I agree with bgb that some events, especially pain, can drive you to feeling like you are going crazy.

Have you had any counselling, Peter?
I think you need a safe place to vent, face to face, to learn some coping skills to get you through this. I really don't think ANYONE knows intrinsically how to deal with such adversity and challenges.

Have they done neuropsych testing?
I think this testing might show the stress that your condition is causing you, and provide objective evidence which may help your case.

Cherie

Lady express, that's a good idea.

Pete, I actually did go for councelling for a while. I rally fely like I was losing it and asked quite bluntly if that was the case, and if my pain and symptoms were all in my head (as the other docs would have me believe).

I had to do something, because I had gotten to such a state that I could not talk to a doc without panic or rage. I broke down before and after every appt.

I had one psych tell me I was not a hypochondriac, that the stress of what I was going through was more than I could deal with, that odd illnesses are incredibly tough to dx, that's all. It was not my fault, but not all docs can tell what is going on either.

That was all I really needed.

Incredible how a few words can change everything.

I had the same symptoms, the same pain, the same limbo, still no docs helping, but my attitude changed and everything else has been easier to deal with.

And now, when I talk to docs - more calmly, rationally - I get somewhere with them. If I run into one who can't or won't listen or help, it's not me, it's him, and I calmly walk away. I don't lose it anymore. I just move along to the next one.

You just need to believe the situation is THAT unreal, you need to be validated, to know there will be a solution and you will be okay somehow. Then you WILL be okay.

Talking to us can help, but talking to a psych could be the best thing you've done for yourself. It was for me.

I went too, bgb, and I chose a pyschiatrist because they are paid for by medical here, and they are MEDICAL doctors first. I had so many medical problems, that were obviously affecting my state of mind, emotions, etc. and I knew he could pick through what cancer/MS-related vs what might be psychological.

I think I cried through entirely every appointment for the first year (easy gig for him! ) but I got it all out, and he was able to coach me through some very difficult times.

It was the best thing I ever could have done for myself at the time, even though it was hard to admit I needed to.

Cherie

Well, being that I'm a therapist, I strongly support going to therapy. It can be extremely helpful. I'm not saying your symptoms are psychological - but just even having such terrible physical problems can wreak havoc on all of you...including your mind.


Pete - I hope you can find someone to talk to that might be able to help.

If you're interested, maybe I can refer you to someone I might know in your area...


~Keri

Pete,

you don't sound crazy, you sound depressed. Pain, understandably causes depression. Depression causes a very real change,(usually worsening) of your pain.

An extremely low dose of Prozac helped me more than anything else I've tried. I hope you find something that helps you.

Katty

I will take you up on that Kerri--I just got outta the ER----I have my shoulder Doc Monday---I have the Neurologist Tuesday--

The ER was understanding--Gave me 3 day supply of pain Meds----the doc did this thing where he crossed my leg--it had --bad word--caused pain in my hip--this concerned him----I- We asked why--He said nothing----

What does that mean---Or was he baiting me?

Thanks for all the GREAT help---luv you folks soo much

Sounds like you're headed in the right direction,Pete. Hang in there and good luck at the doctors this week.

Tuesday I go to see the Neurologist--In Lexington MA--Its outta Beth Israel Hospital in Boston-----As of this moment----OMG the pain level is 11 outta 10----

Anyone remember that line in This Is Spinal Tap----That was my Fav cult type movie when I was young--Never knew what a Spinal Tap was--Never cared----Kinda Irony in that-----Ya the pain is definitely an 11---its one over 10..

be well and thanks

Praying you get some answers ,Pete and find out the cause of your pain so it can be treated.

Good luck tomorrow Pete. I hope you get some answers and help.