new member

[Guest guest]

Hi

I am Joanne and I have just joined your new list . I too live in the world of

chronic pain. I guess a bit about myself would be a good way to start. In

January of 1990 I had a work accident. I was employed with the Canadian National

Railway ,to do outdoor rail maintenance and construction. I know, a non

traditional job. The accident left me with no feeling in my right hand and arm .

The injury affected my left side. Neck , shoulder,

arm and hand. Two surgeries , years of many kinds of therapy, many doctors , and

many non traditional approaches ,I still have much pain. It doesn't help that I

am left handed. I can barely write anymore. Some days I can hardly hold my head

up. The latest doctor has informed me, I now have good old fashioned arthritis

and that pain was my reality. It's hard to accept , and I keep on trying and

looking for some relief. I assume many of you live on pain medication. These

medications along with others have ruined my stomach . Like many other chronic

pain suffers I continue to search for anything which could help, generally to no

avail. Maybe someone has found something that helped them I'd love to here

from any of you, maybe to compare notes and treatments. One thing I have found

is to never give into the pain. We must continue to lead as normal a life as

possible , I have learned to set it aside mentally for short periods of time, I

can't allow it to consume my life. I have a daughter and husband who need me .

I find they try to overprotect me at times ,they make my life easier. I know I

am most fortunate to have a great family and great support

I am looking forward to hearing and comparing notes with each of you

Joanne (niagara)