The chronic illness thread

[doomstation55]

About 5 years ago when I was 17 I had a numb foot for over a week. I couldn't really balance, it was not really painful but very odd. I went to a foot doctor who recommended a neurologist. I couldn't actually see a real neurologist being under the age of 18, so I went to a pediatric neurologist who was a nice woman but had no fucking idea what was wrong. Finally when I was 19 I had similar symptoms and went to see a real neurologist who (after some MRI's and whatnot) diagnosed me with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time I was in Chicago (burbs) for the summer and was moving back to Denver in a few weeks. My parents somewhat lead me to believe that I didn't actually have it and should get a second opinion. At this point I was having a lot of trouble balancing and doing what used to be pretty normal, but I was kind of on and off skating wise in college anyway. I was drinking/partying/doing some drugs quite a bit almost trying to convince myself I was fine. I was also scared of the medications, which mostly involved options of taking shots daily (which I'm terrified of needles) or weekly but having flu like side effects.

Finally, I made a decision shortly before turning 21 that I should see a doctor out near where I had more or less permanently moved and I was diagnosed. I was super bummed on it, and depression is a natural side effect of the disease to boot. I decided to go with the daily shot (Copaxone) which is really a fantastic drug, no side effects other then the occasional panic attack while injecting. But as you can imagine it sucked, like a lot. Having to plan out taking a shower (which helps cut out the chance of an infection) and stabbing myself with a needle really was not fun for me and lead to more depression, drinking, and drugs. The drugs included a lot of molly unfortunately, which is probably one of the worst things I could have been doing. AFter about a year of taking the drug I jumped on the opportunity to study abroad through my school in Australia.

I have to say while it was one of the most fun 6 months I've had in my life, I basically stopped taking the shots daily and was more like 2-3 times a week. I continued to drink and use drugs and occasionally felt depressed. When I got back after about a month my prescription shots ran out and I had to order more, they said I had to see the doctor. Once again I was too afraid/nervous about seeing him again, so I put it off for a year and a half and stopped the meds. I feel fine for the most part, but I just sometimes lose balance super easily and skating has definitely felt a lot different.

I finally went to see my doctor for the first time in 2 years a couple of weeks ago, got a new MRI scan (of my brain and spine) on Monday, and I am going in to see what options I have for medication in the future. The good news is there is a lot more and better options. While Copaxone is still pretty safe, there are 2 oral medications or the option of taking a medication by IV once a month for 3 hours. I have to say I'm nervous as hell still but I feel pretty good about it. I still skate as much as I can and I'm not terrible, but sometimes feel like a kook cuz I lose balance pushing sometimes or stuff like that, but I can still do a lot of tricks I'm psyched on!

Anywho I have no idea what will come of this, and honestly one of the hardest parts still is telling people. A lot of my friends I still don't want to tell because it makes me feel weaker, but I guess one day I'll have to tell 'em or they'll figure it out if/when I need a cane to walk.

 Also thank god I made it through school and got a 9-5 that has health benefits cuz that shit is fucking expensive (yearly Copaxone shots cost $28,000). I feel like I sold out sometimes getting an office job, but once it's 5:00 I'm free to skate!

[paraquat]

About 5 years ago when I was 17 I had a numb foot for over a week. I couldn't really balance, it was not really painful but very odd. I went to a foot doctor who recommended a neurologist. I couldn't actually see a real neurologist being under the age of 18, so I went to a pediatric neurologist who was a nice woman but had no fucking idea what was wrong. Finally when I was 19 I had similar symptoms and went to see a real neurologist who (after some MRI's and whatnot) diagnosed me with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time I was in Chicago (burbs) for the summer and was moving back to Denver in a few weeks. My parents somewhat lead me to believe that I didn't actually have it and should get a second opinion. At this point I was having a lot of trouble balancing and doing what used to be pretty normal, but I was kind of on and off skating wise in college anyway. I was drinking/partying/doing some drugs quite a bit almost trying to convince myself I was fine. I was also scared of the medications, which mostly involved options of taking shots daily (which I'm terrified of needles) or weekly but having flu like side effects.

Finally, I made a decision shortly before turning 21 that I should see a doctor out near where I had more or less permanently moved and I was diagnosed. I was super bummed on it, and depression is a natural side effect of the disease to boot. I decided to go with the daily shot (Copaxone) which is really a fantastic drug, no side effects other then the occasional panic attack while injecting. But as you can imagine it sucked, like a lot. Having to plan out taking a shower (which helps cut out the chance of an infection) and stabbing myself with a needle really was not fun for me and lead to more depression, drinking, and drugs. The drugs included a lot of molly unfortunately, which is probably one of the worst things I could have been doing. AFter about a year of taking the drug I jumped on the opportunity to study abroad through my school in Australia.

