with chronic pain

Read and learn more about with chronic pain. For more, visit the Chronic Pain website ChronicPainFAQ.org

Q: What are the best ways to deal with chronic pain?
I have had chronic pain for over four years now due to my condition of Fibromyalgia, chronic bursitis/ tendonitis and lower spinal problems. What are some ways which can help me deal with this pain for the rest of my life?

A: I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and Fibromyalgia so I know about chronic pain. My first suggestion would be to first deal with the actual cause instead of the symptoms. Anti-inflammatories would be a good way to reduce the inflamation. I take Celebrex but if that’s too expensive, you can take either Ibuprofen or Tylenol or Naproxen (Aleve). After that, if you’re still feeling the pain, speak with your doctor about pain management.

Q: What do you do for your chronic back pain to cope day to day?
Have lots of back problems. I have 6 hernieted discs(that I know, we have never done an MRI of the thoracic spine). I had a fusion in my neck and I also have a hemangioma on one of my vertebrae that is causing pain. The back pain causes arm and leg pain, my right leg goes numb all the time and then my left leg picks up the slack, making my knee hurt. I am 28 and have been dealing with the worst of this for 3 years. I know this will be a life long battle. All of those that have had chronic pain for many more years then me, what have you done and what are you with pain control efforts? What kind of road am I heading down I guess is what I want to know?
Just so everyone knows, I do work 12 hour shifts 3 days a week at a hospital, so I am pretty much on the run during those times. I have 3 children. The 2 oldest are in school and walk them to the bus stop. I clean my house, do yard work, walk the dogs, Everything that everyone else does. I am not just sitting on a couch crying all day. I have been working on losing my many extra pounds and have lost about 30 pounds and instead of the pain getting better with less weight, it is getting worse. So, basically, I just want to know where everyone has been in a journey like mine.

A: As someone diagnosed with chronic back pain myself, I have had great succes with seeing a pain management dr. I have managed to keep up with most of my normal activites.

Q: How do you deal with chronic pain when pregnant?
Has anyone here dealt with chronic pain while pregnant? I want to start a family soon but am on pain killers, muscle relaxers and sleeping pills for severe headaches and back pain. I know I will have to quit the methods I use now but what will I do instead?

Obviously I will talk to my dr before trying to conceive but does anyone have any websites or books I might look into now?

A: While i was pregnant with my son my doctor contiuned on writing me out my painkillers and nerve pills. I did not take them everyday though even though the bottle said too. I took them only when i couldn’t take the pain anymore or the nervousness.
My son was born healthy so that is all that matters.
I am currently pregnant again (Due in December) and i am still on my meds.

Q: What will chronic pain patients do for relief after vicodin, and percocet are pulled from production?
I just saw on the news and read on MSN the FDA advisory board is going to vote to pull all narcotic/combo w/ acetiminphen products… how will those with chronic pain get by?

A: Both Hydrocodone/Apap (Vicodin) and Oxycodone/Apap (Percocet) are available without the tylenol compound (Apap), both would then be Control II drugs (Oxy is regardless of tylenol content, but Vicodin is a control III when compounded with Tylenol). Most likely, if these drugs were to be pulled from the market, the worst pain sufferers would end up switching to a Control II version of Hydrocodone or basic OxyContin, and the lesser of the pain sufferers would probably be put on a control IV drug like Lyrica or even Tramadol. There are pain medication options without tylenol that exist, and they really are safer, but is placing a patient on a more or less poetnt drug the right thing to do when their current medication is effective? I suppose that’s up the gov’t and doctors now.

Q: How do you live with someone suffering from chronic pain?
My husband has been suffering from chronic pain for the past few years. It can be very depressing to be around. The pain has become a third person in our marriage. He has taken antidepressants but they have sexual side efects. A lot of times I feel like he’s mad at me but he isn’t. It’s just the pain consuming his life. The kids think he’s always in a bad mood. I asked him how he was this morning and he snapped at me asking “how does it look like I feel??”

I understand the “in sickness and in health” part, but at some point do I start to feel resentment for not being happy as well?

I made a mistake and had an affair, but am in the process of ending that. He’s just as miserable and depressed about the state of his life (no job, no $) as my husband is. Are all men this miserable?

Any ideas on how to cope? I don’t want to resent him later in life for taking all the happiness away. I’m in my mid 30’s and this has been going on for 4 years.
Has fibromyalgia, neuritis, tarsal tunnel, etc. Is taking 3200 mg a day of Neurontin for pain.

A: First of all, you have added to the complexities of your situation by cheating on your husband. To bring that into the open will further damage his mental state… That is , the depression. At this point, I would wait to confess, and focus on his current situation. This may or may not be the best advice. It just seems that telling him would not do much for the situation right now.

Chronic pain, is a difficult thing. I have dealt with it, and I can speak from experience, it is easy to crawl into a shell so to speak..
The answers are simple to discuss, but to do them is another story. And success rates vary.
You did not address the cause of his chronic pain.. but.

