Quote:
Originally Posted by Rain shower
Hello all,
I have had crps since 2003 from hit and run auto accident. I have been able to "manage" the pain and work full time until this most recent work related event in March. I use the term "manage" Very loosely, as more often than not I fell into bed in terrible pain when I finally returned home. My job required travel and managing team of research professionals. I basically lived a lie and kept my worsening disease a secret from coworkers and family. My husband of course knew to the extent that I allowed him to, which was very difficult and I did my crying at night after everyone was safely sleeping.
I feel like my world is shrinking, in that I am either in bed or pacing in my room, as this pain spreads to whole body. I am seeing three MDs, two pain specialists and my primary care with whom I have worked with for many years. I have three stellate blocks scheduled in December, as this is recommended by workers comp and pain docs, to perhaps give me some relief for left arm original site of crps. They are also suggesting spinal cord stimulator, which I respectfully have declined due to all the problems this device has had. So they have suggested the new Stimwave stimulator injected via needle and has external battery, if memory serves. There is not much out there on this relatively new medical device so digging up information has been difficult.
I thank you all for sharing on this site, as you have become a trusted life line for me as my world shrinks and my depression and anxiety increases. I am using every ounce of my being to deal with the pain and other symptoms of this disease.
Take care
|
Hi Rain Shower,
Welcome to NeuroTalk.
Wow. I am sorry for all you have been enduring.
I understand either approach: Keeping pain to ourselves and sharing details.
I had started out keeping much to myself. I did not want to overwhelm anyone. In time, I had found I was better off sharing more. Once I had started sharing, I then found out who had the capacity to listen and who did not. When I realized more fully that most in my family of origin cannot listen, I knew where I had gotten the idea that it was best for me to be silent.
My husband and friends are different though, they can listen and they can be there for me. I have always been there for them, as well. I also have a very supportive aunt.
Thankfully.
This is a very supportive "family" here. I am glad you are here with us and am also glad to see AlaskanLady join in, as well.
Many here have gone through so much, they have learned all about pain and compassion, the importance of loving kindness.
I am also so impressed by the moderators/admin here, as they have each spent years supporting many hurting people. They have been here for countless people, trying to help in one way or another, without fail, for many years. All angels.
I, personally, feel you are very wise to use caution with the SCS. We all hope the newest technology will be the best and will be helpful. Yet, the reports/stats won't be in until the newest technology has been in use for awhile.
I am glad you find this forum helpful.
I often visit the whole board when in pain, as it can provide a distraction for me. There are times when I am in more pain and cannot use my computer at all. (I had noticed I was here last night, writing, while gritting my teeth from the pain in my feet. I guess I felt it helpful to be here with some distraction.)
Sometimes, I find the "social chat" and other areas on this board very helpful. Someone will start a music thread, tell a joke, share a movie, share photos of nature, share artwork, share about pets, word games, etc. I find this very helpful at times. It's a distraction and I am easily affected by music, by the beauty of nature, etc.
I have found some other approaches helpful. I use breathing exercises to keep tension/anxiety at bay. I use visualization exercises when there is too much pain. Breathing exercises can also help pain by increasing circulation.
Meditation can also be helpful. There are many types of approaches which may help some.
I hope you have enough assistance with anxiety and depression?
These can compound the pain in a big way.
There is also an anxiety and a depression forum here.
We have been recently posting breathing exercises and meditations we find helpful. It's interesting to see what people find helpful.
I hope you will keep us updated as you feel up to doing so.
DejaVu