Living in chronic pain

I am there as well. My husband, who was 4 years younger passed away 7 years ago. We feel guilty when as a partner, we are the one always complaining! There is no good answer to pain, but this site helps!! I have PN, constant sciatica, and now a new pain. I could not move my head to the right. So, my Doctor gave me an injection that numbed both my arms all the way and including my hands! So, I should be grateful for the trade-off? Now I can move my neck better. The last visit to my Doctor, I foolishly said I have three complaints. Same pill pack that doesn't work. Too many ailments? So should I have picked just ONE at a time? That's not the way it goes for me. I think if you are over 85, whatever it is, pain is not taken seriously. Only blood speaks loudly! The thought must be, we have pretty much lived our lives by then? Do I just have a bad attitude?
Would you go back to that Doctor? Should I just pick a specialist for each ailment? So, it is MY bad, my GP, (they call them PCPs now,) who gives me a few pain pills (that seldom work)? I know, I know, there are not enough Doctors, for one thing! So, now what? I am crabby from the pain, and I have NO IDEA where to go from here. Too bad we don't live next door, but thanks for this site! Misery still loves company!

. Mac -- Hang in there !! You didn't say whether you are under the care of a Pain Management Doctor. If not, I highly suggest you find one in your area. Their job is to keep you comfortable and dull your Pain. They also have the ability to recommend and prescribe things like acupuncture, physical therapy, etc. I thoroughly recommend the physical therapy.

In my case, the severe pain is in my neck, shoulders and spine. The physical therapist would do a variety of things, and for me, it really helped give me some relief. Oh, the warm wet towel with heating pads -- I seriously never wanted to leave. I think they got tired of me saying "Just 10 more minutes, please!!"

It's also something you can do yourself at home. You just need a black garbage bag (or any color, just one to cover space around you so your sofa or bed doesn't get wet), a big towel (or 2 little ones) heated with warm water and wring out as much water as you can, and a heating pad to cover the towel area. It isn't a fix all, but I guarantee you will feel relief from pain. It always put me in a better mood and frame of mind.

Good Luck !!

Amie

Depression is an integral part of dealing the constant severe pain, which I have been experiencing for about 10 years. The only medical advice I have receiving is to enroll in physical therapy program. Has anyone ever tried physical therapy when he or she is severe pain?

Namaste pain warriors,
I came here today, as it's 5.25am when I started writing this in England, I woke up at 3.00am due to the burning, dull radiating pain from my lumbar and sacrum spine, also the neurophatic pain disabling my left leg and ripping through my hip. I took some Pregablin, and co-codamol, rubbed inburopen gel on my lower back, hips and buttocks and laid on my tummy supported with pillows. Put on some relaxation music and did some deep breathing. That's my coping methods for getting through my symptoms. I live on my own with my cat, I'm 58 years old and still work, my work is part of my toolkit, if I didn't work I'd go crazy. I work freelance so the people who employ me put accomodations in place to support me to work. I know not every employer does that, but it is law in England.

I've read all your stories, and I feel humbled to be in such a warm and supportive space, we endure so much, not being understood by healthcare professionals, family and friends is so frustrating. I understand how difiicult it is to feel isolated and alone, being dismissed, ignored and not believed, it's a horrible state to live through. I'm going to put a different spin on this, and ask what can we do make our lives more comfortable? In what ways? Are we open to using your own body to help reduce the symptoms if only for 10-30 minutes? Those where the questions I asked myself, as I didn't want to drown in my pain, I wanted to live the best I could. When I have my really bad days, I'll rest, lay in bed with my electric blanket, pillows to support me and sleep because that's what my body needs in that moment.

I have lumbarsacral and cervical radiculopathy, fibromyalgia from a car crash in January 2013, and hypermobility, every day hurts physically, mentally and emotionally, I mask it to the world all the time, as I want to work, I can't afford not to. It's by no means easy, I paid for private counselling for three years and the counsellor listened to me and guided me to develop my coping strategies. I've always been into self help as I no one is coming to save me. I take it one day at a time, sometimes every hour at a time.

I keep my doctors and consultants on their toes by reading up on my condition, peer reviewed research so I have gained understanding of my conditons and what I need to do to live and survive. I studied sports therapy and gained a degree and holstic therapies so I understand how my body works. I use holistic therapies when I can afford them, but most of the time I use gentle movement and yoga when my symptoms flare up and deep breathing exercises, otherwise there is no way I would be able to cope. I eat nutrious health foods when I have the energy to cook and my son will bring me meals or food.

We all have on our individual journey's, but we are here, we are present and we are alive, managing, coping sometimes, maybe not, but know you are supported in this space. We can come here for support and I appreciate you.

I'm sending you all blessings and love, because I hear, feel and understand your pain, thanks for sharing and being here for me to vent to.
Big hugs. X

Hi Archie Here.. tough day today— it’s hard to even consider 1 at a time, but life is lived 1 step in front of the other. Weeks go by and I look around and think, jeez, I made another month.
My AdhesiveArachnoiditis is now rapidly progressing. I didn’t know it could until I talked with the head of Neurology at Mayo earlier this year. He added that I should not expect the intrathecal pump to cover the increase in pain. Truth is, I’m having trouble dealing with the pain increase. I can feel myself getting weaker because of lack of movement and exercise. I just read about exercising THROUGH THE PAIN… I’m now 80 and for the first time I’m doubting my ability to do what’s right and necessary to stay functional and have a good quality of life. Strangely, it’s not depression, it’s the ragged rat of reality staring me in the face. Is this an inflection point where my body is not able to overcome challenges or unable to rise to meet requirements?? We‘ll find out. I haven’t given up, but I’m trying to articulate my physical/mental challenges just now.
Be well all… Archie

I am there as well. My husband, who was 4 years younger passed away 7 years ago. We feel guilty when as a partner, we are the one always complaining! There is no good answer to pain, but this site helps!! I have PN, constant sciatica, and now a new pain. I could not move my head to the right. So, my Doctor gave me an injection that numbed both my arms all the way and including my hands! So, I should be grateful for the trade-off? Now I can move my neck better. The last visit to my Doctor, I foolishly said I have three complaints. Same pill pack that doesn't work. Too many ailments? So should I have picked just ONE at a time? That's not the way it goes for me. I think if you are over 85, whatever it is, pain is not taken seriously. Only blood speaks loudly! The thought must be, we have pretty much lived our lives by then? Do I just have a bad attitude?
Would you go back to that Doctor? Should I just pick a specialist for each ailment? So, it is MY bad, my GP, (they call them PCPs now,) who gives me a few pain pills (that seldom work)? I know, I know, there are not enough Doctors, for one thing! So, now what? I am crabby from the pain, and I have NO IDEA where to go from here. Too bad we don't live next door, but thanks for this site! Misery still loves company!

I understand and hear you. If you would like to talk to a fellow chronic pain suffer text me your line Rob. I wish serious chronic pain sufferers could meet once week like AA. Only ones like us who suffer 24/7 understand.