I've had a rough 24 hrs, but that was due to some sort of stomach bug. My pain is still under very good control, although my attempt to reduce my tramadol from 200mg to 150mg daily has been a little bumpy.

I hope everyone is having a good day!

Hang in there, SGTRJ! I tapered off narcotics 2 years ago, and know how rough tapers can be. The important thing is that you can and will get though it and, if you are anything like me, you will feel so much better afterward just by being 100% mentally present in life again!

L2L - Oh, no, I'm not having withdrawals, my pain has just been fluctuating more with the attempt to reduce. My docs aren't trying to take me off Tramadol, but I have the OK to try to reduce it to find the lowest dose that will do the trick for me.

But yeah, coming off long term narcotics would be an experience I would prefer to avoid, definitely.

David- I will hold you up in prayer on the 27th. I know everything will go smoothly.
Nrthngl4ever - I am sorry you're having a bad pain day. Few things in life are worse. I hope that you can take it easy somehow and get it down to an acceptable level.

I am having a better day with my pain and I'm coming do a crossroads of whether to increase exercise or decrease pain meds as my new goal. I'm walking 1 1/2 miles every day, but every time I tried to stretch, it kicks my pain up too high.
That's all just wanted to check in
Hank

I'm number 500. woohoo we did it David. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you all for all the love and support.

Healing hugs to you all!!

Thank you all "very much" for your prayers and kindness. So much all over muscle pain,neck pain-nerve pain, burning in l-shoulder blade(small tear in rotary cuff) last steroid injec. 2 yrs. ago, time for another one. What would we do w/o each other, really, "who else" understands and cares like someone in the same shoes? We may have close fam' members but alot of times they don't really "get it" or have probs. seeing you in "this new light" when for so many yrs. they remember an energetic/out going/healthy person. To all you out there in this situation I'm here for you, I do understand/ I do "get it". hugs & blessings,vicky

I hope everyone is doing as OK as possible.

I woke up at 3 AM stiff as a board. I couldn't go back to sleep but my neck is starting to loosen up now.

This group is so inspiring. Please keep posting about how you feel. It helps to get it out. I had a hard time letting other people in at first, but now I don't know what I'd do without all ya'll.

I'm glad to see this post continue in such a supportive manner. We are here for each other.

Let's see some more posts.

David.

Good morning, David! 3:00 is 'sleeping in' for me. I awaken with pain every morning and start the slow process of trying to get it under control...usully by 1:30 or 2:00.

No wonder I can't keep track of what day it is. When I get up, it's almost still yesterday!

Feel better, David,

Cherry

Thanks for making me smile Cherry.

Hope you have a great day.

David.

Finally got to sleep at 4a.m. and up at 7am/ hate it when this happens!!! Know its a combo of things,pain,stress,etc. Was thinking about how awsome I felt when I was running and how it's such a struggle now. Going back to sleep and will catch up w/you all later. Your all in my thoughts/prayers. hugs to all, xxxxxxxx

hugs to all bear hugs gental one s minnie

Today i'm so tired and full of pain have not slept in a couple of days my pain will do this as many others I need to go to the hospital to check on my sis parents are elderly mom just had a spinal fusion and as the oldest who do not work it falls on me so I going to go stay and check on her for a few minutes and crawl back into bed
BLESSING AND A LOW PAIN DAY

Bear hugs to you too Minnie

Check-in

Feeling better today is the pain is down around 3 to 4. I believe the pain meds are finally starting to kick in. I'm trying to up my exercise now to walking 1 1/2 miles day and beginning to do some gentle stretching exercises. Every time in the past when I started the gentle stretching exercises, my pain would kick up to six and I would stop. Now I have the pain meds in my arsenal and I plan to take them right after exercise. I carry fear around me every day that the balloon could burst and kicked me back up to a 6 to 7 level for days at a time. I have instructed my friends to stop asking how I am and to just say it's good to see you. I can see the hesitation in their eyes as they are not quite sure what to make of me. Fortunately I'm married to the most wonderful woman in the world for 32 years on June 30. Any ideas on how to celebrate and still live within my pain restrictions. It's difficult to sit at a restaurant, I can sometimes stand at the bar but how romantic is that. Any ideas what I can give to this amazing woman who stood by me with all my pain problems for years and years?
Cherry- how can your day start 1:30? That is night time. I wish I had an answer for you, but my heart goes out to you and you are not alone. Never say your pain is out of control. Always try to take deep breaths and tell yourself over and over that your pain is under control. I know you can beat this thing, because your life story has certainly inspired me.
My best to everybody
Hank

Good Morning All,
I'm fixin' to get ready for church. I love to Worship!!

Tonight is our Deacon Ice Cream Fellowship, and since I can't eat anything after midnight, I'm gonna pig out!

I love you all and I am asking you to share with us a little bit about how you are doing. We want you in a family. Hugs to all of you.

I'll be back tonight. Have a great day!!

Post, post, post.................

David.