Topic : Living with Chronic Pain

Prof!!!!!  So glad to hear that you are home...I hope they have sent you home with plenty of pain meds...and the infection...sheesh....I hope that the vancomycin can kill it off...I've been on that before for anitbiotic-associated colitis (clostridium over-growth)...I wouldn't wish that affliction on anybody....

 

How will you function with no shoulder joints?  I am having trouble picturing that...how big is the shoulder replacement that they took out?  Is it "just" the joint part, or was there some bone replaced too?  (I'm not very well educated about shoulder and other joint replacements.)

 

Our little kitty Elvira has discovered that nobody can stop her if she runs out when we open the door for the dogs to go out...but WE don't want her to go outside...she could get hit by a car, or eaten by coyotes...but she doesn't understand that...being a cat and all...the kids have accidentally let her out twice now...new rule...make sure that somebody either holds her, or shuts her into a bedroom when the dogs are being let in or out....

 

Well...I should go now...I'm nodding off....we have a day off from Scouts tomorrow :(   There is a broken drain line, and some frozen water pipes....I hope they can get it fixed over Christmas break....we'll probably go sledding with the scouts over break....

 

SOOOO GLAD to "see" you prof...I hope you can get some rest tonight....

 

Air hugs and prayers......Becky

Hi Prof,

SO good to see you back.  We have all missed you.I have been thinking about you and praying for you everyday. Sounds like you knew what you were talking about when you said you felt something was off in your shoulder. I think everyone knows their own body and that if something doesn't feel right it is probably because it isn't. Glad that you are home and that you are set up with med's to help you on your way to recovery. I am sure Hank knows how much you love him and how grateful you are to him that he is in your life. My husband still hasn't heard from Dana Faber. He is in the system but is waiting for them to get back to him to set up an appointment that they said may happen on Christmas Eve day if the doctor has the chance to go over his records that the doctor here has sent him..bad time of the year because people are taking vacations etc. during the holidays. Glad that you are home and will be home for Christmas. Just being in your own bed and with Hank and your kitties is something to be thankful for. Well, keep us posted on your recovery and again your are in my thoughts and prayers every day..take care.

~Carol~

Wow... talk about almost falling out of my chair.. PROF IS BACK.... YAHOO- YAHOO-YAHOO.............

 

You Go Ms Prof.... You must have kicked some tail in that hospital to be out already...

 

Heat-wave here this morning.. we are 2 above and only -13 wind chill.. my plans today was to do a little shopping and go to a friends house to see her new family room and get my hair trimmed... But I'm in no hurry to get up and going any time soon... I'll let it warm up at least until noon.....

 

I might have a easy week of work coming up... need to make a few calls and see where everyone is at. The kids got out of school early Friday and are off for two weeks....

 

I need to remember to call the Dr also this week and see if we can get an order  for my c-pap mach and get that going... Becky... I might be asking a lot of ?? about this mach and things that will follow.. so be ready for the ???'.....

 

I'm looking forward to NOT being SO TIRED all the time.....

 

Carol...  We are all feeling for you and Hubby on this "waiting game"... oh... just looking at the phone and waiting for it to ring is so HARD...  And of course, this time of year, everyone is behind or trying to run extra hard......

Just try to deep breath......

 

Wow, the weather is sure hitting hard on your side.. ha, I guess Becky's side is also getting nailed with the white stuff......it just is mind blowing to me of all the folks with out Electricity.. that is just horrible.......

 

My friend in Texas yesterday was at 72 degree's.... we just laugh and laugh about the diff in the temp between us two... but she's getting ready for a cold snap to hit tonight and Monday...

 

HUG HUG HUG......

 

Becky... I was smiling of thinking of you having "time off" from something... enjoy it... ha ha ha.... So how's the weather in your area??? I was watching the news and watching people try to drive in the snow and I did have to giggle.... but wow... it's amazing how this storm front is hitting hard.....

 

We were talking about this deep cold we are in and usually it will hit us in mid Jan.. never Dec.. So I hope Jan skips it this year...... I'm so feeling this deep cold in every inch of my body....

Hope the weekend is good to you... HUG HUG HUG........

