I'm in bad trouble and need some help!
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
I'm in bad trouble and need some help!
Hi everyone! I've been away for a while now but am back and asking for suggestions and help. I had to go to Colorado to help put my mom into skilled nursing and a hospice program. My sister is bipolar and won't admit it. She said some things to me that ripped out my heart and I'm still licking my wounds. I was already full of grief for my mom because she's dying. Then my sister goes and rips off my head and shits down my neck. It was horrible. When I got back home to NM, I fell apart in everyway imaginable...physically, emotionally, mentally. My husband is 2000 miles away and here I am alone with the mega flare from hell and I was way to sick to return to work as planned. For that I got CRUCIFIED!!! And I'm not kidding. I have NEVER in my entire career been treated so badly. In the last six weeks I've dropped 35 pounds. I did have some of the weight to spare but not anymore. I'm getting dangerously thin and food simply revolts me. I don't know what to do. I eat things I know are safe for me and yet I still vomit them right back up. I had my doctor put me on scopolamine and am STILL so nauseated when I eat I'm just absolutely worthless for hours afterwards. You have to eat to live and I'm in trouble here. I've never been this ill before and am starting to get outright scared. My thought processes are muddled and I have a very difficult job. I'm angry and hate coming into work which is just adding to my problems. HELP! Does anyone have some suggestions I can try? I'm not even going to get to see my husband for Christmas and am just devastated by that. It was one lifeline that I had and it's been taken away from me. I think all the stress may be the problem but this is horrifying. I'm afraid to get on the scale and I really don't need to anymore...I've gone down four clothes sizes and that speaks for itself. I'm depressed and so alone. Just writing this is making me cry. I need my MC family right now!
Kim "The Outhouse Polka Queen"
Raynaud's Disease, 1982
Thyroid Disease, 2007
Collagenous Colitis, 2010
Raynaud's Disease, 1982
Thyroid Disease, 2007
Collagenous Colitis, 2010
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
oh Kim
what a tough situation to be in....
I have been there a few times myself - in the past 3 years I have had to move 4 times, (one of them a major move interstate) got made redundant, dealt with the welfare system, and had to deal with very toxic family situations, so can speak from experience here.
at this stage, the main part of healing is the mental and emotional aspects, so you can calm the body to embrace food
-breathing exercises to relax before meals - http://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/b ... exercises/
- lots of podcasts /audiobooks to calm your mind, and help you heal a bit emotionally from what has happened with family /work etc
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22350
dont focus on the food, weight aspects for now,
another suggestion is things like acupuncture it can help calm the nerves/unsettlement, calm the gut etc.
hope this helps - healing hugs
XO
what a tough situation to be in....
I have been there a few times myself - in the past 3 years I have had to move 4 times, (one of them a major move interstate) got made redundant, dealt with the welfare system, and had to deal with very toxic family situations, so can speak from experience here.
at this stage, the main part of healing is the mental and emotional aspects, so you can calm the body to embrace food
-breathing exercises to relax before meals - http://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/b ... exercises/
- lots of podcasts /audiobooks to calm your mind, and help you heal a bit emotionally from what has happened with family /work etc
http://www.perskyfarms.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=22350
dont focus on the food, weight aspects for now,
another suggestion is things like acupuncture it can help calm the nerves/unsettlement, calm the gut etc.
hope this helps - healing hugs
XO
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Hi Kim,
I feel very sorry for you that you have to experience this. I know from experience how destroying this kind of family-issues is. And if your health is not ok, evrything is much much more worse.
I don't have a real advise, only to stay with yourself and to positive thinking. You sound as a mental very healthy person, so stick to to that. You are right wat concerns the stress, stress is very bad for us, but you can really do some things to lower the stress. I agree with Gabes about the breath-excercises and mindfullness as you can find on the internet can help a lot. And try to get enough sleep, 9 hours a day if possible. And think about the positive, good things and rely on your own strength!
All the best, Sonja
I feel very sorry for you that you have to experience this. I know from experience how destroying this kind of family-issues is. And if your health is not ok, evrything is much much more worse.
