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@db99mn

Hi. I'm Dean, 42.

I've been a CPS patient for going on 8 years.

First I was diagnosed with DDD, then it was arthritis in my hips. The arthritis grew up my spine and now into my shoulders. Basically, my docs say I have arthritis every where.

I deal with something going on in my left shoulder and arm. I call it snap, crackle, pop. My shoulder grinds anytime I move it. If I reach or extend by a little. It sends jolts down through my elbow and into my fingertips.

I have gone through 4 rounds of land PT and 3 rounds of water PT.

I also have many mental illness. I have bi-polar 2. Dissociation. Diagnosed cognition disorder with extreme depression & anxiety. I have panic/anxiety attacks on the daily from the smallest things.

I am working hard to try and 1. Understand more than what my doctors tell me / willing to tell me. 2. To help myself try to counter the pain I am in daily.

Thank you! <3

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Replies to "Hi. I'm Dean, 42. I've been a CPS patient for going on 8 years. First I..."

Hi Dean @db99mn, how are you doing today? Thank you for joining Connect. I'm sorry to hear about your chronic diagnoses. You've got a full plate and are wise to try and understand how each problem effects you in order to help counter pain.

By definition chronic means, "persisting for a long time or constantly recurring". Unfortunately, when there is no cure for chronic, treatments focus on symptom relief and management which also should be "persisting and constantly recurring"...a daily lifestyle.

Physical therapy and water therapy (like you're doing), occupational therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy being practiced daily to become part of the pain management tool box. I always liken this to the quote, "it takes a village to raise a child" or "all hands on deck". Living with chronic conditions is no small feat.

What tools have you learned to help you cope and strategize on a daily basis? Have your therapists offered physical, emotional or behavioral strategies? Where would you say you need the most support?