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.

[Elizabeth CP]

I'm still stuck with telehealth hand therapy even though Vic has largely lifted restrictions. Don't know how effective it will be but at least she won't be giving me the wrong advice. In the meantime I will try to do whatever I think will help knowing I can't injure myself. It is not ideal but better than doing nothing.

I'm feeling very tired and a bit stressed.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Elizabeth CP,

We are so sorry to hear that you are feeling tired and stressed. We understand that this must be very overwhelming, especially with all these issues with your hand and telehealth. Please know that you never have to go through this alone, and support is always here for you.

If you would like to talk to someone about this, we would recommend that you get in contact with the Beyond Blue Support Service. They are available 24/7 by phone on 1300 22 4636 or on Webchat 1pm-12am AEST on our website: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport  One of our friendly counsellors will be able to talk through these feelings with you and can offer support, advice and referrals.

We also strongly urge that in overwhelming moments you get in touch with our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).

We hope that you will find some comfort here on the forums. Please feel free to keep reaching out here on your thread whenever you feel up to it.

[demonblaster]

Hi there dear Elizabeth Doolsy Sophie and readers ☺

Wow it's a good thing knowing what's happening with our health isn't it. Easier to know what to do about it. Good news although it'll take some time that it'll heal. I'm sure you'll look after it and be very gentle. Frustrating eh but certainly worth it for recovery.

I think stress comes on us with tiredness, possibly because we're not running on all batteries the body gives us a boost of ups that can be quite strong and difficult to control if we're struggling as you have been for quite some time now poor lady.

I haven't been on the walking thread for ages but saw you'd posted so I'm guessing you've been getting some exercise which is great for mood sleep and tension release. I will get back there I've been slowly easing back to flat walking. It's good isn't it being out amongst it and being amongst nature or just out can be refreshing.

I find it good to think of good memories which I try often to do. I know you've had some lovely walks at times or maybe a good TV show favourite food good book etc. By trying to feel it all over can be uplifting even if only for a few seconds it shifts our focus in a lighter way

I hope Elizabeth you can get through this ok I know you've been struggling hard for a while, too long.

Something we do in hard times esp when we're tired is follow negative thoughts which avalanche if we aren't aware of them. It uses a lot of energy which I think we can turn for our benefit by thinking of ways we can get through or improve the situation. I've had success getting mad at being so incredibly low I came out of it a bit at times enough to work from there.

Any positive thoughts plans or as mentioned memories all give our minds reprieve from constant downward spiral. I like the gratitude idea too I find it tends to have a good grounding mindfulness.

Do you like any type of music or have hobbies hun?

I care as many here do about you Elizabeth.

Hope you sleep well tonight nice and warm and wake feeling refreshed.

See you later hun. You can and will rise above this. You're a survivor ☺⚘

[Doolhof]

Hi Elizabeth,

I am sorry to read you are feeling tired and stressed. Sophie has suggested calling the support services. I have done that in the past and find it helps me, as does sharing with the amazing people here on this forum. This is a very caring community of people.

Later today I am going to find a sheltered place in the garden and I am going to sit a while with my back to sun while I read.

Is there something you can do to help for even a moment to relieve your stress a little ?

Thinking of you from Dools

[Elizabeth CP]

I'm struggling with bad headaches and fatigue. The frequent lockdowns make it difficult to move forward as so many things that help get cancelled. My psych wants me to go away to get some respite from caring for my husband. I booked to go away this coming week but now that has to be cancelled. I managed to cope with the last LD by constantly reminding myself it would stop a longer one but this one before we really opened up has thrown me. I think I was already burnt out and stressed trying to cope with competing demands of caring for my husband which includes a number of specialist appointments to deal with serious complications of his condition. On top of this I'm dealing with ongoing pain and difficulty using my left hand which makes even simple things difficult. Sorry I'm venting but don't have the mental energy to explain myself properly

[demonblaster]

Hi there dear Elizabeth and readers ☺

Ah darls you're really doin the hard yards atm aren't you. I'm sorry hearing your hands still giving you grief poor thing.

Hoping the LD won't be for too much longer then you can have your well deserved break. Poor lady with so much going on.

Sometimes with bad headaches I get relief massaging the neck deeply. I realise your other hand won't be able to. I wonder could a heat pack help to lesson the tension in your neck.

I'm very sorry you're struggling so much Elizabeth.

Hope at least it's a nice sunny day there giving some much needed light in your life.

No need to be sorry you did well saying how it is.

Care support and a warm hug 🤗 if you're a hugger ☺

💗

[Elizabeth CP]

I feel like giving up. Life is no longer worth living. I have no hope of changing anything.

[Sophie_M]

Hi ElizabethCP, 

We are so sorry to hear that you are feeling so low right now, it sounds like there must be a lot going on in your life. We hope that you can see how much courage it takes to post how you are feeling and to seek support from this community, this is such a brave act and it shows that you have a lot of strength. 

We are concerned about you and want to encrouage you to check-in by giving us a call on 1300 22 4636, our team are here for you 24/7 to talk through what is happening in your life and to support you to find help in the community. We are here for you, you don't have to go through this alone. You can also call our friends at Lifelin 13 11 14 if you prefer. They are also kind, understanding and supportive. 

We think that it could be really helpful as well to speak to a GP or other memebr of your treatment team about these feelings. It is ok not to be ok, but these supports can be really helpful when feeling like you do. 

If you ever feel unsafe, it is important to see this as an emergenecy and to call 000. 

Thankyou again for sharing how you are feeling and for reaching our for support. You never know who might see your post and feel less alone in their own experience. We hope that you can feel comfortable to call us, or another support in your life. You don't have to go through this alone. 

Kind regards,
Sophie M

[Guest_1055]

Oh Elizabeth I am ever so sorry. My heart goes out to you. Wish I could help you.

Would it help you if I reminded you of the influence you have given to all your little grand children. You have spoken of them a lot. The love you have given them and have for them comes across in your posts. And it's you, the person you that has given this. The love from a grandparent (you) is special.

And you always come across as having much loyalty and care for your husband. Two qualities that I admire. Please don't lose heart. You are truly beautiful. And also adventurous. You have passed that adventure spirit in to your children lives and into the lives of all your little grandchildren.

And also feelings as painful as they can be sometimes lie to us.

Much care to you Elizabeth

Shelley xx

[demonblaster]

Hey there dear Elizabeth ☺

It's really hard where you're at you poor love I do know how it feels to be that deep in depression making us feel that things won't change. They can and do often dear Elizabeth which is near impossible to believe right now. I know lovey.

Atm the best thing is not to accept and believe everything depression tells us. With time comes change

I'm so sorry so much is happening in your life making you feel like this you dear lady.

Hold on darlin. You're not alone. We gotcha 🤗🤝

💗