OldCper, I have been here several years, read,, but don't post often. This board has had/still has many caring, supportive people, who in the past shared with each other all facets of life with CP because after all living with a chronic medical problem can/does affect every area of life that friends/family don't always understand, so coming here became like a family. Unfortunately there were comments that those things were "Off-Topic" and did not belong here, I'm not trying to speak for anyone, but the medical field has been changing and maybe it looks negative to you here, but it's freakin frustrating when you are in pain and people need an outlet to talk/vent about it. People in past years also shared uplifting music, uplifting animal videos, books, etc, and it sure was a blessing for me and I think it was for others too....what is life-affirming, uplifiting in the face of Chronic Pain is not "Off -Topic" IMHO...Maybe you were not here then, but I would ask you to be the change you want...it starts with one person and grows from there. No judgements, but respect for one another's journey. Blessings to all, cheesecake88

well we have in past used the daily Good Morning thread as a place where we ate imaginary meals together and talked of things going on in our worlds...but that thread has died again...when it resurrects again check it out...I do not think I ever saw someone go negative there unless they were in bad pain....anyway I guess just being able to vent is good here too....hugs

I would think people who have found themselves a caring dr would still be welcome here-for one thing,it would show that those types of drs do exist and encourage people there is still hope

Hi and welcome to the group. I hope you will soon see the positive and love here. I have the most wonderful doctor anyone could ask for. I hold him in high regard. I once told him that I had to knock him one peg down from the pedestal I had him on because he's a Seahawks fan!! I'm a 49er fan. LOL
Seriously though, this is a good group of people who truly want to help. I am always available to talk and give support. My Profile is not private. Hugs GB

hi -
i don't take it as negativity, i think we all just sometimes need to vent to others who understand
i think i mentioned in a previous post but .. friends and family , they mean well, but they don't really get it
i am pretty new to this also , but so far i haven't really thought it was negative.. i feel like that people here at least can relate with some of the things that i am going through , and that makes me feel better , like i am not alone ...
:)

I get the bad Dr.'s and the parts of it that are a pain in butt..I do, i've been through it all....to me I guess it's just easier to forget the bad parts and spend my remaining energy on having gotten through that and having found good Dr.'s and such. By far none of this is new to me, I've done it so long it's a way of life, I don't remember any different life. I've survived cancer and deal with multiple immune and neurological diseases and have dealt with chronic pain since I was a teenager....I"m almost 50.

I understand the importance of support boards, I don't deal with hardly any of my family anymore because they don't understand it. I have sons who don't understand it, we just kind of 'dance' around it. Support Boards are very important, and positivity has always been important for me.

I've met several very nice people, and look forward to getting to know many more.

I totally agree OldCPer. People needing help get no answers, but needless topics get all the attention. I have been here for over 9 years and although it's not as bad as the attacks there were several years ago, it still needs more support. I know one person who lesft the CP board because they couldn't take the bitchy people.

Whether you see a PM Dr. or not, whether you go another route doesn't matter. Everyone's story, experience is different. Everyone is affected by meds differently.

I used to praise having a PM Dr., well after what I went through, I changed my tune. I thought I had a great Dr. til I lost my insurance. Then I was nothing to them. I only take my thyroid med an a occasional left over med when I get desperate. A supplement is all I take now.

People need to be just kind to one another and be helpful not judgemental.

OldCPer, I agree with you. I do understand people knowing they aren't alone in.not being able to find adequate pain management. But, for some reason some people believe they are entitled to pain meds without having to sign a pain contract, do drug screens or see their Dr every 30 days. Times change. Travel on an airplane is not as simple as it use to be. The treatment for chronic pain is not an entitlement and it is not as simple as it use to be. For those who understand that as well as the fact that drs can't increase pain meds past a certain point so they do all they can to manage their pain with meds and non medication forms of pain management seem to do much better.

I have an excellent doctor right now. I have no problem signing a pain management contract. It's just what you have to do to get your medication. I have finally found a combination of medication that is really helping with my pain. It's all a crap shoot when you're going to see a new pain management doctor. It takes time to find the right fit. Eventually you will find that fit. I think this board has been a pretty positive place to come to and find inspiration. Some of you who are still working full time are an inspiration to me. I know there have been some negative posts, I have participated in some of them as well, we should never lash out when we're in pain and or under-medicated. It has happened to us all from time to time. It is also a part of living with chronic pain and chronic illness. Sometimes we can reach our breaking points. That is when we need to brush ourselves off and get back up off the floor and continue to press forward. I think this board is a wonderful place to share with others as well as to find support. Hugs to everyone!

