Warriors who overcame (mental or physical) disabilities...

14 years ago

Zabrina,
You are far from alone in the WF. This thread answers your question:

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-may-have.html

Sylvia

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Zabrina 14 years ago

Ken, thank you. I don't believe there should be any stigma around sharing what disabilities one has here. After all, everyone has his or her own cross to bear, and I was hoping someone else may be able to give me tips that have helped them work online despite similar conditions.

Originally Posted by Sylvia Rolfe

Zabrina,
You are far from alone in the WF. This thread answers your question:

http://www.warriorforum.com/main-int...-may-have.html

Sylvia

Wow, thanks for the link. That was inspiration like I was looking for!

Thanks for the heads up, Lisa. What happens when you have one of those "brain shutdowns" and you have a deadline to meet? Do you struggle in that kind of situation, or push through it, or just try to get an extension?

scrofford, that's a rough situation. Have you tried swimming? It's easier on my hips than nearly any other type of exercise, so you might be able to get exercise that way.
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- Tina Golden 14 years ago
  
  This is the first time I had read the complete thread from last year and I'm in awe of some of the people's courage and persistence. I rarely talk about my illnesses. I grew up with a mother that was always sick, some real and some imagined, and she always talked about it and used it as an excuse. I always said that I would never be like that so I usually don't discuss things.
  
  I have several health issues that are all relatively minor by themselves but put together can be debilitating at times. I have had arthritis since I was a child but thankfully not rheumatoid. My fingers go in different directions from one joint to the next which is rather odd. I find typing easier than writing with a pen, thank goodness, but I do get slowed down quite a bit in the winter or when it rains several days in a row.
  
  I have terrible allergies. My roommate says I belong in a bubble...lol. Most of the time, it's just sneezing and the usual symptoms. Occasionally I will have a bad attack and will sneeze so many times back-to-back that I can't breathe. A few times every month, the allergies will trigger a massive sinus headache that has migraine symptoms (stiff neck, nausea and the need to be in a dark room as the light hurts).
  
  Claritin did wonders for about three years until I became immune to it. My body becomes immune to medications quicker than normal and tolerates higher doses of many than are normal. You should see the dentist's face when he realizes he has to give me triple the novacaine...lol. New dentists never believe me at first.
  
  About 10 years ago, I developed hypothyroidism. I had to be treated for depression for about six months because of this which I hated. I've never been depressed for very long as I tend to be an optimist and determined that I can do whatever I set out to do. I was what my doctor called "borderline anorexic" when I was younger - I had a paranoia of being fat and I wouldn't eat for 3-4 days at a time. While I have no problems with food now, I still have a residual hate of being fat but with hypothyroidism, I have to live with it. I do wish the tiredness would go away, though. Even medication never brought me back to the energy that I had before I developed it.
  
  I have some other minor issues that only cause problems on occasion (scoliosis in my lower back, eczema, heart murmur, hypoglycemia). The hypoglycemia is unusual because my blood sugar can go as low as 38 without me feeling any symptoms. They think it goes along with my unusual tolerance levels for many medications but the doctors have no explanation. Most people have symptoms by the time they are down to 50 and under 30 mg/ml, you can go into seizures, coma or die. I don't feel any symptoms until I'm in the danger zone.
  
  I also have certain chronic conditions that cause varying degrees of pain but these are not constant, thank goodness. When they flare up, I can be out of commission almost completely for up to a week or 10 days. These are related to hormones and I may be one of the few women alive who can't wait for full menopause.
  
  Just to top it off, I do have ADHD...lol. I am the queen of lists as they help me keep on track fairly well most of the time. People laugh at me but without my organizational spreadsheets and systems, I would be completely lost. It took me MONTHS to recover when my computer melted down.
  
  And this stuff is all minor compared to what some of you in this thread and the other have to deal with. I wasn't going to share it at all but I figure if it helps one other person to realize that they can do it, no matter what, if they want it bad enough - then it's worth sharing.
  
  Tina
  
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Lisa Gergets

14 years ago

Don't be surprised if this gets transferred to the Off-Topic forum...

