ridingthewaves1959

Open Bereavement
Type: Loss of a Relative

I have had a few people/pets pass away before me and I continue to grieve. I am especially having a difficult time with my aunt's death that happened in 2007. She passed away due to Lou Gehrig's Disease, which was very difficult for me to watch.

Treatments

Crying Somewhat Helpful

I end up getting a massive headache afterwards but it lets out a lot of built up frustration and sadness.

Grief Counseling Somewhat Helpful

It made me think about the important parts of my aunts life and to remember how lucky I was to have her in my life.

Music Somewhat Helpful

Playing songs that remind me of my love for her. Such as You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Prayer Somewhat Helpful

It's my way of communicating with my aunt. I pray to her for strength and comfort in my difficult times.

Open Hypothyroidism

I have a hypothyroid. I have been treated for about four to five years.

Treatments

Synthroid Working / Worked

I guess it's working, I don't notice much of a change.

Open Obesity

I have been obese for several years of my life. I am in the process of making a lifestyle change to become healthier.

Treatments

Meridia Not Working

I was on this medication for a month and did not see much of a difference at all and since my insurance did not cover it and I did see any weight loss, I decided to not continue on this medication.

Swimming Too Soon to Tell

I have just started swimming at my local YMCA 5-6 days a week for at least 30 minutes a day.

Open Diets & Weight Maintenance

I have recently made a lifestyle change that has incorperated 6 days a week of physical exercise. I swim laps for at least 30 minutes. I am starting to do weights as well to build muscle mass.

Treatments

Eat Less Working / Worked

Great. Has made my stomach smaller, making it easier to not eat as much. Took a few weeks to get used to but it's working!

Physical Exercise Working / Worked

Swimming 6 days a week for at least 30 minutes :) Doing great.

Open Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

My aunt passed away from ALS in 2007. It was the most difficult experience I have ever gone thru. From time of diagnosis till her death. I lived with her for a summer once it started to really progress....I've seen it and lived it and am here to help those who care for those with ALS & families going thru this tragic disease.

Open Asthma
Type: Adult Asthma

I have had asthma for most of my life. I struggle with it especially during the winter months.

Treatments

Advair Not Working

I did not find much relief with this inhaler. I know it is not a rescue inhaler, but using it daily I still did not see much of a difference. I am no longer on this medication.

Albuterol Working / Worked

I use it before I workout and when I'm struggling to breathe.

Singulair Working / Worked

I take this everyday to help with my asthma and keeping my airway open.

Symbicort Working / Worked

I take it 2x a day - morning and night. It helps my breathing.

Open Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

I have been diagnosed with IBS since I was a sophomore in high school. I ended up not getting treatment for anxiety until about a year ago. Using Ativan helps to calm my anxiety which gives me less stomach pain and flair ups.

Treatments

Avoid Certain Foods / Chemicals Somewhat Helpful

I try to avoid high fattening foods - it can tend to make my stomach become upset and I have issues in the bathroom later.

High Fiber Diet Somewhat Helpful

I have my flair ups from time to time but having high fiber helps to have a somewhat normal bathroom "schedule." But it doesn't always work - I may need the bathroom any time.

Trazodone Working / Worked

I used to take this when I first was diagnosed with IBS. It helped for a time. I am no longer on it. I took it at night due to its drowsy efffects.

Open Cerebral Palsy

I've had CP all my life since birth. Due to my premature birth and lack of oxygen at birth I ended up having CP. The doctors gave my mom no hope for me. My mom kept me in PT for several years and I was extremely delayed from birth to five yrs old. If you saw me today you would not really notice at all my CP. I can notice it and feel it.

Open Coming Out

I came out in 2003 to my immediate family and close friends. I am here to give support and share my experiences. It can be a very difficult and stressful time for someone trying to come out.

Treatments

Psychotherapy Working / Worked

It helped me to get up enough courage to tell my family and friends.

Open Eating Disorders
Type: Bulimia

I was bulimic for a few years but have now been officially purge free since 2006. I still struggle with over eating, self-control and my self-image.

Treatments

Dietitian Consult Working / Worked

I met with a dietitian during my partial hospital program and individually after being released from the program.

Meridia Not Working

I took it for a month, I didn't feel much of a difference at all. I And since my insurance didn't cover it, I cannot continue nor do I want to continue taking a medication that isn't effective.

Outpatient Treatment Program Working / Worked

I did a partial hospital program in 2004 as a way to control my bulimia. I put myself into treatment because I could not handle it anymore. I was also trying to get help for my depression and anxiety.

Psychotherapy Working / Worked

I was in counseling for several years to assist with self-esteem, eating "normally" and having something to control in my life besides binging and purging.

Open GERD & Heartburn

After being Bulimic for over 2 years, I ended up having acid reflux, a lot of it. Without medication, I have to take at least 7 or 8 Tums a day. Some days are better than others...

Treatments

Aciphex Working / Worked

It works great for the most part. Except sometimes at night, I struggle and have to take my medication late at night before I go to bed. And take again the next morning - so basically doubling up.

Antacids Somewhat Helpful

Without medication I would have to take at least 7 or 8 a day.

Avoid Certain Foods / Chemicals Somewhat Helpful

I try to avoid very acidic foods or ones with a lot of tomato sauce - that can really trigger some issues.