I had some chronic pain recently, so I can sort of relate. For 3 months, had shooting nerve pain, neck to arm to wrist... along w/constant achiness in my back.

It's a PAIN being in pain. Oddly, a couple of yoga poses helped me.

Not what you have, but it gave me insight into what you're going through. Hope you start feeling better. And I've heard good things about water therapy, like what Melasande said....

I can relate to what you are saying - I have fibromyalgia, and chronic pain that never goes away, even when it is not severe, can really get to you.

I used to like to run, and I can't do that anymore.

On really bad days, I like to take a warm shower or bath, and that relaxes my back and neck muscles.
Even if it's pain from nerves, the pain still causes your muscles to tense up, and relaxing them might help, because the tense muscles tends to also increase the pain.

Also, I have a microwave heating pad with little tiny beads in it that works wonders - it puts out moist heat, and if feels SO good when my pain is really bad.

I get it osteoron, I know what you mean.

Mel...I think the challenge is, and at least as far as I have spoken with others who have depression is that I know what it is to be happy and to be completely joyful. Many people that I have talked with who have depression though, don't have that experience.

I know what makes me happy. I know what makes me joyful. I'm not sure how to express it any other way.

ok, I kinda think I know what you mean.

Mr. O (that's my nickname for you):
I am sorry to hear that the chronic condition that is giving you difficulty has you feeling a bit blue. One thing I learned about pain; personal physical chronic nerve in the lower spine kind of pain is that pain tells us we're alive. I don't wish to discount how pain can cripple us in more ways than one, but pain reminds us that we're not in balance and to be human and to some degree "normal" I feel we seek a balance.
For me seeking balance and relief from my pain (hit by a car on my bicycle age 16) forced me to change my attitude. It forced me to take care of what I could do and it helped me overcome my ego in ways I never imagined.
Now, here's the part that is not easy to explain except to say one night as I lay in bed and feeling pretty sorry for myself at age 21 I asked for healing. I asked for help from within me and from beyond what I knew or understood to help me heal. At that very instant when I barely had completed asking for relief (all of this took place in my mind as I lay awake conscious) I felt something like a warm energy move up and over my body. Instantly I was moved to tears and sat up in bed with a sense of overwhelming belief that something truly happened to me on a physical level.
I knew at that moment that I had been healed. I sat up in my bed and said out loud, "Yes, I believe....I believe..."
I said it because that's what came to my mind and what I felt in my heart.

You understand the power of belief Mr. O and when we are challenged we need to believe...in something. A higher power, God, Buddha, a true AVATAR (which btw means incarnation of God); ...whatever it is that sustains us spiritually is what we need to be connected with as means of maintaining balance for ourselves.

My wish for you is that you are able to find that balance and that others here can do the same. It's really simple, but also very challenging at times.

Be well and your old self again soon!

Thanks, CG, buy I have developed a very different outlook over the decades. I don't face the challenges that others face in terms of socialized beliefs and fears. So, while i am incredibly happy for you, that doesn't work for me.

I actually don't feel sorry for myself. I certainly did in the past. It is more a question of quality of life.

Good afternoon osteoron, you said you know what makes you happy and what makes you joyful. Is the pain standing in the way of you having these things? On the other hand you've said twice you haven't found anything in 15 years that interest you. You seem to be a very educated person. What about going to a Library and studying different subjects? Or use your computer to bring a library to your place if going out is to much to handle? I hope your pain subsides and you feel better really really soon.

Hi Carrie. Sorry if the responses were confusing. I was responding to Mel... that I did spend a good deal of time looking for others interests, other hobbies, etc.

I do know myself quite well and have been extremely happy and joyful in the past. Pain plays a direct role in not being able to live the way makes me happy.

Ok, I see what you mean, osteoron, I think if I didn't hurt someplace or other I'd have to take my pulse to see if I was dead or not! lol I hope you can find something to at least occupy your mind when in pain...I read something on that in a "pain management" article, will try to look it up for you. ( When I hurt really bad I just whine, whine whine and eat Goodie powders!! Aren't I mature???lol)

I am sorry to hear that you feel so badly. I am with you on the physical pain and emotional pain we have. I miss the things I used to do. My mind wants to do these things but I either get overwhelmed or cant get out of bed to do the things I once loved. Do you have pain medicine to relieve any of the pain? I hope that things get better for you.

Carrie, that is the quality of life question. For the most part, I can block pain and distract myself, but that is far from leading a happy and joyfilled life.

hope you feel better