I was diagnosed with severe clinical depression years ago and am and will continue to be on medication for the rest of my life. I'm OK with that, considering the alternative. :p

Depression affects everyone differently, and my "thing" to escape is to sleep. Though my depression is treated, it's not gone, and it can be difficult to work sometimes because my brain just wants to shut down and sleep. At those times, I slow down and take care of myself, until I can bounce back. I am very blessed to have a supportive husband who is very aware of what I'm dealing with and it's because of him that I can slow down and do what I need to do for myself.

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scrofford

14 years ago

I used to be a U.S. Paratrooper, and have degenerative hip disease in which I have to use a cane or a walker most of the time. I am also overweight and cannot get my hips replaced until I drop the weight. It's hard to do because of the pain I am in all of the time.

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Chris Worner

14 years ago

As far as the aching is concerned, I have found using a controlled dosage of Weed which has been heated up to form a gaseous vapor in a plastic bag which I then suck the vapor out of very helpful. (I am being serious by the way)

Chris

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EmpyreRamiz

Banned 14 years ago

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slowrider 14 years ago

I suffer from debilitating migraines. Sometimes my prescription meds will work and other times I chase them with a couple of T3's. Even that still doesn't help on occasion. Or it leaves me too dopey to really concentrate. I think I'm doing something constructive but when I recheck my work the next day, oiye!

I also have sponge kidneys (an inherited disorder) which means I have frequent kidney stone attacks. To make matters worse, I found out my parathyroid gland was stuck on overdrive and was pulling calcium from my body and bones on a continuous basis which kept piling up more stones in my kidneys. Just had that nasty gland removed 3 weeks ago, so we'll see if it helps. It still won't cure my kidney stone problem but if I can manage to stay out of the hospital and off the demerol for the better part of a year, I'll know it helped. BTW, once a kidney stone starts to work it's way out, there's nothing to be done but drink lots of water and wait.

For me, the kidney stone pain is the most severe when it hits, but the migraines are far worse because I get them way too often (usually 2 - 3 times a week). I've been to specialists and tried different things but so far nothing seems to really help. I know that one thing that triggers my migraines is a change in the weather. If it's sunny out in the morning and then starts to cloud over I'm dying in pain. Then it kinda eases off while it's raining. If the sun starts to come out again in a few hours, I'm dying again. It must be a change in the atmospheric pressure but the doctors have nothing to suggest for this.

For me, I prefer to work in the early morning or late evening. For some reason, I seem to get more done when it's quiet in my house. It's hard enough to concentrate on something when you have a migraine, let alone do it with the kids and hubby demanding my time and attention. I know, what a witch, eh? lol jk

I told my hubby that I really need to make this IM stuff work because I just couldn't see anyone hiring me if they knew about my problems (or keeping me on after they realized how many days I'd be missing).

I guess you just have to deal with the cards your dealt. I remember when I was young I used to think my Grandma was a hypochondriac. She complained about headaches, arthritis pain, dizzy spells all the time. Now that I'm getting older, I sometimes think I'm turning into her. If it wasn't for the kidney stones as proof of my pain, people would probably think I was imagining things too. Maybe poor old Grandma wasn't just a complainer like I used to think she was.
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brettb

14 years ago

I had RSI (not a great condition for this job!) but I cured myself. Anyone with health problems is missing a trick by not reading The Mindbody Prescription (Dr John Sarno). Think and Grow Rich also touches on the theories. Sadly most people become obsessed with their health problems, which stops the body from curing them.

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Jacqueline Smith

14 years ago

You're definitely not alone!

After an extremely traumatic and life changing experience that one of my children experienced, I was diagnosed with Clinical Depression and Severe Anxiety. I was there every step of the way to help my daughter through this nightmare. Ocourse my focus was completey on her so didn't really realize the impact it was having om me until after the fact .....It started with severe anxiety which led to severe depression. I take my meds everyday and they seem to be helping. As a result of these disorders, unfortunately, other related symptoms pop up every now and again. The latest for me is insomia! I hate it!!!!

Unfortunately, there is often a stigma attached to having a condition that is not physically obvious.

