1. < Chronic Pain

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.

Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "Good Morning, Monday is the day I am scheduled to have surgery on L3/4. I am..." + (show)
@grandmar

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)

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@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?

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @grandmar "@dawn_giacabazi Dawn, That is what people don't understand when it comes to chronic or acute pain...." + (show)
@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)

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@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.

REPLY
1 reply
Texas Freedom | @oregongirl | Sep 13, 2018

I am Lee Rice San Antonio Texas.. . Saw my Dr yesterday and she took me off tramadol and put me on 1/2 tablet if Hydrocodene. I understand why. All night I could not sleep coming off Tramadol. Certainly not as bad as coming off Morphine 3 trs ago. I wanted to die. I have no idea what that doctor was thinking putting me on Morphine. By the time I was off it, I had lost a very infected gall bladder. These drugs are horrible. I moved here from Oregon. Marijuana never did these awful things to me and after yrs was never addicted. My Dr here is all for legal Marijuana. Until the. I either move and destroy my family or take different narcotics at low levels until Texas comes to their senses and legalizes a plant that will safe us.

REPLY
Texas Freedom | @oregongirl | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "Wonderful motivations Ronnie!! I believe god does give you the strength and grace to go on...." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

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?

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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.

REPLY
2 replies
oldkarl | @oldkarl | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @oregongirl "Sorry grandma. Our pain becomes our ideniry. I noonger discuss it with my children. I know..." + (show)
@oregongirl

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.

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@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.

REPLY
3 replies
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @dawn_giacabazi "Wonderful motivations Ronnie!! I believe god does give you the strength and grace to go on...." + (show)
@dawn_giacabazi

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?

Jump to this post

@dawn_giacabazi
Hi Dawn,
I do have 2 married children. My son lives in another state so he doesn't really see me in all my glory. (LOL)
My daughter lives down the block so she does see me all the time.
I know how much my situation pains her.
She tells me how she feels and I can see it in her face.
There is no way to keep things from her.

I haven't really found anything to take the pain away.
I have opioids, but they really don't work.
They just relax me enough to continue on or to rest.
The only time I feel NO pain is when I am sitting in my comfy chair.
Also, I live in Florida and have a pool.
Being in the pool helps and I get to 'exercise' in it.
It is still very HOT in Florida with temps in the upper 80s to mid 90s each and every day.
Problem is, it rains just about every day and the cold rain cools off the pool water.
That, I cannot take. I need the pool to be warm.

What do you do to ease your pain?
Of course, it goes without saying, hugs and kisses from my grands are the VERY BEST MEDICINE!
I always say that to my granddaughter who lives here.
When she knows I 'm not doing well, she'll come over to give me her "medicine.'

Have a pain free day!
Ronnie

REPLY
1 reply
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @oldkarl "@oregongirl Believe me, I know about not talking any more with the family about what is..." + (show)
@oldkarl

@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.

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@oldkarl
WOW! I am at a loss for words!
I am so sorry that you are not getting the support you need.
You must have an exceptional family since they read into the future to know you will die soon.
Hey, no one knows that regardless of their age when their time is up.
There are people who live into their 100s. Who knows?

Why not live your life to the fullest for as long as you have?
Why not seek medical help on your own?
You obviously have a computer so do some research.
NO ONE SHOULD LIVE IN PAIN IF THERE MIGHT BE A SOLUTION!!!!!!!

Good luck!
Ronnie

REPLY
1 reply
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @oregongirl "Sorry grandma. Our pain becomes our ideniry. I noonger discuss it with my children. I know..." + (show)
@oregongirl

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.

Jump to this post

@oregongirl
I think you are right about pain becoming part of our identity!
You say you want to live your life so you are moving into an independent facility.
You also say it is your choice.
Is it really?
You sound as if you are doing it to give your children the time they need on their own.
I wonder, does that mean you are REALLY happy to be going or do you feel foreced to move because of your kids?
Food for thought.
Of course you family will love you until you die.
I would hope that is true for all of us (although I know it isn't).
Good luck with your move and I hope you find what you are looking for.
Ronnie

REPLY
2 replies
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@grandmar Hello Ronnie, I've been thinking about you! I'm so glad that you connected with Dawn,..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@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?

Jump to this post

@hopeful33250
Hi Teresa,
Thank you for the good wishes. I'll take all that I can get!

I am not really sure about anything at this time.
I know how long the incision will be but that is about it.
I do not know how long I will be in the hospital. It can be 1-3 nights.
I know I'll need the back brace at least 2 weeks until I go for my 2 week post op and I have my 1st post op x-ray.
I know I'll be needing PT but I don't know when I will start or for how long.

I will keep in touch and keep you informed.

Have a p ain free day!
Ronnie

REPLY
1 reply
grandmaR | @grandmar | Sep 13, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "@grandmar Yes, Ronnie - if we all gift wrapped the areas that hurt, there would be..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

@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.

Jump to this post

@hopeful33250

🙂

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