Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Hello to all! My name is Kit and I am monitoring 2 forums. One for major digestive issues and also chronic pain. David, my relationship with God and spiritual connections has kept me going!!! My story started years ago with a brutal rape and beating. Although we knew my cervical spine was severely compromised with damage, I was in my twenties, I vowed to prolong surgery as long as possible. In 2017 i hit my breaking point and completed a two level cervical fusion with a trauma 1 neurosurgeon. All he said was “what the hell happened to you”! Well we know the story. Since then my right rotator cuff has been repaired with anchors. David, I have an epidural or nerve root block one time per year or less depending upon pain. My advantage is I have professionally worked as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor on workers comp case. I have witnessed the positive outcomes for all and found a great team with Dr Kirksson at Twin Cities Orthopedics. Due to scar tissue, they go in through my neck. It has kept me pain free for the past year. For my shoulder, it is injection about every six to nine months. It has kept me functional for new outlets such Thai Chi. I love my annual cervical black/epidural. Unfortunately my digestive issues are a separate issue. Constant pain. I am on a very rigid low acid diet and becoming accustomed to it with a bit of fighting and kicking. I will most likely to have colon removal, my esophagus, lower esophageal sphincter is non functional is non and stomach dumping syndrome. Not a great diet plan. I take no pain pills yet. Getting close!!!!!!!!! Hysterectomy, gall bladder removal, and the list goes on. I say to all continue to educate yourselves to the greatest ability and continue to advocate for your life and well being. Not an easy task, i know. Find the best possible!!!!!!!! Thai chi is my only peaceful exercise since biking is not working. I am 67 and pray for some solutions. Acceptance is my daily prayer. Not certain if any was helpful. I must admit you all help me with ideas and community!
With prayers for all!

@bcinc042
Hi Kit, wow that’s a lot of. I truly believe in tai chi. Hopefully you have a good support system hopefully. Please look into acupuncture. It has helped me a lot and works so we with tai chi if possible. Always here to help if needed. Enjoy the present as you move through the day.

Hi Im Mike and 68. Have GERD and Autoimmune Disease. Lately have had chronic lower back and chest pain/aches on and off. Not over heart or arms. Did yardwork and perhaps strained myself but I don't know. Any help would help. Thanks and yes, nausea for 5 years on and off from issues.

@mikejjb123
Mike, I can relate to your message. I have celiac disease which most likely accounts for my neuropathy. I must have pulled a glute muscle back in late May doing yard work and now I am in acupuncture--the doctor says that scar tissue formed there and accounts for the pain. I also have some spinal arthritis. I just know that having an autoimmune disease heightens one sensitivity to just about everything in our environment. Dietary wise, I would eliminate gluten and see if that helps. I also greatly reduced my sugar intake and am now trying to load up on lean proteins and veggies. You are not alone and want to wish you the best. Sometimes I think there is a fine line between autoimmunity and aging (I am 72) and alot different from when I was 71.

Hi, my name is Barb. I had a lamenectomy in June due to a severe infection in L5 lumbar disc. I'm wondering if there are others here who have been through this and how they are coping, Thanks