Sorry I haven't been online to see that this thread was even started or I'd posted by now.
I saw someone said how we all fit in. We do. Sometimes I think we are like the "misfit toys" from the Rudolph cartoon for Christmas yet our problems are pain. It's not funny but it is true. We all know what pain feels like, does to us, yet we are all different in our lives, our feelings, and where we are at.
I am here but recently have had so much going on & reasons why I've not been around as much as I'd like or I was used to.
I went through med changes in late Dec & have been trying to rebuild my energy & only recently have felt like I'm getting there.
I was able to go on a trip to Chicago and walk doing things I honestly didn't think I was capable of doing & that made me feel like a human being again.
I've suffered from chronic pain for 12yrs now & feel that I've dealt with it well only in the past 6 or so years. I spent so many years with so much depression & not wanting to live like this.
I found out I had to learn to live like this and learn to find ways to be happy again which I've also found is a choice most days.
When I add up all the good in my life vs the bad; the good does outweigh the bad & I feel so blessed for that.
I could tell everyone so much bad they would wonder where or how I ever found any good and I do try to help others here that need to move forward & hopefully learn to accept the things we cannot change & change the things we can.
I know it's not easy but it is possible.
On my last day in Chicago I somehow barely moved but badly strained a muscle in my right shoulder (where I already have RSD) to the point I came home rested for a week to find that it was only hurting worse.
I went to Urgent Care last Friday night and was told to rest for a week by a doctor who didn't even know what my disease was or that I had already rested for a week. GRRR
He did give me a shot of Toradol which greatly helped the swelling and I'm just not getting where I can type without hurting my shoulder as the pain was going down my right arm too.
It's sunny out now and I'd better take advantage of that also; those days have been far and few between.
I'm here for anyone that needs to talk, wants to ask me anything, and sometimes I need you all too.
Welcome to the group all the new members and know that no group is perfect but in the 10yrs I've been in any group, this one has been the only one to feel like a home and family to me.
God Bless all and gentle hugs,
Rhonda, IN

What a wonderful and thoughtful thread, David, thanks so much for starting it.

I've been pretty good, though my arm has been killing me for the last few days. I have oxycodone 15 mg that I can take 4 times a day, and it works fairly well, so I feel lucky.

Hugs and blessings to all,
Theresa

i was hoping david would be 100 lol but congrats to all who have posted such wonderful thoughts hugs and comfort

Hi all,
this post has been a little bit slow this last 24 hours, so I'd really, really like to encourage anyone who hasn't posted today to do so.

You could lift someone up who is feeling down... by telling us you are well today, or telling us of your plans to do something pleasurable or positive.

Or you could reach out for caring and support from the wonderful members here, by telling us your pain is bad, or that you are having a bad day, or that you are struggling with life in general. Or that you are somewhat miserable because it is freezing cold and raining and feels like winter has definitely arrived on your doorstep... as is the case in my corner of the world... lol.

I'd also like to encourage people to send hugs to those who do post that they are having a difficult time. You don't have to be someones friend in order to send them a hug, unless their profile is private... you don't even need to know them... and really it feels much better to have someone come and post in your hugbook than it does to read a hug directed towards you on the board (though of course that is better than getting no acknowledgment).

When I am struggling with my pain level, or I'm depressed about the impact it is having on my life in general, or I am feeling isolated or uncared for, sending off a whole lot of hugs always makes me feel sooo much better. Especially if I find a positive quote to include as part of the hug, because that positivity always rubs off on me in the process.

We can all bring some more brightness into our own lives by reaching out to someone in need. Sending a hug only takes a minute... but you can bring more joy into a person's day than you can possibly imagine, just by making that little bit of effort to reach out with a hug.

I know that is true, because I can still remember when I joined DS 3 years ago and someone sent me my first welcoming hug. I burst into tears because it just seemed totally incredible that a stranger on the other side of the world could care enough to take the time to do that for me... and I'd been feeling so lost in my pain and cut off from the world for far too long.

If you have ever had the experience here, that receiving a hug has warmed your heart, or lifted your spirits, or changed a bad day into a good one, then take a minute to pay it forward to someone who is in need of some caring.

