Seeking Prayers and Strength for Chronic Pain Relief | Personal Story

[Jean DeVries]

....I normally don't ask for things for me.

But I would really appreciate some prayers/good thoughts. Long story short, I spent most of last year in pain due to what doctors said could be digestive, or could be fibroid tumors. I had the fibroid tumors removed. The doctor said they were the ugliest ones she's ever seen (like, has anyone ever seen a 'pretty' tumor?). Anyhow, the pain I went through was the most excruciating thing I've ever gone through in my life. I've never given birth, but I suspect it was something similar to contractions, since my gyn said it was like my uterus was trying to expel these tumors. TMI, I know.

Anyway, I had the tumors out, and for five months was blissfully pain free.

Well, guess what. Pain. Back again. I have no idea what for this time, since what I thought was causing it is gone. I have an appt with the gyn next week, and my regular doctor won't give me pain meds. I struggled most of last year trying to get pain meds, although nothing much helped. It also keeps me up at night, so I don't get much sleep.

Prayers for strength for me to withstand the pain, and not let it get me depressed like it did last year would be appreciated. Then, of course, a little extra shout out to the deity of your choice that someone can actually figure out what's causing this pain. The anxiety of wondering when it's coming next is almost worse than the pain itself. Almost....

TIA.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Jean - don't feel bad about asking!

I will definitely be praying - I have had fibroid tumors, so I know the pain.....actually had some pretty big ones (one the size of a grapefruit, and the other the size of a baseball) while I was pregnant, and they caused some pretty major complications (it's only by a miracle from God that I was able to carry DS to 35 weeks!).

You do know that they can come back right? My Dr, gave me 2 choices to keep them from coming back, and I don't think either one of those choices would be right for you at this time in your life.


So, my prayers will be for you and the Docs treating you! Praying you find relief!

 

[pamperedbecky]

Good luck with everything, Jean! Good thoughts and prayers coming your way.....

 

[Jean DeVries]

Jean - don't feel bad about asking!

I will definitely be praying - I have had fibroid tumors, so I know the pain.....actually had some pretty big ones (one the size of a grapefruit, and the other the size of a baseball) while I was pregnant, and they caused some pretty major complications (it's only by a miracle from God that I was able to carry DS to 35 weeks!).

You do know that they can come back right? My Dr, gave me 2 choices to keep them from coming back, and I don't think either one of those choices would be right for you at this time in your life.


So, my prayers will be for you and the Docs treating you! Praying you find relief!

Yeah, I knew they can come back. I guess I just kind of thought it would take more than 5 months.

Actually, I was hoping it was more like a year or so. Having a whole month off of work in September last year was kind of nice...good weather, not too hot. Except for the fact that I missed two Michigan home games, I'd do that again.

I know what the next option is, and I'm OK with it. I really haven't had a date since high school (reference post about being a fat non meth-head for the reason why so I've resigned myself to birth children not being in my future. That's why I like this site. I get to be a vicarious mom. Besides, if Angelina can adpot the world, so can I. So if it is fibroids back again, I'm OK with a hysterectomy. I'll just end up wishing I had done that in the first place so I don't have to miss any more work. This time, however, I won't reward every little post-surgical accomplishment (like getting up, walking to the kitchen, and successful BM's with ice cream. I gained like 13 pounds after the last surgery. So did my sister. I made her go get me the ice cream.

 

[KellyTheChef]

Jean...I certainly pray that they are able to figure out what's going on here so it can be fixed and stay fixed. Seems sometimes like once we've gone through pain, then are pain free, and the pain comes back...it's worse. I am pretty sure that part is in our heads (mostly) but it's like you "deal" with the pain cuz you have to, but then once it goes away we think it needs to NEVER come back...and when it does we get pretty mad and have a harder time dealing with it than in the first round.

No matter what, you deserve to be pain free. Keep us posted on what the dr has to say...you can always come here to vent or ask for prayers! God certainly uses this board for far more reasons than just Pampered Chef!!

Your post about gaining 13 lbs made me laugh! I pray that your sense of humor stays around...and that your depression doesn't try to revisit!! Pain does a lot to us physically and emotionally- make sure that you keep a support system!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Okay - now, I've met you, and I know you from this site......and you are a funny, intelligent, very pretty woman. So DON'T sell yourself short! There is way more to life than being thin!

