JEN

[Guest guest]

Hi Jen:

I am happy that you found this site.; It took a year and a half of feeling like

I was the only person in the world with cp before I found it. I'm also happy

that you seem to have a doctor who seems willing to do whatever it takes to help

you. Dealing with the pain is sometimes a hard thing to deal with, and most of

us have ended up with some sort of pain specialist. My primary doctor has and is

doing whatever he can to help me, but pain medications are definitely out of his

realm of expertise, and I'm thankful he referred me to someone who could help. I

am amazed that in two years time (total time having cp is 4 years) how much

medication I need to be able to function. I take oxycontin, duragesic patch and

Actiq pops for breakthrough pain. Before this happened, I barely took aspirin.

I have also suffered at my job as a result of this illness. I haven't lost my

job, yet, but I have had most of responsibilities taken away, and am not usually

offered any new opportunities, because how do they know I won't suddenly get

sick, and not be able to fulfill my responsibilities. Though I understand this,

it's not easy. I was always so proud of the type of employee I felt that I was,

and I was written up for missing time this past August. It was humiliating.

Try not to think too far ahead, just one procedure or one doctor's appointment

at a time. I hope it has been suggested that you eat a low fat diet, take

enzymes, abstain from alcohol and smoking, and make sure you get plenty of rest.

In addition to pain medications, a heating pad, massage, and hot baths do

wonders.

You might want to print out some of the messages for your husband to read, or if

he is somewhat computer savvy post a message or two of his own questions.

I hope I have helped a little. If there are any particular questions you might

have, just post a message and someone usually responds quite quickly.

HANG IN THERE...YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

HUGS!!!

Robin

robin.cox@...

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