Chronic Pain Help

[TOLY]

I was injured by a chiropractic over adjustment in 2000. Over these 8 years, I have become very ill with the severe chronic pain I endure constantly. I am only 34 years old, unable to work, hardly able to keep up with regular household duties and many times unable to even grocery shop. In addition, I suffer now from depression because I am pretty much housebound and have nothing to do but lay in bed or on the couch all day in pain. I believe these symptoms have also turned into chronic fatigue syndrome, since I have no energy or stamina. I have tried Percocet, Vicadin, methadone, anti-depressants, anti-seizure meds, muscle relaxants and morphine. Does anyone have suggestions as to medications and dosages that were successful in treating their chronic pain and depression and allowed them to live life again? Also, any treatments that were successful? I have had facet injections, botox in my back, physical therapy, massage, acupunture, trigger point injections, cortizone injections, even tried chiropractic again in the hopes of getting some releif. Are there any herbs that are helpful? I just found out that medical marijuana may be helpful, but since I have no experience with this drug I am nervous to look into this as an option. Lastly, what do those of you with chronic pain do all day? I am in too much pain to even talk on the phone or have a friend over, so now I just stay alone. I know these are a lot of questions, but I am feeling very lost and alone right now.

[Jualie]

good luck, Toly, hang in there,,,,my best meds that work for me for depression is cymbalta 60mg, and for pain, oxycottin 80 mg cr, 2 in am, and 2 in pm, work well for my pain.


Jualie

[Tuckamore]

Hi Toly,

I am glad you found us. I could have written your post concerning the pain. And you know some days I do just what you are doing. I allow myself a day now and than to rest, no demands. But I do not have small children pulling at me so I must "go." And God Bless Sandee who has found the correct meds and the will power and determination to keep going each and every day. Some CP suffers are not the lucky.

I have found that I cannot allow myself to sit, or lay too long. My pain intensifies and it becomes a vicious cycle. I do take pain meds and I see a DO (doctor of osteopathy) that preforms manipulations gentling easing my SI back into place. I highly recommend them over a chiropractor. Please don't misunderstand me Chiropractors may be great for some ppl. I am not one of them. So together with the right pain medicine and her manipulations I am able to bear the pain on most days. I am no  longer able to work however and my career was a very important part of my life.

So what do I do?? I keep my house clean and make special meals for my supportive, hard working loving husband. I visit my neighbors for very short periods of time, sometimes 15 minutes. I care for my elderly father in my home. And I found MedHelp. I answer posts and hope I am helping others to know that they are not alone, that CP is not the end of our lives. If I didn't do this I would volunteer at the local hospital or nursing home even if it were only an hour a day. A visit with an elderly person brightens their day and makes me feel I am still useful.

May I suggest that you need to get out and about even  if it's only for an half hour, you need to keep trying pain meds or a combination that will ease some of your pain. I think you need an antidepressant and/or a pain psychologist to help you feel better and learn ways to cope and live with this horrible monster they call chronic pain.

Please keep in touch. Let us know how you are feeling. There are many here that care and want to offer their support and help. Take Care, Tuck

[sandee1818]

What do I do all day?
I am a Mom of three and a wife and I work and take care of my home and children and husband and I take care of the yard and the finances.
I am currently taking on the role as teacher too as I am having some problems with the school and  home schooling my girls at the moment.
I hurt all day and all night and I still have to cook and clean and pay the bills and teach the girls and look nice when my honey comes home. I do this because if I sit and let the pain take control then it wins and what have I gained?
To say it is hard is an under statement but I must do the things I believe is my responsibility and do them the best I can. I push myself and it is painful but at the end of the day I know I have done all I can for me and my family and for that it is worth it to me.
My husband works hard too, he leaves at 4 am six days a week and does not come home until 7-8pm.

I am not insinuating your any different I just want to make a point that we can allow our pain to take over our lives if we allow it. You are in severe pain and the first step to getting your life back to as normal as possible is to talk to your Dr and get yourself on a pain reliever that will help you. Everyone responds to meds different so for everyone to tell you what they take would be useless. You need to tell your Dr every single symptom your having and what other meds you have took and why they did not work for you. It is a trial and error game until you find the one or combination that works for you.
You have come to the right place here and we will help and support you every way we can. I believe you should ask also about seeing a pain psychologist as they will help you understand and help you with what your feeling.
Depression is something that comes along with pain and chronic pain and needs to be treated just as the pain. When you start feeling hopeless you leave out the options that may help you and you really have plenty that are still an option. You have tried a lot of different things and though they did not work you should never give up trying. I understand what your saying completely and it is too easy to say well I am going to just lie here because I am hurting so bad, try and do things to take your mind off of the pain and when you do get on a med that helps with your pain control try and start getting out more. If you just take a stroll around the yard it is a start.

[Heather3418]

Please don't feel alone...there are so many people today, living with the same dilemma.  Many doctor's do not tell there patients, that pain medications are actually central nervous system depressants and can CAUSE depression.  You are not alone.

What pain medication are you presently taking? Are you having upper or lower spinal pain?  There may be some solutions available to you that do not require so much medication.  As is the case with me, I am looking at something that will actually deliver medication, directly into the spinal space, rather than continue to consume pain medication.  Please note, I am LOOKING into it.  It's just a thought, though.

My main reason for writing, is to let you know that you do not have to endure this suffering in silence.  There are so many people that can identify with your situation.  Sometimes it can seem hopeless and certainly depressing.  It helps to know that others are going through exactly the same thing, wishing to give you friendship and understanding.

I am sure others will post to lend their support.  Hang in there, okay?

Best Wishes and Many prayers,
Heather