Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Posted by Kelsey Mohring @kelseydm, Apr 27, 2016

Welcome to the new Chronic Pain group.

I’m Kelsey and I’m the moderator of the group. I look forwarding to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Why not take a minute and introduce yourself.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

@boxermomma

@kelseydm
Hi, im new here so im not sure exactly what to do. I seen a post to introduce myself. My name is Joyce P. I just turned 51, around 2 weeks ago. I have 3 adult children and working on grandbaby #6. I have 2 dogs, 2 kittens, i live alone, i have numerous health issues and i live with chronic pain.

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Hi @reft, welcome to Connect. I see that you posted a blank message. I am here to help if you need assistance or pointers on how to post on Connect. If you have any questions and would be more comfortable speaking privately, feel free to send me a personal message by clicking on my name and then the mail symbol below my picture.

You may also use the following link to contact a community moderator https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/.

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Hello. New member and I live in Colorado with my husband and crazy cat. lol! I've been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, diabetic neuropathy, diabetes II, and a handful of mental health issues. It saddens me to hear of all that people go through with their chronic pain. I wish I had a magic 'fix' for all of it. I need this group so much. Thank you for having me.

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@kathyv

Hi, I'm Kathy V.
I have had multiple spinal fusions, starting with one for scoliosis as a teenager in 1969. I had a laminectomy in 1990, and in 2006 and 2007 I had two major spinal surgeries with anterior and posterior placement of screws and plates at L4 through S1. Since then, I have suffered with chronic regional pain syndrome in my right foot and leg. Even though I am on multiple medications, the pain is constant and severe.
I'm hoping that by taking part in this group that I might find some suggestions for relieving this neurologic pain.

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Go to barrowneuro.org to see a list of affiliated doctors and phone numbers to call to request an appointment. There is detailed info on each doctor with their specific specialties within the field of neurology and neurosurgery, so you can request an appointment with whatever doctor best suits your needs. There is also info on each's doctor's training, experience, etc. The website also offers a second opinion option. For a flat fee of $100 you can submit your MRI or other imaging results, together with questions and concerns you may have, and one of their doctors will review your case and give you his/her opinion. If you decide you want their recommended treatment, you are under no obligation to have it done through Barrow--you can share the info with your own doctor wherever you live. I used this option 3 years ago and got the second opinion within a couple of days, and they were able to schedule me for surgery within a couple of weeks. I was getting the run-around with a doctor here, so I chose to travel to Phoenix for surgery. I got excellent care there. Barrow is a teaching institution for neurology and neurosurgical residents, so the hospital is fully staffed with experts in the field. I may use them again to deal with my current issues. If you have the time and resources to travel to Phoenix this is an excellent option; they accept most insurances. There is a Hampton Inn directly across the street from the hospital which is super convenient. Good luck!

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@dante

I am Butterfly37. I am suffering from advanced arthritis and fibromyalgia. Currently, the only medication I can take is hydrocodone 7.5/3.25. I read all the material about the opioid addiction crisis and I know when I take my prescription to the pharmacist, I sometimes get funny looks from the clerks. I cannot take any medication where the side effects is a negative effect on the kidney; therefore, I can take no anti-inflammatory medications and many of the new medications advertised on television. I never take more medication than is prescribed. I can only get a refill every 30 days. This medication dulls the pain; the pain never goes away. It is worse in my lower back and neck. I will have to have a total right knee replacement this winter. I am afraid of back surgery. What have been the experiences of others who have gone through back surgery?

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Hello @dante, welcome to Connect, and thank you for sharing your concerns regarding pain medications, knee replacement, and back surgery.

We would love for you to start a new discussion in the Bones, Joints & Muscles group asking other members about your concerns with back surgery. We have a lot of members who have talked about back surgeries and we think a new discussion specific to back surgeries would be a great addition to the group.

You can start a new discussion by going to the https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/arthritis-and-joint-conditions-268850/ group and clicking on the "Start A Discussion" tab. Then, start a discussion specific to the surgery you will be having or are concerned about. From there we can bring in members who may have experiences similar to yours.

