chronic pain support

[retiredbosn]

I know there are other members of this site that deal with chronic pain.  I am wondering if there is any support groups or anything that are available.  We deal with many unique issues that people without chronic pain just do not understand.  For me personally I have not had a pain free day since 2002, I had my first back surgery in 1992 and although I still had some residual pain after the first surgery is was tolerable.  Now I deal with terrible pain on a daily basis, sometimes I just need a place to vent.  Where do you go to vent?

[fishfordollars]

Sorry to hear. I'm right there with you. I live on pain meds and pain patches. It's a bummer, but I just carry one and try to make the best of it.

Please take your meds as prescribed. They are addictive as you well know. I have been on Vicodin over four years and have never taken more than I was supposed to. If you need the numbers or address for a few of the groups I have used, just let me know.

FYI, I will be traveling from noon today until Thursday afternoon so bear with me.

Good luck,

Jack

[Uncle Leo]

Talk to your Orthopedic Surgeon, here in the Chicago land area I went to a Pain Clinic at Lake Forest Hospital by my doctor recommendation. I have two Herniated Discs T1 and 2. No surgery for me as it would have been extreme. I spent 30 days and learned to live with the pain for the last 10 years. There is help out there without meds.

[Tin]

I'm like Fourbizz, always miserable and an internet bully. LOL

I have pretty much been stuck at home for the past week because of this Chron's bs. And now feel like a pos because I still have shopping to do for people. Pain meds pretty much don't work for me and in a lot of cases would make things worse because of the internal bleeding and ulcers. I can't be on a boat for long periods of time any more so I just sold it and haven't been able to enjoy fishing most of the year.

[retiredbosn]

Sorry to hear. I'm right there with you. I live on pain meds and pain patches. It's a bummer, but I just carry one and try to make the best of it.

Jack

I know what you mean, if it wasn't for my meds I really don't know what I would do. I tried to live without them for a long time, and the doctor finally convinced me that I would not become an addict and to trust him. The relief I get is not complete, I would hate to know how much it would take to make me pain free, but I imagine it would leave me in a stupor. Sometimes I just get sick and tired of it. I have a five year old son and feel so guilty that I can't play wrestle with him or rough house like he wants to do, I'm going to miss teaching him how to play football, throw a fast ball curve, etc and know I'll never coach his teams like I did for his siblings. I'm just 40, and have a long time to deal with this, I'm doing the best I can, and have some friends who are in the same boat, we get together and vent to each other sometimes it really does help.

Tin,

I know what you mean feeling like you let the world down, it sucks. If it wasn't for my wife no one would get a gift from me this year.

FWIW I'm heading back to the operating table next month, C7-T1 pushing on the cord causing problems. I've been putting it off now for about six months and now it is getting unbearable.

[MALTESE FALCON]

Hey Todd, next time you see your doctor, ask him for a referral. My Neurosurgeon sent me about ten years ago.

Remember, you have my number. Any time you need to talk, don't hesitate to call.

Falcon

[Triton21]

I've had back surgey and both hips replaced(right one twice).  I am now in a pain med study for Phizer Pharnicutical and in less pain than I have experienced in the last 28 years.  I have run the gamut of  pain pills, patches, and shots.  This study is for a non narcotic drug that adheres to the pain receptors and doesn't allow the pain to reach the brain.  I am not pain free yet, just had my first treatment last Friday but am at about a 2 on the pain scale whereas I normally am at a 8 or 9.  If this passes all the tests it will probably be on the market in about 2 years.  It is Non-Narcotic.  I Have been looking for something like this for the last 28 years.  I will keep you posted as to results.

Kelley

[bassfisherjk]

I have not been pain free since May 2008,had an accident which injured my spine and head.I have tried all the shots,pills,patches,etc. without much help.Try to think positive(it's hard sometimes).My life has changed alot but I keep going.Good Luck to all you guys,I'm there with you.

[Sam]

My wife has had one neck and four back surgeries and she is pain when she either sits or stands for a long time.

Current neurosurgeon and Pittsburgh Steelers neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh say that her back surgeries have been successful and the pain is caused by the scar tissue and nerve damage.

She is seeing a pain doctor; takes pain pills; and may see one more doctor.

For now, she is contemplating retirement from the Treasury Department but getting a medical disability retirement is like pulling teeth.

I know what you are going through via my wife's condition and I sincerely hope you can find a treatment that will alleviate the pain.

God Bless and let's hope there is a breakthrough in pain treatments in the very near future for all of us. 

[FishingBuds]

Back pain, since I was 19 so Chiro's all my life just about, I can get sever sinus's so I have meds for that, I take all year and now Im noticing I just can't eat anything anymore   Chocolate and cakes will give me bad chest pain from Indigestion, found out the hard way and it sucks not knowing this stuff up front, cause when you eat something and later you think your having a heart attack, it messes with you head!!!!!

[retiredbosn]

My wife has had one neck and four back surgeries and she is pain when she either sits or stands for a long time.

Current neurosurgeon and Pittsburgh Steelers neurosurgeon in Pittsburgh say that her back surgeries have been successful and the pain is caused by the scar tissue and nerve damage.

She is seeing a pain doctor; takes pain pills; and may see one more doctor.

For now, she is contemplating retirement from the Treasury Department but getting a medical disability retirement is like pulling teeth.

I know what you are going through via my wife's condition and I sincerely hope you can find a treatment that will alleviate the pain.

God Bless and let's hope there is a breakthrough in pain treatments in the very near future for all of us.

Believe it or not I was 35 when awarded permanent and total disability.  Takes about 2 to 2 1/2 years, mainly due to my age.  Disability pay is not much and if it wasn't for my veteran's pay I wouldn't be able to make ends meet.  Good luck to you and your wife.