Looking grim, and people are dumb.

SilverSage

New member
Sep 14, 2013
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Columbus, GA
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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
I got some bad news last night, or rather the lack of bad news IS bad news. After nearly a month of being in horrible pain, it has been confirmed by several doctors that 'nothing is wrong.' And therefore nothing can be done. I have had to spend most of every day for the last month in bed, and movement causes horrible pain. I have figured out a sleeping system the seems to provide a couple of hours a day when the pain is less than killer, with the help of medication I would rather not be taking, and I use those to keep my responsibilities from completely disintegrating into chaos.

Well a genius said something really smart today. They suggested I get rid of my birds, and that perhaps now I would regret having so many. I laughed at them. My bird room has a couch, and on that couch I sit and soak in the healing sounds and interaction with my friends. Even when the pain makes me curl up in a ball and cry, I can still sit with them, play with them, and even work on some of the things we have been training for. They think my birds are a burden in this time, but part of the weight flies away on their wings. So no, I do not regret my birds, and I will not be reforming any of them.

End rant.

That said, I may not be as active for a while, and sometime there are things I won't have the energy to answer gently, so I won't be answering some things that I usually would. If anyone would like to pm me I always love to hear from people, and I hope to be back in full force with you all soon. In the mean time, I will read and enjoy your pictures and updates, and may post now and then, but sometimes it is just too much.
 

RavensGryf

Supporting Member
Jan 19, 2014
14,233
190
College Station, Texas
Parrots
Red Bellied Parrot /
Ruppell's Parrot /
Bronze Winged Pionus /
English Budgie
Dani, I'm sorry to hear that you're facing so much physical pain. Just ignore the person who made the comment about the birds, and understand that they just don't get it, and have no idea where you're coming from on that. I know, easier said than done.

Can you pursue this any further with doctors? A different doctor perhaps? A specialist? Can you demand that this be looked into further or from a different angle, as there must be 'something' wrong to cause your symptoms, that is obvious. Good luck with this.

It's okay to just lurk sometimes :) I'm doing that now too. I'm not posting near as much as I used to. I do read, and laugh, and sympathize, etc even if I don't chime in to say it. Just say hi and give updates when you can. Take care!
 

Mango121913

New member
Aug 9, 2014
544
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Ripley WV
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Solomon Island Eclectus
^^what she said.
Prayers comming your way!
Don't give up your fight, you will overcome this.
 

veimar

New member
Feb 5, 2014
1,150
4
Chicago, IL
Parrots
gcc Parry; lovebird Coco; 3 budgies (Tesla, Franky and Cesar); cockatiel Murzik, red rump parakeet girl Onyx
Oh, I'm so sorry to hear about your pain… I have a few herniated disks in my back and I know what is being in pain for months. Ignore that idiot who told you to get rid of your birds - it's the same thing if someone told you hey you have too many kids, go get rid of them.
I read a story about a woman who was in terrible pain for years and doctors couldn't find anything. She was almost dying. And then she accidentally discovered that all the pain was coming from drinking diet soda which she was allergic to. Some artificial substances are very dangerous for us. I'm in no position to advise, but maybe you have something in your everything diet that can potentially cause this pain? Just in case…
 
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SilverSage

SilverSage

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I did go to a specialist. And when she treated me with utter disrespect and unconcern, I went to the ER a few floors down! I was the crazy lady crying 'I'm not fine!' And they had to be thinking "we can see that..." At least the ER doc believed me and did everything he could think of, but in the end all the tests show nothing.

My pain is not in any or my digestive organs, however we now have no choice but to peruse natural remedies. The good news is my husband is finally realizing that the way we eat is not quite healthy. I don't drink much soda, but I am pretty sure I am sensitive to several main ingredients, particularly grains, dairy, and sugar so we are limiting those and trying to eat a lot more veggies. I have been trying to make this change for over a year but he would stubbornly declare "green is what my food eats!" So it is an actual possibility now that he is finally on board. We are taking a wholistic health approach, but my activity is so limited that it is hard to stand and cook beyond chopping for birds, and even walking the dog is out of he question. I don't think it is an allergy per say, but I think my body is in a weakened, unhealthy state due to eating foods that I can't handle.
 

veimar

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Feb 5, 2014
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Chicago, IL
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gcc Parry; lovebird Coco; 3 budgies (Tesla, Franky and Cesar); cockatiel Murzik, red rump parakeet girl Onyx
Allergy is not the right word for this - it's rather intolerance. The woman I was talking about had pain in her whole body - her joints and muscles, not in her stomach. Most of the doctors here are very narrow-minded and use only traditional protocol that they learned at medical school. Holistic approach is very important. I have rather frail health and therefore have to be very careful with food and activity. One wrong movement can send me to ER right away, and I have to spend a few weeks in bed afterwards (it has happened a few times)... Just try to eat as much as you can organic foods, less fat, less animal protein, no artificial sweeteners or corn syrup, etc… It REALLY helps, but it takes some time.
 

weco

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Nov 24, 2010
3,342
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USA
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Nanday, suns, parrotlet, Patagonian
Have you seen any specialists at Tripler or just doctors at the base clinics?

