backachedp

that you're living with the chronic pain, unfortunately I welcome you to an extremely large club.  I've been a member for 38 years myself...and no, it doesn't get any easier.  You're right when you say it seems as though your life revolves aroundthe appointments and medication refills and calling in for controlled meds, etc. it's all so much fun.  But to have your family not understand after 10 years is a pain in the patoot!  Google the "Spoon Theory" or "But you don't look sick" they are both the same but are a great way to help others understand what it means to be in chronic pain.  I've used it and no longer have to explain to friends or family...it's great!  Hope you find help here. 

I've lived with chronic pain for many years....fibro,lupus and brain injury. My family still gives me "the look" EVERY time I take my pain meds or call in for a refill!! My husband says he tries to understand. The in-laws don't even wanna try it seems. They just like to give me a hard time about EVERYTHING. How long it takes me to get ready to go somewhere, why I don't get out much and ofcourse they think I'm addicted to pain medication. I only take one pain med (Lortab) and Soma for muscle spasms. I wish they could live in my body for just 1 week! But then I really wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. Good luck to u! Sorry to have vented!

Terri

 MY NAME IS TRACY AND I AM 44 YRS OLD. I HAD MY 1ST BACK SURGERY IN JAN. OF 1999, 2ND BACK SURGERY IN AUGUST 1999, MY 3RD BACK SURGERY IN JUNE OF 2001 AND MY NECK SURGERY IN MAY OF 2003. I HAVE A TITANIUM BRACKET IN MY BACK AND A TITANIUM SPACER IN MY NECK. I AM A VERY HYPER PERSON AND CANNOT SIT STILL, ALSO BECAUSE OF MY DAILY PAIN. GETTING UP IN THE MORNING AT 5 A.M. IS A CHORE TO SAY THE LEAST, FOR WORK. I AM A CNA WHICH IS NOT THE BEST JOB TO HAVE WITH BACK PROBLEMS BUT I LOVE MY JOB. MY DR. RECENTLY TOOK ME OFF METHADONE BECAUSE OF A URINE TEST HE DID AND I HAD NONE IN MY SYSTEM BECAUSE I RAN OUT. I ALSO TAKE KADIAN ONCE A DAY AND VICODIN. I KNOW THE STATE IS CRACKING DOWN ON PAIN DRS. BUT THEY HAVE TO REALIZE SOME OF US REALLY NEED THESE MEDS. WITHOUT MY PAIN PILLS I WOULD NEVER BE ABLE TO GO TO WORK AND DO MY JOB PROPERLY. PEOPLE WHO GET HIGH OFF OF THESE NARCOTICS AND OPIATES AND ALSO SELL THEM ARE GIVING US WHO NEED THEM A BAD NAME AND WE ARE SUFFERING FOR IT. IM REALLY TIRED OF BEING IN THAT CATEGORY BECAUSE OF ONE TEST THAT CAME UP NEG. IN 2 YRS. I SUFFER EVERYDAY WITH MY PAIN BUT I HAVE TO KEEP ON PUSHING BECAUSE THATS LIFE!!! IF I WANTED TO GET A BUZZ OFF SOMETHING I WOULD HAVE A DRINK AND I HAVENT DONE THAT FOR 3 YRS.!! THEN THEY WONDER WHY PEOPLE BUY PAIN PILLS OFF THE STREETS.I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING MY DR. HAS ASKED ME TO DO, PAIN SHOTS, PHYSICAL THERAPY 4 TIMES, I AM TIRED AND HAVE RUN OUT OF OPTIONS. I WISH THEY COULD MAKE A MIRACLE PILL YOU TAKE ONCE A DAY AND YOU HAVE NO PAIN!!!! I WOULD BE IN SEVENTH HEAVEN FOR LIFE!!!