This really, really sucks. (Rant on my rapidly failing health)

[litmisredneck]

My husband and I are foster parents. I have PKD, diabetes, thyroid problems and a few other health issues. I am considered disabled and we had no problems being foster parents at all with my health problems. Shoot for the star's and go for it.

 

[KristyHall]

You are going through a really difficult time and it sounds like you have a tough road ahead of you. However, I agree with the others. I speak from a point of being disabled young, and being recently diagnosed with a mild case of dysautonomia, it is infuriating, and heart breaking, but new things can come along. You can find a new love and passion that will fit perfectly with your problems. I have had to change my dreams, and now I am very happy with my life and c can't imagine going back to what I use to do.

Have you tried volunteering with organizations that help sick and injured animals, or maybe being a phone counselor for local crises help lines? Sometimes by helping others heal you yourself can heal. You may realize that you would do well as a psychiatrist after all. Focusing on others can make you forget about your own pain, even temporarily, and help put your own issues into focus.
You might want to reach out to local support groups for yourself. By finding other young people with disabilities can help you not feel so alone.

You should try to stay as active as possible, without over doing it. Being sedentary will make the pain worse in the long run.
My mother has Chronic inflammatory demylanating polynuropathy. (CIDP. a cousin to MS) The doctors thought she would be in a wheelchair ten years ago. She still walks. She has limited capacity and can only go short distances, but by making herself get up for a few minutes every day, has kept her far more mobile than others with her illness.

A bit of hope about being a parent. My sister has sever dysautonomia, and two beautiful children. You can still foster and adopt if having children is not an option in your case. Being disabled doesn't matter as long as you can show you can give the children a good home. Also we went to the dysautonomia clinic in Birmingham, run by one of the men who discovered the illness. They believe that much of the issues caused by dysautonomia are reversible. IN some cases , with proper treatment, they can go away all together.

I do not know about your other health problems but I suggest you research. Research research research. Also call specialists, make a pest of yourself. There are break through treatments every day and there may be one that can help you.

Despite all this advice we're throwing at you, it doesn't change the fact hat this must be very hard for you. You have a right to your feelings, and you have a right to take time to grieve. Do what you need to do. Do not be ashamed in acknowledg your pain and struggles and how it makes you feel. Just don't let it consume you and blind you from the future.

 

[stoopid]