Is anyone else battling a chronic pain condition
a_new_life_2016
Posts: 17 Member
So for almost 5 years I've had severe nerve damage that was caused by the surgery of my second c section with my daughter, this means I live 24/7 with constant grinding pain all across my pelvic area, stomach back and hips.Some days I have trouble even walking never mind doing the house work or even God for bid I try to lose some of the weight I've piled on as a result. I don't use this as an excuse to myself but it's a massive part of my life and it immobilises me. If I take my puppy for a walk I'm in agony the same with shopping, housework, walking sitting, standing.Honestly I feel I have such a hurdle ahead of me with needing to lose the weight yet having my condition I feel so annoyed with myself. I'm sick of hiding away because I don't want people to see me the way I look now, but I owe it to my kids to try and over come the weight problem.
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Yes, I have a neurological condition which causes pain and fatigue, as well as some jolly shenanigans with my bladder and bowel, memory, focus and ability to take in new information easily. I'm a wheelchair user so can't do much in the way of exercise, and my daily steps are negligible.
And you know what? I'm losing weight. I'm losing it by eating less calories than my body uses. Even sitting down for most of the time, our bodies are using up calories. MFP gives you a calorie goal when you set it up that doesn't include any purposeful exercise. I've found that even the Sedentary setting does actually assume I'm going to move a bit more than I do, but after logging for a few weeks I was able to work out how far out it was and adjust my calorie goal accordingly.
I know you're not making excuses as such, but you can get over this hurdle by just logging everything accurately (by weighing everything you eat, and choosing the correct entries in the database). I'd also stress the importance of setting a realistic weight loss goal; it's tempting to choose 2lb per week but that's not always the most practical or sustainable goal.
Read the stickies at the top of the boards, they are a mine of good information.
Best of luck to you.0 -
Yep. And weight gain unquestionably exacerbated my radiculopathy to the point I've actually lost function at this point. Ergo, I've come to the conclusion weight loss is necessary to reverse that trend.
I do precisely zero exercise, can count on both hands the number of times I've walked further than around the grocery store shopping since I started, and so far have lost from 238 to 207.2 this a.m. in almost exactly six months (started 1 July with the goal of a #/week). Up until 12/8, all I did was adhere to portion sizes when listed and start using small plates/bowls. Those two things alone allowed me to achieve my first 10% body weight loss. Since 12/8, I started food journaling in order to accomplish the goal of eating within 100 calories of my average calculated BMR to see if that helps or harms.
The other thing I've found extremely helpful is having a non-negotiable food budget I have to adhere to (i.e., when it's gone, it's gone). I am cognizant that may not be realistic for a person with a family to feed. One way off the top of my head to make it work would be to hard limit the amount of discretionary funds available for eating outside the household.0 -
Thankyou that's cheered me up knowing you guys are achieving it. I've just got into such a bad place I massively over eat and just eat pure rubbish, this year I'm taking control of my life and my mental state. I think my biggest issue is being addicted to food, the fact I don't eat meat can actually be a hinderance as planning meals tends to be very limiting. I'm going to open my self up to trying new veggies and stop living off frozen pizza... Best of luck in your journeys xx0
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a_new_life_2016 wrote: »So for almost 5 years I've had severe nerve damage that was caused by the surgery of my second c section with my daughter, this means I live 24/7 with constant grinding pain all across my pelvic area, stomach back and hips.Some days I have trouble even walking never mind doing the house work or even God for bid I try to lose some of the weight I've piled on as a result. I don't use this as an excuse to myself but it's a massive part of my life and it immobilises me. If I take my puppy for a walk I'm in agony the same with shopping, housework, walking sitting, standing.Honestly I feel I have such a hurdle ahead of me with needing to lose the weight yet having my condition I feel so annoyed with myself. I'm sick of hiding away because I don't want people to see me the way I look now, but I owe it to my kids to try and over come the weight problem.
What does your dr say? Is "nerve damage" a diagnosis or a guess? Are you sure there is not something else going on? What is the prognosis?0 -
Ive been fully diagnosed with no chance of repair . I sound like a car... Drs are terrible and just say to get on with life.. I'm currently off work long term with it.I've had everything examined. I had a bad time of when my daughter was born, even tho it was a planned c section they didn't cut me far enough and they ripped the right side of my tummy which is where the damage is. I do my very best to get on with life, all I know is pain unfortunately ... Still,0
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Still trying to lose the weight I've put on with it. X0
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I have suffered with fibromyalgia for 12 years. Added weight and many types of food make my symptoms worse. This has been my worst year for pain my activity level is very limited but if I am not active somewhat it gets worse. I hate it when Dr's and others think I "can" just get over it. It's not that simple. I am here for support and feel free to add me
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Hi, I have fibromyalgia and a list of other fun stuff! I am bedridden or wheelchair bound some days and others I can walk short distances.
