Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

With the graying of America there will be an upsurge in testing and finding of new pain suppressors.

They can't do it fast enough for me.

I keep thinking about my grandmother who died at the age of 93 after her 3rd hip replacement a few months prior. She had a goiter when she was in her 50's or 60's, and she was hunchbacked when she was in her 70's. She went from 5'6" height to 4'10" by the time she was 78. She had large bumps on the knuckles of her hands which I noticed when she crocheted or did cross stitching or needlepoint. When I was 14 years old she fell and dislocated her shoulder. She managed to make herself exercise until she made her arm useful again. After she fell and broke her hip when I was 16, I finally went to live with my parents.

The reason I mention all these ailments is that I never heard her complain about her pain or discomfort. She was surely in great pain, and she never took pain pills, except possibly aspirin. She was obviously a very tough woman. I lived with her for 4 years when she took me out of the orphanage to live with her. I am surprised about how much pain I feel and how many fewer issues I have than she had. I think sometimes that my pain medications allow me to do things that re-injure my back. My grandmother didn't do many things that were physically demanding, using me at ages 12 to 16 to do those things for her. I keep trying to do things I shouldn't because I need to feel useful (I think). I'm wondering what happened between my grandmother's generation and my generation that changed our views and possibly our experiences of pain.

I have been thinking about getting off all my pain medications and just allowing the pain to be what it is. The only time I would want medication is during acute attacks of back pain. I have had those and they are paralyzing in affect. Anything else I should be able to handle, especially the chronic pain. I know it's easier to use the medications and I may find that I am not as strong as my grandmother in dealing with pain. However, I am going to see if I can live with more of my pain and less of my medication. I am curious if others here have had the same or similar realizations? If so, what is your experience in making changes?

I suffer with my legs a lot. But on good days I try to do the things I couldn't do on my bad days. Only to suffer again for days after. When will I learn? I hate to ask my husband or daughter to do it. Sometimes they act as if everything is normal and can't see I need help. Very frustrating at times. I just went for more injections of saline and freezing into my hip. Just found out that the Dr mixes saline and lidocaine together for the trigger point injections. Hoping to feel better soon. Had heart tests done. I have to see a specialist April 6th. I was told that part of the wall of the heart has thickened. So the blood is having a harder time to pump. Don't you love the golden years? I thought it was the years to look forward to. Lol

Hi, Am Lyn Jessy
I have OPPL DESIESE,

Well I just got diagnosed the problem maybe a couple or a few months ago. Now I am preparing for Surgery off Isand. I, am so scared. I, really don't know what to expect. I am in pain 24/7. I, can't even sleep much at any more.
My Dr. here tells me that rods will be inserted into my neck to mobilized it. That scares me.

I will be back on line later.
Nice talking with you,. Thank you.

@lynjessy, I have had about 45 surgical procedures, from simple little little repair jobs to a couple CABG overhauls. Each one has been tricky and complex and dangerous, and could have taken me out of the ball game. But after the first few, I decided not to worry about them or their after-effect. In our place in history, these events are just part of being human. So now, I kiss my wife, hold hands with a pretty nurse for a moment, shake hands with a doctor or four, and settle in for a long winter's nap. It is all I can do. The rest is in the hands of God through the Grace of God and the best doctors I can find. So on we go.

@lynjessy, I know you are off - line but I hope you will see my post when you log back in. I have had lumbar surgery, which is very different from your recommended surgery. I recommend that you get a second opinion from another spine or neurological surgeon. Also, do some research online to find out what hospital, and which surgeon are the best for your particular problem. See if you can find people who have had spinal surgery and are happy with their surgeon, who can recommend their surgeon to you. I think confidence in your surgeon relieves concerns a lot. It is normal to have fear about this kind of surgery. I don't know what a diagnosis of PPL is, but I take from your post that is has to do with your cervical spine. My friend has had problems with her neck and was recommended to have this surgery. I don't think shes had it yet, because she too was afraid of doing it, so you aren't alone in your concerns. Also, it sounds as if you live in a remote area on an island, which is another reason to get a second opinion. All I can say is that having my spine surgery was one of the best things I have done. The pain on my left side has been completely relieved. I'm hoping the best for you and your problem resolution. Gail B

@lynjessy Hello and welcome to Mayo Connect. I'm sorry you are having such pain. I see you are going "off island" to have surgery on your neck. That is an expression I am familiar with. I lived on the island of Oahu Hawaii for nearly 5 years. Many folks would come in from other islands to have their surgeries. Something I am unfamiliar with is OPPL disease. Can you share with us what that is? What are your symptoms?