Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 376072

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Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 14:21:21

Hi All,
I have a medical condition where I have lot of chronic pain in my body. I have had this for 10 years. Off late it is has been really bad. Any suggestions how to cope up?
It has come up in therapy a few times, but I was more pre occupied discussing other things, that I didn't pay enough importance to this.
Pinkeye

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » pinkeye

Posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 19:34:18

In reply to Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 14:21:21

I would think this would be a big component in your life - definitely ask your T about it. I get headaches every single day and I can't believe how much it rules my life very day.

Is the pain under control or manageable?

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 19:46:32

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » pinkeye, posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 19:34:18

Thanks PartlyCloudy.
I am only on email contact with my T so it is kind of difficult to get a full therapy.
It is sometimes manageable. But many days it is unbearable pain. It hurts a lot.

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 20:11:55

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 19:46:32

For me, managing pain every day has meant hiding it from people (who wants to know that you have a headache every day?) It is a big component of who I am and who the world sees. I should think your T should know that you are dealing with chronic pain in addition to your other problems; and what meds you are taking to deal with it. It's part of a T's skills to being able to treat the entire person, instead of just the immediate problem.

((((pinkeye))))

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » partlycloudy

Posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 20:25:37

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by partlycloudy on August 10, 2004, at 20:11:55

My therapy is actually officially over. I just maintain email contact with my ex T. He replies once in a while, but not very detailed.
He knows I have chronic pain but when I had the sessions, I was usually working on other issues, that I failed to address this adequately.
Maybe I should go to another T now to address this specific issue.
I am wondering if I should go for a few sessions to someone who manages in chronic pain care.
Thanks for the response.
Pinkeye.

> For me, managing pain every day has meant hiding it from people (who wants to know that you have a headache every day?) It is a big component of who I am and who the world sees. I should think your T should know that you are dealing with chronic pain in addition to your other problems; and what meds you are taking to deal with it. It's part of a T's skills to being able to treat the entire person, instead of just the immediate problem.
>
> ((((pinkeye))))

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by Shadowplayers721 on August 10, 2004, at 20:26:57

In reply to Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 14:21:21

I have chronic pain in my lower back and I wasn't coping. I became very suicidal. It just dominated my life. I have found that topamax helped. Also, I am on antidepressants now. There wasn't a coping without a medicine intervention in my case. It was affecting my sleeping too. I became a mess. If I didn't get some type of relief, I don't know what would have happened.

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 20:45:43

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by Shadowplayers721 on August 10, 2004, at 20:26:57

Yeah, coping up with so much Chronic pain is extremely painful. Only those who go through it understand it. I want to know if any therapy helps with it or it is a waste to even try. I did think about suicide as a means to escape from the pain, but I will never seriously give it a try.
For me it is in multiple joints and sometimes throughout the body. I can't walk many times, I can't type. It hurts so much. It feels such a shame that I should go through so much at this young age. I am 27.

> I have chronic pain in my lower back and I wasn't coping. I became very suicidal. It just dominated my life. I have found that topamax helped. Also, I am on antidepressants now. There wasn't a coping without a medicine intervention in my case. It was affecting my sleeping too. I became a mess. If I didn't get some type of relief, I don't know what would have happened.

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by DaisyM on August 10, 2004, at 21:26:36

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 20:45:43

I strongly suggest that you find a good biofeedback person to work with who is also a therapist. They can help you cope, let you complain (get it all out) and show you ways to control the stress and tightness that comes with pain. There are also pain clinics that specialize in helping with this stuff.

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by JenStar on August 10, 2004, at 23:24:30

In reply to Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by pinkeye on August 10, 2004, at 14:21:21

Pinkeye,
I'm so sorry you have chronic pain! Very sorry.
Do you find that your mental state can affect the pain, or is it solely due to physical symptoms?

Like the little chatterbox that I am, I'd love to start pulling suggestions out of my JenToolBox, but I'm not sure where to start.

I'm tempted to offer "exercise", but I don't know if you already do, or if that might in fact make the problem worse.

One thing that always helps me is laughter. One time when I was feeling very depressed and anxious and was having physical symptoms, I went with some friends to a comedy club. It was a RIOT. I laughed and laughed and laughed, and when I went home, I felt physically good all evening. Sometimes when I'm down I try to get humor books from the library because laughing eases things for me. I don't know if that would work for you. I know some pain is stronger than that and laughter may not affect it.

I hope your pain gets better.
Can I tell you some awful jokes in the hope that you might get a quick chuckle? Let me know!

JenStar

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by shortelise on August 11, 2004, at 1:18:54

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by JenStar on August 10, 2004, at 23:24:30

There are pain clinics throughout the US (and elsewhere!) where they deal exclusively with pain.

