Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

I have been dealing with Fibromyalgia for many years and have managed to rideout each episode. However, over the last few years the pain has increased, my nervous system is in overdrive and I have trouble performing the simplest of chores. I am in a constant flight or fight mode an unable to relax, socialize or enjoy any aspect of my life. Doctor to doctor and all they can tell me is you have FMS, sorry. I have had many types of injections and a spinal chord stimulator implanted. I live in the San Diego area and can not find a doctor who will take an interest in helping to improve my quality of life. Has anyone had success with any kind of treatment?

@davidstory. I truly feel for your struggles. I was an active local missionary when my cancer hit. The pain and I’m immuno-compromised state it left me with, made it impossible for me to continue my works. But I prayed to God, certainly this wasn’t all he had for me, right?

As much as we feel “called” to something, God sometimes has another plan for us. Our job is to open our minds and hearts to see what that might be given the current circumstances. I would encourage you to open your mind and your heart to other opportunities, specific ones you could be effective in given your current disabilities. Got is not disappointed in you!! Keep speaking His truth. You might also seek out other pastors who have experienced disabling pain, cancers, other health problems that have caused then to have to change their mission plans. You are in my prayers.

Cymbalta and massage has helped a lot for me.

@teress221 I had two kidney surgeries. A couple of years later I developed chronic pain in my low back, sacrum, buttocks, hips and thighs. I've had two surgeries on my hip thinking that was the source of this new pain. After three years of therapy, injections, and testing, insurance change, having to change my therapist, etc. A fresh set of eyes and new perspective has come to light. The theory is that the kidney surgeries caused scar tissue and nerve entrapment, the source of my pain. I wonder if the chest tube caused the same perfect storm inside of you. The recommended treatment has been myofascial release. This is done with manipulative therapy. I had been getting a weekly (and extremely painful) deep tissue massage, but that's not what myofascial release entails. It's a very light touch. The first time I thought it was voodoo and what kind of quack is this. Laughingly I asked what I could expect over the next few days. She said I wasn't going to like her very well. Actually I HATED her over the next few days. I couldn't walk more than 90 seconds at a time. Then I got back to my baseline. While my husband was away from home for a vacation, I had my girlfriends over for a board game night. I spent the day cleaning my house and cooking and setting up card tables. By that night, I was having another flare in my pain. Back to 90 second walks again. I've seen this therapist a total of four times now. I can't believe how much improvement I've made since my first time!! One day last week and one day this week, I woke up with ZERO pain. Usually I toss and turn trying to get comfortable and when I can't take it any more I get up for the day. The first time I woke up with no pain, I literally thought I was dreaming. I was looking at my alarm clock thinking this is such a wonderful dream and I don't want to wake up, wishing myself back to sleep. Then my alarm went off and I realized I was awake! Of course my pain started up again once I was up and moving but what ecstasy to have those few moments after years of constant pain. I am a believer in this massage therapist! Problem is her availability. I only get in once every other week or so. There is an intensive program in Sedona AZ that I'm looking into. You get 3 hours daily of this therapy and it's 2-3 weeks long. I am so anxious for this pain to end and I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm ready to sprint to the finish line! I am trying to figure out how I can make it work with my finances, insurance, and time off from work. If you haven't tried myofascial release therapy, find a John Barnes trained therapist and give it a few sessions. They should be able to tell you at the first session if they feel scarring and can help you. I mention John Barnes therapists because many massage therapists believe they're trained in myofascial release but it's not the same thing. I've received both. There's a difference. If you're close to Sedona, I've heard that you can book appointments for a single session instead of the intensive program.

Does your therapist happen to know how I can find a masseuse who practices this technique in the San Diego area?

