When The Pain Is Controlling Your Life?

[JoshuaY46013]

I'm almost to a place in my life where I'm making everyone and myself miserable.  I know it doesn't seem as long as some of you, this has been 1 1/2 years now and I just feel worse than ever.  My doctor is working with me I guess, I take Ultram, Ambien and Neurontin, which neither really do much of any good.  I see him only ever 3 months or so, and he'll up the dose of Neurontin.  I don't know what else to do, what else to say?  I'm only 22, with this horrible pain.  

I know that a lot of you have came and past this point which I'm at, what changed?  What did you do?

I just need some people to talk to that understand where I'm coming from, my family, friends, no one understands me..  

Josh

[Shanna707]

My heart goes out to you.  Your really not on alot of meds and may need to have a DR that you see maybe once a month for a while instead of every 3 months.  Every 3 months is fine if you are maintaining and not in uncontrollable pain.

There are primary Dr's who understand pain management, but they really are far and few between.  If your insurance pays for it, I really suggest seeking a DR who deals only with pain management.

In my  opinion, ultram is not for severe pain.  So, if you are in severe pain you may need something stronger like vicodin, percocet, or codeine.  Ultram has tramadol in it and it is known to lower the seizure threshold at higher doses.  Hence, if you are finding that the ultram is not working don't just up the dose get the med changed.

I send all my healing thoughts your way.  I know what it is to be in terrible pain.  Hang in there.  So much more can be done for you.

[MacGeek]

I would suggest finding a doctor who specialize in pain management.  I thought my life was over and know one was understanding what i was going through until i found my pain management doctor.  She really understood what was going one.  Knew how the pain was affecting my life and my relationships.  She was able to find a mixture of drugs that help me get through the day.  It took a few different ones but you have to keep trying until you find something that works for you.  Don't give up!  

[Tuckamore]

Yes I think we have all been there. My heart goes out to you.

Family and friends for the most part just can't understand....because they have never been there. I am blessed that I have a soul-mate, my husband that is compassionate and kind. He certainly understands more than most but still there are rare days that I think he just doesn't get it.

Some ppl will never get it, no matter how much they love you. One thing that I did was to keep my pain to myself as much as possible. No one likes to hear me complaining day after day.

Chronic pain sufferers experience stages of grieving for their loss, much like the stages of dead and dying. Some of those stages are anger, bargaining, denial and acceptance. Many ppl vacillate between those stages but when you are in the acceptance stage for the majority of time your life becomes easier. One day I just woke up and said, ok this is the hand that life dealt me, what am I going to do with it? I can feel sorry for myself or I can try to find that happy go lucky, fun loving person I was once, or at least what's left of her. I can count my blessings instead of dreading getting out of bed. And that's what I did. My new attitude showed and ppl responded better to me.  It didn't happen over night and it took me several years to get there. Once I gave up the denial and anger the rest was relatively easy.

Don't get me wrong. I still have down days and I still have pity parties but they are farther between and shorter lived. I also have a great physician that does all she can to help me manage my pain.

You are young and it may take you longer to get there but that day will come for you. Some ppl find that counselling helps, especially with a CP Therapist. I tried that and didn't find a lot of insight. I did read an excellent old book named, "When Bad Things Happen to Good People."  That was instrumental in my emotional healing. I cannot recommend it enough.

Coming to MH has been another source of growth and comfort. Knowing that there are others that feel like I do helps, even though I wouldn't wish it on anybody. Chatting helps and helping others, helps. Find what works for you.

Try to be kind to others as they are not responsible for your pain. When we hurt it's easy to snap at those around us. We are here and you are not alone. Stop by often.

[Lindy125]

Hey Josh,
This is a great site to get ideas, hope, and overall support.  Some days I am not able to type but I will come to this site and just read other peoples posts and it makes me feel like i am not alone.  its hard for people who dont' have pain issues to really understand even when they are trying.  I hope this helps a little and all the best.  merry Christmas Josh!
Linda