Chip; I DO Understand

When you spoke of a failing marriage and being alone with your cat who understands more than most people, I know exactly how you are feeling. I too was in an auto accident that was not my fault that ended my career and life as I knew it. Money is over rated except for paying the bills so I would give it all back to have my health back again.

My cat also seems to know when I am hurting most and sits with me and even sits on my right foot which is where all the damage started that prevented me from walking for over 2 1/2yrs. I have RSD; it is simply called the most painful chronic pain condition known to man. It is nerve damage where the brain is mis-firing and sending the wrong signals to my body saying I'm in pain that I shouldn't be in from what was originally a sprained ankle (I thought I had a very badly broken right foot for over 3mos) and now it has spread up my right leg and into my right hip in the past 9 +yrs.

I have given up on relationships with men but I have found good friends that do help me. Have you ever joined a support group for your chronic pain? I find that is a place where others do understand and I've met a few great friends there that I will have for life.

I have also decided that since I can't beat this pain, I will deal with it as best as possible and using Mind Over Matter instead of alcohol is so much better and I promise you after some time passes doing this it will work. You can convince your brain that your pain is not as bad as it really is. A lot of prayer doesn't hurt either.

I refuse pain med increases as I don't want to feel "high" the rest of my life either. I find that more pills does not equal less pain. I live on what I absolutely have to have and try to not even take all that I am prescribed as I am in fear of my own medications.

You mentioned shallow breathing; I'm on Oxycontin and that is one of the many side effects that I hate. The doctors have tried to increase my Oxycontin many times now over the years but I have refused any increases. I can't tell them that I have a stash of meds to protect myself in case they close due to a bad doctor or a drug seeking patient among the fact that I only take what I have to take.

I used to be in such despair and depression. I did not appreciate even the monies awarded to me in the lawsuit that paid for a home, paid off my car, and now I have annuities that give me enough to pay the bills and live. I used to hate it but now I have realized how blessed I am.

You are in an opposite situation when it comes to money but the main thing is you have a roof over your head; not that you keep a home that you may no longer be able to afford. Home is where the heart is anyway.

Please try to go for a more positive outlook on life WITH pain. I know that sounds so crazy but it really does work if you turn it all around on even yourself and others. I know you hurt 24/7 every single day just as I do. Please try to get some mental help for PTSD (which I also suffer from) and dealing with the pain. It will only help you gain balance again to your life.