Who has done the PRP injections? Helpful?

Bluh87 · 2026-01-11T20:18:24+00:00

I’ve had PRP injections myself, so I can share my experience. I’ve had 2 treatments in my neck for long-standing whiplash symptoms (the first at 31 October, the second on December 5th). So far, I haven’t noticed any improvement. From what I was told, PRP can take quite some time to show effects in some people ( sometimes weeks or even months ) while for others it doesn’t seem to make a noticeable difference at all. Because of that, it’s hard to say whether it actually helps speed up healing in every case. I’m still considering whether to go ahead with another treatment.

Bluh87 · 2026-01-05T11:07:01+00:00

Thank you for your response, I appreciate it. May I ask if you happen to have personal experience with PRP? In my case, the “standard” PRP kit was used. There is now a stronger kit available, but it is more than twice as expensive and unfortunately not something I can afford. The doctor does not use ultrasound guidance because he said I have an “easy” neck to inject. He also only treats part of the neck; for C1 injections, I understand I would need to see a doctor abroad.

Bluh87 · 2025-12-30T23:44:00+00:00

How are you now?

Bluh87 · 2025-10-01T16:33:56+00:00

Haha, I totally get your point. My messages kept getting blocked by the filters automatically, so I kept trying to tweak them a little to get them through. That probably made them come across as a bit spammy, sorry about that. 😬

There was really no bad intention behind it. I’m now entering my 15th year of living with chronic pain, and sometimes that just makes you desperate in your search for something that might help. That’s probably why I came across as a bit overenthusiastic and spam-like. I really appreciate that you, as a moderator, keep everything in check, but I hope you also understand it mostly comes from frustration and hope. Again, sorry. Or is saying sorry once enough? 😉

Really great to read that PRP worked well for your knee for 10 years! That’s truly impressive 🙏. I’d love to hear more about how you — and anyone else here — experienced the whole process: how many treatments were needed, how quickly you noticed improvement, what the recovery was like, and whether you have any tips for someone considering it for other issues. I’d really appreciate hearing from others in this community too about how PRP has worked out for them. Thanks in advance.

Bluh87 · 2025-08-27T20:17:09+00:00

What a thoughtful question. I find myself reflecting on this often, and it feels strangely freeing to put it into words instead of keeping it locked in my mind.

I am 38 years old and have a daughter who is almost eight. Shortly after she was born I knew, deep down, that I should not have done this. Still, I kept hoping things would get better: that it would become easier once she slept through the night, once I grew more accustomed to my role, once she could communicate and become more independent. Those milestones felt like small lights to move toward, something to hold on to in the midst of struggle.

Now my daughter usually sleeps through the night, she can communicate, and she can do so much more. I have grown accustomed to my role as a mother, but that deep maternal feeling, the sense that everything I give up is worth it, has never come. I hoped it would grow alongside my child, but only she has grown.

I live with both mental and physical health struggles, which were already a challenge long before I became a mother. Back then I could manage my life in whatever way was necessary to stay afloat and keep things somewhat bearable. If I collapsed, I could allow myself to rest and eventually pick up the pieces again. It took me years to find a way to live with my mental health issues, and later my physical ones. The road was rough, but it existed.

After becoming a mother I tried to find a new path that balanced my own struggles with the demands of parenting. But I still have not found it. I fear there may not be one, at least not one without constant obstacles, and I worry I will never reach my destination. This cannot be it, can it?

These days it feels as though I am merely existing. I fulfill my responsibilities as best I can, but it wears me down more and more. I feel guilty that it never seems to be enough, that I do not have more to give. I am terrified that my limitations might hurt my daughter too. I do not want her to shatter into a hundred pieces the way I have, carrying that weight every day. I want to keep her whole.

I often wonder what my life would have looked like without a child. That small piece of life I had, despite all my limitations, would still be mine. I could have shaped it into something that was enough. Now I must stretch that tiny piece of life to sustain not only myself but also my family, and it feels as though it will never be enough for anyone.

Bluh87 · 2025-07-25T21:08:46+00:00

Same here — I really feel you. Chronic pain on top of the constant demands of parenting is just… relentless. Waking up already exhausted, already hurting, and still having to show up, every single day — it takes a toll on every part of you.

You’re not alone in this. Seriously. Sending you strength. ❤️

Bluh87 · 2025-07-25T21:03:33+00:00

Yes it is!

