Chronic Illness Blows...

By Leca
@lecanis (16647)
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
February 24, 2008 2:43am CST
I would be sleeping right now, except that I've spent the past several hours coughing up blood. I've been trying to keep busy on the computer and doing other things in order to keep from getting depressed over it, and to distract myself from the pain in my chest. My best guess is that my upswing in breathing problems is caused by all the stress I've been through lately, but if it's not better in a couple of days, I'll check in with the doctor just in case. I have come to really hate the inevitability of these attacks. No matter how much time might come between them, I'm eventually going to get another lung infection or just have a few high-symptom days... no matter what I do. It's frustrating that it's never going to go away, and I've never had a moment in my life when it wasn't there. Anyone else want to whine about chronic illnesses? Or not being able to sleep? Or something?
10 people like this
28 responses
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
Oh goodness this sounds serious and how horrid for you to go through it, I'm here for you if anything I can do to help... Ok, I'll whine with you for starters - almost 4 a.m. and although I slept a few hours earlier I've been awake since about midnight. Watched a movie I've seen a hundred times but really should be sleeping. I think my biggest complaint is stress over money, or should say lack of it but am very thankful that although tired my health has been fairly well.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
Yup, it's not much fun. Woohoo, someone to whine with me! *hugs* Sorry to hear you're having problems sleeping too! Stress over money I can understand too, hope things look up for you there soon.
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
Yup, there's something nice about having someone to share your misery with. I didn't take anything to help me sleep, but I did take something which should have helped the coughing, and it does seem to be working. I'm surprised my son is sleeping through it. I should really be getting to sleep since I need to be up with him in 3 hours and I haven't slept at all yet, but I just can't do it. I hope you get some rest sometime! You're such a busy lady it seems! :P
1 person likes this
@byfaithonly (10698)
• United States
24 Feb 08
hugs to you too dear, there is some truth to the statement misery loves company... whinning together is somewhat better than whinning alone :) I took something to help me sleep a couple hours ago but obviously it's not working - my fingers are just type type typing away.... eyes burning from lack of sleep and I'll be totally useless come sunup but oh well life stinks at times.
2 people like this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
24 Feb 08
I thought that it was men that ignored obvious medical crisis symptoms. You must go to the Dr of ER and go now. The last person I knew that coughed up blood is no longer with us. Go Go Go Go Go Go. get the message!!! Please. I hate to lose friends so I am being selfish. Go GO Go Go Go Go.
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
I appreciate your concern, you sweetie, but I really don't need to go to the ER. I know it sounds like a medical emergency, but in my case it happens quite often, and my doctor herself agrees that I've lived with it long enough to know when to go in and when not to do so. If I went to the ER every single time my symptoms escalated, I'd live there. Thankfully, since I got a few hours sleep after I logged off here, I'm feeling a bit better now that I'm rested. I've taken all my medicines, and if things don't improve after the meds have time to work, I'll go in, just like the doctor tells me.
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
I'm sorry, I really didn't mean to scare anyone. I honestly do know how to manage my condition, since I've always had it. I whine because it causes me constant pain and keeps me from doing things I want, but I do everything I can to actually treat it as well. I promise I'll take care of myself. And tomorrow morning I'll call the doctor even if I'm feeling a bit better, so I can schedule my next appointment. I'll even talk to the nurse to see if it merits going in tomorrow for sure. :)
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
24 Feb 08
It sounded frightening to me. Promise me to take good care.
2 people like this
24 Feb 08
I have been away from here for ages, but when I saw your discussion I just had to send you my best wishes and I hope this goes away real soon with no infection to follow. I feel my whinging would be trivial to this so I will leave it for another time. My thoughts are with you dear Lecanis xx
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
Thank you. I very much appreciate it. *hugs* I was wondering why I hadn't seen you around. I hope things are going well for you!
