interested in new grp for cp w?omhome

I just want to gather as many of us long-term chronic pain folks together at this forum as i can so we can figure out how to change how we are treated by the medical community and how we are perceived by the general public. Just say the word opiate or morphine and see!! If you like this idea and think it could be useful then tell your friends etc and come on board>  The question is are you out there? First things first.  Om    yogadon

[Motowngirl67]

Yes, I am out here. Uninsured until November. Treated like a drug seeker. I was in PM when I lived in AZ for two failed back surgeries and several other back, neck, feet issues. Once I moved to CA and lost my Insurance I have racked up so many medical bills! And my PCP gives me the minimum pain medication I can survive on. In AZ my PM doctor made sure I was able to have a quality of life. In CA you can't even go tp PM w/out insurance even if you are willing to pay the outrageous prices for injections and such. My life consist of ice 20min every two hrs, lying on the couch, not particpating in any of my childrens activities. Very lonley life. My family tries to understand but it is hard. I don't talk to and have lost most my friends because they just don't understand and the ones I have kept I see 2 to 3 times a year and don't talk to due to not wanting to be judged.  So, yea I would say we are out there, we are around, at least I know I am. Really have no idea how to make things any better on though... ;)

[TheMadMan]

Currently I am getting treatment on my back from an acupuncture clinic recommended by a pain management doctor at my local VA hospital. This doctor has an attitude and explains with my multiple operations he is not sure this treatment will work for me. That builds real confidence...? He has offered two treatments and says if that doesn't help, it is out of his field of expertise. Interesting. Well first treatment was interesting and might have helped but I need attention to my upper back also. Will see what this doctor says about that.
Also I see a pain management doctor at another hospital. I have been going to this hospital for quite some time and they did my surgeries which did help over time. I am scheduled for a nerve block on Oct 2nd and look forward to the procedure because this has helped in the past. This doctor recommended Lyrica but the side effects of insomnia were horrible. This is my second time on this drug and it does not work for me. The only thing I take for pain is Norco 10/325 once a day as needed. I am so tired of trying all these drugs that only dope up the mind and do nothing for the pain. I have some issues with my back muscles that need addressing and I am not ready for physical therapy just yet. Need to get my back issues addressed before I move onward. One doctor recommended a spinal cord stimulator but only as a last resort but I am not sure I want to go that route just yet. Any feed back about the spinal cord stimulator would help but I have degenerative joint/disk disease so I am not sure this will help but I am wiling to listen.
That's my feedback. Will keep posted to read other responses.

[omhome]

for MM and motown too!!Hey. now there are three of us. Good start. Thank you both for sharing. So i can use help pulling this together--Help formulating a way to get our power back as to treatment or medication that might improve our daily quality of life. We seem to run into so many roadblocks even with clear evidence that we really REALLY are in pain. If we have a terminal illness like cancer there aren't those roadblocks---there isn't the negative perception of us as "addicts" (oh god forbid!). As an aside i want to help remove that cloud from the Disease of Addiction (which some folks do have). So i wonder if we should concentrate on growing our group first while brainstorming for ideas (and looking for legal help?). Get friends onboard. You know this could be perceived as including more than just cp sufferers---we ask to be allowed legally to make our own decisions about what happens to our own bodies--including  being able to prescribe medication for ourselves!! I can self-prescribe alcohol--sugar--tobacco etc.  There is medicinal marijuana (with perm its)! Medicinal poppies?  I know  good luck with that?   OM     yogadon

[sueduva]

Hi Om, Themadman, Motowngirl67 and all our other chronic pain friends.
I am going to copy my previous note to you, to add to this discussion.  Except now I am officially 49 yesterday!!  I also like gentle yoga, and I am going to try to get to a class tomorrow.

Yes I would be interested in a new chronic pain thread/post.

I am 49 (yikes, next week) and have lived in pain for 20 years, and there is no hope in site.  Managing my pain is a daily ordeal??  What do I do, or take today?  I take a med until I get too many side effects and then have to pick my next poison.  Lately It's been do I take a morphine pill or smoke my marijuana??  Not the average mom's coffee group chat!!

I know some people in the chronic pain community don't like sharing their medication info, that's ok, but I do like people to be honest in how they are really feeling and coping.

Today, I'm having a tough time because I have a bad cold.  And whenever I get sick with something else I get depressed.  Because I can't seem to cope with another problem??  My back pain is all I can handle.