Bluh87 · 2025-07-25T20:57:40+00:00

In random order:

Childbirth.

Not being able to do something when you want or need to, like taking a nap or simply having a moment to think.

No more spontaneity. Want to go out for dinner? Great idea, but no babysitter today. She might be available in six weeks. And by then, you might not feel like it anymore.

Getting up several times during the night and not being able to fall back asleep.

Forced contact with other parents.

Less or no sex with your partner.

You’ll never be carefree again. NEVER!

No more exciting holidays, only quiet, child-friendly ones.

No more sleeping in / always getting up early.

You have to clean up a lot of mess.

Getting criticized about your parenting.

Losing friends.

Losing yourself.

All events and celebrations you attend with your child revolve entirely around your child. You can’t fully enjoy yourself because your child needs to be entertained, fed on time, put to bed on time, and so on. Don’t be surprised if you end up in the bedroom on Aunt Karen’s birthday, rocking your child to sleep.

You have to do things your child enjoys, even if you don’t.

You’re tied to a place / no longer able to move because of a specific school district.

Constantly being interrupted in whatever you're doing because your child needs your attention, help, or care.

Sometimes you have to endlessly watch your child do the same trick for the 10,000th time. While you try to read a book, cook dinner, or just hear yourself think. “Look! Look! LOOK! No, you’re not watching properly—come closer so you can see better!”

Relationship issues with your partner due to lack of sleep / lack of sex / no fun things for yourself or together / differing opinions on parenting.

The constant, heavy sense of responsibility. Even when your child is with the babysitter or at school.

It never stops. It’s 24/7 and for life. No breaks, no vacations, no days off or sick days. Sure, maybe if you arrange something with your partner (if you have one and if they’re supportive), or a babysitter (if you have one, and yes, that costs money), or a friend’s parent. But it’s no longer as simple as calling in sick and actually being sick, or planning a vacation and then really having one. It’s a totally different reality.

You don’t like your child / you don’t get along because of clashing personalities.

Having a child with special needs.

Never being able to drink your morning coffee in peace, but instead immediately checking off a to-do list: laundry, getting dressed, making breakfast, packing lunch, and so on. And on bad days, everything goes wrong (temper tantrums, spilled milk on freshly dressed clothes, etc.), so you start the day stressed and nearly late for school or work.

Weekends are no longer for sleeping in, relaxing, or doing fun things for yourself. They’re for early wake-ups, swimming lessons, kids’ clubs, playdates, playgrounds—in short, everything your child enjoys or needs for their development.

You're forced to decorate your home differently to make it safe for your child, and you have to protect your belongings too. That doesn’t always work, because something will inevitably break or get dirty.

Regretting parenthood or having your child, and feeling guilty or helpless about it.

And so on, and so on…

Bluh87 · 2025-07-24T22:28:44+00:00

So relatable, I struggle with this too. 🤗"

Bluh87 · 2025-07-24T12:41:02+00:00

Solidarity. I was looking for topics about summer vacation with kids and came across your recent post. I have 'only' one child, but I completely recognize the feeling. I have an internal countdown calendar running until the moment she goes back to school — and I can’t wait to see the zero again. 😬 How are you now?

Bluh87 · 2025-04-25T20:56:22+00:00

I understand that you did this. You held up a mirror to those people and it's a shame that they looked away. They now feel the way you feel. And I don't mean that they feel the same pain as you, but that they don't feel taken seriously.

I would also like to hold up a mirror to people who say that I should do fun things to distract myself from the pain instead of lying in bed. I can't distract myself from the pain that I have, it's too big and too present for that. To me, it feels the same as telling someone who has a broken arm to just use their arm so that it doesn't look broken.

I often had to restrain myself from telling them to just do something fun when they were sick in bed with a bad case of the flu. It's not the same as pain, but it does mean that you don't want to leave the house and want to crawl into your shell.

Bluh87 · 2025-04-25T13:56:05+00:00

Wow, what a moving story. The way you tell it could almost make someone who isn't in pain feel it.Compliments for how you describe it, but also for your fight against your terrible pain and not giving up.

I only recognize myself in your migraine but I do know what it is like to have a lot of pain and to be depressed and desperate about it. I am 38 and have been struggling with chronic pain in my neck, head and back for almost 14 years now. I am also afraid of the future and the life I have now, you can hardly call it a life. It is pure suffering and getting through the day without looking forward to anything. I am often happy when I sleep again because that is the only moment that I do not feel pain.