1 person likes this
24 Feb 08
I have been so addicted to yuwie lately, I have not been here for ages. I am plodding through life, working and moaning at my kids as usual, some things never change!! Have a peaceful Sunday my friend xx
2 people like this
@joyce959 (1559)
• Philippines
24 Feb 08
Sorry to know that you have a chronic illness and can't sleep because of that. I think you should see your doctor immediately coz you are coughing up blood. I think you have a serious lung problem. Stress and sleeplessness aggravate your condition. My son also had some lung problem before and he had been on medication for 6 months non-stop and was advised to have enough sleep. So far he is ok now. Wish you too get well. I suggest you see your doctor soon and just have enough rest. Take care of yourself
@joyce959 (1559)
• Philippines
24 Feb 08
Oh I am really sorry to know about your condition. Its really frustrating when you can't do anything about it. I still wish you would be okey.
2 people like this
@skinnychick (6905)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I haven't whined about mine for awhile. I have been in "remission" for awhile but I have my days. Those days when I just cannot get out of bed. I'm too paralyzed to move because I just don't feel good physically and don't feel like facing the day. I have to go to the doctor with so much as a sniffle and they have to draw blood and I go through the "I hope my cell counts are fine." I don't fear cancer in fact I will probably in the end die from it as my chance of it coming back in some other form is about 75% and that always seems to be in the back of my head. I just want to be there for my kids and their teenage angst years. I can't wait for it actually, I want to see them turn out as people but in the back of my head I always have to wonder if that is in the cards for me.Sometimes it gets to be very hard to live with. I hope your ok my dear and that you feel better soon!
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
You sound a lot like me, skinnychick. I'm quite aware that my lung condition will eventually be the end of me (if something else isn't first) and I know I'm lucky to have survived as long as I have, since every time I went to the doctor when I was younger the pronouncement was "I don't think she'll live longer than another year or two." *rolls her eyes* I almost feel guilty about having a child some days, since I realize it's unlikely I'll be there for him as long as I want to be, but at the same time I wouldn't give him up for anything in the world. Also, I figure if I've lived 27 years when I wasn't supposed to live even a year, I can't trust any of the projections they make for me. ;P Hugs to you, my dear friend. I do hope you continue to be in remission, and get to see those teen angst years after all!
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Feb 08
My kids will be a handful LOL but I look forward to it. That and every single minute however many I have left, I live them up and wouldn't have it any other way. :)
2 people like this
24 Feb 08
I know how you feel no matter what you do its always there and takes over your life. I have a chronic illness and it rules my life from what I eat to not being able to have a proper job. I have to always be prepared and I have a tendency to not be able to go out as I am to ill and have 0 energy. Is embaressing and stressful people think that we put it on and blow it outof proportion but if they had it then thay would know how horrible it is and how much it affects the simplist thngs in our lives. Breath or otherwise I'll go on for days...
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
Sorry to hear that you are in such a situation. It's sad to not have any control over things in your life, and not be able to do what you wish. I've had those sorts of reactions to various health problems of mine as well, people not understanding and thinking I'm overreacting or just being lazy or whiny. I used to have to make my grandmother (whom I lived with) talk to my doctors all the time just so she would understand the severity of my condition, since she always tried to push me to do things I was simply not physically capable of.
1 person likes this
25 Feb 08
Its not nice you just want them to know what you go through so that they know how it feels then they would keep quiet and may understand!!! I really hope you get better and can catch ome sleep. all the best take care x
1 person likes this
@wolfie34 (26771)
• United Kingdom
24 Feb 08
I am fighting hard to keep depression at bay, after 5 years of it I have finally tamed the evil snake called depression and I have finally slowed the rollercoaster down that was my life, trouble is I've got the damn tiredness, lethargy and my waterworks problem to get sorted out, and having the GP throw antidepressants at me to keep me quiet doesn't help. I still haven't taken them, I am going to see another GP on Tuesday to see if she's any better and recognises CFS. Good job I am going on an anger management course, one day I might get really angry at this uncompassionate doctors who treat you like a damn number, there rant and whine over thanks my friend x
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
You are awesome, wolfie. I'm really inspired by how hard you work to keep yourself going, and how well you manage your conditions, including taking the anger management classes. I'm also really inspired by how readily you admit to your depression, when so many people are ashamed of such things needlessly. I do hope you have good luck with this GP! I'll be thinking about you!