And I would like any humour about pain too, it's actually a fantastic med.
Good luck Om, count me in.
Sue xoxo

p.s. I still have a nasty sinus, sore throat that wont go away.
Does anyone else get sick (colds etc.) more often with chronic pain.
Everyone else in my family gets a cold and then gets better.  But mine last for weeks at a time, I think my body has a really bad immune system.
Sue

[omhome]

i'm really glad to hear from you sue. I was delayed there for a few days but it's alright now.  I think i am sick from the drugs sometimes and it is a cold or flu and sometimes i think i have a cold and it is the drugs. If i get the timing wrong taking them or if it is a "bad" batch (it happens-anybody else experience that?) or blah blah blah. Our immune systems wear down and our energy wears down from doing battle with the pain every day. And yes when just one more thing comes up it seems too much. But here we are!!
        I really want to change some things and try and make our lives a little easier as far as securing proper effective medication for our documented pain. Why should we "fear" that a doctor will cut us off for some reason (they do it). Why have to keep paying for required office visits when we know more about our pain and what we need for it than they ever will! Why can't i make an informed decision about what i choose to put in my body? Why can't i be treated like an adult ---respected. Do diabetics have to "beg" for insulin? Cancer patients for pain meds? There must be a way? Medicinal Poppies??HA! Where's my permit?
     Well now it looks like 4 of us. I don't have the answers as to what to do or where to start but i bet you we can figure out something to at least start even if it takes time and benefits those who follow. I will feel better just fighting back and demanding my rights as an adult human being.
     As to the yoga sue--- all i can say is it supplies way WAY more than help for the physical body and teaches  the most practical psychological tools for living inspirational lives.  And for the transformation of the pain-energy into compassion-energy. We have pain (severe often) but learn not to "suffer" so much etc. Read about it. Study. Practice--practice-practice especially for cp sufferers the breathing and meditation techniques. There are a million ways to do it. Some do running-yoga. Walking meditation. Something that will fit YOU.  Find it.  That has been my search.  Enough for now. Remember to breathe and take little mini breaks during the day. Little inner oases refreshments.    Om     yogadon

[TheMadMan]

Maybe some good news for me. The acupuncture treatments seem to be helping. I have had two treatments and some of my back pain has been relieved. The latest treatment involved a massage up and down my spine to relieve the tension.  Seemed to help for now. I am trying to get ready to do my Pilates once again which has helped in the past. Maybe I can get back to a 'normal life' again with some pain relief? Still need the nerve block for my hip and hope that will happen on Oct 2nd. There may be a chance for pain relief yet?

[sueduva]

Thank you Om for starting this new post.
  I was just thinking about ditching yoga today because I'm in so much pain.  But now I am going to make it my priority today :) so I better get a move on!!  I am so slow to get going, I usually can't get out the door until noon.
And  Madman, I am glad you are getting relief from the acupuncture and massage that is awesome.  I go for a massage once a month, and honestly my massage therapist has probably been one of my best health care providers.  He basically provides me with physio/massage and gives me a 2 hour treatment for the price of a one hour.  I wish I could use some of my health care benefits to cover massage so I could go once a week, that would be amazing.  But I only have $500 a year coverage so that covers 5 visits for the whole year.  Luckily I can afford to pay the rest, but it just makes me wonder why my benefits will cover as much morphine as I want, which I hate to take??  I suppose  cheap drugs are covered??
I wonder who owns our benefit company, maybe they are in bed with the drug companies??  Something to think about.
Take care all, Sue
Gotta go to yoga!!!

[omhome]

i am so glad to hear the good news from you guys---we all need it and need sometimes to look closely for it. Sometimes that goodness can happen for just a moment but it is there. Yes madman there is more relief "out there" and "in there". And wouldn't you know my daughter is an acupuncturist! She says that the more you do it the more powerful the effects can become. She underlines "can" because so many variables are involved (food-exercise-meditation with the medication--humor) . You seem to be one that it works on.
        My god sue you should be able to get a massage everyday like the rich people do but no NO   no money then suffer honey. *****! Bigtime! Good for you for going to yoga. You don't have to do anything but lay there if that is all you can do---75% of yoga is just showing up at your mat! The intention is primary. It is the group energy that heals and soothes. So  yes yes yes for you guys. Oh yeah   hot tub if you can before or after yoga (not too long as it can drain energy after a while.) Same for pilates (great practice). I know madman   a man going to yoga?? a challenge for sure.
        Hello motown are you there? Sounds like a rough road for you now. You know we all seem to be in the same boat as far as people just not understanding what is happening to us. They run out of compassion and patience. However you have to pretty much ignore that and focus on yourself right now and on your children--put what energy you have there and don't caretake others (husband-friends-parents-whoever).Those who really matter will figure it out and still be there for you. The others---well have understanding for them (no resentment-just poisons you). Everybody hang in there (by your nails)(or claws). Bring others on  board if you can and let's continue gathering the energy and then we will figure out what to do with it! And let's try to keep this thing alive and current so others will learn that we are consistently here (or there for them ) when they do respond or need it. OK   good news   good energy     yes yes yes!  OM   yogadon

