Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Hi I'm Patricia in Louisville Kentucky and I've suffered from chronic pain since 2013 from spinal issues and inflammation in the spine. Since 2015 I've suffered from a non union broken left arm with very few doctors who will treat my pain.

Hello FibroWarriors! How is your morning going? Mine has been slow and steady. I need to go to the bank, get some bottled water from the grocery, and buy a birthday present. I will probably get two out of the three accomplished. But hey! I also do many things that are not on any list that are a "given."
Self care is at the top of the list. If I don't take good care of this body, I won't be able to help anyone else. And helping others is what makes me happy. Oh! By the way, my post is not just for FibroWarriors. I want to support and encourage everyone on this site. Fibromyalgia warriors certainly do not have a monopoly on pain. I have a dear friend who has RA and never complains. She just tells it like it is. She is so involved with her family, church, and community, you wouldn't know there is a thing wrong with her.
We all need to be reminded that we are human beings, and not human doings. Our hearts are what mstters, not how much we get done each day. Gabapentin by the way. is part of my arsenal for when I have a serious flare. I cannot drive while taking the maximum dosage for me. But on those days when my Hubby can spare the time to run errands, Gabapentin is very soothing. I was definitely afraid I would gain weight on it, so I cut back my portions at each meal. I was able to lose fifty five pounds. I have more to lose. But it is a process. Well, the index finger is getting tired. Love to you all, and we'll chat some more later!
Mamacita

Sorry about that. I'll refrain from such things in the future. the legality or illegality of what I recommended depends on what state you're in

@oregongirl, I will have to check on the legal ins and outs of what is doable in my state. There is still a lot of confusion in these parts as to what is acceptable legally. I am so happy for you that this works. I have read so much about it on these pages, you would think I would have all the answers by now. Ha! I am always keeping an eye out for alternatives, because everything does not work for everyone. Ok, well, have a super great rest of the day, love! I will be "talking" with you later!
Mamacita

@wsh66, no worries, love! None whatsover

I am 65 yrs. young and have a Medtronics Pain Pump inplanted. My quality of life has improved greatly and I no longer take oral medications. I would be happy to share my experience with anyone who is interested.

@impatricia Hi, Patricia. Just read your note, and have sadness that folks go this. One of my ancestors, back in the 1890's had approximately what you describe. Back pain from nodules and crushed disks along the spine, weak bones, chronic heavy pain. Docs just gave up. New we are pretty certain she had some form of Light Chain Amyloidosis, which can be identified and often relieved. My siblings and I (8) nearly all have this now, although some have died of it. So far, the docs and I are pretty certain it is Gelsolin, although the exact mutation is still questioned. There is some treatment now, but it is just a matter of extending life. Most of the really good literature comes from the University Hospital of Helsinki Finland where this apparently originated. But in this country, Mayo, Vanderbilt Univ, Boston, Sloan Kettering, Stanford and Cleveland Clinic have good stuff. You are close enough to Nashville to have them check your stuff. Also another possibility is Evans Syndrome which acts like Light Chain Amyloidosis, but it is harder to find the protein connection. https://bit.Ly/1w7j4j8, Amyloid and Old Karl.

I have one too. Ain't they just grand?

Yes they are. I am having mine replaced on Sept. 6th as it is near 7 yrs. old. I hope the technology will get smaller as I had a somewhat flat tummy and with tight fitting dresses I notice it. I am sure that other really don't and at 65 who cares. It gave me a life without slurred speech, moody days and being a burden on my family. I was using Fentynl patches and forgot I had several on and overdosed. No I don't have to worry about that anymore because I take no other pain medications.

@mamacita I start on one at night for sleep then next week if Tolerable up it to 2 so we,ll see how I react to it .You are so positive its refreshing to have you on this site