Saturday, March 01, 2008

The Pain

I have had an issue with my hips since I can remember. I can pop them in and out, they ache terribly if I am too active or lay on them wrong, they pop slightly out when I lay flat on my back on the floor making it difficult to roll over or get up, I can't sit for long periods or the slightly pop out, and the added weight I seem to have mistakingly borrowed from my DH has made my life become extremely painful. I have a mild (only to the doctor b/c it seems a bit severe to me) hip dysplasia. In my early 20s I was told I would eventually need both hips replaced and what makes this a mild case is that I am well into adulthood and more severe cases can't make it to adulthood before it is necessary. It sounds like a bunch of crapola to me. It was so bad last night my DH had to help me climb the stairs to bed, I was sobbing. This was the first time it has come to that. I take Aleve and Ibuprophen constantly to help get through the day. It is not cutting it. Since we do not have health insurance (DH is self employed) I am beginning to think I may look into working in the school cafeteria next year for the benefits. I can't keep living like this. It hurts to be fat and it hurts to walk or move around, what other choices do I have? I want to run and jump and play with the kids but it is getting harder and harder. This is not good.

Anyone else dealing with chronic pain? Any suggestions? I am not depressed by it but starting to get really concerned about my future quality of life.

9 comments:

Kerry said...

I hear ya sista!

No advice though. Sorry.

Kerry

emily said...

Anyone else dealing with chronic pain? Any suggestions?

Yes, and not really, unfortunately. My chronic pain is in my joints, but is tied in to my immune system and food sensitivities. I'm sorry you're having to deal with this, it just...stinks. Big time :-/

Debbie said...

I really feel for you (pun intended) because I've dealt with chronic hip/leg pain for the past decade, due to an endometrial mass attached to my sciatic nerve. My doctor has truly saved my life in finally finding me medications that solve the pain without making me a foggy, confused lump. If you can find a way to get to a chronic pain specialist (or just a regular primary care physician like mine, willing to learn about chronic pain management), I recommend it.

In addition to that (or until you can get the insurance), I've also found meditation to be useful. If there's time for that in your rather busy (and inspiring!) life, just 20 or 30 minutes meditating your mind away from your body can actually provide you with this ... space... that you can find in your head even when you're not meditating. Somehow being able to sort of touch that place with your thoughts when you're in pain can help move you away from the pain and make it more manageable.

I don't know if that description made the least bit of sense, but there's actually quite a bit of information on the internet about meditating to relieve chronic pain. I'll see if I can find a link for you and post it in another comment.

I'll be hoping for relief for ALL your family members (including the all important Mama!) in your various struggles. You're all amazing people.
Debbie

Tudu said...

Debbie, it did make sense. Thanks, I will try it.

I just can't take pain medication and function with the kids, sometimes at night if it gets to bad I will but then they keep me awake. Something has got to give.

Rose Anne said...

Tudu,
I don't know what state you are in but have you ever tried a Chiroprator who does acupuncture?
Most of them will work with on a payment plan. It was the only thing that helped me when I had an accident. The specialist I was going to at the time wanted to put me in a wheel chair-was not going to let that happen if it was possible not too!!
I am not in awheel chair..
Just a suggestion.
Rose Anne

Yondalla said...

I fully endorse all of the above and would like to ask if there is anyway you can make swimming or water arobics part of your schedule? It would allow you to buid muscle, maybe loose weight, and do so in a way that wouldn't be painful.

Anonymous said...

I deal with chronic pain ...psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis..I am actually being tested for cushings and hope it comes out positive...I suggest acupuncture and Chiropractic help

good luck it is a good reason for real concern...
Debi

Lindsay said...

I had chronic long term neck pain after being assaulted by an EBD student at school. Best thing I found helped was acupuncture.

Anonymous said...

Acupuncture is definitely the way to go. Tuina is a Chinese form of therapeutic massage. I have only had a little of it, but it worked for me. Be forewarned, it is not a relaxing experience. It's not painful, but its primary purpose is not relaxation, but healing.

I am really sorry to hear you are dealing with pain issues on top of the HUGE load you are already carrying.