I MUST NOT do what I love

I hope you feel better soon, jak

Thanks. I'm retaking two exams next week and taking one other. Now I'm not sure if I will be able to write...

I can't find the original post, but I can attest to the aches and pains causing extra inner turmoil. I have arthritis in my hands to the point where I can no longer open jars without a jar opener, I have a herniated disc in my lower back, etc etc etc... I would blame "old age," but geez, I don't think mid 50's is THAT old these days. I exercise as much as my body will let me. But, I've been dealing with chronic pain since I was 19 years old, so I've almost gotten to where I can "ignore" it most of the day. When I'm down emotionally, it's more difficult to do the mind over matter thing. I just recently got botox injections in my lower and upper jaws and my temples to try to relieve TMJ pain that I've suffered from for over 20 years. Even that isn't helping anything. Anyway, I'm trying not to go down the rabbit hole here. Please just know that it is possible to live a decent life, even with pain playing a role. Meditation does help me - more than anything that medical science has done for me for the last 40 some years. It's kinda mind over matter for me, else I'd be in a hospital for other reasons. I hope everyone finds relief from any aches and pains, and I hope we can all find a way to overcome it so we can find some joy and happiness in each day. <3

Thanks for replying @speckofdust

In my case, it is problem with tendons (if it is what I had last year). Right now, it is so bad, that I cannot write for more than 20 minutes in one go so that is the problem as my exams are (except for one) written. Even typing on keyboard or phone is painful now so that's not a relief and since I study IT/programming, it is crucial to success. And at uni, you have too little time to use just one hand.
Concerning the first upcoming exam, there was not enough time to communicate it with the lecturer.

To give you a better view, I struggle with eating now because of the pain.

Writing this post took just 5 minutes and it got too painful. In my case, the problem is also that I don't have anything to relieve or lessen the pain and since I live alone and cannot really rely on anyone, so I have to take care of everything myself.

I went to a hand specialist. He prescribed hand braces, which have been helpful. Not a "cure," but helpful. There are many hand related products out there on the open market if you can't afford to see a doctor. Braces, gloves, wax treatment implements, etc. I would try some of those. Best.

@speckofdust
I have braces, splits and thing like these. Also some were prescribed by a hand doctor, but it actually causes more pain. I will see the doctor next week.

Now, I started writing to lecturers about my situation, but I found out I have to communicate it through another part of university so it will take longer

And again, I have problems relaxing mentally as all my hobbies/interests require hand use

How about the wax treatments? Fingerless gloves/compression? You have to kiss all the frogs to get to the prince, sometimes.

I haven't tried wax yet, we will see what will the doctor say. I have also tried several gloves/bandages and no help. Also, I gave magnets a try. The doctor told me that excercising would be bad for me and only cause more pain.

I really wish the treatment will take less time than in autumn because I couldn't do anything so I was just bored, tired, reasonably unproductive and I have noone to turn to

The alone part can be rough. I have some hobbies/activities that aren't as "hand-dependent," like bird watching, getting out in nature, creating playlists on streaming music, watching movies and series on streaming, talking on the phone with friends, reading, and walking at the mall (or Target, Kohl's, etc.). I hope you can find some relief in all areas, soon! Peace!

Yeah, you are quite lucky in these areas. Unfortunately, watching movies/listening to podcasts is not my favorite thing to do (nowadays, I watch almost only sports). Music... That's actually why this thread exists... And yeah, my friends turn their backs to me (quite regularly) so that's not a relief as well

Bud, all I can say is keep your mind open. Friends and family come and go, but you always have you. You are worthy. You have value.

Don't worry, I'm completely aware of my strengths and I know I deserve things I want in my life. That's why it is sometimes depressive seeing how people act towards me.

So... The problem with my wrist is definitely back. I need to undergo the shot treatment once more, but I don't know what should I do afterwards...

Try writing calculus exam in word despite pain in your hand. I dare you...