Joanna

[Jothedancer]

Hi, my name is Joanna and I am 80 years old. I have NALD due to taking prescribed Ibuprofen for years for a damaged spine!

I am now living in a home with care and I appear to be getting worse! I sleep all the time, I have no energy, no strength, I don't mix with people because I am almost stone deaf!! My mind sometimes feels like a big black cloud!!! Sometimes I think I'm ready to go although I have an adult son who relies on me!!

I don't know why I'm writing this really, I know no one can help, I'm just hoping for a tip or two to help me cope!

Please don't think I feel sorry for myself, I know there are people in much graver situations, I don't even know why I'm reaching out myself!

[Aotea2012]

Well you have reached out…and welcome. You’ll find that many on the forum have liver disease. I do. Cirrhosis…and all of my own making. Wine got the better of me. I’ve now got the better of it and don’t touch the stuff. What’s kept me going? A determination to live life, irrespective of how long or short that might be. I’m always learning something, however small. There’s always an interaction with someone that makes me think a bit more deeply. Most importantly there’s always a start, middle and end of a day and I love to see how many things I can find that make me laugh. There’s been a couple today. My cat decided to wake me up at 5.30am with a very loud meow, which in cat terms means get your backside out of bed and feed me! It wasn’t an immediate laugh…a bit of a delayed reaction😀 Now Jo…you’re obviously into dancing with a user name like yours…so give it a go and make a few people join me with a laugh. It’s contagious.

[Jothedancer in reply to Aotea2012]

what a lovely, uplifting reply Aotea!! Thank you for taking the time and very good luck with your future health!! xxxx

[AyrshireK]

Hi Joanna, welcome to the forum. I hope we'll be able to give some support and try to make your days brighter.

It's so sad to hear things have become so gloomy just now and a few things leap out from your post.

I wonder - has your liver disease been staged i.e. what degree of damage is there (cirrhosis ??). Sadly, in many cases liver disease can lead to fatigue and reversal of sleep/waking patterns. Do you see a liver specialist? and still have medical input.

Although it seems somewhat contradictory but getting some exercise can often help to alleviate fatigue - it certainly raises your endorphin levels and this elevates your sense of well being. (I know that my hubby felt better for having exercise - particularly outdoors - than when he rested all day).

Being in a home are you getting out and about at all? Even going out into the garden when you can to have a little walk up and down might give you a boost.

Fatigue can also be nutrition related - are you getting enough fuel - eating a good balanced diet.

You also sound like you've become more socially isolated too so if your mental health has taken a dip it will impact on the physical side of things. Maybe getting out of your room more and mixing might help lift your spirits.

I guess at 80 years young some of your issues could be age related - bodies do slow down, some folks nap more. I guess you just want to live your best life possible.

Does your home do trips out that you can go on? Do you see your son frequently? Is he able to take you out - even to the local park or for a change of scenery.

It sounds very much like you need to be out of your room, getting more fresh air snd some gentle exercise or you will end up in a downwards spiral.

Hopefully a few pointers there, yes they won't help your liver but might just make your days a bit brighter/happier.

Katie

[Lantana100]

Hi Jo, some wise words from Aoeta and Katy. I’m just wondering if there’s anything that can be done for your hearing? I’m a bit younger than you but have always had problems with my hearing and eventually I sorted out hearing aids which have changed my life!! I had “withdrawn” too from social situations cause I was just fed up of saying pardon all the time so I know just how isolating hearing loss can be. And that in turn has a huge effect on your mental health. Just a thought.

[VickieTorrance]

Hi Joanna, I feel you. We all are with you