Poll: Very general poll about chronic pain

[6packofun]

This is for my dd to get a very general idea on the prevalence of chronic pain from a small sampling.  Thank you!  (This is a private poll, btw.)

 

*Edited to add:  I'm leaving any definition of "chronic pain" up to the individual.  If you feel it meets the criteria that's good enough for me.

Edited May 12, 2017 by 6packofun

[Rosie_0801]

Mother, not spouse or children, but since I'm her Carer, I chose "yes" anyway.

[Laura Corin]

Mother, not spouse or children, but since I'm her Carer, I chose "yes" anyway.

This is my situation too.

[The Girls' Mom]

My dh has had chronic pain for over 10 years. He's been loosely diagnosed with fibromyalgia because the doctors can't quite put their fingers on what it causing it.  In the past 2-3 years he has been presenting more and more like MS.  However, from the one non-contrast MRI they've done they have declared that he doesn't have enough lesions in his brain to diagnose MS yet.  
 

It is frustrating, both as the person suffering, and as the caregiver/loved one.  

[goldberry]

Mother, not spouse or children so voted no.  Mother has had severe arthritis with chronic pain since the age of 60.  She's 84 now.

[kbutton]

The other on the second question is that one of my kids has a diagnosis that can include chronic pain as a symptom, but it's not a chronic pain diagnosis. He does have chronic pain.

[BigMamaBird]

I voted no because I don't have chronic pain.  But I do get some viscous headaches that can last 3-4 days and I don't know how people who are in constant pain, day in and day out, do it.  I'm a pathetic mess after a couple days. 

[FriedClams]

I had a traumatic hip injury as a kid. It was operated on twice and fine...until about two years ago. I'll need a hip replacement in the next five years or so, but it's mostly manageable. I'm 99.9% sure it's osteoarthritis, but so far Motrin is all I need, and even then maybe once a week. I'll look into more treatment when it hurts more regularly, and I have a kid that can drive.

[AmandaVT]

I have arthritis in my thumbs from coaching gymnastics, but it's mild so far, so I checked "no" for me. 

 

DH had a traumatic hip injury as a child and has constant pain in his hip. He will be needing a hip replacement at some point, but he's not ready yet. 

[Garga]

I'll be married for 25 years next month, and I don't think I know of a single day in our marriage where my husband hasn't been in some sort of pain. Sometimes the pain gets fixed (knee surgery, shoulder surgery), but there's always something new in its place.

 

Migraines, knee pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain.

[Kerileanne99]

I was injured in an accident in the army when I was 19. I turn 40 in a few days. I do not even remember what it feels like to NOT have pain.

A few years ago I was able to have a pain pump implant, which means I get meds via my a catheter in my spine, rather than need to take them all orally. This was a HUGE improvement.

 

Lol, having kids was a help too...it isn't that I have less pain, quite the contrary. However, when a little person needs you constantly, somehow it seems you aren't as inwardly focused on the pain? Or just don't have the time/ability to think about it:(

 

But it is ALWAYS there. The other day I heard my DD7 tell my DS2 that they mommy was grumpy because she hurt and they should stay awayðŸ˜

[DawnM]

No, not immediate family.  I opened this thread because I have close friends with some chronic issues.  

[jrn]

I had surgery for a prolapsed uterus and after recovery I didn't realize how much pain i had been in for years before it was diagnosed. I also have carpel tunnel issues and as long as I do my physical therapy I'm ok.

My dh has horrible knees and hips and back etc. He's not ready to go in to get a diagnosis and treatment plan. (he has already had several knee surgeries)

[Jean in Newcastle]

I was injured in an accident in the army when I was 19. I turn 40 in a few days. I do not even remember what it feels like to NOT have pain.

A few years ago I was able to have a pain pump implant, which means I get meds via my a catheter in my spine, rather than need to take them all orally. This was a HUGE improvement.

 

Lol, having kids was a help too...it isn't that I have less pain, quite the contrary. However, when a little person needs you constantly, somehow it seems you aren't as inwardly focused on the pain? Or just don't have the time/ability to think about it:(

 

But it is ALWAYS there. The other day I heard my DD7 tell my DS2 that they mommy was grumpy because she hurt and they should stay away[emoji57]

Yes. Having kids to focus on has changed my life for the better. As you said, constant pain can make you very inward looking. I have been in pain for 30 years-diagnosed with fibromyalgia for 24. (It can be a long time from the start of fibro symptoms to diagnosis). My pain levels are not always the same- they can vary from intense to more like background static because I'm used to it. My Dd says that I am grumpy too though I try to mask that when I am able.

[Meriwether]

I answered yes, but my pain moves around (nerve related). I'm not sure if that strictly counts, but I do have pain every day. Although some days I would call it discomfort rather than pain.

[sassenach]

My husband had a random camping accident 6 years ago and his ulnar nerve was severed. He has been in acute chronic nerve pain since then. His diagnosis is CRPS (used to be called RSD). It's completely altered our life.

Edited May 13, 2017 by Sassenach

[gaillardia]

I didn't see a deadline on your poll.

No chronic pain in me. DH frequently has pain but it has been less than a year and varies on where it hurts, it migrates but he is undiagnosed. 

[Tap]

I have chronic pain, due to a back injury.

 

DD18 has chronic back pain and chronic headaches (daily for 2+ years)