The difference between acute and chronic pain is in truth the actual time it lasts. I have read where this is classified as chronic after a 3 month period of time. It doesn't mean that acute pain hurts worse than the pain in the chronic stage. I also read where the CDC was doing a study to see if chronic pain suffers had a mental reason for this such as depression or stress related. It was almost frustrating them breaking down those of us suffering into specific groups of age, gender, married vs single, and social economic statuses.
I am not a part of this study so I can't speak on this with any knowledge but I certainly didn't make any of the groups their latest study provided the highest percentages on having CP. What I do know is I don't want to be experiencing this or going through all the hoops and expense of being treated. Unfortunately our Government is fighting an Opioid Crisis and we the chronic pain patients seem to be the highest target. Not only must we meet all Federal & State guidelines but we also get to fight with Pharmacies to fill and Insurance Companies to pay. Acute pain patients do not go through this same type of process which seems to me someone missed the boat. That is exactly where addiction begins and the search for stronger more illegal drugs. They didn't consult me on this but have spent a great deal of frustrating time trying to teach the difference. Chronic pain patients are the most regulated, closely observed patients out of all use of medications. We get to first qualify to be seen, then pee in a cup to check compliance or illegal use of other meds, some even count pills to make sure we are taking as prescribed, we are checked out on some specific app to make sure what pharmacy we are using and not hopping to different stores, and we sign a contract that they will be the only source providing any type of pain management.
It is getting a lot more difficult to actually find a chronic pain doctor who is willing to actually treat with medications. Injections, massage therapy, physical therapy etc all are fine if you have pain in a specific area like neck, low back, hip, knee, shoulder or hand. Many of us have generalized pain related to a disease process not from an injury. My insurance company told me that my long acting pain medication had to be certified every 6 months. When I asked if the fast acting required the same process the answer was no. Confused I questioned why and was told "We are fighting an opioid crisis and the long acting is addicting. Fact is the fast acting is the one causing addiction because it releases in large doses in short periods of time which causes the "high" or euphoria most people experience. The slow release is small amounts of medication over a longer period of time. Anyway, I did better arguing this with a brick wall.
Then there is a stigma now to being classified as a chronic pain patient. It's considered legalized drug addiction. Pull your medical records and see if you aren't considered a narcotic dependent person. Most pharmacies will NOT fill only pain medication. I have been told I must have other prescriptions besides just the pain medication to be filled. So not only do we daily get to deal with the pain, we also get to live with the family & friends who don't understand and get frustrated with us, have all these extra issues to deal with. It would be much easier to just to buy off the streets, pick of drinking, or figure out how to live if possible in the daily pain. I watched a migraine commercial where the spokesperson said she felt as if she was watching life from the couch not an active participant. That is exactly how I feel most days. My pain varies in severity daily which determines my activity level. If I take the medications then driving myself around to buy groceries or even attend an appointment is not happening. If I don't take the medication it limits all activity period. Most of us have other ways in addition to meds to help reduce pain from heating pads, OTC meds, rubs, patches, creams, or even just having several rest periods or changing positions frequently to light yoga, stretches even meditation. The fatigue experienced just fighting pain daily is also overwhelming.
I am an active person who loves to stay busy doing house renovation projects, arts and crafts even cooking. Also love aqua exercises such as zumba to listening to music and dancing. This pain has all but eliminated my ability to do these fun things. Enjoy traveling and want to spend active time with my grown children and grandkids. I do want a life so my idea of fun isn't waking up vomiting from the pain, having help getting up out of bed, not being able to do activities with my family or even walk my beauty 4 legged baby who is turning 3 in April. She is a white long hair German Shepard who loves to go go go. I wonder if the CDC would like to do another study on those of us suffering who are fighting our rears off just to feel normal? People without CHRONIC PAIN DO NOT UNDERSTAND. I am not a statistic or fit in any specific group. I'm just a woman unfortunate to have severe chronic pain from something doctors have yet to determine why. Have been told by some it's from MS others disagree but I can say that if the answer to resolving this was drinking a can of motor oil a week I would certainly give it a try.
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