Chronic Pain Support Group
Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...
Hi to all of you who deal with chronic pain or know someone in chronic pain. It's a daily battle with few days off.
I'm kinda tired of feeling this way, especially now that the weather allows me to be outside. I want to be able to do the things I love. Eventually I can't stand it and dig in to accomplish a task. I'm rewarded emotionally with a sense of still being useful. Physically I feel like my body is going to come apart at it's seams.
Since I'm not a youngster, I'm 54, I know I can't do like I did 20 years ago, but I know if I didn't suffer with my pains, I would still be going strong. The worst thing about chronic pain is that only others with chronic pain can see it in me. Well, except with I'm drained and so weak I can't pick up a half gallon of juice to pour it. I have cervical radiculopathy that has affected the use of my hands. This is new, since last summer. I also have fibromyalgia seems like just about forever. Diagnosed back in 1975. Degenerative Disc Disease and osteoarthritis also in 75. Doctors didn't listen to me that I hurt not till the last 2 years did they really believe me.
My spine is breaking up. discs are bad, bones are breaking, nerve roots are affected.
I've had so many organs removed, I'm just wondering now which one will fail me next.
That's my story. I still love many things in my life every day. That's plenty to be thankful for.
I'm kinda tired of feeling this way, especially now that the weather allows me to be outside. I want to be able to do the things I love. Eventually I can't stand it and dig in to accomplish a task. I'm rewarded emotionally with a sense of still being useful. Physically I feel like my body is going to come apart at it's seams.
Since I'm not a youngster, I'm 54, I know I can't do like I did 20 years ago, but I know if I didn't suffer with my pains, I would still be going strong. The worst thing about chronic pain is that only others with chronic pain can see it in me. Well, except with I'm drained and so weak I can't pick up a half gallon of juice to pour it. I have cervical radiculopathy that has affected the use of my hands. This is new, since last summer. I also have fibromyalgia seems like just about forever. Diagnosed back in 1975. Degenerative Disc Disease and osteoarthritis also in 75. Doctors didn't listen to me that I hurt not till the last 2 years did they really believe me.
My spine is breaking up. discs are bad, bones are breaking, nerve roots are affected.
I've had so many organs removed, I'm just wondering now which one will fail me next.
That's my story. I still love many things in my life every day. That's plenty to be thankful for.
I too have osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, osteoporosis, peripheral neuropathy, several herniated discs, have had 2 open spinal surgeries, had a spinal cord stimulator implanted (and removed), too many epidural injections/trigger point injections to count and more procedures than I care to mention! LOL. My biggest complaint tho is the darned sciatica! BOY DOES THAT HURT! LOL.
I know what you mean about doctors not listening. i've had several tell me that all the above was in my head. Ummmm, ya think? My surgeon said the same thing, until he opened me up. LOL.
But what can we do ~ I have to laugh about it cause if I don't I'd probably scream. lol.
Again, WELCOME and I hope you enjoy this site. There are alot of great people here. Nice to meet you and hope we talk again. God bless. Peace, Lee
~hugs
I've been in pain for about 4 years. My pain has been excruciating for the last 2.5 years. I also have problems with my spine, especially the neck and shoulder area.
It sucks that no one believed you about the pain. You really have to be your own best advocated. I am so glad I am finally getting medication. I am able to work again although it is exhausting.
I look forward to going outside more too. But it lightly snowed again in Chicago and it is not warm at the moment.
Sure do thank you all for sharing,
Jen
You mention that you have issues with your cervical spine besides FM, are you a surgery candidate? The reason that I ask you is because I had cervical radiculopathy due to DDD and spinal stenosis and I had my cervical fusion done this past March the 10th and I am feeling like a million bucks! Well.... I should say like a million bucks on my cervical spine, my lumbar is another story....... :-(
As soon as I was transferred to my room I could notice that the radiculopathy was gone! The shoulder pain, migraines, numbness, etc. all gone! If you are a candidate for the cervical fusion, I would recommend that you find a very, very Neurosurgeon and go for it, it is not worth been in pain and missery when something can be done about it. Today is day 15 after my surgery, and yesterday I had my stitches and the neck collar removed.... Range of motion for me is at almost 95% and I feel wonderful, so Hun if you can do it, go for it! Take care and talk to you soon!
Hugs,
Tipper