Donna Ganier
March 7th, 2008
There was a time when I refused to take medications even when I needed them. I was into only holistic options. Things have certainly changed in the past few years.
In August, 2005 Hurricane Katrina came into my life and brought with it Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which required my taking antidepressant medications. I continued even through this to move forward and re-build my life from scratch. I began my life over in Baton Rouge, LA loving the nature, cleanliness and adventure of a new city. I did though miss my family and friends which none were living in Baton Rouge with me.
Then life got better and moved even more so in the “right directions.” I acquired the perfect job; the job at which I would retire. I was able to do public speaking, work with senior citizens; I had autonomy and I loved the traveling. Well, in August 2006 another tragic event happened that added additional Post Traumatic Stress on top of the other PTSD now with severe depression and even anxiety attacks. I had a hit and run car accident that left me jobless and carless for three months, and in pain with severe back and neck pain causing a ruptured disc and possible nerve damage. Due to this accident, I take more medications than I’ve ever thought I would take. When I miss a dose or take it later than I should, my body knows it and I suffer for it. But one of the medications has helped me to lose weight since I’m unable to exercise and walk like I used to.
Even though the pain is not like anything I’ve ever experienced, I have hope. My faith in God keeps me going and helps me to not give up; and sometimes (many times) I’ve wanted to give up. I refused and I’m still refusing to give up. I try to keep myself busy, advocate for others in need, rescue animals and sponge up as much church as I can. I’ve taken up creative art which is throughout my house, I’ve written more children’s books which will be published soon and I’m leaning to cook all types of ethnic foods.
None of this is easy; my entire life has changed and is still changing but I’m a survivor and I will survive even this.
Leave a Reply