[omhome]

well?this doesn't look like there is much interest in this conversation so it is time to let it go? Not many cp'ers around this place i guess or just not an interest in what i am trying to put out there. I do get it. just not much energy for "the revolution" in the medical-pharmaceutical corporation----i do get it! it'll never happen so why waste that little energy on a pipe dream (an opium pipe? HA)  where's my medicinal poppy when i need it? There is such a talented pool of us "addicts" out there---we are a little over-sensitive  maybe but very intelligent as a group ---we could do something together. I love what you guys have to say and how you say it---most people today can not even structure a sentence---and what you say so well has application and generalizes to broader society.  Just read some of the cp'ers posts for god's sake!!  Alrighty then. Maybe one of you should start a new one just in case omhome puts them off. Really  om? must be a muslim!!Huh?  Or some kinda yogiu weirdo?   Not likely! Texas born and raised (om om on the range). Rolling stones   going om om om!! See ya on the couch .   Om     yogadon

[omhome]

ok  i can take a hint!Good luck everybody--stay strong---be kind. See ya at da beach!  om

[TheMadMan]

Is there more than one site here? A bit confused?

[Dalubaba]

I think there is some confusion or some problem with operation of this group. I just posed a message,addressed to OM. My message is not here. Let us see whether this message is taken up by this page. Dalubaba.

[Dalubaba]

The first post did not appear. I think there is some confusion about Pain. Neck pain has another group.I think the messages are mixed up. Let us hope that this group, improves and become solace to people in pain.

[omhome]

let's straighten this out somehow because there is much confusion and there is difficulty in posting for some reason. Can we grow our group is the question
and then we can get on with the Tools we can use to improve our daily qualityy of life.  I like what you are posting dalubaba--keep it up---all of us here is a chance encounter in a world called med-help and for whatever reason here we all are. Let's not miss this opportunity! We can make it how we want.,. OK?  More people climb on board---we'll use both or more sites and new sites about particular "tools"  etc. ooops   gotta go   yes  yes   yes   more later (on the breathwork etc.)    om    yogadon

[sueduva]

Hi yogadon,
I think that's a great idea, information on how to manage and cope with the pain, and how to still live life while you are in pain.

Yesterday was a really bad pain day for me; it didn't seem to make a difference that I took my meds the pain seemed to just control my body and brain.
Now I feel really  bad because my mum called and asked my how I was feeling?  This is such a dangerous question to ask me when I am having a bad pain day, because I always answer honestly.
I said, I wish I could go into hospital and get meds to put me out of my misery.  That is exactly how I felt yesterday!  
Today I have to call her back and apologize for upsetting her.

My mum is 80, healthy, energetic, and full of life.  But she really doesn't get how much pain I'm in?  She is also very controlling, and as a parent wants to fix my problems. (which I totally get, being a parent too)
So it frustrates her to no end that she cannot fix my pain or back problems.  I have already surrendered, and realize that I can't control my life, but am trying to manage what I can.

Most days I do want to live, but somedays when the pain is soooooo bad and I feel useless,  I really get depressed.

Ok, well today is a better day, so I better get out for a bit and enjoy the sunshine.
Any advice is appreciated.  I might post this on medhelp tomorrow, and see if any other people can relate.
Take care,
Sue

[Motowngirl67]

What is it that you are trying to put out there exactly. I am a cp and currently uninsured and to put honesty on the table I feel like a drug addict. I mark the calendar for the right time of month when I can call my pcp, make that appt to get my monthly scripts that barely get me by, but do give me a few good days, then make sue I have enough cash on hand because COSTCO doesn't take credit to pay for my 'drugs' just to gi home set them up wait the month and do it again. I HATE IT!! And when they aske every month why are you here to see the doctor you have to say to beg for my scripts again, even though they know and you been there same place same time for over a year.... So, how do we fix it hw

[TheMadMan]

It may only be a handful of us but I know I watch the board to LEARN anything new. I think education about how pain is created would help people understand this annoying cycle. The mind perceives pain in different ways. The body interprets pain as the mind directs it. Drugs only try and block the pain signal. Distracting the pain cycle in the brain helps with pain relief. Education about how the brain relates to pain is something that I think needs more attention here. Many people think (or take the doctors word for it) that the drugs will do something. Not always the case.
The acupuncture I am taking helps for a temporary moment along with the massage but returns depending on what I do with my back. (sitting is the worse) Muscle relaxers help me although they put me to sleep for a short while but this also relaxes the muscle and pain cycle. When I wake up the pain is mostly gone and I can get through a few more hours pain free, but breaking this pain cycle is the key. The mind is stronger than the drugs and any distraction methods will help the brain re-focus but it takes a lot of 'brain power' to do this. I KNOW my favorite music and rides along the beach (visual distraction) help the brain re-focus and I have been using this method for years. Gets old sometimes but better than the drugs.
Remember, the mind is a terrible thing to waste especially when it comes to pain.

