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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
Chronic Pain | Last Active: 1 day ago | Replies (7049)Comment receiving replies
I don't even know where to begin! I started having orthopedic issues about 30 years ago with multiple scopes done to clean up my right knee that had been injured in an auto accident. That went on to need major open knee surgery in 2005. I also have a genetic condition called Haglund's Deformity in both feet. I had surgery on my right Achilles in 2010 and just had the left one done this year - with this one, they had to remove about 6" of the damaged tendon, so the remained is stretched super tight now causing calf and knee pain. In addition, I broke a bone on the top of my foot that required surgery and also had joint damage, and broke my right ankle three years ago and have hardware in my right ankle. Some of these surgeries left unresolved issues, and all of them have resulted in major arthritis. They've also diagnosed me with arthritis in my back and shoulders as well as elbows. I have constant chronic pain body-wide. The leg/foot issues have caused not only pain in my legs when I walk or stand too long - but has now caused hip and lower back pain. Something hurts every day - sometimes multiple areas. I now use a mobility scooter for shopping or outings where I will be walking or standing for long periods. It gets very frustrating because I feel embarrassed that I'm always in pain. I worry that my friends and family get sick of hearing it, and I'm just tired of not feeling well.
Replies to "I don't even know where to begin! I started having orthopedic issues about 30 years ago..."
Hey Michael @michaelhughes welcome to Connect. My apologies for just now replying to your post. Thank you for joining the conversation and expressing yourself. You sir, have had quite the run. I'm sorry to hear of all you've been through, and the chronic pain you are left with. Please do not feel embarrassed by your need for an electric scooter. That tells me you are out of your house and not letting pain defy who you are. Way to go!
If you don't mind, I would love for you to watch a video presentation on Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) by Mayo Clinic's Dr. Sletten. Here is the link:
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=dr+sletten+css&view=detail&mid=C9CECE8EA682EF9BC82FC9CECE8EA682EF9BC82F&FORM=VIRE
I'm curious if the video speaks to you. Will you please let me know your thoughts?
Also, may I ask what steps you are currently taking to handle your chronic situations, both physically and mentally?
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I second that emotion. Feeling sick all the time and imposing your misery on family makes life more difficult. Who wants to be the center of attention in a bad way? Family members do get tired of hearing it, but if you don't relate what is causing you not to want to do things no one knows where you are coming from. Isolating isn't it? I don't know what the answer is. To add problems with mental health in addition to problems with physical health is a burden that most people who live long enough will face. That is all I know. I wish I could offer a cure for feeling emotionally bad about how you feel physically. I live with that myself and get it.