I must post to get this off my chest.

[Akoto]

I have a chronic pain condition. There's no cure, only treatments. Just diagnosed two months ago and still getting accustomed to living with it. Supposedly, no actual harm is being done, even though it hurts (something to do with Central Sensitization of the nerves). Some people with this condition get better with time, others do not, and it usually flares in cycles.

My new doctor seems to care, but wants to try other treatments, so we haven't attempted painkillers yet. I'm hurting tonight, but trying to not panic or worry. My biggest weakness is thinking things like 'this is going to become permanent' or 'it's going to get worse,' even though I have no reason to believe that.

I'm only 23. Seems like I'm far too young to be dealing with this. x( For those of you who deal with chronic pain, how do you avoid the panic/negative thoughts? I hate thinking things like my life is over!

Sorry. I needed to vent with this pity post. ;)

[fizzgig]

1. i am sorry you are hurting tonight

i don't have any advice, but i do have a :hug: for you. i hope you and your doc are able to find something that will help manage the pain

[blondie58]

2. ((Akoto))

I am so sorry that you're suffering from this. You're way to young for such a thing. You might consider posting this over on the chronic health/ailments board also- people there know a lot also.

I have a condition in which many people experience pain, so far as yet, none for me. I decided long ago, though that if it came to be, I would use medical marijuana. And you are so right, you need to try and avoid the panic/negative thoughts. They can really harm you. Perhaps meditation, accupuncture of tai chi would be of benefit. And don't forget laughter! I wish you the best of luck.:)

[KitchenWitch]

3. I am one of the pain people.

It is a struggle. Sometimes I have to take things by the moment.

:hug:

Ask your doctor if an antidepressant might be in order, since that can help with the whole panic, psychological component of the pain.

[MonkeyFunk]

4. I'm sorry

I've been living with severe back pain for the past 6 weeks, and the thought has occurred to me that I don't know how I'll cope if it doesn't get better. For now, I'm hopeful that it will get better, but it's pretty awful not knowing.

I hope you find some relief.

[bixente]

5. Akoto

http://www.acai.vg/

A hairdresser I know tried this and it alleviated her back pain. It seems to be that yours is different, but perhaps it can ease it?

Just thought I'd throw this out to you.

[Mojambo]

6. One of my friends dealing with chronic pain found some relief in studying the philosophy of stoicism

I sometimes read the meditations myself when I'm feeling desperate.

[leftyclimber]

7. (((Akoto)))

I'm 36 and I have chronic pain, too, although not to the degree you're experiencing. My dad has fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, so he's probably in your "league."

If I could recommend a book for you, this book has helped me deal with the mental side of pain for about 10 years. Hopefully it can help you, too.

I'm so sorry to hear that this is happening to you so young. Hopefully you have a good doc who helps you manage this and you can find the support system you need.

Vent all you want. This must be scary and frustrating for you. :hug:

-lefty

edit: apparently I also don't know how old I am. :hide:

[lost-in-nj]

8. I am so sorry

for this


my GF has chronic pain

they implanted something in her back
to ease the pain


it does to some context


but she needs more


:hug:

knowing her

I know what you are going through




lost

[Mezzo]

9. Maybe you should try acupuncture?

I have a few friends who absolutely SWEAR by it.

I think you should give it a try.

[Deep13]

15. Acupuncture has no therapeutic value.

"...The life force, Ch'i, has no basis in human physiology. The meridians are imaginary; their locations do not relate to internal organs, and therefore do not relate to human anatomy. Acupuncture points are also imaginary. (Various acupuncture charts give different locations for the points.)..."

http://skeptically.org/kooks/id4.html

[sandsavage]

