Hi, I’m TarTaurus, and am trying to find supportive spaces

TarTaurus

I have been struggling with the isolation of living with chronic illnesses (despite not living alone), as I imagine many here do as well, and found this forum. I don’t feel confident enough to find a physical support group yet, so I’m challenging myself to start by interacting online. 

Sandy_123

Hi @TarTaurus welcome, this forum is a great start for you. Alot of people here have their own disabilities, so understand how you feel. There alot of conversations on going, that you might want to take part in. Also some games if you want to join in. Best place to look is in the coffee lounge.

chiarieds

Hi @TarTaurus - & welcome to the community. I hope you enjoy joining in here with like-minded people.

I'm pleased you've joined us, & you may like to look at the different categories here: https://forum.scope.org.uk/categories  Check out what's being discussed with 'Recent discussions': https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussions   & get to know other members in our Coffee lounge,' where you could also try some of the games: https://forum.scope.org.uk/categories/coffee-lounge

You can also just chat here.

TarTaurus

Thank you so much, @chiarieds ☺️

TarTaurus

Thanks, @Sandy_123, for the warm welcome! 

Sandy_123

Your most welcome I look faward to seeing you around the forum 

Cher_Alumni

Hello @TarTaurus and a warm welcome from me, how's it going today?

It's lovely you found us, I hope we can lessen some of the loneliness you're feeling. I definitely get how you can feel isolated, despite being in the company of others 

If you don't mind me asking, which chronic illnesses do you have? Also - do you happen to be a Taurus by any chance?!

I look forward to getting to know you better. Take care and speak again soon.

TarTaurus

Hey @Cher_Scope! Sorry if it’s been a while since your comment, notifs were stuck in my spam and my memory is terrible!

I’m a little frustrated with my health today, which is why I’m back on the site. How are you?

I don’t mind! I’m diagnosed with lupus, lupus nephritis classes 4+5, avascular necrosis, hypermobile EDS, PoTS, fibromyalgia, Raynaud’s phenomenon, chronic atypical migraines, IBS, uterine fibroids, and chronic pelvic pain. I also have anxiety and depression, as well as ADHD that was diagnosed as an adult. 

I hope it’s ok to ask the same of you? Does your _scope username mean you work for the site, or are an admin? 

I am a Taurus! I love Greek mythology, too, so my username was born!

You take care, too  

Cher_Alumni

Hi @TarTaurus I'm a Virgo, a fellow earth sign! I do find that a lot of the characteristics of Virgo's reflect me as a person. How about you?

And, ooft. That's a lot of conditions to manage, how are you getting on? Do you have much support from care teams or your GP?

I do work for Scope as an online community co-ordinator. Aspects of this are admin and speaking with lots of lovely members, it's a varied role and one that always keeps me on my toes   

I personally have had Crohn's disease since being a teenager, and have negotiated anxiety alongside that for many years. So I can empathise with some of the feelings and symptoms you have. For me, talking therapy really helped get to a more stable place, have you ever considered it? I appreciate it's not for everyone but maybe worth some thought?

I hope you have a lovely Wednesday. Take care and remember where we are should you ever fancy a chat.