It's really hard. Are you taking any pain medication? That really does help. I have been in pretty much constant pain for at least 3 months now. sleeping is tough. if you meditate or do some type of art or something that helps you get your mind off of your problems that can make a big difference. I find that when I paint I don't think about the pain as much and depending on what type of pain it is massage might help too.

Thank you...I am on pain medicine but these doctors just don't care...I'm in between doctors and after waiting 5 hrs he cut my pain meds by 30 pills/no and lowered by dosage...so that's worse 2nd I have Hep.c also an the acetaminophen is bad for liver...he barely gave me 10 mins and couldn't even listen to me! I'm just beginning to go into depression...i feel it coming on...I started therapy last week...many other health issues and trauma/PTSD...hopefully that will help...Thanks for responding...it means more than u know!!

Carlee...I am so sorry you are going through so much pain and emotional and mental exhaustion. I can absolutely relate. I also suffer from PTSD, depression, and anxiety. The depression and anxiety are from the chronic pain. I am currently in mental health treatment to help me deal with the depression/anxiety/PTSD and pain. I see both a regular therapist in addition to my psychiatrist who prescribes my meds and a pain psychologist. I am doing better emotionally than ever before but it's taken some hard work with my therapists. I suggest ANYONE who deals with chronic pain to see someone. For a looooong time, I thought that was crap, honestly. I fought seeking mental health treatment until my fiance said he couldn't stand to see me hurting so badly (mentally and physically). For him, I agreed to see someone. And I am so glad I did. I still struggle but I have come a long way.

I use mindfulness therapy (Google it or on YouTube) and it's really helped me. I have slowly learned to accept my life as it is and quit obsessing on the person I used to be. I am 35 years old and it's very hard to accept that I am not the typical 35 year old. But, this is my life and I'm learning to love it despite my physical challenges.

I am here if you ever need to talk or just to vent. I understand more than I could ever express. I was not suicidal because I'm too much of a coward to kill myself but I often thought of not living...of going to sleep and never waking up again...I dreamed for that. I'm obviously glad that never came to be.

(((HUGS))) The emotional part of living with chronic pain can be just as challenging as the physical aspect. And I am here anytime you need to talk.

~Michelle

Carlee, I'm so sorry for what you are going through but I can totally relate (as can the rest of us on this board). I suffer from daily, chronic pain and like Red mentioned, have often wished I could go to sleep and not wake up. I take an anti depressant every day, and couldn't cope without it. I also take daily pain meds.

I work hard at distracting myself as much as possible to cope with my pain issues. It's not easy. I know how long and dark a night can be when you're awake and suffering.

Just sending support... We're here for you.

Lynn

Hi Carlee,
I agree as well with some of the other posts, the mental part of it is very difficult and talking to someone like a therapist is very helpful as well as anti-depressants. I find its hard to talk to family/ friends very much about my pain because I don't want them to feel sad for me, or worse to try and give me all this advice when they really don't know what I am going through. a therapist is so much better at listening to these issues and sometimes that's all you really need is someone to listen:) , so hopefully the therapy will give you some relief in that way ,
I can only imagine what you are going through having your pain meds cut had to be very hard. Have you tried something like melatonin that might at least help you sleep some?

I feel your frustration. Pain stops sleep. U got good advise from the others. Prayers for you for some good sleep tonight. Huggies.

Hi Carlee,

I'm sorry your having such a hard time. I'm not sure what your illness is but it's not important, your hurting and I get that you want it to stop. Have you ever considered seeing a Psychologist? They do have Psychologist's that work specifically with chronic pain patients. They teach you different coping skills for when the pain gets bad. They teach you different variables of breathing exercises so that you don't panic and can keep yourself breathing calmer and slower, these things are proven to lessen pain. There are many coping skills and tools that a Psychologist who works with chronic pain can teach you, you'd be amazed.

If you fee up to it please check it out, or perhaps have a friend or family member check into in for you.

Take care,
OCP

Most important treatment I've had since 2013: my dog! Without her it was so hard to cope. I'm allergic to cats and my parents bought my dog and pay for her annual shots otherwise there is no way I could have her. She is truly the best therapy dog, and not professionally trained. Animals make great snuggle buddies.

Since my laptop died, bad pain days mean I can't be at my desktop computer. I'm stuck either in bed or in the recliner with the tv. So, I watch movies that distract me from my pain. I keep a stack of them handy for those bad days. They include funny, action, and Bruce Willis. ;) Love the Die Hard series. Things like that keep my spirits up. If I can listen to something online, I like expanding my intellect, like listening to lectures in science, history, economics, political debates, or religious matters. I can't read on bad days.

I eat foods that I both like and are easy on my stomach, I even have a stash of "bad day" foods which include of all things, those baby food pouches. I get mostly mixed fruits and fruits with oatmeal, as I have soft cooked veggies on hand all the time. During my really bad flareups, I tend to also have tmj and so can't chew but rather drink my food. Also, I have my matzo (crackers) and hot tea that I like. Keeping food in you can help in dealing with exhaustion and those meds we all take.

Very Important, I keep a medication diary on those days or else I am so screwed. I note the medication, amount, and time taken and keep it on the side table next to me.

A novel approach to pain management that has really helped a lot of people is using hypnosis. There are people that specialize in this arena.

There are also a lot of alternative treatments that can be really effective - depending on what sort of pain you're having. Acupuncture, PUSH (power under soft hands), ultrasound (great for arthritis), homeopathy, massage...

I was on very heavy medication for stomach problems and started on a probiotic as well as avoiding certain foods and I'm about 97% better.

There are a lot of answers beyond traditional medical treatment and a lot of times the alternative doctors will spend more time with you. They are also more open to a sliding scale or a trade.

I hope you do find some good answers. MD's are terrific when it comes to acute, critical problems - heart attacks, broken bones - but they don't have answers for chronic issues like arthritis, fibro, lupus, etc. I find those are better treated with alternative healing.

I had pain bad enough that it should have kept me up last night, but I also suffer from crippling fatigue. If I stay up more than 12 hours, it doesn't matter how much pain I have, my brain and body shut down. That is the only benefit of having fatigue. It is a shame your doctor has cut your medication down. I try not to make too many first with m current pain doc, because I do not want to have my meds cut down. I make due with what I have. Sometimes I wish I could get a sample of everything and try them all to see which one works better. Hang in there, it gets better eventually. Hugs!

I meant to say that I try not to make too many rifts with my current pain management doctor.

Hi Carlee...
I am SO sorry for what you are going through.. It is so awful.
Hepatitis C can now be cured. Have your doctors offered you this option ?
If your doctor doesn't listen to you, it is time find another doctor who
Does...
You deserve an alliance.
Lack of sleep makes pain worse and then you can't sleep and then the pain is worse - it is a bad cycle
I also have PTSD/anxiety and if this is not under control, the pain is worse. Counseling helps and meds - whatever it takes.
Also,
I must go outside. The air and the sun is good for our bodies. I know it is not pain relief, but it does help with depression.
Hugs

This was a really old post from June....hopefully she's still lurking around to get all of y'alls good advice.