Resource Mental Health

This is excellent advice. Particularly the air con and the exercise.

Can I add, if something is keeping you anxious keep a notebook with a pen beside your bed. Some people struggle to sleep because they feel like they are forgetting to do things - if that is you and you think of something write it down. Having the notebook beside you means you don't worry about thinking about X and then forgetting.

If you can, start thinking about meditation. I do it three times per day and it really helps centre your energy and your thinking. And I am not a vegan/hippie at all - the opposite. But if you learn to do it well you get an inner calmness that helps in all parts of your life.

For those needing mediation, there is no shame in it. Just make sure your GP monitors your dosage regularly and checks your blood pressure and does a full blood test every 6 months.

I advocate medicating as a very last resort though, but yes, some circumstances warrant it.
 

CaptainCripps13

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Mar 29, 2021
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I advocate medicating as a very last resort though, but yes, some circumstances warrant it.

100% agree. I was on Pristiq for literally 11 years. Put on 50kg. Doctor rarely checked my blood pressure or did blood tests. Started taking it during a bad relationship which had ended 7 years ago.

Mentioned it casually to my best mate one day (who is a GP) and he was like WTF you are not depressed and you should not be taking it. Went and saw one of his doctors and they worked out I didn't need to be on the medication. Got off it over a 12 week period. Never felt clearer or better.
 
As most know I had a compressed spinal cord injury at the end of 2018, the start of 2019. Basically mid-December to mid-January.

I got something called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

1617797388907.png


This necessitated emergency surgery. My problem was that I was ambulanced from home to another hospital. I was then released home the next morning when I shouldn't have been. About 36 hours later, on my 39th birthday, I was again rushed to a second hospital. Bladder had almost 2L in it (600-800 mls is normal). I was rushed from the second hospital to a third hospital and finally what should have been within 12 hours turned into 4 days to have lifesaving surgery for a condition that needs to be performed in a timely manner.

I'm now going through a medical negligence case.

At this stage everyone is on the same page (including the hospital's specialists working for their legal team) that they screwed up.

I had a home visit from the former (now semi-retired) head of spinal unit at the hospital that I had my surgery.

He had spent a week or so going through my notes - from the hospital, from specialists, etc.

The first thing that he noticed about my claim - which isn't part of my initial claim - is that the surgery that all of my pre-surgery notes state that I should have had surgery on my L5/S1. Instead, I had a discectomy-laminectomy on my L4/L5. This is a higher surgery and quite likely an incorrect surgery. He claims there are no notes outlining why I had a higher surgery than my pre-surgery notes dictate that I should have. He feels that much of my problems can be traced to having this surgery instead of the other.

I don't even know how to begin to process this.
 

BigBreakfast

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Sep 19, 2019
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As most know I had a compressed spinal cord injury at the end of 2018, the start of 2019. Basically mid-December to mid-January.

I got something called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

View attachment 1096614

This necessitated emergency surgery. My problem was that I was ambulanced from home to another hospital. I was then released home the next morning when I shouldn't have been. About 36 hours later, on my 39th birthday, I was again rushed to a second hospital. Bladder had almost 2L in it (600-800 mls is normal). I was rushed from the second hospital to a third hospital and finally what should have been within 12 hours turned into 4 days to have lifesaving surgery for a condition that needs to be performed in a timely manner.

I'm now going through a medical negligence case.

At this stage everyone is on the same page (including the hospital's specialists working for their legal team) that they screwed up.

I had a home visit from the former (now semi-retired) head of spinal unit at the hospital that I had my surgery.

He had spent a week or so going through my notes - from the hospital, from specialists, etc.

The first thing that he noticed about my claim - which isn't part of my initial claim - is that the surgery that all of my pre-surgery notes state that I should have had surgery on my L5/S1. Instead, I had a discectomy-laminectomy on my L4/L5. This is a higher surgery and quite likely an incorrect surgery. He claims there are no notes outlining why I had a higher surgery than my pre-surgery notes dictate that I should have. He feels that much of my problems can be traced to having this surgery instead of the other.

I don't even know how to begin to process this.
One day at a time, Wick. You have the support structure you need?
 
As most know I had a compressed spinal cord injury at the end of 2018, the start of 2019. Basically mid-December to mid-January.

I got something called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

View attachment 1096614

This necessitated emergency surgery. My problem was that I was ambulanced from home to another hospital. I was then released home the next morning when I shouldn't have been. About 36 hours later, on my 39th birthday, I was again rushed to a second hospital. Bladder had almost 2L in it (600-800 mls is normal). I was rushed from the second hospital to a third hospital and finally what should have been within 12 hours turned into 4 days to have lifesaving surgery for a condition that needs to be performed in a timely manner.

I'm now going through a medical negligence case.

At this stage everyone is on the same page (including the hospital's specialists working for their legal team) that they screwed up.

I had a home visit from the former (now semi-retired) head of spinal unit at the hospital that I had my surgery.

He had spent a week or so going through my notes - from the hospital, from specialists, etc.