Thanks for sharing your stories...it took alot of courge and it feels good to know you are not alone.

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rosetrees 14 years ago

If it wasn't for my online business and being self-employed so that I can work when I am able and not when I can't - I would have been on benefits for years.

I have ME - which relapsed majorly 3 years ago. I haven't been the same since. At least with wireless internet and my online business I can lose myself in my online business and work lying in bed when I have to.

Plus, I have met many amazing people through the internet - several from this forum.
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petula

14 years ago

Zabrina,

I have fibromyalgia - constant muscle pain all day amongst other problems.

I didn't get any help from conventional doctors, and so have gone the natural health route for over 2 decades. However this is extremely expensive, hence why I am trying to learn how to make an income through internet marketing.

Fifteen years ago, I turned the corner to gradually going uphill at a snail's pace, instead of constantly going downhill.

Since learning to search the internet 3 years ago, I have learned more than years of going to see any doctor, naturopath, or anyone else. I have realized just how inadequate the treatments have been from other professionals, but life is still a battle on a day to day, although each year is a bit better than the last. For this I am thankful.

I wish you well.

Petula

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Jsez

14 years ago

This is very interesting to see and read about other people battling their disabilities. Personally the whole reason i got into internet marketing was because of my issues. A couple years ago i got a reality check of how unstable traditional jobs truly are.

I was born with bad kidneys and had my first transplant when i was 17. By the time i was 20 I was a chef at a popular casino on the Las Vegas strip. And then my kidney rejected. I never felt so sick in my life and I no longer had the energy to work most jobs. let alone the one i was so comfortable doing in the kitchen.

I stayed sick and tried to work at jobs that didnt need much energy to do. then i learned about making money on the internet and I felt that this would be the only way i could have financial stability

I got a new kidney about a year ago and everything is smooth. I dont truly struggle with day to day things anymore. So i cant really comment on that side of things. And even while i was on dialysis using the computer is not something that i struggled with.

But i do feel that especially those who are disabled should start learning about building an online business, because the Job environment is a mess right now and is not truly stable for anyone least of all disabled people.

Which brings me to a question i have.... How do disabled self employed internet people get health insurance for pre-existing conditions?

Do to certain situations this is not something i have truly needed to worry about until recently

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Lisa Gergets

14 years ago

What happens when you have one of those "brain shutdowns" and you have a deadline to meet? Do you struggle in that kind of situation, or push through it, or just try to get an extension?

All of the above, really...it depends on the situation at the time. I am lucky to have the best coaching students in the world, ever, period, end-of-story, so they are very tolerant when I need to take an extra day to get something done. I've come a very long way in being kind to myself, so I can give myself permission to care for myself...and this is something that I think we all struggle with.

Be good to yourself!

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Ripped

14 years ago

So many determined people here, who made it even though they had some major hurdles.

It makes me realize, that I shouldn't complain or feel bad when a launch doesn't go as well as I hoped, or my PPC campaign got slapped, and shouldn't take things for granted.

Because some of the people here had it much worse than me, but kept strong, overcame their disability and succeed. Kudos to that, you guys are a great inspiration to me.

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tryinhere

14 years ago

The only disability i see most people have is when they see obstacles in their path and not that of opportunity.

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Zabrina

14 years ago

Very odd that the OP vanished. Did a mod click the wrong button? :p

Ah well, here's the OP again:

Hmm... curious about the other Warriors here with disabilities to overcome on a daily basis.

I'm double-disabled: I'm hearing impaired, and I have a joint condition that affects me in a few ways. Most annoying is that, much like older people with arthritis feel the weather coming, my joints ache similarly. I know there are others with chronic pain worse than mine. How do you cope with it?

Also linked to the same condition that caused the joint issue and hearing impairment is a likely low serotonin issue in my brain, which I've tried to correct with antidepressants. I found myself motivated to work and earning more money than ever before, but I don't like being on them, so I'm trying to get off them while retaining that energy and happiness. Not working too well at the moment, or I probably wouldn't be on WF.

Anyone overcoming similar issues mentally?

