Dealing with constant health problems

I am alone ,as widowed 10 years ago, and I have found it very helpful to join a closed Facebook group for my ‘hidden disability’ .(a stoma) .It really eases the associated problems to be able to ‘talk’ to those in the same or a similar position .There are also local support groups for my problem ,held at the hospital where I had an operation last year,so there maybe groups for some or all of your problems Red Riding Hood.

I have alot of health issues. I suffer with depression and anxiety. It annoys me when others who don't have these problems think you are being awkward or unsociable when you have to say you will have to cancel a meeting etc. Youdo get fed up of talking about these issues sometimes l say l'm ok even if l'm not

I know how you feel Red my poor DH had to listen to 8 years of moaning. But I think the deal is 'for better or worse. In sickness and in health'.

Maybe you feel for him, but unless he has said so, he may not mind and wouldn't want you to feel worse because you bottle up your feelings of worry and frustration at your health issues.

Mine has seen me in floods of tears many a time and he listened patiently and made all the right noises. He is in good health so it must be tedious. He was also an absolute star when I really needed a lot of help during chemo and other times like visiting me in hospital, bringing the things I needed and keeping the house afloat in my absence. No mean feat as we had a houseful at that time.

He had only just retired when I was diagnosed too. So didn't get the retirement he had worked so hard for. He became a carer within a month of retiring. Poor sod. I am forever in his debt. He never complained once.

Maybe still confide in him from time to time but take some of the great advice above too and join a group where others can empathise because they are going through the same thing.

Only thing I would say is, if it's possible, try to take your mind of it when you can. I often felt more dragged down if I wallowed in it (and boy could I wallow!) but often became quite lifted when my GD's were here or I managed to get out with friends.

With the serious lung problem to deal with and no results yet you will be unable to do that and need support. I so hope your results are the best news possible under the circumstances

On Facebook, I belong to several groups that help--Psoriasis, Diabetes, and Herniated Discs !! Also had heart attacks, have. 12 stents, and had a mild stroke! I think us older ladies tend to "get on with it"- and yes , my husband has said "there's always something wrong with you" once or 100 times!! Getting understanding and advice from others in same boat is invaluable x

I now know by reading this that I am not alone with RA heart anxiety and other problems. So tired and down a lot of the time as not always easy to get out and about. Used to teach people re RA through a course set up by arthritis charity. It can help a lot. Don’t know if it is still run. It is always good to speak to people in the same boat. Husband says he understands but sometimes conveniently forgets.

Have a look at "Olive Leaf Extract " ...excellent herb ...anti inflammatory ...antiviral.....anti bacterial ...great all rounder and very safe and good for the heart !!

I completely sympathise with you as I am in the same boat. I seem to get everything going and suffer with asthma and chest problems. I've also had quite a variety of other health issues over the past few years (I'm in my mid 50's) most of which are not connected to each other. I don't work, but if I did I would imagine I would be on a disciplinary for all the time I would have had to take off and my house is not as clean and tidy as it should be as I'm so tired all the time. My weight has sky rocketed because when I'm like this I'm too tired to cook. My husband works long hours so we live on take aways. Even when I do try to diet and eat healthily I don't seem to lose weight (I also have PCOS). I feel like I'm a waste of space sometimes and it's made me anxious about leaving the house. I have a lovely DH and family and friends, but my health is getting me down.

EllanVannin I had a lot of anxiety and problems over the last year or two with the arrhythmia not to mention hospital admissions but it's largely under control now, although I am waiting for an ablation.
It just feels like I get one thing under control (or learn to live with it) and then something new is thrown at me. All the while having a stupid rash that wakes me up itching, an eye problem and last year a broken ankle.

Urmstongran x

Again, GN working at its very best level Sparklefizz such a help to the OP I’m sure. x

Red I have learnt loads about my own condition from the FB group I'm on. Even my GP admits that I know more than he does now, and his words were "There's nothing like speaking to people who actually suffer the same condition".

You might want to join a couple - one for each main illness. People who join the group I am on tend to heave a sigh of relief in their first post, saying thank goodness they have found other people who are suffering the same. (This is the problem with having quite a rare illness!)

The old saying "Birds of a feather flock together" is very apt.

If it's arrhythmia that's also bothering you, try and not worry too much about it as very many, particularly as you get older, suffer from it. Some can be almost cured with ablation/cauterisation of the affected part of the heart, a local procedure whereas others such as myself rely on medication. I was diagnosed with it in 2006 although I knew I had it many years before and I'm still here 20 odd years later.
The more anxiety you have, the more you'll notice the arrhythmias so get your other problems sorted before you worry about that.
I understand it's a nuisance when you get one bally thing after another and I wish you well.x

Thanks Sparkle that sounds like a good idea. I haven't got a full diagnosis yet for the latest issue but it's looking like the worst so far as well as being quite unusual and I've had weeks of anxious waits for tests so far. Once I know what it is talking to others would be helpful.

RedRidingHood I am juggling 8 different illnesses, some pretty serious so, like you, I can feel fed up.

What has really helped me is that I found a closed Facebook Group for people suffering from my rare pancreas disease, and it's been great to share posts with others who understand exactly. We have given each other advice, propped each other up and ranted if necessary, and shared all our medical problems relating to the pancreas.

I think it would really help you if you decided what is your priority illness and find a closed FB group you can apply to join. Then you won't feel that you're boring your husband and friends, but bottling it all up won't do you any good at all.

Although the closed groups are on FB, they are private and can't be accessed by non-members.

Good luck.