Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

I suffered from a rare bactrial infection and two years later developed autoimmune syndrome with a variety of autoimmune illnesses showing up one after the other. The chronic pain began in the calves of my legs and has affected every part of my body since then; that has been about 23 years ago. As.time goes by it has become worse. With chronic fatigue a major problem. Although I walk when I am able to (about a mile and ½) it just makes me feel better for the day.My doctors encourage walking for pain relief. My pancreas was ruined by some of the meds that were used to try to help me so that i developed diabetes, which added a huge burden to my life. For years I searched, corresponded, called ,doctors all over the world trying to find help. About 10 years ago I just stopped trying and decided to attempt to have some sort of life as things are. I stick to a pretty restricted diet, leaving out these foods: pork, beef, shellfish, white bread, potatoes and rice and sugar. I eat oats, brown rice and some other grains, a lot of veggies and a moderate amount of fruit and poultry and fish; ail organic. I am a positive person who has remained so through most of it. My strengths are definitely my faith,my diet, my hobbies (writing, genealogy, photography.) It is my belief that focusing on the needs of others can really help. No matter how much others care about us, as tme goes by, many friends fall away. I think we can make them feel helpless. So hello, fellow traveler..may your journey become free from pain.

Galig......Hi there. I live in San Antonio. I moved from the Coast of Oregon. My house overlooked the Ocean and the Boat Harbor. Yes, I must be out of my mind Gave up my Free and Clear House with a view, Friends that I knew, and my Marijuana. I wanted to move near by son. I stayed in their guest house as long as I could stand it and then got my own apartment. I am living in an apartment that used to be Military housing in WWII. The remodeld the entire Track inside leaving the beautiful 40's and 50's look with REAL wood floors and a beautiful kitchen. In Oregon, I lived nearly 2 hours from the REAL doctors. As my RA got worse, I knew I would need a better doctor. My doctor had MD behind his name but???? I miss the beautiful weather but I have to say, I do love San Antonio and all the trees. I turned 76 this month. I truly love it here, but I felt more alive in Oregon and my wonderful trails in the woods. My dogs certainly miss that. Try to find the group that is working on legalizing MJ.

I suffered from a rare bactrial infection and two years later developed autoimmune syndrome with a variety of autoimmune illnesses showing up one after the other. The chronic pain began in the calves of my legs and has affected every part of my body since then; that has been about 23 years ago. As.time goes by it has become worse. With chronic fatigue a major problem. Although I walk when I am able to (about a mile and ½) it just makes me feel better for the day.My doctors encourage walking for pain relief. My pancreas was ruined by some of the meds that were used to try to help me so that i developed diabetes, which added a huge burden to my life. For years I searched, corresponded, called ,doctors all over the world trying to find help. About 10 years ago I just stopped trying and decided to attempt to have some sort of life as things are. I stick to a pretty restricted diet, leaving out these foods: pork, beef, shellfish, white bread, potatoes and rice and sugar. I eat oats, brown rice and some other grains, a lot of veggies and a moderate amount of fruit and poultry and fish; ail organic. I am a positive person who has remained so through most of it. My strengths are definitely my faith,my diet, my hobbies (writing, genealogy, photography.) It is my belief that focusing on the needs of others can really help. No matter how much others care about us, as tme goes by, many friends fall away. I think we can make them feel helpless. So hello, fellow traveler..may your journey become free from pain.

Hello :). First time I’m using a chat for medical reasons. I feel quite desperate and thought I would see if I could tap into this community for help. I was recently diagnosed with hip bursitis. I’m only 42 and sometimes the pain is debilitating. It started on my outer thighs but months later is now more painful on the top of my pelvis bone (highest point) and the groin area which sometimes swells up. I have angioadema (my lower lip swells and I get a rash). I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago. I am fortunate that this condition flares up now and again and is not something that I suffer everyday. I do get very tired - I am finding it hard to stay awake during the day. To add to all this I have 7 uterine fibroids. And also restricted blood flow in both lower legs which can make standing still and flying very painful. Such a variety of conditions but I cannot figure out whether any of these could be related or am I just incredibly unlucky ???!!!! If anyone has any insights I would be very grateful. I am aware that I do have some IgG intolerances to certain foods and recently stopped eating dairy. tips on handling chronic pain and tiredness would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much

Hi Kelsey, I have had pain issues since the eighties. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in 1990. The pain was so bad I was frequently suicidal. I never came close to acting on it though because I couldn't hurt my children that way. The doctors would prescribe a muscle relaxer for use at night, but nothing worked during the day. Trammadol never touched the pain so I quit using it. Through the years I developed several damaged discs, and had three surgical procedures done. Now I also have Arthritis in all of my joints, IBS, Diverticulitis, and small amounts of Diabetic neuropathy. Believe me, I have tried everything they can throw at you, and the only things I have found that provide relief are as follows, for me: Low carb, grain free diet, Lyrica, Mobic, Mindfulness, Prayer, Gratitude, Faith, and helping others. Gratitude, faith, and being grain free are the most important. If I slip and consume grain products, the other things I mentioned will barely work, if at all. I don't know how many people with severe arthritis are affected by consuming grains. And it might not be the grains themselves, but what they are treated with before they get to our tables. I just haven't studied it enough. I also keep a fairly predictable schedule of sorts. I pace myself, and try not to overdo it. Water aerobics classes are awesome, especially with the sauna right after. I am so thankful for this group. I hope to learn a lot here!