Ok so I feel a tad guilty of not respecting the thread by commenting and not reading everyone's thoughts. So I read them, and feel compelled to man up and spread my story.....something that to me is rather depressing, emotional and until I read this thread....didn't think there was anyone who would care to hear! But it seems I'm a pussy ;) so here goes!
I have an extensive background in junior, schoolboy and non professional sports after school. Ranging from ANYTHING I could rap my hands or spikes around.so basically I was very very active! Anyway....started a career as a Carpenter and eventually a builder. About 10years in.....I start getting these nerve issues in my hip area.(never been injured, only a few fractured fingers). Overtime it progresses to my groin,back and legs, getting worse over time! 5ish years later I've scaled back so much I'm off the tools.....so I start my own renovating buissiness to stretch it out another year or so.
So here I am now on disability, with my lovely childhood sweet heart wife of over 10years, now as my full time carer.
The latest (basic version)and by far the mostsucsessfull diagnosis has come up with "pudendal neuralgia". Basically damaged nerve that leads to the groin. Now here's the fun part.
My pain can be described as chronic persistent pain to the groin area (including and by FAR the worst the testicles) A few specialists encouraged me to describe to others who required a description, too liken it to well over a few normal child births worth of pain every time! Often sharp hot needle like shots directly in the worst possible place for a male. These burst of pain go from all over my groin to my hips and down my legs to the knee! "During" these bouts I clearly admit to being capable of shooting myself, the pain being so great! (I stress I'm am in no way suicidal normally). They can last from 5mins up to over an hour and I generally get at least one event a day!
After the "event" (I'll call it that) the tenderness and touchiness is extreme, so much that even the lightest of touches from even light pants is unbearable!
For these reasons I also never sleep well as the onset is sudden an viscous and can be anytime, no particular movements seem to bring it on.....I can be dead asleep or totally comfy and BAM! Sad face!
On top of this I have an extreme tolerance too pain meds....so relief is minor. For those in the know....stupid amounts of Tramadol, Valium and Lyrica. Endep for sleep.
I therefore spend my life trying to do things I enjoy, to keep my mind occupied! I watch a lot of sport,read and play video games a fair bit! I do physio,vegetable gardening and look after chickens!
Being in extreme pain effects your brain in unconcevable ways.....especially when your body is perfectly healthy and fit. Being physically disabled and being a sports freak do not go well together! I feel for every person on this planet who is depressed or suffers from anxiety as it is not natural, and unless you have a great support network, it can be unbelievably hard to get thru life!
There are 3 things (short version again)that keep me sane.....
My religious beliefs(won't get into that of course)
My amazing workaholic little wife
And my DOG. Rico is a Bullarab/Ridgeback and is attached to my hip. He is my shadow more then you could imagine! Getting a pet is the number 1thing from my personal experience that I'd suggest to others to get to keep them involved,busy and loved an so on! Sorry I'm not the greatest with words!
Not sure if I got that all across right but I gave it a crack guys.
Stick in there boys n girls....get a hobby n enjoy life
