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Posted 6/17/2016 10:47 AM (GMT 0)
Hi all

I am not new to chronic pain, it has been with me for 4 years but now is quite bad. I have been told it is a result of psychological illness, and seems quite resistant to treatment but I'm still trying.

These last few months I have been having a lot of trouble with anxiety. I am wondering does it get easier with time? I feel overwhelmed with the pain and not knowing if it will ever get better, it scares me so much. I know it's possible to get to a place where I'm not terrified of it, I've managed to before but something about now is making me doubt it. I think it is only really recently that I have accepted my pain has psychological origins and could be with me for a very long time. That may be why I'm so afraid at the moment. Everyone keeps saying it's great that nothing is physically wrong, that it can get better, but then I think of conditions like fibromyalgia that are with people for a lifetime and it makes me scared. And if it's psychological, it could even get worse...

For those of you that have been in pain for many years, does it get easier with time? Do you become less afraid of it and more accepting?
Posted 6/17/2016 4:12 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Andy, so sorry to read what you have going on in your life. I am a very, very long term CPer & do know that depression & anxiety can make the pain much worse if they are not under control. It just compounds the whole situation. Getting the anxiety & depression under control does help a persons pain to an extent, each person is different.

You know, I don't know if saying it gets easier is really the proper term to use, but I will say that in time yes, a person can come to terms with their pain & accept it. That is strictly a survival thing for a person that has chronic pain long term. Its a bitter pill to swallow. But if a person wants to rebuild & have any kind of life living with chronic pain, acceptance, coming to terms with it is the key. It takes time & a lot of work, it depends on how much effort a person is willing to put into it & how bad they want it. Above all, most CPers do not dwell on what pain has done to their lives, rather we dwell on the things we can still do. For me, as along as I can still feel some pain I know I am still alive, thats important to me.

I remind myself to look around, there is always someone else much worse off than I am. I bet if you look around you will find the same. Take care.
Posted 6/17/2016 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Andy:
I do not know if I would use the word "easier" in describing life with ongoing pain.

Myself, the words adjust and adapt seem more apt to describe my process of living with ongoing pain.

Exercise is an essential tool that I use to combat the downward spiral of emotions that can accompany the presence of pain in my life. I am a former marathon runner and, despite the limitations that fragile health has dealt me, I continue to make exercise a daily part of my life. Why? Because I feel so much better for the effort.

Yoga? Swimming? Is there a low-stress form of exercise that you could use to tap into your inner strengths?

Do you have a pet? Some of here have pets that are pivotal parts of our well-being. I have a little tea-cup Maltese, Molly, who is my soul mate. She brings me immense comfort.

I hope that you can find a beginning in this forum as first steps to the easing of your discomforts,

- Karen -
Posted 6/17/2016 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you both.

I think my low mood and anxiety is definitely making it so much worse. I have been fighting accepting it for so long, I think I'm closer now than I have been but part of me keeps saying don't stop fighting, don't accept this, you can't cope, it's hard to ignore but the added stress isn't helping matters.

I can still exercise and work at the moment, I go for a walk every day and ride my bike whenever I can, it seems to be the one thing I can do that even alleviates the pain to some degree. I get odd moments when I am pain free as well, because it's psychological sometimes it will just vanish for a few minutes and I get relief, but in a way it doesn't help me because I keep trying to ellicit them but I cant and it just keeps me constantly focussed on it. Feel I need to just accept it and try to enjoy those brief moments
Posted 6/17/2016 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Easier? More manageable is more like it. There is always hope. Medical breakthroughs are happening every day.

I've had to learn to accept help. Instead on focusing on the 'loss of independence', I look instead at the FACT that people are willing to lend a hand! Not out of pity, but out of friendship.

There is a saying in the Bible that says..."whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things." I've found that when I do this instead of dwelling on the 'down side', my mood improves and my pain, depression and anxiety improve.

"Stay in today" and "Live one day at a time" are good suggestions. I've learned to break big projects down into smaller 'bites'. Realistic expectations for my day are much healthier. Instead of telling myself things like, "I have a ton of laundry to do." I tell myself the truth...I have a couple of loads of laundry to do. Things like that make a big difference for me.

Keep it real. Keep posting. Knowing I'm not the only one going through stuff like this helps me too. Oh, and realizing that I'm 'going through' and not 'stuck' is another help.
Posted 6/19/2016 10:42 AM (GMT 0)
It's like anything else in your life that is repetitive and consistent,easier? I don't think so,coming to terms with it? Definitely so. Teaching ourselves to push it to the back of our minds is a challenge but it's a blessing when you can. Learning distraction techniques and using them daily is more what we do. We get our mind set on some goal we have an stay focused there and keep pushing the pain behind that no matter how big or small the task is. Your doing that nicely with your bike riding and walking.

Don't allow the pain to define and control you. Take control of it even if its in minute increments. It will win sometimes but most of us learn like Susie to appreciate those times it does and that gives us stronger incentives to push back with the next time.

