Chronic Pain

[Audiomarc1]

I have anxiety and depression. I take medication to help with this. Since Covid, my physical and mental health has deteriorated. I have chronic pain and mental anguish. I need to stay positive but it is very difficult. Sometimes I feel like not living anymore. I see a therapist and sometimes it helps. Anyone feel like this. I could sure need your help. Thank you.

[davidthecoder]

Oh yeah, COVID was a major contributor to my current situation with anxiety. I have seen others on here that it also affected greatly. Scariest thing I have seen happen in my life by far.

Did you happen to get infected by the virus? I ask because doctors and scientists are still studying this virus, and by now they are well aware that a certain percentage of people develop long term symptoms. Common ones are Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. But there are others, both physical and mental. There are quite a few others that are persisting in some people, with age being a risk factor for the longer term problems.

I still double mask (one a high quality N95 type) when I go to the pharmacy to get my dads medications for him.

[Audiomarc1 in reply to davidthecoder]

Hi. Thanks for your response. Yes, I had COVID the same time it was broadcast to everyone. My wife and I were sick as dogs. It lasted close to a week. Since then, I tested 2X positive for Covid. Both times any symptoms were barely noticeable. I've been Covid free for a couple of years. I have gotten all the boosters made available. I just hope that we are able to keep ahead of any future outbreaks. COVID also exacerbated my already bad psychological/mental issues. So as far as I can see, Covid most likely has shortened my life.

[davidthecoder in reply to Audiomarc1]

You did the right thing by getting the boosters, that is for sure. As far as the longer term consequences that are being observed now, that is being actively investigated and I am just hoping they can come up with a treatment.

I would imagine that your immune system is quite robust having faced these infections, plus gotten your immunizations. That strengthened immune system can also be beneficial.

[Audiomarc1 in reply to davidthecoder]

Hi Secrets22. The scary thing about the many types of Covid is you can have it without knowing it if there are no symptoms. I don't know but should we test weekly, monthly? Should we not bother to test at all. I'm at a loss for words with Covid. Nobody, not even the CDC knows the extent of what we're dealing with. It's all educated guesses with some science mixed in. I might be wrong or partially wrong. What do you think?

[SwimmerBTC]

I can relate to this.

My mental health has worsened. Im just come through a very bad low but I’m doing well at the present time.

My RA however has improved. Now under good control since diagnosis in 2015.

My biggest concern is the lack of NHS dentists in the UK since Covid. I’ve had almost 4 years with no biannual check ups or hygienist appointments. I am now suffering with an abscess and facing major private dental treatment unless I can find a NHS practice to take me on. The RA and the drugs to control it have weakened my immune system so much. Abscess pain is worse than childbirth!

[Audiomarc1 in reply to SwimmerBTC]

I'm so sorry that after feeling better you have to face new health issues. Just keep the faith. You battled your mental health issues and you can battle this and come out on top. I've had an abscess and it is quite miserable 😣. Please keep in touch and let me know how you're doing. Sending prayers for your recovery 🙏

[secrets22]

I hear you and concur ,my general health and depression is at an all-time low and nothing, but nothing is lifting this Malady, and i think the time of year doesn't help. Thinking of you.

[Audiomarc1 in reply to secrets22]

The cold months exacerbate the pain in my body and happiness. I'm BPD and have depression/anxiety. I take all the meds they give me. It's ridiculous, all the bottles that are stacked for my meds. Unfortunately, I live in Rhode Island where the warm weather doesn't last long enough. Well it's a countdown to Spring now. Please let me know how you're doing. Best regards Secret 22.

[Audiomarc1 in reply to secrets22]

Hi Secrets22. This time of the year is a real challenge for people like us who suffer from depression. I just mope around feeling quite miserable 😣. Thank goodness for people like us who keep in communication with others with the same afflictions. Happy New Year and I'm hoping you get some relief.

[secrets22 in reply to Audiomarc1]

hello Audiomarc....like you i mope around and terrible thought's sends my anxiety reeling, and i wish all good things for you in 2024.

[Audiomarc1 in reply to secrets22]

Hi Secrets22. I'm caught in a conundrum. I don't want to leave my house but I can't stand being locked up in my house. I have friends but some are working and for the others I don't want to burden them with my problems. It's easy to stress your friends out because they have their own issues to deal with. If I'm constantly moaning and groaning to them about my problems I certainly don't want them to take a break from me. I don't know anymore, all I know is that I need something to change soon. I feel like I'm losing my mind. Any advice or are you in the same place as well. Talk soon.

[Kinlay]

In addition to this group, you may find some help and support in a Long Covid Support Group: facebook.com/groups/www.fac...

has been very helpful to me.

[punkster]

I was in therapy for general anxiety disorder about a year before Covid. My anxiety had ramped up after menopause. When Covid hit, my anxiety hit the roof. My husband had preexisting conditions and worked in the medical field. We both had Covid about a year ago. My husband had symptoms like the flu, and mine were milder. However, I suffered from extreme fatigue for three months after. I am convinced that Covid caused my husband to have his heart problems resurface (Covid can cause inflammation in the body). It took me years to come to the point where I don't wear a mask everywhere. I was WAY behind the rest of society. I still wear my mask at work, when I am doing testing in a small room, and at airports, large gatherings, etc. I guess I finally reached the point where I don't want the fear of Covid to ruin the rest of my life. The fear of Covid also caused general health anxiety. I have tried to adopt my husband's attitude that getting sick is part of life, and always has been. It has been a struggle for me, but things have improved a lot. I practice meditation and exercise on a regular basis. I also find peace by playing the piano and listening to music. I am currently seeing my therapist on an as needed basis, and I haven't seen her for three months. It's funny because when I start to have anxious thoughts I can almost hear her voice and know what she would say. I guess that means that therapy was successful. Anyway, I understand how you feel, and I hope you can find positivity and peace through therapy because it can happen.

[Audiomarc1]

Hi. I'm so sorry to hear about your fight with Parkinson's. I can certainly understand the anxiety that comes from such an illness. I believe in a higher power. I've always called it God. I have welcomed God into my life at the onset of Covid. As Covid negatively affected my health, I did turn to my higher power. He's with me all the time. Maybe I can get out of this funk soon. It really does wear you out. Thanks for getting back to me and turning me on to that station. I'll say a prayer for good health and happiness for you. Best regards.

[Audiomarc1]

May 2024 be the best yet for you. All my best 🙏to you 👍.

[Audiomarc1]

Hi. My answer to help myself is to do online crossword puzzles, Scrabble and other mind provoking exercises. It doesn't work for everyone but it helps keep my mind fresh and temporarily distracts me from all the negatives health issues in my life. The brain 🧠 is a powerful tool and if you exercise it even briefly it can only help you.