HELP! The past few weeks have been brutal pain-wise and stress-wise for me. After 7+ years of pain I am currently waiting for surgery which should hopefully happen in the next two months. To date, I haven't been given much for pain relief - I was on Lyrica but gained weight so I am going back on Neurontin, Toradol or Narproxen, Flexeril and told to take Tylenol or Advil. I have done PT, tried chiro, accupuncture and am currently going for 1 hour massages once a week. My shining light is that maybe surgery will get rid of some of the pain.

Through all this I have been working - but I am at breaking point. Everyone I see is amazed I am even working. My family doctor doesn't seem to think I would feel better if I was off work...that I would still be sore...that's fine, but I am going through meltdowns....I am in so much pain I can't even decide what to eat for dinner...I have spent numerous nights crying from pain and frustration. I can't sleep lying down...I am actually more comfortable sleeping on the couch...

I know we are go through these cycles of pain, of frustration - but HOW do you get through it? I am forever biting off my poor BFs head and while I know he understands I wonder how he takes it. A year ago I was able to go to the gym a few times a week - now I am a wreck. I feel aweful...I am tired...I am sore...I feel like the 'help' is so far away.

Then there is the fear of surgery - what if it doesn't work? What if I feel worse? How am I going to pay my bills while I am off?

I am one of those 'keep to myself' kinda people. I don't normally go seeking out help but I am going crazy. It is a whirlwind of emotions, a roller coaster...I am angry, frustrated, scared and sad all at the same time. I have a good talk with gibbrn today - she has been a wonderful and dear friend to me...I know she has been exactly where I am now and that is reassuring.

Anything anyone can offer is accepted. I see my family doctor later this month and am demanding to be put off work - this crap has gone on long enough...I am not sure if it is the pain or the stress that is going to get to me first.

Having you people here is a truely a special thing - I lurk more then post and I appreciate all you can share with me

I think if you can manage it - being off work is the best way to really start healing. Use the time to totally rest, relax and recuperate - a focused healing time.

You have got overworked muscles and an over stressed, fatigued, pain filled body and mind.

If the PT is good , it and the massages may actually be able to do some real good for you when you are off work. Instead of just maintaining you so you can keep working.

PS - I'm a keep it to myself person too- or used to be - but I came out of my shell- LOL

JAMY - i'm so sorry that you're in so much pain. I don't have alot to offer other than support. Have you talked to your doctor about some sort of pain medication - over and beyond the tylenol or motrin? I know for me, on most days that I work, the tyelnol just doesn't cut it. also, several people take a muscle relaxer as needed to help relax those really tight muscles. and, you have every right to be frustrated, upset, confused, etc.
chin up-
dabbo

Hi Jamy,

Thanks for the compliment....I only wish I could do more for you. I have given suggestions that your doctor has just pushed away. In my opinion it is your doctor who has been negligent in your care as you have rights as a person in pain and you will find that doctors can be charged with negligence if you should want to go this far.....however the most important part right now is for you to rest and heal....Jo said it best......so get off work smack your doc in the face and make her realize that she is being negligent and that your care is important!!! You are at the end of your rope and that if you continue like this you do not know what will happen but it will likley involve a phone call to the college of surgeons and physicians.........

I think if she dosn't get you off work you need go to ER and get help there as it is becoming more of a mental health than pain as well....it is all held in by one very fine layer of wrapping........if that wrapping should start to open.....lets not go there yet.

Lets assume you do get off work then your next step is pay....I am going to assume you have sick time at work first then you apply for EI with your doctors note and while you are getting EI you apply for your Longterm disability.....I have done all of this and will be more than happy to help you with the paperwork and filling things out and givng you tips as you will need them...it is not easy......they make it difficult. As you will need to see your doctor again to fill in the paperwork....I would really call our local hospital and get the names of doctors who are taking new patients. I hope you can find someone close and then no drive...but at least you have your family when you get there.....

As we discussed your Man will be your Man if he is worth his weight in salt. He already had an understanding when you got together surely he knows this is temporary and your pain will get in control when you smack some sense into your doctor and ask her for some Zytram XL at the very least....oxycontin is the best thing for you to be on or ms contin....or morphine every few hours you need better care!!!!!!!!!!!

I truely hope you can talk some sense into your doctor and you really should call in sick until you go to see her as you can't manage all of the things together!!

My heart goes out to you. I will be with you the whole way just let me know what you need and DON'T BE SHY JUST ASK AND I WILL HELP!!!!!

my thoughts and prayers are with you,
Victoria

JAMY how did you get TOS ?
from repetitive or ?? something at work right ?

so off work = less continuous injury & pain
sure you will still be sore at home but less ongoing re-injury. IMO

hi Jo,
on an aside.....is IMO in my opinion????
just wondering..
Vic

Hi
I'm feel so much for you I am in much the same shoes as you. I haven't worked since March a year ago. I'm on oxycotin, percocet, soma, wellbutrin, cymbalta, xanax and still the pain never lets up. I also am a loner and my husband isn't real good at being there for me. The only thing I know to offer you is my understanding of what you are going through and to pray for you that you soon get the help you need. I went through bilateral knee replacement surgery a year ago and that was my 6th surgery in my life, a seventh surgery because of restricted nerves in my right leg last Sept. and now am waiting to see the neurosurgeon to see if he is going to do surgery and after all the surgeries I've been through this is the one I am afraid of. I am petrified that it won't work and this is all I have to look forward to for the rest of my life. Good luck, I'm posted as distress100