I'd love to chat with you all, it's nice to have support from others who understand the pain and fatigue. So many people on here have lost weight with diet alone so I'm not holding back this time, I'm determined to shift some of this weight once and for all0 -
Absolutely feel free to add me0
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a_new_life_2016 wrote: »Ive been fully diagnosed with no chance of repair . I sound like a car... Drs are terrible and just say to get on with life.. I'm currently off work long term with it.I've had everything examined. I had a bad time of when my daughter was born, even tho it was a planned c section they didn't cut me far enough and they ripped the right side of my tummy which is where the damage is. I do my very best to get on with life, all I know is pain unfortunately ... Still,
So sorry to hear about what happened to you.
What have they offered for pain control?0 -
That is horrible. WHile I do not have a chronic pain condition, I don't exercise for other reasons. I can tell you that just with portion control, I"ve lost 46 pounds in the last 150ish days. So it is possible to just lose weight with diet. It's just slow . . sooooo sllooowwww0
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Just been diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I'm 23. Struggle with energy for exercising. My consultant told me the more I move the better I'll feel. Which I'm trying to. Nice to have others in the same boat. Still a bit down about it and just hoping I'll manage to lose weight and feel bit better0
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Look up the spoon theory, it is the most helpful thing to get you understanding fibro. Get good support around you. I personally take a high dose of magnesium and vitamin d as evidence has shown they can help with symptom reduction, and boy do I know if I stop taking them0
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Please add me need help to lose weight and stay motaivated. I have RA and other types of Arthritis I really need to 50+ lbs I think I would feel a lot better Please add me
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I take vitamin d. Will have a look at spoon theory. Glad I have support at home, my mum and nanny both have it. Thanks for the info0
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I have anklosying spondilitis, tmj and other conditions. Feel free to add me0
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Please feel free to add me.0
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So sorry to hear about what happened to you.
What have they offered for pain control? [/quote]
I've tried pretty much everything over the last 5 years, a lot of medication that changes the signals in your brain which is very scary. I have two children so I'm not in a position to try some meds or sleeping tablets as my husband works shifts inc nights. I'm currently taking nothing at all. The meds weren't working and messing with my brain so I don't see the point.... It's very hard when you have an invisible illness and one which many Drs in my area have never dealt with, most nerve damage occurs in your back and not where mine is located.0 -
a_new_life_2016 wrote: »So sorry to hear about what happened to you.
What have they offered for pain control?
I've tried pretty much everything over the last 5 years, a lot of medication that changes the signals in your brain which is very scary. I have two children so I'm not in a position to try some meds or sleeping tablets as my husband works shifts inc nights. I'm currently taking nothing at all. The meds weren't working and messing with my brain so I don't see the point.... It's very hard when you have an invisible illness and one which many Drs in my area have never dealt with, most nerve damage occurs in your back and not where mine is located.
You've been living with this for years, I don't presume to be able to offer advice your doctors haven't, but I just saw this blog which may be of interest:
https://drjengunter.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/persistent-pain-after-a-c-section-when-is-it-nerve-pain-and-what-can-you-do/
This doctor, who is both an OBGYN and a pain specialist, suggested diagnosis and treatment using nerve blocks, at the site of pain, also " A peripheral nerve stimulator (an implant) to over ride the painful signals from the nerve", and surgery as a last resort. Maybe it is worth getting a second opinion, if the pain specialists you've seen have all been back people? Or even traveling to see this doctor? Or asking if she could recommend someone in your area?0 -
That's very lovely of you to read up on that article. Ive had nerve blocking treatment. It only lasted for 3 weeks and so it wasn't recommended to have it again ... Ive had a second and third opinion lol. I'm currently under the care of another hospital which is two hrs away from me. Surgery is a very risky optoion they say as it could put me in a wheel chair. It's unfortunate and very hard to deal with, but I'm learning to live again and determined to not let it control my life anymore.thank you all so very much for your words0
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Ah, I'm sorry
Really so sorry you've had such a hard time of it. I'm inspired by your commitment, and I hope you find some ways around this pain, so that you can focus on what you need to do. I think the advice people have offered on coping is good. (I have moderate chronic joint and tendon pain - very different - but the spoons idea has helped me, too.) Best of luck to you 
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Thankyou, I've been in a very dark place for a long time with this, also my mum died in 2014 and her death hit me like a freight train. It's been so hard to pull myself out of the dark hole I'd gotten into but I feel I'm ready to lift my head and try to improve the quality of my life, I've tried almost everything regarding the pain, and even tho the simplest of things like walking down a flight of stairs has me wanting to curl up and cry, this time I'm hoping my head is getting strong enough to continue battling the pain and break through it.. Yes I've put on a ton of weight and yes being over weight makes the pain worse, but what the Drs forget is that daily tasks can reduce me to tears, never mind trying to excersise to help myself... Here's to another year and hopefully a better one. Much love to you for your support xx0
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I have really bad leg pain. It's fine throughout the day but starts up in early evening and gets worse as the night progresses. I have bad vericose veins but the doctor tells me that my pain is not consistent with the veins. I have been told it could be restless leg syndrome or nerve damage. In any case, by the time I get home from work, I am in pain.