[omhome]

i think this site is working again!?  If so good let's popst here and if you like at pain management. A little over-lap won't hurt. So when i have time later i will try and finish up with the exhale part of the pain-relief breathing techniques. Everybody post their "tricks of the trade" pain relief practices. Wow. whatr if we learned just one new one a month?  A week?  OK later    om   yogadon    

[TheMadMan]

Update on the acupuncture treatments.
I had to fight really hard to get these treatments but finally got a start. Have had about 4 treatments to my neck, back and hip area. (told them to stay away from my hip area, treatments only create more pain). Treatments seem to be working on my upper back and neck. Unfortunately, they used a massage machine on my lower back which brought back more pain. Doctor want to reevaluate me for more treatments if needed and I want acupuncture for my upper back as it does seem to help but I don't think he will recommend this. As I mentioned, I had to fight to get this treatment and the doctor is continually in a hurry when he treats me. I have muscle tension in my upper back (according to the doctor, this was caused by multiple surgeries and posture). The massage treatments to my upper back along with the acupuncture I have experienced relief on but they keep screwing with the other areas of my back which creates more pain. I understand what these treatments are supposed to do. If I can just keep them focused on the areas to treat, I would recommend this treatment but still need to evaluate other treatments. I severely need the nerve block for my hip and lower back. The pain is extremely bad but I have been through this before. I know the nerve block will help and it usually takes me about a week to recover and from there I can focus better on my next course of action. Working mentally on going back to Pilates. Just want some quiet pain relief for now but know it is coming...? Till then, I have to mentally do what ever I can to block out the pain. Forcing the mind to work overtime, keeps me busy as well as healthy.

[missylenza]

Hello, and please count me in.  I'm in too much pain today to get into a lot of detail, but I have FM, MPS and herniated discs in all 3 sections of my spine.  Been getting epidural nerve block injections in my lower back for 3 weeks now, moving to cervical spine next then SI joint (hip).  Was going to Bikram yoga religiously for a year but my back issues have gotten so bad that I literally became paralyzed during a posture and was thrown into a full-blown panic attack (not good in 105 degree room), so I'm taking a hiatus while I go thru the injections.  Tried PT, warm water pool therapy, heat/ice, acupuncture, massage, meditation, dietary changes, exercise, myofascial release, trigger point injections, antidepressants, mental therapy, most without any real relief at best, exacerbation of pain at worst.  Right now I'm on gabapentin and tramadol, doing Reiki and getting my epidurals.  It's not optimal by any means, but it keeps my anxiety level within my ability to cope most days.  Like many, I'm afraid to ask for anything stronger because I don't wanna seem like a junkie.  I know what works, I know what I need... I just don't know how to be an advocate for myself.  Ugh.  I just don't like who this pain is turning me into. It's been 30 years, a hysterectomy for chronic pelvic pain, even a suicide attempt... I'm losing myself a little more each day.  It's frustrating and scary and sad.  I hope to find myself among friends here.  

[omhome]

yes you are in and among friends here (and we are on several spots around medhelp.) check it all out as our stories are all so similar "and frustrating and scary and sad".  It looks like you have been using many of the tools for relief we share with each other. It is what we can do.
     Missy i have been teaching yoga forever (i'm 65) and bikram is the most injury prone and sickness inducing style i have seen. Many sgtudents ask me about it and i feel i need to warn them and you away unless they are very healthy and very careful. Try a gentler style and approach for a while---don't give it up---you just literally "burnt out!" you are on the right path just be strong and continue.  om   yogadon

[Dalubaba]

you have listed all types of therapies.None has worked for you. In general pain is accompanied by mental component. If one can reduce worry by any method,even prayes, pain can be tolerated to some extent.Try several types of music.It helps in relaxin muscles. It enhances athletic enhancement.There are white sounds(sound of falling rain, running river etc. I have heard long back about Chanting music by Taha Lama who got Grammy award few years back. I did try to get this album in India. I could not get it. Try to get it where you are residing.Or any soothing music can help. You continue your medical treatment as per advice or your heath care personnel and as per your response to medication.

[Dalubaba]

Why not learn massage your self and do it your self every day. it is true that we cannot learn a professional massage while we are in pain. However, general massage cane be learned by anybody and can be done every day before a bath or before retiring bed. Shiatsu massage is easier and specific massage for specific issues.I am sue you will find it in the internet for your various issues.

[missylenza]

Thank you for your advice.  I actually do meditate with music, subliminals and self-hypnosis everyday, as well as praying faithfully and using energy work.  I'm a Reiki Master and an NLP practitioner.  I currently see a therapist and a psychiatrist because I totally believe that some of my physical pain is caused by emotional trauma from my past.  I have PTSD from a horrifically abusive first marriage and an emotionally traumatic infidelity in my current marriage, and I know for sure that my body holds a lot of those memories and manifests them as pain.  I truly want to be healed, and I will try any modality I can find.  I'm always open to new suggestions... I am going to start Qigong as soon as I can rearrange my schedule.  I feel so blessed to have found you all, I truly appreciate your advice, support and suggestions.  I hope I can be of some assistance to all of you somehow as well.  Hugs to everyone........  Missy