There are lots of other reasons NOT to go the hysterectomy route, besides child-bearing. But whether or not you do it - I think adoption is always an awesome choice for people to make. We keep saying that if Micah has a little sister, it's because we bought one, because I won't be bearing one!

Just wanted you to know that I understand your pain, though - and for what it's worth - the fibroids can feel like contractions! I had them from my 4th month of pregnancy until the end - and the Dr. said it was because my uterus was full (of Fibroids), and was already preparing for childbirth.....spent a lot of time in the hospital stopping contractions. I can't believe your Dr. won't give you pain meds! Not that I'm offering it or anything, because it's mine ...but I do have vicodin, and you could find my house very easily!

 

[katie0128]

I get to be a vicarious mom. Besides, if Angelina can adpot the world, so can I. So if it is fibroids back again, I'm OK with a hysterectomy. I'll just end up wishing I had done that in the first place so I don't have to miss any more work. This time, however, I won't reward every little post-surgical accomplishment (like getting up, walking to the kitchen, and successful BM's with ice cream. I gained like 13 pounds after the last surgery. So did my sister. I made her go get me the ice cream.

I'd be more than happy to lend you a few small-ish ones if you want to be a mom for a weekend, week, month, year... your choice!

And reward yourself all you want... surgery is a BIG DEAL and you should be proud that you are able to follow the post-op instructions and get back to your normal (whatever that might be!) self. And of course, you always have us to report back to regarding all accomplishments... big and small and #2!

 

[Jean DeVries]

mine ...but I do have vicodin, and you could find my house very easily!

~~~~~~pay no attention to the sound of breaking glass, footsteps in your bathroom, and the medicine chest opening ~~~~~~~~~

Actually, I hoarded the pain meds they gave me after surgery because 1) I didn't really need them -- after all the pain I had been in, postoperative pain was kind of a walk in the park and 2) I heard they go good with gin & tonic (OK, I'm TOTALLY kidding on this one...everyone knows Norco goes better with vodka ) but mostly because 3) I was paranoid the pain would come back, and I knew I had fought my doctor (not my gyn) all year long to get pain meds. (He wouldn't give them to me because first, he's never had a ueterus and therefore is oblivious and second, he kept telling me I had IBS or a bladder infection, neither of which warranted Class 3 narcotics.)

But I'm almost out. So double lock your doors.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I'd be more than happy to lend you a few small-ish ones if you want to be a mom for a weekend, week, month, year... your choice!

And reward yourself all you want... surgery is a BIG DEAL and you should be proud that you are able to follow the post-op instructions and get back to your normal (whatever that might be!) self. And of course, you always have us to report back to regarding all accomplishments... big and small and #2!

We give tootsie rolls for #2 at our house.....a little better than ice cream!

 

[katie0128]

We give tootsie rolls for #2 at our house.....a little better than ice cream!

And very appropriate!

 

[Jean DeVries]

I'd be more than happy to lend you a few small-ish ones if you want to be a mom for a weekend, week, month, year... your choice!

They would come home Wolverine fans.

I don't know if that's allowed in Ohio......

 

[katie0128]

~~~~~~pay no attention to the sound of breaking glass, footsteps in your bathroom, and the medicine chest opening ~~~~~~~~~

Actually, I hoarded the pain meds they gave me after surgery because 1) I didn't really need them -- after all the pain I had been in, postoperative pain was kind of a walk in the park and 2) I heard they go good with gin & tonic (OK, I'm TOTALLY kidding on this one...everyone knows Norco goes better with vodka ) but mostly because 3) I was paranoid the pain would come back, and I knew I had fought my doctor (not my gyn) all year long to get pain meds. (He wouldn't give them to me because first, he's never had a ueterus and therefore is oblivious and second, he kept telling me I had IBS or a bladder infection, neither of which warranted Class 3 narcotics.)

But I'm almost out. So double lock your doors.