We gallantly learn to become friends with our pain,familiar with all aspects of it therefore diminishing its importance by knowing we are bigger than it is.

I suggest finding a therapist who specializes in CP and is familiar with teaching distraction techniques if yours isn't.
Posted 6/19/2016 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks. One thing I am working on with my therapist is trying to ignore the pain and not be so obsessed about it. Mine is so related to my digestive system that I am terrified if I'm not hyper vigilant and aware of it that it will get worse. And when I am not careful it does get horrifically bad. It's hard for me to let go of trying to control it and let my mind go off it. But I'm trying and it is sort of slowly getting easier for my mind to wander to other things.

I hope that one day I can come to terms with it and accept it, I feel it would make my life a lot easier. People keep telling me it will get better and that it will go away, but I just can't believe it, it's been like this for 4 years and hoping for it to get better just gets me depressed when it doesn't. I still can't view it as a companion, I hate it, with every ounce of my being, I am absolutely raging inside at it. I hope that will ease with time, I think it's making things worse but I can't really.
Posted 6/19/2016 1:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Andy, I agree with what everyone else has said so far- it's learning to accept pain as part of everyday life- which is incredibly hard, but can be done.
That said- some days we are capable of acceptance, and other days not so much. I think being gentle with yourself and your situation, trying not to beat yourself up over not being able to accept your pain yet, or not being able to do things people without pain can, is the best 'advice' I can offer you, its what has worked for me.
I really hope your pain becomes manageable- and speaking as someone who also suffers from anxiety and depression, hang in there.
Posted 6/19/2016 2:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Andy.Welcome to the world of chronic pain.

One thing I've learned and accepted is that when someone says they're suffering I believe them.Because there was a time when I was hurting and it was hard to ge a Doctor to genuinely believe and help me.

I was 40 then.That's the 1st time that I told a Doctor that I'm hurting and I need something.

I'm almost 55.Had my Rt knee replaced last November.So I'm visibly broken.

If anything has become easier,it's just because I've been in the World of Chronic Pain for over a Decade.My PCP has a 14 year chart on me.I'm in Pain Management.The worse shape your body gets,the more doors are opened for treatment.Not sure that's a fair trade.

Do you take any Meds for your Anxiety.I take Xanax.I wish I would have had it back when I was a lot younger.I used to think I was crazy.I just suffered from anxiety.

Take care.

Richard

Post Edited (Mr.Tibs) : 6/19/2016 8:44:29 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/19/2016 3:27 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Mr Tibs, I know all too well unfortunately about people not believing Im suffering. As soon as a doctor knows you have anxiety its like they wont prescribe you anything. I asked one doctor for some pain meds while I was bent over in a chair in agony. She almost laughed in my face and said no, cause its just 'anxiety' isn't it. Felt like punching her in the face.

Im in the UK and you can't get benzo's for anything over here. I just have to manage my anxiety as best I can, I've asked many times for something like Gabapentin off label for anxiety and pain but doctors just never want to give me anything. They just tell me to see how it goes for a few weeks. As if Im going to magically relax and be pain free in a few weeks.
Posted 6/20/2016 11:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Andy.Morning in the States.

Do Doctors not recognize Anxiety as a illness and treat it in the U.K.?

Pain Meds are very controlled in the States.More now than any time.

Most Doctors prescribe Benzo's to Patients who need them or request them.I guess they determine through seeing and talking to you if they should prescribe them to you.

All Doctors seem to have a certain Med that they won't prescribe.

All my Doctors are hard against Soma,a strong muscle relaxer.

Take care.

Richard

Post Edited (Mr.Tibs) : 6/20/2016 6:14:15 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/20/2016 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
In the UK most doctors don't see anxiety as an illness, they just think you need to get CBT and that will magically make your worries vanish it seems. They never give benzos, unless you are in hospital and seriously mentally unstable, and I don't think I'd take them long term anyway as most doctors say you just adjust to them after a while.

I'd love to try gabapentin or pregabalin though, I can't remember what it feels like to be relaxed. I'm battling to see a psychiatrist at the moment, it is a nightmare in the UK, our system is a joke, I've been trying to see one for 6 months and hopefully will finally get to one after having had numerous assessments with nurses and repeatedly telling them I am in considerable pain, no one will give me medication for it, I am stressed and suicidal about it, very down. I should be hearing back in a week or two with an appointment, hopefully they can help, and aren't so averse to prescribing medicine to help me.
Posted 6/21/2016 5:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Andy
I am a new member and haven't really got a lot of words of wisdom. I am in awe of people who have somehow made it through years of constant pain. I have had six lower spine surgeries in last five yrs. I keep getting worse and now find out the procedure I need is not available, at least to me. And I know the hurt that comes with folks that think it's all in our heads. I am so glad you asked your question...the answers have been helpful to me also. I love this site and the caring folks here. Know that you are in the prayers of many folks...including mine.
Posted 6/21/2016 11:42 AM (GMT 0)
Andy,I've got 3 full bottles of Gabapenton(sp) in my drawer.It irritates my stomach really bad.I don't have any Nerve Pain that's bad enough to take it.

