Post surgical pain

[Sugarcane]

I shall not detail my operation, as my ongoing pain is the issue, I have had it one year not long but seems forever, I have run out of medical help, done it all. My pain is up and down, however it very hard to put up with and harder to deal with the idea that I may be this way for years or forever. Sometimes I am strong and some times I curl up and cry. But it has left me unsure about my future. What can other share on this type of predicament.

[Jacko777]

Hi Sugarcane,

I am sorry to hear this Sugarcane, it must be very frustrating but I hope you keep on the journey of finding something that treats your pain. I suffer from Cluster Headaches, i was very lucky this year that they were very mild and I was suggested a magnesium based muscle relaxant that has kept the CHs away.

Anyway, my only suggestions is, diversion. Fill your days with as much activity in your passions as you can muster, spend you time with your heart full of love, reconnect with people and Nature, sharpen your focus on these things, your physical side is only one part of you, ramp up your mental and spiritual aspects. Decide that you won't let this physical issue get in the way of your dreams and ambitions (most days!).

Love to you, talk any time.

Jack

[Sugarcane]

Someday I can do stuff, and other days like today I have no emotional energy to give a darn about much. The pain level has not changed, however it like the energy tank to deal with runs out. And then doing my job/work, dealing with people trying to enjoy stuff just does not work. And I just end up sitting the day out with no strength and zero self motivation. I know that the next day may be different, but in the moment it is pretty much overwhelming.

[Lost_Girl]

Hi,

I have been dealing with chronic pain for over a year. Prior to that I was in pain sporadically as a result of my humerus being broken in 3 places and then subsequent back and neck issues which led to a chronic tension headache. Just in the last month I have started seeing a Pain Specialist and it has been my first real positive step forward, particularly from an emotional and functional perspective. Perhaps you could consider this.

The Dr recommended a book called "Manage your Pain", written by Dr Michael Nicholas, Dr Allan Molloy, Dr Lois Tonkin and Dr Lee Beeston. I was told these Drs run the Pain Management Centre at the Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney.

It is very well written and easy to follow and read. There were a lot of "Aha!" moments and there are recommendations and guidance on treatment and pain management, how to get motivated, a clear plan on slowly getting back to being functional as well as templates for goal tracking and ongoing management. I highly recommend it.

I started seeing this specialist after my Neurologist said he didn't expect any significant improvement in my pain for at least another 9 months and even then it would not be gone and I needed to be realistic. My physio has also advised that I will likely always have pain and I need to be realistic that it is a slow path to get it to a more manageable level.

While this could well be true, the pain specialist and that book give great guidance on steps forward to manage it all.

Kind thoughts,

Carol