Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Posted by Kelsey Mohring @kelseydm, Apr 27, 2016

Welcome to the new Chronic Pain group.

I’m Kelsey and I’m the moderator of the group. I look forwarding to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Why not take a minute and introduce yourself.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

Profile picture for arcuri24 @arcuri24

I was monitored by a therapist. She started me with no weights--just leg lifting and then we went to using two lbs, then three--the four lb weights were probably the tipping point. I also had muscle wasting in my glutes as a result of my neuropathy--which may be due to my celiac disease. At another PT place, they went gungho and wanted me to do thirty reps of each exercise. If I said it was too much, then they told me that I was weak and would only face further degeneration. Be wary of PT--its not all its made out to be. Today I took a long walk around my local reservoir--had some pain but saw some honking geese and the resident swan. I told myself if I had arthritic feet, I would not have been able to walk this far. I had the MRI done but the doctor who is going to give me acupuncture says my problems were caused by the muscle wasting. I am not giving up!!!

Jump to this post

That's the spirit. I know what you mean regarding PT. I went to PT six months ago for my neuropathy. I thought that I would receive personalized exercise for my condition. Then on about my third visit the gal next to me was getting exactly the same exercises. I don't remember what her condition was but it wasn't neuropathy. I actually felt worse after each session. I stuck it out for another four sessions only to feel even worse, so I stopped. I'm not sure what exactly it takes to get the exact program that matches your condition, but I didn't find it there. Glad you are able to do all that walking. Keep it up! You are doing something right.

REPLY
Profile picture for arcuri24 @arcuri24

I was monitored by a therapist. She started me with no weights--just leg lifting and then we went to using two lbs, then three--the four lb weights were probably the tipping point. I also had muscle wasting in my glutes as a result of my neuropathy--which may be due to my celiac disease. At another PT place, they went gungho and wanted me to do thirty reps of each exercise. If I said it was too much, then they told me that I was weak and would only face further degeneration. Be wary of PT--its not all its made out to be. Today I took a long walk around my local reservoir--had some pain but saw some honking geese and the resident swan. I told myself if I had arthritic feet, I would not have been able to walk this far. I had the MRI done but the doctor who is going to give me acupuncture says my problems were caused by the muscle wasting. I am not giving up!!!

Jump to this post

I have a spinal cord injury from long ago. I’m what’s called a “walking quadriplegic “. I had PT three times over two years. It was very frustrating as I knew what they were doing wasn’t getting at what was wrong (I work in healthcare). Now I go to PT at a dedicated spinal cord injury center. Yeah, it’s annoying to drive 45 minutes each way twice a week simply for PT but it’s sooo much better.

I don’t know if there are specialty PT centers for neuropathy, but especially if you live near a city, there just may be one. Start by asking your neurologist. Google it. Try neuropathy associations. Use all the resources at your disposal. Maybe someone here knows something. I suspect specialty PT would serve you better.

REPLY
Profile picture for heisenberg34 @heisenberg34

That's the spirit. I know what you mean regarding PT. I went to PT six months ago for my neuropathy. I thought that I would receive personalized exercise for my condition. Then on about my third visit the gal next to me was getting exactly the same exercises. I don't remember what her condition was but it wasn't neuropathy. I actually felt worse after each session. I stuck it out for another four sessions only to feel even worse, so I stopped. I'm not sure what exactly it takes to get the exact program that matches your condition, but I didn't find it there. Glad you are able to do all that walking. Keep it up! You are doing something right.

Jump to this post

I, too, discontinued going to PT. And like you, I was feeling worse-not better when I came home. , I do a stretching program every morning and--I do not do those exercises that I know will cause spine pain for me. This program does not advocate using weights. I am also working on balance. I wonder how many of these therapists are fully certified. The walking for me is not so bad. It is the sitting that causes the pain. I am also concentrating on diet as a means to help me. No processed foods here. I had to eliminate gluten and it made a big difference. I try to eat less sugar. I know I have osteoperosis and I will check with an endocrinologist to see if he can help.
The bottom line is that I am angry that this had to happen. So much to deal with since 2025 came along.

REPLY
Profile picture for laura1970 @laura1970

I have a spinal cord injury from long ago. I’m what’s called a “walking quadriplegic “. I had PT three times over two years. It was very frustrating as I knew what they were doing wasn’t getting at what was wrong (I work in healthcare). Now I go to PT at a dedicated spinal cord injury center. Yeah, it’s annoying to drive 45 minutes each way twice a week simply for PT but it’s sooo much better.

I don’t know if there are specialty PT centers for neuropathy, but especially if you live near a city, there just may be one. Start by asking your neurologist. Google it. Try neuropathy associations. Use all the resources at your disposal. Maybe someone here knows something. I suspect specialty PT would serve you better.

