Coping with Chronic and Progressive Conditions

Ive got mobility devices and honestly have to just find new things and that's hard sometimes

I'm bedridden until my 2nd surgery in a few weeks. I have my 14 year old daughter wash my hair and help keep up with the house cleaning. I'm currently on Prednisone and Gabapentin with Tylenol and Ibuprofen around the clock. I'm bawling my eyes out in pain. I can't even roll over in bed much. I have my daughter push me around the house in my office chair when I need something. I'm hoping this surgery will help me soon so I can walk again.

Knightstar, what an excellent idea! I am currently using Meals on Wheels, I'm also applying for Medicaid.I may not qualify for everything, but I'm trying. The more you can do for yourself, including asking for help, the better off you are!! Wonderful idea!!!

I have been using resources from the aging and disability center. They hooked me up with a care coordinator and a home nurse. They are helping me find housing. They got me a shower chair and said that I can get braces and other medical stuff from them. They give me rides to appointments and stuff. Also they said that when I am having too hard of a time with the chores they will have someone come over and help with that too. It was very hard for me to ask for help but I am appreciating it a lot now that I have it.

Auntie, I completely agree with Mariposita. Keep doing everything that you can. Some days are more difficult than other days. But the problem with just giving up is that you will loose abilities. And this would put you in an even worse place than where you are now. I am 70. I have lost a few abilities and they're extremely difficult to get back. I would also recommend that you see someone for your mental health. Depression will make it even more difficult to keep trying. I see a psychiatrist every month and I'm taking 2 antidepressants. I miss having my own car and the freedom that a car gives. I miss living on my own. But I live with my younger son and his family. I could go on, but the. "I miss" list could go on forever. I know it's extremely hard, but keep trying. I promise, that you'll be glad that you did. Remember to celebrate your victories, no matter how small!!!

I’m in pain everyday. It’s gotten progressively worse over the years. My OA is in every joint so something, somewhere hurts all the time. There are so many things I cannot do anymore and it’s really frustrating. My abilities are very limited. No wonder I’m depressed.

Honestly? I do what I can. Some days it takes all of my strength and my willpower to do anything, much less work or have fun. Even on good days, I’m in pain, I just act like I’m okay because I know people get tired of hearing it.