kittykitty
Two years ago I quit my job and moved to care for my ex boyfriend when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I was extremely healthy, very active, had good stamina, very strong and a lot of energy. Shortly after the death of my boyfriend I fell off of his roof. I did not break any bones and never sought medical attention. About a year later I started having pain which progressed rapidly in my left hip. In a 6 month time frame I was in the emergency room 22 times, 3 of which were by ambulance. I did not have any insurance and would just be stabilized, x'rayed and sent home with pain killers and/or steroid treatments. To no avail. I finally managed to have a clinic give me an MRI which revealed left hip effusion and severe multi level neural foraminal stenosis.
It has been a tough year for me. I can understand it medically, but emotionally I am still struggling. I have secluded myself to my studio and shut out everyone. I am in constant pain. I have to wear huge pads for bladder support and my body has aged immensely. I still have a lot of energy and I never rest because I am always cleaning or doing projects which I pay for dearly. I only go out of my house about once or twice a month and that is just to the market. (AND DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS) The incontinence is extremely bad. I can't keep up with it. I smell like a baby with a soaked diaper. I have put on so much weight because I can't exercise. I can go on and on and on. Not to mention that I have 8 doctors and I have yet to have find one out of the 8 that seems the least bit concerned. If it weren't for my persistence, my call backs, my follow ups, my thorough record/chart taking and keeping on top of things, I would not hear back from any office and would never get any authorizations authorized. I have worked for several reputable hospitals and extremely good doctors and surgeons. I have seen the diligence and concerns of many of these doctors. I just don't understand how I have 8 and not 1 has allowed me more than 5 minutes in which to listen to my concerns nor has explained anything to me. I am young. I know I could learn to live a healthy life and lifestyle. I wish I could find out where I can go to help me adjust to my ADLs. I don't know what physically is good for me and what is not good for me. Such as my leg extensions, how to lie, my donning and doffing socks, my bending, how to make my space equipped for me. How to get up from a sitting or laying position. My ergonomics while at my computers. How much weight to carry in my arms. I would like to know what housecleaning is not good for me. I just don't know what is good or bad and how much. Should I sit in a chair or on the floor in the shower? I know it sounds like common sense but because it is multi level and I can't weightbear on my left, I find myself either stuck, slunched, peeing, crawling, etc. Is there any help out there for me. I just don't have a medical professional to guide me and give me encouragement.
I'm ready to throw in the towel and just grow old ungracefully.
thanks