Hi all, I am usually the one to find the silver lining, or at least try to find it, and pull myself up by non-existent bootstraps; but after being in pain for more than 50 years, I'm tired.

The good news is that for younger members, I think there is a chance that things are going to get better for people with chronic pain, and maybe faster than we even hope. The problem of pain is being talked about so much more openly, now. Doctors are believing it more, and there is more research being done. And forums such as this one are amazing in the way people are able to compare symptoms and treatments.

When I was a child in the 50's, children were not expected to talk much at all, ("children are to be seen and not heard!"), much less talk about hurting. You were told it was growing pains and to go outside and play or "find something constructive to do".

When I was in my 20's, it swung wildly from being told that I couldn't be in pain because my sed rate was not elevated-to a surgeon taking a cube of muscle out of my leg for ridiculous tests.

In my 30's, I went from doctor to specialists to clinics only to get a diagnosis of "undiagnosed auto-immune disease." I guess my current working diagnosis is Fibromyalgia. But even with it's huge list of possible symptoms, it still does not fit entirely.

In my 40's & 50's, I have tried most things, including TENS, LISS stimulator, accupuncture, and major narcotics in high doses and in many combinations, only to come back to Ultam/Tramadol 100 mg. 4 times a day as providing the most pain relief for me. I think if I could take 100 mg. 6 times a day, I might be able to have the pain at a manageable level.

Most of the things that help the pain in the long term are very painful to experience.They include stretching, walking, deep tissue work and myofascial release massages.The "freebies" , as far as being pleasant to experience, and bringing some relief are regular massages, hot baths and aromatherapy.

Oh, and my most pleasant pain relievers-my fluffs!!!

I have a 5 year old Maltese,named Tucker. He has been with me every step of the way the past 5 years. He is my constant companion and gives me minute by minute support!

We also have a 7 year old Papillon that we rescued from Hearts United for Animals 4 months ago. Usually, my first, and sometimes only, laugh of the day is when he greets me in the morning with a 20 minute "Happy Pappy Dance." His joy is so contagious. After 7 years in a puppy mill, and then 1 month at HUA where he had his teeth removed and was neutered, and then brought to another strange place-our home-it took him a while to learn to dance. But once he did-he cannot stop. He wags his tail so hard that his little body whips back and forth-it is literally a case of the tail wagging the dog! He is so happy to have a home that he pottys as fast as he can and races back to the door to get back inside.
At first, he did not know what comfort meant, and would lie next to his bed or pillow. Now that he has figured it out, he is the Connoisseur of Comfort! And after 7 years of barking nonstop-he virtually did not have a voice. Over the past months, it has gradually appeared and he now has a nice, mellow, clear, strong voice.

I look forward to meeting you all, and even though dogs are my passion, I CAN talk about other things! LOL! I am a retired Pediatric and Intensive Care Nursery nurse, I love to paint and do other media art, and I help my husband run a home business. He is a retired teacher/coach and now helps high school boys and girls, in all sports, get college scholarships. We get to work with amazing kids and really great families.
I also love flower-gardening, and have a new goal to attract hummingbirds to our yard this spring. And then as my user name suggests, we can always talk grandkids.

Looking foward to chatting with you all, Sue