Jump to this post

The neuropathy is not a problem for me. I have a mild case--just some numbness and a little tingling. Cannot call it pain. I went to PT to build up muscles that had wasted due to celiac disease. The first PT place I went to put ankle weights on me- The PT was too aggressive and my spine and glutes were too weak and I ended up waking up one morning with lower back pain. The second place I went to was also overly aggressive--30 reps of this and that and reminders that I had degenerative disease. Not supportive in the least.So I would be interested in a spinal center PT that can actually help me. I am going to get acupuncture at NYU Langone's spine center. Today I did one hour of walking at my local reservoir--good to be out in nature and listen to honking geese. I do not drive. I am grateful that I can walk. I am careful not to do any heavy lifting and I try to eat and sleep well. I am sorry for your spinal cord injury. And, it is good that you have healthcare knowledge. In these times we need to be our own advocates. As for me, I am angry that I have to deal with this and believe that perhaps these PT establishments are not well-regulated. Still, I need to find some solution to get on with things--my dog needs me.

REPLY
Profile picture for arcuri24 @arcuri24

I, too, discontinued going to PT. And like you, I was feeling worse-not better when I came home. , I do a stretching program every morning and--I do not do those exercises that I know will cause spine pain for me. This program does not advocate using weights. I am also working on balance. I wonder how many of these therapists are fully certified. The walking for me is not so bad. It is the sitting that causes the pain. I am also concentrating on diet as a means to help me. No processed foods here. I had to eliminate gluten and it made a big difference. I try to eat less sugar. I know I have osteoperosis and I will check with an endocrinologist to see if he can help.
The bottom line is that I am angry that this had to happen. So much to deal with since 2025 came along.

Jump to this post

Sometimes certification and two bucks can get you a cup of coffee…and not much else. I pray that the rest of 2025 will be better than the first part.

REPLY
Profile picture for arcuri24 @arcuri24

The neuropathy is not a problem for me. I have a mild case--just some numbness and a little tingling. Cannot call it pain. I went to PT to build up muscles that had wasted due to celiac disease. The first PT place I went to put ankle weights on me- The PT was too aggressive and my spine and glutes were too weak and I ended up waking up one morning with lower back pain. The second place I went to was also overly aggressive--30 reps of this and that and reminders that I had degenerative disease. Not supportive in the least.So I would be interested in a spinal center PT that can actually help me. I am going to get acupuncture at NYU Langone's spine center. Today I did one hour of walking at my local reservoir--good to be out in nature and listen to honking geese. I do not drive. I am grateful that I can walk. I am careful not to do any heavy lifting and I try to eat and sleep well. I am sorry for your spinal cord injury. And, it is good that you have healthcare knowledge. In these times we need to be our own advocates. As for me, I am angry that I have to deal with this and believe that perhaps these PT establishments are not well-regulated. Still, I need to find some solution to get on with things--my dog needs me.

Jump to this post

Perhaps a psyiatrist (rehab doctor) could help you

REPLY
Profile picture for arcuri24 @arcuri24

I, too, discontinued going to PT. And like you, I was feeling worse-not better when I came home. , I do a stretching program every morning and--I do not do those exercises that I know will cause spine pain for me. This program does not advocate using weights. I am also working on balance. I wonder how many of these therapists are fully certified. The walking for me is not so bad. It is the sitting that causes the pain. I am also concentrating on diet as a means to help me. No processed foods here. I had to eliminate gluten and it made a big difference. I try to eat less sugar. I know I have osteoperosis and I will check with an endocrinologist to see if he can help.
The bottom line is that I am angry that this had to happen. So much to deal with since 2025 came along.

Jump to this post

Sitting is also my biggest obstacle. I also have tried everything without help. Not being able to sit is very limiting, something i always took for granted and never realized how important it is

REPLY
Profile picture for heisenberg34 @heisenberg34

Sometimes certification and two bucks can get you a cup of coffee…and not much else. I pray that the rest of 2025 will be better than the first part.

Jump to this post

Thanks. I found a pilates ring and instruction manual while walking my dog today. What an odd thing to find. I will take it as a sign that this exercise gear was meant for me as a sign of encouragement. Yes, let's hope that the remaining days of 2025 will bring positivity and healing for those who need it most.

REPLY
Profile picture for laura1970 @laura1970

Perhaps a psyiatrist (rehab doctor) could help you

Jump to this post

I agree and the doctor that will give me the acupuncture at NYU is also a physiatrist. I am hopeful that he can help me,

REPLY

I just found this support group. I have had chronic pain for 25 years. It started when I tripped over my dog and had a hard fall.i also quit smoking and gained 50lbs along with extra weight after 3 babies. Then I started having odd symptoms and after 2 years of being tested and seeing many drs I got diagnosec with Crest syndrome or limited scleraderma. I finally lost 82 lbs, took 5 years but did it with help of wegovy. With that weight lost, my back pain disappeared but my joint pain
And feet already were damaged due to the weight and continue to be a big problem. Its not easy being a pain patient, and a nurse who worked in pain management for 21 years. I am still working but as a nurse on the computer all day which causes neck and back pain . I have tried so many things and am on tramadol for over 20 years and thank the Lord, Co tinuesto work. Physical therapy has saved my life . I am on a teletherapy and it works well for me. Its called Hinge therapy and truly has changed my life. I use it everyday and have been able to stay away from neck surgery. Sometimes I just need an extra boost and I am always trying to stay positive.. but in this day and age sometimes I need someone who else has pain and understands, to say its okay to feel bad for yourself . I have never joined a support group so may e this will help keep me in a positive state. Hope so.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.