u/Ophiophucker

I have read that barometric pressure causes some people discomfort. I have certainly found this to be the case for me as I've gotten older.

My cognition slows, and often is accompanied with a migraine. I am on my second month of trialing Emgality for the migraines. I did receive some relief.

I was wondering what some of your experiences, and step ins are if this also applies to you.

I have also found that taking a B Complex supplement is helpful, though not for very long. If you have found any relief that is pharma-adjacent, I would love to know.

I've been lurking here for a while reading posts and interactions to see if this is the right community to seek some support and guidance.

I'm cis-male, 43, T12-L1 incomplete manual wheelchair user.

I grew up playing sports. Excelled at them. I played basketball for the University of Oklahoma and still reside not far from there.

I have been extremely fortunate most of my life. Lately, shit's been really hard. It began with bladder issues. Recurrent UTI's. I found a solution, which luckily was just behavior habits with what I was consuming.

Where things have gone awry that I haven't found solutions for is the bowel issues that began about 5-6 years ago.

I have digi-stemmed since about age 6. By the time I began exercising and playing sports in my teens, even that wasn't always necessary. Now, I don't have conscious control, but I have sensation enough to know when I need to go and how urgently.

In hindsight, the bladder/bowel thing happened in pretty close proximity in time. I don't know if, or how they may be related. For a long while now, stemming alone does not result in a BM. Only the use of dulcolax + stemming does. It takes FOREVER. At least in comparison to my earlier experiences, and I hate it. Additionally, I always feel urgency, and do not pass gas voluntarily like I used to leading to constant abdominal discomfort.

I have been a hobbyist, sometimes paid wildlife photographer for years, and this has wreaked absolute havoc on my lifestyle. Being in nature is how I manage my mental health. I feel like I'm losing the things that mean a lot to me and that which makes me...me.

I have never wanted an ostomy. Doctors just throw laxatives or stimulants at me which are too aggressive and change nothing. I am planning to see a rehab doctor who can hopefully guide me to some therapies.

Does anyone have a similar experience, and did you find any solutions to recover your independence?