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!
I used to be part of this community and have been away for awhile. I would like to become re-acquainted with the community again and hope to see some familiar faces. I am looking forward to meeting people who face similar challenges that I do.
I am not going to lie.....life is difficult these days. I was hit by a drunk driver when I was 25 yrs old (I am now 48 yrs old) and life hasn't been the same since. I have had 3 spinal surgeries (all fixation and fusions at L5, L4, L3) and have been permanently disabled since 2003 following my 2nd surgery. I eventually had my 3rd surgery in Oct 2009, however, it was unsuccessful. I live with severe chronic pain 24/7. I feel like there is a 100 lb weight on my spine at all times and I am couch/bed ridden nearly 100% of the time. My computer is my "lifeline" to the outisde world and if it weren't for my 2 precious children, life wouldn't be worth living.
I spend most nights alone (while my family is sleeping) lost in my pain and my tears with no one to talk to. I have lost friends and family because they don't care to understand what my life is like now. They took the easy road and simply "checked out" of my life without a backwards glance.
Despite all of the obstacles I face on a daily basis, I am very blessed to have my loving husband, son (12 yrs) & daughter (11 yrs) by my side. They are all as understanding & supportive as they can possibly be. I have definitely learned that life doesn't always work out the way you want. You just have to be strong and move forward.
The thing is, life is such a battle these days, and let's face it.... living with chronic pain is "hardly living" and that strength I talked about? Most of the time, I really don't know where I am going to get it from, but I am doing the best I can. Just wish there was some hope...........somewhere.
I used to be part of this community and have been away for awhile. I would like to become re-acquainted with the community again and hope to see some familiar faces. I am looking forward to meeting people who face similar challenges that I do.
I am not going to lie.....life is difficult these days. I was hit by a drunk driver when I was 25 yrs old (I am now 48 yrs old) and life hasn't been the same since. I have had 3 spinal surgeries (all fixation and fusions at L5, L4, L3) and have been permanently disabled since 2003 following my 2nd surgery. I eventually had my 3rd surgery in Oct 2009, however, it was unsuccessful. I live with severe chronic pain 24/7. I feel like there is a 100 lb weight on my spine at all times and I am couch/bed ridden nearly 100% of the time. My computer is my "lifeline" to the outisde world and if it weren't for my 2 precious children, life wouldn't be worth living.
I spend most nights alone (while my family is sleeping) lost in my pain and my tears with no one to talk to. I have lost friends and family because they don't care to understand what my life is like now. They took the easy road and simply "checked out" of my life without a backwards glance.
Despite all of the obstacles I face on a daily basis, I am very blessed to have my loving husband, son (12 yrs) & daughter (11 yrs) by my side. They are all as understanding & supportive as they can possibly be. I have definitely learned that life doesn't always work out the way you want. You just have to be strong and move forward.
The thing is, life is such a battle these days, and let's face it.... living with chronic pain is "hardly living" and that strength I talked about? Most of the time, I really don't know where I am going to get it from, but I am doing the best I can. Just wish there was some hope...........somewhere.
There's several nice caring people in this group. So you'll get several more replies.
Healing hugs, Marci
Here it is, 3:00 AM, I can't sleep, but I have friends here. I've been up for quite a while already so it will be a long day...
Looking forward to getting t know you,
Cherry
It's after 3:30am, and I haven't been to bed yet -- I rarely sleep anymore because of the pain, but doctors just want to assume that I'm depressed. Well, no kidding! I'm taking an antidepressant, and I feel better -- but I still can't sleep. And without sleep, the pain gets worse. LOL
At least here, people understand. You don't have to explain constantly about how you're feeling, because everyone feels the same way. It's nice to know we have comrades here. Most of us have lost friends & family because we're too much of a "downer" to others and we can't do the things we used to do.
I'm glad you came back -- we all need support and as you know, you'll certainly get it here. God bless and I pray that your pain lessens. Hugs, Lee
I am also part of the club of having insomnia and it is because of CP.
Family is great and it sounds like yours is beautiful it does help when things get bad they are always something to look forward to.
I'm fairly new to DS. I joined earlier this month. I haven't regretted it for one minute. In fact, I am finding it to be something I can look forward to each morning/afternoon/evening. After reading your post, I think maybe you do still have some hope. You've come back to this site:-)
I am sorry that you are in so much pain. I practically live in my bed, that is where I am most comfortable as far as my pain goes. I stopped working June 10th of this year and I have a walker & scooter to get me around for local shopping.
I have two great kids (although, my 17 year old son is on the poopoo list right this moment :-) and, we live with my mom as I no longer work.
I do my best to stay as positive as possible...even when it is harder to be positive. I have some good friends here and IRL that make my world a good place and I live on my computer too.
HUGS and support to you!
I read what you wrote and it touched my heart. I hope you can reconnect with the great folks here and I wish you well.
David.
you're right it's no life. every day i think about dying. it's a fleeting thought, i don't want to die, i have a ferocity to live but i must think about it 100 times a day. not that long ago, my life was so filled with joy. it re-emaerges when my pain is at manageable levels. i'm relatively new here and finding this place has been a saving grace.
i'm sorry for the pain you experience day in and day out. thank you for sharing your story. it really moved me.
i hope you have a lot less pain.
I wanted to extend a HUGE THANK YOU to all of you who took the time to welcome me back and for your thoughtful & caring messages. They really mean alot to me. It is vey difficult to live like this, and I have found that the only people who really understand it, are others who are living it too. I know that I am not alone, which means that many others are suffering too, and for that, I am so very sorry.
As I mentioned before, I have lost alot of people in my life who thought that my pain issues were a bother, including my own Mother, however, I strongly believe that when one door closes, another one opens and a new journey begins. We just need to open our hearts again and let people "in". I know that it is difficult, but I plan on trying very hard to do just that and it seems like DailyStrength is a good place to start!
Take Care & God Bless!
Carrie