Managing chronic illness

[sgluckadoo]

Anyone dealing with a chronic disease or illness? How do you manage it? How has your life been affected? What advise would you give to others dealing with a chronic disease?

[gaylasue]

My husband has had six back surgeries (including fusions), has tumors on the bottom of his foot, has foot drop (both caused by spinal injury from ruptured discs).  He has been completely disabled for 10 years now.  He experiences severe bouts of depression and is in pain 24/7.  I have had four brain surgeries (aneurism behind right eye) but through the mighty works of our Mighty God my aneurism was found "by accident".  It wasn't what the doctors were looking for and wasn't the cause of my medical problem (optic neuritis - lost vision in left eye).  But it was a blessing that it was found. If it had ruptured, I would be in heaven's waiting room waiting to see my Lord (which isn't such a bad option, either).  Death would have been immediate.  I have been diagnosed "pre-MS" due to the legions found on my brain when they were trying to figure out what was going on with me.  I am suppose to be researching a new treatment that will possibly slow down the MS if I do develop the disease.  However, the treatment is a pill a day at $120 per pill.  I have medical insurance until June 30th.  I recently lost my good paying job of 15 years due to outsourcing.  But the Lord is good.  I trust in Him to guide me every second of the day!

[jusu]

I have had asthma since I was 6. COPD the last 7 yrs. I am a recovering anorexic. In Dec. I found out that I am Diabetic. In Jan. I was diagnosed with Lupus. Now I was told that my ct scan showed polyps in my gallbladder and growths in my bladder. I turned 50 in Jan. All I can say is that I put my energy in positive thinking, following my Doctors treatment plans and the power of prayer.

[mrisha]

Back in January 2011 I was diagnosed with a Pulmonary Embolism (blood clots in both lungs).  I can't eat dark green foods, tea or take antibiotics all because of the vitamin K etc.  I am on medication and am hoping that it will take care of the problem soon.

[sgluckadoo]

It is amazing how many people are not just sick, but VERY sick and in dire straits.
My husband and I both have serious ailments as well, but I have been blessed to be
in remission the past few years. I worry constatnly about what could happen to us. We
are barely 30 and having to deal with devasting health problems. Most people are in their
prime at our age, but we have to worry about saving money for medications (several
thousand/month!).

Life is so hard, but what is the alternative?

[thetop31]

it is really not easy, since I got my baby I got RA-atheritis, in my culture, I have to rest for the whole month at least, but here nobody help me and I have to care of myself, the baby and my husband, so I got exhausted durng that month. now I am suffering it, I thought I am only 31 now, if I can live till 65 year old, so I have to suffering for more than 30 years? oh, god, Or  have to stay in bed for at least a whole month when I get my second baby, but for now, it is not Possble, life is not easy.! sign!
but Acupuncture is a good thing, it can release the pain, release your stress and make your body get engery and stronger. my culture!