@karen00
Hi Karen!
It's a pleasure to 'meet' you!
I am glad you find my posts humorous and my attitude great.
Believe me, I have my moments just as we all do.
In many ways, we who suffer from chronic and acute pain are isolated since most of us do not have anyone who can relate.
And as you know, if you can't see the pain, there is none. LOL!
I am very lucky to have a caring and wonderful hubby who takes good care of me. He doesn't let me do anything or go anywhere by myself.
I have fallen 3 times and he worries about me.
Truth is, I could use some time to myself, even if it means staying home in my chair, which I do a lot lately!!!
My pain and agility became worse soon after I moved here 4, almost 5 years ago.
I was lucky that I found a pain doc to help me and I would have freedom for 5-12 weeks at a time.
It was wonderful and I was able to go and do what I want.
But sadly, I have not made any friends.
The community is mostly young families and those who are older still work.....I don't.
For the last year, since the shots stopped working, I've stayed home a lot.
So I do understand the loneliness and isolation.

Hey, tell you what........we can't ring each other's door bell or go for lunch, but we certainly can write each other.
I don't sleep very much these days, so whenever the mood strikes, just write!!!!
I will be having my surgery on Monday and I don't know if I'll be home on Tuesday or Wednesday, but I will take my tablet.
Don't know how the connections will be, but we can try.

Have a pleasant evening and again, write whenever you want......
Ronnie (aka.....GRANDMAr)

@karen00
Hi Karen!
Thank you for checking up on me! You are very sweet, especially considering all you are going through! I am so sorry to hear about the issues you are having. Seems like once something goes wrong there is a domino effect and everything collapses.
I am actually doing well. I went for my 12 weeks post op check up and the doctor is very pleased with the healing process. I am about 3 months ahead of schedule as far as the healing is concerned. I am beginning to grow new bone where he did a graft (of some sort). Pain is pretty much gone with regards to what I was experiencing.
Sadly, other things have popped up causing other issues, some painful (but livable), some not. I appear to be losing the strength in my legs and the flexibility in my feet. My neurosurgeon has been trying to figure it out since the issue started in June, but he just can't. Next step is to see a neurologist. It is amazing how poorly they are rated around here! I am very adiment about finding doctors well rated in multiple sites. Although my surgeon gave me a list of 4, one, who is the best will not be available until SEPTEMBER!!! Another I have to try to call back. I waiting 20 minutes to speak to someone for an appointment then I hung up. The rest of those I have tried either don't take my insurance or has narrowed down their speciality. It is really depressing to have such a difficult time.
Anyway, more importantly, tell me all about you and what the docs are doing for you or are going to do for you. I am sure the diagnosis is weighing on you. Have you gotten a 2nd opinion? Try your best to relax and deal. If you can't, try to find yourself a good therapist to help you! I am really big into therapy!!!!
Feel well!!!!!
Ronnie

@karen00
Hi Karen!
Thank you for checking up on me! You are very sweet, especially considering all you are going through! I am so sorry to hear about the issues you are having. Seems like once something goes wrong there is a domino effect and everything collapses.
I am actually doing well. I went for my 12 weeks post op check up and the doctor is very pleased with the healing process. I am about 3 months ahead of schedule as far as the healing is concerned. I am beginning to grow new bone where he did a graft (of some sort). Pain is pretty much gone with regards to what I was experiencing.
Sadly, other things have popped up causing other issues, some painful (but livable), some not. I appear to be losing the strength in my legs and the flexibility in my feet. My neurosurgeon has been trying to figure it out since the issue started in June, but he just can't. Next step is to see a neurologist. It is amazing how poorly they are rated around here! I am very adiment about finding doctors well rated in multiple sites. Although my surgeon gave me a list of 4, one, who is the best will not be available until SEPTEMBER!!! Another I have to try to call back. I waiting 20 minutes to speak to someone for an appointment then I hung up. The rest of those I have tried either don't take my insurance or has narrowed down their speciality. It is really depressing to have such a difficult time.
Anyway, more importantly, tell me all about you and what the docs are doing for you or are going to do for you. I am sure the diagnosis is weighing on you. Have you gotten a 2nd opinion? Try your best to relax and deal. If you can't, try to find yourself a good therapist to help you! I am really big into therapy!!!!
Feel well!!!!!
Ronnie