I've worked as a substance abuse counselor for the last three years. We treat opiate addiction with methadone. I wasn't sure how I felt about that in the beginning, substituting one addiction for another, but seeing the remarkable transformations in the people around me has made me a believer.Needless to say, I cannot take opiates for pain without a prescription. Ibuprofen is loosing its effectiveness.
My partner struggles with chronic pain. Neither of us have insurance, so Cameron cannot yet have the much needed surgery that would transform her life. Recently, I injured my right knee. It's not healing. Did I mention no insurance? Chronic pain dogs my steps, rides my temper, waits in the shadows to goad the darkest parts of self.
Chronic pain has become yet another part of mind numbing poverty. You know, choosing between the electric bill and grocery money. Some days it is all I can do to roll out of bed and go to work. What good is a substance abuse counselor or therapist when I hurt too much to filter other people's stories?
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Hugs to you -- you're a strong woman but chronic pain can wear anyone down. I hope it eases up for you soon.
ReplyDeleteIt is breaking my heart to see you struggle with this, love. And it breaks my heart that I am also limited by a hip that is not being a hip right now. Not sure what it wants to be, but its definitely having an identity crisis. I feel like I can't help you enough and I am so sorry! All I know is take it one day at a time. There is hope...its just slow in coming, I know! I love you!
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