I'm new here

Hi Friends,

I am new here ... and like everyone else, I am here because I am looking for a place where everyone can acknowledge and accept my deepest and inner most feelings, fears, regrets, acknowledgements and joys.

Let me share a bit about me ...

Something I struggle with is my health. I have several serious and chronic conditions, the most life threatening of which are my poor functioning kidneys. I was born with kidneys that did not function properly. After several surgeries (at 6 months of age) to correct the problems, I have suffered all of my life with chronic kidney and bladder infections (today at age 47 I get 3-4 infections a month which are, for-the-most-part treated by oral medications). Moreover, having my two children (daughter is 21 and my son is 18) has greatly weakened my kidney functioning to the point that doctors say (I am associated with the kidney transplant team at St. Michael’s Hospital) I will, at some-point-in-time, require a double kidney transplant. I also battle my weight and was molested as a young child by my kidney doctor. This went on for 8 years (ages 5 to 13). I was also in an abusive marriage (physical & emotional) for 9 years. I have been joyfully divorced for 16 years now.

I also suffer from chronic pain – I have 8 herniated discs in my back, plantar fasciitis in both heels, chronic headaches (caused by the herniated discs), constant numbness in both hands and all fingers (caused by a strain on my back 2 years ago), arthritis in my knees which makes bending them hurtful, I have a hyiated hernia (disease that creates burning in my throat when I eat, bloating and the reflex of throwing up my food), and I just went through an episode of ‘gout’ (brought about my kidneys NOT being able to efficiently and effectively rid the body of uric acid.

Thank-you for taking the time to read this.

OX Jen
have a great day & may it exceed your expectations

Hi Jen and welcome to Healing Well's chronic pain forum. After reading your story sounds like to me you have a very full plate with health issues. I can relate to the multiple health issues always makes things a little on the hectic side at times. One thing we all understand here and thats pain.

I don't have a lot of experience with kidney issues. My one and only experience with kidney problems was when my dad had to have a heart cath done and the drs said the dye used in this test would finish his kidneys off and he would end up on dialysis. True to the drs words that is exactly what happened. The cath was a must it had to be done. When your dr says you will need a double transplant did he give any ideas as to when he thought you would get to that point?

As far as the herniated disc problems has any dr ever recommended surgery? Many times people with herniations end up having surgery. You spoke of your hands and fingers being numb, that generally happens when a person has a herniated disc in their neck and a nerve is being pinched or compressed. We have some members that ended up having surgery to correct this problem. Do you see a pain mgt dr or does your primary care dr handle your pain situation? Wow, then having gout on top of all of this. My kids dad gut hit with gout and I remember how painful it was when he tried to stand or walk the foot pain was incredible. His job required him to be on his feet 12-14 hours a day. He was put on medication and and given a diet to help keep the uric acid down.

The weekends tend to run a little slow so don't be alarmed if you don't see many people posting, its kind of a hit & miss type thing on the weekends. Anyway, I wanted to pop on and tell you welcome aboard. Keep us posted on how you are coming and take care.

Hi betsy,
Thanx for the hugs and warm words.

Xo Jen

Welcome Jen to our cp forum. I'm glad you found us but sorry it is under these circumstances. You will enjoy your time here as the members are super caring and understanding.
Keep posting with us and let us know how you are doing.

Suzane

Hi Jen, and a warm welcome to the forum from me as well. I'm sorry that you have so much on your plate, and such complex issues too. It's very difficult when doctors have to try a balancing act to maintain one condition without compromising another, and it's terrible for you as the one suffering.

I'm glad you've found us here. As the others have already said, this is a very warm place, and I hope you will find plenty of support here.

Laura

Dear FRIENDS,

Thank-you all for taking time from your day to send along your warm words and support. I am overwhelmed by this ... and feel like crying. I accept your 'hugs' and look forward to this ne 'family' environment.

xo