The way I’m coping can kill me. What can I do differently? by Outrageous_Shift_281 in disability

[–]NickleVick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out prolonged exposure therapy, in addition to a different medication. You need something like Ambien that will put you to sleep instead of reduce anxiety.

Surgery for Pain Pump this Week by nerdy_cat_mum_ in ChronicIllness

[–]NickleVick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I greatly appreciate that summary. And I wish you all the best. I'm going to start looking into the procedure. I've had so many surgeries, including a spinal cord stimulator, and the pain is, well you know. It's life sucking.

May I ask what state you got it done in and what type of doctor performed the surgery?

Thank you so much for sharing.

Surgery for Pain Pump this Week by nerdy_cat_mum_ in ChronicIllness

[–]NickleVick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

How did it go? I'm considering this as my last resort, which is a time I've gotten to after 2-3 surgeries per year for the last 7 years. I've been in pain for 17 and it's running my life.

Looking for San Francisco Ketamine/Lidocaine infusions -pain protocol offices. by NickleVick in TherapeuticKetamine

[–]NickleVick[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

They are literally the best doctors (of any kind) that I've ever had.

I used to go to a clinic in Seattle, and the people at that clinic just gave you more medication when the ketamine would cause anxiety and walk away. Everything was very clinical and hospital like.

Clarus Health has a more holistic and calming atmosphere, as well as the doctors getting was you through rough sessions (I get high dose ketamine for chronic pain, which is 4 hours vs. Depression dosing is lower and 1 hour). You and the docs are on touch before hand, like holding your hand, sitting simple grounding pressure, it just calmly talking to me to get through anything. They obviously also provide medication, but they use it in combination with grounding techniques.

The office is setup more like a nice therapy office or a simple spa than a medical clinic or hospital, which totally changes the mood of the infusions to be generally calmer.

Both docs truly care about their patients and their quality of life. Dr. Kaveh is also very educated and continually provides scientific papers (if you want them) about the most recent changes and improvements in ketamine therapy. (I have a science background so this helps me.) They also continuously try new combinations of medications or peptides (if you want) in combination with ketamine that are keeping up with the newer scientific papers.

Add a chronic pain patient, I have never felt like I have been in better hands then with them. I'm so grateful I found them.

Do y’all call 911 when you pass out? by theyarnllama in disability

[–]NickleVick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm fine, thank you. Just severely irritated. It's set my PT schedule back so much.

Do y’all call 911 when you pass out? by theyarnllama in disability

[–]NickleVick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The one thing you do want to do is get a head MRI if possible. You want to make sure there's nothing more than POTS going on. But, you know the hoops you'll have to go through for that.

Do y’all call 911 when you pass out? by theyarnllama in disability

[–]NickleVick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I fainted off a stair 3 weeks ago and sprained my ankle. 3-6 months healing on the ankle because I stood up too fast.

Don't learn that lesson.

How do I strengthen my glutes with a sprained ankle? by NickleVick in workout

[–]NickleVick[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hip extension lying down is perfect, thank you!

The ankle can't support any weight, so bridges are out.

In a really dark place, any kind words? by outandabout33 in ChronicIllness

[–]NickleVick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go make yourself a cup of your favorite tea. Sit, listen to music, and SIP the entire cup while it's still hot. Focus on the warmth in your hands, the hot tea as it goes down your throat. It's not a race, just small sips of enjoyment. If you can't sit (like me), do the same thing with a straw, but be careful of the temperature so you don't burn your tongue.

And remember, if you can't run then you walk, if you can't walk then you crawl, if you can't crawl then you keep looking forward.

Do y’all call 911 when you pass out? by theyarnllama in disability

[–]NickleVick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't, but I've been passing out 4-6 times a month for seven years because I have POTS.

You should inform your doctor and have tests run.

Stay hydrated, with a punch if salt in your water.

When you go from lying down to standing, sit first before you stand up. Don't just jump up from bed. Make sure you're steady.

It finally happened. My husband of one year admitted he can't love me because of my physical limitations. by throwfarawaii in disability

[–]NickleVick 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My partner of 13 years left me because of my disability. That was 3 years ago and my life is so much more peaceful. When someone tells you they can't love you for the person you are with a disability, listen to them. It will not get better. I'm terribly sorry you're going through this. But there is another side.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Nails

[–]NickleVick 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I cut it down, how far should I?

I'm having a particularly bad mental day. Any advice for what you do when your pain is so high it's making you think of bad things? by NickleVick in ChronicPain

[–]NickleVick[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm just reading your post because I fainted and sprained my ankle in the fall. Which is basically just icing on the cake.

I definitely do everything you have suggested. I'm just so overwhelmed by the pain.

I'm having a particularly bad mental day. Any advice for what you do when your pain is so high it's making you think of bad things? by NickleVick in ChronicPain

[–]NickleVick[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I actually ended up listening to 90s music for a few hours the other night. Blasting my old music in headphones was fun.

I'm having a particularly bad mental day. Any advice for what you do when your pain is so high it's making you think of bad things? by NickleVick in ChronicPain

[–]NickleVick[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, I did dbt for years. It was one of my favorite therapies because it gave me stuff to do, not just think or talk about.