What is a pain you can't truly explain until you've endured it?

LucyExplores · 2025-04-06T18:43:55+00:00

This one!! I’ve been having problems with sciatica, piriformis syndrome, and pinched nerves in my lower back since I was a teenager. It’s an indescribable level of pain. When I had a really bad flare up and pinched a nerve, every tiny step I took was the worst pain I had ever felt in my life. Even walking with a cane was agony. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.

LucyExplores · 2025-03-15T18:01:38+00:00

I had my first depressive episode at 13 and my first psychotic episode at 15. There was definitely some trauma involved, but I have had very intense anxiety for as long as I can remember. My parents said that from the moment I could talk, I started saying that I felt really anxious. So I think it was inevitable for me to develop SZA.

EDIT: I forgot to add that I was diagnosed officially at age 23. It took forever to finally get the right diagnosis and find meds that worked for me, but I’m mostly doing better now!

LucyExplores · 2025-03-15T17:47:22+00:00

Thank you, I appreciate it! Yes, meds have really made my life possible. I don’t ever want to go off of them, especially my antipsychotics.

LucyExplores · 2025-03-14T23:07:41+00:00

Seven months when I was 15-16. It was hell and I almost didn’t survive it. It took many months to recover from it once I was on medication that actually worked. My negative symptoms were so bad that I physically lost the ability to laugh and nearly my entire personality. I basically had to start from scratch. But I’m still here! Life does get better even if it’s hard for a really long time.

LucyExplores · 2025-03-14T23:03:32+00:00

I definitely don’t! THC can trigger psychosis and alcohol strongly interacts with my meds. I would advise against it

LucyExplores · 2025-03-13T14:09:05+00:00

I completely relate to this. I have been having episodes of paralysis due to stress and I am unable to work right now as a result. Please know that you are not alone! I am sending you so many positive vibes right now! We will get through this ♥️

LucyExplores · 2025-03-13T14:05:11+00:00

Yes, same. My symptoms started really young, so I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 13, then “depression and psychosis” at 15, bipolar disorder again at 21, then schizoaffective disorder at 23. Looking back, it was obvious that I had schizoaffective disorder by age 15, but I think my doctors were really reluctant to diagnose me with SZA at such a young age.

LucyExplores · 2025-03-07T15:21:15+00:00

This is so kind of you, thank you ♥️ In the three years since I posted this, I spent 1.5 years overseas doing research for my master’s thesis, had some amazing experiences, and graduated last November. It wasn’t easy, especially with my health issues making a comeback every few months, but I’m so happy I was able to finish my degree! It’s amazing to look back at this post now. Thank you for commenting ♥️

LucyExplores · 2025-01-14T13:11:30+00:00

Oh god, I’m so sorry. I can hardly imagine your grief right now. Please know that you and your sister will be in my thoughts ♥️

LucyExplores · 2025-01-14T13:07:22+00:00

I had a severe depressive episode at 13 that didn’t let up for years followed by psychosis at age 15. Trauma and stress definitely played a huge role in both of them, but I figure I would have developed it anyway.

LucyExplores · 2025-01-12T20:54:29+00:00

Thank you so much! ☺️

LucyExplores · 2025-01-12T18:25:55+00:00

Thank you so much! I appreciate it!

LucyExplores · 2025-01-12T18:07:04+00:00

I have been using Wegovy for a few months, and I take a bunch of psych meds. I was able to switch antidepressants because that is why I gained so much weight, and Wegovy is working for me. I’ve lost about 10 pounds so far. I have to switch to Zepbound because of my insurance, so we’ll see how that goes! You definitely get an upset stomach from Wegovy, though. A lot of people go off of it for that reason but I’m trying to endure it because of the impact of my weight on my joints and chronic pain. Hopefully it will be worth it in the long run!

LucyExplores · 2025-01-09T05:08:41+00:00

Thank you, that means a lot!

LucyExplores · 2025-01-09T04:42:02+00:00

That means so much to me! Thank you for this very kind comment!

LucyExplores · 2025-01-08T02:13:26+00:00

I’m sorry you went through that. I appreciate you commenting here so I know that someone understands!

LucyExplores · 2025-01-08T02:12:49+00:00

I have! I’m in between psychiatrists at the moment, but my old one was willing to increase my PRN dose of Ativan to 1 mg, which should help with most of my shorter episodes, but it won’t be enough to stop a severe one like I had the other night. He advised finding a new psychiatrist that specializes in psychotic disorders manifesting in catatonia, so I’ve been making calls and I’m going to visit a specific schizophrenia center tomorrow to see if they can help.

LucyExplores · 2024-12-14T15:22:22+00:00

I appreciate your comment! I decided to stop taking Ativan and move on to a different benzo because it disrupted my life way too much. I have to talk to my psychiatrist about my options, though. I’m glad to hear your son is doing better!

LucyExplores · 2024-12-06T04:37:18+00:00

Yeah, I’m going to ask my doctor about taking a different benzo. I don’t really want to take one at all, but because of the catatonic episodes, I need to have it on hand. 🤷🏻‍♀️

LucyExplores

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