Point of depression

[Madison1943]

I'm almost ready to have a foley catheter--hospice wants me to have one becuz I can't really stand up anymore unless I'm grabbing something with both hands. That makes it damn hard to undress for the bathroom. So I guess I'm getting a bag. One more step down the rathole. I do take Celexa and I've noticed it helps, but it doesn't make me content that I can't walk, can barely feed my cats, etc. Ativan helps because it makes me sleepy and time goes by effortlessly. What a life. Wish sincerely I could take it like a champ, but I'm alone and my pets are just more work. But don't take 'em away from me!

 

[abbas child]

Carol, where do you sit in your house? If on a wheelchair, be sure it isn't going to make the catheter cause you pain. If you sit in a recliner, it's probably not an issue at all. I wish you had a nice neighbor who'd feed your cats for you (and do other things, as well... of course!).

 

[Pat Paine]

Dear Randy,
You have gotten some excellent advice here. All i would add is maybe upping the dose of antidepressants
and asking the home health agency if they have volunteers to visit to decrease your isolation. Praying for you.
Pat

 

[Pat Paine]

Dear AL or JOEL, I sent the message twice, I attempted to delete it, but keep coming back to my post.
What do I do? Pat

 

[joelc]

What would you like to see happen?

 

[Pat Paine]

Dear Joel, I guess I did delete the repetitive post . All set, thanks. Pat

 

[drylake]

Re: I just want someone to help that is experiencing the same things

I am new to this sight, and would like to have input from those that are going through what I am. I am a retired wildland firefighter, a marathon runner and avid hunter. It has been a difficult transition to being home bound and loosing the ability to do the simplest things. My recent concern is with cramps in my neck and throat. I have a loss of hunger, have a hard time eating, and have difficulty sleeping at night. I was diagnosed in may 2004. 6 years & 8 months ago...I live in northcentral Montana, we are in the coldest part of the state and even if the house is warm, I always feel cold... Haven't left the house in months

 

[Al]

Hi drylake. Welcome but sorry for the reason you're here. I was a firefighter as well and it's cold outside here too. Snowing as well. We've been diagnosed around the same time too. I get the cramps too when I yawn. I think the cold comes from poor circulation. Even in the summer my hands and feet are cold. I guess the longer we live the more we break down. Hope we can help along the way.

AL.

 

[drylake]

hi grandpal, nice to hear from you. thanks for sharing, it is difficult to understand all of the changes, not knowing what comes next. To go from being able to do everything to being homebound and needing someone to help with almost everything.
I am taking baclofen for cramps and riluzole for over 6 years, but still have cramps and lower back pain. What meds has your doctor given you?
Appreciate your advise and help - from someone that is going through it
from one old firedog to another... and a grandpa too I have 8, how many do you have?

 

[Al]

I take baclofen too. Quit Rilutek a while back. Took it for about 6 years. Had some stomach issues. Have 3 granddaughters 5,4 and 2. Used to take Quinine for cramps but don't get many now. From what I hear back pain could be from discs settling. Some pain killers might help.

AL.

 

[landofsmiles]

My doctor took me off baclofen when it seemed like it wasn't really doing much to help with my cramps. he changed me on to Tizanidine (sirdalud) which for the past two months seems to have been far better and I rarely get any cramping now