@kbourgerie (8780)
• United States
24 Feb 08
I think it goes without saying that if you are coughing up blood that there is nothing normal about your situation and it shouldn't just be ignored. I am sure you are aware of this, however. I have a chronic illness which I have procrastinated about for too long. As people have reminded me when you have children its not just about you anymore. There is the impact of you being sick or perhaps even worse that a child would have to deal with. I have to admit, it gives me plenty to think about. Anyway, I have finally gone in after 4 years of ignoring my condition and I have been referred to a specialist. I have to have a liver biopsy which I understand is very painful, although they do anesthesize the area. I am not looking forward to it, but know its something I don't have a choice but to do if I am to maintain good health. I hope you seek the advice of your physician and don't let your symptoms worsen.
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
Heh, I really shouldn't post about my health problems, because they're not something people can really understand well. I see my doctor every week or two, so it's not like I have something that's going untreated. I just don't want to go to the emergency room every time my symptoms spike, because I'd be there pretty much all the time. And over the 27 years of my life, every test they could do about my condition has been done, most of them more than once since new doctors tend to like to do their own tests, and the treatment I'm getting is the best that could be done short of a lung transplant, which my system really couldn't take. So I'm not ignoring it or anything. Sorry to hear about your liver biopsy... I hope it goes well!
1 person likes this
@Loen210 (1540)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Hi Lecanis, So sorry to hear about your constant coughing up blood. I still have to catch up on your health situation, but what is the chronic illness that you ahve that causes this. I wouldn't want any other readers to think it's okay to stay at home if coughing up blood. Whenever I see a new doctor, and they hear or I tell them that I cough up blood daily (mostly just in morning), they usually freak out, and yell that tests have to be and that it is so dangerous. But if you talk to a couple of my doctors, they nod, as they know. IN 2004, I coughed up blood again, and too many infections were found in my lungs. They almost removed a lung, which I talked the surgeons out of desperately. Thankfully, I healed, and now with scars, I cough up regularly, so not to worry about now, unless gets intense. But years further back (I don't want to spill too much privacy), I had a much worse experience coughing up blood. Docs didn't think it was bad, just pneumonia (which can still be fatal), but they were wrong. And this was a very hard battle in my life/health. Best of Luck, and hope you can keep more of your blood to yourself! :o)
1 person likes this
@Loen210 (1540)
• United States
28 Feb 08
Well, you have earned your love and warm family now. That's wonderful that you are happy now, despite such a hard childhood. Yes, your experience can help others. Like the commercial, if you may recall, many years ago, a man who was dying of lung cancer spoke, and he had to speak through a machine to be heard. That had the strongest impact on people, I think. Keep that smile up! :o)
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Feb 08
Hmmm...well, you're not completely alone. I just moved from Arizona to Georgia about 3 weeks ago. I really like it here, but, due to the change of climate, my sinuses have been going crazy since we arrived here. My nose is constantly running and when I go to sleep, I wake up a few hours later cause I'm all congested. Then, if that's not bad enough, over the past week I've developed a nasty cough too. I cough so much and so long at a time, my stomach starts hurting and I have to sit on the toilet with the wastepaper basket in front of me cause I'm coughing so hard and so much that I'm puking or spitting up out one end while pee is coming out the other! Then tonight, I finally get to sleep, only to be woken up by my youngest son an hour later cause he his ear hurts. This is because he's been having the same sinus problems as me since we moved here and it's draining down into his ear. Anyway, poor kid was so misserable he had tears streaming down his face and because I have no medicine in the house or anything that can be used as home remedies, I have to go drive 4miles to the walmart which is the only store open at the time to get some stuff. So now, I'm tired but can't get back to sleep.
