Question from a 'newbie', how can I stop feeling so miserable because of the constant pain?

Hi Ilkie!

I'm sorry you have so much pain. Spare the cat and come on here any time you need to whine, cry, vent or in any other way try to feel a bit better.

Have you considered a second opinion, or trying a different pain clinic. Maybe go to a teaching/university medical center and see if there is something new you can try. Maybe try to get into a clinical trial. At some point it just gets overwhelming to live with constant pain. I keep very busy and that helps. When I just sit then I'm in real trouble.

Keep in touch,
Chutz

Ilkie - In my case it's pretty simple most of the time. I realize that it could be worse. The other thing that always gives me some comfort is the fact that if I had to choose WHO I would pass my pain to given the choice, I couldn't do it. I'd rather deal with things this way than my brothers, parents, friends, family, and Lord knows when I'm blessed with children, them. I know I can deal with the pain, I've been dealing for eight years. But, I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

Other things that when the pain starts getting ahead of me (as of lately) I do are: Reading a good long book, drawing, watching a set of movies, playing with our new puppy (it's really hard to be down when you get puppy kisses). The idea is too keep my mind as occupied as possible. For me the hardest thing is realizing I need to just let the disaster of my house stay a disaster and give my back the much needed rest. If I rest for half a day and then do the kitchen that whole day was wasted.

anyways - Welcome to healingwell! *Hugs*
Tammy

Ilkie,

I would lke to welcome you to the chronic pain forum of Healing Well also. I am so glad that you found us.

What helps me is coming on here and reading the posts of others. It's like having a meeting in your living room of dear friends who actually understand your pain and sympathize with you. That's a great feeling and support always makes me feel better.

I like to get caught up in a movie on TV or play a DVD. One time I had a bad reaction to a new medication and it kept me up for twenty-four hours and I was in pain. I put on a movie and though I had to keep changing my position to try to find comfort, the movie took my mind off the pain somewhat.

A hot bath gives me relief for about thirty minutes to an hour too. It's what I call a quick fix.

Complaining to my husband helps me too. I don't know why, but getting it out into the open relieves a little of my pain. Oh a lot of folks feel that it is burdening your partner. Not me. We have been together 42 years and we share our pain with one another. I feel it brings us closer. So keep that in mind.

Tammy mentioned playing with her puppy. That works! I play with my four year old granddaughter every day and she sure brightens up my day. Can't be too miserable when you have God's gift sitting on your lap, be it a granddaughter or a puppy. I hear you have a cat, there you go!!!

Hope some of these suggestions have helped. Please keep posting and coming on here and don't forget the chat rooms too. There is always someone nearby who will be glad to help or at least listen to you and sympathize.

God's blessings!

Lindaloo