Time frame that defines "chronic" pain?

[Mayzoo]

How long does one have to be in pain to be considered long term or chronic pain. I am not there yet, and hope to never be-----but just in case, I am already feeling the effects of anger, dispair and depression over uncontrolled, constant life altering pain.

I was in a car accident not too long ago (ashamed to say just one month). Most of you have been in tight, painful spots for so long. Me just one month, but the pain is most definately intractable and chronic. I spent 2-3 weeks taking lortab, soma, relafen and insisting "it will go away because it has too!!" I have a special needs 5 year old child so I don't have time to spare for this for me. I had the MRI done just yesterday, and won't receive any results until the 5th of June since we have to drive 17 hours from here (we drive straight through pretty much other than to stretch a bit now and then) to my daughter's NSG appointment next week. I am so petrified of the pain involved in being in the car that long--but I have no choice....she must go, and I am not established with a pain management doctor (or heck any doctor for that matter) to increase my meds or anything. At least I will not be driving much. I see a doc about every 2-4 years when I HAVE to. If I reschedule her, it will be a three month wait, and her condition is worsening so three months is not optional.

I guess any advice for long travel with pain in the lumbar/cervical areas? Any tricks of the trade to make the trip more tolerable? I have thermacare heat wraps, small "squishy" pillow with massaging device. I will have soma, lortab, relafen, protonix (since now the combo is hurting my stomach). Any other tips?

Mayzoo

[Pharmacist.steve]

Chronic pain is generally at the 3-6 month level. You did not mention if you are the only driver or not... laying down or fully reclined will change the direction of the G-forces from vertical to horizonal.. often this will lessen the trauma of traveling

[Mayzoo]

I was the driver of a stationary (parked) small sedan--hit on the passanger rear quarter panel by a Ford E-150 Van. It was fairly low speed--not that my pain level refelcts that. I was not seat belted as I was just finished parking and preparing to call my husband on my phone--I was looking down, had a really lousy day, and already tense at the time of impact. She did over a grand worth of damage to my car if that equates to anything of importance.

[Mayzoo]

Oh, my hubby will be doing most the driving to the NSG appointment---misunderstood your comment--got it now. Thanks

[Mark N]

I would say you have the basics down. The other thing I would suggest is to dress as comfy as possible, adjust your seat to the position you are most comfortable in and adjust it from time to time. Get out of the car as often as you can. I hope all goes well at the doctor's for your daughter.

[BrokenBladder]

Mayzoo,
Traveling is hard on anyone in pain. It does sound like you've been given great advice and I wish you well on your trip.

[Sally Girl]

I wish you well on your journey. We travel nine hours to see my daughter's ACM specialist, and she has a really hard time with traveling. We use lots of padding where she sits, she reclines, and she really medicates for the journey. I understand the kind of pain you are talking about. I hope your pain improves fast over time so you can take care of your daughter.

If you ever want to talk with a seasoned mom about the ACM stuff, feel free to send me private message. Then we can connect by email or by phone.

Hugs to you.

Cheryl

[shotspine]

You didn't say whether your pain was lumbar or cervical. Along with all the other good advice you've received, I highly recommend support pillows for both neck and low back (if your car seat doesn't have adjustable lumbar support). I've used a bucky pillow for many years for neck support and wouldn't leave home without it. There is a picture of it at www.buckypillow.com (http://www.buckypillow.com). You should be able to find it, or one similar, in many stores. You could call local bed/bath or travel/luggage stores. I bought mine at a natural foods coop but have seen them in lots of places. I lent mine to my daughter and she wouldn't give it back so had to buy another one. The cost WAS about $25.00 but worth every penny and they last forever (has washable cover too).

I would also take a couple extra pillows just in case you need to stuff them around or under you and a small blanket to cuddle in. Sometimes when the pain gets really nasty, it just helps to be able to cuddle in something and stay warm.

I hope your pain goes away before it hits the 'chronic' phase. Have a safe trip.

ss