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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Chronic Pain | Last Active: 22 hours ago | Replies (7049)
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@orygun66

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

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Replies to "Hi Sharon. You say another knee replacement, is this the other knee or a revision? Knee..."
cb3 | @cb3 | Jun 5 8:38am

Dearest, orygun66. You know pain. I find your words to Sharon (and the group) to be very wise and ever so encouraging. I don't think medical professionals know how to deal with the pain of others. And how could they when they have a patient like me who struggles to address pain levels from 0-10: pain levels that can change throughout a 24 hour day?!@#&* Pain levels that can change within minutes while you're engaging in a conversation with them. And if the medical professionals can't understand it, how can in-home health care workers?

What most persons don't seem to grasp is there is a definite difference between pain discomfort which can be annoying and change our moods ... to hard core pain that hurts so bad it puts a heavy strain on every muscle and nerve ending in our bodies, rendering us helpless. And also, just talking about the pain we have, while going through it, can be debilitating because not everyone around us understands it. Health care workers may feel helpless. And that's why we need to be open and honest with them. Pain, whether physical, emotional, or mental is so personal. You can't file it away in a box and place a label on it.

I really love this group. This is a place where you can vent and "let it all hang out." This is a place where you can find friends who do! understand you. Thanks, Patti, for being you. Sending agape love to everybody. Hugs, CB

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