Hi, my name is Jon1969!

Jon1969

Hi everyone! I'm Jon1969. I'm a newbie here. I'm 49 years old and have lived with hidden disabilities for many years. I'm a type 1 disbetic and have been since I was a teenager, I now suffer with many diabetes related health issues. I suffer with peripheral neuropathy in my feet and legs mainly which causes an awful lot of pain, I also have autonomic neuropathy which also causes pain in various parts of my body, from abdomen to back and neck mainly. I also have rheumatoid arthritis in my hips, spine and hands. The autinomuc neuropathy also causes issues with food digestion and bowel movements along with some slightly more, shall we say, private dysfunctions. I'm also partially sighted, due to congenital cateracs and am also now suffering with glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy both of which are beginning to cause a further deterioration in my vision. I have more recently been diagnosed with osteoperosis after suffering with a series of unexplained fractures, having never broken a single bone in my body prior to the beginning of this year. I have also this year seperated from my wife of 25 years and now find myself living alone for the first time in my life. Which at first I found really daunting but am gradually adapting and finding that focusing on my own health issues is allowing me better medical management than previously. Its kind of looking after number 1 which sounds a little selfish I know but its working for me. Anyway, thats me! Happy to chat and discuss matters, so pkease dob't hesitate to get in touch. Many thanks

steve51

Hi @Jon1969

Good Afternoon & Welcome to our “Online Community”

I am one off the Community Champion’s here at Scope.

Yes I also have many Disabilities like most of us here in our Community/Family.

I’m very very happy in chatting to you if that “helps”

Please also let me know if you need any “help/support getting in & around”

@steve51

Adrian_Scope

Hi @Jon1969 and a warm welcome to the community! You sound like you've got a lot to deal with, but I'm glad you're seeing the bright side of being able to focus on yourself a bit. We have a chronic pain group here that might be of use to you, but if you need any specific support or advice, please don't hesitate to let us know!

linlin01

Hi John, I'm a newbie too.  I know what you mean about being able to focus on your own health issues once you're on my own - it's taken many years to really start looking after myself.  My health does seem to be gradually improving as a result.  Keep up the good work and look after yourself.  

Ails

Hi @Jon1969 and welcome to the Community.  It is nice to meet you and thanks for sharing with us.  I am sorry to hear of your health struggles, but it sounds as though you are coping really well and you aren't being selfish at all by putting yourself first and focusing on managing your health.  You will find the Community a lovely place to meet new friends and there will always be someone to chat to.  Please feel free to look around the forum and take part in any discussions.  If you need help with anything then please don't hesitate to ask and I look forward to reading your future posts.  All the best. 

Chloe_Alumni

Welcome to the community @Jon1969, how are you doing today?