I developed juvenile diabetes around the age of 8 yrs. old. Through the years, growing up

only got worse. Once an adult, physical problems had developed and my health had went down hill. I wound up with a degenerative bone disease causing disc operations until there were no more to be done. I've had a double bladder operation, an amputation (left leg). Plus too many more operations to count.

Rhuematoid Arthritis has set in severely and I have lived in a powerchair for the last ten years. Of course, the doctors do what and probably all they can do to keep one as painfree and as comfortable as possible. Though, if your the one living in this horrible state, it seems not to be enough,ever. One needs too much care from others much of the time,if not all the time. Help from hygiene to food prep. That doesn't even count the cleaning and the tranfers to bed or in and out of a vehicle. One is not used to all of this and it takes quite the adjustment in trying to live what, now, one would call a whole new lifestyle. Now that this has become a major cramp in your life, there's still the pain mentally and physically anyway. No matter what anyone says, it will never change back to what normal healthy living should be.This kind of living is now, as normal as it gets, for the rest of ones life. Unless one lives like this,others will never really understand and can only sympathize. Then, here comes another ailment that is not uncommon.....

Depression! You don't realize it at first. It comes on gradually. One starts crying more, lying in bed and no energy to get up and about. Even taking a bath has become too much to do.

You've fallen into a shell. You've become lonely,and want to be left alone. Mood swings that are out of control. It's hard to believe that, now your health has lead you down the road of destruction,and a person no one knows anymore. Friends stop helping you and slowly fade away from your life.Some of these health issues are hereditary, though for the most part, take care of yourself as best you can. Some people don't realize the risks until it's too late. Please recognize some of these signs in your loved ones and try to save them or suicide may be next.

Learn more about this author, Linda C. Turman.
Click here to send author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Eradicating problems and obstacles in your daily life?
We want to hear your view. Write now!