Originally Posted by KateLynne

when you first realized that you had chronic pain and that you would have it all your life, how did you deal with it? How did you learn to accept it and go on? I am having a real hard time accepting it, and learning to go on- learning to do more in life and to not get caught up in just my pain.

I could really use your thoughts and experiences. Thanks.

-KateLynne

Originally Posted by sadlyme

KateLynne,

I've got RSD-CRPS since 1988. My story is after you travel your way thru the pain doc's, the meds, the depression, your left with yourself. It's such a mind game, how will I feel in the morning, can I go to a party this weekend, how many people have I let down.. YOU haven't, this is why I'm on this forum. You have to recreate yourself, stop beating your body up from things you can't control. Take one day, one hour, one minute at ah time. I have found out thru this group and people I've met here, I've wasted so much of my life it makes me sick The years lost, years on meds, things when I look at the photo albums I'm not there. Don't let this happen to you, fight for everyday you have. Has far as people in your life they love you for whats inside, not the pain...

s, many hugs.................

Originally Posted by nancy-h

Dear KateLynn;

Alcoholics Anonymous did the world a great thing when they coined the phrase, "One day at a time." If I wanted to give myself a super-duper panic attack right now, I would give up that phrase and start dwelling on living the rest of my life, my entire life, my whole life, my whole, entire life in pain. (Ok, I've gotten a pretty good start on a panic attack right now - LOL) But it's true, you must not think about anything but the here and now and do your best to be positive every day. If you find that hard, then there are hundreds of people here who are willing to help you. Just log on and you will get the positive side of life from folks who should be down but are just the opposite. That's what this forum is for - to share ideas, thoughts, concerns and to help each other.

Also, try to keep a regular schedule, try not to sleep all day, etc. Keep as busy as you can, some days are better than others as said by my good friend, Billie.
It's hard, nobody will tell you it's not but as the years pass, you get better at handling it. And, you might have to set limits for yourself and make sure others know them. For example, I don't travel well and my family all understand it. So, if I am unable to attend something, they will know why.

I blamed myself for my pain - like an idiot I don't know why. I have idiopathic PN and I'm not a diabetic so I felt I must have done something else to "get it". Dumb.

Wish I had more to tell you but right now, that's all I can come up with.

Best of Luck,
Nancy-H