Chronic Pain Management Support Group

[Abby5]

That is so funny about Norah Jones!

[Abby5]

It is my specialist..my family dr will not touch me any more she just says you need to wait to see your neoro

[Abby5]

Andit

[Andit]

Hi Abby, had to run out with the doggy.

Is it possible to talk to your specialist via phone, if not a proper appt?

It's annoying that your family Dr won't touch you just cause you have a specialist.

Have you looked at the Celiac association - maybe they can refer you to a Dr, which might be faster than getting into your specialist? They might also be able to give you some ideas about something you can have that won't set you off that you might not have thought about. In case you don't have their website:
http://www.celiac.ca/EnglishCCA/eabout.html

There's also Telehealth, sometimes nurses know more than doctors, or at least are more willing to think outside the box:
http://www.healthyontario.com/About_...h_Ontario.aspx

Also, do you do any sort of meditation or relaxation exercises? With your job it sounds like you could use them. I use yoga breathing exercises to deal with pain on bad days (I'm too nervous to take pain killers cause I don't want to mess up the balance I've got with the 101 other meds).

Wish I had better advice to give.

Here's hoping tomorrow is a good day for you.

[Abby5]

You give great advice and help--I have been thinking about meditation for a while now--I go for a massage twice a month...but I have this problem that everywhere I go people talk to me and unload-even the theripest! I know crazy but really I can't even go to the store without strangers asking me things and talking to me---most people would be happy --but it is crazy--my family and friends think it is really crazy--it has happened since i was little--I was even think hypno therapy--never tried it but i want to go to someone that someone recommends! Maybe i will start with meditation-on tapes or something--what do you use-it sounds interesting???

[Andit]

Maybe i will start with meditation-on tapes or something--what do you use-it sounds interesting???

I do simple breathing exercises, like the kind you do in yoga. Basically if the pain gets to me, I do the following:

breathe in over a count of 4
hold my breath to a count of 12
breathe out to a count of 8


I find that I get so caught up concentrating on counting, that I "forget" about the pain. It's great for dealing with a sudden sharp pain, but doesn't do much for the dull aches I have (those I'm used to & more or less ignore).

My friend tried hypnotherapy to deal with panic attacks. It helped a bit, her problem is that the panic is based on a legitimate reason to be nervous, so could only go so far. I'm trying to help her, since I have a knack for knowing why the panic starts, it's usually cause she does something that she doesn't realize she's doing (tries to step off the curb when she's too far back & throws herself off balance, then panics that she's going to fall).

[Skippy]

I've just finished six acupuncture treatments and believe I am no further ahead. This is quite a disappointment as it was a glimmer of hope.

[Skippy]

I've just finished six acupuncture treatments and believe I am no further ahead. This is quite a disappointment as it was a glimmer of hope.

My walking is now going too I'm afraid

[Andit]

My walking is now going too I'm afraid

Sorry, I can`t remember, but do you use a cane when walking? Depending on how much walking I have to do or how long I`ll be out & about, I bring a cane with me. I`ve even been known to use 2 canes. Not everyone is helped by a cane, tho, so if it doesn`t work for you, not a big deal (my best friend tried using a cane & her balance was completely thrown off).

Oh & if you`re worried about how you`ll look using a cane, well, nothing can be more humiliating than putting on 2 air casts, losing balance, knocking the doctor to the floor & landing on top of him. There wasn`t a dry eye in the place, the interns, nurses, even the other patients were laughing so hard. Even the doctor thought it was hilarious.

[Skippy]

Sorry, I can`t remember, but do you use a cane when walking? Depending on how much walking I have to do or how long I`ll be out & about, I bring a cane with me. I`ve even been known to use 2 canes. Not everyone is helped by a cane, tho, so if it doesn`t work for you, not a big deal (my best friend tried using a cane & her balance was completely thrown off).

Oh & if you`re worried about how you`ll look using a cane, well, nothing can be more humiliating than putting on 2 air casts, losing balance, knocking the doctor to the floor & landing on top of him. There wasn`t a dry eye in the place, the interns, nurses, even the other patients were laughing so hard. Even the doctor thought it was hilarious.

