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Sugah · 09-28-2008, 01:16 PM

I read your post, Stubborn1, but I hesitated to reply because pain is such a relative thing; even with similar conditions, how and how much we experience pain is difficult if not impossible to compare. I didn't always see it that way (it's really a rather recent shift in thinking for me).

I can tell you that I have significant back issues and similar conditions to those you describe, along with other pain issues. I don't take narcotic pain medication - or any prescription pain medication - for them now. I made the decision almost six years ago that I would try to live clean and sober, knowing that, as an addict, I could not responsibly take meds for chronic conditions.

I drew on many sources - AA & the steps, meditation/mindfulness, creative visualization, aroma therapy, breathing exercises, and others - and the early part of this journey was not physically or mentally pleasant. It takes a whole lot of willingness to learn to accept pain as part of life. I don't know that everyone can do it - and I don't make that statement with any insinuation that those who do learn to do it are any better than those who don't or can't.

My pain and my disabilities have changed my life in some pretty significant ways, but not all of those ways are "bad." I've found the gift within the pain - I can't rush through things, so I get to slow down and enjoy them; My capacity for compassion has increased; Allowing other people to help me brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to their lives - and the list goes on.

The primary suggestion I have for you is to find a therapist (pain management or otherwise) who's willing to help you learn not only how to function in a state of pain but also how to look at your pain differently. Perhaps surgery is an option for you. It's not for me, so that's how I approach my pain. What can I do to live with the level of pain I'm in today? There are folks out there who can help you to answer that question, and I do hope that you'll give yourself that gift and try to track some of those folks down.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

09-28-2008, 01:16 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sugah Om, Aum, Ohm... Mini Pool 2 Champion! Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Punxsutawney/Pittsburgh Posts: 4,597	I read your post, Stubborn1, but I hesitated to reply because pain is such a relative thing; even with similar conditions, how and how much we experience pain is difficult if not impossible to compare. I didn't always see it that way (it's really a rather recent shift in thinking for me). I can tell you that I have significant back issues and similar conditions to those you describe, along with other pain issues. I don't take narcotic pain medication - or any prescription pain medication - for them now. I made the decision almost six years ago that I would try to live clean and sober, knowing that, as an addict, I could not responsibly take meds for chronic conditions. I drew on many sources - AA & the steps, meditation/mindfulness, creative visualization, aroma therapy, breathing exercises, and others - and the early part of this journey was not physically or mentally pleasant. It takes a whole lot of willingness to learn to accept pain as part of life. I don't know that everyone can do it - and I don't make that statement with any insinuation that those who do learn to do it are any better than those who don't or can't. My pain and my disabilities have changed my life in some pretty significant ways, but not all of those ways are "bad." I've found the gift within the pain - I can't rush through things, so I get to slow down and enjoy them; My capacity for compassion has increased; Allowing other people to help me brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to their lives - and the list goes on. The primary suggestion I have for you is to find a therapist (pain management or otherwise) who's willing to help you learn not only how to function in a state of pain but also how to look at your pain differently. Perhaps surgery is an option for you. It's not for me, so that's how I approach my pain. What can I do to live with the level of pain I'm in today? There are folks out there who can help you to answer that question, and I do hope that you'll give yourself that gift and try to track some of those folks down. Peace & Love, Sugah __________________ There's a train leaving nightly called when all is said and done Keep me in your heart for awhile ~WZ ANS 01/29/86 - 08/04/08