Topic : Living with Chronic Pain

Helpless 

sorry to hear you're suffering!  i know how hopeless and frustrated you feel.  not me personally, but my husband has sevre pain on his left side, neck, shoulder, arm, etc.  he has been through all the tests, but still nothing!  his pain was caused by a minor sporting accident.  i don't know how i'm helping you by telling you all of this, but please know i'll be here to listen.  

debbie 

Shara 

this is my first day on the message board as well.  it is very sad to know that so many people  out there are suffering!   my husband is in chronic pain on his left side, from a sports injury 5 yrs ago!  i would love to find out what drink this is that you talked about.  maybe it would help him or maybe not.  he is desperate to try ANYTHING, except God!  it saddens me so and puzzles me that people are willing to put their faith and trust in everything except the One true thing that will help, God himself!!   after reading from so many peolpe who are suffering, the only thing i can offer is a shoulder to cry on too, prayer, or just to listen.   debbie 

Doc 

I am so sorry that you are suffering so much.  I did a little research on your condition since I had no idea what it was.  I found a website that might provide some helpful information and resources  for you.  http://www.spondylitis.org/main.aspx 

I am assuming by the graphic under your name that you served in the military.  If this is so, which branch and when did you serve?  Were you a medic? 

Doc, I know how difficult it is to deal with constant, excruciating pain. I know how hard it is not to be able to do all those things I want to do.   I also know how important it is to have a good team of doctors and a good support system.  I hope you have those.  

Please tell us more about you.  And know that my thougths and prayers are with you. 

Sandy T 

Burr has been the word here in Windy Wy. Last week we got down to 27 below 0.. 

I want to pass along that I also have Raynadu's. And that I have been taking Nifedipine 30 MG for the past 2 winters. I do not take the Nifedipine in the summer months. And it as helped a bunch. I noticed a huge difference when I ran out and went a few day's without it. Also I get a newletter on Raynadu's and if I find it, I will pass along the address to you. 

I wanted to pass along a huge Thank you on the information on Thoracic Outlet Syndrome. I printed off some info and will be taking it with me on my next Dr's appointment. 

Also wanted to just remind everyone, that it seems to hit all of us really hard during the "winter" months. But remember, spring is just around the corner. Just to be able to sit outside and hear and smell all of the wonderful wonders, really helps our Mind's and Soul's. So hang tight everyone. 

Dianah 

Wanted to say hello. 

I am pretty new person also. But everyone has been really nice. And I look forward to getting on line and just checking in and reading how things are going for "others". 

I am chronic in my neck and arms and hands. Had my injury in 2002. What has kept me going is my pain managment Dr. He is so caring and understanding. And a "wonderful husband and son. They are what makes me get up every morning and put a smile on my face. And keeping me moving one foot in front of the other. I have found that I have to make myself get up and put make-up on and at least give the day a chance. 

Glad you are with us.. Diana 

Wanted to pass along what I have experienced with this drug and what I was told. 

I was told that Lyrca was just like Neurontine except for one huge difference, Lyrica is made so that a person is not so "stoned". A person is to have a clearer mind. 

I have taken both and I have to agree that I was much more alert while taking Lyrca than I was on Neurontine. I liked it much better. 

But, my ins will not cover Lyrca, so back to the stoned age, ha ha ha.. 

Dianah 

My doctor prescibed Lyrica for me.  When I went to the pharmacy to pick it up, I was told that the insurance company needed a pre-authorization for this drug.  After about 10 days of "fighting" with the insurance company, I got a letter of denial for the drug as it was too experimental.  That same day, I went to the pharmacy to pick up some refills and lo and behold, there was my Lyrica prescription filled! 

It has worked wonders for me.  I am on the lowest dose and it has eased my pain tremendously.  On that scale of 1 - 10, how is your pain, I went from a constant 7 or 8 to a 2.  I can certainly handle that!  Now, I am afraid that the insurance company won't cover any more prescriptions. 

I took the letter of denial and a copy of the receipt for the drug to my pain management doctor.  Her office will take care of the fighting when I go to have the new prescription filled. 

This amuses me....and ticks me off at the same time.    I can't take the Neurontin because of the "stoned" effect.  I have to be able to function since I am the primary caregiver for my parents.  So, it's either I can't function because of the pain or being "stoned."    Go figure.  Lyrica takes care of that problem....... 

Here's to better days..... 

Sandy T 

I stumbled across this topic and glad to know about the drug. I take neurontin for neuropathy and headaches. it has worked well but the stoned thing does bother me. I am to see my neurologist soon and will ask about lycra to get her opinion and perhaps switch.  

Thanks for the tip! 

God Bless 

greenthum 

I have been on disability for about 5 years. It was a struggle getting it going and a struggle emotionally as well. Life with disability is what you make of it. I now have enough income to survive and now I can devote my time to volunteering in things that matter to me. The great thing about volunteering is that you don't have to answer to a boss or be under deadlines. Its ok to take time off to rest  and take care of yourself. I have had so much fun and feel fulfilled as a person with projects that are dear to my heart. I know you will find your comfort zone and have a fulfilled life. 

My prayers are with you 

God Bless 

Greenthum