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

@clehome Thank you for your kind words. I'm so sorry that you, being in a place such as that, can still find no relief. Maybe I should try a therapist, that's something I could do, and haven't. It's just so hard to believe that we can put a man on the moon, yet they can't relieve pain. I don't want to sound like some conspiracy theriost, however I do wonder if it has to do with money. Big Pharma makes so much from all of the "1st line treatments" the medications I've heard that could possibly help are cheap. Thank you for mentioning a therapist, I should at least try it, tried everything else that's available to me..on Medicare and Medicaid.

@pmdel congratulations on the novel! It sounds like you have a lot going on and it also sounds like you have a pretty good life relatively speaking. I believe everybody on this planet has something they’re struggling with and for you it’s the chronic pain and the depression. If you got that managed, it would probably change to something else so count your blessings is what I can suggest! having a kitty to cuddle Is better than an aggravating friend that you can’t quite depend on or trust. I think I get along so well with my dog that he makes human beings pale in comparison, lol.! life is short. Try to make the best of it. In the end, I know I’m going to have regrets about having alowed little things to upset me time and again and not use my time a little more wisely. We will never be as young as we are at this very moment so take life with all the gusto available to you. it seems I never have enough time to do all the things I’d love to do in a day before I run out of energy to do them. And make sure my pain is well controlled over the course of the day that is part of the reason why I can be productive and I can feel satisfied when all is said and done. I hope you will find that blessing too.

I often wonder why I don't have any friends and then I think about the phone calls I don't answer or don't show up for movie or dinner dates. It's a requirement to maintain relationships to show up but you just don't feel like it. I've been suffering from sciatic pain in my left leg for 13 years. I've had back surgery which removed the most severe pain in my knee but now I'm suffering with pain that goes from my thigh to my ankle but it feels like my leg is sleeved in pain instead of targeted and no one seems to know what can be done about it, yet.

Yes! I only go to and from doctor appointments. I don’t drive anymore and thank goodness my husband has retired. My pain is from my spine, in all 3 areas. I’ve had 6 epidural injections and none have worked. I’m in the process now of jumping through hoops for insurance purposes so I can get a spinal cord stimulator. I’m at least going to do the trial and praying it works. Then I will move forward to the permanent one.

Hi, I am the same, I never go anywhere like vacations or hikes or walk farther than a little bit down my road. I had a spinal injury when i was 40, and the pain ever since made it more and more difficult to do social activities. When i hit 50, health went downhill even more. I'm stuck at home with a caregiver after neurosurgery a year ago. I can't do the things I love like gardening, hiking, exploring outdoors anymore. Talk to counselor but doesn't help much.

@tkdesign so sorry for your many years with pain and limitations…are there any things you can enjoy like —-being in touch with family/friends, reading or listening to music ? are there available social services that might benefit you ? Wishing you the best…

@cynbell I am sorry you are suffering. I do understand how a small town can feel. I was lucky to find a small town PCP who worked with me to get my meds just right. I also take the Cymbalta and Nortriptyline antidepressants that are 'on label' for treating pain as well as the depression that comes from chronic pain. I have always been open to any medicine and home care options. I have spend 26 years learning and reading every valid book about fibromyalgia and chronic pain. Because I have been open to other meds and not just opioids, I have received the opioids I need. Muscle relaxers are very helpful for pain conditions. There are many of those you could read about online. Then offer that info to your doctors, as an option. If you are ONLY open to pain medications, you might not get the help you need as far as medicine. I take Arthritis strength Tylenol, which is extended release and awesome! I take one Aleve daily. I use Salon Pas pain patches on worst areas, and Aspercream, and Lidocaine lotion. I have to do all these things in order to have a tolerable day. I truly hope you get some help because I know you are suffering, Sending an air hug to you!
Lori

@charliegirl Thank you for your caring reply. I have, and and am open to more medications, treatments, anything that will help. I've taken too many meds to list here, I thought opioid meds would be the last thing to try, not the 1st or even the 10th. I'm also doing Eastern Medicine, natural stuff. Honey, tumeric, ginger and black pepper mixture. I got that recipe from someone who said it helped them in 1 week, it's been a month and no results yet, but it can't hurt to keep taking it. Currently on Gabapenton, small dose, I'm scared of all of the things I've been hearing about it, but my pain coukd be worse without it, I don't know. I've never asked for opiods, the pain clinic just assumed I was there for that, I wouldn't have turned it down if they wanted to try it, it may have helped. I was simply hurt by someone saying I was drug seeking when I hadn't said a word about medication, only had listed all I had tried on intake form. Big hug to you and thank you for your kind words.

Hello I'm so sorry you're going through this..I am the same way. My Depression is so bad. I find myself crying all day and night.i was in a car accident due to my friend not paying attention to the road.i.m on medicine for the pain and I am getting injections and epidurals. Now I'm having issues standing up. The pain is unbearable and my husband has to pick me up. Sit me on my walker and takes me to the bathroom.i walk maybe five steps.and then I can't move. My legs so heavy and feel like I'm in concrete.i can't sleep in my bed.i wake up screaming and crying. Pain from lower back down both legs. I can't move. My husband jumps up and moves my legs off the bed. He takes me to the couch.im on pain medicine for it. But I'm still unable to get up and go..I have a hover round now. But I can't go anywhere. But three rooms in my apartment..I am hoping a Dr sees this.. maybe they can help my spine. And maybe that will help my depression.i stopped going to my therapist.i was leaving there worse than when I went.. making me repeat myself about my child hood and my adult life. Call your family or even your friend. Talking to them is. Way better than a therapist..I'm living with chronic pain and anxiety and severe depression and PTSD.. I just want to walk with out pain and my legs stopping and I can't move.. strangers come running to help me not fall.my poor husband running ragged trying to help me every day and night.were both so tired.I hope you all get better soon. Or get the help you need. If a Dr or nurse is reading these please help.. thank you for letting me join your group

Been there done that. OK it feels good to snuggle up and weep and click away on the keyboard, for awhile, but only for awhile. It will eventually take its toll and you will end up in an institution (nursing home or worse). I use low dose naltexone which helps and tried Calmare Scrambler Therapy - it does generate electrical pulses so it might not be right for all. PT hurts like hell but helps in the long run. Go slow, stretch, build it up a little more each day minute by minute if necessary, and maybe, just maybe, you will find relief. I can guarantee you that isolating will only cause your eminent demise. And ultimately being in a nursing home or other institution that will "care for you" will only make you wish you were dead. Hate, when properly channeled can be cathartic. I used my hate to plot against those who didn't want to bother with me, formed my own plan and won.