I'm going to my PCP(Personal Care Physician) at 10:15.I've got to tell him that the Blood-Work my PMD did showed high Creatin(sp) levels.I hope I haven't damaged my kidneys.

I'll put all my Meds.there are 10 now,in a big zip-lock and lay them on the table when he gets in the room.

I Love the guy.He's the best Doctor that I could hope for.He's really laid back and relaxed,such as I am.And he'll go to bat for me.

He's 2 years older than I am.I told we're in it til one of us checks out.

Take care.

Richard

Post Edited (Mr.Tibs) : 6/21/2016 5:52:49 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/21/2016 1:22 PM (GMT 0)
Richard/Mr. Tibs:

You have 10 containers of various prescription medications?

My thinking leans in the direction of taking as few medications as possible.

Too often we learn of unanticipated adverse side-effects of medications years after FDA release to the public - medications for GERD; medications for anti-depression; medications for osteoporosis to name a few.

Despite my own need for medications to replace the essential hormones that I lack due to pituitary failure, I strive to take as few ancillary medications as possible.

I hope that you and your primary care MD can take a thorough review of what you are taking and can trim down the list. I know that you trust your primary care MD and think highly of him. You are in good hands.

You always wish for others a good day at the conclusion of each of your postings. Yours is a thoughtful gesture of good-will.

Giving back to you . . .

May your day be a day of good-will and blessings.
- Karen -
- Karen -
Posted 6/21/2016 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
My post was lost but basically there is not a lot of sympathy for either physical or mental illness around here. The docs are pretty creepy and I have not had much luck. With allergies and asthma, they did not believe me and then with arthritis I thought wow, they believe me I am going to get help. Not so fast, there is no cure so you just have to cope.

Wish I could end on a happier note.
Posted 6/21/2016 10:20 PM (GMT 0)
Karen.Yeah.It's overwhelming to look at it all in a big ziplock.Only 2 are Controlled.You're 100 % right.My PCP was just writing the essentials.The PMD added 4 meds when 1 would have done it.

Edit: Thank you for the kind words Karen.

1.B/P Med
2.B/P Med
3.Arthritis Med
4.Anti-Depressant(Celexa) Can't sleep without it.
5.Zantac
6.Zanaflex
7.Phenergan
8.Xanax
9.Norco
Only 9 and I take the first 5 after Breakfast,Xanax as prescribed and Norco when needed.

And Phenergan is a miracle drug.When you take that many pills sometimes it feels like someone kicked me in the gut.

My PMD prescribed Gabapenton also but I can't take it.Hurts my stomach.

Take care.

Richard

Post Edited (Mr.Tibs) : 6/23/2016 8:27:05 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/22/2016 1:09 PM (GMT 0)
I take quite a few of them too. The most important are the high blood pressure pills...two of those. Well I think some of these pills are very good and for me I just want refills.

No more wellness test for me, just the mammogram. Am over 70 and tired of doctors.
Posted 6/22/2016 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Joan.My PCP writes 5 refills on all my Meds.I see him 2,3 times a year.

I see my PMD every 2 months.

Take care.

Richard
Posted 6/23/2016 6:11 AM (GMT 0)
I take as little meds as possible now. I feel a lot better than when I was taking 13 different meds in a day and most were counteracting one of the others. Just didn't make sense to me.
Posted 6/23/2016 9:18 AM (GMT 0)
Andy, I know what you mean about doctors not taking you seriously- I grew up in Singapore and they are seriously behind in terms of mental illness awareness and I know the NHS in the UK is pretty bad at the moment. Have you tried lexapro? I've been on it for about four years and it's really helped with both my anxiety and depression.
Posted 6/23/2016 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
I just take the 100 mil of zoloft...generic and am okay.

People just don't get it...unless they hear you wheezing, then they do not believe you have asthma.

I was in the hospital for four nights starting April 13th following a fall at home. They expect me to be able completely well by now. Got news for them...I am still healing.

They say I am not old...I will be 71 soon. When are you old...when you are 171?

Doctors rush around like crazy people and have pat sayings ... like come back in two weeks or the ever bright "if this does not help, call back". Why would you call back if it did not work????

Science is supposed to include math. It is statistically impossible for the patients to be wrong all the time.

Being ill is no fun and that is for sure.
Posted 6/24/2016 4:01 AM (GMT 0)
Joan:
It can be tough to bounce back after a serious fall.

Medicine doesn't do a good job of taking into account how an injury impacts not only one's health but also distresses one's social and personal environment.

I think if any of your MDs were to experience an injury or complex surgery they would be surprised by the limitations in their normal activities.

Everyone heals at his/her own rate. Just as in the story of the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race. It is OK to be slow and steady in your healing. Get up, shower, have a cup of coffee, and see what you can do every day.

Keep faith and hope for better days ahead,
- Karen -
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