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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
Chronic Pain | Last Active: 12 hours ago | Replies (6907)Comment receiving replies
Hello…my name is Sharon. I’ve been in pain management off & on for a number of years.
I have fibromyalgia, Sjogren’s Syndrome, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis & chronic migraines.
I’m not taking any pain medication (except aspirin or Advil) at this point as I’m approaching another knee replacement.
I lost my partner three years ago as they died while sleeping. I then lost our pup of 14.5 years with heart problems & then cancer.
The extreme grief & stress has caused many flares from the Sjogren’s, I’ve had more migraines & my heart is having its own issues. I will be going back on pain meds when I have my knee replacement.
I struggle knowing whether to continue taking the medications living alone or being in miserable pain.
My family have all passed except for a brother who is too busy with his own life & family. I just feel extremely alone & don’t want to be accused of self-medicating when I truly use the medication due to severe pain.
Any suggestions on how best to handle the situation?
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Hi Sharon.
You say another knee replacement, is this the other knee or a revision? Knee replacement is partly how I ended up on pain meds. I've had 10 surgeries on my right knee and now need a left knee replacement. Who are you concerned about that will accuse you of self-medicating? If it is someone not familiar with pain the best thing you can do is educate them. Tell them what the pain is like and how it affects your life. I don't know that the same approach would work with a health care provider. My doctor didn't seem to care at all how low my quality of life was.
I understand feeling alone. Having just moved to Minnesota six months ago and not knowing anyone, it's very hard. I go online to chat with people. Any possible way you can connect with people who will be understanding. It helps lessen the loneliness I've found.
I don't know if that helps any but I wanted to let you know someone was listening and understands.
Hugs 🤗
Patti