[missylenza]

Ughhh.... that's exactly what I was thinking but didn't want to say out loud.  Haha.  I love my studio, my instructors, my fellow yogis and yoginis... but yes, the more I went the more I hurt, regardless of how much I tried to listen to my body and not push too hard.  My husband goes every day and is in fine health for a 53 year old man, so being 10 years his junior, it's a little embarrassing if I let my ego take over.  I'm sure I'll find something a little less... what's the word I'm looking for.... well, you understand.  I'm not giving up, not letting this pain win.  Thank you so much for your kind words and support.  I'm happy to have found you!  If there is anything I can do for any of you, please don't hesitate to message me.  I would be willing to do distance Reiki treatments at no charge if anyone is interested in trying some energy work.  In the mean time, I'll be sending loving, healing thoughts to you all.  xoxox   Missy

[omhome]

hello hello hello missylenza and welcome to our new forming growing (?) group (our online ashram!) (sort of)---please do send out those positivities. We are all broadcasting on the inner-web all the time and it is very refreshing when "positivities" are an available channel of reception. Thank you for adding light. HEY!  where is everybody--there is so much of value available here and so much potential if we can just get it together. Shout it Out! Everybody is suffering---buddha says every "body" is suffering at some point! So every body come on and join in !!!C'mon.. we could help focus the dispersed energy of all these different forums into one laser beam of healing power (listen up MH and ama) "healing" "power"  available right here---MH--how about some advertising--promotion of this forum.  What do you guys think--can we do it?  will MH help us?    Please speak up now so we know you are there--tell friends.  OK???  OM  yogadon

[Bethann76]

I would love to be a part of this group.  Anyone who suffers from chronic pain knows its a lonely world and hard to find others who can relate and understand what we go through.  I have had 1 back surgery and 4 foot surgeries that resulted in RSD in my foot.  My back is fused and I have degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis.  I would love to have some quality of life.  I am 54 and on disability.  I have just about given up on the medical field.  I have a dr. phobia I think....lol  They are who put me in most of this mess.  Anyway, if anyone feels like talking I am here.  Best to everyone and hang in there.

[omhome]

well of course you are part of the group and welcome. just wanted to say that we would all love to hear any "tricks of the trade" that you use to get thru the days. I will post more later---dead tired and off to la-la land. love to all of ya--om   yogadon

[TheMadMan]

I went out yesterday to a tour of the USS IOWA and although I still am having some pain issues, the distraction was welcomed. I climbed up and down latter's, ducked through passageways, and went up and down ramps I never thought I could. The tour brought back my navy days and lots of fond memories. Those men must have been midges to get around that ship. With all the distraction I had, it felt good to get out for some visual stimulation and I take advantage of this every time I can. It helps mentally. Wish I could have seen more of the ship but some areas are not open to the public yet. Look forward to a return trip and now I am ready to duck and roll to get around the ship. Good visual stimulation and kept my mind off the pain while I was roaming around.

[omhome]

thanks to you madman i had a uss iowa imaginary tour for a few moments..It gave me the idea that maybe someone with a camera and internet connection could give virtual tours for small groups of people who could ask questions   have the camera move----check differe4nt stuff out--zoos----museums---paths thru forests  etc.  like the guided tours but online for just a few like rest homes---we who are in pain (a medhelp group--etc.  probably already there  or maybe not?????  om

[omhome]

anymore tours out there for our imaginations?

[TheMadMan]

Tour was a little disappointing. The ship opened to the public on July 7th but as of recent, there are limited areas to see. According to one of the tour guides, this is due to politics and money. They had a movie set on the ship the previous day and they were not set up for a public tour. There were no restrooms available on the ship,and a lot of the areas were off limits because they were not set up for public viewing. In all the ship was big and covered a lot of ground but to see the wooden deck from old years and current military upgrades like the Tomahawk missiles seemed to contradict this history. A lot of areas were blocked off from public viewing. There were areas like the bridge but were encased behind a metal hatchway (they said due to war time fire). A lot of the electrical areas were off and red tagged. The ships museum had some history but not enough to understand the upgrades they are currently doing on this ship.
As a former sailor, seeing the old gray lady and the guns and armor was somewhat amazing. Trying to understand this history was mindbogglingly for the time. Huge ship with big buns and missiles but the upgraded equipment did not fit the times. Still worth the time to see it and hope to return when they get their act together. Not too many ships around with a wooden deck.

