Don't Want To Be a Complainer

I totally understand, you don't want your pain to define you, or what people think about you.
Keep trying new things.
I am finding most relief outside of medicine, such as laying on ice packs... do as much as anything has.
I hated being treated like a street junky when I was on pain medicine, so I took myself off and suffer.
So I understand what you are going through.

Let the sunshine in! Don't let life get dark for you; it will only cause more pain. I have not experienced what you do, but just off the top of my head, I would say find a hobby, etc., that you can do in your most comfortable position. You could possibly find others who are interested in joining you in that hobby; maybe even for the same reason. It could possibly even become a money-maker, depending on what you like to do! Maybe you could make things for bazaars/festivals and recruit a friend to sell them for you (?) Also, if/when you need to voice your feelings, come here to CONNECT. I and others will be happy to chat. Having someone just to listen is a good thing. Tell us more about your interests and background, and keep us up-to-date on the health care issues, e.g. potential for new surgical opportunities. I am very sorry about your experience and wish I could assist. May improvement be in the cards for you!

Have you tried walking at least every other day? Exercise helps relieve mental and physical pain/stress. Start slowly and build your stamina. The endorphins released during exercise are your body’s natural pain killers. I wish you all the best.

Thank you all for the kind thoughts and interest in my situation. I am still employed full time and I guess need to be so for the next 3 or 4 years. Retirement is not really an option because I need the health care coverage I have through work. I have tried PT before several times. Each time, I didn't see a lot of change, plus I could not afford to invest the time away from the office very often. Appointments are available late in the evening, but I am completely wiped out by then. Early mornings sometimes work, but it is all I can do to drag out of bed and get to work on time. I found myself getting so frustrated and stressed about being away from the office -- and it always being noticed and pointed out -- that I gave up on PT several times. I do fight the "demons of depression" regularly, and fight hard to stay above the clouds and doing life in VFR conditions. Often I do wander into IMC, at which time it becomes difficult to figure out life -- even to know which way is up. I once had a very strong faith that living the right life, doing the right things, and turning the really important issues (fears) over to the care of God was living right. I lived a few years with that peace that passes all understanding, until I lost a freshman in college (son) very unexpectedly to suicide just before the end of his first (and very successful year), entered the world of total chaos associated witht he alcoholism and addiction of another son (going on 17 years now), cleaned up the double-murder scene of some very close relatives who were killed in a senseless home invasion robbery many years ago (now undersand the terminology of "bloody murder"), and the list could go on. I thought I had done things right (at least the best I could) and prayed fervently for the protection of my boys when they went to college only to have bad things happen. That "peace that passes understanding left in May of 2004, and I have not been able to regain it. I just don't know what the point is of life most days any more. The pain associated with it all gets deeper. So, there are not times for hobbies, no time to work on self, until retirement which I don't believe I'ill ever attain since it is a few years away and I have passed over into the realm of overwhelming physical, mental, and spiritual pain.

Have you tried walking sticks? I use one when my back gets tired and sore (had compression fractures due to multiple myeloma). $18 for 2 at walmart.

tbaxter I’m so feeling you’re pain have you thought about antidepressants? I know how hard it must be to keep on working as I am a retired hairdresser that has to retire because of back pain I worked for at least 5 years with awful pain until I just couldn’t take it anymore I quit when I was 70 so at least I had my Medicare for my insurance.

I to Have suffered chronic pain from broken back. I am still looking for a good solution after 30 yrs. As to the other aspects you have mentioned, I also felt others did not want to here complaining. In my area there is a support group specifically for chronic pain. Meetings are on weekends so as to make it easier for weekday workers to attend. The people there are very willing to listen and understand you're situation. Check with local hospital and pain clinic to see if there is one in you're area. It Remember, we here are also a good support group. Good luck and best wishes.

I understand so much and have been in a similar position and still am. Upper fractures of thoracic knee pain and a healing broken shoulder. Warm water therapy ie. aqua aerobics n a warm pool will help One needs to strengthen thenuscles surround the fractures to take the strain rather than the bone sturcture.
Warm water also makes one relax and at the classes one can meet new people who are proably worse off and all can complain together as we do.

If you do not have anything like this near you a holiday somewhere where you can find a heath spa or hotel where these classes would help. An osteopath has also helped me and deep breating exercises from the lower abdomen before I sleep and when I wake up has helped me relax to ease the p ain.
Good luck.
Bless

Have you tried a pool Exercise, swim or just walking in the pool ? It can really help. Water takes the pressure off your body / worth a try Good luck

Do NOT give up as hard as it is. Write here, talk to pals. maybe a sr club, MILD exercise , modified yoga, water exercise is EZ on the body Something must work Hardest part is trying different things to see what works