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.

@grandmar

@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

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@grandmar hi lioness here I hope your cold gets better before Monday so u can have your surgery I hear the pain and hurt for our kids ,grandkids mine is same Im about to tell my son they can't depend on me like they use to I,ll go over as I can but my reclinder is my best friend now.,ice and heat I see neurosurgeon Friday to see what he says about my MRI I had on back also I have a referral coming for orthopedic Dr. Had xrays on thumbs ,bone,on bone This was my bone week LOL last Monday was my foot

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@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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@dawn_giacabazi where did you find the disposable hot packs ?

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I have the best Spine doctor. I had the shots which I thought were a waste. He said according to the paper work, the sots worked on my back but not my neck. I don't get it. Dont I know what worked and what didn't. I would not let them go any further. So, he showed me how to sit and how to get up and down. In other words, take your pain pills and relax. Oh ya while my house fall apart. I cannot change my sheets myself, so I take them off and have someone else help me put them back on. Yes things have changed haven't they?

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Hi. My name is Chris and I've had Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Migraine, and extreme Multiple Chemical Sensitivity for 28 years. Life is very difficult with this illness. I see that others have gone to the Pain Clinic and it has helped them, with this group of illnesses under Central Sensitization Syndrome. I did not realize that what I had was actually Chronic Pain and have been trying to treat the symptoms of chronic migraine, chronic fatigue, and chemical sensitivity:
migraine, confusion, brain fog, etc. What is the process for going to Mayo for this group of illnesses? Has anyone with Chronic Fatigue or Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Chronic Migraine gone through the pain clinic for this diagnosis? My migraines have worsened recently and they are daily. I've been in bad basically for the past 4.5 months and thinking of going to Mayo. I only have Medicare and am on Social Security disability. Thank you! Chris

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@oregongirl

I have the best Spine doctor. I had the shots which I thought were a waste. He said according to the paper work, the sots worked on my back but not my neck. I don't get it. Dont I know what worked and what didn't. I would not let them go any further. So, he showed me how to sit and how to get up and down. In other words, take your pain pills and relax. Oh ya while my house fall apart. I cannot change my sheets myself, so I take them off and have someone else help me put them back on. Yes things have changed haven't they?

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@oregongirl
Hi!
I had the best pain doc.
After seeing 5 docs who could not help me, I found him, through lots of research, when I moved to Florida.
About 15 years ago, my journey began with a pain in my neck (literally and figuratively).
The doctor I was using then, gave me a shot and it lasted a couple of years.
When the neck started again, I again got long term relief from a shot.
However, when my lower back started, no one was able to help.

When I moved to Florida, I found a great doc.
He was giving me 5-12 weeks of relief in my lumbar spine for approx. the last 4 years.
When the pain returned (after years) in my cervical spine (neck), he was not able to do a thing for me.
I had 3 different unsuccessful procedures.

When the doctor couldn't help me with my neck and the shots stopped working on my lower neck, I know it was time to take another route. That is when I decided it was time to change. I researched out this wonderful neurosurgeon.

I do what I can, but my husband actually does everything.
I am hoping this next surgery lasts and I can do things for myself.
I am not invalid!

Have a pain free day!

Ronnie (grandmar)

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@grandmar

@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

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Well Ronnie, NOTHING IS BETTER than HUGS & KISSES!!!

Actually have a “huge bag of tricks” full of all kinds of tricks & magic remedies that I have tried over the years. For myself I have many different remedies I use on a daily basis.
Here’s a few of my daily tricks:
1. I try to stay busy. As if my family doesn’t keep me busy enough. I also own a company that keeps me very busy and I’m the president of the local triad that helps fight crime against seniors. A sedimentary status seems to make my pain worse and allows me unwanted time to dwell on my ailments.

2. Hot baths. My bedroom is on the second floor of my home. I am physically unable to climb the stairs by the end of the day. I have found a hot bath relaxes my muscles and joints so that I’m able to make it up the stairs at night.

3. Music - music calms my restlessness and allows me to relax. Along with meditation and biofeedback

4. Physical therapy— I see my physical therapist three times a week he keeps my muscles stretched and my joints three of fluid buildup as much as possible.

Sadly I am still working on the debilitating muscle cramps caused by muscle wasting. Each day I search my bag of tricks and will continue.

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@lioness

@dawn_giacabazi where did you find the disposable hot packs ?

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You can find them at Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, some of the local farm supply companies have them it the hunting section. Some stores have them under their seasonal section for winter

My husband used them during the winter when he worked outside.

But make sure you talk with your healthcare provider because you don’t want to use heat or ice on neuropathy type pain. With neuropathy you have the sense of feeling So you may not be able to tell the difference if it’s getting too hot or too cold. Make sure your doctor advises you.

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@dawn_giacabazi

Well Ronnie, NOTHING IS BETTER than HUGS & KISSES!!!

Actually have a “huge bag of tricks” full of all kinds of tricks & magic remedies that I have tried over the years. For myself I have many different remedies I use on a daily basis.
Here’s a few of my daily tricks:
1. I try to stay busy. As if my family doesn’t keep me busy enough. I also own a company that keeps me very busy and I’m the president of the local triad that helps fight crime against seniors. A sedimentary status seems to make my pain worse and allows me unwanted time to dwell on my ailments.

2. Hot baths. My bedroom is on the second floor of my home. I am physically unable to climb the stairs by the end of the day. I have found a hot bath relaxes my muscles and joints so that I’m able to make it up the stairs at night.

3. Music - music calms my restlessness and allows me to relax. Along with meditation and biofeedback

4. Physical therapy— I see my physical therapist three times a week he keeps my muscles stretched and my joints three of fluid buildup as much as possible.

Sadly I am still working on the debilitating muscle cramps caused by muscle wasting. Each day I search my bag of tricks and will continue.

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@dawn_giacabazi
Great ideas!

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@grandmar

@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

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GrandmaR good luck with surgery Id recommend water therapy its easier on your joints then land therapy .They tried land P.T but I hurt to much but water therapy was great.I still do some of the stretches when I can in water .

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