Rose, my year began with two repeat ablations on my lower legs due to glitches when done last year. Next is setting up the PT & OT the neuro has prescribed, and a variety of appointments with specialists that I am overdue for. I live alone and as you said, people are busy. We are never given more than we can handle, although sometimes the upper limit is pushed. Can definitely relate to the TOO much. Somehow we adapt and forge ahead. Comforting hugs.

A few years ago I got misdiagnosed with and treated for a year for thyroiditis, rose07042k, when in fact I had untreated, undetected simple diabetes. That diabetes combined with the Seroquel I was taking for my PTSD nightmares and in a year they permanently ruined 60% of my kidneys. I found out by collapsing at work and having to be taken to the ER.

That made me really sensitive to how many of us here at DS PTSD have a dual diagnosis. Many of us have PTSD plus something else, whether a second mental health diagnosis or a second physical-only diagnosis. Either way, I know I was one of the lucky ones. I collapsed at work again last year, but I still have been able to hold out against kidney dialysis so I could keep my job. In 18 months I can retire.

I don't have any family or anyone else as support, either. I'm divorced and never had any kids. I was going to remarry but when I collapsed from chronic kidney disease my fiancee broke up with me. She forced the sale of our house we'd bought to live in married together.


She said she just didn't believe I had chronic kidney disease. She just told me instead that I was lazy. I think she said such a horrible thing not because she believed it. I think she just couldn't vow "in sickness and in health until death do us part" at the altar. Good to know ahead of time or I'd be divorced again.

Things have gone well for me for someone all on his own, though. I heard about the medical tourism to Mexico and found out health care there's good yet lots cheaper than here. I went there and checked it out. In fact, that's where I was New Year's Eve this year.

I decided that's where and how I'll retire alone in 18 months. Here in the USA I couldn't afford it, but there in Mexico I can pay a home health care nurse to help me at home. I won't have to retire to a nursing home or an assisted living facility there in Mexico like I would here in the USA.

I've been through what you say about how you feel, how it all is too much to bear. It really was or I wouldn't have collapsed twice trying to be tougher than I physically could be. Things are feeling ok now for me with my Mexico plan that allows me the hope to afford to pay for future help. It comforts me to know I don't have to be tough forever. I just have tough enough for to make it through 18 more months now. I'm counting it down, believe me.

This year's was not the greatest new year I ever had, but hatching a plan in Mexico this new year's to have some hope for my future made it get better than it was. Hope the new year gets better for you, too.

Hi,
Thanks both of you to respond. I appreciate what you both said because It truly at times it feel like I am the only one that is experiencing thing but to hear from other like both of you is helpful, Thanks for your support