It is possible for ones primary care doctor, rheumatologist and most likely other doctors to prescribe monthly pain meds without a contract.
Just wanted to clear that up lest there was a misunderstanding.

Recently there have been some great posts of encouragement for those who don't have their pain managed to not give up and continue to look for a good doctor. There are positive and thought provoking posts from Megan. One up tonight in fact. For one negative I believe we have a whole lot of positive.

Recently we had a member who has been a member since 2007 come on the board to discuss the movie Cake. Quite interesting when it comes to negativity. If anyone wants to read comments. I am going to bump it up. Personally I am with Cheescake I would like to see some activity and discussion on feelings. Some like Megan's and some on what is going on in your life and what your challenges are today and your wins. FightingFibro has had a big win.

peace
hippy

It is up to each individual Dr if they want to have their patients sign pain contracts and do drug screens. There are no laws mandating this, it in only recommended.

yep, enjoyed the "cake" discussion quite a bit, it was an interesting but somewhat challenging movie.

and I do still work part time.

and for the record, all my pain management is handled by my PCP of 17 years, but I have a team of 5 docs...I don't use a PM Doc and haven't in quite a while, but I do have a Pain Contract through my PCP.

so, I'm all over the place.

and Jeremy having read a lot of your struggle, I'm really glad to see you've found a good Dr. and are on meds that work for you.

Lol I just post a vent/I'm scared post. I don't really have someone here that I can unload on when I really need it. My husband is kind and does offer encouragement but no one knows what it like unless it's your reality. It's just impossible. Here I can say what's on my mind, I can hear what on other people's minds and I can relate. Most pain patients are under medicated, scutinized, and it's a hell of a hard existence. Hence all the negativity. But I have found something here that I can't get at home or from my doctors, Real understanding. Yes we gripe but we also do share insite, encouraging words or just a I know what ya mean. It just make you feel not so alone.

I think that it souldnt matter where you are at in your journey. Everyone should be allowed to discuss their feelings. Negative or positive.
Its not just a venue for people who are positive and have chronic pain.
As for me, besides my pain and trouble with Dr.s. I am alone. I have no family in the state I live in, I dont have any real friends. Therefore I dont have anyone to talk to. I dont often post on this board because of people in the past being nasty. There is so much bad in my life right now I frankly cant take any more hurt, physical or mental. My sister died of Liver Cancer yesterday and my pain skyrocketed along with negative feelings about everything. I welcome anyone who is feeling good or bad about there pain , or treatment of it to share and be accepted. As I deserve to be accepted also.

We should all be encouraged to share our journeys...the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. As it's been pointed out, the pain management world is not as it used to be. When we have "experts" spouting on Dr. Oz and other venues that doctors are making heroin addicts...we are in an uphill battle. Some of us...many of us...have been casualties. And, it's not always about meds contrary to what some may believe. It's about being treated like a human being...as being trustworthy unless proven otherwise. It is the opposite for many...having to prove oneself to make the doctors comfortable. Some of us may not agree with how things are done but...does that mean our opinion or our feelings don't matter? We cannot say the feelings of one are more important that those of another.

If we need a place to vent, a chronic pain support group should be that safe place. I know I personally no longer feel comfortable sharing my raw emotions as I used to...and I probably never will on this particular board. I have felt attacked on more than one occasion. I'm sorry if that isn't positive but this is how I feel. I have found another group where I can share everything...no matter how negative. I come back here because of the few friendships I have made and because I feel like I deserve to be here as much as anyone else.

I thought long and hard about what I wanted to say on this particular post. I know it's possible some of what I say won't be well received but I deserve to have a voice too. It shouldn't be construed as anything but.

All of our journeys are different...some have fought tooth and nail to FINALLY find a good doctor. Others are still looking and, yet others, are going through so much mental and physical anguish with no relief. The ones who HAVE fought tooth and nail are an inspiration to those still fighting to be heard and should encourage those still fighting. If we wrapped the board in rainbows and failed to tell the truth for fear of negativity, people would feel less likely to share those feelings they may really need to vent. It's true that more often than not, those in intense pain feel they need more support during those dark times. There is a balance that can be found be we should never, ever suggest that someone not share how they truly feel.

As always, this is only my opinion. I know some will agree and some will not...and that's okay. We are all different people and we won't always agree. It doesn't make it negative...it makes it real life.

For some...this place is the only one they can get support...so let's support them no matter if it's positive or negative. That's what a support group is all about.

Gentle (((HUGS))) to all my fellow pain warriors...