sickies, I need some advice
Already a few long-term sick people post on this board. The past few years I've been knackered, recently diagnosed with sarcoidosis, which is an incurable autoimmune disease (it might go away though). My question for the sickies is this.

How do you make it through the day with constant pain/depression etc.?

P.S. I already expect the MTFU comments.
(knackerz is skinning up, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 5:47, 107 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

I take it cold hard drugs don't work?
I'm pretty healthy (as far as I know) but I did mangle my spine a little in a car accident a few years ago, which has resulted in a dull ache most of the time. I've just got used to it. I only realised that had happened when I tightlaced myself into a corset recently and the pain went away, so I must have been ignoring it.

I know that obviously means it's not that bad, but I've also found that when I'm doing something I enjoy I don't notice it, but when I'm bored I do.

If I'm watching a film that I'm even slightly bored by (like Salt last night!) then I'll notice that the ache is there and I'll get really irritable. However, if I'm playing Zelda for 8 hours, I don't notice it at all.

So I guess I'm saying surround yourself with superfunhappytimes to make it better.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:12, Reply)

The dull ache is Chompy.
It normally starts about 9:00am and goes at 5:00pm if I'm not mistaken.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:24, Reply)

ahhh that explains it!
I wonder if they have an Chomp-Away in the chemist.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:39, Reply)

It will be next to the paperclips.

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:45, Reply)

and the rape alarms

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:46, Reply)

ha

(lkjshaglkasjdhglkhjz lkcvl; g;aodh;owih, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:11, Reply)

Fuck off

(PsychoChomp, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:02, Reply)

I see you're on time.

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:11, Reply)

What you need is a routine, no matter how mundane
I had serious disk problems a few years ago and was more or less housebound for two years. Most of that time I could only sit up or stand for about 20 minutes at a stretch.

1. Get yourself up at a reasonable time every morning, and use the alarm clock.
2. Have regular mealtimes and try to make proper food.
3. Don't drink too much.
4. Pay bills and do paperwork regularly.
5. Do some exercises for the body and mind.
6. Don't lose contact with your friends, let them visit, or visit them.
7. Vary your activities during the day. Some reading, some B3ta, some radio, some TV.
8. MTFU.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:23, Reply)

The exercise thing is so underrated
I hated PE at school and I would only do the bare minimum of exercise, but it just turns out I hate organised sport. Now I walk to work every day, I dance 3 times a week and I do pilates, yoga and Wii Fit several times a week, it definitely releases endorphins and stuff, plus if you do it in the morning you'll find you've got more energy for the day.

Or you could just buy an exercise video and perv on the woman's boobs whilst she does star jumps. I recommend the Hollyoaks Workout DVD for this.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:42, Reply)

You are so right.

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:47, Reply)

I'm going to go out on a limb
and assume you're not talking about the first paragraph.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:50, Reply)

I am too.
I don't do nearly enough exercise, but when I do, I'm king of the world. Endorphins are nature's high.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:53, Reply)

sorry, I assumed you were talking about perving on Jodie Albert's tiny little bum.
don't say 'nature's high' to Monty, he'll have an embolism.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:58, Reply)

Jodie Albert eh.
Quick google for later I think.

Edit: Just did. I say, she's out of my league.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:04, Reply)

she's married to some guy from Westlife
the one who looks like a Rice Crispie elf.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:09, Reply)

*Sigh*

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:11, Reply)

Hang about, Jodie Albert?
*downloads*
( broadsword, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:57, Reply)

It's also got Ali Bastian and Sarah Jayne Dunn

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 10:28, Reply)

I have NO idea who they are
I only know Jodie Albert from the underrated Respectable
( broadsword, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 11:13, Reply)

I have glandular fever two years ago - which lead to chronic fatigue syndrome.
take each day as it comes. I found the most important thing was to try to stay positive. Sometimes I couldn't, and I was miserable but, like Kitty said, the most important thing to do is to do things you enjoy and to surround yourself with people who make you happy.
(Poppet some assembly required., Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:26, Reply)

I was diagnosed with Epilepsy 3 years ago at the age of 34
Major seizures leave me with incredible tiredness which can last for a couple of weeks,coupled with having to walk with a stick at times due to the convulsions damaging previous surgery on my spine.

I got very angry about my condition for a long time. This anger cost me a relationship, my driving license (am a big petrolhead so this was a big deal for me) and made work difficult. Therapy (ongoing) helps a lot to deal with the anger.

I've not had a major fit for 18 months, partly due to medication, diet,exercise and getting plenty of rest. You should do all of these and also consider therapy to help you come to terms with your condition.

I still get fucked off about it sometimes, but therapy (particularly cognitive behavioural therapy) can teach you tools to deal with this.

Good luck.
(lkjshaglkasjdhglkhjz lkcvl; g;aodh;owih, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:52, Reply)

are you House?

