A Pain Survivor Community
Pain medications
Hi everyone
I want to start by saying a big THANK YOU to Julls for your nice message and caring words. I have been on this journey for a long, long time. I've seen at least 16 different doctors from my family doctor to pain specialist to foot doctors. At the end of the day they all seemed to say the same thing. You have CRPS in your foot, there is no known cure, and pain medications as well as pain management skills will be your future. I have tried any and every pain med known in hopes of relief, but they all seem to fall short. I'm feeling like you, Julls, I don't want to be on pain meds, I want my life back.
I've worked in the banking industry since I was 18 years old and loved it. I crushed my foot at work when a cart with bags of coin fell on my foot. Unfortunately, nerve damage doesn't show up on ex-rays, MRI's or any type of testing. I can't tell you how many times I heard, "it must be in your head". I finally had enough one day when one of the workers comp. doctors told me it was in my head and my response was, "if it's in my head, then why does my foot hurt"?
To be honest, I had no idea there was a pain condition that could hurt like this. And why would I want to live like this when my life was great.
I know we all have different stories with a common symptom which is horrible pain. I pray for all of you every day and hope God gives you strength. He chose us for a reason, not sure right now what that is, but I do believe he has a plan for all of us.
I love hearing from all of you, it reminds me that I'm not alone on this sometimes lonely journey.
Nicole, if you read this, enjoy that little boy of yours, they grow up so fast.
I do have two healthy, beautiful grandchildren that make everything right in the world.
Best wishes to all of you and keep your faith in your higher power.
Bye for now.
Vicki
Views: 24
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by DeNise Watkins Hamilton on -
Hi Vicki,
I can identify with your feelins of wanting your life back. My long-time therapist told me that finding contentment and enjoyment of life hinges on how well I accept my limitations and deal with it all realistically. I have advanced osteoarthritis which causes pain in multiple joints and in my spine. I had spinal surgery in 2010 because the arthritis made a mass of cartilage press on my spinal cord. I was peeing myself and losing my ability to work. Surgery helped a great deal. But my cervical spine is in bad shape with nerve impingement cause pain and numbness in my arms/hands. At this time the cervical spine is inoperable.
I have been a LPN for over 30 years and now find I can't do it anymore. I also have a degree in psychology so I am moving toward counseling. Life is very challenging & difficult. My husband died 11 years ago, I am estranged from my 31 year old daughter who is suing me over a house we purchased together and my parents are too preoccupied in keeping their secrets of abuse. Life would hard with just this but add pain to it and it is catastrophic. I have been alone for 11 years, dating occasionally. I have no caregiver to help, am responsible for breadwinning and depend on my family of dogs & cats for laughter, fun and love.
What I wouldn't give for my life back! My goals now are finding a place I where really want to live and my dogs have run-room and finish my masters degree and return to a new career. Focus on what you can do & what you enjoy because it will lead you through the pain to a little peace and contentment.
May you have blessings abundantly,
DeNise
-
Permalink Reply by vicki l galvin on
-
Hi DeNise
I'm so glad you shared your story, but it really broke my heart to hear everything you're going through along with your pain. The pain itself is overwhelming, and the other things added on top must feel like a lot to handle. I'm so sorry to hear about the death of your husband, my first husband died in 1983 so I understand how difficult that is. My 20 year old daughter isn't speaking to me either right now, we had a falling out about three months ago. I know she will come around when she's ready and needs me again. I hope your psychology training helps you, I've wondered these last few years If that is something I would like to do. I think when we are faced with something so "inhumane" as daily chronic pain, we have such compassion for others that are suffering as well. As for your parents, I don't really know what to say. I haven't had that situation in my life. My mom passed away in 2000 from colon cancer, and my dad is alive and well at 77. I'm happy that you have your pets that bring you so much joy and laughter. I have my "Bubba", a four year old Pomeranian. He also brings me such joy, laughter, companionship, and unconditional love.
DeNise, any time you want to write to me please feel free. It sounds like you could use a friend right now and I'm a good listener. I was wondering what city and state you live in, if you want to give that information. I'm in Salem, Oregon with my husband of ten years. I have two children and two beautiful grandchildren.
I will put you in my prayers and I hope you can find some peace and contentment as you move forward. God bless you for now. I hope to hear from you soon.
Vicki Galvin
I
-
Permalink Reply by DeNise Watkins Hamilton on
-
Thank you Vicki, especially for your offer of friendship. I live in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on the opposite coast. So meeting each other might present a challenge. ;) It sounds like you have support in your life. I hope you treasure it. Isn't it a shame that a medical diagnosis leaves us in a situation where options are so limited? I know there are other conditions that are the same -- little to offer for cure or a sense of wellness. I wish chronic pain pulled the same public attention that cancer does. Chronic pain is sort of an orphan when it comes to research. Its better than it was 20 years ago, though.
I appreciate your prayers and wishes. Did I mention I lost my job in August 2011 because I asked for accommodations? Life is too, tooo difficult.
© 2012 Created by Nicole Hemmenway.