 

Prof....WELCOME HOME.... wow, you must have done really well threw the surgery.. That is wonderful.. And a nice change for YOU......

 

Now... can they replace the replacements in three months??? Would they do both at the same time or one and then the other?????

Have we got that far yet???????

 

Oh, I bet the kids were so happy Mommy is home..... And you will be home for Christmas.. no better present than just being Home and in your own bed.......

 

Now, if we can just get the sleep thing going for you..... HUG HUG HUG.....

 

Okay... I can feel the coffee kicking in and guess it's time for breakfast and meds.. or brunch...

 

My poor hands are not feeling the getting up and getting ready thing here to go outside... I'm going to think on this one during brunch and then decided if I'm going to run around town with all the other late folks......

 

Wishing everyone a calm Sunday and that you are keeping WARM....

 

All My Love and Hope and Hugs....... Dianah

Good Morning

 

I'm taking today "off".... need to do some grocery shopping and the Wal-mart thing also.. I made it to one store yesterday and two friends houses and then HOME.....

 

I'm hoping the Stores will not be as busy and the weekend... fingers crossed......

 

PROF.... I'm just amazed on how well you did this go around... WOW......

 

But this total BS on your legs and shoulder and the IDIOTS that can not read or hear...

 

The hospital has to have a Patient Coordinator... You need to call this person and Tell them how your stay was.. This is Total BS...... What is Wrong with these people????? It's almost like they are "getting off" your PAIN.....

 

I'm just sitting here shaking my head.... But this hospital needs some EDUCATION and You need to COMPLAIN........ You can just let this go......

 

The last two times hubby was in the hospital., we had problems with a Nurse not giving him pain meds.. I was Tearing up that hospital ....

I had the Coordinator and Head Nurse in his room and I was "hot"...........

 

And excuse me.... what kind of response is ... "just don't go to the hospital".... that should have been a fist in the mouth!!!!!!!

 

OH...... I am hot here......

 

And not only should you "complain"... You should Make them come up with a "game plan" for your next visit to the hospital and make them insure that this BS will never take place again......

 

Okay, I just got up and got another cup of coffee......

 

Please,  wait until after the fist of the year and CALL and COMPLAIN and make them be held accountable for this..........

And also they need to come up with a game plan for the next visit...... HUG HUG HUG......

 

Becky and Carol...........  Hello and HUG HUG HUG....

 

Happy Monday and All My Love and Hope.... Diana

 

 

 

 

I just wanted to let everyone know that I am wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas. I am grateful that I found this site and you have all made me feel welcome. Diana,Prof, and Becky you are wished good wishes and I hope that Santa treats you well. Take care and again have Very Merry Christmas.

Love, Carol

Good Morning Everyone

 

Waiting for the coffee to get done, I wanted to have my first cup with all of you this morning... Ahhh, tasting extra good this morning.. Must be cause I'm having it with all of you....

 

Heat-wave this morning.. We are at 6 above...  and only -8 wind chill.. Yahooooo.........

 

I dbl up yesterday and worked two places, so I could have this morning off...  It was a good thing I decided to go to Grandma's.. She was having some breathing problems at 5 yesterday morning and then she was glad I was there when she took a shower.. but that caused her to have some problems also.......................

 

So I talked to Daughter and she is leaving today for CO... and I'm leaving for Deadwood.... But, one of the Nieces will check on her and I'll keep calling while I'm gone and Son will be with her on Thur...... But I still feel " guilty" about leaving her........

 

Daughter was kinda up-set that I was leaving for four nights, and I explained to her, I thought they were flying to Texas and that's when I made my plans....

 

I called and made reservations for our room and did a ton of laundry last night..  One of our adopted boys is going to spend two days with me and then Hubby is coming up Friday morning and we will stay over night Fri in Deadwood and then heading "after ch shopping" in Rapid City S.D. on Sat.. of course, Cabals will be our first stop...... ha ha ha.... then the Mall.......

 

I can not tell you how "excited" I am to just get out of town... We are planning on spending the Evening eating junk food and watching the Christmas Story show.. The one were Ralphy wants the BB gun..... we both LOVE that show......

