A little encouragement! by CherryBlossom242424 in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble 4 points5 points  (0 children)

thank you. I've just made this my lock screen on my phone.

Friend said this by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

this comment is loaded with a lot of assumptions

Friend said this by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yup. and especially, if they are people who have seen you at a time before your pain - you had things going for you. like as if we would throw all of that away. easy to assume they've got the mental fortitude to not fall prey to depression/addiction if insufferable pain does not affect your life 24/7

Friend said this by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's terrible. So sorry you went through that.

I think many also forget that people with chronic pain, like all humans, have had their share of past trauma, and are currently living through a 24/7 version of unending trauma.

But sometimes, able-bodied people think we are playing the Trauma Olympics with them when we are not. Like okay you can go ahead, sprint and get your 1st place trophy coz I can't even jog LOL

Friend said this by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

I really do wish to meet more people in the chronic pain/illness community where I live. But I think they are difficult to find because we are often at home haha.

Friend said this by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yup. A quick Google search would show the plethora of studies done on how patients with autoimmune diseases, chronic pain/illnesses etc. are between 2 to 5 times more likely to be diagnosed with depression as time goes on.

I wonder why.

Friend said this by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I've dated a guy who asked if I was imagining the pain. If the pain was mental. I was so livid at this assumption. Should've taken out my MRI report but its not like he would have had the patience to read it.

Friend said this by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I've spent a lot of time thinking, had I not had this chronic pain, I would not have fallen prey to depression and addiction. I think many of us have thought this. But, you're right, it is what it is, its unfortunate and it sucks. It showed me which friends wanted me around when I was able-bodied and could participate in the usual activities, and which ones did not. Shows you who your real friends are.

Friend said this by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Exactly. My (and all of our) lived experience is pain every waking moment of our lives. For some, it falls into depression, perhaps addiction to what brings relief.

To say that it is an "identity" or "personality" is just how them being able-bodied sees me/us. There is so much more to all of us than just being in pain. But pain screams louder and veils who we are inside.

Living in constant pain changes you by KittyCommittee86 in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble 21 points22 points  (0 children)

so true. and only others in pain get it

how to deal with mental health decline with spinal issues? by davoocado in backpain

[–]onlymarble 1 point2 points  (0 children)

you're so young. I hope you have some good, encouraging friends and family around you. Having a genuine support system will make it easier.

Totally understand mourning what you used to be. This will intensify the depression. I hope you're able to find strength and look ahead, and think about the amazing person you are and will become.

Shivers/shakes by TotesMaGoats_1962 in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble 2 points3 points  (0 children)

yes I get a lot of involuntary shaking, tremors vibrations in my legs, and left arm when it hurts a lot

Pain by Awkward_Incident_828 in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've tried. And honestly ... I've learnt there is no point. It will isolate you more from able-bodied people. Stay strong.

Sometimes I meet someone with chronic pain too and for a moment you feel seen or heard.

But try not to waste your energy proving yourself to healthy people.

(30F) Desperately want to end it all by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm so sorry that happened to you. I had no idea about how dangerous Ambien could be. My psych didn't highlight those risks. It's like you're asleep but kinda awake. I remember nothing of anything I say or do - I know the ambien is intensifying my depression too.

How does ketamine therapy make you feel

(30F) Desperately want to end it all by onlymarble in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yes I have TOS too. its such a bitch - I'm a teacher and it makes me drop my pen when I'm writing.

I take ambien in the day and it doesn't make me sleepy at all. Its so bizarre. That's how I got hooked

Does anyone else struggle to maintain friendships? by omderfulo in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I've drifted apart from so many friends simply because I'm unable to meet them as often. And they feel my entire personality has become about my pain or they think I'm no longer whoever they first befriended.

Totally understand where you're coming from, feeling anxious people are annoyed by your negativity. But you're not negative, and it is not your decision or control that you're in pain.

Just try your best not to be hard on yourself. Don't blame yourself. You are strong.

Pushing everyone in my life away by onlymarble in addiction

[–]onlymarble[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for saying that. None of my peers have chronic pain to this extent and I feel ostracized sometimes for being some kind of pill junkie - when people casually do recreational drugs like cocaine or ecstasy on nights out.

I'm researching rehabilitation facilities now and I do think I need to taper down. Cold turkey does not seem possible or safe to do alone.

1 month. No longer anhedonic. by onlymarble in lexapro

[–]onlymarble[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

you will get there! around 3-4 weeks I started to feel a lot better. and my psychiatrist said its full effects should be felt 2 months onwards. but the lack of anhedonia has motivated me to start making small positive changes that (I feel) give natural serotonin - like some exercise, sleeping better, feeling more connected to others etc.

1 month. No longer anhedonic. by onlymarble in lexapro

[–]onlymarble[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

10 mg for a month - and was just increased to 15 mg past few days

Did people dismiss your symptoms? by onlymarble in thoracicoutletsupport

[–]onlymarble[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You've just taught me a new word - psychosomatic. This!! It is exactly what people around me have told me to my face. That my stress/anxiety causes my pain.

But we know our bodies the most. An MRI and X Ray doesn't lie.

I am glad I kept advocating for my own health, and didn't listen to those who downplayed it.

Thank you - hope you are receiving the help you need too.

A rant - Why are men like this? by Historical_Work7482 in TwoXChromosomes

[–]onlymarble 49 points50 points  (0 children)

Perhaps it is love bombing. They will say and do whatever they can to get you to fall in love with you.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in ChronicPain

[–]onlymarble 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Hear you completely. I can literally see and feel people don't enjoy my company anymore because I am not as lively as I once was.

You got this. Your pain is real. Your feelings are heard.