Why men can become gyno's is beyond me!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

~~~~~~pay no attention to the sound of breaking glass, footsteps in your bathroom, and the medicine chest opening ~~~~~~~~~

Actually, I hoarded the pain meds they gave me after surgery because 1) I didn't really need them -- after all the pain I had been in, postoperative pain was kind of a walk in the park and 2) I heard they go good with gin & tonic (OK, I'm TOTALLY kidding on this one...everyone knows Norco goes better with vodka ) but mostly because 3) I was paranoid the pain would come back, and I knew I had fought my doctor (not my gyn) all year long to get pain meds. (He wouldn't give them to me because first, he's never had a ueterus and therefore is oblivious and second, he kept telling me I had IBS or a bladder infection, neither of which warranted Class 3 narcotics.)

But I'm almost out. So double lock your doors.

I'm the first house on the left off from Baldwin......

KG has an ariel view of this area, and you can see the trees around my house....if you decide parachuting onto the roof would be the best 007 way of getting in, PM him for the link.

 

[katie0128]

They would come home Wolverine fans.

I don't know if that's allowed in Ohio......

DH and his family bleed UK blue, so anything that isn't U of Lousiville, Indiana U or U of Cincinnati is acceptable.

 

[Jean DeVries]

We give tootsie rolls for #2 at our house.....a little better than ice cream!

I'm soooo coming to your house to #2 next time.......

 

[katie0128]

So, if you don't gain another 13 pounds, do we get to see a right-side-up picture of you?

 

[Jean DeVries]

Probably not.

There exist very few pictures of me, right side up or otherwise. I'm a "hider-from-the-camera" type.

On Yahoo Personals (don't ask.....) I had to flip the pic over in order to have it upload (it wouldn't upload upside down pics for some reason). Bad plan. I look like some plastic surgery-addicted freak of nature

 

[DebbieJ]

Jean, my sister is going through similar trials so I know *a teensy little bit* of what you are going through. Prayers coming your way!

 

[raebates]

You're in my prayers.

 

[lacychef]

I hope they get you taken care of quickly; so you don't have to go through as much pain this time. I must say, you have an awesome sense of humor; & I've always heard that's the best medicine:thumbup:

 

[vwpamperedchef]

God Bless you during this time. {{hugs}}

 

[MaddyandOwensMom]

There are lots of other reasons . We keep saying that if Micah has a little sister, it's because we bought one, because I won't be bearing one!

Becky,
I truly know that you intended no harm in using these words, but as an adoptive mother of two beautiful children from China, the word "bought" is simple not used. We paid for our agency to do all our paper work and we paid the Chinese adoption agency for doing the same. We also paid a sum to the Social Welfare institutes for the care of our children. "Bought" really borders on offensive, and again, I know you did not mean it that way, but I felt I needed to say something.

Back to the original post. Please get a second opinion. I have had similar things removed and grow back and there may be ways to control it without surgery. At 41, I'm certainly not looking to be pregnant and hysterectomy would be more of an option now if things get out of control again. But if you are young, there could be options. After some looking, I was referred to a very caring male fertility specialist (I still prefer women for yearly care) who was more concerned with my health then with getting me pregnant. If it turns out that adoption is good for you, I highly recommend it. Birth or adopted, they still turn your hair gray! And of course you love them just the same!
Jessica

 

[Jean DeVries]

UpdateWell, the good news is I slept through the entire night last night.

The bad news is, the pain came back right around lunchtime. And has been lingering ever since.

Fortunately, it's not too bad - bearable for now. Good thing, because I had to go out TV shopping. I've been "storing" my brother's TV in my living room for the past three years while he's worked on a cruise ship. He recently got a job in Virginia, and so today the movers came and my TV moved to Virginia. Kinda of selfish of him, I think. I mean, I babysat that TV faithfully every night, paid it good attention, pushed it's buttons, kept it clean, and he just up and took it like it belonged to him or something. Ingrate.

Which brings me to the second hijack in my thread - why are televisions so blankin' expensive? I didn't want to have to sell bodily fluids to afford one, but holy cow. Does anyone really NEED to spend $1100 on a TV? Do you get more out of a television show if you can see everyone's pores than if you can't? Seriously...I don't get it. You can't just go buy a cheap TV these days. And it seems to be TV month....just about every place I went was out of the one I wanted in the price I wanted to pay. Needless to say, I went to like 8 different stores tonight and by the time I decided which one I wanted, the store it was at was closed. So now I have to go back and do it all over again tomorrow night. I did leave a pack of flustered TV salespersons in my wake however. "What makes this one better?" "OK, I understand it's HD, but WHY is that better? Will I understand physics more with this TV? Can I further the cause of sustainability and world peace if I can watch TV in HD?" Makes me understand just how ridiculous consumerism really is. Yeesh. Hijack over.

