Is there any good information on this that any of you have found helpful?

I went from very healthy to now chronic neuropathic pain that prevents me from functioning like before.

I am disabled by it.

I am grieving for what I had before.

Any suggestions, oh wise ones?

I am grieving as well.

This is what I'm doing:

On the days that I can see straight I am reading.
I am becoming better at meditation.
I am listening to music.
I am being distracted by some Netflix series

I am trusting the universe
I am living in the present, reminding myself to be grateful, trying not to be fearful of the future.
I am realizing that worrying is only sending more vibrations to my cells to cause them to misbehave.

I am crying in between all of these other things. It's been 7 months for me since I went from on top of the world to..... what ever this is.

Healthgirl you are working through the mental exercises needed to help you Cope with a long-term or life-long Chronic Pain condition.
To both of you, the Goal is Acceptance, of being in constant, excruciating pain. Losing one's social, and possibly work, life. Being restricted in what tasks one can do. Losing friends/partners. Warding off Depression.
I have suffered extreme Chronic Pain that has become worse year on year for 25 years with added complications like TN, Cluster Headaches and Cancer. I Accept that the damage done to my body causes some of the pain. Other factors cause other problems which I also have to Accept.
But I don't do it meekly. I still see all my Doctors, even Neuros again this month, to see if there are any improvements over the pain/neuro meds I take. I also read when I can. Today I found out there may be a link between some of my Neuropathic problems and heavy use at work of Xylene and Toluene in the '80s.
Work on Accepting your conditions, while fighting it every step of the way.

Dave.

I had dealt with headaches, back pain, etc. for several years; but still could lead a pretty active live. Since I had my spinal fusion/laminectomy over 8 years ago the world that I had known rapidly started to change. Continuing spine pain, along with Periphereal Neuropathy pain, Narcotic meds to help with the 24/7 pain, leading to bladder surgery with additional medical issues. I felt the depression deepening and not wanting to pick myself up. Just wanted to hid and cover myself under the blanket as a safe haven.

Thankfully, I realized all this would only lead to additional disability and depression which by my own actions was bringing me down. My biggest enemy was my dwelling on what I could no longer do instead of being grateful for what I am able to do. I still can do laundry; maybe a little slower and takes a few extra days. I can still put some meals together; not like the ones I use to enjoy making. I felt satisfaction at being to accomplish a whole list of things that were now done just differently.

The biggest accomplishment was/is acceptance of my life as it is now instead of dewelling on how it once was. Of course, there are times when I feel a bit down; but don't stay there for long. Since it takes me longer to accomplish certain things; I don't have time to be on the "pity pot" for long. Also found other areas I now enjoy that I hadn't even thought of before.


Gerry

Amen to that
the answer is that simple
it is the truth
some harder for other
but we must strive for this truth
all else will be easier to deal with
it is what it is
wishing all well

so beautifully said
wishing you well
me

Your response to the changes life has dealt you are so beautiful. Being with what is, right here, right now. What else can we do? Trusting the universe...thank you for your wisdom.

Hi Nancyrobin,

Welcome to our Community. It is a warm and wonderfully friendly place.

Dave.

It is nice that this thread came back to the forefront as I had missed it when it began.

I enjoyed reading it. I guess better late than never. I think many of us have struggled with the life changes due to chronic illness and pain.

It is difficult to reconcile the former healthy self that may have been fully functional to the one we may have now that is so difficult to perform even simple tasks.

It is not always an easy nor comfortable adjustment but one that is essential to adapt to our "new" self.

i have been chronically ill for almost five years now with rsd. i too was on top of the world just before a slip and fall on the ice changed my life forever. i went through all the stages of grieving anger, denial, bargaining and depression until after a few years into my illness i finally accepted it and learned to deal with my constant pain, anxiety and fear by getting support from my family, my doctors and the wonderful people on this forum. i also try to live in the present day and not think about what may happen tomorrow. i live by the old saying "live one day at a time." i try to enjoy everything i can like the beautiful sun rising, birds flying around and the amazing people in my life. i also try to do something each day to feel a sense of self worth like taking care of my rescue dog and cat. i am not able to do the things i once could but try to value the things i still can do and know that i am still contributing to making this world a better place to live in. i also try to eat healthy and walk a little when i can to keep my stamina up and immune system as strong as i possibly can. and my faith also gives me hope that someday a cure will be found for all of our illnesses and we will be the healthy people we once were. sending love and hugs everyone's way.