Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Hi, I can definitely relate. I too suffer from pain. I think and look at a picture of me on front stairs..about a year and a half ago. I looked nice, photo was on Facebook..I was on pain meds for severe degenerative back disease from fall off horse at horse show at the age of 21. I'm now 56..was on pain meds for a very long time..too long along with trigger point injections, steroid shots, but at that time, the shots and muscle relaxers worked great. I had the horrible constipation that pain meds are notorious for causing, but at that time I was younger, had a social life, outgoing..then I had a stupid idea to go cold turkey off pain meds. Never should have done that. My digestive system has been ruined, now I am coping with even more debilitating constipation..I live on stool softeners and a stimulant laxative every Sunday just so I can flush. I have lost over 100 pounds, and I don't even look like the same person I no longer have any quality of life due to IBS, cramping with even the smallest meal..weekly laxative use..my life revolves around my bowels and just feeling lousy. Nothing seems to work..fiber, Probiotics, etc only makes things worse. All tests seem to be okay. I get "dismissed" by uncaring gastroenterologists, constant trips to ER for impaction..when I to in, severly constipated and crying, at my wits end, nurses and ER doctors roll their eyes at me
. I have no family left, no significant other..my friends all have given up on me, as I had to always cancel plans to to IBS. Since my constipation is chronic and severe even on stool softeners, I have to "strain" and now from that, my right shoulder is so painful. I have no idea what kind of Doctor to see for my right shoulder pain. I too think about my time in Maui back in 1995. How happy I was, I was working at a job I enjoyed, Maui was so beautiful and romantic. Living in Seattle at that time, had met a man and was falling for him. Feeling so happy and in love, euphoric in Maui. Now I sit here, alone, no friends. Missing my cats, and knowing tomorrow I will be on the toilet all day, in pain from a harsh stimulant laxative. This has been my life now going on six years. The good news, I am no longer loosing weight..have gained 4 lbs, so may not have to be put on a feeding tube after all..yet my life that was, is no more.

Nothing has worked for my chronic constipation. I only produce "pellets" with stool softeners. When I was on pain meds prescribed Linzess and Movantik specifically for opioid induced constipation. Did not work. A nurse at pain clinic told me to take Senna, a stimulant laxative. I take every Sunday. Hate living like this..this is no way to live. Fiber only makes things worse for me, have tried it all..including flaxseed, Probiotics with BB-12, VSL 3. Nothing. Can you please tell me what probiotic you take? Please don't tell me to "take Miralax" there is an black box warning on it on FDA website..It will soon be taken off market I think. It makes me cramp too much..

Hi @samgray1217,
Mayo Clinic has one of the largest and most experienced practices in the United States, with campuses in Arizona, Florida and Minnesota. Staff skilled in dozens of specialties work together to ensure quality care and successful recovery. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/doctors-departments/ddc-20378562

Samantha, you may also be interested in taking part in this discussion on Connect:
- Adult Life after a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/adult-life-after-a-tbi/

@elliana5 When I had to go to urgent care about my constipation the Dr. there told me to take fiber pills and probiotics I just bought them at the pharmacy Dr. also told me to take or eat prunes it took about a week of doing this regimen but all is well hope you find a solution . I don't do many Rx by Dr. instead I do herbs and magnesium at different times before I had to go to urgent care I would drink Citrate of Magnesium that really did the trick but it unplugged me . Just remembered about this My Aunt relied on Cod Liver Oil every day. I couldn't get it pass my nose . For me now if I eat fruit at every meal and a prune at nighttime is all I need . good luck

That’s exactly what I do also . I’ve read where some of you are using CBD oil , I’m really wondering if it really is better for pain than tramadol or gabapentin ?

Yes I have lower back pain. I have seen many doctors who just want to do shots which I agree to do. But the shots did nothing but make the pain worst. No doctor is will to do the operation because of my weight. I am to do the point where it hurts to breath, walk, sleep, and sitting. I can't do long car rides it is so painful. I am wondering if there is anyone out there that can help me. I have done the shots, P.T., and pain meds. If someone could help me that would be great I have been dealing with this pain since Feb. 28,2018.

@walesewicz Welcome to this wonderful group of people on here Its a problem we all face the debilitating pain If you can start to walk more each day outside this will help you or go back n a pool its easier on your back and knees Dr told me this will help alot For myself I have same with my lower back plus back fracture in 05 but by doing chair exercises and water aerobics my pain level has dropped considerably My suggestion also is buy some ginger -Tumeric tea Trader Joe's has it its for inflammation and this helps relieve the pain also Im a retired nurse and hopefully this will help you. Of course losing weight will help all but its hard to do.Best of luck Linda

@walesewicz Gosh, that sounds familiar. After two surgeries which failed miserably, I decided to try something different. It is simple, but needs to be done every day. Lay flat on your back, without a pillow. Start by bringing your knees, one at a time, as far toward your chest as you can. Do as many as are comfortable, then do another group late in the day. After a month or so, just repeat, then lift each leg about six inches and make little circles. Do what is comfortable. Then repeat tomorrow. It will tighten your belly muscles, which are the muscles which support your spine. It may take a few months, so don't hurry it past being comfortable. Oh, and walk if you want, but only as far as is comfortable.

@wales I sure wish there was something I could do for all of us and our pain. I am praying that Marijuana will be approved throughout the country. I know there are some who do not believe in it, but if it works and it is legal...Then just know I will be using it. I am 76 and I have had a great life. I have suffered from pain for the past 20+ years. If I can be comfortable for the rest of my life, I will be thankful. I am moving to Independent living. I do not want to end up in Assisted Living, so I will work hard to get used to the pain. No one understands your pain like another who is also suffering. I believe drs have forgotten the oath they took.

wales... If I get down on the floor, will you come over and help me get up. LOL