I'm disabled which has led to my depression. Before I became disabled I was very active and now am not active at all. Needless to say. I miss many things I can no longer do due to lack of mobility and other issues.
I become anxious because I worry that my mobility and health may decrease, right now I walk with a cane or seated walker, I have a colostomy due to a massive infection, blood clot and AFib,
I worry also about my partner who is my primary caregiver. She has COPD, which is managed at the present time, but I worry about the future,
I'm glad I found a place where I can talk with others.
Written by
beckum08
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If you don't mind me saying, you sound active given your circumstances. Not as active as you were prior to the disability, but doing what you can. To me, that makes a difference. And your partner seems supportive. Also something to be thankful for.
Anxiety is generally future based. Depression usually deals with the past.
Health anxiety is a tough one. I have it too. I received a couple of stents in the last few years or so. While that should be good news as I didn't have a heart attack, it affects my anxiety.
You're right, I've become active again and am learning a lot and meeting people via Zoom, and for someone who is home bound it is a Godsend. I feel very lucky that I my partner is so supportive. It is hard on her being a caregiver particularly when it comes to healthcare and housework. Besides her COPD she is 75. That said what I miss most is my independence. I don't drive and rely on my partner for rides (getting me into the car and my partners back problems) make rides few and far between. It was making me more depressed to sit in my chair all day playing games, working on genealogy, and watching TV so I decided to look for groups on Zoom. I understand your anxiety. Living with health issues is difficult both physically and emotionally. Glad we have supportive people to talk with. Thanks for your response.
Good to know you have a carer, even if she is also in less than perfect health. Can I ask what condition you have? I have Fibromyalgia and a few other things which niggle around the edges, and I too walk with a rollator or cane.
Exercise is important, as the less you do, the less you can, as you lose muscle strength and leave yourself open to Osteoporosis, especially if you are of an age that the menopause could be a worry. (I am assuming you are a lady).
Getting your vitamins is important too, as we have been inside for most of the year, many of us will be suffering from a lack of Vitamin D, which can leach Calcium from our bones, and lead to Osteoporosis.
Also, especially with all the lockdowns, many of us are experiencing a lessening of fitness. I know I am! I moved house just before the lockdowns started, and I've hardly been out in 15 months! The garden has totally gone to pot this year!
Fretting about what you can no longer do is counter-productive. I can no longer rockclimb, ride horses, farm, dance, and other things; instead I do some light gardening, crochet, cook, read, do puzzles, paint, craft, it's important to keep your brain alert but not worrying.
Thanks for the tips. I don't exercise that much except for walking outside probably 160 feet. I can't stand for a long time, and get out of breath easily probably due to A fib and weight.
I have A fib, blood clot in left leg. colostomy due to diverticulitis (the surgery has resulted in wounds that have not healed so I have a home wound nurse for a year,)and limited movement in my rt arm due to lymphoma.
I get depressed/angry when I see my partner, who is my age, 75, and has COPD tending to my wounds between nurses visits, do the cooking, and washing, and other household chores I can't do. We don't have the money for In-Home Services and we are breaking even living in the house. Have already looked into Assisted Living. Logically I know she wants to care for me, but I feel taking care of me is a burden she shouldn't have to do.
I've realized I had to accept where I was at. But, like the stages of grief and loss you bounce back and forth. Luckily I found Zoom and keep my mind active through learning and doing new things. I'm glad I found this support network.
I read where you farm. Do you still have your farm? I'd like to explore different hobbies. I do genealogy, however have researched all mu lines. I love photography and do it as often as I can. I used to write, don't do it as much since I can't sit with my legs down for a long time.
Have you asked the Council if there are Council Tax reductions available to you? If your carer gets Carers or attendance allowance I believe there is a 25% discount, and I also believe, but I'm not sure about this, that if there are 2 disabled persons it can be a 50% reduction.
Might be worth exploring those possibilities.
No, I don't farm, but I would have loved it. I just worked there on my summer hols. I enjoy being with animals.
What does "Council" mean? I'm from the US and wonder if that means local government? If it does, I've looked into various programs and am unable to receive benefits.
I would have loved to have lived in the country and had a few animals and small vegetable garden on my land. I too love animals. They certainly cheer you up, and are wonderful companions. We have a dog, who loves to sit on our laps. We had birds and a cat, but unfortunately because of my partners COPD had to get rid of them. Do you have a dog, cat, or other animal?
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