[Jennybyc]

Hi all. I am new here. I have been on SSDI for 2+years and finally got on Medicare this past June(thank God). I've battled early onset osteoarthritis since my 20's and developed RA(rheumatoid arthritis) about 5 years ago(just to make sure EVERY joint was involved). Then 3 years ago I broke my neck 3 months after under going a major cervical spine surgery. The surgery didn't have anything to do with the break but it did cause other problems. I broke 3 of the 4 bone grafts put in my neck and one of them impaled my spinal cord(and I dislocated 5 vertebrae). I've been battling the effects of this since.

I also have Sjogren's Syndrome along with the RA(dry eyes and mouth), I am a type 2 diabetic and have battled high blood pressure since my teens. Have had 5 small strokes so far.

I've has 22 surgeries for the arthritis so far and go next week to see if I need a couple more. My replaced knees are in trouble.

Did I mention I am 58?

And just to top it all off, I am the victim of severe abuse including being the proxy to my mother's Munchausen syndrome.

I am sick and tired of being sick and tired.

I bet a lot of you understand.

gentle hugs to all...............Jenny

[bebop]

ouch! you have a full plate. welcome to pc.

[billieJ]

Dear Jenny ~ You sure do have a lot going on and wrong! Makes me even more scared of the back surgery I am supposed to have as soon as I finish this 2-year course of injectable osteoporosis treatment and get medicare [I'm on SSDI, too]. Completion of the treatment is necessary because currently the surgeon thinks my bones are too soft for the screws to hold. You've had 22 surgeries for arthritis? Well, it IS shocking! And diabetes, too. Oh, Dear ~ I cannot even imagine what it is like to have a stroke. Do you lose conscienciousness? Do you have any residual effects from the strokes? I have a lot of physical problems also, 3 back/bone conditions, tremors, migraines, foot problems, allergies, restless legs, bladder spasms, esophageal spasms - some anxiety related, some not. But I don't have the serious stuff you do. However, it's a huge chore to get out of bed and do any type activity , and I certainly DO understand being sick and tired of being sick and tired! Caring About You! billieJ

[Jennybyc]

Originally Posted by billieJ

Dear Jenny ~ You sure do have a lot going on and wrong! Makes me even more scared of the back surgery I am supposed to have as soon as I finish this 2-year course of injectable osteoporosis treatment and get medicare [I'm on SSDI, too]. Completion of the treatment is necessary because currently the surgeon thinks my bones are too soft for the screws to hold. You've had 22 surgeries for arthritis? Well, it IS shocking! And diabetes, too. Oh, Dear ~ I cannot even imagine what it is like to have a stroke. Do you lose conscienciousness? Do you have any residual effects from the strokes? I have a lot of physical problems also, 3 back/bone conditions, tremors, migraines, foot problems, allergies, restless legs, bladder spasms, esophageal spasms - some anxiety related, some not. But I don't have the serious stuff you do. However, it's a huge chore to get out of bed and do any type activity , and I certainly DO understand being sick and tired of being sick and tired! Caring About You! billieJ

to you billie.

I understand the fear over spine surgery. My lumbar spine is bad too and there are some thoracic problems as well but I take it one day at a time. I have a great doc who I trust completely and that makes it easier. He doesn't honey coat anything...tells me the truth and I appreciate that even if it's scary. I'd rather know the truth. What are you having done if I might ask(you don't have to tell me...I'm new and you don't know me so feel obligated).

I'm here to hold your "virtual hand" if you need it. I know how scared you must be.

Your new friend..................Jenny