It sounds like some depression is involved but I am not qualified to say it is but lack of motivation is easy to tie to depression! Hope you get some answers here jnufish

It sounds like you already are depressed?

I think it was the continued exhaustion revealed to me the fibromyalgia, I can sleep for hours and wake up tired!

I'm taking a very low dose Cymbalta, I don't like meds but it has helped take the edge off the worst nerve pain and depression.

It took me a couple of years to accept the lower level of functioning of my life...I just have to prioritize now and let everything else slide. The house isn't as tidy as I'd like, things that broke have not yet been fixed...but the bills are paid, there's food in, the dog's been out, my son's taken care of.

Otherwise I can be found lying down propped up on pillows and ice packs...sleeping as much as I can.

Hope you feel better soon.

Okay this sounds very familiar to me. I have been feeling like this alot and because of increased limitations holding me back I feel lifeless. I want to sleep more than what i should. I have a Y membership and I have slowly watched my abilities shrink and it really gets me down. I push myself to go because this is my only social outlet. I really don't get much of a chance to talk to anybody because they are all in thier own worlds with headphones on. I'm really worried about the winter when the skies are grey and everything seems more hopeless than now. I would love to volunteer but I don't think I would qualify due to documented illnesses. I would love to be able to earn some money but these days you need a Phd to work at McDonald's. I am a dinosaur in a modern world that I just can't seem to be a part of. Honestly everything you have said sounds like a mirror image of my life. All I can say is it sounds like a deep depression setting in and it is going to be very hard but you must try to get out there and get some sort of positive response. This is what I am attempting to do with the Y. Most often it seems pointless but I ALWAYs feel somewhat better after I have made an effort. I hope that this helps a bit.

Hi, Jnufish.
It's good to see you..
Although.. I'm sorry to hear you're having such a difficult time.

Unfortunately..
Pain itself is exhausting.
Add auttoimmune disorders ( RA) ..
And, well.. you know.

Have you asked your DR? About the tiredness..
Specifically if there's a Med available for you for that ?
And the depression?

I wish I had some magical answer..
I really do.

Hugs
jc

Thanks all for the replies. I did ask my dr about this and he thinks I should keep exercising and possibly talk with a therapist. I do exercise every day and I get out everyday. I make myself do things. its just that lately it feels as though I am moving through quick sand with an extra 100 lbs on my back. Everything takes such an effort physically. My meds do factor in, I'm sure you all are aware of the effects. I guess its time for me to go talk to a therapist, perhaps they can give me some insight. Hopefully this is just temporary and will get better given some time.

Hope you all have a good, low-pain day!!

take care, Jnufish

Hi
I have a hard time with that too. I found An awesome therapist & she does solution based therapy. I highly recommend it! She asks questions about when were you happy in your life? And what would it look like if you were happy now? I also cry, curse, and vent but she brings me back to what is a solution to the problem or situation. It's good to find someone who suits you. Pretend you are interviewing them. One lady watched the clock the whole time. Next. Don't settle for ok, which is hard when you are depressed.

hugs
NY

Hello, I have been dealing with this wonderful CP for a good five years now.

My PM doc said that because of all of my issues that maybe with a therapist I should go on an anti depressant and to be honest it is helping.

Best wishes!!

Cindi

Can I ask what blood work your doctor did? Many times they miss tests that should be done. I was diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue and also Anemia, not caused by a deficiency in iron or from foods. My red blood cells keep getting lost somewhere! Could your pain medication be causing you to be more tired? Did the doc check your thyroid and your gall bladder? They cannot figure out what is causing my anemia or chronic fatigue so I am given a medication called Provigal from my Psychiatrist. It works wonders for bad fatigue. It's usually given to doctors who are up for 12 hours or more and those who fall asleep without warning. Can't recall the name. Sorry. Not only does it help with fatigue, it also helps with depression which is another reason she prescribes it for me. I sure understand how it feels to be fatigued all the time, especially when you get lots of sleep and still wake up tired. Hugs

Hi, sorry that things are so out of control for you. Have you considered seeing a Psychiatrist or Psychologist (Therapist) to help deal with all of the stress, feelings, depression and frustration that having Chronic Pain causes you all day every day? Sometimes just having a human being to talk to and toss ideas around with on things that might help make your day easier can be a big help. They are also trained in helping you learn coping skills, to help you get through the bad times.

There aren't always a way to make the situation to go away...but there are ways to help yourself learn to deal with the pain and the situation and turn the negative into a positive. Different things work for different people, but it you've not tried this, it might be time to give it a try, it can't hurt.

I'm sorry that things are so frustrating and finding an answer it so hard. I've been doing this for many, many years and these emotions are perfectly normal for anyone who suffers from CP until they find the right way to manage it and their life at the same time. It can be done, but it takes work, and when your tired and frustrated its hard to do the work. So helping yourself by learning some coping skills to work with can help you all around.

I hope that you find some peace and help with this situation soon.

Thanks everyone for your comments. I have been to a therapist before. In Juneau there are not a lot of doctors or counselors so my options are limited. There is one psychiatrist in town that specializes in chronic pain therapy. I went to her for 12 weeks. She basically had me work a meditation course she offers. It did help to some degree and I still do meditation. However there was not much in the way of "counseling" it was more of a "teaching".
I think I will try to find another therapist for some kind of counseling. I guess I will just have to interview them until I can find someone to talk with and take advice from.
Take care, Thanks everyone!
Hope you all have a low pain day!
Jnufish

jnufish:

That would be a great idea to research a few Therapist and let them tell you about their modality of therapy. Not every person can get along with all therapists, this is pretty common. It's not like your thrown in the lions den and your only stuck with one lion.

From what your saying in your post, it sounds like your on the way to a real break and if that happens you won't be able to control yourself then and when you thinking every one that could help you feel better, that's what small radios.

Don't get confused and think the ear and eyes of elderly folk