topic Re: Chronic Pain in Wellness

Chronic Pain

texassunflower — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 17:38:06 GMT

I see a pain management specialist for a herniated and bulging discs. I have a plethora of medication and still have pain. The meds keep it from being excruciating but daily pain takes a toll on your mental health. I have recently started Cymbalta and I almost have three weeks in. I think it's helping some. I am almost 59 and I often wonder is this what I have to look forward to for the next 20 years. For those that live with daily pain, how do you keep your spirits up? I live alone and have only a sister left in my immediate family. I saved diligently for retirement and now I really can't enjoy it. I am just asking what gives you enjoyment even though you are in pain.

Re: Chronic Pain

fthunt — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 17:54:44 GMT

My hairdresser in her late 40's - went and had lower back surgery and was back very soon - no pain and back to standing all day. She said she'd go through it in a wink of eye..........made life normal again.

Just a suggestion - IF your condition warrants something like this..

Re: Chronic Pain

Shelbelle — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 17:58:57 GMT

Has anyone suggested surgery for this condition. 18 years ago my hubby had same thing, had outpatient surgery, called Microdiscectomy and he was back to his old self 10 days later, no more suffering.

Re: Chronic Pain

SilleeMee — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 18:01:16 GMT

I was suicidal for about five months until I had surgery. I finally had to go to a mental health place and get help dealing with it. I live alone, too. TG the surgery gave me relief but I know what it's like to live with pain day in and day out. It's exhausting and causes depression.

Re: Chronic Pain

colleena — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 18:04:42 GMT

@texassunflower Sorry to hear you are having pain issues - not fun at all.

My husband has had numerous spine surgeries, still has some rods/screws left in there so he has good/bad days but tries to enjoy what he can. He has some days where he can't get comfortable sitting or standing but other days he can enjoy as much as possible almost back to normal. He does get some benefit from massage/chiropractor treatment & smoking pot in the garage.

Re: Chronic Pain

Kachina624 — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 18:22:13 GMT

@texassunflower We've conversed before and have almost identical situations, right down to the single sister. I've tried every treatment in the book and every medication suggested and get no relief. I'm older than you and can only stand about 5 minutes at the most. Surgery for me is not an option. I've been treated by 2 pain management specialists.

Thank God for grocery pick up and Amazon. Do you have a mobility scooter? That gives you a lot more freedom and independence, allows you to participate in things you otherwise would have to skip. I walk my 2 dogs around the neighborhood on mine. Take advantage of the wheelchair service offered by the airlines and travel some. Southwest Airlines has been wonderful to me. If you have a scooter, you can take it with you. I rented a scooter for a cruise. I'm okay as long as I'm sitting.

My biggest problems are doing house cleaning and yard work. When you live on a fixed income, you don't have money to pay people to do everything for you. I get it done but very slowly.

Re: Chronic Pain

PINKdogWOOD — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 18:32:07 GMT

@texassunflower I had the same pain from hern'd disc lumbar 3-4. Literally hunched over out of bed. The only way I could stand erect was after a hot shower which I did everyday anyway.

Had xrays & MRI done, headed to surgery, had a fabulous Dr/team who made everything back to normal. That was Feb 1996 - no pain since.

You really need to request y our Dr get xrays and MRI scheduled as well hook you up with the right team and have surgery done. Then get off the drugs.

Maybe better still, sounds like all your Dr is doing is writing 'scripts for you. Pain killers is not your answer. Take yourselft to see someone who will do the right things for you. I say this with your best intentions in mind, please know this. You do not need to suffer.

Re: Chronic Pain

Tinkrbl44 — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 19:03:40 GMT

@texassunflower wrote:
I see a pain management specialist for a herniated and bulging discs. I have a plethora of medication and still have pain. The meds keep it from being excruciating but daily pain takes a toll on your mental health. I have recently started Cymbalta and I almost have three weeks in. I think it's helping some. I am almost 59 and I often wonder is this what I have to look forward to for the next 20 years. For those that live with daily pain, how do you keep your spirits up? I live alone and have only a sister left in my immediate family. I saved diligently for retirement and now I really can't enjoy it. I am just asking what gives you enjoyment even though you are in pain.

@texassunflower

I have just posted this response on another thread here about pain, but won't send you looking for it. (could be Arthritis Pain, I think)

I had back pain among other things, and my Rheumatologist sent me for a spinal epidural. Pain relief lasted about 6 months (sheer heaven!) and then I needed another epidural. Over time, they had a cumulative effect.

Over a period of about 3 years I had 5 epidurals, and my back pain is now routinely managed with aspirin. I also deal with RA and that's a whole other story, but my back pain was relieved, and that was HUGE for me.