Just wondering, since they've done a lot of cutting back with these joint-base configurations, some times you have to go find your own sources within what's available to you.....good luck, I know the difficulties you face, if you have to buck the system.....
 

faeryphoebe1

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Feb 1, 2013
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San Antonio, Texas
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Trixie, Sunny & Gonzo♡♡♡
Chronic pain is awful and at times can be debilitating. Being told that "nothing is wrong" with you is downright insulting.

Add to that the idiocy of some people who fail to recognize the therapeutic qualities our pets have on our well being.

I'm so sorry that you're going through this. Could it be fibromyalgia?
 

EAI

New member
Jul 25, 2014
867
2
Honolulu, Hawaii
Parrots
Budgerigar: Arrow, Esther, Kratos, Cora, Ducky.


Lovebird: Izzy, Gizmo.
I'm so sorry that you have to go through this, and that you had to go through what that person said!
The birds are your kids, how could anyone think about having you give them up? And they seem to be the perfect type of therapist you need at this time.

Could you possibly go to an ER? (Unless you have)

I hope you feel better soon and find out what's happening and causing this. Can't wait to hear those amazing advice you give out again.
 
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SilverSage

SilverSage

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Sep 14, 2013
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I have been to two different ER facilities, twice to my regular doctor, and a specialist at tripler. It is not fibro mialgia.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Very sorry to learn of your chronic discomfort. As Veimar suggested, in the absence of a medical community diagnosis, perhaps you have one or more dietary intolerances. Very careful and selective elimination of foods and good record keeping may be a help.

There are people, and then there are animal people. The latter will understand your deep attachment while the former are sadly clueless.
Your birds and the necessary daily chores are great therapy when you are able to move about.

Take care of yourself and please post when able!!
 

veimar

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Feb 5, 2014
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Chicago, IL
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gcc Parry; lovebird Coco; 3 budgies (Tesla, Franky and Cesar); cockatiel Murzik, red rump parakeet girl Onyx
Oh, did you also try acupuncture? I had vary bad weird constant pain for about two years and it sometimes made me was scream and climb the walls, but no doctors could figure anything out. My friend referred me to a great acupuncturist from China who was doing "miracles". My friend "owes" her her two daughters - she supposedly wasn't able to have children. I was very skeptical at first, but after 6-7 mo of treatments my pain was completely gone, and I have it very mild maybe once in few months as a reminder. It was almost gone after the first two treatments, but I had to go longer to get lasting effect.
If I was you I'd stay away from the "traditional" medicine - I don't think it can help in your case and might even make things worse. It's not curing the cause, but blurring the symptoms. There are many other remedies and amazing techniques that might help you get rid of your pain. I'm pretty skeptical person, but also very open-minded and always try things out. It's almost always worth of it. I'm sure you will find the remedy or it will find you - just keep looking in different directions and asking around (and asking God for help and guidance!). You are in my prayers as well!
 

bonita

Member
Aug 30, 2014
173
9
Pennslyvania
Parrots
Paddy male 8 yr.old GCC Cuddlebug, Emmy female parrotlet RIP Buddy 20 yr. blue headed conure adopted 10/23 Paddy RIP 10/23
:rainbow1:Dear SilverSage, I am so sorry for your suffering . I suffered for years with fibromyalgia it sounds like what your describing. There is also an ailment called chemical sensitivity that could be the problem. Keep searching till you find some answers. God Bless. Bonita :rainbow1:
 

Dopey

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Apr 18, 2014
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Well, the first thing I thought of was fibromyalgia and I'm sorry that you know that it's not. It took my doctors over two years to finally diagnose me with fibro. They had to rule out a lot of things first and there are no tests for fibro. I take Lyrica to deal with the pain just to be able to get out of bed. I still have pain. I have great doctors and they were all willing to work with me and not one of them gave up or called me crazy. They listened to me. Now we are trying something new to get reverse the fibro. Just started last week and totally a different topic. Acupuncture did help for a while.