[omhome]

hey if we keep this up we will have a book and then we can go on book tours and talk shows and etc oh boy what an imagination!!! Well-----But??? Why not---ok   pressure is on now you guys---witty and deep thoughts needed----more tours----great advice from experience---sharing personal stories---0-what a great forum---right?   RIGHT???   om    yogadon

[aheart]

  Count me in, especially in the recent crack down by the federal government on doctors about prescribing pain meds. As usual the people with true chronic pain issues have been clumped together with drug seekers and we end up suffering because other want to abuse the system. I think it Wa., Oregon & Idaho have even had to try to get legistration about their dilemia for chronic pain. I have DDD, spinal stenosis, spinal artheritis, scoliosis and curature of the spine, also bone spurs. I have never had surgery and I am trying to avoid it, after hearing so many horror stories after surgery. My doctor underprescribes for me so I do what I have to do. It's new for me so I'm looking for alternative approaches to go along with my meds for pain. Should I look under back support forums or Osteo's??
Anyone know a good one for back problems? Also omhome if you build it, we will come! Peace to all that suffer on a daily basis!

[omhome]

thank you aheart and everybody else who are putting energy here. I am wondering what might help most of us that we can do on a forum and then use in our challenging lives. Perhaps a new thread that specializes in one particular technique or practice---such as how you deal with the roller-coaster ride---the anxieties that come--with our meds.  Calmative foods or teas or ??  Breathing and instructions for using it for pain relief (ask mid-wives and mothers about how well it works) is one i will start later today or tomorrow . It does work--with a little practice.   Alright use your experience and imagination and if you like start one specialized place. A tool-kit of threads out of which maybe you can find one that improves your day!!!!  
   What could we lose by trying?  Make it a good day today folks--or go down trying!  Om   yogadon      shanti

[TheMadMan]

Reading your post has it's positive sides but I can vouch for my orthopedic surgeon who did 5 surgeries on my back. It took me a long while to find a specialist that would help my DDD/DJD but this doctor I highly recommend if you are in California. The first surgery he did on my back was for DJD and he had to do a spinal fusion. I had no other choice since every other doctor told me I would be paralyzed if I had the surgery. (Not the kind of doctor you have faith in) but I found this orthopedic surgeon who told me that paralysis was not an issues to worry about. He was very comforting in his professional opinion. I was recovering from that surgery when he wanted to attack the spinal stenosis in my neck two weeks later and although that scared be, he did a great job of replacing the damaged bone with a cadaver bone and I have had NO problems since. The other surgeries were related to putting metal in my back to correct some of the damage but had to be removed 5 years later when the metal was impinging on a nerve. That helped relieve some of the pain but I need to continue with steroid shots which help. I have faith and trust in this surgeon after researching his credentials on line and finding out as much as I could about him. I would not trust any other doctor to do any surgery on me unless I get his professional opinion and so far, he has been correct in his diagnosis and he has helped me a lot to the point of me walking again, something I had not done in over 5 years.
I know it is annoying to go through all these changes and doctors opinions but after taking a break to focus myself and research on my condition, this doctor did a great job and he is the only one I will trust. If, for some reason, he no longer works there, I will not have any surgery. (there is talk of one more surgery but I need to get this doctors professional opinion). That is the positive side I have received with surgeries but again, it is a personal choice and doctors can be overwhelming with their diagnosis.
Remember, doctors are in the practice of medicine and still practicing as far as I am concerned and maybe one day they will get it right.

[Dalubaba]

If such doctors are available to everybody we will not need forums. the Heaven will descend on Earth. Till this happens we need strong groupss and cooperative members to boost up morale of members. I hope harmony will prevail among members.

[omhome]

reread these today and wow there is a lot here for inspiration you guys so let's pick some threads we like and  keep them active---this was like page5!! Some of the breathing threads would be good---and "beach story"---any others---i need help and can't and won't keep doing it alone so get to it. That's an order from the high-command of this Cult and you all know the consequences don't you? Right! More inane banter from omhome (whoever the hell he is?).   om

[Dalubaba]

What a lovely Hellish fellow!

[Dalubaba]

I thought, om will be attacked heavily with heavy breath. Anyway, I initiate the attack with a soft breath.
While opening the eyes, breath in;
While closing the eye breath out.
While opening eyes you may think that your are receiving smiling energy and while closing your eye, think that your are sending energy out side. This is an exchange of energy. If you are too much depleted of energy, you may think while closing your eyes, that energy is spreading in your body.Exchange of energy or spread of energy- both ways are correct. I hope i have explained it properly.

[omhome]

wow you guys----read thru this---it is soooooo gooood.  There has to be a book gleaned from all this wonderful posts.    Any editors out there. Or does MH own all the rights to what we write---anybody know?

[TheMadMan]

Today I am walking. I have had many treatments over the years and thankful I can do what I can. I don't know how long this treatment is going to work because in the past, pain has reared its ugly head with severe DJD and many treatments but I am walking as of today.
I made myself a promise that I would walk down to the beach like other people instead of using my wheelchair and I have accomplished some of my task. I still have some goals to accomplish with my dream of touching the sand and being able to go into the water which I have not done in years but that is just one goal. Being able to go to the beach and walking again is something that I have accomplished and although I push myself and wake up muscles I haven't used in years, I see there is light at the end of the tunnel and not the one everyone is afraid of seeing. It is a bright light yes, but a happy one so don't be afraid to accomplish your goals. There is a reward at the end of that tunnel once you keep the determination to live happy and live in the moment.
Like I mentioned, I don't know how long this is going to last, but at least I have the memory of accomplishing some goals and I can keep that memory to make me want to do more.
Living in the moment and thanks for listening.

