Redhen1919

Health Interests

Back pain,  autoimmune disorders,  neuropathy,  athritis,  hyperostosis,  radiculopathy

Drugs I am Taking

vicodin

About Me

I love having a place to come and talk with others having similar experiences. You make a difference in my life and encourage me to keep going. Knowing that you understand and care makes all the difference. I am amazed. My father always called me his "lil red hen", from the children's story of the "Little Red hen". I did not understand what he meant until a got sick. He saw the person I would become. My life has been filled with my requests for help being denied. If someone refused to help me, I did it on my own. I found the answers and accomplished my goals. What has helped me is my faith in my higher power and knowing that my purpose is to help others. My favorite quote is "Pain is Inevitable, Suffering is Optional". I am a former social worker. I have a degree in Technical Communications. While finishing my last term in college I became ill, but it was more than just the stroke. My doctors failed me because they decided that because I am a woman that I was "just depressed". Well, I had a tumor that ruptured and destroyed my pituitary gland and I lost endocrine function. Unfortunately, I developed Addisons disease. As if that wasn't enough I have an autoimmune disorder and a form of arthritis called Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). The autoimmune disorder has attacked the nerves in arms, legs, liver and pancreas and possibly my brain. I peripheral neuropathy, chronic pancreatitis and many times my skin feels like it is on fire. The DISH calcified the ligaments and tendons in my body. I have 25% mobility in my spine. The calcifications press against the nerves in my spinal cord. Finding a doctor that will treat my pain has been very difficult. I have educated myself about chronic pain and pain management. It has helped me see through the smoke screens and those that are honest about helping and those that are not. Knowledge is Power.