To think I have no purpose

[slippersmum]

I became disabled recently following a horrible disease which almost killed me and if it returns it will quite quickly. So now I sit and watch Netflix. I had a great career which has gone but I am alive. I would love to do something as I am getting very down I have my family but apart from them what is the point in me? What can I do? Would love to have something to focus on, throw myself into and give me meaning again. I am sorry if this seemed a bit self pitying. I did not intend it to come across that way at all. Please help me get my purpose back. Thanks

Could you do any crafts? Do you enjoy making things? Could you do something to raise an awareness of what you have been through, by doing talks in schools/colleges etc?

I'm sorry you're feeling this way and that you have been through what you have. But you have purpose, especially to your family. I hope this doesn't come across as patronising, because that is most definitely not my intention, but I believe that everything happens for a reason, even if it's not clear yet.

Slippers Everyone has given advice and tbh i cant add to it just wanted to wish you well. X

Great posts from PurpleHair and shovetheholly amongst others. You ladies are inspiring. Wishing you the very best OP

(I can't think how to word this as I'm not taking pleasure in misfortunes of others if that makes sense so apologies for clumsiness) but its comforting to know there are others in the same boat and acknowledging that, actually, it's quite shit having your life turned upside down.

You sound a bit more hopeful in your last posts slippers which is good. for all of us with upside down lives!

I had another quick thought which is, I don't know if you are suffering from pain, but I found the chronic pain extremely hard to deal with, probably one of the hardest parts. I was referred to a pain management specialist and clinic, and I was sceptical tbh, but it was really worthwhile. They did come up with some additional treatments and strategies, but best of all was seeing that all the HCPs acknowledging people's suffering and being so committed to reducing pain levels, it made me feel like they listened and cared. I think that's what come across on this thread too, it is comforting to me and I hope it's helped everyone as well as slippers.

Thanks purple. The pain really does get me down. I do try to be cheerful but sometimes it all overwhelms me and I just cry (when I am alone). I am awaiting an appointment at the pain clinic so from your experience hoping it will be really helpful.

Could you learn to play an instrument? Or a language? At least that's using your brain.

At least your not someone on here who is obviously so miserable with their own life they are always alone, no invites out to Christmas (or ever) so they just spend their time being snide on forums.

Ok so you have super skills working with traumatised children - would volunteering for something like child line be possible, joining a charity that helps these type of kids where u can use your skills

Good news you're seeing the pain clinic, I hope it is beneficial. My pain consultant was lovely, to be fair my GP is very good but I felt like a nuisance going back to her again and again and saying "sorry but the tablets aren't really helping" and GP saying "ok we will up the dose slightly and review in a week"....the pain consultant just said "right, what we are here for is to get your pain levels absolutely as low as they will go, get you to have some good quality sleep and get you more mobile and you have all these options..." It was very good. Just feeling listened to and being able not to put a brave face on (like you do for everyone else) was beneficial. I was offered the good meds, therapy, some surgical intervention and had regular appointments so I knew if I felt bad again I could be seen.

I really hope it helps for you. I know about the crying when you are alone I do think that crying though is an understandable and really quite healthy reaction. I tend to do it in the bath so I can wash the tears away and don't get DH or DC peering at me suspiciously

I hope you find your purpose. You could still use the skills from your former career. You can write, and you can use the phone. Helplines/Web chat helplines etc would love that expertise.

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the support xx