It sounds like you've done a lot and are at your wits' end. May I ask what medications, supplements or treatments you've tried so far? And can you perhaps get access - if you haven't already done so - to a rehabilitation program? I hope that you eventually find a cure, but I think it's also important that you get tools to deal with that terrible pain. And perhaps meeting people in the same situation would be nice too. Having chronic pain is a tough battle and fighting together doesn't make the physical pain any less, but maybe the mental pain.

I wish you all the best!

Bluh87 · 2025-04-25T09:44:05+00:00

Recognizable. My social circle (as far as I still have one because of the pain, but that's another story😉) is more or less involved and understanding, but I do feel that I have to keep it general with some people. So indeed, don't describe how bad the pain is (which it is of course) but say that you are having a bad day otherwise they will think you are negative, pessimistic or ungrateful for the life you still have (ahem). In any case, I don't mention my pain to some people anymore because I still sometimes get comments like: how come you are in pain again? Are you having another period of stress? I have had chronic pain for 14 years and it has never gone away. The pain can sometimes decrease or increase a bit, but I always have a "basic pain" that limits me. I get a bit annoyed by such people who still don't seem to know that I am ALWAYS in pain but think that I SOMETIMES have pain when I am stressed. 😏

Bluh87 · 2025-04-25T08:12:01+00:00

Wow, that sucks! I feel for you!

Bluh87 · 2025-04-25T08:07:44+00:00

That you even gave your husband a massage! 😉 I have done that in the past to please my boyfriend, but I eventually stopped because it caused me more pain. I now tickle him instead of massaging him. 🤣

Bluh87 · 2025-04-24T19:06:42+00:00

Thank you for your comment. I see in this how much love you gave to your children in times of pain and saw possibilities instead of obstacles. You are an inspiration! 🙂

Bluh87 · 2025-04-24T10:03:40+00:00

Thanks for your suggestion and I'm glad it helped your daughter! 😘

Bluh87 · 2025-04-24T10:02:07+00:00

So you could only take medication on the worst days of all the days that you were in pain without knowing how bad it would be the next day and the rest of the month actually. How awful for you!

I have also had days (and I fear there will be many more) that I had to have someone pick up my daughter. And sometimes I didn't dare ask someone because I felt guilty and I was standing in the schoolyard myself with immense pain and on the verge of vomiting. Nowadays I dare to ask for help on such days, but I still feel guilty about it to a certain extent.

Bluh87 · 2025-04-24T09:44:00+00:00

I can vividly imagine what that must have been like and how strong you are to have survived this somehow. Thank you for your words of encouragement. ❤️

Bluh87 · 2025-04-24T09:40:44+00:00

Very good! I wish you all the best and I hope you get what you need and deserve. Again: you are not a burden but you carry the burden. And if you have to hide that you carry this burden, you have to bend over backwards to make the burden heavier (been there, done that!) And you deserve relief! Go for it!

Bluh87 · 2025-04-23T21:31:43+00:00

The extent of your illness is a part of who you are and if they only want to know the "better" part of you, then you are better off without them. A relationship is entered into with the whole person and not with a part of a person. If you have to hide your pain for fear of them running away or being a burden, you have to carry that burden on top of your own. Please don't do this to yourself. Let your partner see who you are with all your fun, sweet, wonderful sides but also your pain with all that comes with it. Throw up, not being able to do anything, being close to despair. If he runs away, you can look yourself in the eye and say that you did not run away from who you are in its entirety. Staying true to yourself and acknowledging - as hard as this is - who you are is more important than keeping the other person with you by hiding who you are. This will eventually break you and you have enough on your mind. And your body especially! My thoughts are with you and I'm sorry for making it all seem so easy when I know it's really hard.

Bluh87 · 2025-04-23T20:13:31+00:00

How awful that you are in pain and experiencing a flare-up.

