give yourself a chance to adapt a bit. But also - and I know you won't like hearing this - I think you'll need to use everything that can help you get through the day, even if that means a cane (although I hear you about the shoulder issue).

For all of us self-image takes a hit with CP, especially as time passes. Some of us have issues that "show" more easily to others in public, but sometimes the reverse can be troublesome, too. I often don't look that bad to others, but that's not an indication of how I feel. I can mask well for short periods of time, but they don't see what I have to do when I get home (and how rarely I even go out). But I'm a lot older than you.

Getting through college is a great goal to have, and can help you find a meaningful career path. But you likely won't be able to hide it from others for very long. Maybe look into the college's support services for people - starting with the counseling center, because they can help support you through this adjustment, as well as lead you to other campus resources that could be helpful.

I hope you can get some rest tonight!

PaLady
Posted 9/17/2009 2:29 AM (GMT 0)
Christopher, I am not sure I have seen you here but that could be due to my absence. Greetings. I have dealt with the issue of using a cane and it has its stigma. It is bad enough that we deal with the pain and limitations but we don't want others to define us by those things. It sounds like you have multiple issues going on and that complicates life. It seems like we would all like to have things neatly placed in compartments but it all seems to get jumbled together. How about getting a sticker for your can that says "people with canes are sexy". Sorry just a little humor. As we accept who we have become, even if we don't like it, we seem to get through some of the issues of what others think of us. I had a major meeting this week with a respected friend and community leader I have not seen for several years. When I walked into his office with a cane, everything centered on me and why I used a cane. What happened? What have doctors said and done? I shared briefly that I have been dealing with this for 11 years and life goes on. Then we discussed the business that we were scheduled to meet about. I hope you continue to have a great time at school and hopefully as you adjust to the changes, your meds can be adjusted as well so that you can not only get through school but enjoy it at the same time. 
Posted 9/17/2009 3:52 AM (GMT 0)
I do know that the vespa can get around 40 mph, but electric bicycles around 25 mph, sorry wish this could've helped
can you ask to live on Campus??? Do you have that option? might be worth it, my daughter lives on campus that's why I thought
the motorized bicycles might help...
Anyways, good luck to you and I agree with PALady on Congrats on your first day, I hope you can see your career through and
will be hopeing you can get low pain days...
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Chris)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
hugz
oh geezee I just saw the price for the vespa's so sorry they start at $4,000 usd and go up and some can do 59 mpg's, but
too rich for me...wow so sorry, I didn't know they where that expensive..wow sticker shock....
sorry...
Posted 9/17/2009 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
Chris, I hope today went good for you, will be thinking of you...
soft hugz....
Posted 9/17/2009 7:34 PM (GMT 0)
Chris - I use a cane - I have to. I can walk about 200 meters without one. And most of the day if I use the cane. Do I feel foolish, only if I let myself. You see - the cane means I can still move, I can go much further with it, so I put up with it.

My sweetheart has no gray hair - so when I have my cane, she looks like my daughter, but I don't mind! It is all an attitude.

When I was your age, I could not sit long enough to make it through class, eventually I found work that allowed me to make a living and live with my limits. I still would rahter go back, but that is life, choices!

Get your education and go do whatever you want to! - Rock On!
Posted 9/18/2009 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Chris,
How about making a "walking stick" and maybe carving the top and decorating it with some things you find meaningful or even fun. Might make you feel more "cool" (oh, my, I fear I'm dating myself with that word!).

PaLady
Posted 9/18/2009 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Go for the cane. I know most people say there is little respect left in the modern world, but I think you'll be pleasantly surprised when, you use a cane. I had to use my first one at the age of 12 (I'm 36 now) and have needed to use them most of my life. People have always been very correct and helpful, certainly at school and later at university. It also came in handy when some guys tried to rob me.

Let's face it, it would be pretty stupid to suffer pain that could be diminished by a primitive instrument like a cane. You're studies will undoubtably go way better if you have less pain. Just try it.

Most difficult thing is to find the right cane. That might take some time. Of course the exact height is extremely important, but also pay attention to the grip. You might want to try out several canes before deciding which one to go for (ask the store if you can try them out for a couple of days). And don't forget to put an anti-slip rubber on the end or you might have an unpleasant run-in with the ground (gravity knows no mercy ... should be a law against).

