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Posted 6/29/2021 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
I have so many medical issues that it’s really getting me down. I’m only 41 and have a 2 year old little girl…but it’s so hard to keep a positive attitude when it’s hard to get around and get through the day.

Background- back in 2017, I had a total colectomy bc of ulcerative colitis and now I go to the bathroom 15x a day. I have other autoimmune disorders- arthritis and bc I was on Humira that caused drug I’d used lupus so I had to go off that. I have hip bursitis so it’s hard to walk some days, lay on my side. I have migraines and after two years of treatment that wasn’t helping, they did an MRI and found I have a bin related brain aneurism. Sooo, I have to get that taken care of this summer.

Oh and I also kidney stones bc of the no colon (I don’t absorb water like normal people), so I current have 12- yes I said TWELVE- kidney stones. I mean the list just goes on.

By the end of the day with my two and a half year old, I’m just exhausted. My husband is great but it’s just a lot. I feel like I always have a doctors appointment- every week it’s always something. It’s embarrassing and I am getting to the point where I don’t even want to tell my friends that “it’s something else” now…when I get diagnosed with something else. I just don’t know what else to do to.
Posted 6/30/2021 6:48 AM (GMT 0)
Hi mate, a lot going on. I can see how it will get ya down, I empathise and send positive thoughts.
Have you thought about some support, via a support group, counsellor etc. Those with a lived experience
are the best. Can your little one get support through a play group etc. Am sure many a mum has similar conditions, esp with ulcerative colitis, and am sure much support can be gathered in a support group.
Keep strong, others will post with further support and info. HT
Posted 6/30/2021 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Doggie

Glad your husband is supportive!

Heavy load you carrying
You are not alone though, even though you may feel you are.
I get it, I go out, doc appt or food shopping. ...

HT gave you the 2 suggestions I had in mind.

I will add this. Try a simple calming meditation. Search on YouTube, or down free phone app. 'Inside Timer'
I helps my health anxiety.
Quiets my mind
Peace and contentment
Posted 7/6/2021 2:01 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. I printed out a calendar and have started yoga - only did it twice but my goal is to do it three times a week. Just stretching and breathing stuff but maybe it’ll help with my overall health? Idk. I need to do something.

I asked my husband if we could do something together- I need some motivation and maybe if we do it together, Idk. I just feel like I complain all the time. I do have a counselor who I talk to every 2 weeks. Mostly we talk about the stressors of having my 2.5 year old- she’s just starting daycare so that’s super stressful too- and not going so smoothly. Maybe it’ll time to refocus on my health, etc
Posted 7/6/2021 5:14 AM (GMT 0)
Doggie

Perhaps you are correct, on refocusing, reevaluating your health.

Have you ever met with a nutritionist?

Researched Chinese herbals, and medicine,
Knowledge is power.

At the very least, the reduction of guilt from not know what's going on, is a nice bonus!
Posted 7/14/2021 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
I met with a nutritionist years ago- I was dealing with some malabsorption issues related to my ulcerative colitis. I feel like I know what I need to eat- it’s just a matter of following through. I’m not overweight by a ton. Only 10 lbs or so- enough to cause a little stress on the joints.

I thought of going to see a chiropractor but it’s just another doctor to go see. The same with acupuncture. My insurance would cover chiropractic visits and up to 30 acupuncture visits per year. But again, it’s more appointments…more reminders that I’m not well.

My brain surgery is scheduled for August 16 so I’m glad it’s at least on the books. But now I have the pre-op appt. And my gastroenterologist wants to see me bc I told him about the lupus and the surgery- he said it’s enough “going on” that he wants to check in. He’s a specialist located 1 hour away, so it’s not super convenient for me. I feel like I’m also constantly missing work. I work at a university and the surgery will allow me to be out during the summer but I’m be starting back the exact day students start back. Not ideal but I’ll have to make it work.

Did I mention I have a 2.5 year old in the mix of all this? She’s just starting with the pushing back and testing her limits- and I’m not the most patient person. And we just started to potty train this weekend (which we had to table bc we don’t feel she’s ready). It’s just A LOT.

I see a counselor every other week for support so there’s that…
Posted 7/14/2021 12:29 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Doggiedo,

You do have a lot going on. Good for you to be proactive with your health. I know it isn't easy.

I am glad you are seeing a counselor. I am due for a visit myself. My last visit was via facetime.

Best wishes with your surgery. I am sorry you are having to go through so much.

I know how you feel about appointments. I have had a lot my summer myself. It gets so repetitious.

Keep your chin up. And keep up the good work.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 7/15/2021 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Karen, nice to see you post😊

Doggie🤗

I believe you are doing the correct thing. Listening to your body, anxiety, stress etc... take care of what you can. It all can't be fixed at once

Perhaps the Doc(s) that you are seeing now, for Aug 16th..
Their office could send your chart to the GI.

Have you thought about a student being a part-time baby sister or help around the house and you can spend time with your baby girl.

I empathize the 2 week therapy
When you are going bonkers it seems forever!
But every week, geez I was just there!
At least for me...

Hang in, you are doing great!
We are here for you. Things will calm for you after 8/16
The scarey stuff will be gone.
Hugs and peace
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