How I cope

Brenda - brendaclarke1@comcast.net

I am a single woman (engaged), who has lived with coccyx pain for almost 15 years. At 16, I fell on my tailbone while ice skating and had pain right away. I have gone from one doctor to another and have tried many of the treatments you all have mentioned, except surgery. I still have moderate chronic pain most of the time. Some days are better than others.

My parents and my fiancé have been so understanding. However, most other people really don't understand what we go through. I finally am at peace with myself and with them for the following reasons:

1. Pain management clinics have helped me to separate my self from my pain.
2. Relaxation tapes and various books on pain management and relaxation.
3. Gentle exercises and a lot of walking.
4. Lifestyle changes at the office allowing me to stand most of the time, yet work at my computer standing. I also take several short walk breaks.
5. Never ever being without cushions, no matter where I go.
6. I can only sleep in one position, on my right side. And I sleep an hour or two less than I would like.

I still get depressed from time to time, and ask . . why me?

And I am glad for those of you who no longer have the pain, or it is greatly diminished. But for the rest of us, chronic pain are just horrible words to see or hear.

And now, I have this web site to go to for support and I will be joining the t-bones group.

God bless you all, especially you Jon.

Brenda

Updated 2005-03-20