The first thing that he noticed about my claim - which isn't part of my initial claim - is that the surgery that all of my pre-surgery notes state that I should have had surgery on my L5/S1. Instead, I had a discectomy-laminectomy on my L4/L5. This is a higher surgery and quite likely an incorrect surgery. He claims there are no notes outlining why I had a higher surgery than my pre-surgery notes dictate that I should have. He feels that much of my problems can be traced to having this surgery instead of the other.

I don't even know how to begin to process this.
That's hard Wick. Would it help to process with a counsellor or other professional? Set aside some time to work your way through it. Good luck with the case,
 
Today we had to put down my mum's toy poodle. I couldn't take her to the vets because as soon as we made the decisions to send her over the rainbow bridge, I started having anxiety attacks. I've been breaking down in tears all day at the thought of her leaving. But it was time to let her go. She was 16 years old and her health was starting to go big time. She was also half blind and a little bit deaf... so yeah, it was time for her to go and join my stepdad.

Why am I so emotional over her getting put down. Because since 2014 when I returned to Australia, she has been providing me with emotional support. It's amazing how quickly you can get over an anxiety attack when a dog starts licking your face. Even though she was going to cross the rainbow bridge today, she was still providing me with emotion support... I was sitting in front of the computer and she came up and brushed up against me, making sure I was ok.

So, if I snap and snarl at people over the few days, I hope that they have read this thread and know that I'm probably not in my right mind for a while.

So, I might go and take my last sleeping pill in the packet and try and get some sleep... it might make the stress headache go away!
 
That's hard Wick. Would it help to process with a counsellor or other professional? Set aside some time to work your way through it. Good luck with the case,

One day at a time, Wick. You have the support structure you need?

I've got my fam here processing with me. I've also contacted my lawyer for their rational/professional response to the issue. I'm hoping for some rational "they did this because..." reason where the outcome is that they actually did the right thing..if so, all good. But to hear it for the first time after all the specialists I've seen and from someone who knows spinal surgeries as well as he obviously would is a lot to wrap my head around.

Until yesterday it wasn't something I had even considered as I knew my compression was removed and corrected. Other than the unnecesaary delay (standard medical negligence claim with CES) I had no reason to doubt the actual surgery.

What other professionals say from now will be the decisive factor in how I go about processing it. I think that's the most rational I can be.

Dramoth , I know we spoke on Messenger about your dog, but my heart breaks for you and your mum. Here for you if you want to continue to talk about anything
 
As most know I had a compressed spinal cord injury at the end of 2018, the start of 2019. Basically mid-December to mid-January.

I got something called Cauda Equina Syndrome.

View attachment 1096614

This necessitated emergency surgery. My problem was that I was ambulanced from home to another hospital. I was then released home the next morning when I shouldn't have been. About 36 hours later, on my 39th birthday, I was again rushed to a second hospital. Bladder had almost 2L in it (600-800 mls is normal). I was rushed from the second hospital to a third hospital and finally what should have been within 12 hours turned into 4 days to have lifesaving surgery for a condition that needs to be performed in a timely manner.

I'm now going through a medical negligence case.

At this stage everyone is on the same page (including the hospital's specialists working for their legal team) that they screwed up.

I had a home visit from the former (now semi-retired) head of spinal unit at the hospital that I had my surgery.

He had spent a week or so going through my notes - from the hospital, from specialists, etc.

The first thing that he noticed about my claim - which isn't part of my initial claim - is that the surgery that all of my pre-surgery notes state that I should have had surgery on my L5/S1. Instead, I had a discectomy-laminectomy on my L4/L5. This is a higher surgery and quite likely an incorrect surgery. He claims there are no notes outlining why I had a higher surgery than my pre-surgery notes dictate that I should have. He feels that much of my problems can be traced to having this surgery instead of the other.

I don't even know how to begin to process this.
Mate...
You got some one to help you process this? Do you have a counsellor you can see? Someone apart from your legal team?
Feel for you Wick.I really do. 💙
 
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BigBreakfast

Brownlow Medallist
Sep 19, 2019
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I've got my fam here processing with me. I've also contacted my lawyer for their rational/professional response to the issue. I'm hoping for some rational "they did this because..." reason where the outcome is that they actually did the right thing..if so, all good. But to hear it for the first time after all the specialists I've seen and from someone who knows spinal surgeries as well as he obviously would is a lot to wrap my head around.

Until yesterday it wasn't something I had even considered as I knew my compression was removed and corrected. Other than the unnecesaary delay (standard medical negligence claim with CES) I had no reason to doubt the actual surgery.

What other professionals say from now will be the decisive factor in how I go about processing it. I think that's the most rational I can be.

Dramoth , I know we spoke on Messenger about your dog, but my heart breaks for you and your mum. Here for you if you want to continue to talk about anything
Take care mate.
 
Probably rather full health than a full bank account, Wick, but here's hoping it runs to many times 6 figures. Any professional support should be covered in that compensation for as long as required. Wanna say do your best to stay positive around positive people but falling in a heap and having a bloody good cry is a fair and understandable response sometimes too. Hell of a situation that you'll come through ultimately.
 

