Depression and Chronic Pain

Posted by sharlynn62 @sharlynn62, Nov 27, 2016

I have been dealing with episodes of major depression and dysthmia since I was a teenager and now I am in my 50's and have moderate to severe arthritis in my lower back and knees along with chronic daily migraines and I am in pain just about every minute of every day. I wake up in the morning disappointed that I am still alive and have to go through another day. I feel that I am a huge burden on my family and am nothing but a "shell" full of negativity. I don't have a decent doctor who will work with me to address all of my problems and help me with other methods since I can't take opiod meds and NSAIDS (I had bariatric surgery) and now my insurance company wants to stop paying for my weekly therapy sessions (they're cutting them back to twice a month.
I feel so hopeless and trapped. I don't want to live like this. I will never end my life, though, because I know what suicide would do to my family and I would never put them through that. I used to be able to work and that was how I coped; I'm no longer able to work and it's killing me. I have no one to talk to that understands and doesn't mind listening to someone who is not Miss Bubbly and full of interesting stories to tell. Insights anyone?

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christine5 | @christine5 | Dec 31, 2023

In reply to @agee3003 "Hi guys, Not sure if this is the correct place to talk about this or not,..." + (show)

Hi, get your images from wherever they are. Take them to the best, biggest hospital you can find. (Or guided by your insurance rules) You need care from people that know what this disease is and how to treat it.

irr4et | @irr4et | Jan 1 11:26pm

In reply to @agee3003 "Hi guys, Not sure if this is the correct place to talk about this or not,..." + (show)

Bless your heart! So much on u currently. My first advice is that you talk to Hod sev times a day about everything and ask His guidance. Then listen for His quiet voice in ur mind, giving you guidance/direction. Next be sure u have a top notch neurologist. I think the Mayo Clinic would be perfect place for you to get help. There is also Vanderbilt Interventional Pain Clinic. Compare the two. Or use whichever is closest to u. I do hope you get some help that gives you relief and hope!!

missyme | @missyme | Jan 2 12:03pm

I suffer everyday too, and am homebound and live alone., so I know what you are going thru
I am 83 years old, no family except a niece who I never see. I will pray for you. God is my greatest strength.
I wish I lived where I could call and talk to you, but I hope you find some help.

Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Jan 3 9:20pm

In reply to @agee3003 "Hi guys, Not sure if this is the correct place to talk about this or not,..." + (show)

@agee3003 I just ran across your post here from several months ago. I'm wondering how you're doing with a firm diagnosis. Have your doctors determined the cause of your pain? I surely understand how pain interacts with depression and anxiety. There's certainly a direct correlation for me.

I hope you have been able to deal with the anxiety over your chronic pain. One of the common responses for those of us who have depression is over-thinking or catastrophising a problem. Being aware of that, and other unhealthy thought patterns, helps us recognize what our minds are doing and figure out what to do with them. My wife will let me know when she hears me expressing that kind of thought. Usually I defend myself first, then pay attention to what she says. Human nature.

Hoping that you've been able to get a diagnosis and are receiving treatment.

Jim