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

I hear your pain and wish I could reach out and hug you. I have noticed that some younger doctors don’t seem as empathetic as they should be. Life isn’t easy, but it shouldn’t be this bad.
I hope your life improves. Bless you.

My heart goes out to all-
I find there a few things that help my spirit. I’ve dropped my perfectionism. I don’t invite people over unless it’s to meet on my porch. I make sure to turn my chair to face them this way I don’t have to clean the house. I let Social things happen spontaneously - an example would be I will make one stop at the farmers market to stop at one vendor to buy food that’s pre-cooked, which I will put in the freezer for the week. Sometimes I will get into a conversation with someone and it takes my mind off my body; going to the pharmacy have a conversation with someone online or the pharmacist. It could be as simple as I like your blouse or good to see you, how’s today going? I take the focus off myself and it helps. Yes I get back in my car and I zoom right back home but at least I had a moments break. I don’t force myself into my hobbies and I try to keep my day wide open. I cancel plans very frequently and my few very few friends understand I’d rather not be invited over and over and over and over and over and over just to cancel again; keeping simple routines that involve self-care and using imagination and the toolbox is really important to get out of a horrible flare. I try my very best to not miss doctors appointments because they are the ones who keep me on my path. I try to phrase my situation to others as “I live in a very uncomfortable body” - most people don’t understand if you have complex multi system, health issues, and pain. My little dog is a great distraction, as well as just sitting outside with a little camera and hand ready to photograph nature.
As difficult as it is living alone we have to train ourselves to ask for help. We’re lucky that we live in a time of delivery to our doorstep. I do keep up a façade when I go out to look good. I try to be private with my ailments, but will open up to the right person whenever wherever. Sending love and light and many more good daysto everyone.

Hi,
I have chronic pain as well. I have a whole list of things wrong with me. But the short of it is that I’m basically home bound, other than going to the dr. You are not alone. That’s actually how I ended up in this support group. I couldn’t sleep and was crying because I felt alone and stumbled across this page.

@resilienc. Hello yes my life is differently not the same I want to go see my great grand babies just don’t feel like traveling I verily go to work each morning have to deal with chronic pain from the time I get out of bed I would give anything to find a solution for this neuropathy has taken over my life dont know how much longer I can take it

@resilience thank you from the bottom of my heart. Chronic pain is so isolating. Feels good to hear others are going through this as well.

I feel for you-- really. Yes, I don't know why we think others dont understand. People Im around are sympathetic and would do anything to help. But thats the kick in the pants--they can't. Yes, I feel isolated since I've stopped my two beautiful groups two years ago, I was embarrassed from my crooked elbow and broken shoulder ( both from falls) and a limp due to a deteriorating hip. Doctors say its too risky for surgery. So, all the above remain unfixed, arm bones cross over each other! Sometimes at home, I scream in pain. I just can't risk that in public, but how I miss my friends! We should chat sometime. Denna

@denniesue I am so sorry you are suffering this much. I too have chronic pain with joint pain in my knees along with my cancer pain and I get so angry because the doctors are stingy with pain medicine they prescribe. I know we had an opioid epidemic but I am 71 years old but cannot seem to get relief from the pain medicine I am prescribed. @chevron55

@bobrogers
On the worst days I have found vaping cbd + a little thc can carry me. I have also dissolved a medicinal marijuana gummy for pain in tea- I use licorice tea before traveling by plane. I avoid traveling.
Have your family come to you when they are ready. Perhaps they can stay in a hotel or Airbnb nearby.
Take the pressure off yourself. And if you do travel, even to work, try the medicinal marijuana. It is not legal to take it over state lines since it is approved only state by state and you need to check your state, but it is not federally approved.
In addition, I have found that the very rare times started to vape. It hurts my throat so now I am consider making it into brownies, just like the college days.
We never give up we keep looking for new answers use the toolbox and don’t let others pressure us into doing things that make us even more uncomfortable
Sending you healing light.

I hear and feel so much pain in these posts, not just physical but emotional and every other way. We are not alone. Thank you to many who shared some things that help them. I am reading a book right now that I think is helping me, so I will share about that. It is called "The Healing Power of Resilience: A New Prescription for Health and Well Being." It was not written specially for chronic physical pain, but I think the concepts and ideas it covers, which are more geared generally towards health issues in some other areas, e.g. cardiology, are relevant to just about anything in life. I pet my dogs and try to read helpful books or listen to them on audio. Prayers coming for everyone.