[Shyguy88]

Hi everyone, I don't post much, I been on and off this site for awhile. I joined in 2006 when I was having mental health issues and being diagnosed with bipolar back then. I went through many struggles and obstacles trying to get on the right medications, trying to find a good psychiatrist and getting the help that I needed. In the past I been hospitalized a couple times aswell.

A few years ago, I had to deal with depression due to the health issues I was developing. I was diagnosed with Chiari malformation which is where the cerebellum (part of the brain in the back of your head.) herniates onto the brainstem putting pressure onto it, causing nerve damage and another disease causing syringomyelia which is a cyst inside the spinal cord, that grows bigger over time, damaging the nerves in the spinal cord, which mine runs through c2 to L1.

The nerve damage that I had got caused weakness in my body, left side was effected the most, and I happened to be left handed. I lost sensation to pain, aswell as with hot and cold, and lost control of bladder and bowel. Most of my nerve damage was progressing the fastest in 2013 and I began to struggle with walking. I ended up having surgery to halt the progression on January 17th on my brain where they removed part of my skull, (decompressive surgery). If I didn't have the surgery my doctor said within a year I would most likely ended up becoming quadriplegic (paralysis of the arms and legs.). After the surgery and a lot of physical therapy, I'm able to walk with minor difficulty.

Before my health issues began, I was an avid video gamer for the pc and console. When my health issuses began to start I had to give up because the controller requires two hands to play. Though at least im able to play some pc games thankfully to having a razor naga mouse to play with diablo type games.

The career choice that I was going into before my health issues began, I actually started going to college for architecture, but I ended up quiting when the first symptoms started because of the depression that I was going through because how I realized I can no longer write anymore.

in the beginning of june of this year, I had my first seizure and ended up getting a 107 degree temperature. I was lucky to live through that, I was in the hospital for a week.

In mid june, I met a wonderful woman online on a disabled singles dating website. We got to know each other from talking a lot online and then met in person at all mall. and ever since then we have been dating and our relationship has been kept growing and things have been going great between us. We both have one of many things in common, one of them is physical where we both relate to which is my left sided weakness and her right sided weakness. When we are together, we feel like one abled body person.

Since I started dating I been more motivated to go back to college, not for architecture anymore, but a different field, I'm thinking of something in the lines of a psychologist or a therapist to help people emotionally. I feel like I would be good at it. Reason why I think I would be good at it, its because I feel I have a lot of personal experience. From mental and physical emotional experiences, and learning how to cope and being able to move forward and still enjoy life by not comparing myself to others and their capabilities, but to appreciate what I do have and be thankful for. Also I found out one thing about myself, I like to put a smile on peoples faces.

[waiting4]

I agree, after all you've been thru, you probably would make a wonderful therapist. I'm so happy for you, that things are going well.

Much continued good fortune in your lives ahead. *hugs*

[Werewoman]

I agree whole-heartedly. I think the best therapists are those who have experienced adversity of some kind, and you are remarkably positive for someone who has been through what you have. I say go for it, and good luck with your new girlfriend as well!

WW

[Maria38Divine]

Wow, what a journey! I'm glad you've been recovering well and that things are looking up with your health, relationship and education. I also agree that the best therapists/counselors are those who have experienced adversity and have overcome or are successfully overcoming. The treatment becomes more meaningful and it's easier to relate to someone who has walked a mile in your shoes.

Thanks for sharing.

[shogunzaa123]

The information is very interesting. Thanks for sharing the info.

[gma45]

So happy for you! It is wonderful that you met someone and get along so well. I think you would make a great therapist with all you have been through. You are a great inspiration to the rest of us. Thank you for letting us know how you are doing. Something uplifting is so nice to hear once in a while when it seems like some days people are just so negative. I wish the best for you and keep us up to date.

[Ripose]

Congratulations!

I hope you post again and let us know how your studies are going.