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...
I just would like some input on how to handle Chronic Neck Pain. Ive been working offshore as a Commerical Fisherman since the age of 13 and im 40. And im a girl but i can out fish most men from Red Snapper to Amberjack to Shark. I guess being on the boat in 15 foot swells on steele and fishing took a toll on my Neck. I had a C5 and a C6 sugery done September of last year. And now im in worse pain. All the time even layin down. I have long corkscrew curly hair that i cant wash and often my boyfriend has to wipe me after peeing. Miserable and discontent iam. I try to be a positive person but i lose my faith real fast. Can anybody help?
Let me say that I am terribly sorry that you are suffering the way you are. I know what it is like to have limitations as I have had 3 failed back surgeries and live with pain 24/7. I wish I could offer some suggestions for you, however, I have never had neck problems other than a little stiffness. The first thing that comes to mind is to use wither cold compresses or heat, whichever might feel better.
There are plenty of people here who should be able to offer the help you are seeking. I wish I could be of more help, but just wanted to let you know that I care.
I hope you get relief real soon and begin to feel much bettter.
Healing Hugs,
Carrie
Welcome to our group. These folks are the most caring and compassionate people in the world.
Do you take pain meds and do you see a pain mgt. doctor? These are essential to controlling pain and having a life. You can manage pain-it will always be with you, but it doesn't have to be the focus of your life.
Stick with us; so many of us have been through what you're going through right now and have come out the other side.
Best wishes and God bless!
Sandy
And he never told me about the "Domino Effect" either. The levels above & below the surgery sites will fail too -- and mine did. Oh joy.
They should be held to some standard about what they're supposed to tell us before surgery!!! Grrr
Lee is right that pain often doesn not go away or gets worse after surgery. Often times it is the nerves regenerating after being compressed for so long but since your surgery was so long ago I'm betting you are having problems at the same level(did you have a fusion) or at the level above/below where you had it done.
An MRI or CT Scan is definitely in order as Sandy says. Also if you can use pain meds in your profession ( I know you have to be alert) and have a pm doctor I would recommend using both. Find some relief through alternating heat and ice, therapeutic rubs and creams and make your boyfriend give you some massages as well (that's just for fun).
Good luck and I hope you find some relief soon. I think it's cool that you can out fish most guys. You go girl!!!
i'm sorry that the surgery didn't help you more. i agree with the suggestions above - pain mgmt to help you get by, ice and heat alternating, and icy hot and lidocaine patches. you can also make an epsom salt pack if you can't take a bath.
sorry that after living such a vigorous life, you have to go through this. i do hope you can find some answers.