Chronic pain

[slowly sinking]

Anyone here start drinking because of chronic pain?? It's the main thing that triggers my drinking..it's not the only thing, but by far the main contributing factor. Thanks...SS

[Evie.Lou]

Chronic pain

Alcohol is defiantly NUMBING.It is not very effective at physical numbing but more effective at emotional numbing...I have been triggered to drink more when I have been taking pain pills.The pills reduce my ability to think long term..I had a binge in April when the Dentist put me on pills for an abscess.The pain of Drinking is way worse for me than any physical pain could be...NOTHING is so bad that a drink won,t make it worse..

[Cinders]

Chronic pain

Slowly Sinking,

I am dealing with chronic pain right now. For some reason, it makes me want to avoid alcohol rather than take it. I can't explain it.

I am sorry you are suffering from pain, too. It can get very depressing and take over everything.

I hope your doctor can help you with it.

Love,
Cindi

[slowly sinking]

Chronic pain

I've spent YEARS dealing with chronic back and neck pain...gone thru every possible type of treatment that I know of...still looking for others. I'm fortunate that I don't take pain killers...that, mixed with alcohol would be horrible.

I know that alcohol has made me weaker..not stronger in dealing with the pain....so no better time than now to get it out of my life....I really feel for anyone that has chronic pain..it zaps you mentally and physically. BUT, in the few days since I joined this site, I've actually been dealing with it a bit better....amazing what having support can do...thank you all..SS

[rubywillow]

Chronic pain

I have several physical conditions, some for more than a decade, that cause chronic pain. Yes, I first overindulged because of the pain, and other emotional issues. Of course, we all know now, it makes things mcuh worse. Keep looking. I've been investigating hyperbaric(?) chambers, but don't know anyone in my area who specializes in it.

[hart]

Chronic pain

(((Slowly sinking)))

I don't have chronic pain (though my belly hurts a lot recently). But all I'll say is PLEASE be careful if you are on pain medication and mixing it with alcohol. You know that can be a lethal combination. :l

[skootiemom]

Chronic pain

I began abusing alcohol to deal with physical pain. Always drank for all reasons and occasions, but never interfered until I used it to ease neck pain... I still have the latter and to this day NOTHING works better than AL to numb that pain.

Having said that, I am now 11 days AF, I have been feeling pretty ok for the most part- pain is intermittant, rather than constant.

Good luck with your recovery,

Skoots

[slowly sinking]

Chronic pain

Hey Skoots...neck and upper back pain rule my life...so I can SO relate to you...so happy that you're AF for 11 days...I'm not even close to that yet but have hope. Did you have a traumatic injury that caused your neck pain or is it just degenerative? Guess it doesn't really matter..pain is pain. I'm working with an amazing PT who is really getting at the root of 30 years of agonizing pain. I haven't been drinking for 30 years, but for the last 10 it's been excruciating enough to trigger it...

Warm hugs and thoughts coming your way....SS

[rubywillow]

Chronic pain

I've said more about my physical problems on this site than I like to because (1) I don't like being labeled, as in alcoholic, or the one with (insert disease), ans two, I don't want anyone to think it's a bid for sympathy. But if it's helpful, I finally found out from a GOOD orthapedic doc, I have degenerative bone disease (osteoporosis) in my neck and spine, slight scoliosis, torn rotator cuff, and, worst, a pinched nerve in my spine affecting my left side. This has caused numbness all the way down my left, so I trip and fall a lot, even sober. I also have MS, so, no coordination. Anyway, I'm now seeing a GOOD neurologist, and a pain center. This is beginning to help, but I will never be cured without a miracle. My osteo has caused me 23 breaks and fractures over the lasst 7 years, and now the 7 breaks in my leg, foot, ankle are not healing, after 1 surgery, so now I must have a 2ND surgery. Depressing, huh! It's part of life, and alcohol makes it MUCH worse, but using it led me to where I am. What I'm trying to tell you is, find a GOOD doc, who will refer you if needed. Today's been a bad day for me, but not the worst, and there are people who suffer much more than me. We can't use alcohol as a crutch. Just thought I would tell you, finding answers and treatment sometime offer hope.

[slowly sinking]

Chronic pain

Oh Ruby, I feel for you...and please NEVER think you're asking for sympathy...you didn't ask for this....I completely understand your pain...we can only keep looking for help and if we find it, pay it forward....I've been to many,many different docs to try and find relief...some good, some who absolutely sucked!!! But you can't stop trying...you are in my thoughts and prayers for a restful and painless night....SS

[rubywillow]

Chronic pain

Thanks, ss. It's just that I meet SO many people who take advantage of their physical problems, and I just can't be one. I can feel your real pain, and you, too, will be in my thoughts. Stay here, on this site, no matter what, and you will find some measure of peace. Try to find support groups in your area, and find out who they see medically. This is one weird experience I had while searching for help. I found a nearby doc who was so compassionate, I cried, when he said, "You're not alone anymore." A week or so later when I called to make my next appointment, I found he had died. I felt for us both, but I hsad to start over! Keep posting, glad you're here.

[Accountable for Me]

Chronic pain

slowly sinking;428054 wrote: I've spent YEARS dealing with chronic back and neck pain...gone thru every possible type of treatment that I know of...

Have you tried seeing a chiropractor? It might take a few visits, but it might help you.

[rubywillow]

Chronic pain

I, personally, am afraid to go to a Chiro now since my bones are so fragile and my nerves so impinged. Afraid 1 good push might break or paralyze me. Daughter (CNP,CNM) has told me not to. I'm sure they work very well for others.

[slowly sinking]

Chronic pain

I went to many chiros.....I just found the most AMAZING Physical therapist!!! Don't go to a generic place like Novacare...they just go thru the motions....I have a very caring doc in PA who put me in touch with a great PT who REALLY cares..they are out there..I didn't believe it until now...don't give up...Ruby, If I know where you are, I can ask my PT tomorrow if he knows someone where you are for a referral....he's so caring and gentle.....wish you were here..he'd take really good care of you....I lived in Smyrna for a while years ago...wherer are you located???

[rubywillow]

Chronic pain

SS, sorry took so long to answer. I'm 45 miles south of the airport, near Newnan. I'll PM you later.