How do you cope with your pain.

I am in agony 24/7 from spinal cord injury and autonomic dysfunction. Like you, my pain increases when I am up. I cannot sit up without passing out and I can never lie flat. I must remain in a recline position. I learned to augment the conventional treatment, medications, oxygen, physical therapy, massage therapy, traction, pain patches, and whirlpool, with alternate methods. I learned to use methods like focusing, relaxation, meditation, biofeedback, listening to water tapes, cinema therapy, poetry therapy and journal writing. When the pain is really intolerable, I get in a warm bath for 6 to 8 hours. When I am in water I do not hurt. The only problem is that I have no temperature discrimination, so when I am in a hot tub of water, I may be shivering and the water feels ice cold. The only time I feel relief is when I am in water or in traction. I cannot make a bed either and my insurance company refuses to give me a nurse or housekeeper. So, the bed is made with a sheet and spread. Then, I put a fleece cover on top of that and my quilts and pillows over me. These can be folded away if company comes and the bed is always made. You become very creative and inventive when you must survive with a disability. I do what I can do when I can. And when I can't, I must stay in bed all day. Then, I have a list of things I do from bed, on the phone, on the computer, on the internet, watching classic movies. I accept myself and what I can do and what I am. I am enough.

I understand your problem with chronic pain I have had mucho tests costing way too much and then to only tell me I will just have to live with the pain or alleviate it with more pain pills It is a catch 22 because the pain pills only upset my system Heat seems to be my major solice I made myself a long bag with very tiny rice in that i can heat up I use this at night time It really helps I have neck, arm and leg pain on right I had a cleaning lady but had to let her go for now due to finances She was a blessing Good luck to you I would be happy to chat any timr if it takes your mind off your pain