@wisco50 @faithwalker007

Depression was a pre-existing condition for me, including suicidal ideation and attempts, treated for ten years before neuropathy pain started. Recovery from the depth of my depression, once it was recognized and treatment began, took more than 5 years to reach a safe, non-suicidal level. When pain was added, I was still fighting to stay alive.

I know the frantic feeling, and for sure the lack of hope. Pain relief continues to be very elusive for me, and the chronic pain/depression cocktail is (can be) lethal at worst, difficult at best. That history is certainly in my mind continuously, and I always wonder how that history plays into my doctors' decisions about any treatment plan they offer me. Do they intentionally prescribe sub-therapeutic dosages of pain meds because they think I might take an overdose on purpose? I don't bring it up with a doctor, though I do talk with my therapist about it, because I don't want to introduce to them the idea that it might be a possibility.

This discussion is taking place in the back pain thread, which is OK, but back pain isn't on my list of complaints. Until the recent stenosis surgery, I had escaped the spinal problems that all 5 of my siblings have dealt with. And if an MRI hadn't shown the stenosis, who knows if I would ever develop problems because of it. But at least we've ruled it out as a cause of the pain in my feet and ankles.

Time for me to stop chatting. I'm fortunate to be able to sleep well.

Jim