Dealing With Pain

For some time now, I have been in a lot of pain. Back in 2008, I get tendonitis in my shoulder over training for professional bowling. Last fall, I completed 5 weeks of physical therapy 2 days a week, and I thought I was on my way to feeling better. Then, in February, I started a new job as a certified nursing assistant in a nursing home where I work with people suffering from dementia. Many of them cannot stand, so I do a lot of lifting. For a long time, my back had been a trooper, but I noticed the pain in my shoulders, both the injured one from using it so much and the good one from using it instead of the injured one.  Then, in early may, I wiped out on my bike after hitting a rock crossing some train tracks. Ever since, I have been in a lot of pain in by back and neck. Being in pain all the time is making me depressed, anxious, and really lethargic. All I want to do is start working out so that I can get stronger and hopefully get over the pain and get on my way to being in shape.

Depression REALLY sucks! I am grumpy and short tempered. I have very diminished patience. This is all lovely because the man I love and I argue all the time over stupid misunderstandings ALL the time. And, working with dementia residents is a real treat because they can be loud and repetitive. Don't get me wrong- I love working with those people and I REALLY love my boyfriend, so WHY CAN'T I CONTROL MYSELF! Ugh, I’m so frustrated. I just want to want up and not be in pain and not be a total…. Pain? Haha

Anyway, my doctor wants to say that likely, the depression is causing the pain…. But I had the pain before I was depressed. And, I cannot say that I am depressed so much as just exhausted from being in pain. Why can’t doctors get with the program?Ok, that was harsh -but like I said, I can be a bit snarky. I really want to see all my dreams come true, but I cannot find the motivation to with the constant aches in my neck, back and hips.

Any suggestions. How do you deal with it?