Could Any of You Offer Some Words of Encouragement Please?

Wow, that's a lot to go through all at once. I can't think of any really useful things to say, other than that you've had so many things happen recently, that that just HAS to be the last of the medical issues for a while, right? Sometimes it feels like life just won't let up. And then it does. :)

This is going to sound corny, but keeping a gratitude journal can help. You have much to feel sad and worried about, and that can't be denied. You need to be gentle with yourself, allow yourself to grieve, and get support where you can. But it also can help to be mindful of the things that are going right in your life, not just the things that are going wrong. I don't mean to say, "Don't worry, be happy." I just mean to say that giving equal time to the good things can help you feel better. There's even evidence that people who keep a gratitude journal get sick less! It is good for the mind and the body to look at our lives holistically.

While I'm not in your shoes exactly I can relate to having multiple medical issues. Last year I was finally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I already manage PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder as well as severe anxiety disorder.

I have a heart condition that I still need to have checked out, but due to the fact that I've just now caught up on having my fibromyalgia meds finally where they're helping and I'm in the process of figuring out if I have sleep apnea I'm taking things one step at a time. If I were to list all the things I need to do vs all the things I have done I believe I would drive myself into the nuthouse.

I say take things as they come along and deal with one things at a time as a best as you can. The overwhelming aspects of life can take on much more power but only if we give it to them. Try to remain strong and optimistic. The way I see it is things are not over until they're over and seeing as we're all still going along on our various paths there is no reason to allow what is negative to consume our beings.

Often, when it rains, it pours. You've been through a lot and it all adds up even if you feel some of them were not the worst things in the world. It all takes physical and mental energy, and that takes a toll on your emotions and your overall stamina.

Sounds to me like your immune system is not what it should be - most of us have those problems and there is a great deal going on in food science to get people back to where they should be. "Eating right" is important but, sadly, it just doesn't do enough since our foods are picked early, shipped across the country (or the hemisphere), and grown in depleted soils. There's a lot of cutting edge research going on in the nutrition industry to meet the needs of pretty much everyone in the country. But you won't find it in health food stores or endorsed by celebrities who are just in it to make a buck.

It's okay to say that you are thankful for what you DO have without being content with some of these other issues! If you want to share more, I'm open to private messages as this is my field.

You've got a lot going on, but how about this.... congratulations on NO CANCER!

I understand completely feeling overwhelmed with the health issues. I too have Fibromyalgia (as another member posted), which means that sometimes the health issues pile up on top of each other with a compromised immune system.

The good thing for you is that you're addressing your health issues. You're not ignoring them. You do have health insurance, so even if it isn't the best insurance coverage it's better than none (which you have experienced). You WILL get through this. Just take baby steps and cope with each issue one at a time. When you deal with one issue on one day with one appointment with one doctor, that should be all you concern yourself with that day. You can worry about your next health issue with the next appointment.

Don't forget, too, that worry in and of itself isn't helpful or healthy. It's what you do with that worry and how you redirect that energy that is what's important. Be sure to put aside time to relax and force yourself to put aside thoughts of your health and other stressors. Put aside time to pamper yourself. Yes, you're taking care of yourself with the appointments and surgeries and treatments.... but nowhere in there did you mention pampering yourself.

You must be kind to yourself. Aroma therapy. A movie you've been dying to see all by yourself with movie theater treats that you don't have to share. :-) A manicure. A massage. Window shopping at the mall without anyone except your best friend or just by yourself. Buying something small for yourself, like finding a local chocolate shop or bakery in your town and getting an organic chocolate or brownie with some hot cocoa. Buy yourself a "thinking about you" card and send it to yourself. Soak in the tub with candles and a book and some music. Take the children out driving at night to see all of the Christmas lights people are putting up on their houses and shrubbery and look up to see if anyone locally is doing a public Lights Festival.

Meditate. Pray. If you're the praying type, try a daily devotional. It can be very healing.

Hi Lucky,

I completely understand. I have had a really tough year medically as well. I have had 8 surgeries in the past 6 months--I still have more to go.You have to keep the faith and know that everything will work out the way it is supposed to. I have always told myself that It is not productive to worry. If I don't have all of the facts of a diagnosis, or situation etc. I allow myself the time and process to find the answers and digest things before reacting. I don't know if you are religious or not, but I am. My faith in God helps me tremendously when I don't know what to say or do. I will pray for your health and for you to be healed completely. Hang in there~

I am so sorry you are going through this right now.
You do have a lot on your plate as of late.
Try to take one thing at a time, one day at a time.
I second what everyone else has said about writing a gratitude journal.
Something I used to do years ago & need to start up again myself. I will
do that as soon as I get off of MP.
In addition, try to concentrate on the good things in your life: your kids, a
roof over your head etc. Whatever it may be in your life.
I am so glad they ruled out cancer. That's something to celebrate!
When you read this, write down 5 things you are thankful for.
Take some time for yourself to exercise, eat well, talk to friends, be kind
to yourself etc.
I will say a prayer for you. Sending blessings, positive thoughts your way!

Updated

I am so sorry you are going through this right now.
You do have a lot on your plate as of late.
Try to take one thing at a time, one day at a time.
I second what everyone else has said about writing a gratitude journal.
Something I used to do years ago & need to start up again myself. I will
do that as soon as I get off of MP.
In addition, try to concentrate on the good things in your life: your kids, a
roof over your head etc. Whatever it may be in your life.
I am so glad they ruled out cancer. That's something to celebrate!
When you read this, write down 5 things you are thankful for.
Take some time for yourself to exercise, eat well, talk to friends, be kind
to yourself etc.
I will say a prayer for you. Sending blessings, positive thoughts your way!

I'm sure you've heard it before, but it always helps me to hear that God doesn't give you more than you can handle and everyone absolutely DOES have a reason and is part of His plan, whether we understand why or not. Sometimes it's difficult to understand why He lets these things happen, but it does all serve to give glory to God and to make us stronger workers for Him.

You are truly blessed to be able to give thanks, despite situations, and I am sure you are an inspiration to those around you! I hope you have an absolutely wonderful Christmas.