1. < Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Posted by Kelsey Mohring @kelseydm, Apr 27, 2016

Welcome to the new Chronic Pain group.

I’m Kelsey and I’m the moderator of the group. I look forwarding to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Why not take a minute and introduce yourself.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

jeannen | @jeannen | Nov 20, 2016
In reply to @meggie "Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago,..." + (show)
@meggie

Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, that in itself did not cause too many problems. Depression was and is the biggest problem. However, a year ago I was in a car accident and have had severe (by my standards) pain ever since. After a LOT of dr. visits, experiments, etc. it's " we don't know what's wrong, we can't fix it, manage the pain". Problem is, the meds make depression symptoms MUCH worse...but without them I'm brought to tears, can't think, etc. Is anyone else struggling with major depression and pain? How are you handling it? Thank you in advance

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I have Fibromyalgia and depression along with 3 herniated discs in my back and stress fractures. I also have kidney disease and high blood pressure. Some days are very hard to even get out of bed. I know what suffering with severe pain is all about About 4 months ago I saw a Gerontologist and she prescribed Cymbalta , and Tramadol twice a day. The Cymbalta has helped some. I used to be on Tramadol 4 times a day and felt much better, but because it's a narcotic she won't prescribe any more than twice a day. I also take Tylenol and use an ice pack and heating pad. I am 82 years old and I can't cry with the pain because the movement makes it worse. I hope you can find some way to feel better. It helps to talk with someone or read all the post on the board.

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meggie | @meggie | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @meggie "Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago,..." + (show)
@meggie

Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, that in itself did not cause too many problems. Depression was and is the biggest problem. However, a year ago I was in a car accident and have had severe (by my standards) pain ever since. After a LOT of dr. visits, experiments, etc. it's " we don't know what's wrong, we can't fix it, manage the pain". Problem is, the meds make depression symptoms MUCH worse...but without them I'm brought to tears, can't think, etc. Is anyone else struggling with major depression and pain? How are you handling it? Thank you in advance

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Thank you so much for your response!  I too am on Cymbalta and another anitdepressant whose name I can't remember now.  Then the neurologist prescribed the Lyrica and Tramadol.  My doc said I could take it every six hours; wish doctors were all on the same page.  I've just begun to use heat and cold and they do make some difference.  It sounds like you've got some additional very difficult conditions...I'm sorry and hoping you have some special Thanksgiving plans.  If not, know that this Benedictine community is praying for you.  Meggie

REPLY
meggie | @meggie | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @meggie "Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago,..." + (show)
@meggie

Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, that in itself did not cause too many problems. Depression was and is the biggest problem. However, a year ago I was in a car accident and have had severe (by my standards) pain ever since. After a LOT of dr. visits, experiments, etc. it's " we don't know what's wrong, we can't fix it, manage the pain". Problem is, the meds make depression symptoms MUCH worse...but without them I'm brought to tears, can't think, etc. Is anyone else struggling with major depression and pain? How are you handling it? Thank you in advance

Jump to this post

Thank you for taking time to respond.  I am trying, and your saying it helps, to stay positive.  I admire you for being able to do this without medication.  Meggie

REPLY
meggie | @meggie | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @meggie "Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago,..." + (show)
@meggie

Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, that in itself did not cause too many problems. Depression was and is the biggest problem. However, a year ago I was in a car accident and have had severe (by my standards) pain ever since. After a LOT of dr. visits, experiments, etc. it's " we don't know what's wrong, we can't fix it, manage the pain". Problem is, the meds make depression symptoms MUCH worse...but without them I'm brought to tears, can't think, etc. Is anyone else struggling with major depression and pain? How are you handling it? Thank you in advance

Jump to this post

Thank you for taking time to respond at such length.  There is a psychiatrist involved who is very good.  We had the depression sort of under control...and this eye pain just exploded.  So we're in the trying things mode again, which really triggers my frustration.  I really am working on gentleness and patience and walking each day.  meggie

REPLY
meggie | @meggie | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @meggie "Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago,..." + (show)
@meggie

Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, that in itself did not cause too many problems. Depression was and is the biggest problem. However, a year ago I was in a car accident and have had severe (by my standards) pain ever since. After a LOT of dr. visits, experiments, etc. it's " we don't know what's wrong, we can't fix it, manage the pain". Problem is, the meds make depression symptoms MUCH worse...but without them I'm brought to tears, can't think, etc. Is anyone else struggling with major depression and pain? How are you handling it? Thank you in advance

