Hi. Im Ziggy.

[Max__1957]

I am 66 years young. I have had DSM1 Autism diagnosis since 2021.

I now, since surgery for Graves Disease, am hypothyroid.

I have osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondylosis, fibromyalgia, lifelong anxiety and depression disorder. I am disabled...

Apart from those things I love art and writing - I've self-published two children's books on Amazon - one written for young children dealing with losing an older family member, the other re pet bereavement for slightly older children.

I have written another children's book relating to anxiety and depression in children with parents with PTSD...

I have a degree in Art + Social Sciences and was once a teacher.

I was also a legal secretary, a prison officer, a youth worker, among other employments.

I love reading, and am also a professional Tarot and Oracle card reader and teacher.

I also have a strong interest in other esoteric subjects such as Runes, I-Ching, Astrology, and cultures across the globe belief systems such as Buddhism, Shamanism, the Kabbalah.

[LoveforAll41]

Hola and welcome Ziggy! I think you will bring some unique perspectives to the group.☮️😀

[Max__1957 in reply to LoveforAll41]

Thank you lovely x

[Agora1]

You are Amazing Max_1957. I so agree with LoveforAll41 in that you will bring

much positivity and life experience to our community. Welcome new friend xx

[Max__1957 in reply to Agora1]

Thank you lovely x

[Marysblue]

Welcome.. you sound interesting.

[Max__1957 in reply to Marysblue]

Thank you lovely x

[Hidden]

welcome. Hope we can support you best we can.

[Max__1957 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you lovely

[Gillyflower18]

wow! We could be twins! Just recently worked out with my therapist the same diagnosis! I’ve had many jobs too all different sorts. Found my niche in horticulture. Worked in it for 20 years. Love gardening and nature. I’m interested in all sorts of things Buddhism being one of them. Welcome! I’m sure you’ll have a lot to share! A lot of people have completely wrong ideas about ASD 1 especially in women! I’m in the States. You are lucky to live in a country with soooooo many beautiful gardens!

[Teaching]

Welcome to the community! I am open to learn from you!

[Max__1957 in reply to Teaching]

Thank you lovely

[bethelbee]

Welcome to the community Ziggy!!

[Max__1957 in reply to bethelbee]

Thank you lovely

[Dolphin14]

Welcome to the community.

Do you have anxiety and/or depression and PTSD as well?

🐬

[Max__1957 in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you lovely. Yes I do. I've suffered anxiety and depression since early life; PTSD (still) (not as bad as it used to be) from a head on car collision in 1989.

[Dolphin14 in reply to Max__1957]

Oh wow... I'm so sorry about the car accident.

I asked because of the content of one of your books. It must be very informative with your own history. There aren't enough books like this out there. Congratulations on your books. That's fantastic

[Max__1957 in reply to Dolphin14]

Thank you lovely! So kind of you to say x... I take it you're referring to Doodles are Mental? - yes a lot of personal reflection that led me to think deeply to write and illustrate. I found it really eye opening, insightful and much unexpected myself as I wrote! I didn't know I had such deep thoughts! lol x

[Dolphin14 in reply to Max__1957]

I don't know the name of your book. But I do now

You illustrate them too. Awesome

[hypercat54 in reply to Max__1957]

Amazing! Would love to have a look at it. Can you send me the Amazon link please?

[Max__1957 in reply to hypercat54]

My computer is playing up - type in: 'Doodles are Mental! (their secret life) x

[Max__1957 in reply to Max__1957]

Which other book are you referring to? I've written and illustrated two children's books self-published on Amazon x

[MadBunny]

Welcome from me too.I'm sorry to read you have a lot to deal with heath wise.

I notice you have some autoimmune conditions.

As a new member, you might not be aware- there are very good , supportive, condition specific sites on HU

What meds are you on for your RA? Have they found something which works for you?

( I don't mean to pry , but I have RA so am interested to see what works for others).

[Max__1957 in reply to MadBunny]

Hi lovely. No Im not on any prescribed meds. None have ever been offered. I do buy Gopo Rosehip supplements. I've been taking them for approx five years after I found research that supports this product. Rosehip extract is said to aid RA but as far as I know this is the only product that's had research done that offers support to its claims. For my part I can say I find it helpful and notice if I miss a day or two, my RA is worse. So I believe it works for me.

[MadBunny in reply to Max__1957]

I'm surprised you haven't been prescribed any meds for RA. I would t be able to get through my day to day life without mine.

[Max__1957 in reply to MadBunny]

No never been offered. I have asked but just been ignored. I don't know what would or wouldn't help me. It could be because of other meds they would negatively interact? i don't really know as no discussion has ever been had.

[MadBunny in reply to Max__1957]

Really? I assume you have seen a specialist consultant?

[Max__1957 in reply to MadBunny]

I saw one years ago who diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis but never offered medication - merely said take the paracetamol when it gets painful. I manage now, thanks to a lovely OT, using paracetamol and self-acupuncture as he taught me.

[MadBunny in reply to Max__1957]

Well I've never heard of that before.

[Max__1957]

No lovely. I'm Libra-cum-Scorpio ... Astrology is a study of the star signs. I do a little of that but lean more into psychic working