forgot to answer your PS!
Basically I try to combat pain with a combination of medication inclduing tramadol and amitriptyline plus other add-ons when necessary (diazepam, gabapentin, oramorph etc.). I also use massage, heat, TENS, gentle exercise (swimming).
I also have bladder and bowel problems and the latter are the most troublesome problems at the moment as regards my quality of life. I have to do daily colonic irrigation plus a few other things to keep my bowels under control but may end up needing an ileostomy at some point. Please don't worry that this will happen to you though as it is not a common situation in AA. In fact I have been investigated for MS and my AA does resemble MS.
There are no easy answers. I use a lot of 'thinking' techniques to deal with the psychological impact of the illness; sometimes they work, other times I cope rather less well! You'd think after 25 years+ of chronic pain I'd have it sussed by now! HOwever, I think coping with chronic pain is rather like learning to walk a tightrope: no matter how skilled you get, there's always something unexpected that can send you flying so you need a safety net.
Hope this helps,
Regards,
DocSarah