Anyone else feel Isolated and not go out due to chronic pain?

@bdwmc What a great attitude and smile. You are correct about our thoughts. I learned that dwelling on my pain(sometimes a reality) only makes it worse. It is not "positive cheerleader" way of life for me, but just getting outside for 5 minutes, to stand in the sun, helps my brain and mood. I use a 'Happy Light' for seasonal depression, everyday while I eat breakfast. There is science and research behind why that works to lift depression, available online.
Thanks for sharing everyone. I need to get back on here, because it helps to have community of people who have a similar problem. My hands are wonky these days so forgive my typing or spelling errors.

@charliegirl thank you for the recommendation of the red light from Verilux. I have tried red light therapy, however in a therapy/spa situation. I have been thinking about buying a red light for home use. Yes, I agree getting outside does help even if just for a little does help your mood. It does help to have a community like this one with people who are in the "same or similar boat as you", even though our medical conditions can vary widely, however pain is uncomfortable. I will look into getting the red light from Verilux. I also do meditations and mindfulness videos on you tube tv and they help me. I have found help from a Functional Medicine Dr. who did extensive bloodwork/lab work on me. I have a health/food coach, who calls every 2 weeks to check and see how I am doing on my food choices and eating. I highly recommend seeing a functional medicine Dr. if you haven't already seen one. Warning, insurance doesn't always pay for all services with a Functional Medicine Dr, so there are out of pocket expenses. I learned that I have abnormal thyroid lab results, going to a Endocrinologist soon to get it further checked out. I have been having fatigue, trouble swallowing, dry mouth, sore throat at times, which could be due to thyroid issues. I am getting speech therapy to help with the situation. I am working on the exercises they give for me to do at home. I had knee surgery in Sept and still having a lot of knee pain, so back to the Knee Dr. for me! Praying and hoping it can be fixed or maybe a cortisone shot or another MRI to see what else is going on. I agree, our thoughts are powerful and that is an area I need to improve on. Hope everyone has a great day!

@geezer43 I absolutely agree about constipation vs pain relief. There are many ways to help constipation. Non prescription drugs have plenty of side effects especially if you drink alcohol. Tylenol can damage the liver or kidneys. Advil or any NSAID can cause bleeding ulcers or really damage the liver if you consume alcohol.

@animallover25 Hi. Thanks for your response. BUT, I wrote about Bright light therapy from Veralux, not red laser light therapy It is called the Happy Light. Red laser light should never be used to help SAD/seasonal depression[ to my knowledge], or to ever allow red laser light anywhere near your eyes, without special goggles to protect the eyes. There were two different threads of conversation on this support group. Bright light therapy is for mood. Google to read about the facts of this. Red laser light is for various issues and it has helped my nerve pain in my feet. Take care! I am not a scientist by any means. But the Web can provide the facts about each of these alternative things that have benefitted my life. I hope you have a great day also.

@geezer43 I absolutely agree about constipation vs pain relief. There are many ways to help constipation. Non prescription drugs have plenty of side effects especially if you drink alcohol. Tylenol can damage the liver or kidneys. Advil or any NSAID can cause bleeding ulcers or really damage the liver if you consume alcohol.

@charliegirl
Up until 10 years ago I was a very active person. I was a director of a very successful nonprofit organization, I worked freelance part time for national and international sports broadcasting, was an active husband and father to 4 boys. I also helped with my widowed mother and widower father in law. I survived on coffee and early morning runs, completing 12 marathons.
I had work friends, running friends, volunteering friends and thankfully some who were real friends.
After all this time I still struggle with how lonely I have become. Down to 3 friends I only talk to through short text and 1 friend who actually understands I can’t meet for coffee all the time, pain might cause me to cancel plans asap.
Chronic pain is painful physically, mentally and spiritually. I am thankful everyday for my wife and my friend. But to be honest I am still struggling with how lonely pain has left me. Crushes me everyday.

@donaldrobert Hi. I totally get how lonely you have become. It sounds like you were in a constant state of high expectations from every direction of your life, prior to getting sick. Sometimes people don't get why you can no longer be that superhero. So they turn away. Those relationships are not worth pursuing. I had a very active social life as well as work and volunteering with animal shelter and rescue groups. Every part of my life was important to me. but when you get a chronic illness causing severe pain, you really do find out who your "real" friends are. I think it is important not to rely TOO heavily on those who are your support people now, including your wife. Find in person non profit groups who support your illness. Those are REAL people, who understand your struggle. Also find and rely on groups like this. There are many various support groups on Facebook. It might take a little effort to find the right fit for you. This is a great group. I hope you are having a good day today. One day at a time!
Lori