How to deal with constant pain for years

I have same problem. Pain takes over your life. I am on antidepressants too nothing helps. I feel like life is not worth living
Marlie

I know how you feel, I've been living with chronic pain for over 10 years from osteoarthritis and neuropathy. I can't remember the last time I had a day without pain. It's a shitty way to have to exist, and it affects every aspect of our lives.
No matter how hard they might try to empathize, our family members can't possibly understand the toll it takes on us.
One day at a time.

Yes I feel like nobody understands

It is discouraging. I want to help, but I feel like I am barely hanging on too. After reading the comments I can say you're not alone. I wish I knew what was causing my recent "new" pain. I have lumbar and sciatica pain, and a bone on bone knee. 2 weeks ago my back pain doubled. Nobody knows why. I am being referred to a neurosurgeon. It is creating numbness and increased mobility challenges in my left leg. It shoots down my left leg. The hard part is I am not in charge of the pain. It is happening to me and all I can do is observe it. It makes me mad and sad at the same time. It scares me too. I wish I knew what to do. After reading some of the comments in reply to your situation, I see that a lot of people wish they knew what to do. I guess our best trick has to be getting through the day or the hour or whatever it takes. I have a hard time focusing because of my pain. I hear medical marijuana is good for pain. I don't use it because of my financial limits. I wish I had something more helpful to say. I believe that good things can be around the corner too. I hope you can find something helpful. Massage, physical therapy, aqua therapy, acupuncture, pain pills, hot pads, ice pads, medical marijuana, etc. I don't get massages but my son bought me a massage gun. That helps, but be sure that you are using it safely. I don't massage on bone, and only for a one minute in one spot, and don't push in. Let the vibrations do the work. I wish you the best!

I feel that way too. People try and have their hearts in the right place, and then say something that shows they don't get it.

Thank you so much for your response and kind words. He does use Bentyl - 10 mg about 4 times/day. It may help a little, but nothing ever clears him from his pain.
When you use it, do you use the same dosage?

@psnipes50
I love that you wrote "chronic pain can take over a person's life" because it is true. I'd like to think that is why we have turned to support groups like this one. It's another way to fight to keep our spirits up.
I am 67 and noticed something when my parents were older than 70; I don't think they were taken seriously. I would fly cross country to take them to medical appointments! I still don't know if they had better care. I am a retired disable RN. I always felt a rapport with my older patients. But sadly don't think it's true in a general way. Seeing a gerontologist, geriatric doctor, taking family or friends to appointments.
You deserve better treatment. We all do.

It is horrible. There is no relief
I keep praying for relief. I am desperate
Marlie

Hi,
I hear you, it can be debilating and frustrating, you are doing great using the massage gun and correct don't use over the bone and apply the pressure that is comfortable for you. All the treatments you mentioned are great so continue with those dependent on what is financially viable for you. Cupping - (the one were heat is used not the cutting one) for nerve pain, it is good as it reaches the deep muscles- for fibromyalgia. I understand your fear and anxiety, it is scary, do you have any support? Have you tried counselling is there are support groups locally to you? Or any free services you can access locally? I wonder if you have tried any gentle stretching into your daily routine, or Yin yoga which is gentle and good for stretching and strengthen muscles or meditation, and gives you a focus?

I find them benefical, it took years to fully appreciate meditation and breathing exercises but I use them to get through the pain when it is at it's worst. I have Lumbosacral and radiculopathy, which gives me pain in my lower back, left leg, pelvis and hips - I now use a aid walking aid, also cervical radiculopathy, which causes the same symptoms to my neck, shoulders, upper back, arms and hands and fibromyalgia., due to a crash 13 years ago. So it's happy times all round (not) - a great therapist has got me through my supporting my emotional and mental health and gave me stratergies to help manage when my moods are low and I feel like giving up. It resonates with me ,when you say you have a hard time focusing because of your pain, its tough! I commend you using whatever coping mechanisms you can to get through the day, as thats what I do. I listen to music, do gentle stretching in bed, on the sofa, the floor or in a chair. I do Qi Gong which not only helps my pain but it supports my emotional health. I remember one day the pain was so bad, I put Youtube on wth QiGong Meditation, I did a short 10 minute session, as I began the tears were pouring down my face the pain was so bad- I did very slow movements but gently, as I did the movements the pain started to ease and I felt so much better. Also, I have seen a physiotherapist who gave me advise on exercises to do, had hydro therapy, acupuncture which redcues my pain

I find gentle movement is good- mentally, emotionally and pyschologiaclly! Also use a TENS machine my son bought me for Christmas, after the one I have had for years final gave up, lol. Have you tired epsom salt baths with your favourite essentail oil and some coconut oil if you like that. The espom salts relaxes the muscles and is great for pain relief due to the magnesium, and one of me best remedies is stroking me cat Cario and giving her some snuggles.

It's true some people don't realise the complexities and severity of the pain and symptoms we experience, everyone is too busy living their own lives. Or they try and compare it to thier headaches, or common every day back pain and that's frustrating. Some people ask if you are ok to make themselves feel better, but they are not really interested in a respond or actively listening to you!

Remember it's ok to cry, feel frustrated, scare and angry they are all natural emotions for the pain and symptoms you are experiencing. Try and do short and small activities to ease your pain, put some music on and dance in your chair, sing at the top of your voice like you don't care, an affordable hobby you can do at home, reading, puzzles, join an online community like this one, plus all the other stuff you are currently doing. Whatever can give you joy, I wish you all the best.

Links for support:
Knee exercises: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShY3149mXqs
Yin Yoga for knee pain: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oCf0zzdqXJc
Exercises not to do for knee injury: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXy4Ph62bM0

Dee

Hi Marlie,
You are not alone, you are here in this space getting support. Are you able to try any of the treaments catluvver mentioned?
I use movement, walking, gentle stretching, dancing around my living room, Yin Yoga, Qi Gong, meditation, TENS machine.
Massage, acupuncture, swimming, cupping, essentila oils in oil burner ( Ylang Ylang, lavender or chamomlie - good for relaxtion and reducing stress). Get out whenever I can , when my finances allow.
I talk to friends about anything over the phone and facetime about (life) anything but my pain sometimes, to distract myself from it. Read, listen to music, sleep.
Distraction with a hobby - reading, painting , drawing playing with my cat.

You could be doing this stuff already, but if not I hope these suggestions help.
All the best,
Dee