If this is your first visit, check out the community guide. You will have to Join us or Sign in before you can post.
Receiving too many notifications? Adjust your notification settings.
A cheerful thread about chronic pain.... Let's try it.

I've not seen much on this forum about chronic pain (though I assume other conditions will cause chronic pain.... Just... Sorry if this is clumsy)
But when people ask what's wrong (why so they do that? Let's talk about TV or food or music or... Etx)... All I have as a diagnosis is chronic pain and weakness from the waist up.
And it is what it is.
So, this isn't the best start of a thread but I'd love to hear abput your experiences of chronic pain and how you manage, cope, maybe even overcome pain?
But when people ask what's wrong (why so they do that? Let's talk about TV or food or music or... Etx)... All I have as a diagnosis is chronic pain and weakness from the waist up.
And it is what it is.
So, this isn't the best start of a thread but I'd love to hear abput your experiences of chronic pain and how you manage, cope, maybe even overcome pain?
Replies
I too struggle with chronic pain, I guess it can affect us all quite differently some stay in bed and rest while others get on with it so to speak and try not to let it interfere with their life.
Sometimes my pain is so severe I've had to shut all my windows in my house as I'm crying out so much, not wanting the neighbours to hear!!
But I tend to try and keep myself busy this works for me, though it's important we let our bodies rest I've learnt this over the years.
It can can be frustrating that's for sure, I'm quite a proud person and don't like people to know I'm struggling, but then others benefit from people knowing.
Its what works for you I guess!
Treat yourself to something you enjoy, this always helps me!!
Hope you're feeling ok today x
Also, consultant prescribed chilli cream. It's a topical ointment you can rub on.... It goes hot and frankly itchy as anything but it kind of distracts the nerves from hurting. I only use it those shut all the windows times!
Wish I'd got more help from physio on what to do...
"I'm trying to live like a random poem I read that ended 'to bloom where we are planted"
I have the opposite, pain from the waist down.
It started with knee problems many many years ago and after having an osteochondritis graft on my left knee and working to recover from it, I had an accident at work and ended up with a knee replacement and the pain never went away, I have been diagnosed with CRPS.
Distraction is the best defense against pain, that's why when it's dark and we are laid there with no noise or anything, the pain always feels worse.
I haven't actually found anything to totally help, I'm in pain every day but I try to keep myself occupied and I love reading, however sometimes the pain does get so bad that I can't concentrate on anything.
Hopefully one day they will find something to help us
CRPS. - yes! That's the one, I can never remember what its called. Do you find it hard when people ask what the matter is? I think some people see it as JUST pain grrrrr
I have had some real progress with gabapentin but only in shooting pains in my wrists. Doesn't seem to help back and shoulders but codiene takes the edge off. I had 3 yeas of getting over (most) side effects so am letting it settle a little while... Though seeing pain consultant in March and I think she will suggest duloxetine again. So sore but not sure if I can cope with more side effects just yet... So have been doing lots of heat, distraction. Have found improving mobility (new power chair) has helped as I am happier and busier in it and dont have to hoik manual chair in and out of car etc.
"I'm trying to live like a random poem I read that ended 'to bloom where we are planted"
osteoarthritis bulging discs high blood pressure Ibs I also have tennis and golfers elbow in both arms can't lift arms up above my head. In Chronic pain every day I have the problem I'm allergic to lots of medication I've had it injections acupuncture you name it I've had it
So..... Any cheap and realistic ways of soothing pain, even just a tiny bit?
"I'm trying to live like a random poem I read that ended 'to bloom where we are planted"
I am allergic to most medication so I can only have oramorph and diazepan and paracetamol which does not take my pain away
Hard to explain to someone that some days you can sit in a car others you cant yet still expected to get a job. Ive not worked now for 8yrs and job centre have offered me no help. Put it all on you. Live 1 day in our shoes they may just understand.
Things that help me are accupuncture which you can get free on nhs also i brought a accupuncture mat to lie on. Tens machine is also pretty useful.
Memory foam matress / Topper. Really helped me sleep better.
I've been so lucky so far. I've had a chest infection this week before Christmas every year for 5 years... But not this year. Agree that pacing yourself is so hard.
I had a really bad spell at Easter but after some hospital trips, I was given methocarbamol and oramorph to 'top up' my pain relief when needed. I've felt much more in control and basically been able to get more done without that terrible fear of the pain during and afterwards. Getting better in wheelchairs too which has helped.
Wishing you all a low pain holiday xx
"I'm trying to live like a random poem I read that ended 'to bloom where we are planted"
It's 3.30am and I can't bare to turn the light off. So have just put 'The Archers' BCC radio 4 on that I use lots. It's kind of interesting enough to distract but not so exciting to keep me awake....
Had massive pain last few days... Almost worth it cos when it goes back to normal pain I feel grateful! Except... I do think it's getting worse.
The fear of pain is often as bad as the pain so with extra pain killers it does help give me more confidence.
Happy Spring holiday folks!
"I'm trying to live like a random poem I read that ended 'to bloom where we are planted"