I've been a t/10 para for 35 years. Up until my 60th birthday things were going well, I had an enjoyable life and was happy. Now that my shoulders are hurting, I've lost so much strength and I'm retired from my job, I do very little. Sit around and mope. I've been to mental health classes which say to get out be active and leave the house daily but I can't seem to do it. The chronic pain I've had from the beginning is getting worse and I'm horribly depressed and lonely. Is anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestion that might be helpful. I'm looking for some connection with people in my condition. I hope you are out there. Thanks
I've been a t/10 para for 35 years. Up until my 60th birthday things were going well, I had an enjoyable life and was happy. Now that my shoulders are hurting, I've lost so much strength and I'm retired from my job, I do very little. Sit around and mope. I've been to mental health classes which say to get out be active and leave the house daily but I can't seem to do it. The chronic pain I've had from the beginning is getting worse and I'm horribly depressed and lonely. Is anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestion that might be helpful. I'm looking for some connection with people in my condition. I hope you are out there. Thanks
Hello dragonfly....firstly welcome ...im sorry to hear that you are having difficulties with pain and depression too. Its very understandable to feel this way..i empathise with you,
Most people know what they 'should' do but the practicalities of following that advice isnt always so realistic for everyone, especially when pain is involved. Do you have a good pain specialist involved who may be able to help in giving you effective pain management and treatment.
I have at time felt down and i now have a routine each morning that helps me centre my thoughts and i find it 'healing' and starts my day off well.
I like my home to feel calm in the mornings so before i do anything active i play some meditation music and light some candles...and just chill ...i do this at the end of the day too...so whatever goes on during the day i deal with better,,,it helps me.
You will find this a very friendly and supportive forum so you dont ever have to feel alone...i know this is internet based but we also have chat times in the chatroom so you may enjoy this.
Here is a post we have about depression after SCI..many people have been in similar boats.. ...here....We also have some info here on pain management here and ageing with a Spinal Cord Injury Here
Sorry to hear about what you're going through. I can imagine how you must feel! We have lots of great members here who are all extremely supportive and friendly people so make yourself at home
dragonfly, welcome to the forum. I think you will like this place. There is a lot of great information in the past threads and a lot of great people here. You are among friends here, feel free to throw anything out there. I am only six months post op and I have a combination of good days and really crappy days. Depression and pain has probably been in he cards for most of us here so don't be shy and like Butiki said join in the fun!
Hello everyone and thanks for your welcoming replies. I appreciate Laura's calming tactic in the mornings and night though rather than calm it feels as if I need a reason to get out of bed in the morning. Yes, DJ, I take meds for both pain and depression. I have a pain doctor, psychotherapist and a psychiatrist. I've done many of the recommended treatments but am still left with deep depression and intractable pain. What are you doing in the photo, Hobbit? I can't make out the image. Are any of you long time chair riders? I wonder how other folks get beyond the fear and additional limitations placed because of the natural decline in the aging body. For me, it's harder than the onset of paralysis was. I know everyone will go through it - disabled or not - it's just that I am the first of my "family" to act so aged even though I am not the oldest. The strain paraplegia puts on me has reduced my capacity to get up and get out. Not to mention the enjoyment of the outing. I don't mean this to be a pity party, just trying to describe my situation in the hopes that someone out there can relate and offer suggestions (commiseration is also welcomed so maybe it is a pity party). Without a regular job (I volunteer a couple days a week now) or kids to raise (they are young adults) I feel purposeless yet no activity I've thought of sounds very appealing. Tell me what makes you look forward to the next day and/or how you managed your depression. I'd be ever so interested. Thanks very much.
I'm a biker, in the photo I'm at a rally, camping in a field, drinking beer and generally misbehaving (loads more on my facebook) and more about me here: inspiredsciforum.com/thread/424/hi-folks
Post by kilg0retr0ut on Feb 9, 2014 12:53:45 GMT -8
Welcome Dragonfly, How about a pet. I have fish, rabbits, and chickens. As Lara said, we could really use your knowledge and experience here. Glad you found us. Mark
I've been a t/10 para for 35 years. Up until my 60th birthday things were going well, I had an enjoyable life and was happy. Now that my shoulders are hurting, I've lost so much strength and I'm retired from my job, I do very little. Sit around and mope. I've been to mental health classes which say to get out be active and leave the house daily but I can't seem to do it. The chronic pain I've had from the beginning is getting worse and I'm horribly depressed and lonely. Is anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestion that might be helpful. I'm looking for some connection with people in my condition. I hope you are out there. Thanks
Welcome to the forum.
I am only 43 and I know exactly what you are talking about.
Video games is one way I can be social. There are several games that you can play on a PC that allows teammates to chat over a headset. It's just like being on a phone party line and you all have a common goal. I have used that method to visit with my oldest son and nephews. Sometimes we talk on the phone while we play a game. It give me something to get my mind off of pain.
I've been a t/10 para for 35 years. Up until my 60th birthday things were going well, I had an enjoyable life and was happy. Now that my shoulders are hurting, I've lost so much strength and I'm retired from my job, I do very little. Sit around and mope. I've been to mental health classes which say to get out be active and leave the house daily but I can't seem to do it. The chronic pain I've had from the beginning is getting worse and I'm horribly depressed and lonely. Is anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestion that might be helpful. I'm looking for some connection with people in my condition. I hope you are out there. Thanks
Welcome to the forum.
I am only 43 and I know exactly what you are talking about.
Video games is one way I can be social. There are several games that you can play on a PC that allows teammates to chat over a headset. It's just like being on a phone party line and you all have a common goal. I have used that method to visit with my oldest son and nephews. Sometimes we talk on the phone while we play a game. It give me something to get my mind off of pain.