Oh, and I talked my PCP into giving me good drugs. Not Becky good, but a step higher than what he's given me at any point in the past. I'm an Aries. They don't call us Rams for nothing....

I think it was because I threatened to rip out my uterus and shove it in him through the smallest hole on his body. Then he'd understand my pain....

(No, not really. I didn't threaten my doctor. I talked to the nurse, who understood my pain, and I think, threatened my doctor.)

 

[Jean DeVries]

But if you are young, there could be options.

I'm not.

I'm old.

And jaded.

And dateless in this century. And 1/10th of the last one.

I don't think I'd be missing much if I gave up my uterus.

Except, of course, the monthly ritual of standing in the tampon aisle with many other grumpy, bloated, chocolate craving women (and one man who's trying to look casual all the while wishing he had like a hammer, or a wrench, or a saw or some other manly implement in his hand so he could just act like he was lost) wondering why there are millions of women in third world countries who live their lives without these things, and it takes me 15 minutes to find the ones I want, which they have repackaged YET AGAIN in some pretty box that I don't recognize.

That I might miss. Especially the chocolate craving part.

But thanks for the advice. I'll definitely consider it.

 

[katie0128]

Yea for sleeping through the night! That's an accomplishment that calls for ice cream or cake or wine or something! I was going to ask what you took, but since the pain came back, it obviously wasn't THAT great.

And for anyone that didn't know that the NURSE and the SECRETARY are the ones that runs the MD's office... you have a great story to illustrate it! Now, did you get the drugs before or after you went TV shopping???

 

[Jean DeVries]

Oh no, see, didn't you read the posts above? Celebrating small accomplishments with ice cream is what got me into trouble the last time around

I picked up the drugs before I went TV shopping, but since the pain was bearable, I didn't take them. I'm a drug hoarder.

And actually, I didn't take anything last night either. Oh wait. Yes I did. Just Motrin though. I was surprised when I woke up at the normal time this morning.

I have found out this week, though, that Happy Days is on I think TV Land at 4:30 am. Kinda geeked about that......

 

[katie0128]

If you celebrate with wine, maybe the pain would be more bearable! Go make a pitcher full of the cran-raspberry fizz and add the "optional" vodka! YUM! Much better than some sappy old ice cream.

 

[Jean DeVries]

Ooh! There ya go. My PCP told me I had a UTI and should drink more cranberry juice. The cran-razzberry fizz has to qualify as that.

And hey, alcohol will kill any germ, right?

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Oh no, see, didn't you read the posts above? Celebrating small accomplishments with ice cream is what got me into trouble the last time around

I picked up the drugs before I went TV shopping, but since the pain was bearable, I didn't take them. I'm a drug hoarder.

And actually, I didn't take anything last night either. Oh wait. Yes I did. Just Motrin though. I was surprised when I woke up at the normal time this morning.

I have found out this week, though, that Happy Days is on I think TV Land at 4:30 am. Kinda geeked about that......

You are so funny!



And I'm a drug hoarder too - which is why I have them to share. I get them, and then I think I'll save them until it's really bad, and then I always decide it could get worse....so I better save them for then. So, if I do end up taking them, DH knows I'm not doing it just for fun - it's serious!

 

[chefann]

Just don't do that with antibiotics. Not finishing a course of antibiotics is what creates super-strains of drug-resistant bacteria. :yuck:

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Just don't do that with antibiotics. Not finishing a course of antibiotics is what creates super-strains of drug-resistant bacteria. :yuck:

No, I am very good about taking my antibiotics......it's just the feel-good drugs I hoard!

 

[legacypc46]

That I might miss. Especially the chocolate craving part.

Rest assured, the chocolate cravings don't go away.

 

[erinb]

That I might miss. Especially the chocolate craving part.

You'll still have cravings and any other hormonal PMS. If the ovaries are still there, the hormones still rage!

 

[lacychef]

Oh my, this is a thread of concern & support...& you are cracking me up Jean! Love your sense of humor I know what you mean about tv's; my mom & I were looking at some the other day while shopping & you're right, you can't even find a cheap one anymore!

 

[erinb]

Ooh! There ya go. My PCP told me I had a UTI and should drink more cranberry juice. The cran-razzberry fizz has to qualify as that.

And hey, alcohol will kill any germ, right?

