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 everyone,
My name is Wendy. I am 43 years old, married to a wonderful man for almost 22 years. We have no children of our own; however, between my husband and myself we have 32 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews, as well as a host of others kids who call us "mom and dad" who are not technically related in any other way than that they are in our hearts, and their parents are our friends.
I am a survivor of rape, emotional abuse, molestation by a therapist, and bullying. I am also 17 years recovered from anorexia and bulimia, which I had from the age of 9 to 26. These experiences, along with a genetic predisposition to migraines, have created a long-term pattern of chronic physical pain. I have tried virtually everything from acupuncture to having my ovary removed, and the pain always bounces back. I have an impossible time with pain medication because they create hyperactivity in me. I had luck with Nucynta for about a year but this week I developed an allergic reaction due to a switch in my insomnia medications from pill format to oral disolvable format, so today, my pain care physician switched me back to Vicodin.. which of course, three pills later, has me still in pain and bouncing off the walls at 6:00 am. I am currently in counseling to help with the transition back to a full-time job after 16 years while dealing with chronic pain and subsequent depression.
I did support groups for a number of years, and I lead an online support group for men and women who had eating disorders and were also abuse survivors; however, this is my first time reaching out for support in chronic pain and insomnia issues. I am very nervous as I do not trust people easily. I feel there is such a stigma around people with chronic pain that I always fear judgment. I tried looking for a local support group close to home but have not found any. I will admit that I am used to being the one everyone leans on for support so the idea of being the supported feels awkward to me. However, I am looking forward to meeting you all and hope that this will become a safe place to exchange thoughts, fears, ideas, and acceptance.
In peace and healing,
Wen
My name is Wendy. I am 43 years old, married to a wonderful man for almost 22 years. We have no children of our own; however, between my husband and myself we have 32 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews, as well as a host of others kids who call us "mom and dad" who are not technically related in any other way than that they are in our hearts, and their parents are our friends.
I am a survivor of rape, emotional abuse, molestation by a therapist, and bullying. I am also 17 years recovered from anorexia and bulimia, which I had from the age of 9 to 26. These experiences, along with a genetic predisposition to migraines, have created a long-term pattern of chronic physical pain. I have tried virtually everything from acupuncture to having my ovary removed, and the pain always bounces back. I have an impossible time with pain medication because they create hyperactivity in me. I had luck with Nucynta for about a year but this week I developed an allergic reaction due to a switch in my insomnia medications from pill format to oral disolvable format, so today, my pain care physician switched me back to Vicodin.. which of course, three pills later, has me still in pain and bouncing off the walls at 6:00 am. I am currently in counseling to help with the transition back to a full-time job after 16 years while dealing with chronic pain and subsequent depression.
I did support groups for a number of years, and I lead an online support group for men and women who had eating disorders and were also abuse survivors; however, this is my first time reaching out for support in chronic pain and insomnia issues. I am very nervous as I do not trust people easily. I feel there is such a stigma around people with chronic pain that I always fear judgment. I tried looking for a local support group close to home but have not found any. I will admit that I am used to being the one everyone leans on for support so the idea of being the supported feels awkward to me. However, I am looking forward to meeting you all and hope that this will become a safe place to exchange thoughts, fears, ideas, and acceptance.
In peace and healing,
Wen
Welcome to CP here. It helps to have a place you can ask questions, share, etc. Hope it's a good fit for you.
And I have to tell you, from what I have seen from everyone here on the post, they are kind, helpful and understanding
I have been welcomed with open arms and can vent, ask questions and share my stupid moments that I have every now and then
There was a coffee thing I posted earlier lol
I hope you find what you are looking for here
I truely believe you will
Love, hugs, and healing
I was able to get my insurance company to certify my acupuncture as covered so i started that again this past Saturday. Unfortunately I am little success with my pain medication, so i am back to using my TENS unit, which is not very easy to do at work, but what can you do. We do what we can, right?
I look forward to getting to know all of you.
Yes, it is your turn to also receive some support, and be IN the group! I am relatively new here as well, but it has been such an open and caring experience here. I wish you all the best on your path.
Please feel free to message me - I also am a survivor and live with chronic migraines, and pelvic pain thought perhaps to be a result of my trauma history. i'm still reading up on that one - but I have also run a crisis hotline, brought women into shelter and done on site counseling. It's definitely difficult to reach out - especially perhaps in your own geographical community - I know for me, I feel like I know everyone and am afraid to reach out bc everything/people crosses over eachother. But I recently moved 8 hours away.
Thank you for writing, and WELCOME!
Alicia