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Living with ongoing pain, emotional trauma, mental illness and unemployment following (successful) cancer treatment

GrumpyOldFart
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Any advice on how to stay balanced with all of this going on?

I'm also diabetic (type 2, but probably about to me promoted), with a permanent ileostomy which is extremely active. So it's almost like I have to choose which way to die... I need to eat a lot of starchy carbs to slow things down otherwise I dehydrate, but then my blood sugar goes mad.

Seems like I should be celebrating my second chance at life since surgery. Instead I can barely get out of bed sometimes, it all seems so pointles.

  • Hello GrumpyOldFart

    I'm sorry to hear about all the health conditions that you are managing. It sounds like it's been a really difficult time for you and understandable that you're feeling low with it all. 

    Have you spoken with anyone about how you're feeling? Your GP, your diabetes nurse or your stoma nurse will be able to let you know about support groups and what options for talking therapies are available in your local area. Alternatively, you could contact your local branch of Mind for support. Your GP should also be able to help with improving your pain management which in turn could likely help with your mood. 

    If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses you can call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. 

    I hope that you're able to access the support you need to help improve things for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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