Hello. I, too have been living with pain for many years. I do have an excellent pain management doctor and a great family doctor who have helped me get through many a hard spot...

After three back surgeries for three herniated discs, I suffer from post-laminectomy syndrome, which means I have permanent nerve damage with pain in both legs as well as my back. On top of that, I had a craniotomy for a brain tumor about 3 & 1/2 years ago.

I take Neurontin for nerve pain and Lortab or percocet for back pain. I get Facet joint injections several times per year for back flare ups. I work a full time job that is fairly strenuous for someone 49 years old.  After my hospital stay for the brain surgery, I needed a round of physical therapy for about a month to get me back up and going.

I rarely miss work and have learned to live with my pain fairly well, I think.

One thing I recommend to anyone living with pain is to limit the opiates ( pain meds). I believe that most people who take Oxycodone or hydrocodone are addicted to the opiates. The key is to keep your dose as small as possible and to NOT become addicted to them. Do not take them when you do not really need them. I am lucky that Neurontin handles my nerve pain very well. Getting the dose right was tricky and I have leaned a thing or two about that as well. ( Start with a very, very small dose until your body adjusts to this strange drug.) 

About 10 years ago, I experienced a rather odd event. I had been in pain for 15 years, when a back surgery successfully elliminated my pain for awhile. It was odd to not live in pain, not need the meds and therapies... And after a week or so, I began to notice that I just did not feel right. I was not sure what was wrong and it took several days to put my finger on it... but I finally realized that my body was craving...pain!!! Now I am not  someone who enjoys pain, but after all those years in pain, I needed it. My doctor explained that when you are in constant pain, the brain releases endorphines,which are somewhat addictive. So I had become addicted to the chemicals my brain manufactures when in pain... That was enlightening.

For me, meditation helps, along with some everday common sense approaches to my work. I have learned Not to take chances and to work in a fashion to prevent injury and back strain.

I must say though that the thing I miss most since my injuries... is running. I always loved to run. I ran track in school. and when I was young, I ran everywhere I went. Now I have not run in 25 years... My goal in life is to be able to run without pain. I know that may seem a small goal to the average joe, but to me that would be miraculous...

rosegurl

1/ 3/09 8:19am

Thanks your message rocked my socks off! it is great to hear from people who suffer (sounds a little odd...) but still live a life-- even a good life, which it sounds like atleast you are enjoying life.  that is what i want-- to enjoy life. and to not rely on pain meds to 'feel' good or to live my life. i think i could learn a thing or two from you! have a grand new year! ~~rosegurl

rosegurl

1/ 3/09 8:20am

p.s. nerounatin is a strange med, isn't it?

Louie59

1/ 3/09 5:59pm

It is indeed a strange drug. But miraculous for some of us. In the beginning I had some really weird side effects. I am thrilled it has worked so well for me. Life is barely worth living without it.

rosegurl

1/ 4/09 9:08am

It is so interesting how meds can work for one person & not the other. I did use it twice but just could not get over the side-effects. I am glad it has worked so magnificently for you & I hope it continues to & that everyday is greater than          the next!

Each morning when the sun comes up it means that there is hope.  If you fail to wake only then can you say that there in no hope. I pray you fell better soon.

Tina