• j4k3@lemmy.world
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    6 months ago

    Find a way to live a productive life with more dignity despite my physical disability that will lead me to an ever darker future. I was hit riding a bicycle to work, by a political refugee that had the cognitive capabilities of a third grader. Surviving is so much worse than death in the USA. It is a terrible place to live like this; an inhumane and pathetic disgrace of a country.

    • intensely_human@lemm.ee
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      6 months ago

      How extensive is this resulting disability? Is there any way for you to exercise? Sounds like you could use some positive neurotransmitters.

      • j4k3@lemmy.world
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        6 months ago

        It’s complicated. I exercise regularly. I’m a former amateur bicycle racer, and still ride, just nothing like I did in the past. My thoracic portion of my back is neutralized on a bike because I know how to fit professionally.

        I’m degrading over time. For instance cooking most of my food for 8-10 days within an hour of being on my feet is getting difficult but is still doable. Interacting with me in the later half of that experience is a no go. I’m too stressed to deal with other people. By the time I am done, I am nonfunctional mentally for the rest of the day due to the pain.

        • intensely_human@lemm.ee
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          6 months ago

          I’m familiar with that mental state. I can keep functioning long after I become too unpleasant for polite company.

          I have a disease whose prognosis is that my pain levels will steadily increase for the rest of my life. Currently it’s just elevated pain response, but eventually it will become spontaneous, unconditioned pain throughout my body.

          Really depressed the fuck out of me at first.

          But then I realized that science is always evolving, and just because that’s the typical course of someone with central sensitization syndrome, doesn’t mean it’s the only possible course.

          Heck thirty years ago we didn’t even know nerves grew back. Now everyone knows the term neurogenesis.

          In my studies, I’ve had to learn a lot about physiology, neurology, stress response, etc. If you would ever be interested in talking strategies for managing this thing let me know.