Re: Depressed, overwhelmed and using pain meds

[Guest guest]

((((((diana))))) I can understand what you are describing completely. I have

been out of work for about 2 1/2 yrs now. I won my SSA disability a year ago

after 18 months. (I had to appeal).

I worked for 30 years and earned a post master's degree to work in osychology.

I still miss working and the clients.

It was the same way for us when I won my case. My husband was even down to only

part time hours at work when I won. You can imagine our relief.

I try and set myself a task a day so I don't get too depressed. If i am going

through a bad stretch, I have learned to give myself permission to do less.

It takes sometime and will not always help 100%, but it does ease the

transition. Please feel free to e mail me anytime if you need to talk more.

Take care and huzs,

Tami

--- wrote:

>

I'm 48 and " retired. " My self-worth has taken a huge hit. People joke, " hey,

must be nice to be able to be able to retire - what are you going to do with

your day! "

>

> My pain " team " reminds me that my job now is to take care of myself. I've been

able to pursue some of the treatments I've wanted to do in the past but never

had time, including resting during the day! But I've been off work for 6 months

and still in excruciating pain. Luckily, my pain specialist is amazing. He's

helping me directly face the feelings of grief, loss, and anger. AND, he's been

supportive when I've needs pain meds.

>

[Guest guest]

I have taken it to the closet. I keep my meds in the pantry, far removed from my

husband's eyes. He has untreated ADD, and often forgets everything I have taught

him about pain issues.

He remembers when he has to admit that he has similar medications for his own

pain issues, which are becoming chronic. He used to ignore all his pain

episodes, which was what he expected me to keep doing.

Out of sight, out of mind really does work for some people, and for me, although

my medications are not exactly a well kept secret in this household, they are

not constantly on display any more, either.

He brings home the bacon and I make sure he eats well! I am just so glad to

finally get a break from this misery of never-ending, severe pain, that I no

longer care what others think about me.

I am on a routine that is working, and I don't want anything to interrupt it.

The less I say to people who can not understand, the better! It's not a secret,

it's none of their business!

Bonnadel

--- " dlgordon88 " wrote:

> After I went to a pain clinic in Michigan for 3 weeks, I came home completely

off narcotics. First time in 8 years. Everyone cheered, thought it was great,

like I had finally " sobered up. " When the pain got worse and I went back to

taking them, I felt like I had to keep it a secret.

>

>