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...
Hello! It has been a very long time since I have posted here, so please allow me to re-introduce myself. My name is Carrie, 51 yrs old, married with 2 teenage children. To summarize briefly, I was hit by a drunk driver 26 yrs ago. As a result, a lifetime of pain followed, although, the pain became severe and chronic approx. 12 yrs ago, following a 2nd spinal surgery ( I have since had a 3rd). All 3 of my spinal surgeries failed and as a result I have been diagnosed with "failed back syndrome" & "nerve root entrapment" (perm. nerve damage to both of my legs). I am perm. disabled and bedridden most of the time. We ended up getting rid of our 2nd couch in the living room and putting in a twin bed in it's place since I have to stay off of my spine. I cannot sit or stand for very long or I am in severe, dehabilitating pain.
I "accepted" my "new life" long ago, however, it does not mean I do not long for my old one. There are so many things I wish I could do , but feel like a slave to my own broken down body. If I think about living with this pain long term, I feel like I am suffocating and can't breathe. I literally panic. That is why I have to live "moment by moment".....try not to think too far ahead. There are times when I think it would be better to never wake up because I am so done with this life on so many levels, however, I have an AMAZING family and never want to leave them. I have a wonderful husband and 2 amazing, smart, wonderful kids. They are truly my only reason for living.
It is a shame that we have to meet on these terms, however, as supportive as my family is, they cannot truly understand what I go through on a daily basis....only other chronic pain patients can, which is why I am reaching out to all of you for your support.
My hope is that with this new year, we will all begin to feel better and can experience pain free days. Hope you all are having a good day. Thank you for listening.
Hugs, Carrie
I "accepted" my "new life" long ago, however, it does not mean I do not long for my old one. There are so many things I wish I could do , but feel like a slave to my own broken down body. If I think about living with this pain long term, I feel like I am suffocating and can't breathe. I literally panic. That is why I have to live "moment by moment".....try not to think too far ahead. There are times when I think it would be better to never wake up because I am so done with this life on so many levels, however, I have an AMAZING family and never want to leave them. I have a wonderful husband and 2 amazing, smart, wonderful kids. They are truly my only reason for living.
It is a shame that we have to meet on these terms, however, as supportive as my family is, they cannot truly understand what I go through on a daily basis....only other chronic pain patients can, which is why I am reaching out to all of you for your support.
My hope is that with this new year, we will all begin to feel better and can experience pain free days. Hope you all are having a good day. Thank you for listening.
Hugs, Carrie
gramybear
Welcome!!! You are in a good place. I am so happy to hear that you have a supportive and loving Husband, and 2 wonderful Children. You are right, that is a very good reason to stay around. Trust me when I say that you are here for a purpose, even with all of your disabilities. I found my calling when I joined DS and you can do the same, finding what you think your calling might be. Are you in 100% pain all the time or does it come and go? Does anything help? If you could do one thing and not be paid for it, keeping in mind your situation, what would you choose to do? Start there. Maybe you can change things around and not only make your life better, but know you are needed and wanted on this earth. Hugs Gramybear
Blessedx2
Thank you so much Gramybear for the warm welcome. I am in pain 100% of the time, however, if I try to do ANYTHING around the house, the pain becomes unbearable (the kind that makes you feel like you don't want to live), which is why I have to spend most of my time in bed, to stay off of my spine. My computer is my lifeline to the outside world. I spend a lot of time on Facebook playing one of their games and opened my own FB gaming group a year and a half ago. It is very successful and I have the most wonderful, caring members, which makes it all worth it. Anyway, that is what I do as a distraction from my pain. I generally try to be a positive person, however, there are times when I just can't take it anymore and depression sets in on top of it. I am on pain meds, however, they only take the edge off, which is better than nothing, but wished they would give me part of my life back.
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