Replies to Thanks for your insight. I think I am still in the diagnosis phase as it relates…

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Chronic Pain | Last Active: Feb 28, 2023 | Replies (12)

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@rennie

Thanks for your insight. I think I am still in the diagnosis phase as it relates to my back. See the Neuro Friday. Hoping it is not chronic and can be addressed. Not a big fan of surgery. Right now I take Gabapintin daily and Tramadol as needed. The latter has been small dose, about 50mg a day lately. Just do not want to have to manage with meds. I do PT, Yoga, strength exercises at gym and have started with a massage therapist. If I have to go to pain management only, it will be a hard acceptance. I feel like it is giving up on myself. I keep moving, but my PT says all the core strengthening in the world is not going to fix my disk issue. I live in Oregon and suppose we have pain clinics here. If that time comes, hope I can find one as good as yours. I really do appreciate your perspective! When people ask me about pain, is it better not to talk about it? My friends say they can tell. I hate that! Rennie

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Replies to "Thanks for your insight. I think I am still in the diagnosis phase as it relates..."

Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Feb 28, 2023

Aw, Rennie, you are doing all the right things by being proactive and advocating for yourself. Staying active through exercise is a huge bonus, and working hard to find a cause. Hopefully in time you be be able to get off of the tramadol. Acceptance is difficult to come by and takes time, but it doesn't sound like you need to be there quite yet.

Yes, it is better for the brain to not access it's "pain network" through constant pain talk and other pain behaviors. Pain stems from the brain and basically our brains are our computers, how we program our computers has value and effects our bodies. Constant pain behaviors, (anything you do, say or think that reminds you of pain) increase chronic symptoms. Acute issues are a different story, but chronic - that doesn't go away so that's when it's best to implement tools of management.

I am also wishing your symptoms are acute and you will make progress with the Neuro Friday. Wishing you the best of luck! Keep persevering.

PS: Acceptance is never about giving up on yourself, it's about bravery to accept what we can't change and do the best with what we can.

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