Have they checked for Lyme's disease? Just asking because those symptoms are the same. Also, low B12 has the same symptoms as fibro.

I truly am sorry for your pain. Keep whatever you can in your life to make your pain more bearable. The noise from the macaw and the work were too much for me. Keep trying to find out what is wrong.

Again, I am sorry.
 

4dugnlee

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Apr 27, 2014
1,133
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Ohio
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Sassy - 13 y.o. Blue Front Amazon, Cisco - 6 y.o. Sun Conure, Peanut - 8 y.o. U2
Fred - 2(?) y.o. Cockatiel, Ginger - 3 or 4(?) y.o. Cockatiel
So sorry that you are having so much pain! I can't imagine being in pain like that! I whine when my arthritis acts up. I have had many many encounters with different doctors with my 2 children who are on dialysis and I can tell you first hand, do not give up! There are good doctors that really care and will get to the bottom of your pain! My first thought, along with others here, was fibromyalgia. My niece was diagnosed with it and she is in pain all the time. I know for a while they told her it was not fibromyalgia and thought she had RA. I will pray for you.

As for them telling you to get rid of your birds, take it with a grain of salt. People don't understand pets and sometimes I think especially birds! "They're just birds" is how alot of people think. It's their loss! It's obvious your birds are not causing your pain so they had no right to say that! Would they say "get rid of your dog" or "get rid of your cat"??? Probably not.

I hope you find some relief soon! Best wishes!
 

Terry57

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Nov 6, 2013
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Hawkhead(Darwin),YCA(Dexter),VE (Ekko),OWA(Slater),BHP(Talli),DYH(Calypso),RLA(Kimera),Alex(Xander)CBC(Phoe),IRN (Kodee,Luna,Stevie),WCP (Pisces),CAG(Justice)GCC (Jax), GSC2(Charley)
Dani, I am so sorry yo are going through this. and I hope that someone is able to figre ot what is going on. I have a good friend who was just diagnosed with Polymyalgia, and she seems to have alot of the same symptoms.
 
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SilverSage

SilverSage

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Columbus, GA
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Thanks folks, I really appreciate you all :)
 

Allee

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Oct 27, 2013
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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
I'm very sorry you are going through this Dani, as if the chronic pain isn't bad enough, then to have doctors tell you nothing is wrong. It must be extremely frustrating. Chronic pain is a symptom of so many things, is fibromyalgia the only thing they ruled out?

Please don't dwell on the cruel comment about your birds. Obviously they don't know you very well, if they did, they would realize that's like asking you not to breathe. There must be a diagnosis and a solution, I know all the positive thoughts, prayers and hope will help you get through this. I wish you the very best.
 
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SilverSage

SilverSage

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Columbus, GA
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Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
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Today I had a good day. Not pain free by ANY means, but functional for the first time in ages :) we even went out to garage sales, and Cache came along, stealing the show of course and making each stop take two or three times as long as it should have because everyone wanted to hold her and pet her, and ooh and aha hover how well she does with children. I am "paying for it" now, but I had such a wonderful day with my husband, dog, and birds :) I feel like I now have the strength to keep dealing even if tomorrow is just as bad as most of my days have been lately.
 
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SilverSage

SilverSage

New member
Sep 14, 2013
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93
Columbus, GA
Parrots
Eclectus, CAG, BH Pionus, Maximilian’s Pionus, Quakers, Indian Ringnecks, Green Cheeked Conures, Black Capped Conures, Cockatiels, Lovebirds, Budgies, Canaries, Diamond Doves, Zebra Finches, Society F
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I am learning several things about how to work around my illness, and how to keep it from getting worse, such as never ever doing "as much as I can" but instead basically always taking a break the second I feel tired - it is a very strange way to live, but so far it has made all the difference. I was able to get my sprout system up and running again! For a while I was only able to feed pellets and dry seeds, because even rinsing my sprouts was too much some days. We are back on sprouts and chop (thanks God), cages being cleaned much more often (it got a little sparse there), birdies back on normal schedules, and I even finished the flight cage for the Pionus, and got them into it! That one put me in bed for the whole next day, but it was worth it! I seem to be recovering now, though very, very slowly. I have to keep reminding myself that two weeks ago I struggled to heat up canned food, and now I can make a meal. Only one, and it has to be simple, but I can do it. We also got the office set up, finally, so I am able to really get some work done on the computer when I feel up to it. Slowly but surely, I WILL BE BACK!
 

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