[omhome]

thank you madman and i am always "listening" to your posts.   om

[MYoungAtHeart]

I have been absent with family members being here with me for a few weeks, but they flew back and now I am trying to get back to the forums and here.,,,I was able to do my personal recovery work in private even with the family here, but as an old fart, I do enjoy the quietness for meditation,
and do realize that even in the midst of noise and children crying, meditation can be reached and enjoyed.  

I do have to tell you something that happened to me while on this path.
In October I could no longer walk, the pain ran down my legs to my feet and had to take my walker even to fill a bird feeder or two,,,I started meditation and SAD lights late Sept, early October and have no more, or only a little pain in my legs now. I am no longer sleeping blocks of hours away in the daytime and have purchased a camera and take phtos of things that I see either in the house or outside.  I have cut back my use of Anacin and have all but put the Excedren away, it became too strong for me to use and no longer need it for pain.  

I do want to thank you for your marvelous posts here.  I really don't know anyone who meditates or practices alternative medicine and don't feel so alone once I started reading your posts....

Thank you, thank you

M

[Dalubaba]

It is encouraging to know that someone has succeeded in getting free from the clutches  of medicines for chronic pain. This gives hope to others that they too can do this miracle.
Meditation is the safest and most useful technique to face any situation.There are meditation which can befit any types of persons for any type of problem. For merely only chosen can meditate and now details about all types of meditation is available. If we go deeper we will find that all meditaion end in Vipassana (witness and not the doer) which makes you witness and free from  the burden of a doer. I have posted a brief account of Vipassana in this web site.
Yesterday I attended a dinner party of anniversary of a friend of my son. In that loud music and down, i could pass my time by concentrating on drum beats. It was a pleasing experience.Osho, a controversial spiritual teacher has given comprehensive information on meditation.
You appear to be really young at heart as your nickname.

[sueduva]

Hi M, welcome back.
That is awesome that you are doing better and you are in less pain.
I wonder if you have more energy because of the SAD light therapy too?
I am so happy for you, please keep us updated?
Sue

[omhome]

somebody edit all this wisdom and put out a little book of these posts. read over them again and you will see what i mean.  they should not be just "lost". Ya Know?   om

[Dalubaba]

I reread your message of October2012 and came across the word subliminal. I noticed this word before also and I wanted to write about it. But somehow, i could not write to you.
During that time (September or October) a slide show was shown by MH. about myths prevalent. It has shown the subliminal was hoax.Statistics of persons taking coca cola was faked one. The news about govt. banning subliminal in advertising are also wrong.  I wanted to try some of the meditation tape, having subliminal messages. I could not get such tapes.Now it is evident that subliminal tapes are not effective. Meditation music is  OK. I think you will be able to get that slide presentation by MH

[MYoungAtHeart]

Hello to all Couch Friends....

I started to ramp up my therapy a bit after almost 5 months of sitting
next to a SAD Light , because I suspect that this depression pain
sadness might just persist into the high spring and summer, Heck,
I think its hooked itself onto me for the long haul and I may just have
to make this a Life Time Work In Progress...

I just watched the Big Comet pass over Australia and saw all the
tweets and comments from people all over the world when it was spotted,
and 99 percent of them were for Best Wishes for People Of The Earth, and
messages that confirm the fact that we love being alive and wishing the best for their own loved ones....

It was so moving I felt tearful and washed clean of my selfish, me me me,
and if only for that small time, it felt really good to be part of The Love that We all really do have for one another...

Thank You All For Sharing With Us

M

[Dalubaba]

I wonder whether the following abstract will be useful for pain and depression. there is quite a bit of trials of cold shower- exposure to thermal exercise.

Depression is a debilitating mood disorder that is among the top causes of disability worldwide. It can be characterized by a set of somatic, emotional, and behavioral symptoms, one of which is a high risk of suicide. This work presents a hypothesis that depression may be caused by the convergence of two factors: (A) A lifestyle that lacks certain physiological stressors that have been experienced by primates through millions of years of evolution, such as brief changes in body temperature (e.g. cold swim), and this lack of "thermal exercise" may cause inadequate functioning of the brain. (B) Genetic makeup that predisposes an individual to be affected by the above condition more seriously than other people. To test the hypothesis, an approach to treating depression is proposed that consists of adapted cold showers (20 degrees C, 2-3 min, preceded by a 5-min gradual adaptation to make the procedure less shocking) performed once or twice daily. The proposed duration of treatment is several weeks to several months. The following evidence appears to support the hypothesis: Exposure to cold is known to activate the sympathetic nervous system and increase the blood level of beta-endorphin and noradrenaline and to increase synaptic release of noradrenaline in the brain as well. Additionally, due to the high density of cold receptors in the skin, a cold shower is expected to send an overwhelming amount of electrical impulses from peripheral nerve endings to the brain, which could result in an anti-depressive effect. Practical testing by a statistically insignificant number of people, who did not have sufficient symptoms to be diagnosed with depression, showed that the cold hydrotherapy can relieve depressive symptoms rather effectively. The therapy was also found to have a significant analgesic effect and it does not appear to have noticeable side effects or cause dependence. In conclusion, wider and more rigorous studies would be needed to test the validity of the hypothesis.

