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How to deal with extreme physical pain

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Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#11

Post by dheera »

bichiliad wrote: post #7

I didn’t realize how privileged I was until a relatively minor bike crash left me with a hard limp for a week or two. There’s a lot of lessons there (how can we design streets better? why don’t we focus on accessibility? why is the healthcare system hard to navigate?) but honestly the one that really hit me is how privileged I am to be healthy.

This also honestly makes me wonder how hard it must be for wild animals who get injured, and need to worry about predators throughout the whole recovery process.

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#12

Post by banana_giraffe »

I have a chronic condition that causes pain. One of the things I've learned, in as much as I can, is I don't tell anyone. I'd rather be rude than explain I'm in pain.

Not because I don't appreciate sympathy. Not because I'm ashamed.

It's because I don't want your advice on how to make the pain go away or to deal with it. I'm tired of advice. I've got too much advice. I try things, I research issues. I talk to doctors. What your Aunt did that had a similar case to me 30 years ago to get better isn't interesting, it's an anecdote. I'm tired of hearing of woo remedies. If you have research, fine, I'll read it. One day. Maybe months from now. I am not your guinea pig. I am not going to change my treatment regimen based off your advice tomorrow.

Sorry, had to get that off my chest. It's tiring. More so than the pain sometimes.

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#13

Post by sillysaurusx »

CobaltFire wrote: post #3

I’m dealing with chronic pain that’s bringing my current career to its end. I’m still unsure how active I’ll be able to be in the future due to it. In my case it’s autoimmune; my body has decided it’s going to destroy itself from the inside out. Arthritis, psoriasis, GI issues. It’s getting worse fast enough that I’m being transferred to a hospital for care (Military, stationed overseas) and preparation for retiremen…

Just wanted to send you good thoughts. Stay strong. Rooting for you!

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#14

Post by autarch »

About ten years ago I had around 9 months (maybe a little more) of chronic testicular pain. It felt like someone had kicked me in the crotch about 10 minutes ago, all day every day. I've been in more pain from some injuries I've had (bike accident), but this lasted for much, much longer.

It also made sleeping difficult, as for some reason lying down was extremely uncomfortable. I ended up sleeping in a chair for several months.

I ended up cancelling a conference visit and talks just because I felt so awful and I wasn't even sure I could sleep in a hotel away from home.

One thing I look back on and realize now is that it really changed my behavior. My temper was shorter and my judgement about how to interact with others was much poorer.

Fortunately, it eventually resolved itself. I used to have flareups for a week or two every few months, then for a few days less often, and now it's been a few years since I've felt it.

All of which is to say I feel for the author. This sort of thing sucks. For anyone else who's experienced any sort of similar pain, I would encourage you to continue looking for solutions. If you can, enlist family or friends to help you do so.

I think that after a while you forget what it feels to be pain free, and it becomes easier to accept your current state. But once my pain resolved itself I realized how much of a difference it made in my life.

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#15

Post by seibelj »

I have a legendarily bad back, as does my father. One time at the office it seized up and and floored me for 45 minutes as coworkers walked by. My right leg went completely numb, and didn’t get back to normal for months.

Don’t need any suggestions, I have tried them all, lots of doctors, yes yes yes. I manage. But it is a pain in the back to deal with.

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#16

Post by strstr »

banana_giraffe wrote: post #12

I have a chronic condition that causes pain. One of the things I've learned, in as much as I can, is I don't tell anyone. I'd rather be rude than explain I'm in pain. Not because I don't appreciate sympathy. Not because I'm ashamed. It's because I don't want your advice on how to make the pain go away or to deal with it. I'm tired of advice. I've got too much advice. I try things, I research issues. I talk to doctors…

Good luck. I hope things take a turn for the better.

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#17

Post by kinkthepainaway »

Weird thing that I've observed. I'd never suggest it. I've met several masochists (the m in bdsm) who live with chronic pain and participate in the kink community because, as far as I can understand, it's a way to reframe the chronic pain that they experience. Or maybe, it's like getting out of a boiling hot car into the relative cool of a blazing summer day. The people I've met under these circumstances have had extreme pain tolerance, to the point where their sadists tread a fine line of giving them enough without doing damage. I know that many masochists experience (and seek) a significant endorphin response, and I've long wondered if exercising that somehow increases their endorphin production capacity -- and if that would provide an enduring benefit to those who live with chronic pain.

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#18

Post by ekanes »

CobaltFire wrote: post #3

I’m dealing with chronic pain that’s bringing my current career to its end. I’m still unsure how active I’ll be able to be in the future due to it. In my case it’s autoimmune; my body has decided it’s going to destroy itself from the inside out. Arthritis, psoriasis, GI issues. It’s getting worse fast enough that I’m being transferred to a hospital for care (Military, stationed overseas) and preparation for retiremen…

Sorry to hear about that. Sending you positive thoughts, I hope it gets better.

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#19

Post by CobaltFire »

banana_giraffe wrote: post #12

I have a chronic condition that causes pain. One of the things I've learned, in as much as I can, is I don't tell anyone. I'd rather be rude than explain I'm in pain. Not because I don't appreciate sympathy. Not because I'm ashamed. It's because I don't want your advice on how to make the pain go away or to deal with it. I'm tired of advice. I've got too much advice. I try things, I research issues. I talk to doctors…

Just want to voice my support. I deal with that too, and it’s almost as tiring as the pain some days.

Re: How to deal with extreme physical pain

#20

Post by tempestn »

I'm fortunate not to be in any significant pain, beyond the standard aches of nearing 40. Just wanted to say that I empathize with the OP and those of you in the comments here who are dealing with real pain and disability. The fortitude shown in the post and in many of the comments is impressive. I hope things improve for you.
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