I know you're there -- don't be shy, share what you haven't let hold you back.

More great stories from everyone, thanks for sharing! You're a hardy and determined lot that I can really identify with. I love how many people are determined not to let disabilities be an excuse. That's always been my philosophy (all of my conditions have been lifelong, so growing up as a hearing impaired kid is interesting sometimes!).

Lisa, thank you for your advice.

I struggle with being kind to myself in general. I'm hard on other people and have high expectations of them, but certainly even more so with myself. I expect 100% and give 110%. That's why this depression-like condition frustrates me so much -- I want to give 110%, but instead I just do nothing.

Oh, well... the deadline for some work is fast approaching, so I've gotta just push through it today. One thing at a time...

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kleo

14 years ago

I have not posted in years but I have to say it is great to see a thread where people
can share their challenges. It is also inspiring in that everyone on here has not given up.

My family story.

I have ADHD, OCD, Sleep Apnea and SAD. I had to move back home to look after
Mom who at the age of 51 had Alzheimers.

I met my wife online just as the internet was starting. She moved in to help me with
my Mom.

Our son was born in 2000 and has severe Autism, Epilepsey , non-verbal, sleep issues
and huge eating issues.

My Mother passed away in 2002 and my daughter was born 4 months later and also
has Autism.
My wife for the last 10 years has had numerous seizures that still can't be explained.

We have no relatives to help. We are not able to make friends as we can't go out
and socialize.

I love the internet as it has given me my wife and I can work on this business and
always be home for my family when needed.

I also find that internet marketing people are some of the best people in the world.

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Zabrina

14 years ago

Originally Posted by kleo

I have not posted in years but I have to say it is great to see a thread where people
can share their challenges. It is also inspiring in that everyone on here has not given up.

My family story.

I have ADHD, OCD, Sleep Apnea and SAD. I had to move back home to look after
Mom who at the age of 51 had Alzheimers.

I met my wife online just as the internet was starting. She moved in to help me with
my Mom.

Our son was born in 2000 and has severe Autism, Epilepsey , non-verbal, sleep issues
and huge eating issues.

My Mother passed away in 2002 and my daughter was born 4 months later and also
has Autism.
My wife for the last 10 years has had numerous seizures that still can't be explained.

We have no relatives to help. We are not able to make friends as we can't go out
and socialize.

I love the internet as it has given me my wife and I can work on this business and
always be home for my family when needed.

I also find that internet marketing people are some of the best people in the world.

Inspiring, thank you! You certainly have a lot of challenges to overcome.

I find in speaking to others who have challenges greater than my own, mine seem so much less important.

Yet I do need a little advice from anyone else who has similar serotonin issues (depression or anxiety issues may be similar).

Anyone else have suggestions on what to do when that hopeless/helpless feeling hits? No matter how much work I have to do, that work alone isn't enough to motivate me. I just feel hopeless about it, and then start feeling helpless because I can't seem to do anything to change it. The best solution I've come up with is to "trick myself" into starting work -- for instance, writing a paragraph in between other things until I'm engrossed in my work and actually getting things done. Another thing that seems to help is changing my environment -- I can't work in my bedroom right now, only in the home office.

And has anyone tried St. John's Wort? Looking to start it before the school year starts next week.

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theory expert Banned 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Zabrina

And has anyone tried St. John's Wort? Looking to start it before the school year starts next week.

I suffer from depression and I use St. John's Wort. I want to give you a warning. SJW doesn't work for everyone. It is based on the severity of your condition and other things that I have no idea about. It works for me and it has a side effect. It can mess with your eye sight. I suggest you get some beta carotene/vitamin A to take when you take the pill or liquid form SJW. I use 300mg dosage sjw. 150 mg dosage may work for you I don't know. The liquid form is more potent because it gets in your blood stream faster. Unfortunately, it doesn't last long because of the size of the bottles(at least the sizes I have seen aren't big).

be sure you eat right to
Fish, olive oil, nuts good for eyes too, more studies find - CNN.com
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KimW

14 years ago

Two words; Kidney Failure
Two more words: Positive attitude.

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