I wanted to connect with others who suffer from chronic pain. The pain is nothing new, but I've started to have a lot of abdomonal pain now, in addition to the fibro, osteoarthritis, myofacial pain syndrome, ankylosing spondilitis, multiple herniated discs, pinched spinal nerves, CRPS, etc... I'm on disabilty for the chronic pain and have only Medicare. I've lost Everything b/c of not being able to work, including my home. I cannot afford a secondary health insurance. I have only 1 doctor, a family practitioner, and can only afford to see him 4 times a year for meds. I had to move in with my mom and s-dad 7 years ago, and was hoping it would only be temporary, but I'm still here and now have become the sole caregiver for both of them who are in very poor health. I'm thinking that maybe the stomach pain is from stress, but it's so bad that I double over. I've tried to get Medical Assistance several times, and other Assistance of any kind, but am continually denied. I don't know where to turn and just need some reassurance. I've also become severely depressed, have panic attacks, and now have become very socially phobic as well. I can't keep up with the work I need to do for my mom and s-dad. I can barely keep up with taking care of myself and my dog and cat. I'm SO burned out, but the pain is relentless. Pain meds don't work. I really need friends who understand the insanity of this chronic pain syndrome. I have no children and no husband. I'm totally alone. I'm an only child. I've called multiple psychiatrist offices to get an appointment for the depression/panic/agoraphobia, etc.. but have been denied by them all. They've all told me that they don't accept patients who have "Medicare only" b/c it doesn't pay. Any suggestions, support, etc.. would be greatly appreciated. I'm just lost.
Thanks,
Kathy