This is necessary because of the laws governing "regluar" docs as to how much pain med they can prescribe. Pain clinics are regulated differently.

These clinics will very often have a psychological component to the treatments.

You could see if there is one in your area you could contact.

I hope you are in some kind of treatment that makes the pain bearable. There are some really good meds out there, and some fine, compassionate pain specialists, if you can find them.

Best of luck with this.

ShortE

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » DaisyM

Posted by pinkeye on August 11, 2004, at 13:35:26

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by DaisyM on August 10, 2004, at 21:26:36

> I strongly suggest that you find a good biofeedback person to work with who is also a therapist. They can help you cope, let you complain (get it all out) and show you ways to control the stress and tightness that comes with pain. There are also pain clinics that specialize in helping with this stuff.


Thanks Daisy. I haven't heard the term biofeedback so far. Let me check it out.
Thanks
Pinkeye.

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » JenStar

Posted by pinkeye on August 11, 2004, at 13:39:01

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by JenStar on August 10, 2004, at 23:24:30

Thanks JenStar. It is mostly physical symptoms for me, except if I am depressed, I perceive the pain as more, or feel more hopeles.. I can't really do much exercise now.
Actually it is not even so much coping up with the pain as the hopelssness of cure that is getting me down. It is a systematic disorder that doesn't have any cure as of now. Only the thought of living the rest of my life with this kind of pain makes me get very depressed. I would bear any amount of pain happily if only I knew it would go away after some time. I try to do what you have suggested, distract my mind with laughter or other stuff. But it is going on day after day, so how long can I keep doing that?
Pinkeye.

> Pinkeye,
> I'm so sorry you have chronic pain! Very sorry.
> Do you find that your mental state can affect the pain, or is it solely due to physical symptoms?
>
> Like the little chatterbox that I am, I'd love to start pulling suggestions out of my JenToolBox, but I'm not sure where to start.
>
> I'm tempted to offer "exercise", but I don't know if you already do, or if that might in fact make the problem worse.
>
> One thing that always helps me is laughter. One time when I was feeling very depressed and anxious and was having physical symptoms, I went with some friends to a comedy club. It was a RIOT. I laughed and laughed and laughed, and when I went home, I felt physically good all evening. Sometimes when I'm down I try to get humor books from the library because laughing eases things for me. I don't know if that would work for you. I know some pain is stronger than that and laughter may not affect it.
>
> I hope your pain gets better.
> Can I tell you some awful jokes in the hope that you might get a quick chuckle? Let me know!
>
> JenStar
>
>

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by pinkeye on August 11, 2004, at 13:41:23

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by shortelise on August 11, 2004, at 1:18:54

Thanks ShortE
I do take some pain killers and they work for half the day. the rest of the day it is very painful. My husband doesn't want me to increase the dose except if really necesary, so mostly I am left with having huge pain at the end of the day when the effects of pain medicine wears out.
My doctor is willing to prescribe me more pain killers. Taht is not a problem. And I am also little scared of the side effects and long term effects of too much pain medication that I try to control the urge to take more.
Pinkeye.
> There are pain clinics throughout the US (and elsewhere!) where they deal exclusively with pain.
>
> This is necessary because of the laws governing "regluar" docs as to how much pain med they can prescribe. Pain clinics are regulated differently.
>
> These clinics will very often have a psychological component to the treatments.
>
> You could see if there is one in your area you could contact.
>
> I hope you are in some kind of treatment that makes the pain bearable. There are some really good meds out there, and some fine, compassionate pain specialists, if you can find them.
>
> Best of luck with this.
>
> ShortE

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by Cinderella on August 11, 2004, at 16:12:57

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by pinkeye on August 11, 2004, at 13:41:23

I hear ya about the pain meds, Pinkeye. My doctor gives me more pain meds than I can possibly take but I am afraid of taking too much for fear of addiction so I try to make it through the pain until the next time I will "allow" myself another pill. Some days I am just a mess. Crying helps sometimes as do hot baths. Do you work also? Your work can sometimes make your pain worse. I've tried applying for time off or family medical leave and am always denied because I am not "sick enough". Antidepressants have helped some and there are a few topical RX meds that can give you a little vacation from the big "P" monster. I agree though there are some very good pain clinics out there that employ a variety of methods. I wish you well my friend.
C

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » pinkeye

Posted by Ilene on August 11, 2004, at 18:05:10

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by pinkeye on August 11, 2004, at 13:41:23

> Pinkeye.
> > There are pain clinics throughout the US (and elsewhere!) where they deal exclusively with pain.
> >
> > This is necessary because of the laws governing "regluar" docs as to how much pain med they can prescribe. Pain clinics are regulated differently.
> >
> > These clinics will very often have a psychological component to the treatments.
> >
> > You could see if there is one in your area you could contact.
> >
> > I hope you are in some kind of treatment that makes the pain bearable. There are some really good meds out there, and some fine, compassionate pain specialists, if you can find them.
> >
> > Best of luck with this.
> >
> > ShortE
>
>

I'd like to second ShortE's recommendations. I also have a chronic condition (chronic fatigue syndrome) that is sometimes quite painful. It was years before I actually got it diagnosed, and then another couple of years before I got a painkiller that controlled it. (I can't take that painkiller anymore, but the pain isn't as bad either, possible because I take Neurontin.) Some ADs are effective against pain, too.

