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About Me
GTK
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About Me
I have accepted fear as part of life--specifically the fear of change. I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says turn back. -Erica Jong .......... I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death. -Robert Fulghum........... I live alone and am on a Disability Pension because of my pain. I don't do any paid employment, though I do some charity work at a children's hospital when I am up to it. In my previous life (before CP) I was a chef and a martial arts instructor. I am still struggling to adjust to my 'new' life, even though it has been 7 years. I am in need of understanding, friendship and support. Hope to find those things here
I have accepted fear as part of life--specifically the fear of change. I have gone ahead despite the pounding in the heart that says turn back. -Erica Jong .......... I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge. That myth is more potent than history. That dreams are more powerful than facts. That hope always triumphs over experience. That laughter is the only cure for grief. And I believe that love is stronger than death. -Robert Fulghum........... I live alone and am on a Disability Pension
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Interests
I love nature, especially trees and birds and sunsets and wilderness and the ocean... and dogs, cats and horses. My favourite activities are bushwalking and surfing (boogie board) - however I am unable to participate in those activities now, due to damn leg pain. I have been spending a lot of time recently researching my family history - it's a great distraction from the pain.
I love nature, especially trees and birds and sunsets and wilderness and the ocean... and dogs, cats
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Journal
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Hugbook
Hug
Gaye thank you for the hug I really needed it. I have not been around much lately but I think of you every day. So sorry about your Dad.It id heartbreaking when we loose our loved ones. Hoping you are enjoying the onset of summer and you are able to get out and ride those waves.Loads of love Lynda
Chocolate
i sent you a message somewhere here, i hope you can find it.
bill and i are thinking of you and sending our feelings to help you through this hard time
Rainbow
Hope you have a wonderful day. Thinking of you.
Ray of Sunshine
Hey Gaye! just back from treatments and wanted to come check on you. Sending warm sunshine and gentle hugs your way....Lesa
I’m With You
Hello Gaye......just wanted to let you know ,that you`re very much in my thoughts and prayers..I do hope you are able to see your sisters ,and can both give one another some much needed support right now..
Sending lots of love your way..along with some gentle ,comforting ((((((hugs)))))~~~~Take care my dear friend~~~love you~~~~sharon xoxoxo
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Photos
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Goals
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Support Groups
Close Chronic Pain
Hi, I have Saphenous Neuralgia - a neuropathic pain condition in my leg. I have battled with this for 7 years. My pain goes in cycles; I have been in a bad 'flare up' for the last 7 months. This means I am virtually housebound, because leaving home will always significantly increase my pain levels. My condition can not be cured, only treated with medication for the pain. P.S. Flare up finally settled after 8 months and I am enjoying going out walking in all my favourite places... hooray!
Treatments
- Equetro Working / Worked
- An increase in normal dosage can sometimes work to settle a pain flare up.
- Lyrica Not Working
- it settled a flare up the first time I tried it, but made no difference this time.
- Marijuana Working / Worked
- It certainly works faster and much better than any medication I have tried for my nerve pain. I did use it regularly for pain relief but have ceased to use it at all due to the negative side effects and dependency issues.
- Nerve Blocks Not Working
- Gave quite good releif for 6 months, the first 2 times I had one. But the 3rd time it increased the pain level for 2 months.
- Neurontin Not Working
- Made no difference at all to pain level.
- Oxycodone Working / Worked
- It really does lower pain to more managable levels.
- Physical Therapy Not Working
- Resulted in increase to pain levels.
- TENS Not Working
- Seemed to stimulate the nerves and 'stir up' the pain; resulted in increase to pain levels.
- Tramadol Working / Worked
Close Depression
Type: Clinical (Major) DepressionI have battled with depression & self esteem issues for most of my life, due to abuse in my childhood.
Treatments
- Psychotherapy Working / Worked
- I am in the process of finishing up with my therapist after many years with her. She has been my lifesaver. I may not be completely well now, but I am a million miles away from the emotionally non-functioning person I was when I started the journey with her.
Open Smoking Addiction & Recovery
Friday night now... when I wake up tomorrow I will be a non smoker...really scarey... maybe this is not the best time to be attemting this, but I am going ahead anyway. I do not want to smoke anymore!!! I have now passed the one year mark as a non-smoker... and it feels sooo good.
Treatments
- Chantix Working / Worked
- This drug is amazing... I had virtually no bad cravings, though I still had to deal with the habit part of my smoking.
- Hypnotherapy Working / Worked
- I used a hypnotherapy audio CD. It really made such a difference to how strong I felt in my quit. I would really recommend it to anyone who needs some additional support.
- Support Groups Working / Worked
- DS Smoking Addiction and Recovery group is the most supportive group of people on this planet. It makes such a difference to know people are really barracking for you to keep your quit.
Open Alzheimer's Disease
My Dad has Alzheimer's. It has just progressed to the point where it is starting to really cause difficulties. My sister lives with him as his carer, however she has her own health problems that will make her unable to continue in that role as he declines further with the illness. Dad has been moved to a nursing home permanently now. It was hard to do... but totally unavoidable... and he is getting great care there.
Open Loneliness
GTK hasn’t entered any details for this support group.Open Sexual Abuse
My story is far too long to tell here. I would like to encourage all women who have experienced sexual abuse to do a Women's Self Defence course... preferably one that is taught by a woman. I spent 15 years teaching such a course... it was one of the best healing tools for me... and I helped a lot of women to discover their strength and regain their power.
Treatments
- Psychotherapy Working / Worked
- It has been a very long hard road... but progress has been made... and continues still.