I don't have a real advise, only to stay with yourself and to positive thinking. You sound as a mental very healthy person, so stick to to that. You are right wat concerns the stress, stress is very bad for us, but you can really do some things to lower the stress. I agree with Gabes about the breath-excercises and mindfullness as you can find on the internet can help a lot. And try to get enough sleep, 9 hours a day if possible. And think about the positive, good things and rely on your own strength!
All the best, Sonja
Thank you for the kind replies, ladies. Just knowing that there are people out there who understand what I'm going through helps so much. And I am going to take your advice, Gabes. I'm focusing on the physical aspects of what's going on with my body which is really counterproductive. You're right. It's the mental stress I need to focus on healing first. This mess has been so difficult for me but I need to let it go. I used to do Yoga religiously but haven't been very good about it in the last few months. My spine is horribly damaged from being hit by a truck as a pedestrian, and I believe that yoga, more than anything, is what has kept me functional. I need to get back into my routine and I'm going to start today! Yoga calms the mind and heals the body. That combined with the links you shared are what I need at this point. Stressing about my body & extreme weight loss is only making matters worse for me.
I used to have acupuncture for the pain in my spine, but it's expensive, and the relief only lasted a day or so. It never crossed my mind to try and use it for something like this. The guy I used to go to was good and is still practicing here...so maybe acupuncture would be worth a try. I'll do anything at this point to get my health back on track. Nobody should have to live like this...but it's the hand we were dealt and we have to live with it as best we can.
Man, I'm so hungry right now, but have a meeting at Corporate this afternoon, and am afraid to eat anything before going to that. It would be kind of funny if I just up and barfed all over the conference room table, though!! LOL!! They kind of earned a gross out like that after what they did to me. Just thinking about it makes me laugh and that's a good thing! My spirits have been lifted by my MC family and my only regret is that I didn't reach out sooner! Thank you so much for caring...it means the world to me!
I used to have acupuncture for the pain in my spine, but it's expensive, and the relief only lasted a day or so. It never crossed my mind to try and use it for something like this. The guy I used to go to was good and is still practicing here...so maybe acupuncture would be worth a try. I'll do anything at this point to get my health back on track. Nobody should have to live like this...but it's the hand we were dealt and we have to live with it as best we can.
Man, I'm so hungry right now, but have a meeting at Corporate this afternoon, and am afraid to eat anything before going to that. It would be kind of funny if I just up and barfed all over the conference room table, though!! LOL!! They kind of earned a gross out like that after what they did to me. Just thinking about it makes me laugh and that's a good thing! My spirits have been lifted by my MC family and my only regret is that I didn't reach out sooner! Thank you so much for caring...it means the world to me!
Kim "The Outhouse Polka Queen"
Raynaud's Disease, 1982
Thyroid Disease, 2007
Collagenous Colitis, 2010
Raynaud's Disease, 1982
Thyroid Disease, 2007
Collagenous Colitis, 2010
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Gabes-Apg
- Emperor Penguin
- Posts: 8332
- Joined: Mon Dec 21, 2009 3:12 pm
- Location: Hunter Valley NSW Australia
you are welcome
rather than focussing on eating or not eating - maybe make up this homemade rehydration drink - sip it during the day to keep energy levels balanced
this will help you through the day...
The other thing is taking the bland foods back a step and just have home made bone broth with small amount of protein and maybe one or two veges max.
small serves for breakfast / evening meal.
rather than focussing on eating or not eating - maybe make up this homemade rehydration drink - sip it during the day to keep energy levels balanced
this will help you through the day...
You can make an inexpensive homemade rehydration drink. Measure all ingredients precisely. Small variations can make the drink less effective or even harmful. Mix together:
1 quart (950 ml) water
½ teaspoon (2.5 g) baking soda
½ teaspoon (2.5 g) table salt
3 to 4 tablespoons (45 to 60 g) sugar
If available, add ¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) salt substitute, such as "Lite Salt".
(source http://my.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_ato ... ar=hw86827 ). ( contributed by member Carrie).
The other thing is taking the bland foods back a step and just have home made bone broth with small amount of protein and maybe one or two veges max.
small serves for breakfast / evening meal.
