Living with pain, how do you cope?

[IwillDoThis]

So for those of you living with pain after pills what things do you do that help?  I'm really struggling today, I feel like someone crushed my neck and back, my tmj is flaring in full force and motrin doesn't begin to touch it.  Today I feel so hopeless, at 42 years old I am living like a 90 year old woman and I hate it.  I force myself to to go dinner with friends and find I'm just screaming inside to get through the night so I can lay down and take the pressure off my back.  I smile and no one knows but I really do despise living this way.   I do all that I recommend to others but this week it isn't helping me.

I won't take pills because I know where that leads but today with the pain I must get through 1 hour at a time, I must come to terms that this is what I live with.  I feel so sad and I hurt so much.  This is as much pain as I've been in at 32 days since my detox.

[minn66]

Omg, I could have written your post, Iwill! You are so right, at least it helps to know that we aren't alone. We are also very lucky to have such supportive partners in our lives. Feel free to PM me any time. :) I post from my phone so I am getting used to the site features but I will answer. We can make it through this together!

[IwillDoThis]

Oh I can so relate - my boyfriend is so awesome after working a 16 hour day he insisted on giving me a massage last night - I felt like such an a**hole - I told him to run, run away from me that he deserves more than living with a woman who feels like she is 90.  He laughed and told me to shut up.  I feel so fortunate to have an understanding partner but I feel so guilty, I feel like I'm dragging him down.   Trying to make plans for this weekend to go to a jazz brunch down at riverfront and in my mind I'm already dreading sitting in a lawn chair for hours - that is all I can think about right now.  The guilt is awful Minn66.  Again so glad to know I'm not alone.

[minn66]

I know exactly what you mean. I don't want to take pills but don't want to be a drag either. My husband is very understanding and supportive but I feel like I am disappointing him and our family. I will ask my doctor about those pads, texaslady. Thank you.

[IwillDoThis]

Thanks TL, Flector never head of it, I will be asking about that next month when I discuss alternatives with my doc.  Appreciate the feedback.

[texaslady68]

I have DDD as well as other back issues.  I have been having epidural injections done.  I have had one one each side of my back since quitting pills Dec. 25th and have had great success with them.  I was hurting bad prior to having them in Feb.  They also have patches called Flector that you get a prescription for.  They are applied directly to your aching area and have NSAID medication non narcotic.  They are kind of pricey but there is coupon on their website that I used and now have more than I will ever use.

[IwillDoThis]

Thanks so much - sometimes it's just good to know you are not alone.  Now that I'm off these damn things I just have so much I want to get done and laying on a heating pad with my tens unit isn't how I wanted to spend my day.  I need to have patience with myself and remind myself this is a process, I'm gonna have bad days and to treat myself with care.  Thanks for sharing - I REALLY appreciate it!

[minn66]

Oh, Iwill, I know exactly how you feel! I have compressed discs, bone spurs, and calcification of the nerves in my neck. I also have TMJ! Some days are really difficult. I go to physical therapy twice a week and get trigger point injections about every four weeks. My PT includes therapeutic massage. When I get home from work I lay down in the dark on the heating pad on my ergonomic pillow. I am really struggling too. I just take it day by day. Just wanted to let you know I identify and understand.

[IwillDoThis]

Thanks Lost - I've actually been out of yoga due to the neck issues I've been having for a couple weeks for whatever is going it seems to aggravate it.  All of my normal bag of tricks are not working which is why I feel so frustrated.  Ice did help last night so I guess I'm going back on the ice packs.

[LostNoMore]

Hey Iwill - You mentioned yoga in a post quite a while ago. Is that still an option for you? I have DDD and I've been doing an hour of stretching each morning. My neck and back have been baaad the last 2 days. I made an appointment to see my Dr next week. He mentioned something about a
cortizone shot for my neck, which is causing the worst pain. I also do hot/cold treatment and alleve. Makes it tough to be grateful but I think at least part of the pain is rebound since I'm early in recovery. Hang in there.