How to deal with constant pain for years

Posted by kathyclickner53 @kathyclickner53, Apr 22, 2024

I have dealt with severe pain for years it’s hard to do things I used to do pain in my hands my back. My eyes legs I take pain meds tynol I use cream patches. I have been kinda discouraged lately I keep hoping soon i could be delivered of pain I have to depend on walkers canes wheelchair I loose my balance a lot this pain has changed my ability to work visit go places It’s been very discouraging.

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anniesezu812 | @anniesezu812 | 6 days ago

In reply to @barbbielor "Yes, I would enjoy sharing info via email." + (show)

Thank you so much. I will be in touch. I have found the sharing of info. and experiences so incredibly helpful.

loriesco | @loriesco | 6 days ago

In reply to @pattg "I’ve had pain in my left leg for over twenty five years, I had two back..." + (show)

@pattg take THIS to her (read it first.) I know how you feel. Been there, done that. Sometimes you have to find new doctors. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/rr/rr7103a1.htm

loriesco | @loriesco | 6 days ago

Balance becomes a problem for all of us if we don't "use it." I hope you can find a doctor or therapist who can get you moving again. Keep at it! Its hard and we suffer. But sometimes we have to look around and see what we haven't tried yet. like yoga, acupuncture and other light exercises to keep us going.

jw9 | @jw9 | 6 days ago

In reply to @eclary84 "This is probably the realest answer I've seen on here. Patients get on here for real..." + (show)

@eclary84

This is probably the realest answer I've seen on here. Patients get on here for real answers, not pompous replies.
It is incredibly discouraging when you go from active and healthy to be suddenly stopped in life by the wall of pain. It was a big adjustment for me, I had to adjust every detail of my life.
I started getting depressed and down on myself because even with hydrocodone, I still only get a good hour or two on a "good day" to feel alive and get out of bed or not use my wheelchair.
I take 4 tabs a day (also have to put in a reminder case, so I dont forget, because when pain hits you can't remember anymore). I have an alarm on my phone too. I take a tab before I wake up, so I'm not in horrible pain which can detour your day. Same before bed. I also use lidocaine patches, CBD cream, and take THC/CBD gummies. There is so much stigma around these practices. But I'd rather use something that works vs lay in bed focused on the pain and trying not to let my family see me cry all day because its not socially exceptable. And as a mother, I have to power thru the pain a lot to be there for my kids, the best I can. But without anything, the pain is too much to mentally deal with.
It can become an out-of-body experience when it gets too intense, so I found meditation helps when nothing else is working. I take my mind somewhere without screaming pain. I used to use apps, now I can put on music and do it at will. It's cliche but extremely helpful when medication doesn't work.
Another very helpful practice is to thearpy. Chronic pain can take you down hard mentally. I joined betterhelp for talk thearpy and chronic pain support group, very helpful to talk to others and get support. I also started taking antidepressants and do physiotherapy that comes to the house, because I'm so immobile.
Lastly, the part I struggle with the most is diet. I can seriously tell the difference if I ate healthy all day or ate sugar and fats all day, it can cause so much unneeded extra pain. So, if you're having an odd off day, worse than usual, it could be your diet. I'm on a heart healthy diet and it helps control my pain.
So, those are the things that help me cope. Living with Chronic Pain is a different way of life. I try to keep a positive perception and be grateful anytime I'm not in pain. Hope this helped.

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@eclary84 I'm so glad you wrote the details of what you are doing to cope with chronic pain! It's funny because as I was reading I had this feeling about how it's the pain that puts us in an altered state, and there are so many of us who understand what you mean by "out-of-body experience." Then we cope to stay in touch with our lives and loved ones. I was also struck by how you start before you wake up...and last thing before you go to sleep, always working with what you have to cope. I laughed when you wrote "cliche"! I think I have been inside this world so long I wouldn't know what was cliche! I know what you mean though. I think it's a sign of strength that you are able to meditate with music and don't even use an app. Inner strength. I'm sorry for all that you've been through. I don't even remember where I thought to connect with these Mayo support groups but I'm glad I have. You have really helped me understand how we live with chronic pain, or any illness, alone but at some level we are connected. That level of connection that makes it less personal and more human experience.

jw9 | @jw9 | 6 days ago

In reply to @tntwo99 "My chronic pain management is the same as yours. Oxycodone as needed which is usually at..." + (show)

Furbabies ALWAYS help! Thanks for adding to great ideas to cope with chronic pain.

kenc | @kenc | 5 days ago

I am similar conditions described above. I am on multiple pain medicines, anti depressant, and even trying Journavx. None works all that well.

psnipes50 | @psnipes50 | 5 days ago

I’ve suffered with chronic pain for many years. However, I’m now almost 75 and for some reason my pain has escalated over the last year. Doctors do not seem to pay much attention when I try to explain how bad I hurt. I know with the right treatment I can continue to live on my own. I’d like to have some quality in life but chronic pain can take over a persons life. My life revolves around my pain and it prevents me from engaging in activities I’d like to. How can a person be interested in doing things when their body is taken over by pain? It’s sad that the right medicines could make a big difference but what can a patient do? We are helpless.

LPRSOB | @jdbarr1 | 4 days ago

In reply to @herring1954 "I am dealing with Costochondritis in my rib cages and upper chest wall. This pain is..." + (show)

I am in the same boat! It is horrendous!!

Life feels meaningless when its just pain!

LPRSOB | @jdbarr1 | 4 days ago

In reply to @puregrace "You need a Cortizone shot directly into your sternum. Best of luck.🙏" + (show)

Does that help all your ribs on both sides as well?

LPRSOB | @jdbarr1 | 4 days ago

In reply to @slinkydinky "Hello. My son (22 y.o.) has been dealing w/ severe abdominal pain for > 8 yrs..." + (show)

First, I want to say Im terribly sorry he is going through this, and you as well!!!!!

I don’t want to assume, so i’ll ask: has he tried Bentyl for stomach pain? That’s what I was given for cramps. My main issue is chronic nausea but I do cramp at times and that medication is somewhat effective.

I wish I could be of more help. Let me know if he’s tried it.