I'm new with a long list of illnesses . . .

This past July, I was hit with ten visits to doctor's offices. Three were for my son (naturopath, physical, and blood work for physical). Everything else was for me. Most of it was that I have periodic appointments and they all happened to fall in July (for example, OB-GYN visit).

Chronic health problems have just taken over my life and sometimes I think I'd rather complain than do anything. It just seems too hard to manage anything.

I'm a type 2 diabetic who is on meds.
I have a bladder disease, interstitial cystitis, that I've had for over 30 years.
I deal with back pain.
I have sleep apnea and use a CPAP.
I deal with statis dermatitis - poor blood flow in the legs - and just had my FOURTH vein ablation in two years. When the dermatitis acts up, my legs get VERY itchy. I wear compression hose and I hate it. My legs are also discolored and I'm ashamed for anyone to look at them.
Physical intimacy is too often painful. (I am on hormones and at least one doctor wants me off of them due to the cancer risk.)

I'm so tired of doctor's visits and copays and travels to offices. When I had a recent flare of the dermatitis, I asked myself, do I drive 45 minutes one way to the vein doctor, or do I drive 45 minutes the other way to the dermatologist? And in traffic?

I have a CPAP too for severe sleep apnoea. How do you find it?

How do I find the CPAP? It's tough at times to get the mask positioned properly, but on the other hand, I'd rather have the air flowing in than not.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I developed plantar fasciitis in my left heel. This makes it hard to walk for exercise. So I thought of going to the pool. But I have to buy a pool pass. And work my schedule so that I can go there when it's open.

And also, I have TMJ and will be fitted for a mouth guard sometime next year at my next dental appointment. Which I don't think insurance will cover.

Mine is mostly okay. Sometimes I lose the seal around my mask and it sounds like farting!! Haha.

Welcome to SF!

Glad you found us.

I relate to some of what you have shared.

I also use a CPAP

HI there, Welcome to this forum. I'm sorry to hear you are having such medical challenges and the receiving of care for them.. I'm a nurse so I'm aware of all you're described.

I have two severe incurable illnesses myself that have developed in the last few years that initiated me reaching out and finding this group.
I also wear mouth guards as well, and find them very helpful.

This forum has helped me through many minutes, days, and years with support and also just listening and allowing my sharing. I hope you find your needed support here.

Welcome to SF. I also have a lot of doctor's visits. And sometimes hospital stays. So I know how you feel.