Gabes Ryan
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
"Anything that contradicts experience and logic should be abandoned"
Dalai Lama
Kim,
I'm very sorry that you've been the victim of a perfect storm of stressful events, any of which have the potential to cause an MC flare. Together, they virtually guarantee that your MC will be out of control until you can find a way to get the stress back down to a tolerable level.
Gabes and Sonja are right on target — finding a way to overcome most of the stress that you are under is the key to your recovery. Of course, maintaining a safe diet is also crucial, but the stress is almost certainly in control of your MC symptoms for the moment.
And Brandy's suggestion of a medication to help out in the meantime certainly has merit.
I hope that you will be able to find a way to overcome the stress in order to get past this rough patch in your life.
Tex
I'm very sorry that you've been the victim of a perfect storm of stressful events, any of which have the potential to cause an MC flare. Together, they virtually guarantee that your MC will be out of control until you can find a way to get the stress back down to a tolerable level.
Gabes and Sonja are right on target — finding a way to overcome most of the stress that you are under is the key to your recovery. Of course, maintaining a safe diet is also crucial, but the stress is almost certainly in control of your MC symptoms for the moment.
And Brandy's suggestion of a medication to help out in the meantime certainly has merit.
I hope that you will be able to find a way to overcome the stress in order to get past this rough patch in your life.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
What a roller coaster you have just been on Kim....
What you also need is to just talk...you need someone to talk to that listen, don't judge and you just plain need to talk! You need to get your emotions out whatever they may be, crying, laughing, anger, you are beginning a grieving process due to your mom, be one with it and let it move through you don't try to skirt around how you feel.
Take soothing magnesium baths as many as you need, it will help the body and the mind. Does your husband have a phone that you can facetime or skype with? Email...Text....be sure to contact him when ever you feel the need to. Do you have any other family or friends to turn to (besides us :-) yes were helpful, but when you need to talk you need to do it so you don't stew on things.
Relax.....think of things that made you feel good previous to all this new chaos, try to incorporate some of that back into your life for now.
Is there anyone or anyplace that is having a Christmas dinner that you could join (even with some of your own safe foods).
Big Hugs to you....will be sending you strength and healing during this time.
Erica
What you also need is to just talk...you need someone to talk to that listen, don't judge and you just plain need to talk! You need to get your emotions out whatever they may be, crying, laughing, anger, you are beginning a grieving process due to your mom, be one with it and let it move through you don't try to skirt around how you feel.
Take soothing magnesium baths as many as you need, it will help the body and the mind. Does your husband have a phone that you can facetime or skype with? Email...Text....be sure to contact him when ever you feel the need to. Do you have any other family or friends to turn to (besides us :-) yes were helpful, but when you need to talk you need to do it so you don't stew on things.
Relax.....think of things that made you feel good previous to all this new chaos, try to incorporate some of that back into your life for now.
Is there anyone or anyplace that is having a Christmas dinner that you could join (even with some of your own safe foods).
Big Hugs to you....will be sending you strength and healing during this time.
Erica
To Succeed you have to Believe in something with such a passion that it becomes a Reality - Anita Roddick
Dx LC April 2012 had symptoms since Aug 2007
Dx LC April 2012 had symptoms since Aug 2007
Oh (((Kim)))......your MC family will always be here for you. I'm a newbie but have felt such strong support and good advice here.
Stress is THE worst trigger and you have it in spades! Time for serious, daily self-care. I so agree with all of the above suggestions. I'm no expert but this is what I'd do:
1. Sleep, rest, nap.
2. Deep breathing.
3. Yoga.
4. Get outside in nature just to BE and to BREATHE.
5. Pedialyte/adult electrolytes.
6. Try just a few of your own basic, plain go-to MC foods (that you know your body tolerates); eat them in very small amounts frequently. Drink water; stay hydrated.