First, he needs to start exercising to the level that is comfortable.
Second, he needs to eat a diet that will support healing.
Third, with his doctor, he needs to find another therapy that does not effect the physical issues you describe.

If he is on pain medication such as Vicodin, or Oxycontin… His pain may be emotionally created to justify taking the pills. Addiction is a strong opponent to change.

He has to make some decisions, and you have to support him by both suggestion and coping through this tough time.

Counseling might help with the depression, and you might consider going with him.

Again, this is a long discussion, and is best handled by a professional, which he needs to enlist the help of.

Don’t let things ride. Make him confront the problem and address the ideas of what can make his quality of life better, and hence yours.

Q: How do you cope with chronic pain as a teenager?
I am a 16, going on 17 year old girl who was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia about 2 years ago. I have been suffering horrible pain since I was 9 years old. My doctor doesnt believe in the condition, but has put me on several different medications, non of which have helped me. I havn’t slept a full nights rest in months, and I suffer from chronic fatigue and migranes. The pain became so unbearable that I had to transfer into home schooling. I’m an otherwise social happy person. No one will take my pain or condition seriously and most times that is the worst part. Is there anyone else suffering from the same problems? What have you done to cope? I feel like my whole life will be wasting just trying to keep up and survive. Please help me.

A: I would say to sit down with your parents and tell them that you need to go to a real doctor that will take your very real illness seriously.

Q: What are some good ways of coping with chronic pain other than medication?
I have a friend who suffers with chronic pain both physical and it seems mental. I was wondering about what to suggest to her in the way of alternative coping methods for pain?

A: I have tried it all. I have chronic hip bursitis for 2 and a half years. I do yoga, pilates and have tried several antiinflammatories, steroid injections, physiotherapy, massage, ultrasound etc. Most things work for a week or two and then it comes back stronger than ever. They finally started me on an antidepressant called Cymbalta. I really insist that I am not depressed. I am very active swim, walk several miles several days a week,, golf. For some reason it seems to be taking the edge off of the pain. I am able to sleep better and I feel more limber. Go figure.

Q: What is it like to try to start a job with chronic pain / fatigue?
I have undiagnosed chronic pain and fatigue. Even after shopping for just a few hours I feel like I’m going to die if I don’t sit down. I’m afraid to try to get a job where I’m going to have to be on my feet (like McDonald’s). Has anyone tried this? Any suggestions?

A: Tell your boss. The best defense is exercise/pilates, swimming, leisure sports. Yoga helps immensely. I have CFS because of my hemorrhagic stroke and I tried numerous times to get in the job market. Try valerian and vitamin c,e. CFS is caused by musculature disorders like arthritis. Wouldn’t you know it I have early arthritis it developed when I was 27. Fibromyalgia is closely akin. Pilates helps me because I’m actively exercising my legs. Hope I helped

Q: How do you deal with the emotional side of chronic pain?
I’m a teenager and have had chronic back pain for approx year and a half now. Sometimes I find the mental part of the pain to be worse than the physical. anyone have any ways to relieve the stress/anger towards chronic pain?

A: I actually find that making things for other people takes the energy I would be spending on the stress and anger of chronic pain and re-directs it to something positive. Sometimes even if it isn’t a holiday or someone’s birthday, I make things to brighten their day. I agree that the mental part is worse than the physical because it is especially frustrating when your body just won’t let you do what you want it to do when you want it to do it because it is just too painful. But, keeping my creative mind and my hands active when they can, lets me feel productive and somehow makes my mind feel more at ease. I also have to admit another big stress reliever for me is the joy of living with my pets (two adorable American Eskimos). They are a terrific anger difuser because their antics keep a smile on my face. It is hard to be angry when you are smiling!

Q: Can acupuncture help with chronic pain and menopausal symptoms?
What are the best alternative methods to help cope with chronic pain and menopause. On HRT but is there a better one for me?

A: Chinese Medicine can help with chronic pain and menopausal symptoms. Acupuncture excels on its own for the treatment of pain. However, a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine is generally more effective for menopausal issues.

Chronic pain will often *start* responding to acupuncture within the first or second treatment.

Menopause treatment can take somewhat longer to start showing more lasting positive effects.

If you are in the United States you can find a board certified acupuncturist in your area at: http://www.nccaom.org

Q: How can chronic pain be explained to people who don’t suffer from it?
I know that one answer is that people who don’t have chronic pain can never fully understand, but I’d still like to know if there is some way to explain it to others, some way to make people understand why those of us in chronic pain can’t be expected to function “normally.” Anybody have any suggestions, or is there a web site with tips on how to explain to significant others, loved ones, family members, chronic pain and its effects, and how to deal with people in chronic pain ?

A: Here is a site that may help.
http://www.myida.org/theylook.htm
Read the “you look so good” part. It is not by any means going to change the pre-conceived ideas that people have, but maybe you can get through to someone. It’s not easy I l know! You might look for a support group as well on line or local, for the condition you live with that causes the pain. Still looking for the best answer to your question myself!
Best wishes

Q: Do you ever get used to living with chronic pain?
I have chronic back and knee pain.

