I am asking for support by others today. Don't mean to vibe selfish, the pain is just unbearable. I fell down the stairs yesterday, I caught myself when I LANded on IMO bad arm. I do not have an appointment with a specialist till April in Boston at deacones hospital. My primary has me on tramadol it helps but not like I wish it would.. Last night I did not sleep. I am hoping if I receive some response this my preoccupy me.

I have begun one stroke painting as I cando this in bed and lie down when I need to. It is good to take on an interest which gets your mind on something fun. When you have your worst days, and have to just stay still you can close your eyes and visualize things. I try to do this and actually practice thinking about my painting and how I can improve the strokes with the brush. Just trying to give ideas and be productive. Thanks

Dear kathy, Welcome to Neuro Talk. You have found the best place to be. I am sorry you are in so much pain. Wish I could push up the date for your appointment for you. You will find alot of compassionate folks right here to support you while you go through all this. I must tell you that what you are doing for yourself, by painting is fantastic! You are trying distraction as a way to cope, and it will help you not to become so depressed while you are in this shape. I do the same thing. I had to overcome my depression, and I found this site. Now I am doing mosaics sitting very comfortably. I also read as a method of distraction. Keep it up, we will be here for you. No you are not being selfish at all. We all need each other. Nobody wants to be alone and go through these pains. Go into any thread you want to talk, and you will get good responces. You are doing exactly the right thing by reaching out, and you found a very caring site. I will be here any time you care to post. I am post 19months, cervical fussion, with a bunch of other troubles, and I come here all the time for good council and support. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Hi Kathy,

You've found one of the keys many of us use in coping daily with chronic/intractable pain. Here's a link to an article I wrote about others.... just about 3 years ago. (I've been meaning to revise/update it.)

http://tinyurl.com/2c642oa

Awareness of what pain is, how it works, and what it does to us both physically and mentally are, IMO, very helpful - knowledge is power.

Other useful knowledge I've found:
Google: stages of grief
Google: chronic pain vicious cycle

Doc

Kathy - you absolutely stun me with your ability to do this for your self. Actually, first to be able to recognize specifically that you needed the communication and support of others with and two, then ask for is a very, very, insightful and brave thing to do. Its not selfish at all - it's why many of us are here as well...

It took me years to figure that out. In fact I never really did figure that out -it just sort of popped out from all the comments people kept putting into my threads "come here for support, you'll get lots of help here, there is tons of empathy on this site...". It became an unconscious recognition first and then it was like "hey - I am feeling so much better after I spew and vent on line, this is the best therapy I’ve ever had!". Now I am not going to deny that I can be quite dense when it comes to some types of awareness - but I do have at least an average intelligence level! I just never guessed at how isolating pn is and how hard it is for others who do not have it to understand. Those that don't live with or have pn can't give you the same space to "be a pn'er". It's nice to come to this site where we can "be" together.

And you really knew you needed and came here asking for support - I am thrilled to see you doing that! Well you have it my dear! I am very empathetic to you. I am just starting my bad time of year Feb -July and have been in terrible pain for the past few days. I am really afraid of my pain and it has been very debilitating lately and have been crying a lot. I have four young children, and I just want to be an active mom. But then I read you thread and I thought I have got to get better at asking for what I need too, maybe I will learn to deal with my disabilities better. I am sorry you have to wait so long to get in - have you asked to be put on a cancellation list? That has help many people I here get into appointments sooner. What do symptoms have and where? Is there something another Dr. could help you with sooner? How did you fall, and how did you get your initial condition? I would like to know more about your painting - I would love to paint or to have any artistic talent like that, what do like to paint? Well hoping this has done some to distract you - let me know how you feel...Thank you!

Bless your heart -- I can certainly sympathize. And I'm thrilled that you are painting to distract yourself from the pain! Good for you! It's amazing how much it can help.

I used to paint, but my hands aren't as still as they used to be. So now I crochet alot, which helps. I just cannot sit still, even when I'm watching TV. LOL

I've been a chronic painer for over 25 years, so needless to say I've done alot of crocheting. LOL I do alot of crossword puzzles too -- they say it helps ward off Alzheimers. That scares me.

Just know that you have friends here who understand and are supportive. Visit often. Take care & God bless. Hugs, Lee

All of us love the fact that you have already found good ways to help yourself. You took such a big step. We are all right here for you. Tap back anytime you care to. You are in my thoughts tonight Kathy. I keep a little list by my desk. Have a good night, and I hope your pain is lower this day. ginnie

I am so sorry for your fall and pain. As for your appointment in April are you calling everyday for a cancelation? I do that and I have gotten in months early. I am also put on a cancelation list.
It is great you have a positive outlet/distraction.
Also reaching out for support is not selfish it is knowing when you need more help and that is being strong.
Sending warm and pain free thoughts. Also hope you get some rest

....I read your article, and IMO you are truly inspirational. I am so sorry for all your pain. Everything you had to say is truly motivation for me to get started on all your suggestions. Take care and God bless....

.....I echo the words of everyone else who has posted here. I hope you are in less pain today. I don't post very often, but I do come here every day to read the boards. There is no better site than this for finding comfort in the words of others.

I suggest you check out the "Vitamins, Nutrients, Herbs and Supplements" board. Mrs. D has helped me to understand the importance of vitamin deficiencies (mainly B12 and D3) for chronic pain. Take care.......