@edda.....you asked a simple yet very complex question. "Any suggestions?" Pain is so unique in intensity and duration for everyone. However, the pains of aging seem to finally get to all of us. I am 77 and my suggestions would be the following:

1. Explore the practice of gentle yoga and mindful meditation. Study your pain and learn from it. Learn what works and what doesn't. This daily practice is my salvation.

2. Find a type of treatment e.g. massage, acupuncture, walking exercise, infusions, that makes your body feel better and enhances your coping skills.

3. Find a type of medication that works where and when you need it to. And as an adult, you know about the opioid dependency. I have chosen a non-opioid option, medical cannabis. The journey has taken me years and now that the cannabis industry is more regulated in adult-use states, we can be sure that the product meets the industry regulations when we purchase it from a legal dispensary.

4. Give back.....find a way where giving back to a charitable cause is a real game-changer for you. Do you feel like you are becoming unworthy with nothing to share? That happens to many of us after retirement. We used to be sought after for our talents and contributions.....now look what happens. We are replaced and our accomplishments become a faded memory. In case you haven't guessed, Mayo Connect is my "give back" and it matters to me to be totally there for you and other members. I am comfortable at home and my pain is manageable at a mid-range level most of the time.

Would it be possible for you to send us some shining moments in your life that you can share? Be free of suffering today. Chris