The doctors can’t find a cause but it makes my life a misery although I am lucky as it doesn’t get worse with activity so I can still lead an active life.

Any advice or tips on dealing with it? Do you eventually just get “used” to it?
The problem is I am only 26 and feel I am too young to be dealing with this.

A: I suffer with my back, although not all the time. When it goes it usually lasts anywhere from a few days to 2 weeks. I take ibuprofen 600mgs twice a day for it. The only thing you can do is `manage` it, although you should have adequate pain relief if it`s a constant and permanent pain. I try to avoid lying on my back in bed, I find being on my side takes the pressure off it. Have you seen a specialist about your problems?

Q: Why is it so hard for young people to be treated for chronic pain?
Isn’t this age discrimination. I am being treated for chronic pain but it seems like I am constantly being put under the microscope. It also seems they are just waiting for me to say something wrong so they can stop treating me and when I have increased pain (car accident) they will not give me anything stronger (50mg norco) unlike my father or grandmother who was given oxycontin (they had a opiate tolerance) in the same situation. Even after being treated for years and being a model chronic pain patient they still want to always give me a hard time. I am not a dam drug addict!! Its seems the stress associated with always being put under a microscope only adds to the pain. I have a very clear objective chronic condition now for over 10 years and it seems like I am beingg treated like a drug seeker. The suggestion that long term opiate treatment always leads to addiction is ridiculous especially in my situation.
Anyone that say oh your going to get addicted please not reply because obviously your not educated in the treatment of long term opiate treatment. It is a myth that thse drugs will automatically cuase addcition and actualy if taken as prescirbe have a very low chance that they will lead to addcition. In my case these medications are necesary so I can do what most people take for grantide, Like eat, sleep, use the bathroom and really anything. I know doctors fear lawsuits but that can work both ways as far as lack of care. My situation is very frustrating while at first I was even given a hard time about muscle relaxers (soma) but I never realized that in combo with opiates it produces some super good feeling equivelent to herien. Yeah right!!! It is helpfull but it seems i dont get these great feelings and that is probabaly because I am actually in pain and those who get those feelings are just taking it for the effect and they are not on pain. My pain seems like a curse
NO NO NO OPIATES DO NOT CAUSE ADDICTION. THATS RETARDED. pRETTY MUCH ANY MEDICATION THAT ACTUALLY WORKS AND SUITS IT PURPOSE IS ADDICTIVE. YOU MUST MEAN DEPENDANCEY NOT ADDICTION. When you have long term chronis pain you would not even knwo if you were addicted unless your pain subsides which then you will have to taper. No problem you have to do this when taking antidepressants or antconvulsant so does that mean that antidepressent or anticonvulsants are addicting? Idiots
Oh I agree and I am actually the one who is always explaining to people that these meds are not there to take you out of your pain 100% they help you cope!!!! Right! I mean if you were 100% pain free you would actually hurt your self doing simple activities you need some feeling!!

A: You can find a doctor to treat you. They don’t like to put any young person in pain management cause your going to get addicted. If you have MRI’s, X-rays & good proof you’ll have no real problem getting to Pain Management. I’ve been in it for close to 10 years. Broken neck and degenerative spinal disease. The thing is that GP’s are restricted by the FDA, as they all are. A Pain Management doc can write more and better scripts. It’s a messed up thing & a lot of people do sell their scripts, that’s 1 thing that’s made it harder to get good scripts from a GP. Now one has to be in with a Pain Mgmt. doctor. See if your dr. will refer you to a Pain mgt. dr. Good luck & I hope this helps.

Q: Would a full length bra with a strapless feature ease chronic pain on my shoulders and back?
I have medium figure with large breasts that cause me constant upper back and shoulder pain that cannot be relieved no matter what regular bra I wear. I have tried all different sizes, and types but have not had any luck. I have seen full length strapless bras with straps as an option, but have been reluctant to buy them for their price. Would they ease the severe chronic pain but still provide support? Has anyone had any luck with them? And if not, can anyone suggest an alternative?

A: Yes it would help you but you need to document the problems with your dr. You should be able to get insurance to pay for breast reduction surgery if you have told your dr about the problem repeatedly.

Q: Can grief over the death of a loved one cause chronic pain?
I have chronic muscle pain and have developed general anxiety with infrequent panic attacks… What is your unbiased opinion on pain and grief over the death of a loved one (in this case my father). Any experiences?

A: I don’t think it should cause chronic pain. Grief does come in many shapes and forms so while it would be impossible to say no, it is still the least of my guesses. You do have a few things going on and I think you could get some benefit from releasing your muscles in the areas where your pain is located and maybe get some relief from that. Panic attacks have been linked to other body pains, that when the pain level went up on one the other happened which makes sense, if your body is sensing pain it’s trying to tell you about it. If interested let me know and send a list of problem areas of pain. I’ll get the info back to you shortly after.

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