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Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself
Chronic Pain | Last Active: 5 hours ago | Replies (7067)Comment receiving replies
I am 63 years old. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, CMS and chronic fatigue syndrome in 2007. At the time I had a viral panel done that showed that, while I had antibodies for nearly everything except Lyme Disease, I had an active Epstein Barr infection. While I have never been able to make the connection, I don't believe in coincidences.
I am lucky enough to be able to work from home. This gives me the schedule flexibility to function.
I have been through all of the medication protocols that the "experts" around here come up with, and none have worked for me. I had terrible reactions to Lyrica and Cymbalta, and the rest didn't work. Despite what doctors think, anti-depressants do not work as pain killers for me.
My most recent issue has created terrible problems for me. 16 months ago I had serious open rotator cuff surgery. This required amputation of the end of my collarbone to remove large bone spurs, as well as repair of a large, full-thickness rotator cuff tear. I went through 6 months of PT and continue to work out at a gym. However, I still have severe shoulder pain. I have seen pain management specialists, neurologists and rheumatologists. Those who didn't make me worse told me to get lost.
I really think I have reached the end of my rope, and don't seem to have anywhere else to turn.
Replies to "I am 63 years old. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, CMS and chronic fatigue syndrome in..."
Have you tried gabapentin for the fibromyalgia?<br>
@beverlymellskog Do not know who you are addressing, but gabapentin<br>does nothing for me - fibro or chronic back pain. ladyjane86<br><br>
Hi, Sue. It's been 10 days since you wrote this. I'm wondering how you're doing. You sounded pretty discouraged, and I can surely relate to that. Do you have someone to talk to about how you're feeling? Talk therapy has been a help to me. I don't know if I would have been able to climb out of the dark hole of depression without the help of counselors. I'm still not the same person I was pre-depression, and maybe 6 is my new 10. I have learned one thing, which is redirecting my thoughts. When suicide comes up, I recognize the thought and move my focus to something else. Sometimes I pray at times like that, and I find that when I do, the negative thoughts become much less obtrusive.
It's time to get to sleep, so I have to stop writing. I'll pray that you will find encouragement that will offset some of the discouragement.
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I sure know how you feel. I had the first spinal surgery at age 18 another at 35 then the Kypo at 72. The hip replace at 74 and severe rotator surgery at 76. Now at age 80 I hurt all over. The 4 compression fractures, hip, and shoulder. My medication just isn't working. I see the neurologist in two weeks. I hope he can do something. I just don't know what to ask him, other than 'I HURT'! They then ask if I am depressed, Who wouldn't be when I hurt for this long. My husband of 51 years passed in 2009. I do have a active social life with my church (when I feel like going) so I don't just sit around and feel sorry for myself. I also have mild COPD and Sleep Apnea. I know there so many others much younger than I in worst condition. I thank God for every day.