Chronic Pain

[Sunnysprite]

Yes, well there is no one to blame by myself for having lots of pain. I've had a full life, though certain things I missed out on; too old to have a family; everyone is gone. Haven't done half the sin that some thought. :) Been to busy taking care of the victims.

So, those of you who suffer from Arthritis, Fibro Myalgia, pain from injuries and so forth, do you have a strategy for dealing with the pain? So far, it has not slowed me down a lot, but I can see the day coming when drugs, ice, heat and all that will lose their effectiveness. Some people have suggested Marijuana, but I've spent my life being opposed to it, so to use it would seem like situational morality.

I'd be interested in what you have to say.

[applepansy]

I'm 24 years since being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (one word, abbreviations: FMS or Fibro).

I'm on pain meds and have been since Nov 1999 with no increase in dosage. It helps take the edge off. I've never felt high or loopy (actually some days those would be nice side effects). My body uses every molecule for pain and there is nothing left over for side effects.

If you are interested I have several books, websites, etc which have helpful information.

The best help is having someone to talk to who understands. when I say I'm tired it means something different than most people. Its not a "didn't sleep well last night tired" or a "I did too much today tired"...its a my bones won't hold me up and when I make them I feel like somebody smashed me into a wall, ran over me with a asphalt roller and then squished me into a ball and fed me to the lions at the zoo. Ditto for pain. I'm also very careful about answering the question "how are you?" Most people don't want the truth.

Send me a PM if you're interested in the books to read, etc.

[Guest]

It's not something I've experienced myself, but my SIL (who is also one of my dearest friends) was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years ago, and it's awful what she goes through. In not very much time she's almost entirely debilitated by constant pain and other symptoms. Right now she's trying very hard to lose weight (much of it gained because of the disease and medications) to try and ease some of it.

I'm sorry you're living with chronic pain. I think of her at times when I have aches and pains, and think of how hard it would be to live with that all the time.

[Sunnysprite]

It's not something I've experienced myself, but my SIL (who is also one of my dearest friends) was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis a few years ago, and it's awful what she goes through. In not very much time she's almost entirely debilitated by constant pain and other symptoms. Right now she's trying very hard to lose weight (much of it gained because of the disease and medications) to try and ease some of it.

I'm sorry you're living with chronic pain. I think of her at times when I have aches and pains, and think of how hard it would be to live with that all the time.

Yes, I know. I've been a 6-8 most of my life, but less time in the field and more in the office is taking it's toll. I'm up to #*^ right now and losing it is hard. One pill I tried for pain made me swell up like a balloon. Sigh

[Misshalfway]

I do chronic pain. I've got Ehlers Danlos which means that I dislocate joints very easily. Other than qualifying for stupid human tricks, it means I hurt for no real reason and I can't play golf like I'd like to. My spine looks like "a poorly made sandwich" said the MRI tech. And so I deal with all the nerve pain and such. AND...I've got something that acts a lot like crohn's. So...I have lots of ready made excuses so I can miss tedious family parties.

I used to lean on Dr.'s and physical therapist's and drugs. WORTHLESS! Some was helpful (mostly the pt), some not so much (drugs, Dr.'s advice). Now, I balance light exercise, diet, supplements, and rest to manage. If I have a bad day...I don't worry about it so much anymore. But I don't have too many of those cuz I know my body and my limits. I guess I've just found a combination that works well for me. If I have a bad crohn's day, I've got an emergency diet that works ten times better than all the antibiotics and worthless tests they do at the hospital. Lots cheaper too!! And when my body hurts, my husband gives me a good rub down. We call it foreplay. :) We've made lemonade, I guess.

Anyway....I love Apple's advice. I hope you find what works for you.

[Sunnysprite]

I'm sorry that those who answered this thread are so burdened with pain. In my case, Instead of staying home, I can't have children, I had some lost years over that little piece of news, and by the time I could have settled down, I didn't. I got lots of injuries but the only really serious ones seemed to happen to others.

Last year I found out I had very minor scoliosis, arthritis, and the worst yet, is aging. I really have little to complain about.

[applepansy]

I'm sorry that those who answered this thread are so burdened with pain. In my case, Instead of staying home, I can't have children, I had some lost years over that little piece of news, and by the time I could have settled down, I didn't. I got lots of injuries but the only really serious ones seemed to happen to others.

Last year I found out I had very minor scoliosis, arthritis, and the worst yet, is aging. I really have little to complain about.

Talking about our reality (your's included) isn't considered complaining.

I'm grateful for the adversities in my life. It took me a long time to get there but I am grateful. I wouldn't know my Savior in the way I do if it hadn't been for the physical pain.

[Irishcolleen]

I have Lupus, so pain is just a part of life. A book that really helped me is "The Gift of Pain" by Paul Brand. Brand is a doctor who was a medical missionary to lepers in India. He writes how destructive a life without pain is and how to put pain in proper perspective.

It helped me see that at times pain is inevitable, that pain free isn't always a good goal, and how to have joy even when I have pain. Knowing that some degree of pain is just part of my life, I have the freedom to focus on life, not my pain.

I also think of Paul in 2 Cor. 12. He had an infirmity that he begged go to remove. God reminded him that His grace was sufficient. Paul came to see that when he was weak, he had to rely on God's strength, which is always greater than man's. Depending on God gives better results than depending on self!

I hope this helps. Let me know how I can encourage and pray for you.

[Sunnysprite]

I have Lupus, so pain is just a part of life. A book that really helped me is "The Gift of Pain" by Paul Brand. Brand is a doctor who was a medical missionary to lepers in India. He writes how destructive a life without pain is and how to put pain in proper perspective.

It helped me see that at times pain is inevitable, that pain free isn't always a good goal, and how to have joy even when I have pain. Knowing that some degree of pain is just part of my life, I have the freedom to focus on life, not my pain.

I also think of Paul in 2 Cor. 12. He had an infirmity that he begged go to remove. God reminded him that His grace was sufficient. Paul came to see that when he was weak, he had to rely on God's strength, which is always greater than man's. Depending on God gives better results than depending on self!

I hope this helps. Let me know how I can encourage and pray for you.

Actually. I use Motrin and when that does not work I have some Vicodin. I don't usually use anything, but Motrin most of the time. Once in a while the pain will get oppressive, and I feel crazy. I will take some Vicodin, and it stops the it.

With my reduced activity level, I hope that it will be a while before more is needed.

[Irishcolleen]

Be careful with the Motrin. If you have heartburn, see a doctor because you might be getting erosions in your esophagus. Then you'll be anemic, too. Been there, done that.

Have you tried deep-water fitness classes? They are fun, feel good, and provide social contact/support. I don't know how you feel about Yoga (some Christians are opposed to it) but the gentle stretching can feel great.

I don't think pot would help. From I remember from my wilder (and forgiven) days in high school, it can make you have panic reactions and other nasty side effects.

Sometimes I still get whiny on my bad days. That usually means I need to rest. Someday we'll be free from the pain!

[Misshalfway]

Sometimes I still get whiny on my bad days. That usually means I need to rest. Someday we'll be free from the pain!

I fully support whiny-ness on bad days. Heck...I support it on any day I feel like it.