Chronic pain

ldg

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I was looking through photos today.

This is what chronic pain looks like.


Before

1994



1995



2003



2004



2005




Chronic pain began March 2006. Went to all-the-time 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, January 2007. Not one minute without pain for over three years.

After

2007



2009







The smiles are rare, laughter rarer. When he produces it for people, it is generally an act, a ghost of the man that once was.
 

catsknowme

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I feel so badly for you two
I injured my neck & back in a car accident, and the pain has sure aged my face. Bless you for staying with Gary & being a loving, supportive partner - you are a true hero, Laurie!
 

gailc

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I just emailed my sis as she works for a medical research foundation to see if any docs researching his condition. I'll let you know.
I feel for the both of you. Many hugs from Wisconsin...........
 

mismaris777

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Wow... I feel for you guys. It really puts my pain in perspective- sometimes it is hard to realize that there are people out there that are worse off than you are, especially when I have really bad headache episodes.
My heart goes out to him. I will put you guys in my prayers! that the pain at least becomes more manageable over time. I always try to think that things can only get better when you are at the bottom. Whether or not that is true, it keeps me going at least.
 

addiebee

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Wow... I am sooo sorry. He almost looks like someone who has suffered a stroke.
to both of you!!!
 

kscatlady

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You two are such strong, wonderful people. He's strong for going through that, but you, it takes a strong woman to watch someone she loves suffer like that. Any time you need
, I got 'em for ya.
 

kailie

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First of all, you and Gary are a BEAUTIFUL couple, inside AND out.


Yes, you are both so incredibly strong. I can't even begin to imagine how hard it must be to go through what Gary is going through, but I hope SO much that he can find a treatment that offers some help.
 

Winchester

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All I can say is that I am so sorry that you're going through this. Nobody should have to deal with pain like that. I hope you can find something for him so that he can handle his pain and not have to suffer anymore.

Laurie, I'm sorry. I'm just so sorry.
 
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ldg

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Thank you.


It's been a rough week. He has become very sensitive to changes in pressure, and the recent bout of snowstorms has just had tight pressure bars rolling through here constantly - it's just been a nightmare.

Sadly, narcotics are the only thing that help provide any relief. And it's just partial and temporary. And he hates it. The good news is that unless he combines diazempams (which he uses sometimes to try to help him get some sleep) with them, they don't get him high or even mentally fuzzy - I guess with the amount of pain he's in either they just don't have those side effects or the dulling of pain itself makes him more clear headed. I don't know. I just know he's functional (meaning he has a good 2 -5 hours a day) with them and is not functional at all without them.

The saddest thing, though, is that looking at those pictures you can really see the "spark" has left his eyes. This man was so full of life, and an EXTREMELY emotional and passionate person. And those last pictures.... he just looks like life is slowing ebbing away.
 

larussa

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So sorry for what you are both going thru. I'm sure you are a blessing to him by staying by his side. There was a question posted a while back about what is love, this is love.
 

otto

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I'm sorry Gary is suffering through this, and you with him. Life can be so hard. I hope he can still take pleasure in the little things in life......like the cats. I bet they take good care of him, too.

Love and hugs and headbump kisses from me and mine

xo
 
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ldg

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Yes, thank GOD for the cats. They do provide him so much pleasure. When Shelly climbs onto his lap for brushes, or when little moojah (Ming Loy) climbs into his armpit and digs a nest.

Of course.... when he does finally manage to fall asleep and Lazlo walks up next to him and meows in his ear because he wants brushes, no one's too happy about it.
Sleep is so elusive, and Lazlo just doesn't seem to care.
 
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