Chronic Pain

I really think that the reason I joined this is because it is impossible for anyone around you to understand how you feel unless they have delt with chronic pain. I am only 22 and have had pain in my shoulder, up my neck and down my left arm and into my hand for 5 years and it has recently spread to my left hip and knee. I have seen every type of dr. and more than one in most areas of expertise. I had surgery on my shoulder over a year ago and it did not help the problem at all. I feel that it is completely unreasonable for me to go on pain medication for the rest of my life but I feel like that might be my only option. Its gotten to the point where work is almost impossible. I am in college and trying to sit through class and work on papers almost kills me. My parents are sympathetic but they dont understand what it is like to constantly have to deal with this. I end up getting angry and irritated that I am dealing with this and cant even explain or share it with anyone else. No doctor is able to figure out what is wrong and I cant stand trying anything new, I feel like i am being set up for failure.

hi i really can relate to you. i have been in pain for the past 15 yrs. it all started off in the bottom of my feet. then it starts to travel in me. and when the pain hits in my neck its a 10 and swells that the only place i swell. so good luck to you and please keep me posted. love becky

I understand, I am 24 and was diagnosed with Myofascial Pain Syndrome at 20 after a serious fall from a horse. I know exactly what you are going through. It is admirable that you even tried to go to college! I did not, though I work full time (when I can...). I am still struggling to find the right doctor to help me, and suffering in the meantime, since I'm sure you know, they will not regularly prescribe adequate (narcotic) pain medication to people so young like you and me. Cause we must all be drug-seeking addicts, right? (jk) My only advice is to keep up the daily struggle to maintain a positive outlook and desire to find help for yourself. That's what I'm doing. I am too young to settle for living with the pain. Though some days it's really hard and I want to give up. I usually let myself give up for the day, and then try to wake up the next day with a renewed desire to keep fighting.

-Shauna

thanks so much for your feedback! school full time and working 30 hours a week isnt any fun but you do what youve gotta do! ive found that pain meds dont really help me so when they do prescribe them i dont even end up taking them. i found a new dr in Northampton,MA that seems like he might be able to help. he does a lot with alternative medicine and he ordered a huge panel of blood tests and i might be trying acupuncture. ill be sure to keep you posted and i hope everyone is feeling a little better today. ~michelle

Hi! I can totally understand. I'm 23 with RSD (see 23 y/o female with RSD topic). I've been in pain for 3.5 years now, both legs and arms are affected. Hang tough, sweety!

I understand and I understand about others not understanding. I'm 28 and I have three children and one husband, all who couldn't possibly understand because they've never been in real pain let alone chronic pain. And I don't want them to. But I do want them to understand. I became disabled at 19 and barely made it through college with the help of my professors and then tried to work but couldn't. I'm a homemaker now but not a day goes by when I don't wish I could work and beat myself up and feel sad about it. Although I shouldn't, it's not my fault, but I just...I was always a perfectionist workaholic, worked since 14 yrs old and straight A student and I miss it. Nothing ever seems like enough now and I'm bitter about my pain and the life it's given me. It seems like something got screwed up in the big plan, you know? But I know things could be worse and I'm glad they're not. I find one way to make each day worth something and I try to think positive. And don't ever give up hope that things could turn around. -Aimes