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Posted 6/5/2009 4:10 PM (GMT 0)

Hi

I'm new to this site, though sadly not new to chronic pain.

Two years ago I was in a serious car accident, caused by a speeding driver. She walked away, and I've been left like this. My pain is in my left shoulder, neck and back. I have very limited use of my left arm, trapped nerves in my neck and back that cause all sorts of neurological disturbances and migraines and very limited mobility since, as I'm sure everyone else finds, every step hurts. I suffer from depression as a result of all this.

I've been looking for ages for a forum like this. I have really good friends who do their best to support me, but there's a lot of this they can't possibly understand. My GP is very sympathetic, and most of the time is great - though sometimes his desire to help outweighs his ability to listen to what I'm actually saying!- and my consultant at the pain clinic is  also very good. But neither of them have actually been there, and I've so wished to be able to talk to other people who've experienced what I have.

I'm still working at the moment, but my condition has deteriorated significantly over the past three months and I've been having to face the possibility of not being able to work any more. Being a single person, with no kids, living alone, whose social life has been destroyed by this condition, the thought of not being able to work is unbearable - it's the only thing I have left.

So that's me in a nutshell. I'm looking forward to chatting here.

Posted 6/5/2009 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Bandit07, How unfortunate for all that you are going through. CP changes our lives and we don't have much control over how it changes. I also still work but am facing the same obstacle that you face being the difficulty working with the pain. CP efects every area of our lives. Most of us on this site know that a cure is not the answer any more just learning how to live with CP is the major issue. We keep trying another doctor, another treatment and yet another combination of medications to deliver relief. You are experiencing teh same thing that many of us face, frustration, depression, isolation etc. This is a great site as we all understand because we are all survivors. We come from differnt walks of life, different ages, different diagnosis but the same problem, pain. Many times those around us show support but they don't understand fully. Join in and I will look forward like all the others getting to know you and encouraging each other.

Posted 6/5/2009 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bandidto,
It is very nice to meet you. Im new here too and everyone is increadibly caring and compassionate. Alot of very unique folks. In any case I hope you have a great day and Welcome :O)
*huggs*
dani
Posted 6/5/2009 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Bandit07, I want to welcome you here to this forum. I am sorry you have a reason to be here. I am also sorry the accident has left you with the chronic pain you now have to live with each and every day. I do think you will enjoy this forum. It has been a great help to me. I don't think you will be able to find another group of people like we have here. This is a place for encouragement, hope, support,understanding,compassion and friendship. I do hope that you find it to help you as I have. Post as often as you like. I look forward to getting to know you better.
Anice
Posted 6/5/2009 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Bandit,
Welcome to the Chronic Pain forum of HW. I wish you didn't have to be here but glad you found us.

We have a lot in common, as I am also single and without children, and although was already fairly isolated since being laid off a year and a half ago (while I was out on medical leave for back surgery - was a part time job) I am really way more isolated than I've ever been before. And the pain gets in the way of us doing so much to get back into the world.

So this site has been a real godsend to me, and I think you'll find it a great support, too.

Again, welcome.

PaLady
Posted 6/5/2009 8:13 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Bandit,

Welcome to our Family!  I am so sorry to hear of your accident and the injuries that have now caused you chronic pain!  Everyone here UNDERSTANDS, supports and always has a kind word of advice or hug just when you think you can't go on!

We are here for you and look forward to reading your future posts!

XXOO
Patti

Posted 6/6/2009 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Bandit,

I too want to extend to you a warm welcome! This forum has been a god-send for most of us! It is so wonderful to be able to talk with others freely & openly, as everyone here understands (to echo Patti)! We all have different types of pain, but pain is a universal language, so anyone dealing with any type of pain can speak the lingo - the physical & emotional discomfort, the treatments & side effects and consequences of pain. You've found an incredibly passionate, caring and supportive group! Like Patti mentioned, we refer to each other as family, as that is what we have become, united by pain. So although we are sorry to see you here because you too are in pain, we welcome you with open arms, and are happy that you have decided to join us! Welcome to HW:CP!

Skeye
Posted 6/6/2009 4:58 AM (GMT 0)

Welcome,

Bandit was the name of my most favorite dog.  I was raised with shepherds and have two now, but my favorite dog ever was a cocker spaniel named Bandit.  He just stole my heart and I never quite completely got over losing him.

Anyway, Bandit, I welcome you to the forum and am so glad you found us.  Like the others have voiced, we are more like a family here and everyone is great with support, advice and just listening sometimes.  We really look out for one another.  Glad you joined.  Keep posting so we can get to know you.

Gentle Hugs and God bless.

Lindaloo

Posted 6/6/2009 12:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Bandit, this site is great for a moan but great for advice, great for support and great for a laugh. Manys the time I've nearly fallen off the chair with some wonderful cyber imagery. I'm sorry you're in pain, I can totally relate to feeling like healthcare professionals are not really listening to you...sometimes they seem to go off on their favourite tangents and you feel you've just been put in a square hole when you were sure you were round when you walked in!!!
Depression sadly seems to come with the territory, we all seem to battle with it to varying degrees. most of us struggle to accept ourselves with our varying disabilities but you've come to the right place. Welcome, golitho.
Posted 6/6/2009 4:31 PM (GMT 0)

Thank you all so much for your lovely warm welcome!

I can see I've definitely come to the right place!  It brought tears to my eyes just reading those responses because it's so clear that I'm finally talking to people who understand. I didn't realise how much of a relief that would be. I think the isolation is one of the worst things about chronic pain, because your mind's still as active and social as ever, but your body just can't do it, so you end up sitting in as corner by yourself.

I'm really looking forward to having a place to chat, people I know can support me, and being able to offer support to others where I can.

Bandit

Posted 6/6/2009 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
Bandit, I felt so relieved when I found this forum but at the same time I did not feel comfortable letting the rage out and venting as I did not feel like it was the right thing to do. I felt that all these people have their own issues that they have to deal with that they did not need mine on top of theirs. I expressed that and was gently rebuked as that is what people are here for. We share the good things and the really horible things and everything in between. Don't be afraid of dumping here or shaing something funny that has happened. We all need to cry and laugh. Blessings  

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