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Nicole Living With It Send Message Subscribe: Nicole

Sunday, October 11, 2009
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Well... I have received many emails over the past two years and I wanted to say a few things. First of all, thank you for the support! There are so many of you that have reached out at just the right time, and it seems like somedays all this pain is worth it if I can help one person get through the d...

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Karen Lee Richards
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 12:38 PM

Hi Nicole – It's so good to hear from you and to know that you and your daughter are doing well. I couldn't agree with you more – being a mother is the hardest job there is, but it's also the most rewarding. My children are all grown now with children of their own. All of them – children and grandchildren alike – bring me more joy than I can put into words!

Your SharePosts and the forum thread you started have been such a blessing to other women with chronic pain who are considering having a baby or are already pregnant. Whenever I hear from someone in that situation, I always refer them to your posts. I really do appreciate your willingness to help and encourage them. My chronic pain problems didn't begin until several years after my children were born, so I can't share firsthand experience with them. But knowing how much I worried about the health and safety of my babies even without chronic pain and medications to deal with, I can only imagine how frightening it must be for those of you who have those additional complications.

I'm so thankful that you are part of our community here. I'll look forward to continuing to hear from you anytime you have a minute to share. – Karen

re: Untitled Comment
Nicole
Friday, October 16, 2009 at 12:55 PM

Thank You Karen, for such kind words!

chronic pain
Rachsuze
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 07:55 PM

Hi Nicole!

Im in my late thirties, recenlty happily married and recently suffered two miscarriages....Im also a chronic pain sufferer and it's been wearing on me for the last eight years. I think one of my biggest concerns and fears (on top of my age) is going through pregnancy which will add more discomfort to my chronic pain. Can I ask what type of chronic pain you suffer from and what medications helped you in general and while pregnant....Your postings are very inspiring btw!!

best,

Rachel

re: chronic pain
Nicole
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 08:14 PM

Hi,

I tried to send you a private message but for some reason it's not finding you? Can you send me one?? I'd be happy to talk with you in detail about my experience. What kind of pain do you suffer from? Have you talked to anyone in the medical field about going through your pregnancy with pain? If not, I'd get your doctors on board first and a game plan - so to speak. Find supportive docs that understand you are a chronic pain patient and that pain doesn't just 'go away' when we get pregnant.

I'm so so sorry about your loss with the miscarriages. I've had one myself, and it's been one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. I dred the thought of having to do that twice. I feel for you so! Just know you aren't alone on so many levels with all of this... you can have a healthy baby. The pregnancy isn't easy, but it's not impossible. Frankly, it's afterwards that is proving harder for me. Anyhow, let's talk more. I'll look for your message.

my best,

nicole

online support groups!
Rachsuze
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 08:06 PM

Oh forgot to ask if you can recommend an online support or chat group for women like myself dealing with issues related to chronic pain and pregnancy/motherhood? I too have had the experience that people just sort of 'don't get it' or really grasp the issues we have unless they've walked in our shoes. Thanks so much!

best,

Rachel

re: online support groups!
Nicole
Wednesday, November 04, 2009 at 08:20 PM

I'm finding there are, but alot of it is specific to the type of pain you have. What type of pain do you suffer from mainly? There is a thread on this forum here that has other women dealing with this issue that may be helpful. But let me know what kind of pain you have and maybe I'll find some other options for you.

My pain isn't visible to anyone just looking at me - so I just recently joined the IDA - www.InvisibleDisabilitiesCommunity.org and there seems to be many nice people there, although I haven't seen anything about pregnancy yet - but we could certainly look and/or start one!

I volunteer on a site specific to TMJ Disorder, and we have a few women there who are pregnant and/or trying to get pregnant that I talk to there.

Anyway, yes I think more and more there are women speaking up about this. I felt very alone when i was pregnant and didn't find much, but keep looking!

Nicole :)