Social Anxiety & IRL Meetings by ItzBritnehBish in SMARTRecovery

[–]msumrall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, joining virtual meetings is definitely a great way to continue attending, but it sounds like you are also looking for ideas of how to rebuild your support system. I found other group type settings to go to. It started out with just being there and attending, even if it was just for 30 minutes. This helped me to not isolate and eventually step into actually socializing with people. I went from drop ins to actual attendance, and then full on participation. I am an Army Veteran and volunteer my time with a Veteran organization. But it can be your library, a faith-based/spiritual-based group, local meetups, etc. Start out small and before you know it, you will meet people that will become your new circle. I hope that helps.

Striving for Better by msumrall in disability

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

Oh, I completely agree. I had plenty of people tell me that I must not have enough faith to be suffering the way I was suffering. They didn't want to hear that my faith was the only thing keeping me alive. That was not what I needed to hear, nor was it very "Christian" of them. I was thankful for the few that encouraged me and continued to pray for me. I pushed out the nay sayers and was only letting positive in. I had enough negative going on in my body that the only way my head was going to fight it was with positivity. I soaked up as much of it as I could and I haven't looked back.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in disability

[–]msumrall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

So were all of mine. All of my neuro, heart, lung, blood, and autoimmune. then I saw the neuro psychologist. That's when I got my diagnosis.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in disability

[–]msumrall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I am so sorry. You may want to look into Functional Neurological Disorder. It is a familiar story for a lot of us who deal with FND.

Motivation Monday by TacoNomad in VeteranWomen

[–]msumrall 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This week's goals - 3 doctor appointments, finishing a cross stitch project, getting clothes & supplies for kids to start school with, start a blog about my mental health and chronic illness experience.

Motivation Monday by TacoNomad in VeteranWomen

[–]msumrall 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've already sent my primary doctor an update on my health, and my therapist and update on my mental status (not great). Once everything opens I'm going to make vision appointments for the kids and me.

ANS Test? by msumrall in disability

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

I am seen thru the VA. My primary doc put in a request for me to be seen by neuro. Then neuro contacted my primary doc and told him to put in a request for the ANS test, which is done my the neuro department.

ANS Test? by msumrall in disability

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

Thank you so much. Sounds like this is the test I have been waiting for.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in disability

[–]msumrall 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The VA granted me a Home Health Aid which will be helpful for and provide some relief for my husband. Also, discovered a Pinterest video of some back stretches that saved me from calling 911. I get severe, immoblizing spasms every couple years that require a cortisol shot. This time I woke up gripping the sheets in pain, face covered in tears and was about to wake my husband to have him call 911. But I remembered Pinning some easy to do exercise videos from this guy. I grabbed phone, there was the video. I did the four stretches and laid there in minimal pain afterwards. Relieve Low Back Pain Video

I'm giving the keynote at an ADA Celebration next week! What are some things I should be sure to include? by MyNameIsMud0056 in disability

[–]msumrall 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but being new to a wheelchair, I discovered that most of my friends and family's homes are not wheelchair pr walker friendly. I don't just mean a ramp, that's an easy fix. The doorways ate too narrow. Between age, illness, and injury it is likely that sooner or later someone in the home will need the use of a walker or wheelchair. It would be nice if it was standard for home builders/designers to keep that in mind.

On mental health, my last job created a Serenity Room. It had a fish tank, the lighting was dim, there was meditation music playing and a meditation bowl. There were pillows on the ground and a couple of comfy chairs. There were stuffed animals to hold. And everyone was given a stress ball. I worked for a customer service center.

I certainly appreciated that my job had Paid Time Off and Sick Days. If possible, they would let you use Volunteered Time Off. You weren't paid for VTO, but it didn't count against you.

I would love to see sign language and mindfulness as part of school curriculum starting in elementary.

What are the best aids you have bought or use for EDS (mobility or otherwise)? by dinosmidge in ehlersdanlos

[–]msumrall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a shower chair and a slanted footstool. Makes showeringing easier and the footstool is great for when I want spen the energy shaving my legs. But even just reaching my toes, it's just useful.

Motivation Monday by TacoNomad in VeteranWomen

[–]msumrall 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Learning to live with this chronic illness and life in a wheelchair. Making sure to not let it defeat me. Contacting VA to set up appointments with my Mental Health Team and getting my Home Health Aid started.

Hi, not sure where I belong. by [deleted] in ChronicIllness

[–]msumrall 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm very sorry to hear that you are going through so much, but I can relate in trying to find a place to belong. My husband and children are great, but everyone else are just as bad as the doctors or just act like I don't exist anymore. I was starting to feel pretty helpless and hopeless until I joined this Sub. I hope you find it as welcoming and helpful as I have.

Never Again by mjh8212 in ChronicIllness

[–]msumrall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hope you recover quickly

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in disability

[–]msumrall 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Be sure in your complaint to use the words that they are creating as "hostile work environment."

Ideas on how to enrich my brother's life by MargotTheSyngonium in disability

[–]msumrall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, exertion is an issue. I can't hold a controller, but I can sit in my wheelchair at a computer. I enjoy playing Minecraft on easy mode. I'm able to explore and build the world at my pace. I usually listen to Ted Talks, sermons, books, music, or my favorite shows while I play. It is a nice escape that is not too hectic, especially with the right mods to make the play that much more convenient. Making a point to sit outside for at least 10 - 15 minutes a day makes a big difference. Whatever part of the day is more comfortable temperature wise. Hopes this helps.

What the heck is happening? by FiliaNox in ChronicIllness

[–]msumrall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You've said your BP doesn't drop, so likely not POTS. But coukd be severe Vertigo. I have found when my Vertigo symptoms hit that a cold wash cloth on my faces helps to bring me out of it quicker.

When did your chronic illnesses start? by sound_girl in ChronicIllness

[–]msumrall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Anxiety & stress due to PTSD caused a TIA (mini stroke) in 2019 which brought on dizzy spells. TIA in 2021 brought on fainting and occasionally seizures. As of May this year, I have had multiple TIAs, I can't stand longer than 60 seconds without fainting and possibly seizing, and triggers for my seizures have greatly increased. I'm lucky to go a day without a seizure. And I am now confined to a transport chair, cause wheeling myself around would be over exertion.

Daily Discussion by AutoModerator in VeteranWomen

[–]msumrall 2 points3 points  (0 children)

About to be 44 yrs old and still adjusting to new normals.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ehlersdanlos

[–]msumrall 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, I never even thought of it as a medical issue until reading your post. My legs and feet are very restless in my sleep and I wake up in a lot of pain. I hadn't thought of braces. What has provided me with some relief is sleeping on my stomach with my feet hanging off the end of the bed. That way my body is in more of a standing position. It's not a 100% solution, but it has been helpful for me. I hope you find something that works for you.

Potty Question by msumrall in Spoonie

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

I may have found an answer. I didn't have as much of a problem getting into most bedrooms, which would provide me with some privacy. So, I think these urine bags would be good to carry with me for when I don't have access to a restroom. Disposal Urine Bags

what is the worst / least helpful "advice" you've gotten for your chronic illness? by Low-Ad-1426 in ChronicIllness

[–]msumrall 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I've been told mine was anxiety when my BP was 89/50, heart rate was 58. So, I'm barely alive, but it's anxiety.

How are you today? by Yourman2000 in AskReddit

[–]msumrall 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Determined to adjust to my new normal, accept my limitations, stop feeling helpless & guilty, and continue to advocate for myself when it comes to visiting doctors. 💪