How to deal with constant pain for years

I know what will help take the edge off. 4% lidocaine patch. Use it on your ribs and side. It will help greatly and take the edge off. I have similar condition. Also ask to try Lyrica. That will help. Ask your doctor. Get the patches anywhere. Has to be the 4% patch.

I fully understand and sympathize with you. I've lived with pain since birth. At 48 I was diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder. No cure. Arthritis DDD DJD on top of fibromyalgia and mild spastic CP. Not fun. At 51 I remain disabled, no more working for me. After trying manipulative therapy by osteopathic chiropractic doctors, massage, augua,physical and occupational therapist and pain management with many injections. Nothing works for long. I went to the Mayo Pain Rehabilitation program and was amazed by the results. I still battle because there's no cure. However I've learned to manage my issues better. Pain levels dropped but the pain is still there. Spasms are still there just not as strong. The program works for those that want to survive and thrive not just give up.
Hopefully this information will guide you 🙏

I often think the same,what did I do to deserve this.

Yes it’s very discouraging not being able to go places, and do things.
It’s so hard trying to live a normal life, but no fun when you can’t even balance yourself, or do normal things like hang up your clothes in the closet, r g a laundry basket to the laundry room, and do laundry.
Last week I got stuck in a squatting position trying to take my clothes out of the washing machine.
Good thing my husband was home, to help me stand up,or I would’ve really been in trouble.

Oh, I understand. I'm dealing with same crap all over by body. I'm sick of, I've lost another day of life. I used to take 3 hour hot water baths. Now I'm on the heating pad 24/7. Since the "opioid crisis" that leaves only OTC pain meds which can harm your kidneys and liver. So now I have chronic kidney disease level 3. From taking a lot of OTC Tylenol. I'm miserable. The only help I can offer is getting a nice thermal blanket and one of the extra large heating pads. Then wrap the blanket tight around your body. It helps a little

Does your hospital have a Pain Specialist? I've been on Norco from mine and if I didn't have it, I would never be able to do just the normal daily routine. I take it every 4 hours. I heard that pain specialists are the only ones that give it out. I'll take it until something new comes out. My pain specialist has tried 10 small procedures on my back and nothing helped, even the spinal stimulator.

You need a Cortizone shot directly into your sternum. Best of luck.🙏

Ty a bunch for getting back with me. I'm getting to the point where this is unbearable. I do see a pain specialist for the injections. When I asked him about pain meds, he blew me off and said if I took them, that they would stop working after awhile. Ty so much for speaking about narco. I hadn't heard of it. I will look into it. Do you mind if I ask where your pain specialist is? I just want be able to take care of myself and be functional instead of in so much pain all the time. Again, I thank you for responding to my comment.

I have so much compassion for you. I have had fibromyalgia for over 40 years with daily migraines until I was 67. I found as well after chiropractor said no more adjusrtments, I see only my physiotherapist for ims needles.

Can you share what type therapy you received from Mayo ?