First of all you should definitely be consulting with your doctor on ways to take the edge off your pain. If it is extremely bad you will have to consider sacrificing some level of function, in order to achieve proper medication. It will be a toss-up between pain relief and full awareness, but it is possible to strike a happy medium.

Consider professional help. It didn't do anything for me, but several people who had the same illness as I did, found it extremely useful in coming to terms with their new changed lifestyles. It's not a weakness to acknowledge you need help with readjustment into normal life.

I'm going to say anything stupid like 'count your blessings' because that is fucking annoying to hear. But there is a grain of truth in them. You aren't dead, you've got things ahead of you in life, that will still be achievable. A good way out of depression caused by illness is helping other people either with your condition or without, and above all keeping busy. The busier you keep, the less time you'll have to brood over it

Best wishes
( Amberl was stripey and dominated Europe, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:33, 2 replies, latest was 16 years ago)

that's true about helping others
I have a friend who suffers from depression and I suggested she join the Samaritans, which she did, and she said she enjoys it and it really helps her, it's cathartic I guess.
( Kitty v1.0 desperately naive, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 8:46, Reply)

It sure is.

( Noeli overtheshoulderboulderholderthingstraplatchboobs, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:22, Reply)

you understand the level
I'm fvcked with pain, taking regular blood checks to see if my painkillers are destroying my liver and kidneys, and I can't sleep without pills. Today I had a fever and a load to do at work, I called in sick. I reckon at this stage everyone at work hates me now.
(knackerz is skinning up, Wed 1 Sep 2010, 9:23, Reply)