Good luck and hope you do well in college.
Posted 9/18/2009 2:38 PM (GMT 0)

   Dear Chris,

     Good morning. I do not know if I have introduced myself yet. My name is Dani. It is a pleasure to meet you.   :-)  

     It is so refreshing that you are standing tall in the face of adversity. You remind us all to keep reaching for our goals! I see an internal drive when you post and it makes my heart smile. I wish I could offer suggestions as to the mobility issues, but sadly, I cannot. 

      Again, it truly was a pleasure to meet you. I am truly sorry for my delay in introducing myself, and look forward to getting to know you better as time goes by.

   *huggs*

      dani    

Posted 9/19/2009 12:54 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris, I have been away a couple of days and wanted to pop on and say hi. Glad to read you made it thru your first day at school, wow. Yes, you do need to figure out a way to devise something to assist you when walking. You know walking canes have come along ways. I buy colored ones from a medical supply place you might check with one in your area to see what they offer. Of course, I am a lady and go for the foo foo ones but they just have all sorts & shapes these days. You really don't have to give much of an explanantion if asked about one. Tell the a skiing accident lol.
Posted 9/19/2009 5:37 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry for the delay in responding, folks.

Morgoth - Firstly, I approve of your choice of nickname very very much lol. Secondly, I already have two canes. One is actually a replica from the TV show House lol. I did use them quite a lot, but since my shoulder got bad, I've had to reduce my use of them a great deal - trying to avoid a surgery on the shoulder.

I don't think it will matter for a few days, anyway. By some plague of bad luck, it appears that I have a severe case of the flu. I'm going to ring whatever helpline is on the NHS website later to make sure it isn't swine flu. My immune system has been vaguely crap for years, and with the underlying problems I'd rather be proactive.

Love&Hugs all

Christopher.

P.S. I have two 500 word essays to write by Monday. crap! *ahem*
Posted 9/19/2009 6:20 PM (GMT 0)
awe, the flu ain't no fun! Hope you get well soon!
try good old chicken noodle soup....
hugz
Posted 9/20/2009 12:20 AM (GMT 0)
Uh Oh, please take care of yourself. Let us know how you are when you are able to. Drinks lots of liquids and rest of course. I dread the flu season, I have to become a hermit when it starts here. My immune system is gone due to my crohns meds.
Posted 9/20/2009 12:26 PM (GMT 0)
Alas, it has been confirmed as swine flu. I'm on antivirals now. So much for a successful start to the college year lol. One the bright side, I'm not smoking nearly as much as I was. Who knew, swine flu's good for something.

I've had a crappy immune system for a few years because of my depression - I have serious bouts of anorexia (the lack of appetite - not the disorder (anorexia nervosa)) and end up with a stupid BMI, I think it's about 17.5-18 at the moment - I am about 5'11" - it's not good lol. Plus I've lost 5lbs this week.

Ah well. I'm forcing myself to take ibuprofen until I'm better, in combo with antiemetics to make sure I don't hurl, and my regular meds. Fun times. Going to attempt these essays, I think, it'll give me something to do.

There's an update for you - ty for your concern all, I'm a little touched, made me feel a bit more cheerful :)

I hope that you're all well, guys. I would give you hugs but then I'd get you sick as well. I shall not be responsible for this lol.

Christopher.

P.S. Straydog - I drink a lot of fluids anyway. Apple and blackcurrant juice is my favourite :)
Posted 9/20/2009 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Chris...

First, welcome to the board.... sorry you have to join in and that you dealing w/ pain issues; BUT it's a great forum and a very supportive group of people. Hope to get to know you better....

I gotta say - despite everything you are going through - you seem to have a great sense of humor!! I'm sorry that you got the swine flu...especially right here at the beginning of school. It's frustrating to have a non-existent immune system...I can sure relate to that one.

Anyway, I'm hoping you avoid losing any more weight...that the antivirals kick in quickly....and that you take care of yourself and feel better quickly. Keep us updated on how you are doing, ok?

--Tina

Just read through your original post when you introduced yourself. Sorry that I missed that originally. Anyway...just my opinion...but it really seems like you would do well with a long lasting medication. You could still use the Vicodin for breakthrough pain; but maybe if your doctor added in a LA med (like morphine or oxy) at a low dose -- you would be able to see if that makes a difference in your pain levels.

After dealing with many health issues for a long while now...the biggest thing I've learned, and wish I would have learned sooner, is that you have to be your own advocate...and sometimes that means pushing back when told "no" or whatever.

Feel better, Chris!
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