 

OH, speaking of ..... Monday night Hubby's phone rang and he had just won the top prize of our VFW raffle .  He bought the tickets back in Oct.. it was 6 for $5 bucks.. the gun and scope are worth $1400.

 

It was so Cool.. he jumped out of his chair and leaped over to me and High-Fived me.... heeeeee....and then he was out the door, running to pick it up...... So, Santa was extra good to Hubby this yr.....

 

Carol... Thank You for the Ch wish.. And I am so glad that you found all of us!!! And I am also Thankful for this Board and all of the Wonderful new Friends I have found and the newest friend being YOU.......

 

I am sending You and Hubby an Extra Big Hug and Hope for this Holiday Season... And also All Of My Love.... Happy Christmas Eve and a Very Merry Christmas.......

 

Becky...I'm guessing the board will not be on your List of to do things.. but please know I am thinking of you and your family and sending All My Love and Hope and Wishing You All A Wonderful Ch Eve and Christmas Day.... And sending you... HUGS HUGS HUGS......

 

Prof...... HA, at least you know you have someone in your corner.. yep, she the one with the big mouth.. ME... ha ha ha.....

I was thinking of you yesterday while I was working and I was thinking about the "notes" I get left and if I did not do a GREAT JOB with my people. they would fire me.....

 

I know, I think about them HURTING YOU and it down right up-sets this old girl here...

 

I am just so glad you are HOME for the Holiday Season!!! That has to be the best present ever.. Home and your own bed and all the kids around you and Hank..... It's funny how the "small" things can be so HUGE..

 

I want to know what is on the menu for Ch dinner.. Your Thanksgiving dinner sounds so good.. So I'm wondering what's taking place the next two days????

 

I'm going to cut up some Hickory Farms sausage and cheese to take for tonight and also pop-corn, two kinds, buttered and choc covered...I need to stop at the store on the way and get some crackers some sweets also....

 

The n we will eat at one of the Buffet's on Christmas.. Oh, there are many to choose from... So that will be Christmas dinner.. I know Prim Rib is on all of them.. Yummy ...

 

Friday night I will take Hubby out for Buffett with crab legs.. I have a "free two dinners" at one of the Casinos and they put out a really nice spread.....

 

Wishing You and Hank and the kids, a very Calm and as pain-free Ch Eve and Day... Sending all My Love and Hope and Extra HOPE your way... HUG HUG HUG...

 

Okay.. I just heard Hubby's truck pull in the drive way.. I'm sure he's going to want my  great company this morning... in-between the hunting shows......

 

Again.. Happy Christmas Eve and a Very Merry Christmas to Everyone and Their Families....

 

All My Love and Hope and Hugs..... Diana

 

 

 

 

Hi Mel,

I'm new to the boards and was scanning through messages and your message was the first I've seen with my primary diagnosis, CRPS or RSD (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome or RSD.)  Like you stated in your message very few people know anything about this disorder.  Very few even KNOW about this disorder, I was one of those until I was diagnosed.  Now I know quite a lot.  I wouldn't call myself an expert as things change daily as does my disorder, but I seem to know more than most of the "doctors" who attempt to treat me.

 

I've had CRPS for 5.5 years.  Started in my right foot after I broke it and was misdiagnosed for almost 3 months.  I should've been in surgery within 24 hours but by the time I'd finally convinced the "doctor" that my injury was much more than "a bad sprain that always hurt worse than a simple brake," my foot which was completely black and looked like it belonged on a dead persons body" was now 2.5 months post injury and 1.5 months post the latest date they could do surgery.  The foot specialist took one look at me and said "I know exactly what you have and it's one of the worst foot injuries you can have.  If you were an athlete you'd just ended your career.  She didn't need x-rays to know damage but she did them to have the proof.  The original x-rays done by my 'doctor" were all the wrong views, plus she'd sent me home with no wrapping or boot to support my injured foot.  She simply sent me home and I'd been walking on the injury for 2.5 months, not good.  The official injury is called a Les Franc Fracture with damage to all the tendons, muscles, ligaments in my foot.  I  destroyed my foot.  Since then the disease has spread to up to just above my knee in both legs, it's in both my hands up to my elbows, as well I have symptoms on the front of my face and on top of my head.

