← Return to Anyone else feel Isolated and not go out due to chronic pain?

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Profile picture for donaldrobert @donaldrobert

@charliegirl
Up until 10 years ago I was a very active person. I was a director of a very successful nonprofit organization, I worked freelance part time for national and international sports broadcasting, was an active husband and father to 4 boys. I also helped with my widowed mother and widower father in law. I survived on coffee and early morning runs, completing 12 marathons.
I had work friends, running friends, volunteering friends and thankfully some who were real friends.
After all this time I still struggle with how lonely I have become. Down to 3 friends I only talk to through short text and 1 friend who actually understands I can’t meet for coffee all the time, pain might cause me to cancel plans asap.
Chronic pain is painful physically, mentally and spiritually. I am thankful everyday for my wife and my friend. But to be honest I am still struggling with how lonely pain has left me. Crushes me everyday.

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Replies to "@charliegirl Up until 10 years ago I was a very active person. I was a director..."

@donaldrobert Hi. I totally get how lonely you have become. It sounds like you were in a constant state of high expectations from every direction of your life, prior to getting sick. Sometimes people don't get why you can no longer be that superhero. So they turn away. Those relationships are not worth pursuing. I had a very active social life as well as work and volunteering with animal shelter and rescue groups. Every part of my life was important to me. but when you get a chronic illness causing severe pain, you really do find out who your "real" friends are. I think it is important not to rely TOO heavily on those who are your support people now, including your wife. Find in person non profit groups who support your illness. Those are REAL people, who understand your struggle. Also find and rely on groups like this. There are many various support groups on Facebook. It might take a little effort to find the right fit for you. This is a great group. I hope you are having a good day today. One day at a time!
Lori