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...

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cooltonepaints 03/10/2018

Hi All- I'm new, joined to get and give a little support so I'm not always complaining to my friends and family- they're lovely, but not really able to relate.

Due to some injuries and scar tissue problems I've had 9 surgeries on my bones, muscles, and joints, 5 within the past year and a half. I have some degree of pain every day, from manageable to severe enough to require medication. Not to mention the large increases in pain from surgeries and physical therapy sessions. These 5 surgeries so close together don't just flare up the operative joint, they flare up the recently post-op areas and the areas waiting to be operated on. :(

I've finished my final (for now) surgery, but I'm currently in the part of recovery where I'm discouraged, in pain, and depressed. I recognize that my total-body recovery is on the span of months to likely years, to build back strength and coordination and allow my body to heal.

Yet, even though I have these things causing pain every day, I'm very reluctant to say that I have "chronic pain", for some reason. I think part of it is that I don't feel that my problems are "bad enough" to warrant the label. The other, admittedly large part of it is I don't want to admit that I might always have some form of joint or muscle pain going forward. I feel like 26 is too young to accept something like that, even though rationally I know that many pain conditions start developing in your 20's or even younger.

Not sure if any of that makes a ton of a sense :) But I'm trying to work through some hard and teary days from my most recent surgery, and hoped that letting out some of the negative feelings would help. Wishing everyone a low pain day, with freedom from these achey changes in weather!!

-CTP

TjT2300 03/10/2018

Hello. Sounds like you have been through a lot! I know what you mean about the label of chronic pain. Nobody wants a label that literally means constant suffering. I know I didn’t. I was in great shape one minute, then an accident gave me that label in a split second. I had a hard time with it, for a long time. Now, it is just one part of my life. Albeit, not a fun part, but it no longer is the biggest part of my life. I’ve got great kids and a loving wife that are such larger parts of who I am now. They accept the lost time when the pain is too great. We just enjoy the rest of the time even more. You are young. Unfortunately, you more than likely will have more pain in your life. Be an advocate for yourself. Get the best doctor you can get. Have your condition and pain treated to the best modern medicine can offer. The rest of the time, focus on what brings you happiness. Surround yourself with good friends. Stay active, depression and pain always travel together. If you feel depressed, tell your doctor. It is a normal part of many people’s recovery from major injury. Best of luck!

Eeyore22 03/12/2018

Welcome! I'm 27 so I hear ya on the young aspect and not wanting to accept the label of 'chronic pain'. It's part of the grieving process I think. Like if you don't say it then it's not really permanent or you can wake up and things will be different. It's been two years and I still have a hard time coming to terms with it. Right now it's all encompassing but I'm hopeful that eventually I'll have a better handle on managing it and can look forward to a family and future endeavors. Were all here for each other which helps a lot, you need someone who understands fully what you're going through. Anyway, here if you need to talk more -hugs-

CasMac1 03/12/2018

welcome, it's very hard to have to admit you have chronic pain I had to 20 years ago after having a spinal cord injury and then got rsd, I totally understand living with chronic pain. Meaning you cannot get it under control by tacking a advil once in awhile. That's down to earth view. there are better medical symbols if you want them. It's very hard to accept but once you do accept then you can seriously look at what can I do for it now. Were here for you sending support gentle hugs casey

cooltonepaints 03/13/2018

Thank you all for the kind words, I really appreciate it! It's nice to know I'm not the only one who feels conflicted admitting to chronic pain. I agree that it's sort of "if I don't say it, it's not real", I can admit that I have had daily pain for years, but not that I have "chronic pain".

I'm hopeful that once I get a little further out from my latest surgery, things will be easier to manage. Right now I'm really struggling with energy and motivation to keep up with my health tasks: post-surgical exercises, wound care, scar massage, regular icing, taking my vitamins and supplements, etc. After I make myself do those things I feel like I barely have any energy left to make food, clean up, or try to get some work done. I'm sure you all are familiar with the feeling. Again, I really appreciate the warm welcome.

jarrey 03/13/2018

Cooltonepaints, I'm glad you found this site. We are here to talk and work through all of the experiences. I know what you mean about not wanting to accept the term "chronic pain". When reading about what others go through makes me feel like it my issues don't compare. Chronic pain creates an environment with less exercise and increased weight gain. It is key to finding a good eating plan and adaptive exercises to stay healthy and fight off depression. Please lean on us as much as you need, we are all here for you.

OlderCPer 03/15/2018

Well I've been a Chronic Pain patient for 31 years I've also been BiPolar for 28 years...labels don't bug me so much, I don't really care or pay attention to what other people think or say.

I don't agree with the above statement, "Chronic pain creates an environment with less exercise and increased weight gain."

That blanket Statement is not true for all people with Chronic Pain, by far. I exercise in my pool plenty and I'm not and haven't been overweight. I know many, many CPer's who exercise and aren't overweight. I know many who exercise.

Eating healthy does help a lot, lots of lean protein, fresh fruits and veggies, low carbs, no junk food, no soda, candy or salty, greasy foods or snacks. Its' pretty much common sense.

Just because you have Chronic Pain doesn't mean you can't exercise. Exercise is good for help pain. Get the joint moving, muscle get unstiff, don't spasm as much. Go out in the fresh sunshine take a few 15 min. walks a day, soak up that natural Vitamin D that fights depression. Walter exercises can be best because you don't have to fight your body weight and its easier on joints and sore muscles.

I hope you find what your looking for here.

Take care,
Kat

cooltonepaints 03/15/2018

Thank you Jarrey and Kat. Exercise is very important for me to recover from my surgeries, and I know that the endorphins will help me. Unfortunately, it's the motivation to exercise that has been such a problem for me this year with the 5 surgeries. I feel like I get a surgery, get laid out for a while, slooooowly work my way back to little mini work-outs, and then I have another surgery. and it starts all over again After this past surgery it's tough because my pain, fatigue, and depression are keeping me in bed most of the day- then I feel guilty for not doing more exercises. :(

OlderCPer 03/16/2018

It is not easy, motivation sometimes seems like it needs motivation...a rough cycle.

I've had 30 surgeries in the last 19 years. I get the downtime post-op, getting used to being in bed, getting complacent and getting down. Most of my surgeries included post-op Physical Therapy, which I wasn't nuts about in the beginning but by the time you work through the pain and get motivated through, your used to not being complacent.

My best advice would be start slow...maybe just a couple of 15 minute walks in the fresh air and sunshine each day. Get that natural Vitamin D from the sun that will help with the Depression, and the fresh air that might help wake you up and clear the cobwebs out. *smile* Maybe it will feel good just to get out of the house and out of the same dull daily routine. That's what I used to hate about post op from big surgeries, being stuck in the house in the same boring daily routine while the world went on around me....and I couldn't go much of anywhere. Just a slight change of scenery felt good.

I hope you find something that helps motivate you to start those small steps to some exercise and a break in the dull and dreary days.

Take care,
kat

cooltonepaints 03/19/2018

Hi Kat- Definitely agree on the motivation conundrum. I actually like physical therapy, despite the intense pain from going. Being a former athlete, I feel "at home" in fitness facilities, and if I can work with a good PT it has the benefit of getting me out of the house and being a good addition to my support system. My PCP (who is wonderful) actually recommended some time outside in the sun as well. So, now that two people are urging me to do it, I'll have to see if I can leverage myself off the couch this afternoon for a little walk- it's cold, but it is sunny :)

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