Long term pain management advice please?

I have been battling pain for 5 years now. Hardly any sleep etc.
Just recently I feel I cannot pretend I'm OK any more. I feel angry and keep crying. Sorry, but I am crying as I write this.
I have a man and family who love me, am not alone.
But they don't really understand. I feel I am losing it, spiralling into depression. That is something I thought I would never do. Thought I was 'stronger' than that.
Apologies for offloading here. I know there are people who have far worse problems than I do.
Any advice on how to get over this and get back on track?

I have osteo arthritis. I am under a Pain Management Clinic. They do what they can but I should be stronger than this surely!

People dont realise just how tiring and depressing constant chronic pain can be. It affects every aspect of our lives - disrupts sleep and affects mood. I've found talking to fellow sufferers I made contact with through the pain clinic and a help group is supportive. They understand as they are there too. We swap tips on how to deal with pain - relaxation tapes, tens machines and other "treatments". One suggestion that gave me some temporary relief was sauna and steam rooms at a gym - something I would have not thought of trying. Also found that when awake in the middle of the night, loneliness can make the pain feel worse. Even if my partner is asleep upstairs. Fellow sufferers often e - mail etc each other through the night to keep each other company and so we dont feel that we are alone. Try and see if there are any support groups through the pain clinic - if not ask about starting one! You are not superwoman - having a cry is good for you - it releases the bodys own endomorphines and this can ease pain! Accept that you are going to have bad days but try and enjoy better days. Good luck and regards from fellow chronic pain sufferer (10 years - but who is counting).

First off, no apologies necessary.
You have been suffering terribly, and handing it with amazing courage.
The good news is that there are pain management specialists out there who deal with chronic pain such as yours.
Don't think it's all about drugging you up, because it's not. They do amazing things. I should know...I used to work at a pain management clinic.
Give your doc a call - today! - and ask for a referral.
Hang in there - help is on the way!

' I should be stronger that this " Thats the crux of the problem. This idea you should act differently to how you are. Pain is a terible thing. You are right. Pain management clinics do little. A big help,is understanding people around you. I hope you have some. Feel angy, cry...Its all ok. I hope some of the advice from others here might help. My insight is to look at the word should. Thats giving you a lot of unnecessary extra pain. Dont be angy at yourself for this. You deserve only your own and others support. I really hope you feel better soon. Be kind to you.

Hello
I have worked with people using E.F.T it stands for Emotional Freedom Technique, its emotional acupuncture expect without the needles. Have a look at Gary Craig's site just put his name in the tool bar. I am not saying it will cure you but it may be a way of relieving some of the pain you have. I have personally used it on clients for arthritis, Tennis elbow with excellent results it is something that you can do yourself once you have been shown. I hope this helps a bit all the best to you. x

Hi! I am sorry that u r in so much pain. Have u tried going to physical therapy? They can massage u and it feels really good..............also, talk to ur doctor and tell him all the things u r feeling, write it down if u have to!!! Sounds like u may need an anti-depressent. I know about nobody understanding ur pain, same here!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell me more about your pain. Maybe I can help with suggestions to help relieve your misery.
You need help and maybe I can help you.

Hey big hugs to you, I used a tens machine when I hurt my shoulder it was really good try that. If you are in UK they are only about 拢10 from Lloyds chemist.
Keep your chin up x

Just read your question on how to handle chronic pain. I too have had chronic back pain for the past several years and have some advice that might help you. I first went to a pain physician and described what type of pain was driving me into depression also. She has given me medication for that and also an antidepressant to help with the depression. I have a pain patch that delivers medication over a 72 hour period. The medicine that I am currently taking is Tramadol (pain reliever), Lyrica (to help with the burning sensation in my legs) and Fentanyl (pain patch for continuous medication). I also have gone for accupunture for the pain in my back and legs. I hope this might give you some hope to find a physician to help you. Remember, no one can feel your pain which is difficult to describe to others. It is not that they don't want to help you, it is just that they can't understand what your pain feels like. As far as sleeping goes ask your physician for some sleep medication like Lyrica. I also take that when I cannot fall asleep right away. I know this sounds like a lot of medication, but you must do something to help yourself and if meds do the trick, then so be it. Take care now. U can e-mail me at jojoz40@yahoo.com if you want to give me an update on how you are doing.

pain clinic's may work for you. i went to one it didn't help me. i have been living in pain since 1973, from a caraccident. then 1998 went through breast cancer[i take morphine for that side effect ] then 3 years ago broke elbow and lost 60% use of my arm and hand.there is nothing wrong with taking pain meds to help you. that is why they call it meds. if your body needed insulin would you take it? i am anti- drug but i am grateful for the pain meds. also herb is good for chronic pain. being in pain alot can lead to depression. ask the LORD to help you. every day HE sees me through. and HE leads me to dr's that can help with the pain. if you ever need to vent or just need a ear. i understand what you are going through. and don't under estimate your famil's understanding. my husband and three sons understand my pain even though they don't have pain.and they are really support me. hang in there and take it one day at a time!!!feel free to unload anytime.

Hi try not to be too down, we all have bad times where pain or depression get on top of us,
remaining positive for others is a real struggle but it is something to focus on,other people, partners and family will never fully be able to understand how you feel as pain and depression can be a hidden illness to people who have never suffered such things,i understand how frustrating it is to feel pain or be down all the time but it is also very hard for our partners to feel that they cannot help at all ,so its easier for them to not focus on it all the time ,i am sure they do understand just afraid to say wrong things.
Help wise, you know i have MS and there is a herbal remedy available to all sufferers of pain, unfortunately as it cannot be controlled by pharmecutical companies it is illegal, i think you know what i'm talking about , from my own experiences and many others that i know of and have researched it would help with all your symptoms plus save on a whole list of prescription drugs.
thinking of you and take care xxxxx

i hear you. ive been in constant pain for the last 11 years from breaking my back when i was 20. a real pain in the back. i kept saying it really hurts but i kept getting the 'you are too young to be in as much pain as you say you are' response. vindication came after my surgery when my doc said 'it looked like you actually broke your back.' now i have arthritis around my fusion and nerve pain which always hurts and on and on. i have been where you are, just wanted to give up so frustrated and in so much pain. eventually i had to come to terms that i only have another 40 years or so of pain then im done. whoo hoo! chronic pain is very isolating and i hear you when you say that no one understands. i dont see how anyone could, it is very difficult to get the scope of the problem across to healthy people. its like someone explaining what pregnancy is like to me (im a man) it just isnt going to translate no matter how well it is explained.

i take pain meds for my pain, and take sleep meds when i have a few bad nights of sleep, all of which help but i still have frustration at my limitations and discomfort but accepting what i cant change certainly put me in a better place mentally.

i would say you should see a pain psychologist, probably one in you clinic, and tell them how much trouble you are having. they can give you an anti-depressant to help you sleep and will help your frame of mind a bit too if you want to take that route. otherwise they will give you just enough to make you sleep better. either way a pain shrink will become your advocate to get you in a better place be it from medications, surgery, injections, or whatever they can do. often if you dont see or have the backing of a pain shrink a pain doc will remain skeptical about your motivations. (thank to the dea arresting pain doctors) you could also try accupuncture, which i was skeptical of but i really noticed a difference. or other 'alternative' treatments like massage and other stuff.

good luck, and i hope you feel better. try to find a good support group of people in similar situations, ive found they can be very reassuring. i go to backpainsupportgroup.com and they are a great resource for information and ideas, or to just vent and rant to. hope that helped you some. :) be well, if you cant be better.