Abby I didn't have knee surgery I had a tumor removed from inside of spine cord I say they cut the spine apart glued and screwed it back together sorry to hear of your pain my pain is for life certain surgery the pain is for life. I have been looked at it as tomorrow is a new day I do the best I can trueheart

Right on!!

Pablo Luis Mainzer you are amazing!

If there isn't a "Pain Monthly'" maybe we can be the ones to inspire others to start the process! I think it is very difficult to imagine that people can hurt all day long and actually not have anything much to help with the pain. Doctors are very leary of giving pain patients the medicine that might really help them because of the addiction problem. I was very fortunate in that we have finally found some things that work. Our health care system is broken. I am thankful for my insurance, even though some things have to be paid out of pocket. I used to be in such terrible pain I wondered if my family would be better off without me. I don't feel that way anymore. And I want to help others who suffer, because I have been there. I could have a flare at any time. So I try to be grateful and not take anything for granted. Thank you for sharing your story!

I have a brace as well, but I hardly ever wear it. It is made of hard plastic, and hurts like the dickens if you try to work with it on. It's hard to sit down with it on, hard to bend, hard to drive. But I keep it because it does come in handy. Hang in there. You are not alone.

@mamasitalucita I,ve had to wear a brace since my back is so messed up from falling on ice to a fracture of the L2 .I have tried a lot of different kinds but the one I use now I like because it is cloth on the outside but inside it is red with little cut out holes which radiates your own body heat back into your back. It gives me great relieve and is very comfortable I can wear it all day and I have without any discomfort the only thing when you take it of you back is sweaty but that's a good thing as I know it works.

@lioness, that sounds awesome! I am so glad you have this brace available to you! Mine was made for me many years ago. I'm sure there have been advancements since then. Another thing that helps me is that I try spacing out my day into thirds. The third in the middle of the day is used to take it easy, stretch my back out, maybe even take a nap. It helps me a lot. So nice to meet you on this journey. I am so happy we have such a nice, safe place to connect with one another. As a dear friend of mind is fond of saying, "We are better together."

@mamasitalucita I bought this brace through a catalogue

I Colleen. I have been praying very hard the past few months to find someone who will LISTEN and look at things from the patient standpoint. I have had so many things happen physically, I could not even list. My issue, I pray someone here can give me advice, At this moment ..,I’m struggling with being on 200 mg per day of ER morphine for 15 yrs , allergic to every other pain med, and 2 mg Klonopin for severe anxiety attacks due from trauma. Now dr are saying there is a limit on pain medication and that it cannot be mixed with Klonopin Therefore I feel like I am being pushed to either suffer from pain or have anxiety attacks every day of my life I’m not sure I can physically make it someone please help me

Hello @aernst ,
I'm sorry you are having to deal with so many problems and so much pain. I know it's not much help but you are not alone. A lot of members here in the Chronic Pain Group are dealing with similar problems. A lot of the pain medications do have limitations and side effects. Are you able to discuss any alternatives that may help you with your doctor? It might be helpful if you could take a friend or relative with you to your doctors appointment. It's so easy to misunderstand and forget things that the doctor may tell us. If someone else is with you, it can be helpful. Also, most states and counties have social services that may be able to help you advocate for yourself.

I'm hoping some other members, will join in and offer some suggestions. Hoping you have a pain free day.

John