[Dalubaba]

Some one has suggested that massaging feet with cold water is equivalent to taking a full bath.One should pour cold water on right foot and massage the right foot with left foot. Then massage the left foot with right foot with.
Another technique is to massage your forehead  with cold water before going to bed to get better quality of sleep.
One way to take cold shower is first shower on one hand -another hand-one leg- another leg-and torso.l

[omhome]

here is probably the best bunch of posts from the best group of people anywhere---truly----read thru again and you will agree.
    Ok--ok---i know i did this before but this thread is so worth it.  

om

[Dalubaba]

Omhome has reviewed and renewed the important golden nuggets.Revising will help to generate new ideas as well. Sometimes when we try a method we fail and ignore the method.The it is possible that you may be successful as your mind set is changed.
Recycling done by is really a good way to bring important messages to refresh our memory .

[TheMadMan]

I still read it daily and appreciate the wisdom offered. Yes let's start a group about pain management and treating doctor. I have a list you wouldn't believe. I went to one doctor in Hollywood who said to me..."I am not going to out guess another doctors results, I trust his/her judgment and I don't see anything I can do for you'.
Needless to say, I let him have it! I had to FIGHT with my pain management doctor to give me a steroid shot. I shouldn't have to fight with a doctor who only wants to give me morphine! She called me up (after I wrote a letter to the hospital director) and asked 'if we would be a good fit for one another'? I talked her down because I needed the treatment and had her convinced that she was not paying attention to what I was seeking. I explained to her that I had been 'rotated through three other doctors' and I did not like the lack of attention she was giving me. She even admitted she had not read my medical history record! I stayed there long enough to get my shots (only to find out later that I had osteoporosis from the steroid injections) and moved on with a new treating doctor who actually read my chart, payed attention to my pain issues and gave me a shot right there in the office without scheduling me a month later at the surgical center. When I called him up two weeks later and complained of another pain issue, it got me in the next day, gave me a 'nerve block shot' which had me going out in a wheelchair and I was home in 45 minutes. Both times, I was taken right in, did not have to fill out more paperwork and got the shot right there in the office. This guy is good and I appreciate the attention to detail he gives his patients. Nice to have some pain relief immediately instead of waiting a month for scheduling. The list goes on but at least I am getting treatment now.
I did research on this doctor for my condition and it is the best education that has paid off for me.

[Dalubaba]

You are omnipresent.My friend recently gave a two-day training to the mangers of a company on Assertiveness..you are an expert on assertiveness. many a time I have asked a question whether the doctor is ignorant or careless?. Most of the time they are careless.If they had good bed-side manners and read medical history and allow the patient to have his say, I am sure, patients will be happier.By asking intelligent questions and behaving in a friendly manner, they can give better service.

[TheMadMan]

I have worked in an emergency room and have seen some of these doctor's 'bedside manner'. I even had the pleasure of having one doctor fired for his 'bedside manner'. Working the emergency room was a very worth while experience for me. It taught me strength and compassion. I was an administrative supervisor with a supportive staff and my staff exposed corruption. I found how the manuals said one thing and management said another. I trusted the manuals when I had no other choice. My point...I have been trained as a manager in assertiveness in dealing with people. I have also been trained in compassion when no one else would listen. Outside of the hospital, I took on the role of caregiver for a few friends. That taught me compassion to deal with every day pressure to perform as an administrative supervisor. The best education I could have learned. Now I am the patient! Never saw this coming but it did and teaching others to listen is a challenge but can be accomplished without stress. (it took a lot of years to learn that one)
The doctor I see now does not have the bedside manner of a psychologist but shows he is a learned man who listen to his patients, reads charts and treats. It may take a while to get to know him but my confidence is built up because of his listening skills.
I am just another cog in the wheel of care and concern for someone who needs to be heard. It is hard to 'behave' when you are in pain but when you look at the overall picture, you are in charge of how the doctor treats you. Bedside manner goes both ways and respect creates trust along with many other attributes.
Being a cog in the wheel makes me feel that I am part of the solution and the problem needs attention. It is nice to be a cog for a change, the other side of the coin became to stressful for me and now I can share being on both sides of the coin.
'Flip me and hope for the best' ???