New Here - Questions about Chronic Pain
 

I am new here and haven’t been diagnosed with anything at this point. I’ve had a few people mention these types of things, and the point of frustration and helplessness, I thought I would inquire with others going through similar situations.

2 years ago I was in a very severe ATV accident; just about losing my lower leg. Since then I’ve had 3 surgeries, which were in an 18 month time-frame. Each time I was exhausted and in pain, but told it’s because of having surgeries back to back, and the nature of the surgeries -this was kinda expected. So, I tried learning to deal with things; knowing I would heal up eventually.

It’s now been 9 months since my last surgery, and I’m beside myself with the unbearable fatigue and pain. I’m currently being treated by my doctor with pain meds; Tramadol, Vicodin, Gabapentin, & Cymbalta. I’ve been on other meds and other dosing, but had to either lower the dosing, or eliminate that particular one.

Gabapentin I believed was working when I was on the 300 mg, 3 times per day, but I was like a walking zombie, so she decided to try 100 mg once daily which I’m stopping now, because it’s not helping, and I am wondering if it is making my fatigue worse?

I’ve cut back a day at work, because I can’t hardly function. The pain meds help with the pain, but don’t take it away. I’m unable to hardly keep my eyes open because the fatigue is so bad! My life has turned from being extremely active to hardly unable to live a normal life! After work, I go to bed. Weekends I sleep all day, and on the extra given day off during the week, I sleep the whole day, but never feel as if I’m refreshed!

I can’t continue living like this, and no one understands! My doctor seems to think it’s from the chronic pain making me so tired, but why do I continue to feel as if I’m spiraling? I constantly don’t feel well, and my muscles are soooo exhausted feeling! Anyone have any suggestions?

TIA
Becca

Hi Becca,
First, welcome and I am so sorry to hear about your ATV accident and subsequent surgeries. What an ordeal.

I have been going to a pain mgmt doc for over 10 yrs. In my opinion, your are trying to work and every day you keep pushing against your pain and it is exhausting you. Despite what you are taking, it sounds like your pain is not controlled. I think the spiraling feeling is that your body is getting more and more run down and depleted from the effort.

If you are sleeping all weekend and anytime off work, obviously something is wrong. Are you seeing a pain mgmt doc? If not, I suggest you do. They have alot more options in their repetoire than many docs. My pain was not controlled for years and I limped along on what my primary doc was giving me which wasn't close to what I needed. Seeing a pain doc made all the difference in the world. I have to say I was a bit shocked you went from 900mg of gabapentin a day to 100 mg....of course it isn't working. Aside from oral pain meds, have you done physical therapy,acupuncture, massage therapy, reiki/energy healing, lidocaine pads or injections or injections of any kind to the most painful areas?
maybe tell us where your pain is and what it feels like and we can help you more.

I don't know if it is possible, and easier said than done but, can you work less hrs or take a break from work until you have better pain/ fatigue control? Some companies have short term disability but perhaps you used that up with all your surgeries or work for yourself.

Ask me any questions you want Becca...I will try to help or others on the forum will. Again...sorry to hear what you have been through.
D.

Becca, wow you really did a number on yourself.

Sadly, I don't understand what's wrong with you either. I wish I understood what was going on in my body too. ..but I am here to listen and provide random thoughts.

As promised....random thoughts.
As you know, pain touches every part of our lives. it isn't just that our leg hurts or our we have a toothache. Its every day & all the time. It is so draining on us physically and mentally. Fatigue is a huge aspect of my CP. Chronic pain can lead to depression and usually does.... so be watchful.

Pain and nerve meds cause chemical levels in your body to change. Which could alter the way you feel pain, how much you sleep, or how you handle stress.

I have found that if I get emotionally upset about something my arm injury seems to scream louder. Even silk feels rough on raw skin. When I stay calm my pain levels are lowered. I have to use calming exercises and lots of stretching.

Do you have a support network? A friend to talk to, a counselor even? pet? Are you getting enough sunlight? exercise? Are you staying well fed and hydrated? Maybe you are working harder than your body agrees with. I am sure you have noticed that your body rules. Pushing too much can put you back down. Only you know your limits.

How Is your sleep hygiene? Hours in bed does not equal rest. If you are waking or almost waking multiple times, well it doesn't count as sleep. I also know that many pain meds can induce insomnia.

It has taken me a long time to accept that I am going to be in pain the rest of my life. I still grapple with the loss. I suspect that one day I will see CP as a part of rather than the driving force in my life. Not there yet.

Please keep posting. You will find that there is a wealth of experience in these pages. Good luck.
D.

Hi Becca,

Diandra and Daesin have saved my eyes from a lot of typing - they have covered everything well. I just want to say how sorry I am that you have had to come to join us, and re-inforce the importance of your mental health in all this turmoil. Chronic pain leads to Depression, leads to fatigue, Anxiety, elevated pain levels - an endless, cruel circle that usually needs outside help to overcome.

You have certainly made a positive start on your long road to recovery by battling through these surgeries. Now you need help getting as far back up the Recovery Ladder as you can. We are all here to offer as much support and advice as we are able to assist you.

Dave.

Information
 

So sorry to hear the after affects
Just want to say
Thank you for sharing
Log everything you experience
As it in essence a new way of trying to live
And hearing others share is the ONLY way to go
As we are all different
Good luck on your journey for relief
Love
Me

Oh my God
You hit every aspect of what chronic pain feels like
and explained each specific point out ever so clearly
Thank you
Thank you
Thank you
May a miracle of healing
be bestowed upon us all
Thank you
Love
Me

We help each other by sharing...showing others that they aren't alone. Validating their experiences even while some face medical doubt and scrutiny. Supporting each other with these little boxes of info is what we *can* do. It does little to reduce the physical damage but goes far to heal the heart.
I am so pleased to know that my words helped, even a little.
D.