Imagine if a few members here joined me in a commitment to sending out some hugs every day. It doesn't take a lot of time or energy to send out 5 hugs, you can even cut and paste if you need to make it easier.

If just 10 people committed to sending 5 hugs a day to members in need, then 50 cpers could have their spirits lifted and their day brightened. I know it makes me feel really good when I do that... anyone else up for the challenge?

"Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves." ~ James Matthew Barrie

Wishing everyone a day full of sunshine and smiles... and minimum pain.
Take care... Gaye... xxx

PS... the only downside of course is that people who have their profile set to private can only receive hugs from their friends.

PPS... Sorry Hathani for pipping you at the post on the 100... got to be quick to beat this old girl... lol

Hello all: Welcome to all of you who have posted for the first time. You DO fit in!! This is not an exclusive club, just a bunch of good people facing tough challenges. When I joined in Dec., I felt ackward, was afraid I'd say the wrong thing, didn't quite trust. But I received such a warm welcome, helpful responces to my questions and a lot of love. Over the past few months, I've made some fantastic friends who I "speak" with on a regular basis. I've made so many friends but always have room in my heart for more.
@ mscrafty: My son works overseas and is only home every 3-4 mo. It is hard for me and for his wife BUT he enjoys what he's doing and could never make the $$ here. We have adjusted. Perhaps this group can help get you through this tough yr. Do you and hubby have Skype? Its been a Godsend to my son and his wife. A way to really stay connected.
Hugs to all!!!!!!!!!!!

What a bunch of nice posts.
Well the Doc finally called last night with a new med plan. 2 oxycontin a day and 4 percocet a day for breakthru pain. I pray this helps.

Thanks to everyone for all your posts during this waiting period for my Dr. to call.

I love you all. Have the best day you can.

That is great news Viv... here's hoping the new regime works to bring your pain down to a bearable level... but sorry you've had to wait such a long time for your doc to decide, I remember it was ages ago that you posted about it initially.
Wishing you all the best... take care... xxx

Good morning friends,
I will be away from my computer for the better part of the day today, but I wanted to check in.

I slept in the recliner last night. It was stormy last night and my neck was giving me a fit. I just knew I wouldn't be able to find a comfortable spot in the bed.

I am so glad to see everyone talking, and welcoming those who are looking. To my new and not so new friends, I will talk to ya'll
later.

David.

Hugs to all!! Many thanks for all the wonderful hugs everyone has sent. They reminded me I'm not alone! Your all wonderful!

I'd also like to take a moment to welcome all the new members and those that are just new to posting...lol!

Hugs!
Deb

Today is an ok day. I've been working out every day for two weeks now and i finally have hit a point where i'm too sore to do my workout today.

its helped with the pain but when i over do it i get mad at myself for causing "unessisary additional pain" LOL

so i'm relaxing today to i can gimp around tomorrow!

lol

Present.
Anne
:)

Hey Anne,

Glad you're here.

It's been a long day, I'm glad to be home.

David.

Wow, I love this!!!. And I love this group. There are so many wonderful people here. It was great hearing from some for the first time. Welcome everyone who is new and thanks to those who finally decided to post for the first time, it's great to hear from you all. I haven't been on much, I've been in my own little funk from junk. But I wanted to check in, say hey and let everyone know I'm still kickin'. Thanks David and everyone who replied. We need more of this uplifting feedback. You all are in my prayers.
Easy hugs!
jae

Jae,
I am so glad to hear from you. I thought you had moved on, but I'm glad you didn't. Thanks for the testimony about the people here. They truly have made such a difference in my life, and I'm sure in the lives of others. Seeing you post here just made my day. Keep it up.

Thanks,
David.

Just wanted to say hi as this is a very busy part of the week for me but dropped by to say I am feeling pretty good and while the pain is flaring a bit there is a change around so it is no surprise. And it is not as bad as it was on the old med.
Love my doctor and hope he doesn't move away again like he did a few years back.

It is night here and we have had rain off and on all day and cold to go with it. It seems that the rain has passed for a while and the frogs are all singing their appreciation of the cold and the rain.

Such a wonderful sound.