Posted by surfergirl on June 6, 2009, at 1:49:40
In reply to Re: considering therapy. mind/body issues » surfergirl, posted by Phillipa on June 4, 2009, at 23:39:12
Hi Phillipa,
I am very fortunate to still be able to work. In a way I have no choice since my husband was disabled for about 5 years (better only the last 6 months)& we have 3 kids.I was an ER nurse for 12 years & pretty broken by shift work & back & neck injuries by the end. I am now a home infusion nurse & get to help people with various rare diseases with IV therapy in the home. My job has much less stress than a clinic or hospital. I have great autonomy. I drive a lot. But being alone in the car suits me well. My patients like that I can relate to their struggles & help them to learn to cope. More often, I learn from them.
Ten years ago I was very sick with high fevers, joint pains & rashes for 14 months. I really got the run around from the HMO doctors (in the group that I worked for) & so many insinuated that I might be nuts. I lost confidence in physicians & only saw a chiropractor or naturopath for some time. I also developed asthma & a heart arrhythmia.
3 years ago I found a gyn doc that was so kind, compassionate & accepting. He found my thyroid cancer & also Sjogren's syndrome/arthritis. My surgeon was also amazing. My radiation doc was as cold & unfeeling as they come. Radiation was for me an ordeal. During that time, I was having difficulties with the internist & the endocrynologist & actually fired/was let go by 2 doctors in 4 months. I was feeling like a failure as a patient again. I did not even bother with getting treatment the Sjogren's until last Nov--when I could not walk or do much due to pain & weakness.
I have a really sweet rheumy that has tried lots of immune-suppressive therapies. She has never doubted that I was sick. She added Lupus to the diagnosis list. I went to a major teaching hospital for a 2nd opinion--and accidentally found her mentor. He agreed with her opinions & can be a resource...I feel like I am finally in good hands & getting some control over my health. I have had neuro problems with the lupus--mild optic neuritis & transverse myelitis in January. I also have anxiety at times--maybe from lupus. I am better now. She has not said if I am in "remission" & is treating me aggressively still. It is no small miracle that I can work at all.
Phillipa, thank you for your empathy, I can feel it. Selfishly, I find myself craving empathy as times. I give out so much. If you read this far I will be surprised :) I feel overwhelmed by all this & this is just the surface so I hope I am not overwhelming you with TMI.
thanks & love to you to, Surfergirl
poster:surfergirl
thread:899326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20090515/msgs/899642.html