I have to say while it was one of the most fun 6 months I've had in my life, I basically stopped taking the shots daily and was more like 2-3 times a week. I continued to drink and use drugs and occasionally felt depressed. When I got back after about a month my prescription shots ran out and I had to order more, they said I had to see the doctor. Once again I was too afraid/nervous about seeing him again, so I put it off for a year and a half and stopped the meds. I feel fine for the most part, but I just sometimes lose balance super easily and skating has definitely felt a lot different.

I finally went to see my doctor for the first time in 2 years a couple of weeks ago, got a new MRI scan (of my brain and spine) on Monday, and I am going in to see what options I have for medication in the future. The good news is there is a lot more and better options. While Copaxone is still pretty safe, there are 2 oral medications or the option of taking a medication by IV once a month for 3 hours. I have to say I'm nervous as hell still but I feel pretty good about it. I still skate as much as I can and I'm not terrible, but sometimes feel like a kook cuz I lose balance pushing sometimes or stuff like that, but I can still do a lot of tricks I'm psyched on!

Anywho I have no idea what will come of this, and honestly one of the hardest parts still is telling people. A lot of my friends I still don't want to tell because it makes me feel weaker, but I guess one day I'll have to tell 'em or they'll figure it out if/when I need a cane to walk.

 Also thank god I made it through school and got a 9-5 that has health benefits cuz that shit is fucking expensive (yearly Copaxone shots cost $28,000). I feel like I sold out sometimes getting an office job, but once it's 5:00 I'm free to skate!

Damn. Considering, you seem to be doing good man. All you can do is live well and it seems like you are doing that.

[GAY]

About 5 years ago when I was 17 I had a numb foot for over a week. I couldn't really balance, it was not really painful but very odd. I went to a foot doctor who recommended a neurologist. I couldn't actually see a real neurologist being under the age of 18, so I went to a pediatric neurologist who was a nice woman but had no fucking idea what was wrong. Finally when I was 19 I had similar symptoms and went to see a real neurologist who (after some MRI's and whatnot) diagnosed me with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time I was in Chicago (burbs) for the summer and was moving back to Denver in a few weeks. My parents somewhat lead me to believe that I didn't actually have it and should get a second opinion. At this point I was having a lot of trouble balancing and doing what used to be pretty normal, but I was kind of on and off skating wise in college anyway. I was drinking/partying/doing some drugs quite a bit almost trying to convince myself I was fine. I was also scared of the medications, which mostly involved options of taking shots daily (which I'm terrified of needles) or weekly but having flu like side effects.

Finally, I made a decision shortly before turning 21 that I should see a doctor out near where I had more or less permanently moved and I was diagnosed. I was super bummed on it, and depression is a natural side effect of the disease to boot. I decided to go with the daily shot (Copaxone) which is really a fantastic drug, no side effects other then the occasional panic attack while injecting. But as you can imagine it sucked, like a lot. Having to plan out taking a shower (which helps cut out the chance of an infection) and stabbing myself with a needle really was not fun for me and lead to more depression, drinking, and drugs. The drugs included a lot of molly unfortunately, which is probably one of the worst things I could have been doing. AFter about a year of taking the drug I jumped on the opportunity to study abroad through my school in Australia.

I have to say while it was one of the most fun 6 months I've had in my life, I basically stopped taking the shots daily and was more like 2-3 times a week. I continued to drink and use drugs and occasionally felt depressed. When I got back after about a month my prescription shots ran out and I had to order more, they said I had to see the doctor. Once again I was too afraid/nervous about seeing him again, so I put it off for a year and a half and stopped the meds. I feel fine for the most part, but I just sometimes lose balance super easily and skating has definitely felt a lot different.

I finally went to see my doctor for the first time in 2 years a couple of weeks ago, got a new MRI scan (of my brain and spine) on Monday, and I am going in to see what options I have for medication in the future. The good news is there is a lot more and better options. While Copaxone is still pretty safe, there are 2 oral medications or the option of taking a medication by IV once a month for 3 hours. I have to say I'm nervous as hell still but I feel pretty good about it. I still skate as much as I can and I'm not terrible, but sometimes feel like a kook cuz I lose balance pushing sometimes or stuff like that, but I can still do a lot of tricks I'm psyched on!

Anywho I have no idea what will come of this, and honestly one of the hardest parts still is telling people. A lot of my friends I still don't want to tell because it makes me feel weaker, but I guess one day I'll have to tell 'em or they'll figure it out if/when I need a cane to walk.

 Also thank god I made it through school and got a 9-5 that has health benefits cuz that shit is fucking expensive (yearly Copaxone shots cost $28,000). I feel like I sold out sometimes getting an office job, but once it's 5:00 I'm free to skate!

What a fucking story, man! Stoked that you shared it here...seriously thanks for sharing that stuff.