I use a cane, but you've given me an idea to try a walker.
I briefly used one before, but uneven surfaces do a number on me.
Sorry to say but my post was worth hearing your story!

[Andit]

I use a cane, but you've given me an idea to try a walker.
I briefly used one before, but uneven surfaces do a number on me.

I know what you mean about the rattling of the walker being a bit jarring on uneven surfacees.

What about using 2 canes? Also, were you fitted properly for your cane? It`s not a one-size-fits-all deal. & sometimes the professionals who are supposed to know these things get it wrong. Besides, not all of us do things the tried & true way (or maybe I`m the only oddball?).


Here`s some info on the Assistive Devices program in Ontario, they might be able to fund all or part of a walker:
http://www.health.gov.on.ca/english/...dp/adp_mn.html

Sorry to say but my post was worth hearing your story!

Glad you enjoyed my humiliation. I swear, I wish someone had caught that on video, it was hilarious.

[dealsniffer]

hi everyone. in a lot of pain still.

[Abby5]

Wow so many stories..I had had enough of work and took Friday off. But could I be normal and relax nooooooooooo. I washed and stained our huge deck, painted our outdoor furniture, went grocery shopping, sold our old pool on line, planted bulbs, planted plants, weeded the garden and grass, did 15 loads of laundry and hung it out on the cloth line and so much more... I think I am totally crazy! My head it like the size of canada! My DH does not get it at all and does not help do anything.. he really drives me crazy-for really--how do you guys deal with your spouse and family? i am really having a hard time-sorry if this too personal

[Andit]

how do you guys deal with your spouse and family? i am really having a hard time-sorry if this too personal

Well, I'm a spinster & the dog does the housework.

In all seriousness, I do prefer living alone. When I'm with my folks, I feel like I have to keep up with them, & even tho they're seniors, they have more energy than I had at 20.

As for the dog, I have taught her all sorts of things that help me. Actually, one of the first things I taught her is "Help me up", which means stand still in front of me so I can balance & get up when I fall. I still have her help me get up, even tho I no longer really need her help. She opens the closet door, closes cupboards, picks up dirty clothes & puts them in a hamper, & (my favourite) she unties my shoelaces. Now, if I could only convince her to tie them, we'd be millionaires.

The cat's singular purpose is to entertain us, although he is good at lying on my feet & warming them up.

& I wish I had half your energy. That's the main issue I have is the fatigue. The best way to describe me is a cell phone that can only hold a charge for a short time. Oh well, as long as I can still get a charge, it's all good.

[tidytaurus]

I washed and stained our huge deck, painted our outdoor furniture, went grocery shopping, sold our old pool on line, planted bulbs, planted plants, weeded the garden and grass, did 15 loads of laundry and hung it out on the cloth line and so much more... I think I am totally crazy! My head it like the size of canada! My DH does not get it at all and does not help do anything.. he really drives me crazy-for really--how do you guys deal with your spouse and family? i am really having a hard time-sorry if this too personal

Abby5 thats a day off!!! for you for your hard work because doing anything while in pain is so much harder. I feel bad for my family because they try to be understanding and helpful and on my bad days I am a total unappreciative wench. I tend to overdo things like you did on my good days and then can not move for a few days after. Pacing myself is something I do not do well but its a lesson I am painfully learning.


Skippy I am so sorry the acupuncture did not do what you hoped. A walker can be nuisance when walking on bumpy sidewalks but my mom had one in her yard that had big tires so she could use it on uneven ground and loved it. I don't know where it came from sorry maybe it had been modified??

Dealsniffer, I hope you are feeling better, this weather we have had in AB sunshine, snow, sunshine, rain, sunshine, snow all in one day is taking its toll on my body and patience as well. Soon we will be gardening and enjoying beautiful outside time. Get lots of rest because sunshine is coming and I do enjoy your photos.

Sorry if I have missed commenting on anyone elses posts, chronic pain is something we all have in common and sometimes just venting it out helps. I am in pain everyday and sometimes feel like there is noone who cares then I come onto SC and realize others are in the same boat and suddenly the water doesn't seem so deep. Take care everyone hope today is one of your "good days".