Chronic Pain

[Guest_5461]

I don’t actually feel that comfortable posting here. I don’t have any major trauma inducing event or crippling mental disorders as others have described. I can, however, see my future in these forums as our savings and social support dwindle. I have been diagnosed with Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome which currently has no cure. It took a while to get A diagnoses and I have just surfaced with the help of a ludicrous amount of neuropathic pain killers beyond survival mode for the first time in three years.I'm lucky that I had a firm routine of mindfulness and journaling in place prior to this. When I was diagnosed I was immediately referred to pain specialist and a psychologist, but as I live in a regional town and mental help is practically non existent. I haven’t heard anything from the psychologist and as a “urgent” patient the pain specialist in the closest metro area will see me in February. The use of prescription pain killers is not sustainable.
I’m angry that the lack of regional health care means that a delayed diagnoses means I didn’t get appropriate care and I have little chance of recovery. I feel that I have no agency in my own health care, I’ve lost my ability to work full time and am quickly losing mobility. I would move closer to good health care, but I recognise I don’t have the Physical strength atm to make that happen. I fear for my relationship with my husband as he is both primary carer for me and income Provider. It’s not fair to him. I do not see myself willing being a burden on him, I don’t want him to be a carer, I don’t want him to be a frazzled man old before his time, tied to home duties, sick of the baggage that comes with dealing with someone in pain. At the same timeI can’t Imagine life without him. Selfish I know but I also personally don’t want to slowly die in agonising pain with no social support, At the moment I can’t see any alternative other than suicide.

[Sophie_M]

Dear, Guest 5461,

We’re so grateful to have you reach out to our community this morning and are so sorry to hear everything you have going on at the moment. Times like this can definitely get overwhelming . We hope that you find our forums to be a safe and supportive space to talk through your thoughts and feelings. Our community is here for you. 

Our Support Service is trying to reach out to you via email as we're worried about you. 
We hope you know that there is always help available to you, whether it's from our professional mental health counsellors Beyond Blue (available 24/7/365 on 1300 22 4636) or our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).
Keep checking back in with us whenever you feel up to it. 
 

[Centaured]

Hey guest 5461

I hear you. Chronic pain is so hard. My pain also has no cure and medication management only goes so far. Being in constant agony is so draining.

I just wanted to let you know you are not alone. We are here and we care.

[Harpbird]

G’day guest, I truely understand where your coming from. I have been suffering chronic pain since I herniated my L5/S1 disc in 1995. I too did the medication for relief. The sciatica down my right leg was cruel. Then 2002 enjoying a day out the beach on my quad doing silly stuff I had an accident and well tore bone off my hip and it took 7 months to heal but that really done my lumber at next two levels, both bulging discs. So stronger pills and patches for pain. Then 2011 I was stopped at traffic lights In a line off traffic when I was rear ended and my poor little car was shoved in under the land cruiser I was parked behind. Though nothing broken I had severe whiplash and three disc levels in my neck We’re bulging. And 4 levels in my thoracic spine. Life now is constant medical appointments, medications and just misery. I was let go from my job as I was a So called worker’s comp high risk. I have been getting treatment from an osteopath. No more migraines. Well not as often. He has me book every 2nd Wednesday indefinitely. He is wonderful and has now ended up a friend and confidant. My husband is the same, cares for me works everyday and our lives arnt the same anymore. My pain can’t be fixed either and only will worsen. My lumber has fused itself and I will end up with my neck fused. I am currently undergoing spine injections to help . My pain is forever. Or until. Will loose my driver’s license and that will be it . I won’t cope with the last bit of my independence gone. I am needing help to get dressed more often and not mentioned to family yet but I am struggling with personal hygiene. Have you tried massage, osteopathy , dry needling works wonders to some. Chin up . Harpy

[monkey_magic]

Oh wow,

I just read your reply Harpbird because I too have pain but it's nothing compared to what you are going through and dealing with.
Kudos to you for being helpful and supportive to Guest, who is really struggling.

I too am struggling with less mobility because I used to be fighting fit but it is what it is and I can't change it.

I suppose you work around it, if possible.

Guest I'm sure your husband loves you very much and is understanding of your plight and wants to help. You don't have to feel like a burden, it's not your choice to have chronic pain.

It just is.

Being self- compassionate, can aid in a valuable life. We still hold value.

Outsiders would see how remarkable we are for continuing....and they will appreciate their lives more, because they don't have the same ailments and challenges.

In saying that it's also traumatic, destabilizing and hard.

But we still have life. I've learnt to appreciate the small things.

Our sacrificed lives do count for something. And we are surviving...still surviving. Be proud. To get through each and every day is a big achievement. Not easy but is being done.

🙏✨💗

[Harpbird]

Hi monkey, yeh chronic pain sure is the pits. I have bad days or worse days when I have flare ups. The only good days I have is that I can be distracted from my pain for short times by my grandkids, the two boys starts school this year . I was caring for them while their mums work. But once they go home I am bed bound. I have a sweet little granddaughter now she is three months old. She has given me some life back , she is a special little girl whom I love so much . I can barely hold her, how the heck am I going to look after her when her mum goes back to work in March ? I am 56 . I was the most active person, love kayaking and fishing, bush walking and bike riding , I learnt how to play the harmonica and had just done my first gig . Now I can’t even play that . I can still do my buttons up So that’s a good thing.
I have tried to get to see a pain psychologist but they haven’t got back to me.
hope your having an ok day. Your pain levels are low.
your good with words and hope Guest replies and keeps chatting. We’re thinking about you guest xx

[monkey_magic]

Hi Harpbird,

I'm glad you have good distractions. They can really help.

I used to run but no longer can, I also can't walk very far.

I get pain in my feet and right hand, I also can't seem to breathe properly so struggle when trying to be active.

I came from a fitness instructing/ personal training background and have been used to being very fit and active.

Oh how all of that changed.

It doesn't just take a physical toll but an emotional one as well.

Reading your post opened my mind outside of my own situation and I realised it could be worse.

I really admire you.

I wouldn't give up with busy professionals. Keep trying. Get all the support and help out there.

If you can carry on so can I.

💗

[Harpbird]

G’day Mark. Your right when your in such pain constantly a little distraction sure goes a long way. What sort of pain do you get in your feet? The way I discribed my pain in my feet was it was as if every bone was broken. I was on crutches for three month in April/May/June last year, the injections I got eased it to some degree that I done need crutches. Can you get any relief even for a moment. I have made myself wheat packs , there constantly in the microwave heating up , I use them almost all day on my body somewhere.
They always says there is someone else worse off, mm I keep telling myself this but sometimes I doubt it lol.
no I won’t give up , I know I really do need help . And will ring them again soon.
Mentally today I am ok, not so sorry for myself.
You seen like a strong person Mark. And are inspiring with your words.
I struggle a lot with breathing in, it’s my thoracic spine, when it locks up oh my word it’s the pits. The pain wraps around my ribs and almost feels like a vice is squeezing me. My osteopath is wonderful at releasing it for a little while.
Do you still work?

keep smiling, harpy

[Harpbird]

Hi guest, hope your doing ok , thinking of you , harpy

[Harpbird]

Hi monkey , sorry I called you mark lol

don’t know how I did that doh 🙄