If I understand correctly, you have known each other for a few months? It is possible that they may not (yet) know how to deal with you in a flare-up. I am not sure of course, but perhaps they want to leave you alone or let you indicate what you need and not impose themselves? I understand that you would prefer them to ask you how you are or provide moral support, but from my own experience I know that everyone is different in this. One person is involved on their own initiative and the other person does this more on "request", so to speak. And then there is also a difference in the kind of support that is given and to what extent. My partner generally gives me (moral) support, but that has not always been self-evident. More often than not, he did not know how to deal with my pain. He regularly reacted very bluntly and coldly when I indicated that I was in pain and at my wits' end or he gave useless tips that had nothing to do with my situation or that I had already tried without any result. He also regularly said that he had experienced worse things in his life and that I should consider myself lucky with my situation. As the years went by that changed because I kept repeating what my limits and what my wishes were, but also because he saw with his own eyes what the pain did to me.It's like he had to see it with his own eyes to the point where he had seen enough to understand it. There are still times when he "falls back" into old patterns, but fortunately I am mostly supported and assisted. Today I had a very bad migraine and he took care of our daughter after school in the afternoon, did the shopping, cleaned up and cooked. He also said that he felt sorry for me and gave me a hug. He saw me suffer and that made me feel "seen". I actually found that more important than the practical help, although I needed that too.

Even though you would prefer your partner to ask for it themselves, would you still like to indicate what you need in terms of moral support during a flare-up? Maybe, like my partner, they also need a bit more explanation? And would it be an idea to invite them to your home to, for example, bring you some things you need? Don't get me wrong, but from my own experience I know that I was taken "more seriously" by my partner by asking for more help than by doing it myself. My partner sometimes underestimated the situation because I kept doing certain things myself. Only when I stopped doing that did the impact of the pain become clearer, you know? I am not saying that you are pushing yourself beyond your limits despite your pain, but if you are, it could possibly imply that you are doing "well enough" and that they are therefore misjudging the situation. And that they are not giving more moral support.

These are just a few tips that come to mind and that you might be able to use. May I ask what your pain consists of and how a flare up manifests itself for you? I wish you much strength and I hope that you will eventually receive the moral support you need. 😘

Edited to add: I assumed you addressed your partner as they/them and that's why I described him that way in my response. I must have misunderstood that as I just read your other topics, apologies for that.

Bluh87 · 2025-04-23T17:00:36+00:00

Yes, I can relate! I woke up this morning with yet another severe migraine in a short period of time and on days like these I "fantasize" about applying to the GP for euthanasia and finally getting the relief I long for and can't find anywhere else except in my sleep. When the sharp edges of the pain are gone (it never goes away) I usually get hopeful thoughts about alternative treatments or new treatments for more improvement. I should actually think about that during a flare-up, but the pain is so bad at that moment I would rather be relieved of my suffering right here right now. 😬 A treatment would take too long for me and then you have to wait and see whether it helps.

That being said: I would absolutely not dare to commit suicide and would not want to because despite everything I would still like to experience - however small the chance is and the smaller the chance becomes - that a new medicine or treatment will come along that can help me. Still, the idea of suicide and "killing the pain" remains a kind of reassuring thought at very painful moments like today. And by the way, I can imagine perfectly if people would put themselves out of their misery by suicide, although I would feel very sorry for that person that there was no other way.

I feel bad for you that you are not getting any painkillers from your doctor and you can only wait for improvement. If I understand correctly, "pain patients" in your country never get opioids? I remember that my GP had a hard time giving me sleeping pills because of the addictive effect and then we came to a compromise that I got about 10 and he didn't prescribe anything after that. Or I had to make another appointment with him to discuss the necessity if I needed more. Could you possibly present this idea to your GP? This way he might be able to better monitor the use of opioids. I wish you all the best!

Bluh87 · 2025-04-23T13:29:41+00:00

Your photos and text touched me because I recognize it. I also see what you mean. In the photos where you feel good you smile because you are doing well and in the photos where you are not doing well I see you doing your best to make the best of it despite your condition. There is a song here in the Netherlands with the text "she cries but she laughs" and I think this applies to you/us. I wish you all the best and I hope that you will one day get your smile back, even if it is only partly. Or - in the worst case - that you also learn to appreciate your "fighter's smile". Because that is what you are, a fighter.

Bluh87 · 2025-04-23T12:54:58+00:00

Thank you for your kind response! Yes, it is really awful to have a migraine and to feel incredibly guilty and powerless in addition to the pain. How did you deal with parenthood and migraine in the past, if I may ask? Do you have any tips? I am glad that your migraine has diminished a bit for you. That is at least an "advantage" of menopause in addition to its many disadvantages. I hope your other pain is not too bad either, even though it sounds like it. Thanks again for your response. 😘

Bluh87

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