Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Hi Bob, I know the place you're at. I wouldn't pretend to tell you who's pain is worse than the other, but I understand why you're so down and frustrated. I also had a bad skiing accident. Mine was in 2007 and mine was my left shoulder. Seems like people recover from shoulder brakes right, Well I guess I recovered,the shoulder functions, I don't hurts constantly and so does the rest of my body. I've had five surgeries to not only put on the plates and screws and get the bone back together, but also surgeries to repair of torn ligaments, tendons and other parts that were left not functioning properly. The biggest problem that I have faith is not the accident, the broken shoulder, all the surgeries, it's what happens to your body afterwards. I didn't know that all my muscles were going to terminate spasm no one can control. I never heard the word fibromyalgia before. I know and didn't realize I would slowly deteriorate to taking pain medicine just so I could tolerate the day. I also have a spouse that does the grocery shopping and the things that gets the things I need, but I don't doubt that he has resentment and this is in the life we went together. I'm sad that he is put in a caretaker role. I don't know what to do either. So yeah I get it and I think there are many many people here who get it. I'm so sorry that you're going through all of what you are,, all the pain, the doctors visits, the physical therapy and everything else it's really wearing. Hang in there and know that there are plenty of people here who not only understand, but go through it too. Jen

I often feel like a burden, too, Bob, and that feeds into the depression - like a cyclical pattern - and into suicidal thoughts. Are you on Medicare Disability? I applied when I was 55, and it covers any mental health treatment. Where I live, the only therapists who take Medicare is the hospital behavioral health department. I hope to start seeing the one here in town next week, which is his first week. I don't think you have to have a referral to see a counselor. I surely encourage you to seek out a good one.

My daughter's having a baby in the next few days, and my wife flew to New Hampshire to be with her for a month. While she's gone, I have a list of things I want to do. I did the first one today, and I'm trying to decide what's next. I know that keeping busy, whether I want to or not, will be good for me.

Keep pushing onward. Do what YOU know is best for you , not just what the doctor says.

Jim

@gailb, there are a few discussions taking place on osteoporosis, but this one is the most active and has the most members to answer your questions on calcium injections: Treating osteoporosis, http://mayocl.in/29cSR8d.

Hello @judyringelestein, welcome to Connect. Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself with the other members of the chronic pain group. Would you mind sharing a bit more about your shoulder and knee pain? What are the causes or diagnoses? I can help find some relevant discussions for you to join.

I no longer can log in to discussions. Did something change?

Nothing has changed on our end @edieguinn and your message was posted to this discussion successfully. Please send me a message through this form and I'll help you out with any technical issues: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

I'm currently on Reclast for osteoporosis. It's a yearly infusion. Takes about 15 minutes. No side effects. Will have density test soon. I've had one last year and the second will be in April 

Hi everyone,
My name is Jeri. I have a degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and scoliosis. I had very unsuccessful shoulder surgery last year that left me in more pain than I had before. I also fell and broke my hip three years ago and have some residual pain from that. There's more but not for now.

My name is Janie. I have a number of problems health wise. I have osteoarthritis. Now the doctor figures I have myo facia syndrome and fibromyalgia . I also have three stents. Two in the heart one in the leg. Now I have four narrowings. Two in each leg. I do get very depressed as I am a very social person. But I have spent this last year in so much pain, I wasn't able to go out very much. I am on oxycocet and a stronger med along with that. Nothing seems to work. I've had saline injections in my legs. Still no relief. I have started self hypnosis which seems to relax the muscles and nerves and gives some relief.

@jimhd, I'm so sorry for your pain and the depression you have gone thru. I have been suffering with pain in my lumbar spine and was prescribed gabapentin 6 years ago when I had my first pinched nerve. There is nothing like nerve pain. I have had a pinched nerve twice now and both times, I was so close to taking the entire bottle of gabapentin cause I just couldn't handle it anymore, I didn't but right now I'm still suffering from after affects and now have degenerative disc disease below my Harrington Rod. I get to see the neurosurgeon on the 22nd of this month as I have tried all options and am looking at surgery. No one understands chronic pain unless they truly have experienced it. It's awful to go thru.