Pain and depression, the one two punch.
I have dealt with both pain and depression for more than 20 years. I'm ok with both now but they have taken a toll. It seemed it was easier to get good treatment for depression than for pain. I'm guessing in this new anti opioid environment, it even harder, if not impossible to get adequate pain management. I'm part of a type or group of patients who did not contribute to the problem. I'm over 66, my pain is permanent. I'm mostly disabled by pain and will be for the rest of my life. Too far gone to be helped by the PT I did for 15 years and most exercise increases my pain level. There are no more surgeries being suggested. I'm officially receiving palliative care at a very fine pain clinic.
I don't know what I would do if my narcotic treatment were taken away. I know many of you are facing that situation and I wonder how your coping and how it's affecting your depression?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.
Wish you well on your surgery and that you heal well! Let us know how it goes!
@artscaping I'm saving you message. It was so great and I read it every day. Jeanie
I was on opioids for broken ribs from a bad fall. Even for using 5 months, it took another 6 to get past them, with weaning with long periods between. Certainly, not a quick thing to change from. I think a lot of the Drs were afraid of losing their licensing and it was plain mean to cut people off without a good leadtime. I have MCTD, similar to Lupus, so always a chore to manage movement and strengthening. I have had the best luck with water exercise giving me a pain free hour, and have multiple uses for ice packs (freezer bed buddies) and microwaveable heat. Have you tried acupuncture and massages to keep your muscles fluid? (I am 67 and been at it for 24 years). My PT is Mariano Rocabado trained, does osteopathic adjustments and they help, too. I take zoloft for depression, but some of the meds also exacerbate it.
That sling shot video was awesome! Thanks for sharing
@lilypaws, Just want to take a moment to wish you a successful medical procedure. I am sure you will be well taken care of and there is a whole long list of Connect folks just starting to cheer.
May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.
Chris
@lilypaws I am with you on saving a message from Chris for future motivation. She's the best!
Wishing you a successful surgery. Take care and good luck. ~ Rachel
@artscaping I had my surgery on June 9th. It was a 9 hour surgery with 3 hours in the recovery. It was rough going,with very low blood pressure and something wrong in my blood that I ended up with a red cell blood infusion. I was in the hospital for 7 days. I'm having a good day today, but really hurt last night. I wear a brace when I'm up and sitting, but when I lay down I can take it off. I had over 300 connect messages when I got home. I'm going to let my husband take some out so I don't have so many.
Thanks for your thoughts. I saved your message to get back to you. Jeanie
God bless you and hope you recover soon!
Hi there, I am grateful to be to connect with you. Keep us updated especially about these good days.
May you be free of suffering.
Chris
Thanks for letting me know how you are doing. I thought about you every day. Just take your recovery a day at a time. I know each day will get you closer to healing. I know from my experience I had good days and bad days. But the bad days happen less often and then there will be only good days. You are a positive person and that will get you through. You are still in my prayers.
Love Kathy