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
Ewww, that doesn't sond like much fun at all. Sorry to hear that you and your kid are both sick. :( I hope you managed to get some sleep at least! I managed a few hours right before time to get up, which I'm grateful for.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Feb 08
I would have responded last night but I went to sleep whining that my honey had a headache and I wasn't going to be able to sleep because I get "frustrated" when I don't get lovin when I want it. My doctor will swear I have COPD because the only time I ever see him is when I have bronchitis, which is about 4-6 times a year. He has put me on medication for it that he will swear is working. Wouldn't he be surprised to know I only take those medications when I can't breath and then I end up having to see him because I STILL can't breath so a rational person would think that the medication he has me on ISN'T working. But no, that would make too much sense for someone who went to school for 8+ years to wrap their head around. Sorry. My rant is over. I'll leave now.
2 people like this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
Awwww, sorry to hear you didn't get your lovin! :( I hate it when the doctors can't seem to wrap their head around the fact that the treatment they're giving you isn't working. I've had doctors like that before. I'm pretty lucky to have a doctor that is very helpful at the moment, though. I'm used to having doctors talk down to me about my condition as if I don't understand it, but my current doctor realizes I've been dealing with it my whole life, and talks to me more candidly because of this.
1 person likes this
@madlees (1377)
• India
25 Feb 08
*nods* Chronic illnesses are like that.. oneday it blows very hot with all the symptoms on tow but another day it is very cold no symptoms at all... Anyway I am very very sorry to hear that you are unwell. How long have you been suffering? Have you shown your doctor, please do if you have not.. Coughing up phlegm, by itself is terrifying for me and you say you are coughing up blood... so cooly.. How can you do that dear? have you got used to it? Please get well soon, All the best to you. God Bless..
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
25 Feb 08
Yep, it's like a roller coaster ride. I can say that I cough up blood so cooly because it's an issue I've had since birth, and I'm 27 years old now. I've mostly gotten used to it, though when it gets to a point I'm scared, I know it's time to get to a hospital. I try not to whine about it most of the time, but once in a while it hits a peak and I just can't NOT whine about it. Thanks for your kindness. *hugs*
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
25 Feb 08
I've spent entire months in the hospital over this situation, so it's not something that's not properly diagnosed or treated. There just isn't a lot that can be done for it besides what is already being done. I see my doctor all the time currently, but other than refilling my medicines, treating me when I have an active infection, and occasionally testing my lung function, there isn't a lot she can do. Thanks for caring, I appreciate it.
@madlees (1377)
• India
25 Feb 08
Have you ever met up with a doctor, dear. You are just as old as my daughter is, and should you have to take this lightly?? Please for God's sake show a doctor and see if he comes out with something? *Hugs* to you also dear. All the best
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
What would you do if I told you I know the cure for you and many peoples illnesses would you like to know. I know how to make you like new let me know soon its free all you have to do is follow directions I give you. You will think its a miracle YHWH bless you in the name Yashua no one likes to be sick I have the answer if you do agree after you are healed you must help other sick people with my instuction ok.
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
25 Feb 08
I appreciate your offer, but your mention of religion here makes me a little uneasy. I'm not interested in converting, miracle cure or no miracle cure.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
26 Feb 08
Thanks! :)
• United States
25 Feb 08
It is your loss not mine hope things work out anyway.
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Feb 08
This is pgainey31959, And my first wife had a Lithium Imbalance which she ended up in a State mental institute, and the only reason she ended up their she beleived that if she would go off her med's she would get better. Well obvious'ly not. She lost her husband, and daughter, I had to learn in one day to be both Dad and MOM when the baby was 2 yrs. old. And then let's speak on my second wife, Well she grew to have Depression really bad she would get to have different personalities, she have difference's in how she dressed, and lived, But enough of that I could keep going on beleive me. So as far as hating untill the next spell come's on, or not being able to go to sleep because of this or that, I just want you to know there is somebody here that understand's. I realize you don't know me, But PLEASE beleive me when I say been their done that.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
24 Feb 08
Sounds like you've really had a hard time of it here. It's very hard to watch those you love go through things like this. Your post makes me want to thank my husband for all he's been through with me as soon as he wakes up. Thanks for posting and letting me know there are others who know how I feel.