I want to exercise (my husband has a whole gym in the basement) but by the time I put my daughter to bed, all I want to do is elevate my legs.0 -
I'm Betty,
I have lupus/vasculitis/Raynaud's/hashimotos/degenerative arthritis from high dose prednisone/clotting disorders/blood flow problems making exercise near impossibility...and other junk. Illness, Prednisone and being unable to move alot packed a mass amount of weight on thru about 9 years. I've fluctuated some the past year and actually lost some. I started 269...now about 239....I was down to 219 and picked back up with med changes. I started this this week and water weight is already going...nearly 8 total inches. I didn't think I could stick with it. Its working so I have to. Exercise is only 5-10 minute intervals but more than I normally would. Illness makes it harder to not just eat whatever... Conscious food choices are showing me how bad I was eating in addition to illness and meds. I weigh double twenty years ago....how have I let this get so outta hand? I have to take control of my eating habits and my whole life again.0 -
All you ladies are amazing. Very inspirational.
I'm sorry you so going through all those difficulties0 -
Yes. I have multiple conditions which cause severe chronic pain. Feel free to add me for support.0
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CurlyCockney wrote: »Yes, I have a neurological condition which causes pain and fatigue, as well as some jolly shenanigans with my bladder and bowel, memory, focus and ability to take in new information easily. I'm a wheelchair user so can't do much in the way of exercise, and my daily steps are negligible.
Hey, your condition sounds eerily familiar. You don't, by chance, have multiple sclerosis, do you? I do, and I just signed up for MyFitnessPal, because it links with my activity bracelet that I got for Christmas. Just wanted to touch base with you. I don't know how this works, yet. How to reply to individuals VS. the group.
To everyone who responded: Might I suggest water aerobics as a form of exercise?
I have been attending classes for about 3 years now, and have progressed from a "silver sneakers" class, designed for senior citizens and disabled people to a "regular" class and now to a "deep water" class. The really nice things about water aerobics are 1. you don't have to worry about falling, 2. you can perform maneuvers that you could NEVER do on dry land and 3. the water adds some resistance to your movements which is almost undetectable, but adds to the calories burned.
I recently went on vacation and missed a couple of weeks of exercise. When I came home, I had gained back 5 pounds of my agonizingly slow weight loss. A couple of weeks of exercising, and it had dropped off again!
also, to those of you with fibromyalgia--my daughter has it, and took up ballroom dancing for exercise. It has helped with her fibro pain quite a bit.
And, incidentally, the spoon theory works great for MS, too.0 -
metabolicwreck wrote: »
Hey, your condition sounds eerily familiar. You don't, by chance, have multiple sclerosis, do you? I do, and I just signed up for MyFitnessPal, because it links with my activity bracelet that I got for Christmas. Just wanted to touch base with you. I don't know how this works, yet. How to reply to individuals VS. the group.
To everyone who responded: Might I suggest water aerobics as a form of exercise?
I have been attending classes for about 3 years now, and have progressed from a "silver sneakers" class, designed for senior citizens and disabled people to a "regular" class and now to a "deep water" class. The really nice things about water aerobics are 1. you don't have to worry about falling, 2. you can perform maneuvers that you could NEVER do on dry land and 3. the water adds some resistance to your movements which is almost undetectable, but adds to the calories burned.
I recently went on vacation and missed a couple of weeks of exercise. When I came home, I had gained back 5 pounds of my agonizingly slow weight loss. A couple of weeks of exercising, and it had dropped off again!
also, to those of you with fibromyalgia--my daughter has it, and took up ballroom dancing for exercise. It has helped with her fibro pain quite a bit.
And, incidentally, the spoon theory works great for MS, too.
Hi! I have MS's lesser known evil twin, Transverse Myelitis. Symptoms are the same near enough, although TM isn't progressive.
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I'm managing chronic hand pain.0
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a_new_life_2016 wrote: »Thankyou, I've been in a very dark place for a long time with this, also my mum died in 2014 and her death hit me like a freight train. It's been so hard to pull myself out of the dark hole I'd gotten into but I feel I'm ready to lift my head and try to improve the quality of my life, I've tried almost everything regarding the pain, and even tho the simplest of things like walking down a flight of stairs has me wanting to curl up and cry, this time I'm hoping my head is getting strong enough to continue battling the pain and break through it.. Yes I've put on a ton of weight and yes being over weight makes the pain worse, but what the Drs forget is that daily tasks can reduce me to tears, never mind trying to excersise to help myself... Here's to another year and hopefully a better one. Much love to you for your support xx
Oh wow, that's so hard, to deal with that kind of loss and grief, with a baby too, and the pain... You really are strong for fighting for yourself to get help through all that, even when the doctors are unable to help. Glad to see you're ready to try to move forward to help yourself in the way available to you.
(Sorry to go back to that blog, but you're saying the nerve block did work, albeit temporarily? They can't argue it's psychological. I hope the hospital you're with now has some of those advanced techniques the author mentioned, like the pulsed radio frequency, or the implanted nerve stimulator, or the spinal block, or the cortisone shots to soften scarring... Agh sorry out of my depth here, just really wish that you could find some kind of relief.)0
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