marjaerwin

I'm still sick.

That is how it goes.

I'm not having so many migraines since quitting tea last November. I'm still struggling with the sound and strobe sensitivities. I can still get hammered by unexpected strobes if I try to walk outside, let alone to bike. I have set up a trainer stand at home, though, so I can get more exercise at home, and while reading. I had trouble with post-exertional symptoms in December and January, but they are fading now in February.

Some things that have helped:

* Quitting tea and cutting back on other salicylates.

* Vitamin supplements.

* Serotonin supplements, since fructose malabsorption impairs tryptophan absorption. It's important to avoid too much though.

* Zinc supplements, since fructose malabsorption impairs tryptophan absorption and zinc defiency is associated with post-exertional malaise in chronic fatigue syndrome. It's important to avoid too much though.

Right now, I'm dealing with chronic pain, chronic headaches, various health issues, and very nasty sensory issues.

I am autistic and have always had sensory differences. Unfortunately, I don't have any common frame of reference to identify all the sensory differences. I do know I already had trouble with flashing/strobing lights, I would get headaches from flourescent lights, etc. but I was able to walk around without shielding my eyes, I was able to listen to music, etc. I do know I also had trouble with certain types of coordination.

I have been suffering chronic health issues and have also had severe sensory amplification, especially over the past three years. I have a diagnosis of hyperacusis, nothing for my other sensory issues, and no diagnosis of the underlying condition.

I get beaten up, by sensory bombardment, almost every day, and often several times in one day. I was beaten up at 6:55 am today. I am particularly sensitive to beeping sounds, and am often incapacitated by the shear pain from backup beepers. I wear earplugs and ear protectors when running errands. I keep ear protectors within arm's reach when at home, and I have set up sound-blocking foam in one closet as a refuge.

I have a lot of trouble accessing health care due to my disabilities and every place's lack of accessibility.

I once arrived at a community health clinic to see my doctor about hormones, I signed in, I curled up in pain in the waiting room, I waited in pain, and I finally asked what was going on - they had quietly signed me out, and they told me I hadn't signed in and had missed my appointment while I was waiting, in obvious pain, for my appointment.

I have had more trouble as my worsening sensory issues make it impossible to take the buses and trains, impossible to use the phones, and often impossible to handle the sensory bombardment in waiting areas, with elevator chimes, phones ringing, tvs flashing and blaring, etc. I haven't been able to follow up on referrals, because I can neither schedule appointments nor go to appointments unless my sensory symptoms are in remission.