What is Reddit's opinion of Managing Chronic Pain: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach Workbook (Treatments That Work)?

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Is this the workbook you're using?

Managing Chronic Pain: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach Workbook (Treatments That Work) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195329171/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_FVYS08QYAXRNM6DPC31Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I'm a mental health therapist myself, and well-versed in CBT and ACT for depression and anxiety, so I didn't think I would learn anything new that I hadn't already tried, but my own therapist suggested it, and it was actually pretty helpful.

None of it cured my pain directly, but it did help me to feel less suicidal about the pain, and helped me to maintain the patience and hope I needed in order to keep pushing forward even when I felt like giving up. I don't think I would have had the perseverance to get approved for both botox and ajovy if it weren't for this book.

The chapter on Time-Based Pacing was particularly helpful. In addition to Botox and Ajovy, it's probably the main reason I'm still able to maintain my full- time job.

I had to seriously reevaluate my life and reduce my expectations for what I can/will accomplish in a day. This was depressing at first, but I've gotten used to it over time.

I had to learn how to be more sedentary-- I used to be very active, and hated sitting in one place for very long, but I gradually developed new interests that are more migraine-friendly.

Many days, I only have a few good hours, so I have to choose wisely how to spend my time. I've learned a lot about myself and what matters most to me.

Time- based pacing is also important.

I found this workbook really helpful for the psychologically coping with chronic pain:

Managing Chronic Pain: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach Workbook (Treatments That Work) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195329171/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_3NNPVZ532H9HRPW4K4H8

And of course, this community is a lot of help. People are generally very supportive.

I found this workbook helpful:

Managing Chronic Pain: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach Workbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195329171/ref=cm_sw_r_awdo_navT_g_J9VNA7BWM9DMRWMNNZ1M

I have used it in my own treatment, and I have used it with clients who suffer from migraines/ other chronic pain.

Combination of proper treatment and (sadly) lower expectations for my life. Before migraines, I was a person who was always taking on new projects, always working hard towards multiple goals at once (career, education, fitness, etc), always trying to push myself just a little harder. Then migraines took over, and suddenly my only goal was to escape the unbearable pain I was in all the time. It was devastating, but I made the decision to take medical leave from my job so I could commit myself full-time to seeing doctors, navigating insurance parameters and finding an effective treatment. I failed at many things before eventually finding some relief in a combination of botox and ajovy-- enough to return to full-time work. I still have to be very careful though-- if I push myself too hard, I start having migraines again. I have to take many breaks, pace myself, and set clear boundaries. Cognitive Behavior Therapy has helped me to make peace with my new life. This book was really helpful:

Managing Chronic Pain: A Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Approach Workbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195329171/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_8M19R0CPNXZSWZQATV6X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That sounds really rough. I’ve been there in such pain for days where that’s all I can think about bc it’s so intense- is there anything that helps it a little bit? Heat? Compression type clothing? I treated myself to athleta leggings and they work wonders on my knee and hip. Thick hiking socks for my ankles, compression gloves for my hands/wrists/fingers. Anything to reduce it a little bit.

I’m sorry today is a tough day.

I try to think what caused the flare - like my last bad one I’m pretty sure was from a vegan dessert- lots of sugar and not gluten free.

Since my diagnosis in November I stopped eating gluten & dairy, and limit my sugar so the inflammation is super reduced. It’s made the biggest difference EVER.

For energy, I do drink coffee but a limited amount... just enough so I can be productive but not too much.

This book is really helpful. Highly recommend it.

Managing Chronic Pain: A... https://www.amazon.com/dp/0195329171?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The process of realizing you're disabled (or will be in pain for a long time) is very similar to the grieving process. I would suggest the two of you get a cognitive behavioral workbook on pain management and do it together. Even though you are not the one with pain doing it with him will help you understand what he is going though and should make him feel more supported.

Finding a good pain management center may help but with chronic pain at some point he may have to accept that he won't fully recover. Or sometimes it takes a really long time to get better and he may have to see multiple doctors and try all sorts of treatments which can get very frustrating and depressing. Helping him get out of the depression may be the best thing.

Edited: here is an example of one of those books http://www.amazon.com/Managing-Chronic-Pain-Cognitive-Behavioral-Treatments/dp/0195329171/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1429813167&sr=1-1&keywords=pain+management+cognitive

My pain management doctor actually recommended me to a CBT program that did individual, group, and physical therapy, it was amazing. It only lasted 6 weeks though.

The group sessions were focused around this workbook: https://www.amazon.com/Managing-Chronic-Pain-Cognitive-Behavioral-Treatments/dp/0195329171

I don't know if this kind of program is common, but it might be worth looking into!

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I usually recommend Donaldson's Stoicism and the Art of Happiness for a general intro / overview, and then get the 'canon' - Seneca's letters and essays (not all, but most) and then Marcus and Epictetus.

There must also be more modern and more relevant things to read though (the Stoics are great, but we've had 2,000 years since then). Any cognitive-behavioural approaches to pain management would fit in with Stoic principles and be more specific to your needs. There's this (as example, rather than recommendation)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Managing-Chronic-Pain-Cognitive-Behavioral-Treatments/dp/0195329171/

CBT for chronic pain is helpful for many people. If you can't find a provider I'd highly recommend this workbook