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
25 Feb 08
Hi Lecanis! It's very good to see you. I hope that you start feeling better soon, you are in my thoughts!
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
25 Feb 08
Where have you been!!!??? It's good to see you too! :) Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts!
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
28 Feb 08
Heh, I saw your other discussion about your job. No wonder it keeps you so busy! :P
@filmbuff (2909)
• United States
25 Feb 08
I started a job about 5 months ago and have just been so busy that I haven't had time to come on here. I've been missing all of you so I thought I would stop in and see whats up. :)
1 person likes this
@bellaofchaos (11538)
• United States
25 Feb 08
I'm sorry that your not feeling well and please promise that if your still doing this in a couple of days that you will go and seek medical help.. Now what chronic illnesses do I have .. I have chronic bronchitus once I get it I pretty much keep getting it until summer. I have seasonal allergies. and I have metabolic condition I'll never get rid of. So I know How much it blows I'm hoping that you'll feel bettet soon.
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
25 Feb 08
Eeek, breathing problems too, huh? How yucky. I hate that drowning feeling... do you get that too? Sorry to hear you have so many different health problems too. Best of luck to you! Oh, I'm calling the doctor in about an hour to see if I need to come in today or not, and I'll be there sometime this week either way for a regular appointment.
• United States
3 Mar 08
The drowning feeling is the worse .. I so hate it when my chronic brochitus seems to kick into gear i do everything in my ppwer to make it go away as fast as possible .. Sadly I think it still ends up taking me a month to get rid of it and then I have to be careful not to get it back LOL!! I feel for you. How did your appt. go.?
@dangnabit67 (2021)
• United States
28 Feb 08
I hate sleeping-never know when ya might miss something-LOL Hugs, I hope you get to feeling better :)
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
29 Feb 08
Hehe, you have a point! :P Thanks! :)
• United States
25 Feb 08
I am sooo sorry to hear about your illness and that its not allowing you to sleep. I have a cronic illness that I take medicine for. I am in pain all the time. But if I stop my meds for any reason I am in horrific pain. I have sleeping issues due to the fact that I can't get comfortable. I totally understand the frustration. Although I dont know your particular problems I can sympathize with the pain and lack of sleep.
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
25 Feb 08
*nods* Constant pain is so hard to manage. It can make you feel very hopeless sometimes. I'm sorry to hear you have to deal with this as well.
• United States
25 Feb 08
Please make sure to take care of yourself that is the most important. I am just getting starting to talk to you and I would like to keep that up. Thank you for your concerns.
1 person likes this
• United States
25 Feb 08
Sorry you are not feeling better. Do you have cystic fibrosis? Just curious... I also have a chronic illness; and yes it is difficult. Guess we just have to keep on keeping on as long as we can. Stay strong!
• United States
25 Feb 08
Well let's see I have IBS which I will have FOREVER there is no cure and it sucks and now they are thinking I may have developed crohn's disease which sucks more..... I also have psoriasis and horrible allergies and it kills me . The IBS alone keeps me from having a "normal" life , it's something I have been dealing with since I was 17. My skin problem just sucks even worse because it hurts and people look at you funny... again no cure . Do you ever just feel like you where last in line for all the good genes lol .
1 person likes this
@lecanis (16647)
• Murfreesboro, Tennessee
25 Feb 08
None of those things sound any fun at all. Sorry to hear you have to deal with these things. I know all about not having to have a normal life. I've spent so much time in and out of hospitals, and not being able to do any of the activities I wanted because I couldn't breathe, and having people avoid attachments with me because they either thought my illness was contagious or didn't want to get involved with someone who was likely just going to die on them anyway.