Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Congratulations on doing your best to find balance and a way to get through. It must not be easy. Here are a couple of topics you may find helpful as you continue to increase activity and balance pain management:

Moderation and Modification: How can it help your chronic pain?

- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/moderation-and-modification-how-can-you-benefit/

SMART Goals and Chronic Pain: What are your goals?

- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/smart-goals-and-chronic-pain-how-smart-are-you/

Not sure if you attended Mayo's PRC in FL with Dr. Sletten 10 years ago, but in my opinion, he is a genius at what he does. I have heard of people who have circled back around and gone through the program a second time. I love the inclusive approach PRC takes with all 4 pillars of physical, emotional, behavioral and chemical evaluation and treatment. Have you considered going back through the 3-week PRC program?

Hi Im Rhonda63
Was diagnosed with chronic pain about 12 years ago. Started a new medication called Belbuca. Works around the clock. Has anyone taken this medicine? If so please let me know if it worked for you.

I had my left knee replaced in 2016. It is stiff but not painful. Have you been back to the surgeon regarding
your pain?

Hello, my name is PEDSnurse.
I have been an active BKA since age 5. 10 years ago I had to balance the decision of Work/Painmanagement
It’s difficult yet I found a balance. It changes as I age. Wanting to discuss with others Re:Balance.
FYI: I am an x-Mayo
Employee from the MotherShip.
I do miss Rochester…

I have many times and they will take X-rays and tell me the replacement is intact so there’s nothing they can do. They don’t know why it hurts.

Hello @pedsnurse, Welcome to Connect. I can't imagine how difficult it has been to deal with pain since age 5. I'm sure you are not alone dealing with pain management. @eyount1959 mentioned BKA and phantom limb pain in another discussion here and may have some thoughts or suggestions to share - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/744348/.

I did a search of Connect and found other members who have posted about phantom limb pain that might be helpful to read what they have shared - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/?search=phantom+limb+pain.

Do you mind sharing what has helped you find some balance as you age?

Hi, my name is Dee-Dee, I’m 71 and I’ve suffered from chronic pain ever since I had an XLIF spinal fusion 8 yrs. ago. I had ongoing pain in my legs due to some nerve damage. In 2019 I began having terrible pain in my knees. I went to several drs. in my suburban town, but no one could help. I finally went to a knee specialist at Cedars Sinai who immediately diagnosed me with bilateral stage IV osteonecrosis, which explains the excruciating pain. I had a total knee replacement in 2020 but due to Covid it took a whole year to get the other total knee replacement. The second one required more stabilizing further down my tibia. I was referred to a pain management doctor at my UCLA annex due to ongoing pain from my hips down to my feet as well as some newer pain my one arm, and after a lot of testing he diagnosed Fibromyalgia and Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome. I have taken Tramadol and Gabapentin since the back surgery, and now am on low dose Savella for the Fibro which has helped. I have done years of physical therapy, swim in my pool every day during good weather, and done some cognitive behavioral therapy, which has taught me so much about the body/brain connection with pain. Also have some digestive problems. My life has changed a lot since 2016 because I am now limited to a lot less walking. But I still work a bit as an interior designer, volunteer in my daughter-in-law’s first grade class, spend time with my 9 grandchildren, and try to live life as fully as I can while relying on my faith in God. I am grateful to have a very supportive husband who does all the grocery shopping and meal prep and looks after me. Thank you for this forum- it helps so much to see that others struggle too.

God Bless you. Praying for you right now. Blessings & Hugs....

Thank you so much!🙏🏻

Looking for relief from pain which showed up a few months after a stroke 9 years ago. It seems to be worsening with the passing years, and neuropathic foot pain and facial pain are part of it. Any suggestions will be appreciated.