How do you do it?

[baddivergm]

How do you long time chronic pain suffers do it? I have had severe central/neuropathic pain for 3 years now and I just am so fatigued by it all. I cannot even fully describe the severity of it all, but can I say that the worst of it is the independence I have lost because of it. I am not able to work any more. I was able to independently transfer prior to the onset of the pain and I no longer can. I really valued the independence of being able to work and transfer independently and it has really damaged my self-image further. I have always considered myself to be a tough individual being a quad for 30+ years, but this has completely humbled me. A wife and child is likely the only reason I struggle on.

Now they want to try an intrathecal pump with opiates, but I do not have much confidence as I do not tolerate almost any medication well. I have tried everything. I feel like a lab rat. Thanks for letting me vent.

[dejerine]

So sorry to hear about the Central Pain. I would recommend reading Dr. Young's page on lowered expectations. That is the best I have seen. And you do deserve to be proud of yourself.