Ah, I see I have located a few of you who are suffering from Chronic pain as I am! It's lovely to hear others because it's so sad to feel alone in the 24/7 pain relief catagory.
I broke my neck and in the process, injured my spinal cord and some nerves. I also have stenosis and had surgery to correct it.
I'm dealing with the pain today, actually, and I have been medicated for years! I decided to take a short trip and was a passenger in a car for a bit and WHAM, it's back! So, it's break through medication today and yesterday as well because that was my first day back.
The depression is a factor because the pain reminds us constantly that we are disabled by it. When the pain returns and it does even if you are medicated, it is the great truth and it rings every bell in our body! I'm tired of it but cannot cure it so it does not matter!
I do take an antidepressant and am thinking of increasing it for a bit more help.
But, it was help to see some of my compadre's here to speak out and let me know I'm not alone. Thank you!
dancer 9

Dancer, I too have chronic pain. Like Meredith, I had chronic, intense, and frequent migraines. However, menopause helped reduce the hormonal cycle which was contributing to the migraines. I have fibromyalgia, and I had 5 surgeries in relation to cancer. Last night, for example, I just laid in bed and could feel my body throb with pain, especially the chest muscles behind the mastectomys. I do take pain meds and anti depressant and a sleep aid. But sometimes, there is no cure for the pain. I think yoga is much gentler on the body than other forms of movement.

Princess, I'm sorry for your pain! It seems you know how it is too! Are you medicated enough? Quality of life is important and if you need more pain medicine to improve your quality of life then you deserve it and should have it!
I do practice yoga. I am a ballet and jazz dance master with gymnastics, yoga and modern ability. I am a movement specialist you might say by my education. Yoga IS masterful for so many things! Taking down stress, exercise, meditation, stretch, etc...! I practice it daily as well as dance. My injuries are such that I am able to dance although not as I used to. Because I have been an international choreographer for so long, I doubt I will ever say good bye to my discipline. I live on it, to be truthful.
Let me say I'm sorry for your pain and I'd like to understand it. Are you presently fighting cancer? If so, I'm so sorry for that! If you care to elaborate, I would be interested in your case.

Warmest regards,
dancer9

Ladies,

I didn't know so many of the ladies on this site suffer from chronic pain.

I have a best friend who landed on her knees while working on a playground. This happened at the same school where the child slammed my right hand with a firedoor.

My friend is caught in the workman's compensation web and has not been able to get the help she needs.

This was six years ago!

She is still being sent to one doctor after another. Workman's Comp. did pay for one surgery on one knee, but will not approve the knee replacements she so badly needs.

Anyway, she has been seeing a "pain therapist."

My friend thinks this helps, but still is in constant pain which fluctuates in intensity.

By the way, the TENS machine that Hannelore and me referred to in previous posts was invaluable to me during the year following my surgery.

Afraid I'll time out.

Be gentle to yourselves,

Emily

Emjay,
It sounds like your friend needs a pain specialist. A pain specialist will offer everything from re-hab to narcotics depending on the case. There are some in pain that need narcotics just to get out of bed! Others respond to things such as Neurontin or other medications that are helping pain patients get some relief. Everyone is different and damage to your body is what you are dealing with. If your friend is in so much pain I hope she will try another doctor who will medicate her properly.
Chronic pain causes all sorts of problems with your health. It can wear your body down. Things like high blood pressure and heart problems can come from pain untreated! It is a real problem that doctors can now treat as a disease, and not have to fix it when it cannot be fixed! Like those with MS etc., there are people with permanent damage that need to be relieved to live a whole and productive life.

I hope you and your friend feel better and that your pain is treated seriously as it deserves to be treated!
Thanks for posting about this awful problem many have.

Dancer9

dancer, good to see you back, but sorry it's because you are sitting around in pain. Have any ofyou tried acupuncture?

Also, I'd like to mention the issue of bowel problems while using pain medication. I know a woman who created tremendous bowel issues due to heavy doses of pain medication which in turn caused her to have bowel surgery. I know this sounds ridiculous, but make sure you are moving your bowels while taking those meds.

Dianne asked if Fibromyalgia can be cured. Not currently. There are meds to help with some of the symptoms, but nothing to cure it.

Over the winter and Spring I was nearly pain free. Now that summer and the rainy season has started, the pain has returned. The doctor says that including the congenital spinal stenosis, I now have arthritis in my back.

I'm a big supporter for pain management. Take what you need and make sure you have quality of life.

Dotsie, yes. Pain medications tend to cause constipation. If you're on pain meds add extra fiber to your diet. Also, include a stool softener with your regular daily meds.

I know it's not a particularly pleasant topic, but an important one all the same.

I don't understand the time out feature here.
Can anyone explain?
dancer [color]

For those of use who have no choice but to take the pain meds, this is a side effect we must deal with. Products like Miralax and Enlouse are good. Actually, Enlouse is very good but you need a prescriptoin to get it.
Senna is good if your diet is good and you use more than the label recommends. You have to take whatever it takes, really, to avoid problems. I have gotten myself on a regimen that works and is part of my daily rituals.
dancer

Vicky, Both of your diseases can cause chronic pain. I have stenosis as well and already two surgeries for it under my belt. I had it severe and HAD to have surgery on my neck, it was already affecting my spinal cord which is how I got injured. I suffer a deficet in my arms because of the cord damage but it could have been much worse.
dancer 9 who still dances!