By "long term effects" do you mean addiction? I've read that most people who take drugs for pain don't become addicted. You shouldn't suffer needlessly.

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » Cinderella

Posted by pinkeye on August 11, 2004, at 20:13:44

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by Cinderella on August 11, 2004, at 16:12:57

Thanks Cinderella. Yes I do work. I can't really take that much time off from work. So I just try to put up with it.
Yeah, the tendencey to grab on to the pain killer is quite strong. But I try to control it.

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » Ilene

Posted by pinkeye on August 11, 2004, at 20:14:39

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » pinkeye, posted by Ilene on August 11, 2004, at 18:05:10

I take steroids for pain, so actually I am worried about the osteoporosis that would happne with long term use.
Thanks.
Pinkeye

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » pinkeye

Posted by shortelise on August 12, 2004, at 13:10:14

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by pinkeye on August 11, 2004, at 13:41:23

Pinkeye, you could still look at pain clinics. They are far better versed in the control of chronic pain than a "regular" doc would be. Breakthrough pain is not necessary, and a good pain control program does not leave the person feeling drugged all the time.

I really feel for you and hope you can get this resolved. It is hard to deal with anything when one is in pain. It is my opinion that talk therpay can also help, esp if your are talking with someone who specialises in pain. It's so important to deal with people who have experience in the area, who understand the psychology as well as the physiology of pain.

Take care.
ShortE

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » shortelise

Posted by pinkeye on August 12, 2004, at 14:15:18

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » pinkeye, posted by shortelise on August 12, 2004, at 13:10:14

Thanks ShortE. I called someone who works in pain clinic and specializes in pain counselling yesterday. I think she might be able to help me. But I am not sure of going now since my insurance doesn't cover it and I have to pay everything out of my pocket. But if it gets worse, atleast I know there is an option now.
Thanks everyone for your help. I am feeling much better.
Pinkeye.
> Pinkeye, you could still look at pain clinics. They are far better versed in the control of chronic pain than a "regular" doc would be. Breakthrough pain is not necessary, and a good pain control program does not leave the person feeling drugged all the time.
>
> I really feel for you and hope you can get this resolved. It is hard to deal with anything when one is in pain. It is my opinion that talk therpay can also help, esp if your are talking with someone who specialises in pain. It's so important to deal with people who have experience in the area, who understand the psychology as well as the physiology of pain.
>
> Take care.
> ShortE

 

Re: Coping with Chronic Pain

Posted by karlak13 on August 20, 2004, at 20:55:22

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain » pinkeye, posted by shortelise on August 12, 2004, at 13:10:14

I suffered from severe chronic pain for 4 years. After trying 35 different meds and non of them helping my condition my dr, my shrink, and my neuro all wrote letters to my HMO demanding that I be sent to another HMO's ha/pain clinic for treatment. I was avg 8 ER trips a month. It was approved and the best thing that happened to me. I was put on 10mg am and 10mg pm methadone for a year and was pain free. Then I switched over to the duragesic patch at 50mcg. and was pain free for another year. I decided to go off all pain meds in March and my chronic pain has not surfaced in the last 22 weeks! I am so excited I think a miricle has been performed. :) Please try a pain clinic they can really do a lot for you that your dr just can't.

 

Re: How does insurance work for Pain Clinic? » karlak13

Posted by pinkeye on August 22, 2004, at 14:29:54

In reply to Re: Coping with Chronic Pain, posted by karlak13 on August 20, 2004, at 20:55:22

Thank you.
How does insurance generally work for pain clinics? Are they covered fully? Or do you have to be debilitated before they will allow you to visit pain clinics?
Thanks
Pinkeye.

 

Redirect: insurance

Posted by Dr. Bob on August 23, 2004, at 15:30:16

In reply to Re: How does insurance work for Pain Clinic? » karlak13, posted by pinkeye on August 22, 2004, at 14:29:54

> How does insurance generally work for pain clinics?

Sorry to interrupt, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding insurance to Psycho-Social-Babble. Here's a link:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20040820/msgs/381359.html

Thanks,

Bob


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