i am bi-polar but also live with chronic pain, are the 2 tied together? i'm lost

I have had severe chronic pain along with PTSD, anxiety & bipolar disorders.  In my research I discovered a study that suggested that depression & stress could induce chronic pain. I've noticed that even the smallest amounts of stress could set off my pain, so I came up with theory is that, for me, at least, mental illness reduces my tolerance to stress leaving me more likely to be slammed by pain over the least likely things.  Sharing my theory with my therapist, she said it made sense since our bodies health are closely tied to our mental health.  I'm still trying to find more data, though.  Hope this helps.

Dear Cheryl, I can identify with you so much!! In 1991 I had back surgery for a herniated disc. Years later we realized that anesthesia for surgery or even dental work throws me into a manic or depressive state. After I had my surgery I lost my job which threw me into a 15 year depression. During those years I had gallbladder surgery,a D.+C. a root canaland a vagus nerve implant Every time I had anesthesia my bipolar went crazy. All this time I was dealing with back pain. I now just found out that I have another herniated disc. After I had the implant for depression I now am able to deal better with the pain. I am doing everything to avoid having surgery again on my back. Physical therapy injections oh and the injections that I had back in 1991 also sent me into manic phases.  I was hospitalized 13 times in 15 years. But like I said since the implant it has been easier to deal with the pain. Ask your dr. what is in the pain meds that might be messing with your bipolar. Steroids are terrible for bipolars.  Good luck  Sue A.

They MUST be!  Be assured you are on the cutting edge of discovery in realizing this. MAKE yourself smile at being at the forefront.  I've had three bankruptcies in the last ywo years and have recently realized I'm at the forefront of our entire society (mainly because the recession hit my businesses earlier than most others but also because, being manic, I opened too many concepts at the same time!) because of my high degree of intelligence.  Feeling superior surely helps me to stay on my meds!  Gosh, my therapist has quoted my jubilation to anyone he can.  Life is good. Being bipolar can be fun....ya just gotta roll with the punches and laugh at yourself. I've dealt with fibromyalgia, herniated discs (and subsequent surgery) emotional, sexual, financial and mental abuse for over thirty years. Now I'm remarried, away from the traumas and healing. Constant pain is a thing of the past. My main doctor feels I'm not really bipolar but since these meds (valprosiac acid) are helping me, I am ignoring her. The side effecdts (so far) are minimal.

Hope this helps!

Momma Nature

I was 38 when diagnosed with bi-polar.  I was also physically ill.  I had overworkd for years -two jobs, school at night, sleep disorder. When I was 42 I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a type of arthritis which is very difficult to treat and often doctors believe the pain isn't real...family, too. I . had constant pain for seventeen years. Three years ago I found a rheumatologist who is also a pain specialist.  He gave immediate understanding and medicines to relieve my pain.  I was depressed from years of inability to do anything and now feel as if I have returned to life,  I had been taking meds for bi-polar which balanced my moods but I was still depressed from living with pain and staying home most of the time. Over the years, doctors had treated me with pain meds and nothing helped unless it was depressing too.Research this disorder and also chronic fatigue syndrome to see if one of these could be your problem.  In any case, you should find a pain specialist even if you have to travel to get there.  There's an answer for you.