[pinkflower17]

I tried to post this on the brain injury forum, but for some reason it wouldn't let me. I guess I'm just looking for support from others who are dealing with chronic disease processes.

I have a history of several chronic medical issues that have all kind of accumulated on top of each other and then I got very, very sick about a year and a half ago with an illness that was kind of the icing on the cake.
I don't know really where to begin. Umm. I've had severe asthma and food allergies my whole life, been intubated/ICU admissions many, many times, but never really been disabled for long as a result of it. ADD, allergies, migraines and stomach ulcers that began as a child. I was an athlete in high school and college, so I did okay in spite of all of it. Then, partially because I was a gymnast and a runner, I developed an eating disorder when I was 10 and everything kind of spiraled from there.
A lot has gone on the last 10 or so years. My esophagus ruptured twice, I was diagnosed with Addison's disease. In and out of treatment centers for the eating disorder. Some depression and PTSD/anxiety. Was in a bad car accident and got a TBI and a seizure disorder as a result of that. Was fairly successful despite all this. Got through college, med school and residency. As I was finishing residency, I developed meningitis and infections in the bones/discs of my spine and abscesses in my brain and spinal cord. This is where the main disabling features came into play. A lot of complications as a result of this. Central Pontine Myelinolysis during fluid resuscitation. Septic for a long period of time. In the hospital for over 6 mos., then in a rehab for several more mos. Had several surgeries and procedures. Have some gait disturbances, myoclonus, tremors, seizures, depression, memory loss, swallowing problems and cognitive changes as a result of all this. Currently dependent on a mediport for IV fluids and a feeding tube for supplemental feeding. And I'm still struggling with the eating disorder. I don't know if I'll ever be able to go back to work as a physician, which is heart breaking. I'm working part time doing other things right now, receiving SSDI.
I guess that's the gist of it. I just wanted to connect with others who were going through similar life complications and maybe get some advice along the way.
Sorry this is so long.
Thanks for listening.

[CANDC]

Welcome to Psych Central (PC) pinkflower. You are remarkable individual to persist through all these adversities and complete medical school and residency. I just want to applaud your fortitude and courage.

Sorry to hear you have experienced eating disorders along with all the other ailments you are facing. Since you are a doctor, maybe there are ways you could help people online with facing challenging situations. One of the sponsors of Psych Central is an online ask the doctor a question site. Of course, I would never give up the hope that you could get better and work in the field of medicine, but at the same time I would say that even if you must endure your current condition you can still help people.

If it is possible to get a therapist that specializes in overcoming disabilities, that could help sort things out. A psychiatrist could also help diagnose any conditions that may be leading to eating disorder and prescribe meds to help.

Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

There are articles that go into more detail about coping
Psych Central - Trusted mental health, depression, bipolar, ADHD & psychology information.

Please feel free to private message any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

[pinkflower17]

Originally Posted by CANDC

Welcome to Psych Central (PC) pinkflower. You are remarkable individual to persist through all these adversities and complete medical school and residency. I just want to applaud your fortitude and courage.

Sorry to hear you have experienced eating disorders along with all the other ailments you are facing. Since you are a doctor, maybe there are ways you could help people online with facing challenging situations. One of the sponsors of Psych Central is an online ask the doctor a question site. Of course, I would never give up the hope that you could get better and work in the field of medicine, but at the same time I would say that even if you must endure your current condition you can still help people.

If it is possible to get a therapist that specializes in overcoming disabilities, that could help sort things out. A psychiatrist could also help diagnose any conditions that may be leading to eating disorder and prescribe meds to help.

Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

There are articles that go into more detail about coping
Psych Central - Trusted mental health, depression, bipolar, ADHD & psychology information.

Please feel free to private message any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.

Thanks. I appreciate the reply and the information. I have a therapist now. A great one, actually, I do see a psychiatrist and I have great PCPs/neurologists/neurosurgeons. I'm actually in the hospital trying to get stable enough to be transferred to Johns Hopkins for treatment in their eating disorder program. Definitely not my first treatment center, but hopefully the last.
Thanks for your encouragement. I hope I can still somehow help people....

[jaynedough]

You are a remarkably strong person to have gotten this far. Smart money says that you will continue to persevere. IDK what it's like now, but 25 years ago I was on the affective d/o's ward that shared its space with the ED program. They were a godsend to alot of people. Hopefully, their program will be that for you, too.

I am pulling for you. For years, it was my dream to be a doctor. For me, it's a good thing that I didn't go through with it. Still, I can think of no higher calling than the medical and psych professions. I like what CANDC wrote about doing online doctoring, at least for now. It may help keep your brain sharp as well as give you a place to help others heal. I was a Respiratory Therapist for a short time and still remember what it was like to help others.

Continue to stay strong and inspire others. Enjoy your closable door. Oh, and the RT in me is screaming, "Don't forget to take some deep breaths every now and again and let it out slowly through pursed lips." (Most people would probably benefit from doing that.)

[pinkflower17]

Originally Posted by jaynedough

You are a remarkably strong person to have gotten this far. Smart money says that you will continue to persevere. IDK what it's like now, but 25 years ago I was on the affective d/o's ward that shared its space with the ED program. They were a godsend to alot of people. Hopefully, their program will be that for you, too.

I am pulling for you. For years, it was my dream to be a doctor. For me, it's a good thing that I didn't go through with it. Still, I can think of no higher calling than the medical and psych professions. I like what CANDC wrote about doing online doctoring, at least for now. It may help keep your brain sharp as well as give you a place to help others heal. I was a Respiratory Therapist for a short time and still remember what it was like to help others.

Continue to stay strong and inspire others. Enjoy your closable door. Oh, and the RT in me is screaming, "Don't forget to take some deep breaths every now and again and let it out slowly through pursed lips." (Most people would probably benefit from doing that.)

Thanks so much for replying and what you said. That's really good to hear about Hopkins. All I've heard so far has been negative, so it's really nice to hear a good report. Thanks for pulling for me. I just want to somehow be able to help people somehow. Hopefully someday soon...