Quote From: connafThank you all for sharing. I too dislike the term physically challended. It makes what we live with sound too simple, like a neatly tied package. I am only 50 but have had moderate to severe arthritis for over 25 years. It started in my knee when I was 20. Now, it affects my hands, feet, both knees, neck and back. For about 10 years now I have had to use a cane and when I go to the store or anywhere I have to walk over 20 minutes, I have to use a wheelchair. Going anywhere is a hassle because you have to plan almost every step to see if you can handle it physically. You have to make sure the places are wheelchair friendly and many are not. especially the bathrooms. What some places consider handicapped bathrooms is a joke. It is getting so I just want to stay home most the time.
Recently my family was planning a 3 day vacation to Philadelphia. I just could not get excited about going. I used to love to travel and see new places. Now I have to do so much reasearch to see if I can even access the places we want to go. Now it is just such a big hassle that I do not have the energy to tackle. We ended up not going on the trip because my husband became ill. I was sorry he was sick but it felt good for once not to be the reason we did not do something. I feel like such a burden to my family.
Most days the only way I get things done is in 15 minutes increments. I can clean for 10-15 minutes then I have to rest. It may take me all day to do the simplest tasks like vacuuming, laundry, and dishes. I can't even walk the dog most days. I miss that most because at least I was getting some exercise. My weight is going up and up and I haven't been able to stop it. I know it is my choice to eat what I do. I get so discouraged and so lonely. Sometimes I just pray for God to let me die becasue I am so tired of living with the pain. I rarely go out with friends anymore and even going to church is a struggle. It is just so amazing how much chronic pain takes out of you physically and emotionally.
I also have IBS, chronic pelvic pain sydrome, interstitial cystistis and I struggle with depression.
Sometimes I just sit and cry becasue it feels like I can not take anymore. But I do. I go on.
Thank you for reading this. It is nice to talk with people who understand.
Hello all, (very few) but that's okay,
I have had Fibro or have been diagnosed since 1997 and I have sympathy
for all who suffer from it. It's so very hard to get people to understand the
person with the condition. However, my husband has been wonderful (thank God)
Also have had 4 back surgeries so it's so very hard to know if it's the old back
or the fibro acting up. I think everyone is somewhat depressed because of
the pain it goes hand-in-hand. The only thing that we can do is find a good
dr. and continue on as best we can. Look around there are so many people
even children who are so much more ill. I love life although it's difficult at times,
I pray a lot. Loved talking to you ladies and thanks so much for listening to my
complaining.
Fibro friend and listerner also.
