Feeling down due to fatigue & undiagnosed health issues

[Elizabeth CP]

I haven't been using the forums much apart from a couple of responses to others posts. I stopped as I was too busy & trying to keep up with the forums was becoming too stressful. In September My husband went to Europe which was great although tiring due to the pace of the tour we did. Unfortunately a few days before returning home I fell heavily on concrete steps hurting my right side. I continued on relying on icepacks to manage the pain. I couldn't sleep because of the pain when lying down. The last day I came down with a bad cold which developed into a chest infection later on. The pain eased after 6 weeks & I recovered from the chest infection but have ongoing problems with fatigue & abdominal discomfort. My GP arranged pathology tests. The blood tests are normal but urine isn't. Today I was sent for a ultrasound of kidneys & bladder. Next week I have a gastroscopy & colonoscopy. My stress levels seem to be escalating out of proportion each time I see the GP & get sent for more tests. Prior to my accident my mental health issues were settling down but the last week it is much worse. I have lost my temper a few times in the last week without much provocation. This is not normal for me. I have been on a diet for several months but I am now finding it really hard to stick to it I just want to go & eat food I know will make me feel worse. The diet is a healthy one which I normally find easy to stick to because the food is satisfying.

I just want to get back on track & feel in control of my life & not feel so stressed & down. I also feel guilty for feeling this way because There is no confirmation of a serious illness.

[Doolhof]

Hi Elizabeth and All Reading here,

It has been some time since I have been on the forum so I have not read a lot of what has been happening lately for people.

Elizabeth, I did pick up that you are really struggling at present and that you have found strategies that have not helped in the past are not helping so much now.

I've been seeing a lady recently and she has tossed most of my ideas about mental health on their heads.

She is encouraging me to continue on with good things even though I don't think they are working as sub consciously they are.

I told her I had a massive panic attack at home the other day and drove away in a horrid state. She congratulated me and told me I had done a massive thing as I had taken myself away from the situation that was escalating how I was feeling.

What I thought of as running away and made me feel useless as I ended up crying in the car for hours, she hailed as being healing and restorative!

It maybe that you can't just get in your car and drive away. Are there ways in your mind you can stop all those negative thoughts for a moment and picture something beautiful. Even if it is fleeting, it is a start.

I am learning to picture a STOP sign in my mind which I will then follow with a peaceful scene.

Deep breaths help me too.

All the best, cheers from Doolhof

[Elizabeth CP]

Thanks Dools I'm sorry I didn't reply earlier but we have been overseas!!! Not ideal time but trip was planned ages ago before my husband got sick & Corona virus emerged. Things went well until duststorm affected husband leaving him coughing & triggering other issues. Arrived back yesterday but now husband being checked in hospital just in case. I felt much better away from Australia-heat & fire risk but now stressed about my husband & trying to pick up the pieces of my life while in isolation so plans shredded once again.

[Elizabeth CP]

The plans I made earlier to get help so I could recover have not worked out. Someone was trying to organise for me to have a get away with other carers to have a complete break but that will no longer happen. I'm very unsure if I can get the help I need around the house to get on top of things because of all the restrictions due to the virus. My daughter had applied for work back here but even if she's offered a job she won't be able to fly home. My sister was going to visit next week but cancelled because she can't get here. She never took out Australian citizenship before moving to the US to get married so Australia is closed to her.

Husband isn't well but can't see a doctor. He's already been tested for the virus & showed no infection. Visit to his specialist has to take place on skype not in person. He has an appointment for a procedure in May but we were told it may be cancelled due to virus & pressure on hospitals. Unsure how things will go and how I'll cope

[mocha delight]

Hi Elizabeth I think all this drama is effecting us all in some way or other that’s for sure. Like today I was supposed to have a appointment with my gp burnt I got word yesterday it was changed to a phone appointment. That is after a week today of being on a antidepressant for the first time ever (well a one weeks trail of half a antidepressant of the lowest dosage of it you can be on that is) but from tomorrow as per her instructions I’m going to a full tablet. Then I’ll see how I go before I have another phone appointment in a weeks time. So it’s effecting everyone but I hope things start improving sooner rather then later and I hope your husband can get the procedure he needs and that things improve for you to. And if you ever need to chat I’m here for you ok 🤗

[blondguy]

Hi Elizabeth

Good on you both for taking the time out for some R&R overseas!! That is great news 🙂 Its a relief to know that your husband was doing well prior to going overseas

have a good weekend

[Croix]

Dear Elizabeth~

Worry, frustration and shifting goalposts as the virus becomes more common are so hard to deal with.

What can I say?, Well your huband is unbelievably lucky to have a partner that loves and cares as you do, and I'm sure if there is a way to get help then for either of you you will find it.

I'm sorry about your sister, sometimes it is hard to predict what might be needed.

Inside all these tragedies if you found something you held dear from your past and wished to relate it to relive the mind I'd be delighted to listen, even swap.

Croix

[Elizabeth CP]

Thanks Croix Paul & Mocha, I think any benefit from the break is undone now!!! Sorry Croix I am too stressed to think of anything positive. Spent today on the phone to get advice but just pushed from one organisation to the next. Ended up ringing the police!!! At least he was a human and prepared to provide advice based on common sense instead of worrying about the letter of the law. We currently have no water or working toilets after my husband tried to fix the leaking toilet unsuccessfully. Being in isolation not supposed to go to the shop to buy part or to let anyone into the house to fix it. Police agreed that it was ok to allow someone in under the circumstances but have to remain in a different room.

My husband is sick but we can't wash our hands or dishes etc.

Supposed to see the psychiatrist on Wed but can't find out if it can be done remotely.

Sorry I just feel hopeless with normal supports all withdrawn.

[Elizabeth CP]

Currently feel I'd be better off with the virus then I'd either recover & be immune or die and not have to worry!!!

[Croix]

Dear Elizabeth~

That was a most unfortunate attempt. I guess it is a question now of finding someone to fix the plumbing, I'm glad the police were realistic.

Croix

[Ggrand]

Hello Elizabeth..🤗...and Croix..🤗.

I read your last post and got teary...Please be gentle on you..If I could I would give you a caring hug from my heart...

You’ve been doing it hard for so long and wish I could say something that would help you..

The water in my town is not really drinkable..the council says it is, but it destroys kettles in a month because of all the scale it produces...What I do is I take 12 litre bottle to the next town..35 kilometres away..then fill them and when I get home I put them onto one of those water dispensers that you find in a Drs surgeries...I use this to drink or cook with...I understand that you haven’t got running water for showers etc...that would be so difficult to manage...If you have a 4litre plus container. Maybe a park near by or a neighbour can fill it for you..to at least have water for hot drinks, and maybe your dishes etc..until the repairman can come and fix it for you...

I am also in isolation, as so many other people are..and am finding it hard..without my volunteer work and my mental health supporter coming to visit me...It’s going to be hard dear Elizabeth, but it is do able..please believe that..

Have you heard of sleep stories...they are very relaxing and calming to listen to while your laying down trying to sleep..the stories are gentle, as well as the reader has a soft calming voice...it helps the mind to rest from negativity for a while...and before sleep I think that’s what is important for a restful sleep..Maybe Elizabeth do you think you could that a try..I think you will enjoy them..

Please look after you...the best you can...you are a very courageous, strong and beautiful person...

Sending you my care, love and hugs 🌈💜🤗..

Grandy...