My Support Forums - View Single Post - Chronic pain which led to chronic depression...

rwither1 · Jan 11, 2015, 02:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaater

Hi, I was involved in a car accident leaving me with horrific injuries that led to a spinal fusion from L2-S1 as well as C 4,5 & 6 fusion. I broke my back in two places and fractured my neck. After a few years, I started to become depressed over the pain. It was and is constant. It's a sad reminder that not all pain can be alleviated with drugs and surgery. My treatment thus far, after surgeries, I'm on fentanyl patch 75 mcg and dilaudid 4 mgs for breakthrough pain. In addition, I take 1800 mgs a day of neurontin. All help with the pain but it isn't a cureall and I'm tired of taking all these strong medications. I cannot exercise as it "triggers" pain and the surgeon told me to stop all physical therapy. I've tried water therapy but again, that triggered pain, too much that I was off my feet for over 3 weeks. It's severe pain.

Anyone have any suggestions as to what they have done in a similar situation or if you have words of positivity, I'd appreciate that as well.

Warm regards,
Kaater

I dealt with a similar situation, though not as severe in terms of bodily injury. There seems to be a definite relationship between physical pain and emotional pain. A few years ago, after a job loss and a divorce, I was having such a hard time walking with a bad back i had to give my poor dog to the humane society - I couldn't even walk her 10 feet. Horrible times. For me, at least, it got better, though I do notice that in times of stress that back pain starts to magically reappear. I also got on a medication that is an anti-depressant as well as some sort of a pain management component, though it is non narcotic. I'm not sure if it is the reason why I'm better or just part of it. I do know it took time though, as things always do.