My husband doesn't believe in any of my conditions, he thinks I'm making them up to get out of housework.  I've lost my future career, as I've been unable to complete my college and my job.  More crushing to me was when I refused to get a Spinal Cord Stimulator, a major surgery (which is a last resort for CRPS people as surgery makes the condition worse and spread faster) my husband decided that meant I was a drug addict and forged forward with his personal attack on me emotionally, mentally  and before demanding a divorce, in which we are now embattled, he did the ultimate betrayl and got involved with another woman he works with.  Currently he plays "family" with this woman and our 3 children.  Unfortunately, because I've refused to play by his rules and due to false allegations, lies and the running of a dirty nasty ugly divorce I've been made homeless, lost custody of my children (which no one can believe) still have no maintenance to liive on and despit being the primary parent to my children for 16 years I was told I was the danger to them.  The parenting therapist is on my side is beside himself.  No one can understand what is going on.  The prejudice against chronic pain patients in the court system here in Washington State, at least here in Snohomish county is unbelievable.

 

Anyway, I understand your frustration and your pain.  Gentle Hugs to you!  Karen

I am  new to this site and board. DOn't have regualar access to computer but i am a divorced gal with severe fibromyalgia, spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Not in a good situation now at all. Living with an elderly mother and sister due to my inability to work and not yet recieving any SSI. I am desperate for help with resources and or organizations. FIBRO FOR SIXTEEN YEARS. NO ONE GETS THE PAIN I AM IN. THanks and Happy Hanaka and Merry CHristmas to all.

Merry Christmas to all....

 

We are having a nice quiet day...having our usual buffet of snacks...so I don't have to cook...the kulinary kid is cooking some stuffed mushrooms to add to our table of delicious snacks...oh yeah!!  I just remembered that we bought some Boy Scout popcorn that I haven't put out yet...maybe I'll just keep that a secret and eat it all myself...with John of course...hee hee...

 

"Bruce the Blue Spruce" is in our living room for a couple of days...he's our living Christmas tree this year...we will be planting him SOMEWHERE in the yard when the ground thaws a little...in the mean time, we have to keep his roots from freezing...maybe we will bury his pot in a snow bank or something!!  The cats are actually leaving the tree alone...just a few bats at the ornaments...

 

I'm having wide-spread fibromyalgia pain...it's the cold weather...and my left hand is really sore...and I was bitten by a spider on my left arm...the area around the bite feels bruised, and my arm muscles around the bite are sore....for the bump on my left thumb, I have an appointment with the doctor in the beginning of January...I am playing my guitar to try to keep my hands limber...but they are sore...I don't have the endurance that I usually have....

 

John is having stomach problems today...the bloating that comes with diabetic gastroparesis...so he is laying down right now....

 

I should go check on John and see if there is anything that he wants...everybody have a good day...

 

Becky

 

Hi Prof,

Sounds like your road is a little rocky right now and I wish with all of my heart that I could take away your pain and bring you back to a healthy you again. I understand what lack of sleep can do to a person because at the moment I myself am not sleeping all that well and it does wear you down. I will continue to pray for you as I do everyday and pray that the doctors get this infection problem under control so that you can get some relief here. Are you having any home health aids come to your home to help? I know having your hair washed must have been a challenge for you. When I broke my wrist it gave me an awareness of all of the things that I took for granted when I wasn't in a cast and could do things like washing up that I hadn't appreciated before. My husband goes back to Dana Faber on Monday to see a radiologist and hopefully they will have the results of the PET scan and that it will come back ok...please keep us in your prayers...will keep you updated....we were concerned that the kitty that we feed had something happen to it because it hadn't been around for a few days and we had two rather good size snow storms but this morning kitty was back and I was happy to see him...my husband was really glad to hear that he was back and I know that taking care of the kitty calms him and with everything that is going on I think my husband needs the kitty as much as the kitty need him...I know having you feline friends around you must help to calm you also...take care and know that you are in my daily thoughts and prayers.....~Carol~