Trying to stay positive but losing.

[Jacqui51]

When down things seem to pile up. Two days ago I somehow managed to hurt my back. It is not great. Pain more than 6 when 9 is screaming. Have some analgesics and may take one tonight. Other analgesics are not working very well. Tomorrow seeing chiropractor who has previously helped when I had hip and back pain.

Still unsure about the next few weeks. I go back to work Tuesday. Hopefully it will distract me from everything. I am someone who finds a level of self worth through work achievements. I have been continually answering emails and doing a few bits and pieces while on leave but low level for me.

I recently heard from my psychiatrist. Truthfully they are someone who seems to give a damn as third email while away. Much more than I have any right to receive. They tried to answer a question regarding the therapeutic relationship I had. Confusion in the answer for me. Oh well.

Medication was mentioned. I suppose at some stage I should tell them that I have tapered off and no longer take any. Oops. Don't think this was on their agenda.

Keep wanting to give in but hoping if pain eases this will also.

[geoff]

Hello Jacqui51, stopping medication is a decision that needs to be considered by you and the doctor and I know from previous surgeries that swimming gives you the benefit of being able to move your injured body in different ways that you are unable to do when out of the pool.

Doing this enables you to exercise those damaged parts of your body and when out of the pool you need to learn other ways to help you.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Jacqui51]

Hi I am using the pool to try and help but over the last 24 hours it has become difficult to even do this, hence appointment. Exercising in water is an amazing therapy I agree.

Outside of this I am using skills developed when I fractured multiple ribs once. It is helping a little. Fortunately I have experience dealing with pain but I do not enjoy it.

Regarding medication, my decision was thought through and I used knowledge, previous experience and research to ensure I was not taking stupid risks. I am intelligent enough for this. Usually I would have consulted but not having any appointments meant I did not. Please do not assume I am stup

[geoff]

Hello Jacqui51, I am so very sorry to know that you have broken ribs, I have experienced this myself so many times and know the pain you're going through, it's unbearable and even painkillers don't entirely stop the pain, and by no means do I think anything bad about you and appreciate what you've said.

The only remedy is laying still on your back or being comfortable in a chair, just hoping that you don't sneeze or cough, because every time you move it hurts and it doesn't matter you are able to cope with pain, this is awful and I feel so much for you.

The chiropractor may help a little but it's getting on and off the table that's not so easy.

Take care.

Geoff.

[Jacqui51]

Hi Geoff in my previous post I said I have experienced dealing with this type of thing as I have had broken ribs not I have them now. Thank goodness, as you are right, the pain and issues linked to broken ribs are extremely debilitating.

The chiropractor has informed me I have managed to mess up my whole spine including my neck and as a result my muscles have spasmed and locked. A degree of relief today but follow up Monday. I hope by the next week it will be down to pain level 3 or 4. Some relief already after one session. I am managing to hold off on any analgesics for now as I hate relying on these. I will use something to help tonight when trying to sleep.

The last post was lodged before I managed to complete it. Geoff please understand that in my decision re medication I have not been impulsive or stupid.

I do believe no one on this forum intentionally makes judgements but I felt judged by the first response. Thank you for addressing that in your reply.

I suppose many individuals do not have experience with acute pain management and also coming off medication but for me this is not the case. As someone managing Fibromyalgia, osteo arthritis and more I really do understand pain and its impact unfortunately.

Psychiatric medication has been a constant factor since my late 20s and I am now in my 60s. Over the years I have had to taper off and stop them multiple times. If I continue with the therapeutic relationship when the psychiatrist returns I will discuss medication and options with them. At this time I simply could not cope any longer being on them. Like you I would not recommend most people do this without the support and knowledge a doctor provides.

Thank you for taking time to read my post and respond. It is appreciated even if at times I react.