How do single people cope daily with chronic pain?

Thanks for your suggestions, SusanEllen66. I think the heel pain is related to sciatica and might also be referred pain due to a surgical excision of a lesion on my shin. I did not have the pain last night and I had a deep sleep. I do take Magnesium Glyconate and that helps with leg cramps. I did try Lidocaine with blue emu and Three Wisemen Cream last year. They were of minimal help to my feet.

I have been dealing with chronic pain since my mid twenties. I am in my mid 70s now. My husband is dead and my kids are grown and I have to say that it's easier now. When I was surrounded by loved ones, I often felt like a burden or a dead weight. There were so many things to do-that I needed to do and wanted to do. Chronic illness saps energy of the one who is suffering and those around them. The last thing I wanted to do was wake my husband who needed to go to work because I was having a bad night. Misery doesn't love company. My kids are very responsive when I tell them I'm sick so this worked for me.
Now that I only have me to worry about,I can pace, stretch,slam things,curl up in a ball,whatever I want to do. Watching shows that make me laugh helps. Total silence helps others times. I try to stay involved socially even though at times, I find myself limited to face book. My point is , we need others but the pain is ours to endure and no one can fix it. Arelationship can collapse under too much pressure.

@robinbatko While I bitch and moan about my chronic pain I’ve only had it since my mid/late sixties. It’s horrible that you’ve suffered since your twenties! Being single, I’ve never thought about having a loved one living with you while you suffer. I believe you are correct…it’s better to suffer alone than having a person who loves you watch you in pain every day!

@barbarav1 My boyfriend of 3 years broke up with me because he could no longer cope with seeing me in so much pain and not being able to help me do anything about it. We had so much fun together - traveling, going out to dinner or just laying low watching a movie. Doing things with him helped distract me from the pain. He could no longer handle it when I would have to cancel plans because I was in too much pain. I understand but I still miss him at times.

@sarahburris I am so sorry! I hope you find someone who appreciates you. There are mature loving individuals who will love you in sickness and in health. Hang in there and take good care of yourself!

I have had chronic pain for over 20 years; I am now 70. I do see a pain related Doctor. He implements not only pain medicine, but also mind exercises, light stretching, and movement if at all possible. Also, becoming very aware of what triggers your pain to be worse and trying to avoid those triggers if possible. I have found that utilizing a full comprehension of trading pain that my pain levels are fairly manageable with limited medication. That is not to say that I do not hurt most all of the time; but the level of pain is manageable. Besides, you want to feel some pain as then you are not a likely to really hurt yourself if you are so pilled out that you feel nothing. I know!!! Get a good reputable pain Doctor and follow ANY and all treatments that he suggests. Some may be just what you need. I have found that Tai Chi is a very good light mind/body exercise that can even be done sitting if needs be. I am so grateful for my pain Doctor and his staff. They are an integral part of my life, and probably will be for the rest of my life. I am 70 now. Have a great many years left I hope!!! I refuse to let my pain ruin my life. But I have to work at it!

@calmmylife57 I definitely understand the weird "not working" feeling as I'm in that boat right now. Though, I'm enjoying having more free time to focus on school and do things that are meaningful to me. This last week has been sheer H3LL for me (physically), so I apologize for just now responding. It feels like I'm being burned alive from the inside out, so it has been too painful to touch anything or be touched (including my computer). Pain has been keeping me awake and getting my focus all out of whack, despite my attempts at staying preoccupied. Whatever this is, is new and feels systemic. Hoping to chat with my neurologist in the next few weeks about it and see what path is next on this journey.

I'm so sorry your pain is so high right now :'( But, you are very lucky to have your sweet cat and such wonderful grandkids to help you out and remind you how much you are loved! Sending you good thoughts and hoping you can get some much-needed and sustained pain relief asap!

It sounds very much like you have hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS). It comes with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. It took me twenty years to get correctly diagnosed. For years, I was told I had Multiple Sclerosis. There is an excellent support group in England, I believe it's the Zebra Club. (Somewhere, someone along the line said we were Zebras, and it stuck.) It's run by a compassionate Physical Therapist who also has EDS. She has a knowledgeable community forum that just loves 'venting'. And, since the subscribers are global, there is always someone online to chat with. Also, numerous programs for whatever ails us most that day. Since it's based in the UK, you may be able to get a line on a physician who can properly diagnose and help you.
Also, there is the Ehlers-Danlos Society (ehlers-danlos.com). They are having a learning conference this coming July in Dallas, TX. It is very informative. Can't travel - no problem, you can attend the sessions you would like to participate in by video. You'll find further information on the annual conference as well as numerous resources on Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and various symptoms. on their website. We are not alone (single).

Namaste,
I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has shared their stories, offered tips, suggestions, and provided so much support to myself and other people. I didn’t know what the response would be to my post, and I genuinely appreciate each and every one of you who commented.

Currently, I’m taking things one day at a time. I believe the cold weather has had a significant impact on my condition, and sometimes I try to cram too much into my day, thinking I’m 30 and pre-car crash, lol.

You are all incredible, and I genuinely wish you all more comfortable, happy and pain-free days. 🙂

Warm regards,
Dee

Love that you shared. I’m married and also have caregiver, my daughter. Also I like your music. I also like this which is similar and lasts me all night.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ff2CAVQHqODPyqdPwB9Vp
Don’t know if the link works, but it’s Spotify app. 8 hour deep sleep music , Delta waves