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.

@jeannegordon4

I'm re-visiting "Chat" on the topic of Pain from Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, and DJD conditions. Specifically, I want
members comments on their experience with the Rx GABAPENTIN (generic for Neurontin) that my doctor has prescribed for the "global" pain/discomfort/soreness I experience from these "old age" (I'm 78/female) Dx's.
The Medication Guide indicates that Gabapentin can cause some serious side effects (and I already have enough problems) that are very off-putting to beginning this medication.

I would appreciate knowing of other users experience and /or caveats on this Rx.

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I use Lyrica, (pregabapentin) for the neuropathy. 300 mg. twice a day. I got from Chemo. It's pricey, I pay $332.00 every 2 months but it is extremely effective. I also use Amitriptyline. 25 mg. per day. Throw in a little Baclofen for cramping and I'm good on those fronts.

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@meknight

Meknight: chronic pain, fibermyalgia, sleep issues, arthritis, female, 50's. Pain keeps me up at night, and when I do sleep, I wake up stiff and in more pain. My fingers and toes are painfully swollen and turning. I see a pain specialist, but the meds barely make life bearable. Looking for another way to survive.

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@meknight your in the right place all of us have same issues some more,some less I'm a naturalist when it comes to what I take but there is alot of good info here just ask questions.

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@parus

Maybe those who do not live with chronic (and severe) pain do not grasp the concept of hurting all the time. It is hard for me to understand how it is others can keep doing and going. I somehow have it in my mind that everyone hurts like I do, but can keep going-does this make sense? I see others having quality of life and tell myself I am weak because I cannot overcome the pain. Argh, talking in a circle.

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@liz223. Your words deserve recognition and, at least my respect. I admire those with chronic pain who realize that there are/is someone who needs us and whatever we can contribute to their wellness. Sometimes, we can not do it all for anyone, but we can do little things and their realization that someone cares means so much more than what we actually do. Thank you for being one of those "points of light" and reminding the rest of us that "packing it in" is probably not only not in our best interest but certainly will have a negative impact somewhere.
Gary

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@tracylockhart

My chronic pain is clinical depression/dysthymia. Which had also causes physical pain. Life in general is painful. Maybe this isn't the group for me? @ I also suffer from. Major anxiety.

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Hi @tracylockhart I have the same mental health issues and more. It seems that depression and other things have a high probability of involvement with pain. One seems to make the other worse. I started working with my current therapist for a year, and my pain specialist has referred me to a pain counselor, whom I will see tomorrow for the first time.

Chronic pain can wear a person down physically and mentally. Your therapist might offer some suggestions for dealing with the pain you're feeling.

Jim

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@tracylockhart

My chronic pain is clinical depression/dysthymia. Which had also causes physical pain. Life in general is painful. Maybe this isn't the group for me? @ I also suffer from. Major anxiety.

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@jimhd Ain't it the truth? This mountain I (and others) are climbing seems insurmountable. Maybe it is. So much for my being an encouragement for now. Now there are pain counselors too??? Be curious to hear how this goes. Seriously interested. wishing good things for you.

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@maycin63 Hope someone has some suggestions that may help. I am saddened by what you as well as others are going through. I have no suggestions and can understand why you feel like giving up.

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@jeannegordon4

I'm re-visiting "Chat" on the topic of Pain from Fibromyalgia, Osteoarthritis, and DJD conditions. Specifically, I want
members comments on their experience with the Rx GABAPENTIN (generic for Neurontin) that my doctor has prescribed for the "global" pain/discomfort/soreness I experience from these "old age" (I'm 78/female) Dx's.
The Medication Guide indicates that Gabapentin can cause some serious side effects (and I already have enough problems) that are very off-putting to beginning this medication.

I would appreciate knowing of other users experience and /or caveats on this Rx.

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@peach414144 The gabapentin is helping you with pain? I did not have a positive experience with this. I had all of the rare severe side effects-just my luck. Fibro, etc is ruling my life and I seem helpless against thus. I do what I can on my own holistically.
So many people suffering 🙁

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@tracylockhart

My chronic pain is clinical depression/dysthymia. Which had also causes physical pain. Life in general is painful. Maybe this isn't the group for me? @ I also suffer from. Major anxiety.

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@jimhd Hello Jim and others on this Pain Discussion forum

Yes, pain psychologists are a breed of counselors to help people deal with pain which tends to be multi-dimensional. It affects all areas of our life including movement, relationships (even the relationship with yourself as we become more negative with chronic pain) and mental health. Here is a link to an article from Psychology Today regarding pain psychology, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/less-pain-fewer-pills/201407/what-is-pain-psychologist

Jim, I'm looking forward to hearing about your appointment with the pain psychologist.

Teresa

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@tracylockhart

My chronic pain is clinical depression/dysthymia. Which had also causes physical pain. Life in general is painful. Maybe this isn't the group for me? @ I also suffer from. Major anxiety.

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Justin,
I belong to chronic pain and bone and joint groups which have been very helpful. In February, I fell and torn an already damaged rotator cuff. Is there a Mayo Clinic support group for that? Leslie324

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@maycin63

Hi Kelsey, My name I Cindy and Thank You for welcoming to the group. To tell you a little about myself I am a 54 yr old female who has been suffering from Adhesive Arachnoiditis for 17 years now. IN 2010 I had a Arachnoid mass removed from my thecal sac which was missed when they did a MRI on me in 2008.
I orginally am from Northeast Pa where my family doctor helped me with pain medication to keep me somewhat comfortable and also able to live my life. I have since relocated to near Richmond Va and have been without pain meds since November and am having great difficulty finding ANYONE TO DO ANYTHING FOR ME. I cannot continue to live with this pain and do not know where to turn. I completely understand all issues regarding opiod addiction and the present epidemic of overdoses , however; WHAT ARE THE PPL WHO TRULY TAKE THEIR MEDICATION AS DIRECTED AND NEED THIS MEDICATION TO BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF BED EVERDAY SUPPOSED TO DO??? If I do not get some relief soon I will lose my will to go on. Can anyone pls give advice? Thank u again for listening it helps immensely. God bless you all!!

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Hi Cindy (@maycin63), I would also like to welcome you to the Connect. I found a page that provides state by state information on Opioid prescribing guidelines that may be helpful:

-- http://www.affirmhealth.com/blog/opioid-prescribing-guidelines-a-state-by-state-overview

This page has some Patient-Provider Tools with links to PDFs that may be helpful.
-- https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/pain/cot/

VirginiaPain.Org site may help point you to a pain management doctor who can prescribe what you need:
-- https://virginiapain.org/pain-points/chronic-pain/

Cindy, can you get a recommendation or referral to a doctor in your area from your previous doctor?

John

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