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.  I have been on anti-depressants for many years.  I agree some of them are awful...horrible side effects and no help.  But I did finally find a really good psychiatrist by telemetry (like Skype) who put me on a couple of meds I'd never taken before and experimented with doses and times a day and it was almost working...until this eye pain exploded.  Sounds like you're not on a health plan that covers a psychiatrist??  Be sure to find a really good one if you do decide to go this route...one you can really talk to.  I hope your holidays bring some joy and peace.  meggie

REPLY
meggie | @meggie | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi all, I'm Colleen, Community Director and part of Connect's moderator team along with Kelsey. I..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi all,
I'm Colleen, Community Director and part of Connect's moderator team along with Kelsey. I want to say a special thank you to @leh09 @19lin @seanbeck @suebreen54 @mlemieux @ladyjane85 @lolomarie @zjandre @briansr @salena54 @sharonmay7 for all your contributions and making new members feel welcome.

Cheers to continued connecting on Connect.

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Thank you so much for taking time to write.  My dad died of COPD and I was with him the last 9 months...hard.  I admire your strength to endure and accept the pain.  I'm hoping you have some special things planned for this holiday time.  meggie

REPLY
joannem | @joannem | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @meggie "Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago,..." + (show)
@meggie

Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, that in itself did not cause too many problems. Depression was and is the biggest problem. However, a year ago I was in a car accident and have had severe (by my standards) pain ever since. After a LOT of dr. visits, experiments, etc. it's " we don't know what's wrong, we can't fix it, manage the pain". Problem is, the meds make depression symptoms MUCH worse...but without them I'm brought to tears, can't think, etc. Is anyone else struggling with major depression and pain? How are you handling it? Thank you in advance

Jump to this post

Jim * I became very concerned about you when you talk about depression and suicide. I am nowhere in the same pain as you, so I cannot relate to that. A few things you have not mention is acupuncture, foot massage, foot vibrator (a good one* mine cost $125 and that was eight years ago.), mixture of tree tea oil and frankincense. some of these might seem silly to you, because you have tried so much. My neurologist has recommended large doses of vitamin b-12 ( I take shots plus 5000 mgs under the tongue every day. I will be thinking of you

REPLY
meggie | @meggie | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @meggie "Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago,..." + (show)
@meggie

Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, that in itself did not cause too many problems. Depression was and is the biggest problem. However, a year ago I was in a car accident and have had severe (by my standards) pain ever since. After a LOT of dr. visits, experiments, etc. it's " we don't know what's wrong, we can't fix it, manage the pain". Problem is, the meds make depression symptoms MUCH worse...but without them I'm brought to tears, can't think, etc. Is anyone else struggling with major depression and pain? How are you handling it? Thank you in advance

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for your response and your prayers.  It sort of helps to know Jesus suffered too.  May you have something special planned for these next weeks of holidays.  meggie

REPLY
meggie | @meggie | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi all, I'm Colleen, Community Director and part of Connect's moderator team along with Kelsey. I..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi all,
I'm Colleen, Community Director and part of Connect's moderator team along with Kelsey. I want to say a special thank you to @leh09 @19lin @seanbeck @suebreen54 @mlemieux @ladyjane85 @lolomarie @zjandre @briansr @salena54 @sharonmay7 for all your contributions and making new members feel welcome.

Cheers to continued connecting on Connect.

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for responding, especially when pain is really bad.  I admire your courage to think about others at such a time. meggie

REPLY
meggie | @meggie | Nov 21, 2016
In reply to @meggie "Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago,..." + (show)
@meggie

Hello everyone! I am 75, a Benedictine sister. While I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia years ago, that in itself did not cause too many problems. Depression was and is the biggest problem. However, a year ago I was in a car accident and have had severe (by my standards) pain ever since. After a LOT of dr. visits, experiments, etc. it's " we don't know what's wrong, we can't fix it, manage the pain". Problem is, the meds make depression symptoms MUCH worse...but without them I'm brought to tears, can't think, etc. Is anyone else struggling with major depression and pain? How are you handling it? Thank you in advance

Jump to this post

Thank you so much for taking time to reply and to give suggestions.  Living in the present moment or awareness is a Benedictine discipline that is standing me in good stead.  I admire your courage to keep trying...and to take time to reply to a stranger.  meggie

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