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Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

AdgeSenior Contributor28 Oct 2018, 10:24 pm AEDT

Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Hi @Former-Member This is an old post - it explains how medical neglect by Drs (doing no scans or tests) ended with me in hospital - the direct cause of my 1st emergency bowel surgery.

I have no current GP, since mine left (months ago) - will need to find one.

I have lived for several decades with serious physical illnesses (or conditions) -

Scoliosis, causing severe back pain

Sleep Apnea (diagnosed 11 years ago), causing debilitating daily fatigue - treatment & stimulant medication has moderately improved my functioning. Not to anywhere near a "normal" level, for someone without a Sleep Disorder (or a fatigue condition).

A bowel obstruction (tumor), with 3 major bowel surgeries (2 emergencies) - from which my body has never fully recovered.

My digestive system (which was disconnected for 6 months), has not worked effectively for the past 3 years - since my bowels were re-connected (stoma reversal surgery).

I also have Complex PTSD, from more than 2 decades of trauma.

Because PTSD is supposedly an "anxiety disorder" (so-called) - medical professionals have on several occasions attempted to "explain away" my physical symptoms as being "just anxiety".

This has stopped me from accessing adequate medical care, on several occasions.

The "just anxiety" was later found to be a life-threatening bowel obstruction (tumor) - which required immediate surgery. Then a 2nd emergency surgery, 3 days later (when the 1st went disastrously wrong). Then a 3rd bowel surgery, 6 months later to reverse the damage (& clean up the mess).

I now have 2 serious hernias, as a result of the bowel surgeries - wound split, extensive wide scarring, & hernias in the middle.

Have others experienced their physical illnesses (or medical emergencies) not being taken seriously - because of having a mental illness diagnosis?

How did you overcome these obstacles to receiving medical care (if you could)?

Self-care is difficult, when my food does not digest adequately - despite Probiotics & Gastrostop (when necessary).

I must run to the toilet with great urgency (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) - which is a cause of stress in itself, & makes working difficult.

Adge

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In response to: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

AdgeSenior Contributor13 Dec 2020, 6:18 pm AEDT

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Thanks @Zoe7 For your thoughts & encouragement.

Much appreciated.

Yes it's a very long wait to see the Neurologist, or to have any testing & diagnosis.

Employment recruitment & advertisement goes very quiet at this time of year - From November until February (I was told).

So it will be a long haul, for job opportunities....

Adge

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Zoe7Senior Contributor14 Dec 2020, 5:18 pm AEDT

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

It is a crazy period from Dec to Feb for many @Adge and with kids being off school I could see that many of them would have already secured holiday jobs before Dec ...so little around for anyone else. That doesn'tt help you though but keep looking and I alongside you will have everything crossed that something suitable turns up for you.

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Shaz51Senior Contributor20 Dec 2020, 4:42 pm AEDT

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

I see the doctor on wednesday for my results but also going to ask about my burning, tearing, stabbing pain in my finger knuckles

@Zoe7. @Adge , @Anastasia , @Faith-and-Hope , @Former-Member , @Former-Member

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Zoe7Senior Contributor20 Dec 2020, 6:04 pm AEDT

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

@Shaz51

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

AdgeSenior Contributor20 Dec 2020, 7:57 pm AEDT

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Hugs @Shaz51

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

AdgeSenior Contributor07 Mar 2021, 7:59 pm AEDT

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Hi everyone.

I finally had my Neurology appointment (major Hospital), last Thursday - After 6 month's wait.

They had cancelled & recheduled several times - due to Lockdown, a month or so ago.

It was a Nerve Conduction Test (apparently).

Zapped with mild electric currents in muscles, in about 10 places, down my left arm & hand.

Had needles in muscles in at least 5 places (with electric current), including my Neck - That hurt, especially when he jiggled the needle, to get a better reading.

Nerves & muscle capacity in left arm & hand are somewhat impaired (not full capacity).

I don't know what follow-up tests I can seek.

They said all follow-up has to be through my GP - With no return visit to Neurology (Hospital).

So far GP did not suggest any treatment.

This was for loss of feeling sensation & loss of coordination in my left fingers, left hand & arm.

Adge

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

AdgeSenior Contributor08 Apr 2021, 2:32 pm AEST

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

I was going to go to a Centrelink centre ASAP, as suggested as a last resort (Re: Booking ESAt Assessment).

I actually got through to speak to someone – After 3 days of repeated efforts, & approximately 3 to 4 hours on hold (telephone).

After a 65 minute phone call – ESAt for DES-ESS has been Booked.

It's just an Assessment for possible access to Disability Emloyment Assistance (to apply for & obtain work).

Not any Pension or Income Allowance.

Referral sent through, they called it.

No date & no time for ESAt was given.

ESAt Assessment will be via an unscheduled phone call, from an Assessing Doctor (they said).

Adge

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Shaz51Senior Contributor08 Apr 2021, 5:44 pm AEST

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Wow @Adge , sending you hugs my friend, what a day for you

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

AdgeSenior Contributor08 Apr 2021, 5:47 pm AEST

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Thabnks @Shaz51 Hugs to you too

In response to: Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

AdgeSenior Contributor27 Apr 2021, 9:03 pm AEST

Re: Self-Care with major Physical illnesses

Hi everyone.

Woah, the past few weeks have been way too busy & full-on...

Did not drive to Psychologist Appointment (this morning) - I would have had to Wear a Mask (Compulsory at the moment), for the entire Appointment.

The Mask makes me feel Sick (almost straight away).

It makes my Face Flush &over-heat, it’s itchy – Can make me start Sneezing uncontrollably.

Mask would have been a continuous discomfort & distraction, during Appointment - Mask would make communication & giving due attention difficult.

So I did a Zoom Online Appointment/ Session with Psychologist, instead (not in person).

I've just sent off my NDIS Application (Supporting Evidence) via Email, late this afternoon.

It has taken 4 Long (Double-Length) + 2 Ordinary length GP/ Dr's Appointments (6 Dr's Appointments) - To finally get those Forms Filled out.

Still waiting on Psychologist - for her to fill out her NDIS Form for me, have to send that in later.

Still waiting for Centrelink Phone Assessment (Booked 3 Weeks ago) by Cold-Call from an Unknown Doctor (they said) - For possible Access to Disability Employment Service (Job-Search Assistance).

No Assessment time or date was given.

Adge

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