Dear Crohnie, Though my pain is of a different type I know exactly how you feel. Unless others (including family) have been in our shoes they can't begin to understand. Chronic pain is something that can and will control our lives if we let it. Is your pain being managed by a good pain clinic? If not it may need to be. A good clinic can offer many more services than just prescribing meds. I recently completed a two week course at my clinic where many issues were discussed. Being involved in a class with other CPers was a huge help and a wealth of knowledge. Not only do we sometimes need someone to talk to but our significant others do as well to help them begin to understand. The jokes and suggestive comments are really through ignorance of the disease we suffer with called chronic pain. Most of mine came from close family members who I know love and care for me deeply. They were terrified of me becoming an addict. My oldest son was witness to two of his closest friends families being ripped apart by addiction and abuse which started out with a back injury. So not only do others need to understand us, we need to educate and reassure our significant others. Yea the monthly ritual is a huge drag but it can't be avoided. If you are being stereotyped as a drug seeker (and there are many out there) stand up for yourself. Let them know how you feel about
their treatment. Don't put up with rude nurses or receptionists. If this is happening tell your doctor. I did and it did make a difference. I have also found that staying as active as I possibly can has helped me tremendously. I figure I can hurt somewhere else as good as I can here at the house. I do hope you will feel better. Stay strong and keep the faith!