How to deal psychologically with PN???
 

Dear all,

I started one thread, "aethoxysclerol caused neuropathy", to get some information about biological backgrounds of this disease. But I have other questions too. I have neuropathy now since approximately 8 months, I'm not yet officially diagnosed, but I think it's small fibre neuropathy (EMG normal, but stinging, burning, pain all over my body). And I really, and absolutely, cannot deal with this... There are many days that I think about ending my life. I would'n't have the guts to do it now, but I think dat it may be necessary in the future. I'm 31 years old and had some healt problems in the past. I had chronic fatigue syndrom and irritable bowel syndrom, but I recovered with hard work of both conditions. Then finally at age 29, I found my first real job and it was, and is a wonderful job with wonderful colleagues. I was so afraid to lose this job again and to lose my health and tried to control everything to not let that happen. So when I thougt I had hemorrhoids (how could I make a big deal about such a minor problem???!!), I wanted to get it treated immediately. So I got an injection with aethoxysclerol. First there was only stinging at the injection site, but after 2,5 months the stinging and burning spread to my complete body. Please believe me, these health problems are not caused by a mental condition. There was an other patient of this doctor with similar symptoms after this treatment and my father also developed PN after surgery.

What I'm trying to say is, after a minor procedure I developed this horrible disease which puts my life at hold again. Everything I dreamed about seems impossible now. I feel like my life is fading away...

I really admire some of you who try to get better and succeed. I really liked the post of WING42 about dealing with his condition with supplements, exercise and positive thinking. Thank you for that WING42!

[B]But I wonder: how are some of you able to deal with this horrible disease? Is life still worth living? Is it worth going the distance?[/B]

I think when I would have been 30 years older and developed this disease, after I had worked for many years and got and raised children, and had had the change to fully enjoy living with my boyfriend, then I would have been able to deal with this. But now, I just feel that my life is over before it even started.

And I'm sorry to be such a negative speaker on this forum. I just want to know if there is something out there to keep living for. What helps you keep going?

Knowledge, mostly...
 

Hi Dutchgirl, welcome.

Interesting you mentioned psychologically, because it sounds like what you're going through is something we've all—everyone who experiences any kind of life-changing event—gone through.

The 5 Stages of Loss and Grief

kübler-ross illness

It's important to remember as you read, that while these stages were first written about pertaining to death, they also apply to other types of loss—e.g. health.

Just knowing about things like this, and being aware of and recognizing them for what they are as we go through them, gives us the self-understanding and strength to continue.

Further reading: psychology of chronic illness

Doc

Nice to meet you!!