Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Good morning, everyone,
I wanted to leave a quick message since a lot has been said about chronic pain already. I have been dealing with all day, every day pain due to locked/spasmed muscles in my right oblique / flank / paraspinal muscles for more than three years now (July 2023 until now). It gets to be daunting sometimes, feeling like you will never be back in regular society and actually have a pain-free day. Three years is a long time to be in constant pain every day, but when I read through the experiences people write in about, especially people that have been in chronic pain for 20 or 30 years, I keep reminding myself that we have to keep looking. There has to be someone that knows what our problems are, someone that has had the same issues, that has a family member that has had them, or a doctor that had a patient with the same issues that were treated successfully.

I am contacting my insurance today regarding finding a therapist to speak with about everything that has happened over the past three years. I was assigned a nurse after I had surgery almost a year ago, she calls once a month, and yesterday she asked if I have spoken with anyone about my situation, saying it has been a lot. She asked the typical questions we all get regarding our mental state over the past two weeks, and is sending information regarding setting an appointment with a therapist.

My name is Debby I am struggling with severe abdominal adhesions and nerve damage to the ilioinguinal nerve. I recently had a failed robotic exploratory surgery, that I hoped would result in lysis of these adhesions. The adhesions are so bad the Dr made three attempts and could only go so far. He nicked my liver which thankfully was superficial, but needed to terminate the procedure due to risk. All surgeons are saying more surgery is not an option. Surgery creates adhesions. I've tried pain management, had injections, tried acupuncture and physical therapy for adhesion release. My quality of life is poor, I can't sit up straight or bend forward. The adhesions are affecting my digestion, so I need to eat very small amounts often, every 2 hours, or I get low blood sugar. The adhesions have also caused my stomach to become very distended. I can't wear normal clothes like jeans or leggings. Emotionally, I miss my family, I'm not living in my home state . I'm unable to travel like this. I've reached out to Duke University, they have no options for me . As of this week my primary care wants me to try pain med. I have to be cautious because I have gastroparesis, I take several meds for motility. Pain management now recommending a DRG stimulator. I'm not thrilled about that option. My anxiety is at an all time high and I've struggled with finding the right Rx for that. I tried buspar , had bad side effects and tried Zoloft for 3 months, terrible side effects. I'm currently trying Lexapro, but when I try to increase dosage I become very nauseated. I'm not socializing because I'm so uncomfortable. I don't want to become housebound. I am so bummed about the unsuccessful surgery. I'm a widow, hubby passed from colon cancer, I'm a breast cancer survivor and can't believe I have to live like this. I need to find a way to be comfortable. Thank you for reading.

Hello. I am Christine 77 and from Sydney Australia. I have just joined this group. I have many chronic diseases . The pain , muscle spasm and immobility, I have comes from fibromyalgia and severe osteo arthritis . Because of severe asthma and lung disease I have never been able to have surgery for the arthritis. I had to fight the system for two years jumping through hoops and seeing unhelpful pain specialists to finally be prescribed opiates. I now find life worth living. I have found medical cannabis very helpful particularly for muscle spasm.
I will not vent today but keep all of you in my prayers.

@debrap57
Debby, I'm sorry that you're going through so much. It's hard when you have no one to lean on. I facilitate a Bereavement Support Group and being alone when health issues arise is very challenging for my Group. Everyone supports each other which is great. It sometimes takes time to find the right antidepressant. I take 10mg of lexapro. It doesn't help with my chronic pain but helps me to deal with it and take the edge off. I pray that you find the right one for you. I know that feeling of just want to be comfortable. Hang in there.

@loribethp thank you so much. I really needed your message today xo appreciate your kindness

@christine2076 I'm glad that the opiates are helping you. Just be careful as they can become addictive requiring increased dosages. Trying to get off them can be very problematic. Yes. I will pray for you right now. Lord, in your mercy, hear my prayer for Christine. May she continue to find relief from her meds without becoming addicted. Amen.

@debrap57 So sorry to hear of all you are going through, Debby. If your clinic has a palliative care department, it might help. It did for my husband when he was going through cancer treatment at Mayo Rochester. Some clinics call it "coordinated care." Maybe you're already going there for pain management. Don't stop trying to find the right providers to help you. While your pain is real, there are mental health therapists that can help you manage pain. You might try those. Again, don't give up until you find the right therapist who really gets what you're dealing with.

heisenberg

I replied to your lovely email but it is posted somewhere else. Thank you for your concern and prayer.
Christine

Thank you, so much! I have chronic back pain and sciatic nerve pain down my leg. Some days are great…and others bring tears to my eyes…but, I know that God will always lift me up and carry me through! I am glad to have found your group!

@christine2076 Not sure which post you are referring to. Please respond. Have a blessed day.