7. Take basic supplements.
8. Take organic coconut oil for healing (if tolerated).
9. Play soothing, quiet music.
10. Sit quietly and just BE; meditate.
11. Relax in Epsom salts baths.
12. Talk to people who understand MC.
Sending good thoughts and healing vibes your way. You WILL survive this and live to thrive again. You are STRONG.......we all have to be! (((Hugs)))
Stress is THE worst trigger and you have it in spades! Time for serious, daily self-care. I so agree with all of the above suggestions. I'm no expert but this is what I'd do:
1. Sleep, rest, nap.
2. Deep breathing.
3. Yoga.
4. Get outside in nature just to BE and to BREATHE.
5. Pedialyte/adult electrolytes.
6. Try just a few of your own basic, plain go-to MC foods (that you know your body tolerates); eat them in very small amounts frequently. Drink water; stay hydrated.
7. Take basic supplements.
8. Take organic coconut oil for healing (if tolerated).
9. Play soothing, quiet music.
10. Sit quietly and just BE; meditate.
11. Relax in Epsom salts baths.
12. Talk to people who understand MC.
Sending good thoughts and healing vibes your way. You WILL survive this and live to thrive again. You are STRONG.......we all have to be! (((Hugs)))
Hazel
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UkuleleLady
- Gentoo Penguin
- Posts: 383
- Joined: Sun Jun 23, 2013 4:45 pm
- Location: Texas
When things got really shi**y in my life and my outlook was broken I learned to practice gratitude, live and let live, affirmations, mindfulness and anything to change my mental and emotional state.
I stopped drinking alcohol which was a depressant and I think contributed to inflammation. I did not heal until I stopped drinking and took charge of how I felt about life. I had to work through a lot of negativity and self pity to find acceptance and grow and recover from MC.
It is still a daily battle as my shi**y outlook creeps in and I have to recenter myself and find serenity on a daily basis.
Let go of your sister, or forgive her. You don't have to even tell her you forgive her, just pray for her if you pray. Try to find serenity and acceptance about your mother. I know it's hard, I just lost my sister two weeks ago. Life is too short so I try to be grateful for every experience, even those that are painful.
I stopped drinking alcohol which was a depressant and I think contributed to inflammation. I did not heal until I stopped drinking and took charge of how I felt about life. I had to work through a lot of negativity and self pity to find acceptance and grow and recover from MC.
It is still a daily battle as my shi**y outlook creeps in and I have to recenter myself and find serenity on a daily basis.
Let go of your sister, or forgive her. You don't have to even tell her you forgive her, just pray for her if you pray. Try to find serenity and acceptance about your mother. I know it's hard, I just lost my sister two weeks ago. Life is too short so I try to be grateful for every experience, even those that are painful.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. ~The Dalai Lama
Kim, so sorry to hear about your struggles. Your symptoms sound exactly like mine when I was flaring. I'm by no means an expert on this condition but I can tell you what helped get me out of flare in a matter of weeks. 1- Restricted my diet to about 7 safe items. 2- Prayer and meditation for a half an hour every night 3 - Daily supplementation with Vitamin D and magnesium as suggested on this forum. 4 - Took a five week leave of absence from a physically demanding and incredibly stressful job to figure out my condition and work on healing. Stress definitely played a major role in my LC. How much I don't know but I do know I'm back to health, happiness and gaining weight every day by following the steps listed above. I'll say a prayer for you and your recovery.
Kelly
Hi Kim,
I'm sorry for what you are going through with your Mom and additional stressors.
Some additional things that have helped me:
1. Massage (weirdly I don't like strangers touching my body but when I am highly stressed it helps.) I recommend 90 minute sessions.
2. On line with what Kelly said--In tough situations I will set my cell phone alarm and do a 5 minute prayer/meditation every 2 hours. At work I would probably make it a 3 minute prayer/meditation break every 2 hours. I find this helps.
Blessings.
Brandy
I'm sorry for what you are going through with your Mom and additional stressors.
Some additional things that have helped me:
1. Massage (weirdly I don't like strangers touching my body but when I am highly stressed it helps.) I recommend 90 minute sessions.
2. On line with what Kelly said--In tough situations I will set my cell phone alarm and do a 5 minute prayer/meditation every 2 hours. At work I would probably make it a 3 minute prayer/meditation break every 2 hours. I find this helps.
Blessings.
Brandy