Chronic Pain Syndrome?

[octdevildog]

Hi, first time user on here and am so glad that there is a forum like this, found it by doing research on disability and the way the VA works. I have had lower back, knee, and neck problems for a few years and after seeing the ortho va doc he said that i have chronic pain syndrome. Do any of you currently have this problem?, how do you cope without pain pills (i'm not a fan of them would rather not, only take on those days when moving is next to impossible). Thanks for anyone that has some good info for me.

[1994andcouting.....]

Hi, first time user on here and am so glad that there is a forum like this, found it by doing research on disability and the way the VA works. I have had lower back, knee, and neck problems for a few years and after seeing the ortho va doc he said that i have chronic pain syndrome. Do any of you currently have this problem?, how do you cope without pain pills (i'm not a fan of them would rather not, only take on those days when moving is next to impossible). Thanks for anyone that has some good info for me.

Hello vet, I have been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, djd, ddd,arthritis, the list goes on. I do not like taking meds either and have been prescribed Hydrocodone, Oxycontin, Caprisodol, Gabapentin just to name a few, none of them have worked. I take some of them to help me fall asleep, rarely do I ever stay asleep, and the pain never goes away. I havent had a day without pain since 1990.

Sorry that I do not have any advice for you. I am sure that there is someone here at Hadit that will have great advice for you.

Thanks for your service, txcooper

[LarryJ]

I currently have a claim turned in for CPS.

My VA Primary Care Physician has diagnosed me with CPS.

My Psych PA has diagnosed me with CPS.

My Psychiatrist has diagnosed me with CPS.

My PhD Pain Management doc has diagnosed me with CPS and I attend Pain Management weekly therapy, etc.

So, how do I mangage it? Is that what you're asking?

If you'd rather NOT take the "pain pills", then I'd suggest that you get a referral from your Primary Doc for "pain management therapy/group/clinic" (that'd be easier than getting one from your orthopaedic doctor, simply because it's easier to see/talk with your Primary than it is to get an appointment with, or talk with, a specialist. My little PhD doctor has really tried to help me with "handling" the pain....so I don't have to rely solely upon my medication.

But, there is a line that I cross, that if I DON'T take my codiene, ambien, naprosin, then I don't sleep, I hurt worse because I don't sleep, then I have to take more of my meds for a longer period of time than if I had just done what the doctors have told me to do and that is take my meds on a VERY regular basis. And, they are right. Then it is something that I can somewhat "control" (mind over matter, etc., etc. yada yada PhD, PhD..........)!

[octdevildog]

So, CPS is a rateable disability? I just thought that they throw pills at you cause no one has done anything different. And can i get Physical therapy? I try to explain to people how much pain i'm in but words can not express.

[Maurice]

Rating is 10% to 40 % for CPS. Check with the VARO.

[john999]

The thing with CPS is that there is a significant emotional component to it. The pain changes you and actually changes your behavior and maybe changes how your brain functions. It is sort of like PTSD. It is not just pain. I think that even many pain management doctors don't really know how to treat it. If you have severe chronic pain most likely you will be taking narcotics. If you take narcotics you will build a tolerance. Then you have to take more of the same drug to get the same pain relief or change to a stronger drug. This is not addiction, but a natural reaction to narcotics. However, I don't know of an objective way to tell if someone is addicted or just dependent on a drug. If you stop taking it suddenly you will have symptoms of withdrawl. If oxycontin does not give you relief then something is very wrong because that is probably the most effective pain killer except injected morphine or heroin. They say that for fybro lyrica is a better drug but that is for nerve pain. I am really fed up because all the things I have tried just do not work for long and I am sick of being treated like a drug addict by doctors and the VA. If I am a drug addict the VA made me one. I took the drugs just like they told me to and now they say I am an addict. Then one day they decide we are cutting you off.

That is the VA for you.

[allan]

Chronic Pain often has a secondary condition of depression.

It is best to be examined by a Psychiatrist to determine the severity of pain and it's effect on daily living and medications and their effects on daily living. A Psychiatrists statement takes president over all others where pain is involved.

Also, you should be examined for loss of range of motion due to pain and measured for it if muscles are included.

All the above is ratable for service connected Chronic pain.

Edited September 16, 2008 by allan