Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Good Morning,
Monday is the day I am scheduled to have surgery on L3/4.
I am having a procedure called an x-lift.
This is a kind of fusion.
I understand that this will be more involved than the C5/6 surgery I had.
This surgery will require a hospital stay of 1-3 nights and wearing a back brace.
At this point, I will do just about anything to rid myself of the acute pain, or at the very least, reduce it enough for it to be tolerable!
I contracted a cold from my granddaughter that I am fighting.
When I was at the doc for my pre-op, I was told if it didn't clear up, no surgery!
I've been staying inside all week, trying to stay away from others and trying to rest this thing up.
I have until finally feeling a positive change.
Well, please keep me in your prayers.
Thank you!
Here's to a pain free day!

Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@dawn_giacabazi
Dawn,
That is what people don't understand when it comes to chronic or acute pain.
I even had this discussion with the nurse practioner the other day.
She says she see a big difference in my overall demeanor.
I tried to explain to her that when you are in pain (regardless of how much), ALL the time, it is exhausting, physically, mentally and emotionally.
It just 'gets' to you.
I would have thought she knew this, but apparently she didn't.
Many people think that just because your pain level is not too high, you should be 'feeling' good.
I suppose what they say about when you can't 'see' the illness, it is difficult for people to understand it.
Guess I should wrap each part of my body that hurts.
This way, people will 'see' the pain.
They'll call me Mummy instead of Mommy. lol

Here's to a pain free day!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Wonderful motivations Ronnie!! I believe god does give you the strength and grace to go on. You don’t have to be “religious” to believe that. My heart smiles for all the loving support you have. Something I learned from my own walk with debilitating pain and circumstances, I stopped talking about with my children. I have 3 children , Anthony 17, Katherine 15, Andrew 7. I found they were sad most of the time because we became focused on all than mom couldn’t do. We ALL decided we were no longer going to see or think that way. We stay focused and find things and ways to do things we ALL love together. It really changed everything for us. Sure some days are very difficult. Like this coming Saturday is my daughters marching band competition. I NEVER miss her events. Not sure how I’m going to make it through 5 hours of competition. The damp night air makes it extremely difficult walk but I will move frequently and stay hydrated and bring my own chair so I won’t have to do the cold metal bleachers. The disposable hot packs really help my cramps in my back so I will have those and I will pray and it will be great.

Have you found any tricks to ease your pain?

Sorry grandma. Our pain becomes our ideniry. I noonger discuss it with my children. I know they are sick of hearing about it. They just want me to live. I am moving into an Independent facility. My choice. My kids are grown and need time of their own. They will love me until I die. But I want them to have a normal life. My never ending pain stops that. At least my move is my choice.

Wonderful motivations Ronnie!! I believe god does give you the strength and grace to go on. You don’t have to be “religious” to believe that. My heart smiles for all the loving support you have. Something I learned from my own walk with debilitating pain and circumstances, I stopped talking about with my children. I have 3 children , Anthony 17, Katherine 15, Andrew 7. I found they were sad most of the time because we became focused on all than mom couldn’t do. We ALL decided we were no longer going to see or think that way. We stay focused and find things and ways to do things we ALL love together. It really changed everything for us. Sure some days are very difficult. Like this coming Saturday is my daughters marching band competition. I NEVER miss her events. Not sure how I’m going to make it through 5 hours of competition. The damp night air makes it extremely difficult walk but I will move frequently and stay hydrated and bring my own chair so I won’t have to do the cold metal bleachers. The disposable hot packs really help my cramps in my back so I will have those and I will pray and it will be great.

Have you found any tricks to ease your pain?

@oregongirl Believe me, I know about not talking any more with the family about what is happening. I need treatment, but my wife and children are fighting it every step of the way, and my Primary is worse. They all say, Look. You are 80. You are going to die soon anyway, so why treat it. I have about 8 doctors I see more or less regularly, and only one of them makes any effort. I went for 75 years not knowing what the problem is, and I guess they are all tired of hearing about it.

Sorry grandma. Our pain becomes our ideniry. I noonger discuss it with my children. I know they are sick of hearing about it. They just want me to live. I am moving into an Independent facility. My choice. My kids are grown and need time of their own. They will love me until I die. But I want them to have a normal life. My never ending pain stops that. At least my move is my choice.

@grandmar
Hello Ronnie,
I've been thinking about you! I'm so glad that you connected with Dawn, @dawn_giacabazi, she is a very encouraging, kind person!

I will be praying for you as well and also for the medical team on Monday. Your feeling of apprehension is certainly understandable, I would be the same way facing any type of surgery. I also "hear" in your words your determination to have relief from your pain and that will help you through the process. I hope that your cold is beginning to ease up today.

Do you know yet how long you will need the back brace? Will you keep in touch?

@grandmar Yes, Ronnie - if we all gift wrapped the areas that hurt, there would be no question of how we are feeling! Thanks for the smile.