posted
I live alone, and I am mostly at home doing treatments. I really need to find a way to find comfort. I try not to do sugar or even a glass of wine as I can feel so much worse the next day.
Honestly, I am rarely hugged or touched. My family is gone, and my friends are mostly too busy and too uncomfortable with my difficulty.
Does any one have any ideas? Are there any herbs that relieve emotional pain of loneliness and hopelessness? Any thing else that would help?
[ 12-01-2013, 05:10 AM: Message edited by: Robin123 ]
Posts: 89 | From USA | Registered: Jan 2011
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
Are you allowed pets?
A snuggly, fat cat is the best comfort on the planet.
Animals sense when you're having a bad day, and like to sit close.
Other critters that like to snuggle and are cute and fuzzy are guinea pigs. Although they may pee or poop sometimes, which a cat won't do.
Are you able to walk or swim? What about joining a walking group or go swimming on a specific day each week? You'll see the same faces.
Also, at my local library, they have events. Like authors will come and read part of their books. Lots of folks go there, and it is free.
There are also Healing Touch practice groups that meet and do vollunteer healing touch on people to gain experience and hours for their certifications. They accept donations. 2-5 bucks. I have a relative doing this, and it is very relaxing and good experience.
You could volunteer at a local animal shelter. Brushing dogs or cats.
Massage therapy schools also need patients for their certification. You would get a great massage and it would be cheap.
Same as beauty schools, for pedicures.
I have my cats. On my very bad herxing days, they sleep on the bed with me, and their presence is very soothing.
Do you have a heating pad? When you're laying down, if you put a heating pad on low against your back, it is very soothing.
I am an introvert, so I am not much for being around people, but I enjoy being around my cats.
Hang in there! Keep coming on LN! We're here for you. Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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posted
Can you think of any way you could connect with your community, even if it means doing volunteer phone work if you need to be at home?
Don't know if you like this idea, but there are others who are shut-ins too, for other health reasons. If you found out how to connect with others who are feeling similarly as you, it might make for some supportive mutual understanding conversation.
Or could you think of any activity you could do at home for which you could invite someone over to do it with? This would in general be an interest of yours, to share.
It's good to rekindle interests, if you have some, because it puts a positive focus on something you can enjoy doing and restores some quality of life.
My opinion is that one of the nicest ways to develop relationships is through shared interests, so in time, you may find companionship this way as well.
Posts: 13117 | From San Francisco | Registered: May 2006
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
It is tricky. We are all at different levels of what we can do.
I have been trying to imagine laying in the arms of angels lately for comfort.
When I first moved here, I thought I would find nice things at the local thrift shop or purcahse a candy bar or something and leave it outside a random door in the hallway of the apartment complex I live in.
So many people here that are housebound.
But, health has yet to be able to do this.
I also have considered the essential oils but haven't been well enough to figure out which ones might help.
I watch movies to help take my mind off of how low functioning I am ...it needs to be a slow moving movie with closed caption.
I have lived here since 2005 and have yet to make a friend.
It just takes too much out of me....health is too low to even go around the block in my power chair with someone else even if they don't talk.
Brain is weird....
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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kam
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 3410
posted
Not able to read the above
Posts: 15927 | From Became too sick to work or do household chores in 2001. | Registered: Dec 2002
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I just wanted to acknowledge that you may be too sick to do some of the things mentioned here. I know I am, and didn't want you to feel discouraged.
When I'm not in too much pain I listen to worship music, as I'm a Christian. Of course you could choose any kind of music.
I can only talk on the phone for about 5 minutes before my voice gives out, but I like to call other sick friends. If they're well enough to talk even five minutes, it breaks the silence, and I don't feel so alone.
I love the space heater I keep next to my bed. It's humm is calming, as is the heat.
But what comforts me the most is silently praying. I rarely even use words, but just commune with God heart to heart. He already knows what's on my heart anyway, so I don't feel pressured to talk, and I love feeling His presence.
-------------------- Ellen _ _ ___________ _ _ lyme disease dysautonomia Chiari malformation anxiety Posts: 72 | From Birmingham, AL | Registered: Dec 2013
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posted
I actually have a little of Valor, and I have had it out on my dressing table, and I have been noticing it as I walked by. I will look for the lavender. I do think essential oils can help, and I forget to use them. They certainly smell pretty, and they don't hurt anything. I don't use them every day because of the cost. Then I get out of the habit of thinking about them. Thank you for the reminder!
I think a pet is beyond me right now, and I am unfortunately allergic to cats. They are definitely easier and snugly.
Thank you again for all of the great ideas and kind thoughts. I thought lymenet was mostly about medical information. I had no idea that I could find so much help for my heart.
Posts: 89 | From USA | Registered: Jan 2011
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momindeep
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7618
posted
I really like you moniker jubilee...that is an awesome word!
Posts: 1512 | From Glenwood City WI | Registered: Jul 2005
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quote:Originally posted by Jubilee: I thought lymenet was mostly about medical information. I had no idea that I could find so much help for my heart.
- That's why we have this General Support section! Just for "the heart!"
-------------------- --Lymetutu-- Opinions, not medical advice! Posts: 96223 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001
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payne
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 26248
posted
"Honestly, I am rarely hugged or touched. My family is gone, and my friends are mostly too busy and too uncomfortable with my difficulty". quote from Jubilee
How true, chronic lyme members know this to well.
for what it feels worth... one long hug from me.. ("
-------------------- TULAREMIA/rabbit fever ? Posts: 1931 | From mid-michigan | Registered: Jun 2010
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
I agree Jubilee!
The folks on lymenet keep my head above water.
I've never met a more compassionate and sincere group of people.
Posts: 4358 | From British Columbia, Canada | Registered: Jun 2013
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Marz
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 3446
posted
"I've never met a more compassionate and sincere group of people."
Amen Greta!
I'm feeling especially warm and fuzzy toward all of you this Holiday Season when I can feel pretty neglected and lonely!
Posts: 1297 | From USA | Registered: Dec 2002
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