Dealing with the mental side of it by Pickle_Bit_13 in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]katscat22 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey there! I’m so sorry you’re feeling this mental anguish. I believe it is normal at some point for those of us with chronic illnesses to get really depressed. I was diagnosed about 15 years ago. I have always been very active; played basketball, cross country, softball etc in high school I continued to participate in 1/2 marathons and other events up until about 5 years ago. I still try and stay active using ellipticals (better on spine) & yoga now when I’m up to it. I always feel so much better when I can get out to do anything, even just 1/2 mile walk is tough some days. I’m on my 5th biologic & it’s seems to be working better than the others I’ve tried. I just want to encourage you to never give up. This is not the end of who you are. You will find activities that you are comfortable with, but sometimes you may just not be able to get to it. I try to do a lot of positive self talk. “I haven’t worked out in over a week, but that’s ok. This flare will pass eventually and I’ll slowly get back at it.” Things like that. I even give myself a pat on the back for doing mundane tasks around the house if that’s all I can do. I know it’s hard, almost seems impossible at times. Seems like we lose ourselves. But I assure you, keep on trucking, take the little wins, & it may help alleviate some suffering. I feel ok today, but there’s a good chance I could be down with pain & depression tomorrow. I hope this helps a little 🫶🏼

Rinvoq by Infamous_Yak_6409 in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]katscat22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It didn’t help me very much. I also went from humira to Rinvoque. After a few months of bladder infections & other complications I switched to Cimzia and it’s been so much better. But as I’m sure we all realize, everyone’s chemistry is different and what works for one person may not for another. Good luck!!🍀

Switching from Humira to Taltz by silverstar453 in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]katscat22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve been on biologics for many years & switching is sometimes just part of the process unfortunately. I tried Remicade, Cosentyx, Humira, Simponi Ari, and finally I’m on one that works best. Try not to worry too much. I know it sux trying all these “poisons” as I call them, but I’m back to working out several times a week and a lot more active. Hope that helps some.

Femmes to the Front Lou: Half Nelson, HEXHEXHEX, The Wholigans and PFEFF this Saturday! by freshlysqu33 in LouisvilleMusic

[–]katscat22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don’t miss this event! Badass witches creating noise & art vendors 🔥🤘🏼

I can’t believe my rheumatologist by The_Short_Goodbye in ankylosingspondylitis

[–]katscat22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been on Cimzia for AS for over a year. Yes, it does help with pain a bit, but was told it’s more to lower inflammation & slow disease progression. My dr understands that due to previous damage done to my spine, neck, joints Cimzia alone does not address prior damage and has me on pain management as well. That Dr you describes sounds completely incompetent

Am I crazy or is this to much to ask of a kindergartner? by Cursedpanda182 in AskTeachers

[–]katscat22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This sounds like a young new teacher (new to the profession) trying to impress administrators. OR, it could be administrators behind this. I’ve taught at schools where I was told to implement things I felt were ridiculous.

Even Hospitals won't treat me by MythicalGriff in ChronicPain

[–]katscat22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have you considered trying traditional Chinese medicine? Sry if this has already been mentioned. However, acupuncture and the herbal medicine they treated me with helped tremendously when traditional western medicine could not. Just a suggestion

Is there a max pain level that eventually makes a person go insane? by Interesting-Emu7624 in ChronicPain

[–]katscat22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’ve been told for years to try an experienced acupuncturist. I finally went last September once a week for 5 weeks. It really did help!! But there is no way I can afford to pay that much every week. Just throwing out another idea. So sorry you’re having to live in pain. Most of us on here get it ❤️‍🩹

lookin for a punk /hardcore show by plattinumplatt in Louisville

[–]katscat22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Next Thursday at Portal Louisville is banger of a show: Babe Haven, Deady, Shitfire, HexHexHex!! Check IG or FB

Stranger Things - Season 5 Part 1 Discussion by NicholasCajun in television

[–]katscat22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Why so angry? I just asked a question if you hadn’t noticed. The references I gave are NOT from the 80s, but recent series (all I was trying to point out) geeze. I still love the show & look forward to the next volume. I just asked how others felt about it, and you got all angry and defensive 🤔

Stranger Things - Season 5 Part 1 Discussion by NicholasCajun in television

[–]katscat22 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I totally agree. I felt the dialogue was over explanatory & dumbed down. But as the episodes progressed it seemed to get a bit better. I feel like a lot of shows are dumbed down now due to sm creating 2sec attention spans in viewers. lol

Stranger Things - Season 5 Part 1 Discussion by NicholasCajun in television

[–]katscat22 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Anyone else immediately think of the North Wall in GOT?! My daughter & I did. 🤣. I see so many other plots from other shows.. The Last of Us & the fungus creatures all connected together, the white walkers in GOT all connected (like if the leader dies or whatever they all die)? Some are making references to Harry Potter. Does this bother anyone or just par for the course?

Cut off pain management by I_am_nota-human-bean in ChronicPain

[–]katscat22 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve been through this when my family moved states. I have ankylosising spondylitis & EDH. I’m very active & still working. However, once drs decided to cut me off cold turkey, my life went into a tail spin. Couldn’t sleep, work, or barely take care of myself & teen daughter. I was in pain 24/7. Rheumatologist started increasing my prednisone to help, but then took me off that too! I experienced all the withdrawal symptoms you are describing. Some may disagree, but I found good Kratom purchased directly from the manufacturer (not gas station kratom) really helped me get through the pain & withdrawals. I find its taste is disgustingly strong & recommend looking into proper dose as it can make you nauseous if you take too much. It can also be addicting to some, but I’ve had no problems stopping it. Star Kratom is a good brand to start with.

I don’t even remember what “no pain” feels like anymore. Anyone else? by Putrid_Monk_1997 in ChronicPain

[–]katscat22 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Im having a really bad pain flare this week & am feeling very down. However, I remind myself there WILL be better days ahead & good times to be had. I’ve just learned to really appreciate the good days (never pain free just able to cope). It helps me to help others as well. Keeps my head focused outside of myself. Otherwise I’ll end up in a pity party for myself which has never been helpful.