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| Title: |
Living with Fibro, Chronic Pain and CFS
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| Topic Posted: |
07/01/2009 13:08
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| Author: |
taniamunk
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| Message: |
I've had this insedious condition for 15 years and like everyone else I live with the pain and fatigue that comes with it.
What I have found for myself over these years is that if I go to my holistic practioners on a regular basis I cut down on my need for pain medication.
Doing this is a full time job, because when one first starts one needs to go frequently so that one can get stabilized. The practitioners whom I see have each had to work on me for no less than 7 months up to 1 1/2 years to get me stabilized so that I only have to come in either once a week or as needed.
Like most everyone else, I have not been able to afford to go to all the holistic practitioners I am used to seeing because I am living on a fixed income and can't afford the cost since most of it isn't covered by insurance.
I continue to go to those who have insurance coverage for me, which leads me to my human soap box cry................We need to get more alternative treatments covered.
One of the problems is that insurance companies wouldn't make as much money by doing preventative, ongoing care to help those of us in constant pain. They would rather see us go from doctor to doctor, get their money have the doctors give us never ending meds and this will enrich the insurance and pharmaceutical companies, but it sure doesn't do a thing for us.
I've been screaming for this for years have lobbied in Washington with the American College of Rheumatology as a patient advocate, but it is all falling on deaf ears.
It is my hope that some of you who are members feel as I do and would like to make a case for ourselves and that includes our courageous veterans who also get shafted upon their return from protecting our country.
I look forward to hearing from anyone including our veterans and maybe we can stratigise as to how to word a paper stating our case to try and get more coverage for those of us living with the constant pain.
My e-mail address is:
taniamunk@hotmail.com
Thanks very much for reading this and I look forward to anyone who might want to respond.
Tania
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Replies (3):
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Hi, my name is Kiki and I am completely new to this site, as well as to entering a forum like this where I can abtain much needed info and communicate with other pain sufferers. Although I am new to this, I am unfortunately not a newby in living a life of chronic pain. For ten and a half years now I wake each and every day to fight a new battle in this all too old war against pain Because of two automobile accidents only four months apart, I struggle from entire spine injuries-neck,upper/mid/lower back, neuralogical damage, fibro, and RLS. I agree with all you said in your presentation and feel very passionate about the needs of all who live in pain. I wish that info was more readily available to people who don't know where to find it or even know to ask fo it. I myself spent way too much time in the dark about so many things because of a lack of guidence and compassion by medical professionals in the first few years. I experienced communication breakdown most of the time and seemed to stumble upon doctors that, looking back, didn't really understand or maybe feel comfortable in seeing chronic pain patients. I didn't even know how to look for the right specialist. So I would give up for a long while at times in seeking the help and attention I needed-feeling hopeless. And one other thing I'd like to say for now is that there absolutely needs to be much more coverage for alternative therapies that can aid us in not needing to take so many chemical medications, and aid us in being proactive against our conditions where possible, as well as in getting the treatment we may need to get to feeling better when we are in a bad way. And not only with insurance companies but in financial aid programs as well. Those without insurance coverage and little to no income because of their limitations placed on them by their pain have little to hope in when there aren't enough options open to getting the treatment they need now. How else are those of us to ever get well enough to bring in an income that could afford the medical maintainance we may need throughout the rest of our lifetime?! The only other option I can see is to struggle for years on end only to exist. I would love to hear more and to learn how to get involved in this awareness and support effort as much as is possible. I look forward to being a part of this community. Thanks, Kiki09
KIKI09 |
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Welcome to both of you!
PainAid is a give and take community with no judging anyone. People will share what they know or have had happen to them, all the while caring about you and your feelings.
We have chats each weekday as well as Monday and Wed evenings. Please feel free to join those for caring and some light hearted humor.
PA_Fun
APF/PainAid Team
American Pain Foundation
A United Voice of Hope and Power over Pain
"The views or opinions contained herein do not necessarily represent those of PainAid or of The American Pain Foundation." |
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Hi~I, too, am new to this website and to posting but not to chronic pain.
My story began with back surgery then in December, 2008, I had a procedure done that caused nerve damage,thus causing CRPS TYPE II/RSD/CAUSALGIA. I am have taken multiple RX'S to with Physical Therapy to hopefully keep my condition from progressing quickly. Unfortunately, I was walking around "medicated" and did not like that all! I have since discussed with my doctor & stopped 2 of my RX'S. I am searching for Holistic treatments without further progressing my condition, if possible. My pain has returned with a vengence without the medications & another doctor has recommended the Alpha-Stim. Of course, my insurance does not cover the cost and I, too, am on a fixed income. I am disappointed that our healthcare system only offers choices for Medications/Surgeries, etc. However, after talking to the Rep. at Alpha-Stim, they have offered monthly payments! There may be hope after all. I do agree with the original post~something must be done for those us want a choice~to be medicated or an alternative~Thanks~ |
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