Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

I just to stay distracted with hobbies and WWF. Try to keep upbeat. It's hard most days but I can't remain negative

Hello fellow pain sufferers
It has been my experience that burning the nerves where they are being pinched by surrounding bones, is a temporary fix as the nerves grow back. I've found that wearing a back brace helps relieve nerve compression. When I worked at the V.A., where my back problems began, the Doctor's there measured me for a Corset. Wearing it every day for two months, my back problem eased, and the dang Corset self destructed from daily wear. My chief complaint with the Corset was it limited the amount of air I could breathe while seated. Standing all day improved my breathing. Those with chronic back pain might ask their physicians about a Corset!
The device alleviated 85% of the pain, and Medication took care of the remaining break through pain. Ive been on Oxicodone 15 mg, three times daily, and Gabapentin, 900mg, three times daily.
Also, I take Bayer Back and Body, 3× daily.
Little pain, No depression, Positive Attitude. Oh yeah, I'm on the Fentanyl Patch, 100mcg per hour. Best of luck to all.I have Peripheral Neuropathy, but Peripheral Neuropathy doesn't have me!

How am I handling it? Not well. My feet hurt and burn all the time. Neuropathy began around ten years after I began treatment for major depression. The two don't do well together for me. I'm working with a pain specialist, but nothing we've tried has helped the pain. I'm considering a spinal cord stimulator. Right now, I take morphine sulfate contin, Cymbalta, Clonazepam, Oxycodone, Bupropion, Lidocaine cream, and things for allergies, plus vitamins, hoodia, and experimenting with Marijuana. I've been quite active the past couple of months, but depression and suicidal ideation have been worse, partly because of the change of season which reduces the amount of activity. I just try to take life a day, or an hour at a time.

I have peripheral neuropathy in my arm due to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome which went untreated for for whole life. (II was 56 at the time of surgery) It was not diagnosed because the symptoms did not include the usual suspects. A smart pain doctor did a very thorough eval and ordered an MRA that proved the veins, nerves and arteries were pinched between the first rib and clavicle. With no blood flow the nerves were forever damaged and I remain in continuous pain. My pain clinic is insisting I reduce my medication so I hurt a lot and can't type any more at this time. Be back later though.

I have diabetes 2, cancer in almost every organ, and constant peripheral neuropathy.

GOD BLESS YOU! I just keep praying that something could be done for us who live in constant pain!!

I tried a back brace for the upper back. It has a part that fits just above the breast. I have COPD and when I wear the brace, I can't breath. I had to make a choice on whether I wear the brace and ease the pain or breath. I had to make the choice to breath. But boy to I hurt.

When we hurt like this, who wouldn't get depressed? But there are days when I am in tears! My general doctor wanted to put me on a anti depression medication but I didn't do it yet. I don't like them and besides I can't afford an other pill. I try to stay busy, but when I use my arms.....Well.....

Hello, Sister, I hope you'll find some hope and help in this forum. I think anyone who posts on sites like this will tell you that depression and pain can be like constant companions. It's as if they feed off one another. I saw in your post that your fibromyalgia diagnosis and your auto accident occurred close to the same time. It's important to get both under control, and I hope you're under the care of specialists in psychiatry, and neurology or pain management. This isn't something your primary physician should be treating her/himself without at the very least being in consultation with specialists.

Getting the right match for antidepressant medication often takes trial and error. There's no one 'fix' for it; however, there are many good and effective medications you and your psychiatrist can experiment with until you find what's right for you. Sometimes it will be a combination of medications. Exercise, to the extent you're able, and healthy eating are just as important. I notice you're only a few years older than me. When we were growing up, the doctor was the 'boss', and didn't like to be questioned. It's vital that you have a doctor who is willing to work WITH you because you are also in charge of your health. As difficult as it is sometimes, try not to be too discouraged during the process of finding what will work for you, and don't suffer in silence.

The same goes for whoever is treating your pain. You may have to try different strategies before you find what works for you. Physical therapy might help too.

I have a history of depression; however, this pain thing is more new to me. I was handed off to two specialists before receiving a diagnosis of myofascial pain syndrome. You can read about it on the Mayo Clinic and other web sites if you're interested. I don't think it's necessary to go into great detail in this communication; pain is pain. I mentioned my diagnosis because sometimes similar therapies are used to treat myofascial pain and fibromyalgia.

I took a second look when you mentioned your auto accident. I was very recently injured in one myself. Thankfully, I'm alive and able to write to you, but I also feel like I've been hit by a freight train, and the medications to treat the resulting pain are only intended for short-term use.

I hope to see more posts from you on this forum, telling us of your progress. May God bless you and keep you, look upon you kindly, and give you peace.
Susan
User ID sistergoldenhair

Most people don't understand our pain because it can't be seen. We are our only advocates in our health. Have to talk to docs. I unfortunately have exhausted all pain relief except meds. Don't want to take them. Just trying to keep positive