dealing with multiple chronic diseases

[Needhelp16]

How is anyone suppose to deal with multiple chronic diseases?  I was dx with hypothyroidism 3 yrs ago, MS last year, and on Monday was dx with osteoarthritis of my left knee and spine, fibro, AND small fiber neuropathy.  My neuro is currently running tests to see if there's an underlying cause for the neuropathy.

I'm also losing the natural curvature in my neck.  It's actually reversing.  I'm currently trying to figure out a plan for that.

I'm at such a loss for words.  I can't help thinking about all of this.  Why at 33 yrs old do I have osteoarthritis in my knee and spine?  Why have I done wrong?  What can I do as far as treatment?  I'm on so many meds already just for MS, idk if my body can handle anymore.

And talk about stress.  I have so much stress and anxiety it's unreal.  I can't stop thinking about all of this, and I'm always googling something.  I can't think or do anything else.  Not to mention physically.  I'm always in pain.  My poor husband and kids are suffering because of it too.

How am I suppose to deal or cope.  The testing continues and I'm left with a lot of unanswered questions. I feel totally helpless.

I guess I'm just looking for support...emotionally.  And I'm always looking for good advice.

Thanks for listening!
Laura

[Ricobord]

Call the pastor at the church you have attended and ask if there is a group whose purpose is to help those who are going through a tough time.  (At my church it is the Deacons.) There are usually willing hands to do grocery shopping for you or to make a meal for your family, even if you have only been occasional attenders. It is amazing how much little things like this can help.

When you were tested for Celiac, did they do a biopsy or just blood tests? You can have Celiac and or gluten sensitivity and be negative on the blood tests. The definitive test for Celiac is a biopsy of the intestine.  Doctors are slowly acknowledging that a patient can be negative for Celiac, but still benefit from eliminating gluten, including a reduction in brain fog, joint pain, and headaches. There is no test for "gluten sensitivity." Most people with an autoimmune disorder feel better when they go gluten free. So do a lot of otherwise healthy people, for that matter.

On supplements, it sounds like you are up to speed. Have you read about curcumin yet? It has anti-inflammatory properties, and cultures where they use a lot of it in their diet have noticeably lower rates of Alzheimer's disease (according to my MS doc.) I take Meriva curcumin.  I hope this is helpful!

[Needhelp16]

Thanks everyone for the support.  I have been seeing a counselor for quite a while.  It does help to talk it out, but there's never enough time.

I've already been tested for celiac and it was negative.  I also already take vitamin d and magnesium...I have been for a pretty long time.

My husband is not in the service.  I do go to church when I can.  However, it's only been almost 2 mos and we're not members yet.

I'm sorry for everyone else who have multiple diseases. It's like a cruel joke being played on us.  I do appreciate the comments and thanks for the hugs and prayers!

Laura

[beema36]

I have MS, fibromyalgia,osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, automatic dysfunction and now they think I also have lupus. It's overwhelming and hard. After much struggling I am learning to accept that it is what it is. Although it's not easy I try to take care of myself the best I can and live each day to the fullest. Most days I can't do much of anything but I can still try to enjoy the little things.

[Ricobord]

I am so sorry to read your story. You can't do all this by yourself.  Do you have family who can step in and help? Is your husband in the service? If so, there are often local organizations or wives groups that might be able to help. Are you a part of a church or religious organization?  They also offer support to members who need help.

Do not hesitate to ask for help. You are going through a particularly rough time, and this is the time to ask friends and family. I know when I was overwhelmed, it was such a relief to see how many people stepped up to help, giving me rides to appointments, taking care of my little one, bringing meals, etc.

Going gluten free is an excellent idea.  It has been linked to multiple autoimmune disorders, and one theory is that it is the precursor to many of them. It is difficult to do, as there is so much food out there with gluten in it,  but if you feel better, it is worth it.  I also recommend Vit D (which you are probably already on given the MS dx, and magnesium (600mg/day of a kind ending in -ate), which really helps the nervous system function as it should.  

Just take one day at a time. Hang in there!

[bagheesmom]

Wish I had some words of wisdom for you or some great advice, unfortunaltely I dont. Just wanted to let you know that you are not alone, I was dx with Fibro years ago but in the last 6 months have been dx with Chiari malformation, thyroid nodules(awaiting my next biopsy in September) and now possible MS dx(headed to MS specialist Friday). Sometimes its so overwhelming, I completely understand! Just know you are in my thoughts and you're not alone :) Hang in there

[luvnGod]

Out of curiosity....have you been checked for Celiac Disease?  I definitely don't want to be throwing something else out there, but ingesting gluten when you have the disease can cause all sorts of complications, including hypothyroidism, neuropathy, joint issues, etc.  Just a thought.  

I will be in prayer for you.  It always seems when it rains it pours.  So often in my life when I feel like I'm drowning and I'm at the bottom, the only direction to look is up!  I LOVE what Lu Lu said about putting it "in its own corner and allow the other things in our life to occupy the other space".  It should never have all of you.  It's a part of your life now, but it's not the only part!

Blessings to you and many prayers!
Stacie

[marlo34]

I have another disease--lupus--and my neuro suspects MS--I am not 100% diagnosed, but I have a positive MRI. We shall see.
I know what you are going through. I am kind of in the same boat as far as googling constantly goes.
I hope things start to look up for you.

[Lulu54]

I'm listening and wish I had a magic wand to make it all better.  Coping with the idea of a chronic disease can be tough enough, throw in a few more and you can begin to feel like your are drowning in health problems.  

The one suggestion I can make is perhaps you would benefit from talking with a counselor?  It doesn't have to be a long-term therapeutic relationship.. just someone to help you find a way to ground yourself .  I'm not sure that we move on from this spot, but we do have to find a way to put it into its own corner and allow the other things in our life to occupy the other space.  I hope that makes sense somehow, someway.

The feeling of helplessness is the worst and  I hope you will find away to regain control of parts of your life.

hugs,
Lu