There's this HIV med that is out which is kind of like the, "Oh shit every other drug has stopped working and I'm fucked" HIV med. It involves giving yourself a shot in the stomach once a day and I'm so terrified of it...I think that's why I take my drugs like such a trooper, because the more strict I am with my regimen the better my chances at not having to switch drugs due to them not working. Most of them I wouldn't stress over, but I am also quickly bummed out by needles and the idea of using them on myself scares me to death. Like, I wonder if I'd pass out and then fall on the needle or some horrible thing like that.

Anyway, you didn't sell out. Everybody gets office jobs. We all have to survive in this cold, hard, cruel world. LOL And health insurance for someone like you or myself who needs to use it on the regular is basically a necessity.

Take it easy man.

[69]

check it out GAY! a new HIV!!!!!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/health/for-gay-men-a-fear-that-feels-familiar.html?pagewanted=all&_r=4&

[Blind Fisherman]

I'm never plagued with illnesses, but I am plagued with injuries. For the past 4 years, around the same time of year, I end up breaking something or tearing something. It's a miracle for me to actually be able to skate during the summer months nowadays. 3 years ago, I fractured my tibia. The year after that, I tore my ACL and shattered my meniscus in my left knee and had to get surgery. I skipped any major injuries the next year... This year back in February, I broke my ankle and my, I think, fifth metatarsal. This past Tuesday, I found out I have a chipped bone in the internal part of my ankle. It's not bothering me, but it still sucks to know that I'm always injured.

Also, GAY, you're a brave man for being so open and honest with us about your having HIV. Thanks for sharing, dude.

[doomstation55]

About 5 years ago when I was 17 I had a numb foot for over a week. I couldn't really balance, it was not really painful but very odd. I went to a foot doctor who recommended a neurologist. I couldn't actually see a real neurologist being under the age of 18, so I went to a pediatric neurologist who was a nice woman but had no fucking idea what was wrong. Finally when I was 19 I had similar symptoms and went to see a real neurologist who (after some MRI's and whatnot) diagnosed me with Multiple Sclerosis. At the time I was in Chicago (burbs) for the summer and was moving back to Denver in a few weeks. My parents somewhat lead me to believe that I didn't actually have it and should get a second opinion. At this point I was having a lot of trouble balancing and doing what used to be pretty normal, but I was kind of on and off skating wise in college anyway. I was drinking/partying/doing some drugs quite a bit almost trying to convince myself I was fine. I was also scared of the medications, which mostly involved options of taking shots daily (which I'm terrified of needles) or weekly but having flu like side effects.

Finally, I made a decision shortly before turning 21 that I should see a doctor out near where I had more or less permanently moved and I was diagnosed. I was super bummed on it, and depression is a natural side effect of the disease to boot. I decided to go with the daily shot (Copaxone) which is really a fantastic drug, no side effects other then the occasional panic attack while injecting. But as you can imagine it sucked, like a lot. Having to plan out taking a shower (which helps cut out the chance of an infection) and stabbing myself with a needle really was not fun for me and lead to more depression, drinking, and drugs. The drugs included a lot of molly unfortunately, which is probably one of the worst things I could have been doing. AFter about a year of taking the drug I jumped on the opportunity to study abroad through my school in Australia.

I have to say while it was one of the most fun 6 months I've had in my life, I basically stopped taking the shots daily and was more like 2-3 times a week. I continued to drink and use drugs and occasionally felt depressed. When I got back after about a month my prescription shots ran out and I had to order more, they said I had to see the doctor. Once again I was too afraid/nervous about seeing him again, so I put it off for a year and a half and stopped the meds. I feel fine for the most part, but I just sometimes lose balance super easily and skating has definitely felt a lot different.

I finally went to see my doctor for the first time in 2 years a couple of weeks ago, got a new MRI scan (of my brain and spine) on Monday, and I am going in to see what options I have for medication in the future. The good news is there is a lot more and better options. While Copaxone is still pretty safe, there are 2 oral medications or the option of taking a medication by IV once a month for 3 hours. I have to say I'm nervous as hell still but I feel pretty good about it. I still skate as much as I can and I'm not terrible, but sometimes feel like a kook cuz I lose balance pushing sometimes or stuff like that, but I can still do a lot of tricks I'm psyched on!

Anywho I have no idea what will come of this, and honestly one of the hardest parts still is telling people. A lot of my friends I still don't want to tell because it makes me feel weaker, but I guess one day I'll have to tell 'em or they'll figure it out if/when I need a cane to walk.

 Also thank god I made it through school and got a 9-5 that has health benefits cuz that shit is fucking expensive (yearly Copaxone shots cost $28,000). I feel like I sold out sometimes getting an office job, but once it's 5:00 I'm free to skate!