Don't forget about the cranberry Vodka

 

[Jean DeVries]

Oh my, this is a thread of concern & support...& you are cracking me up Jean! Love your sense of humor I know what you mean about tv's; my mom & I were looking at some the other day while shopping & you're right, you can't even find a cheap one anymore!

Sorry...didn't mean to sound irreverent or appear to minimize the issue at hand. It really is hard on me, but humor is how I cope with everything.

You should see me at funerals. I'm a riot.

Thanks everyone for the luv & support! I really do appreciate it!

 

[janetupnorth]

Ooh! There ya go. My PCP told me I had a UTI and should drink more cranberry juice. The cran-razzberry fizz has to qualify as that.

And hey, alcohol will kill any germ, right?

My mom was told that they I looked at her juice and it only contained 10%!

I marched her to the local health food store and bought her some cranberry tablets. Now she swears by them - says they work great!

 

[katie0128]

Don't forget about the cranberry Vodka

The first host that I had that made the CR fizz decided that only 2 cups (or whatever the recipe says to use) of the vodka didn't sound like enough, so she dumped the entire bottle in... something like 4 or 5 cups! And then she added more sorbet... I think we ended up with basically a vodka slushie... was really yummy though!

 

[lacychef]

Sorry...didn't mean to sound irreverent or appear to minimize the issue at hand. It really is hard on me, but humor is how I cope with everything.

You should see me at funerals. I'm a riot.

Thanks everyone for the luv & support! I really do appreciate it!

No need to apologize! I just admire your strength to still find humor when you're having such a hard time

 

[Jean DeVries]

My mom was told that they I looked at her juice and it only contained 10%!

I marched her to the local health food store and bought her some cranberry tablets. Now she swears by them - says they work great!

Great idea! I should try these. Seems like every time I pee in a cup it comes out infected.

 

[pamperedbecky]

Don't forget about the cranberry Vodka

I was going to suggest that too!! That's great in the Cran-Raspberry Fizz. yum!!

Jean - I hope it gets better for you!!!!

 

[katie0128]

Great idea! I should try these. Seems like every time I pee in a cup it comes out infected.

Maybe if you'd quit peeing in cups and try to potty, you might have better luck!

 

[Darcia]

Vitalzym - My Uterine Fibroid Tumor Story

Great testimony to read on fibroid timors. I also recommend eating only free range and organic meats. The growth hormones (estrogen) increases the probability that fibroids will return.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

I'm not.

I'm old.

And jaded.

And dateless in this century. And 1/10th of the last one.

I don't think I'd be missing much if I gave up my uterus.

Except, of course, the monthly ritual of standing in the tampon aisle with many other grumpy, bloated, chocolate craving women (and one man who's trying to look casual all the while wishing he had like a hammer, or a wrench, or a saw or some other manly implement in his hand so he could just act like he was lost) wondering why there are millions of women in third world countries who live their lives without these things, and it takes me 15 minutes to find the ones I want, which they have repackaged YET AGAIN in some pretty box that I don't recognize.

That I might miss. Especially the chocolate craving part.

But thanks for the advice. I'll definitely consider it.

You must drive a long way to shop in the same store The Kat Lady sends me to.

 

[Jean DeVries]

My trip to the doctorHi again,

For those of you sitting on the edges of your couch wondering, "How's Jean doing?" here's the update

I finished my antibiotics.

I haven't had any pain since then.

I visited the GYN today. I thought I was just going for a conversation, but apparently the rule is you take off your pants no matter what. If they're gonna make that rule, they should make the paper drapes they give you out of flannel, and lots of it.

Anywhoo, she doesn't think it's the fibroids, but scheduled an ultrasound anyway. And not one of those happy soap opera ones...it's one of those where they check not only your girl parts, but also the health of, like, your tonsils, at the same time. I keep telling them I don't have my tonsils, but they keep looking anyway.

So, perhaps all last year when I was in extreme pain, it was really just UTI's. Who knows......

 

[lacychef]

Glad the pain has gone away! Good luck with the next appt..

 

[raebates]

That's great news, Jean.

Just be glad no one came in and took your picture.

 

[Jean DeVries]

That's great news, Jean.

Just be glad no one came in and took your picture.

Amen to that.

Although, if they had, I would hav emade them take it from the top of my head, thereby creating a new upside down picture of me

 

[dianevill]

I'm glad to hear you're feeling better, and am really glad you didn't lose your sense of humor during this ordeal. I love your posts - thanks for always brigtening my day .

 

[KellyTheChef]

Jean...I am so glad to hear that you are feeling better! Thanks for the update!