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@dante

I am Butterfly37. I am suffering from advanced arthritis and fibromyalgia. Currently, the only medication I can take is hydrocodone 7.5/3.25. I read all the material about the opioid addiction crisis and I know when I take my prescription to the pharmacist, I sometimes get funny looks from the clerks. I cannot take any medication where the side effects is a negative effect on the kidney; therefore, I can take no anti-inflammatory medications and many of the new medications advertised on television. I never take more medication than is prescribed. I can only get a refill every 30 days. This medication dulls the pain; the pain never goes away. It is worse in my lower back and neck. I will have to have a total right knee replacement this winter. I am afraid of back surgery. What have been the experiences of others who have gone through back surgery?

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I would very much like to see a discussion on back surgeries and non-surgical options.

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Dear Clownscrytoo: Welcome to our group! I like your idea for a magic "fix". Personally, I also pray for miracles whenever I can. There are so many of us out here, and we do help each other by sharing and listening. Glad to have you with us. Frank

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@dante

I am Butterfly37. I am suffering from advanced arthritis and fibromyalgia. Currently, the only medication I can take is hydrocodone 7.5/3.25. I read all the material about the opioid addiction crisis and I know when I take my prescription to the pharmacist, I sometimes get funny looks from the clerks. I cannot take any medication where the side effects is a negative effect on the kidney; therefore, I can take no anti-inflammatory medications and many of the new medications advertised on television. I never take more medication than is prescribed. I can only get a refill every 30 days. This medication dulls the pain; the pain never goes away. It is worse in my lower back and neck. I will have to have a total right knee replacement this winter. I am afraid of back surgery. What have been the experiences of others who have gone through back surgery?

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Surgery isn't an option for my scoliosis as I have osteoporosis. Am taking a stretching and Pilates class and also pool walking to help strengthen muscles for back and leg support. I don't want to take meds at this point. My back will continue to worsen and I'll look at meds later

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@dante

I am Butterfly37. I am suffering from advanced arthritis and fibromyalgia. Currently, the only medication I can take is hydrocodone 7.5/3.25. I read all the material about the opioid addiction crisis and I know when I take my prescription to the pharmacist, I sometimes get funny looks from the clerks. I cannot take any medication where the side effects is a negative effect on the kidney; therefore, I can take no anti-inflammatory medications and many of the new medications advertised on television. I never take more medication than is prescribed. I can only get a refill every 30 days. This medication dulls the pain; the pain never goes away. It is worse in my lower back and neck. I will have to have a total right knee replacement this winter. I am afraid of back surgery. What have been the experiences of others who have gone through back surgery?

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I would also like discussions on compression fracture of the spine. I have three in the thoracic area and one in the lumbar area. I have been told that no surgery can help. I am in constant pain.

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@dante

I am Butterfly37. I am suffering from advanced arthritis and fibromyalgia. Currently, the only medication I can take is hydrocodone 7.5/3.25. I read all the material about the opioid addiction crisis and I know when I take my prescription to the pharmacist, I sometimes get funny looks from the clerks. I cannot take any medication where the side effects is a negative effect on the kidney; therefore, I can take no anti-inflammatory medications and many of the new medications advertised on television. I never take more medication than is prescribed. I can only get a refill every 30 days. This medication dulls the pain; the pain never goes away. It is worse in my lower back and neck. I will have to have a total right knee replacement this winter. I am afraid of back surgery. What have been the experiences of others who have gone through back surgery?

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I tried to connect with other persons who suffer from burning mouth syndrome, and was sent return suggested email addresses, but slipped from my iPad.<br>Please redirect<br>Thank you<br>Elaine<br><br>

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@dante

I am Butterfly37. I am suffering from advanced arthritis and fibromyalgia. Currently, the only medication I can take is hydrocodone 7.5/3.25. I read all the material about the opioid addiction crisis and I know when I take my prescription to the pharmacist, I sometimes get funny looks from the clerks. I cannot take any medication where the side effects is a negative effect on the kidney; therefore, I can take no anti-inflammatory medications and many of the new medications advertised on television. I never take more medication than is prescribed. I can only get a refill every 30 days. This medication dulls the pain; the pain never goes away. It is worse in my lower back and neck. I will have to have a total right knee replacement this winter. I am afraid of back surgery. What have been the experiences of others who have gone through back surgery?

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How can you I connect with persons suffering from burning mouth?<br>Thank you.<br>Elaine Swanson<br><br><br>

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