What a fucking story, man! Stoked that you shared it here...seriously thanks for sharing that stuff.

There's this HIV med that is out which is kind of like the, "Oh shit every other drug has stopped working and I'm fucked" HIV med. It involves giving yourself a shot in the stomach once a day and I'm so terrified of it...I think that's why I take my drugs like such a trooper, because the more strict I am with my regimen the better my chances at not having to switch drugs due to them not working. Most of them I wouldn't stress over, but I am also quickly bummed out by needles and the idea of using them on myself scares me to death. Like, I wonder if I'd pass out and then fall on the needle or some horrible thing like that.

Anyway, you didn't sell out. Everybody gets office jobs. We all have to survive in this cold, hard, cruel world. LOL And health insurance for someone like you or myself who needs to use it on the regular is basically a necessity.

Take it easy man.

The stomach shots were typically not that bad, maybe cuz I had a bit of a beer belly... But there were 5 shot locations including the flabby part of ur arm and ur thigh. There's an autoject thing to make it easy, I just was not ready to have that for the rest of my life. I went back to the doctor to get my prescription refilled on it but if these other options could be worth it.

[GAY]

check it out GAY! a new HIV!!!!!!

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/05/19/health/for-gay-men-a-fear-that-feels-familiar.html?pagewanted=all&_r=4&

I appreciate all the work you're doing to keep me informed, but I wouldn't even read that article if it mentioned me by name for some weird reason...I'm too dum to undrstnd it.

[69]

take appropriate action GAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

[69]

http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/boy-scouts-of-america-takes-historic-step-forward-for-gay-scouts-leaves-gay

[69]

good job brazil

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/judges-clear-way-gay-marriage-throughout-brazil140513

[69]

LOL!!!!! #YOLO

Proefkonijnen, Dutch guys giving birth. English subs!	Small | Large

[GAY]

This thread has been great and I really appreciate everybody contributing, so I refuse to let foolishness from someone who obviously doesn't deal with illness in his or her life derail it...therefore I've ignored 69 and am bumping the thread.

[Blind Fisherman]

Bump. As I have nothing left to contribute, but want to see this thread live on.

[layzieyez]

One thing I want to add about my sleep apnea.  Does anyone here enjoy dreaming?  Imagine being robbed of any dream for years.  Since my apnea occurs in rem sleep, that's what I really lost before I was diagnosed and treated.  I was depressed and on medication for my depression since I was tired all the time and felt really hopeless.  Now couple that with being deployed in the navy away from my wife and daughter.  I'm happy that things are much better now, but it got scary for a bit.

[GAY]

One thing I want to add about my sleep apnea.  Does anyone here enjoy dreaming?  Imagine being robbed of any dream for years.  Since my apnea occurs in rem sleep, that's what I really lost before I was diagnosed and treated.  I was depressed and on medication for my depression since I was tired all the time and felt really hopeless.  Now couple that with being deployed in the navy away from my wife and daughter.  I'm happy that things are much better now, but it got scary for a bit.

I'm kind of bonkers about dreaming...I've had periods in my life where I was depressed in real life and so I would look forward to dreaming because everything was so much better. Now I'm not feeling like that, but I'm still way into dreaming. I tend to think about my dreams a lot...I don't keep a journal because I feel like that would turn dreaming into work, but I trip out on the way my brain creates stories on the fly like that. Quite bizarre.

It's also amazing to me how I'll revisit places that only exist in my dreams...and sometimes I won't revisit them for years at a time but then when I go back I remember after I wake up that I was in that neighborhood again or some crazy shit. I fly a lot in my dreams too. Dreams are the best. I have known people who don't dream and I wonder if they were also experiencing some sort of sleep apnea.

I skate a lot in dreams too...it's weird because if I'm not doing something I love in my real life (like drugs or skating for example) I dream about them all the time. I've been sober for almost 10 years but I still dream about smoking weed or meth pretty regularly. I think it's so trippy. And the same thing goes for skating: if I haven't skated in a while I'll start dreaming about it. I can always manual forever in my dreams...I'll just ollie up something and lock into a manual and roll forever. Guess I really dream big.

[noileum]

i had crohn's for 8 years or so.� I say had, because I had to have an emergency colectomy a couple years ago.� If that hadn't happened, I would have had it for the rest of my life.� It's been talked to death under my old account on here so I won't get into all the details, but it was a pretty hellish experience.� Still trying to adjust to living a normal life.� Its a lot harder than I thought it would be.�

Another crohner here - had it for 10 yrs now.  Went down to 8 stone (from 13) in the space of a couple of months and was then rushed in for an op to have about 5 ft of my small\large intestines removed

Managing it with diet mainly - had a few small flare up (abscesses in my colon) which were not pleasant but at least I'm not now having my organs crushed against my rib cage when I get a blockage