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:53, Reply)

Can't be, he would have an enpharction* too.
* may not be spelt correctly.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:55, Reply)

maybe it's Lupus.
You could get a flamey cane though, that might help a little.*

*will probably not actually help at all.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 7:59, Reply)

Why do they mention Lupus in every episode?

(lkjshaglkasjdhglkhjz lkcvl; g;aodh;owih, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:10, Reply)

They like wolves.

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:14, Reply)

Very good.

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:32, Reply)

I don't think it's ever actually be Lupus
they usually accuse cancer as well.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:19, Reply)

and amyloidosis
that's another common one.
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:34, Reply)

I like listening out for mentions of my own
comes up every few episodes or so
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:46, Reply)

do you have Lupus?

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:48, Reply)

It's never Lupus

( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:51, Reply)

Apart from that one time

( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:51, Reply)

I thought there was one time!
I couldn't remember which time though.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:14, Reply)

The one with the Magician
and shit gets Chuck Palanuik or whatever when they put him in the MRI with a metal key in his stomach...
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:17, Reply)

I love this:
roflrazzi.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/celebrity-pictures-hugh-laurie-cat-scan.jpg
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:20, Reply)

Wouldn't it be great if he broke character and went "I'll have to consult m'colleague."

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:10, Reply)

there was a brilliant episode in the last series where he went to a fancy dress party
dressed as Prince George.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:18, Reply)

Daaaaaaaamn
I don't have sky.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:22, Reply)

me neither
I stole it from the internet
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:28, Reply)

Sneaky

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:32, Reply)

they have the best stuff on there

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:48, Reply)

How was Salt?
shit?
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:01, Reply)

yeah.
Not shit shit, just a bit boring. And I figured out the end about halfway through.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:15, Reply)

not worth the bother then?

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:16, Reply)

no not really
I was thinking as I watched it that it probably wouldn't be that bad if I was lying on the sofa with a blanket and cheesecake, but as I'd gone all the way to the cinema to see it, it should have been amazing.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:22, Reply)

I'll obtain that perfectly legally when it comes out on DVD then I imagine

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:25, Reply)

Oh man i fucking love Hugh Laurie.
He could be sarky to me all night long.
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:33, Reply)

oh hell yeah
he's on my list.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:44, Reply)

Good taste, my dear.
I'm suffering from post-festival lurgy. I better be ok for Saturday, I can imagine it'd be miserable if I were sniffly and to have to stand up for HOURS AND HOURS.
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:46, Reply)

I'm well excited
If you go into the pit you could probably be supported on all sides by a crush of people, thus removing the necessity to actual stand on your own two feet as it were.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:48, Reply)

And then I can cough and sneeze and sing along and soon everyone will drown in phlegm
I really, really like that Twilight song. It's dreadful. I know it's a sell out blah blah blah but it's hilarious.

Though apparently they've retired the first album. Which is sad.
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:50, Reply)

Noooo!
I'm really hoping they don't fill the evening with their new bullshit opera crap.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:57, Reply)

Piano mental Cave = amazing

( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:58, Reply)

I really wanted to hear Sunburn
that makes me a bit sad. Matt Bellamy had better get his theremin guitar thingy out.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:03, Reply)

Matt Bellamy better get his theremin out, full stop
I think I've heard Sunburn live. I've heard Showbiz several times, Muscle Museum, Cave...think that's about it off the first one.

Citizen Erased live is every bit as amazing as you think it'll be, and more.
( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:07, Reply)

Really?
Excellent.

'We hail Prince George'
'We hate Prince George, sir'
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:39, Reply)

I wonder how many Americans actually got the joke

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:46, Reply)

4

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:57, Reply)

[citation needed]

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:03, Reply)

not lupus
it's sarcoidosis
(knackerz is skinning up, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:40, Reply)

have a wank
( SteveFrench Cardio is for homo's. do you even lift bro?, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:32, Reply)

By moaning constantly and a liberal sprinkling of Doogies.

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:33, Reply)

don't forget to piss all over everyone else's chips as well
that's pretty important.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:44, Reply)

Good point. Pass me your chips, please, Kitty,
I think I need to 'go'.
( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:52, Reply)

saves on vinegar I suppose

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:55, Reply)

I expect monty's piss shares many characteristics with vinegar

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:57, Reply)

it is probably quite acidic and bitter.

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:04, Reply)

to go with his acerbic wit

( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:07, Reply)

I like what you've done there

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:12, Reply)

rb t
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:13, Reply)

arse, I did lemons didn't I?

( Lampito rise with the moon, go to bed with the sun, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:16, Reply)

Rubbish - it's like a fine cognac.

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:21, Reply)

like a mostly
( The Light in Chains don't touch the Pope's boner, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:52, Reply)

First of all you should definitely be consulting with your doctor on ways to take the edge off your pain. If it is extremely bad you will have to consider sacrificing some level of function, in order to achieve proper medication. It will be a toss-up between pain relief and full awareness, but it is possible to strike a happy medium.

