Chronic Pain

I have suffered through 5 back surgeries in the last 6 years and currently have a cage around L5S1. I had to quit my job of 19 1/2 years and stay depressed daily. It is hard to function normally as I'm sure you all understand. I have 6 daughters, 2 mine, 4 step, ranging from 9 to 21 and 3 granddaughters. I feel like I am just watching life pass by and my kids are suffering because of me. I am not able to plan much because I never know if that day I will even be able to get out of bed. I have tried lots of meds but currently am on ambian, oxycontin, duraqgesic, and prozac. My husband tried to be supportive but I know it's hard for him to see me this way. When he fell in love with me I was very active, playing sports, and even skydiving. I was so outgoing. That person is gone now. I am glad to have found some support from people who know what I am going through. Looking forward to knowing you all. Kellye

Hello Kellye

Welcome to the Chronic Pain Connection
We are all very happy that you've found us and would love for you to join in on any topic that your interested in.

I'd also like to let you know about our forums support group that you can find in the Off Topic area at the bottem of the page in the main forum page. We have a group of us who suffer daily and it sounds like we all deal with the same issues that you are facing. I want you to know that your welcome to check our ongoing daily group conversation out and also welcome to join in if you think it is something you'd benefit or enjoy being a part of. I've found that the group is not for everyone, but for those who do benefit by the support and daily conversations it's been a life saver.

I hope to see you around more and like I said drop by the Daily grind and We would love to have you join us.

Take Care, much love & hugs painfriend. Your not alone by any means and we understand everything your feeling.
Betty

Kellye, Welcome. We have a lot in common. I have also had 5 back surgeries and live in chronic pain. After 20 years at my job I am no longer able to work. I'm now on disability. This is a wonderful group of people who are very understanding as we all know what it is like to always be in pain. I wish you the best of luck. I'm available if you ever need to talk. I hope you have a low pain day today. Scooter

I am 32 years old. My back problems started abot 7 years ago when a disc slipped while I lifted sheetrock onto a ceiling.
I recently celebrated a birthday and str=arted thinking babout my pain. I realized that it has been 6 years without a day free of pain. 6 YEARS! THis is after a discectomy, degenerative disc =desease, spinal fusion and unbearable pain (even as I tye here)
It can really get to you. It has run the course with me as well. It has abused em physically, mentally, socially and it has crept into every aspect of my life (including my family) It is hard to not be pissy when you just barely got through your day without crying in pain or popping pills (I refuse to take at work).

not to long ago I let it get to me and I was clinically depressed. It still gets to my emotions but I try to remember that it can always be worse (I hope) and that even with pain we both still ahve lots to look forward to each day.

My depression was that I would always be in pain, I would not be able to do the things I love anymore (hiking, biking, walking, vacationing) and that when my toddler son and newborn baby are old enough I will struggle to keep up.

Everyone keeps saying "you're too young for this". What I want to know is "when will I not be too young for this?". At what age do they all consider it appropriate to suffer. whata stupid thing to say!

that was a joke of sorts. hang in there and please feel free to reply on back.
I feel your pain.

(another dumb saying) lol

Welcome Scooby

It's great to meet you and I'm happy that you've decided to reach out and talk to others who understand and share the same type of pain that your living with.

I'm 46 and still get the dumb comment, that I'm too young to be in this much pain. As if that makes me feel any better???? NOT!!!
So I'm sure you'll have plenty more years of hearing that one.

I've really found a great deal of solace, in comunicating with others who suffer in pain too. It's very difficult for us painiacs to find others who can relate to us and especially in our own age groups within our own circle of friends or aquaintences. So my friends here have improved my life by a great deal.

I hope you can find the support and friendships that I have and that you enjoy having others who understand your situation to communicate with.

We have a support group down in the off topic are called the daily grind and your very welcome to stop in and give us a try to see if it would be something your interested in. Other wise please feel free to post your questions in any of the forums and make your own comments and idea to others questions.

We are very laid back here and will do our best to find answers or information your looking for.

Take Care of yourself and know that we all care about your pain and are here to try to help you.
Hope your having some lower pain days ahead
Betty

Hey dchistory and all who are reading: I am totally with you on what you said in your post:

quote:

Everyone keeps saying "you're too young for this". What I want to know is "when will I not be too young for this?". At what age do they all consider it appropriate to suffer. whata stupid thing to say!

I am 21 years old and have been in constant pain for 9 years. This question- seems totally rhetorical- but I also think of it in this way:
I recently was referred to a pain clinic where the head doctor said calmly, "Well, it seems like you're doing pretty well." Seriously, anyone sitting in a chronic pain clinic should never be told that they are doing okay- just like any age is not an excuse to be in severe chronic pain, especially with a history like yours- dchistory, or like every person that visits this site.

And to Kellye- I know it feels like most of you or parts of your old self(or all of it) have disappeared- hang in there- and keep posting to this site- we're here for each other.