Being Old With Chronic Pain plus Loneliness

Posted by Parus @parus, Jul 17, 2017

Anyone else in the same boat?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@katieallen1991

While I’m not old, 27, I can understand what you’re going through. I hurt my neck a couple months ago, and have been in pain that I didn’t even know existed until this point. I lost my business from not being able to work, haven’t seen any friends in 3 months from not feeling well enough to do anything. I have amazing parents but I know they are at a loss of what to do and I’m sure me complaining about being in pain is hard on them too. I feel a sadness that is all encompassing. Recently the pain has turned into upper neck spasms that radiate up into my head and face and cause the worst possible tension heache and constant throbbing head pressure. I don’t know how much of this recent pain I can endure, I have thought of moving on from this life a couple times but can’t do that to my parents and family , my mom would be devastated and I can’t do that to her. I feel hopeless and like the pain isn’t going to let up.

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@katieallen1991 wow ,well o.k. Have you seen a rheumatologist or neurologist ?

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@katieallen1991

Welcome to the Mayo Connect community. I'm not a medical professional and cannot make medical diagnoses or give medical advice. I listen and also share my knowledge, experience and support. You are very young to be having this experience with neck pain. If you're willing to share the answers to the questions I have asked it will help us know you better and be more helpful.

1. How did you injure your neck originally? It sounded as if it was the result of a massage, is that correct?
2. Are you taking anything for your pain, and if so, what?
3. Have you seen other doctors to review your MRI, CT images to give a second opinion? If not, I recommend doing that.
4. Do you live in a state where CBD is available and legal?

I have a disk compression fracture at my C7 in my neck, so I can relate to your pain. Even though I had complained for years about my neck, my doctors didn't find the fracture until I had an X ray for debilitating pain in my left shoulder, neck and upper arm 2 years ago. I think my disk fracture happened 12 years ago when I fell on a concrete floor and broke the radial head on my elbow. They were only looking at my elbow, and never looked to make sure my neck was ok.

After an MRI and back surgery (laminectomy) on my L5-S1, I looked to find a way to relieve my chronic pain. I now have an excellent chiropractor who does Active Release Technique (ART), which combines deep tissue manipulation and movement. This has helped me tremendously.

However, you need to find out what's going on before you let anyone manipulate or massage your neck. They actually could be causing more damage to your already injured neck.

I look forward to hearing more about you and exactly how you injured your neck. Hang in there, you'll get a diagnosis and then you can work to heal what's wrong.

Warm regards,
Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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@katieallen1991

While I’m not old, 27, I can understand what you’re going through. I hurt my neck a couple months ago, and have been in pain that I didn’t even know existed until this point. I lost my business from not being able to work, haven’t seen any friends in 3 months from not feeling well enough to do anything. I have amazing parents but I know they are at a loss of what to do and I’m sure me complaining about being in pain is hard on them too. I feel a sadness that is all encompassing. Recently the pain has turned into upper neck spasms that radiate up into my head and face and cause the worst possible tension heache and constant throbbing head pressure. I don’t know how much of this recent pain I can endure, I have thought of moving on from this life a couple times but can’t do that to my parents and family , my mom would be devastated and I can’t do that to her. I feel hopeless and like the pain isn’t going to let up.

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I had a similar experience with a physical therapist. She put way too much pressure on a certain part of my neck. She caused so much pain, that lasted for days or weeks. Never had PT again after that.

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@katieallen1991

While I’m not old, 27, I can understand what you’re going through. I hurt my neck a couple months ago, and have been in pain that I didn’t even know existed until this point. I lost my business from not being able to work, haven’t seen any friends in 3 months from not feeling well enough to do anything. I have amazing parents but I know they are at a loss of what to do and I’m sure me complaining about being in pain is hard on them too. I feel a sadness that is all encompassing. Recently the pain has turned into upper neck spasms that radiate up into my head and face and cause the worst possible tension heache and constant throbbing head pressure. I don’t know how much of this recent pain I can endure, I have thought of moving on from this life a couple times but can’t do that to my parents and family , my mom would be devastated and I can’t do that to her. I feel hopeless and like the pain isn’t going to let up.

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@edda, You may want to investigate some form of pain release massage therapy. I see only Expert- level myofascial release massage therapists. They move slowly and in a comforting way to push the pain out. The benefits last about 2 days at first....I am now getting more relief for a longer period. They also want to make sure your body is totally in alignment....because everything is so interconnected, it may be that the pain in your knee is really caused by something going on in your hip. They help you learn to walk better, sit better and overall, take better care of your body.

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You sound like a candidate for Genesight testing. Information at info@assurexhealth.com. It's a gene test that tells you what drugs will work for you. Depression, anxiety drugs, stimulants, ie Wellbutrin etal. Also what pain drugs will work based on your genes. You ask them for a list of docs close to you who preform this service and go to one who does, they take a cheek swab and in about 2 weeks you have your results back. It alerts you to drug interactions you could have as well as what drugs in 3 or 4 classes will work for you based on how you metabolize them. It's new and it's nothing short of a miracle for folks who need meds like Cymbalta and Wellbutrin. Quit guessing because that's all you and your doc are doing and find out what will work for you. That website is info@assurexhealth.com. get there number and call them and ask them to email you a list of docs near you. Doctors can register for free and all it takes for them is a fifteen minute phone call. If your doc doesn't do it see one who does. Get your info and take it back to the doctor you have and like. When they see the info, they will come around. Good luck, do it!!!

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@jimhd

@lioness

I don't know how to answer your question. Mirtazapine/Remeron is an antidepressant. I don't know if it's used as a primary medication, but I'm using it as an add on for Wellbutrin, which I've been taking for 12 years.

Jim

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Considering remeron for depression and anxiety after terrible Paxil withdrawal…. Is it working for you? Side effects?

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Many more than you can imagine!

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Remeron does have side effects: you can google. Are you still withdrawing from Paxil? Switching to Prozac while withdrawing can help, because it has a longer half-life.

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I am going to try this again, I signed up last dec. No groups for me, CES, Post surgery x 8 mo. Chronic pain is as close as it gets. But now!?
Hey I'm a goat! So I am going to bleat!
I have been dealing with nerve damage, RA and yes I'm older (61) I live in a very small island town, so whoever it was suggested I change Dr's? Sorry that's not even an option. I don't drive my family's a bunch of,,, "damn! I'm so sick of hearing how your in pain" a**holes. So no car rides for 3 hours to the nearest dr. I have been (not) dealing with this godforsaken body for over a decade. I found freedom and distraction in my painting, but Now!? My hands have all but left the building. WTH DO I DO NOW?
I have 2 friends left. My bestie of 53 years but, she lives 2 states over with her hubby, and my dog Wilson. Dr. Is a blind deaf (not really just acts like he's blind n deaf) know it all. I want to sue for the neglect of care which has put me in my own personal hell. First a new Dr has to move here locally so I'm not suing the jerk that has to (not) treat me. 🤦🤷 Schnikeys I'm a goat!

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Why don't you move? I'm 67 with chronic pain. I moved 2 years ago to be closer to friends and good medical care. It was very hard but worth it. I have options now that I didn't have before.

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