Consider professional help. It didn't do anything for me, but several people who had the same illness as I did, found it extremely useful in coming to terms with their new changed lifestyles. It's not a weakness to acknowledge you need help with readjustment into normal life.

I'm going to say anything stupid like 'count your blessings' because that is fucking annoying to hear. But there is a grain of truth in them. You aren't dead, you've got things ahead of you in life, that will still be achievable. A good way out of depression caused by illness is helping other people either with your condition or without, and above all keeping busy. The busier you keep, the less time you'll have to brood over it

Best wishes
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:33, Reply)

that's true about helping others
I have a friend who suffers from depression and I suggested she join the Samaritans, which she did, and she said she enjoys it and it really helps her, it's cathartic I guess.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:46, Reply)

It sure is.

( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:22, Reply)

you understand the level
I'm fvcked with pain, taking regular blood checks to see if my painkillers are destroying my liver and kidneys, and I can't sleep without pills. Today I had a fever and a load to do at work, I called in sick. I reckon at this stage everyone at work hates me now.
(knackerz is skinning up, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:23, Reply)

I'm as fit as a butcher's dog.
Mwahahahahah!
( girlinthehole, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:43, Reply)

Well that's not very nice, is it?

( Monty Boyce, My cheese game is strong, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:51, Reply)

Sorry...
i a
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:54, Reply)

fit full of sausage
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:58, Reply)

It's all about...

Eating well
Not drinking booze
Getting enough sleep
Exercise

That is the key to life. If you are already doing these things then god be with you.
( whenanimalsattackhumans clad in global hypercolour, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:50, Reply)

And you will have no friends left because you've become a dullard.
( SteveFrench Cardio is for homo's. do you even lift bro?, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:24, Reply)

Drink, drugs, and generally unhealthy living is the correct solution here

( broadsword, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:56, Reply)

^ this is better advice actually
it'll take your mind off things
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:56, Reply)

WHERE ARE MY TWEEZERS?

( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:57, Reply)

on the shelf

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:58, Reply)

Not

( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:59, Reply)

bedside table?

( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:59, Reply)

Living room floor
Fell out of my bag
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:06, Reply)

Medicine cabinet?

(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:07, Reply)

that's far too sensible.

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:21, Reply)

I have three pairs because two are always missing.

( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:04, Reply)

I have two.
Lost one.
( Roota zweeeeeoooooowm, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:06, Reply)

I'd probably use marijuana
but I don't recommend that as a course of action for actually sick people.

I dreamt last night that the Olympic Games was falling behind schedule, so I got involved with Olympic Games SOS with Nick Knowles. Rather odd.
( Vipros. clever got me this far, then tricky got me in, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:01, Reply)

Were you wearing a purple shirt in your dream?

( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:07, Reply)

We need those 60 minute makeover people
to totally fuck up the stadium.
(PsychoChomp, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:07, Reply)

I had a fucking brilliant dream last night.
It was all about the Second Coming. And I was Jesus Christ.
JESUS CHRIST - GUNSLINGER! Fuck yeah!
(porkylips looks better as the sun goes down., Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:09, Reply)

The depression is fairly new, all I'm able to do at the minute is work my way through it
Just keeping my head down really.

The pain is a different matter, I was in pain for several years with an ingrown toenail. I know that's not hugely painful, but the pain was constant for around 4 years. That's meant I now take painkillers as soon as any substantial pain shows up, like the toothache I'm getting currently.

I think Bartleby has it right though.
( Agnostic Antichrist Baltimora, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:09, Reply)

Thanks folks
the big problem is, some days i'm fine, other days, like this, I'm wasted. My doctors are no help, I live in Japan, and it's such a rare condition over here. Exercise isn't an option, it(s in my bones, lungs and lymph. So perhaps a bit of MTFU and rest is in order. I'm probably heading back home though, I've had enough of the doctors over here, they took out 25% of my lungs recently, I reckon it was malpractice.
(knackerz is skinning up, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:18, Reply)

oooh
what's Japan like?

Did you get the operation done by the Japanese mafia? Maybe they implanted the auto-immune disease in you and you'll have to run all over the place trying to find the cure. Like Crank.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:21, Reply)

nope
Japan is like any other country. Unfortunately having major surgery in a second language sucks.
(knackerz is skinning up, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:25, Reply)

that must have been pretty scary
Aww is Japan not awesome and cool and amazing?

Was it when you first arrived?
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:32, Reply)

it's all cool and amazing
until you find your ribcage going to be opened by a team of doctors that speak a different language.
(knackerz is skinning up, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:36, Reply)

When you are asleep, it doesn't matter which language they speak.
According to Wiki though, most cases sort themselves out in 5 years or so. Good luck.
( Bartleby A dead man on vacation, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:48, Reply)