10. This is not a pity post but a cry for help

My heart truly goes out to you. Your life is precious and not over. Could I just tell you this. 15 months ago, I was were you are now. My doctors were pushing drugs on me for pain. Which made me feel worse. Because I'm part Native American I started to search for something natural for the pain. Walking was painful, getting in and out of the car was a mess for me. Sleep was a nightmare because of the pain. Then I found what I was looking for,the old herbs our ancestors used for these conditions. White willow bark. White willow bark is not like the aspirin or other pain killers. It will not upset your stomach and cause ulcers etc. Feverfew another natural relief from pain caused by inflammation from nerves. The modern doctors are doing studies on now.They know it works on migraine headaches but aren't sure why. Also Dani lion leaves to rid your body of toxins. These are all safe herbs. It takes two weeks to work but it does work. My last doctors app. was funny. My doctor spent the whole time writing down the herbs I take, amounts etc. She is going to recommend them to other patients. I'm off all meds. Feel just wonderful and pain free. These herbs are very inexpensive. You just make a tea from them. Just 3 herbs may bring you relief. These can be purchased at any Natural food co-op in your area or bought on line. Warning. The tea tastes pretty bad. I don't use any type of sweetener so that would help the taste, I think. LOL You will stay in my prayers and I will ask that you receive an answer to this problem and bring the joy back into your life that you deserve.Please forgive the long post.I care deeply and your post touched my heart.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

11. This is absolutely the kindest post I have seen on here today --

Welcome to DU. It is an honor to meet you.

[Akoto]

17. Thanks for the suggestion, and the kind post ...

I know some guys with this condition benefit from a natural substance called quercetin, so I don't discount natural remedies. I will see if I can't find the herbs you suggest. :)

[Wabbajack_]

12. I have some mystery condition

there is pain involved sometimes though that is not the primary problem. Initial doctors couldn't DX it and I can't afford to go again. I am 24 and it started last year, great age 23 huh? Good luck to you.

[ThomCat]

13. I was 24 when my pain started.

I'm turning 40 in three weeks. Hang in there. You can survive this.

:hug:

It's really an endurance game. You surround yourself with understanding friends who let you vent from time to time. You train yourself to retreat and hibernate instead of venting most of the time, so that you're not wearing out your friends.

And you take the painkillers when you need them.

Depression is going to happen. A lot. Be prepared for it. It helps a lot just to know that it's pain induced depression. when I can say, "That's just the pain talking. It'll pass." I'm much much better at enduring. If your doctor puts you on drugs for neurological pain, they are usually also used as anti-depressants. They are dual purpose meds. That will help.

I'm very, very sorry you're going through this. Please feel free to PM me. We can exchange phone numbers and talk. I'll happily be part of your support network to help you deal with this.

:hug:

Thom

[Akoto]

18. Thank you for posting ...

I think you conveyed a lot of what I'm going through. I've been told that it'll seem like I'm in a dark tunnel with no escape, but that's just because I can't yet see the light at the end.

You're very correct about the depression. I think that's what's happening right now. It seems like I have a good day, and then the pain roars the following day to beat me back down. That can be very discouraging. As it happens, my first specialist did put me on an antidepressant for neuro pain (Elavil/Amitriptyline 25mg). It caused urinary retention, though. When I called to let him know, his nurse said he no longer wanted to see me because I was too emotional. His bedside manner sucked, anyhow.

I probably do need to consider an antidepressant. As well, I've never tried painkillers. I am afraid of asking my new doctor for pain management, for fear of being labeled a pill shopper or him thinking I'm giving up -- he seems optimistic about treatment. Still, the roller coaster of pain-no pain-low pain-anxiety-severe pain-no pain-etc is really wearing at me mentally.

I try to remind myself that many, many men suffer with my condition (it's male-specific). As well, I remind myself that others are going through far worse, such as fibro sufferers who have pain everywhere instead of one confined area. Still, it's hard to not feel like you're alone in it at times. ;)

[Midlodemocrat]

14. I was 22 when the pain started.

Honestly, I just got used to it. Sometimes it is much worse than others, a lot of the time I don't think about it because it is part of me. I often envision and/or dream about being rid of the pain, but it is so ingrained in me, I'm not sure how I would react without it.

Your life isn't over, not be a long shot. You've just been dealt a difficult hand. Try to take things a day at a time. You seem very together, so I think you'll be okay.

Best to you. :hug:

[Akoto]

19. Thank you ...

I've actually had the problem for seven years, but I had no name for it throughout that time. Many misdiagnoses later, a specialist correctly named my problem. I finally went to him after, about two months ago, the pain really took a step up.

I try to tell myself that my life isn't over, and that if it gets really bad, pain management is an option. I don't think there's any shame in taking that route.

[Akoto]

16. Thanks for all of the kind posts, everyone.

I will try some of the suggestions mentioned. Unfortunately, the pain is in a difficult area to treat, so some will work better than others. :)