CaptainCripps13

Debutant
Mar 29, 2021
114
309
AFL Club
Carlton
Today we had to put down my mum's toy poodle.

I really feel for you mate.

My dogs have always been my best friends. Absolutely devastating when one of them goes.

If you don't feel like you can handle another dog right now, budgies make great support animals.
 

CaptainCripps13

Debutant
Mar 29, 2021
114
309
AFL Club
Carlton
What other professionals say from now will be the decisive factor in how I go about processing it. I think that's the most rational I can be.

This is a terrible situation. I think in processing it you have to keep telling yourself it was beyond your control and you are the unfortunate recipient of a very bad experience. I am not sure you can rationalise human error.

Please make sure you don't get screwed by lawyers in the payout figure. If you have any concerns in this regard as it gets closer to finalising PM me. A very good friend of mine is a barrister specialising in medical negligence. He has a very good feel for what is and isn't reasonable. Can tell some horror stories.
 
Probably rather full health than a full bank account, Wick, but here's hoping it runs to many times 6 figures. Any professional support should be covered in that compensation for as long as required. Wanna say do your best to stay positive around positive people but falling in a heap and having a bloody good cry is a fair and understandable response sometimes too. Hell of a situation that you'll come through ultimately.

Thanks mate. Appreciate it. I'd do anything to be right and working hard but ultimately hoping just for enough to get a house out of this (mostly some security). Maybe a bit to invest in a small from home business that I can use my qualifications on that gives me a sense of purpose. If that happens then I can make the rest of it work through hard work. Too much life left to live.

Thanks again.
 
We are here for you Wickzki

Thanks.

I still remember posting in our converstion the night I got to hospital when this all started.

My attitude and behavior at times haven't been good enough during this time - no excuses - but please know I've always been thankful for all of you.
 
I really feel for you mate.

My dogs have always been my best friends. Absolutely devastating when one of them goes.

If you don't feel like you can handle another dog right now, budgies make great support animals.
I have a load of fish... it's peaceful to watch them swimming.
 
Feb 6, 2013
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I'm not usually one to vulnerably share (and I might delete this later) but today I took the first step in asking for help after hitting rock bottom with my child who doesn't sleep*. I've reached out to a residential mother and baby unit and am getting on the waiting list for an inpatient stay :thumbsu: I am very emotional about the whole thing.




*please don't offer me sleep solutions
 
I'm not usually one to vulnerably share (and I might delete this later) but today I took the first step in asking for help after hitting rock bottom with my child who doesn't sleep*. I've reached out to a residential mother and baby unit and am getting on the waiting list for an inpatient stay :thumbsu: I am very emotional about the whole thing.




*please don't offer me sleep solutions
Great there is help there for you. You must be utterly wrecked. Can't even begin to imagine what living and trying to function without sleep is like. Everyone here and beyond is wishing you any sort of relief you can get and so deserve.
 
Nov 13, 2015
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I'm not usually one to vulnerably share (and I might delete this later) but today I took the first step in asking for help after hitting rock bottom with my child who doesn't sleep*. I've reached out to a residential mother and baby unit and am getting on the waiting list for an inpatient stay :thumbsu: I am very emotional about the whole thing.




*please don't offer me sleep solutions

Eldest daughter suffered from reflux as a baby, weight that she was suppose to gain in a week, was taking over a month.

Up every 3 hours to try and quell her hunger whether it was mum or me( expressed milk), it was taxing on everyone

She caught a virus/gastro, then started losing weight, which she never really had.

Countless tests, to help improve the situation. One day, doctors needed a urine sample and rather than waiting to fill the urine bag, they inserted a syringe through her stomach and into her bladder ( no anesthetic, too young). She screamed like nothing I had ever heard, I wanted to hurt someone, even the nurse was crying

Not long after we were referred to the Queen Elizabeth Centre, by a midwife. While the 3 hourly feeds continued with different formulas, the care the staff had for us and others was amazing.

One of the formulas helped improve the situation, ultimately her valve grew stronger

Not sure how things would have played out without the care of the centre, but the experience was life changing.

Love that you have reached out for help, easy to suffer in silence, takes real courage to ask for help, you should be bloody proud for putting your hand up


💖
 
Last edited:
Jul 25, 2019
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Late this afternoon, I was leaving the shops when I suffered a growing sense of panic and unease and almost blacked out and thought I was having a heart attack. It was another really nasty panic attack and I managed to get home really rattled and physically drained.

Unfortunately every time these really severe panic attacks happen, I become really emotionally and mentally insecure going out again (even with other people) for at least a week (sometimes more)

Was looking forward to going to the G on Saturday, but especially given I catch public transport to the game, I will stay home and watch it on TV.

I am still feeling physically drained and anxious tbh. I keep trying to do meditation and breathing exerices to try calm.me down durimg panic attacks, but when it's hard when your mind is racing like 1000 clicks per second and you fear the worst ...

Anyhow I have survived them before and will do so again. Have to try focus on positives and not dwell on it. Got a feisty new kitten that is giving me plenty of happiness and joy.

Finally my heart felt empathy and healing thoughts to MrsEddieBetts .. We all got your back and wish you only the very best.
 
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