One more thing .... ask if it's possible you might get relief from a Teeter-type apparatus that gently tips you upside down to varying degrees and suddenly you have no pressure at all on your discs. A friend uses one for 5 minutes twice a day and says it has saved his life. Just a thought to consider.

HTH

Re: Chronic Pain

CatsyCline — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 19:35:01 GMT

get a 2nd or third opinion. i've had a C-spine fusion, 2 L-spine surgeries and most recently a THR. after my needed lumbar('09, '17) and neck surgeries('19) i developed chronic, debilitating pain for 6 years.

My primary was clueless and the neuros did not know what was going on with me. they kept throwing opiates at me.

February 2020 i fell outside on the steps and had an xray. The xray showed a severely arthritic hip. had the THR in Sept 2020. BEST surgery ever! i can't believe i went so long with this pain thinking it was my spine. all the neuros said it was new issues with my spine. in July 2020 i saw an Orthopedic surgeon and 2 months later he performed a miracle. the pain is gone! no longer need to use my canes, my rollator, and no longer need to fight over a mobility scooter at WM.

Re: Chronic Pain

shaggygirl — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 20:09:00 GMT

@colleena wrote:
@texassunflower Sorry to hear you are having pain issues - not fun at all.

My husband has had numerous spine surgeries, still has some rods/screws left in there so he has good/bad days but tries to enjoy what he can. He has some days where he can't get comfortable sitting or standing but other days he can enjoy as much as possible almost back to normal. He does get some benefit from massage/chiropractor treatment & smoking pot in the garage.

@colleena

Your last line cracked me up. Almost spit my diet coke out. Still chuckling.

Re: Chronic Pain

Still Raining — Sat, 05 Jun 2021 21:09:06 GMT

If surgical options aren't on right now, please ask for a referral to a Chronic Pain Clinic. Usually you have to have at least 6 months of other treatment.

People snicker about them but as well as many types of treatment, such as PT and being under direction of a md, they focus on your mind.

Chronic Pain is a mind game. The nerve paths are out of order.

Re: Chronic Pain

software — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 13:51:30 GMT

I hope you get some real relief soon.

When I am in pain, mental or physical, I get on Google satellite maps & travel to beautiful places here and all over the world. It does give me a bit of relief.

Re: Chronic Pain

IMW — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 14:06:49 GMT

I take 2 naproxen twice a day and marijuana capsules

4 times a day along with 2400 mg of gabapentin daily.

I still have pain but it helps.
And duloxotine 60 mg.

I too saved for retirement and can't do much at all. My husband is my caretaker in many ways.

I am extremely grateful for what I can do--- read, watch

movies, grandchildren

, take a shower, etc.

Having $ allows those of us who can't do to hire people.

Again, I am so grateful, it took years for me to have acceptance.

Re: Chronic Pain

hckynut — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 15:07:20 GMT

@Tinkrbl44

I have had 2 back surgeries which removed ruptured L-3/L-5/S-1. I bought a Teeter Inversion Table about 2 years ago, when I talked my Cardiologist, into taking me off Blood Pressure meds. For me it is good for several purposes, including it's primary goal, of elongating the spine. Worth every penny I paid for it.

john

Re: Chronic Pain

hckynut — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 15:20:44 GMT

@IMW wrote:
I take 2 naproxen twice a day and marijuana capsules
4 times a day along with 2400 mg of gabapentin daily.
I still have pain but it helps.
And duloxotine 60 mg.
I too saved for retirement and can't do much at all. My husband is my caretaker in many ways.
I am extremely grateful for what I can do--- read, watch
movies, grandchildren
, take a shower, etc.
Having $ allows those of us who can't do to hire people.
Again, I am so grateful, it took years for me to have acceptance.

Wow, that's a lot of pain meds. Is your Naproxen also a prescription pain med? If you are able to enjoy your life, isn't that most people's goal as they grow older?

john

Re: Chronic Pain

Kachina624 — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 19:57:39 GMT

@texassunflower You started this; are you going to come back and participate in your own thread?

Re: Chronic Pain

SeaMaiden — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 20:23:51 GMT

@texassunflower I also have arthritis everywhere spine...neck....everywhere.....I looked into Chinese herbs and have been taking a few formulas that work quite well. I have been taking them for about 8 years.

You might do some investigating and see if there is a Chinese herbalist you could check out. I guess you have to be open to something new....since regular medicine is not always the answer.

Re: Chronic Pain

Derwin28 — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 03:54:36 GMT

I so wish I had a decent answer to your question...but I really don't. It's a question I often ask myself. It's difficult, I know. But here it goes....Try staying as socially active as you can (consider joining some kind of group with interests you may enjoy and be physically able to participate in). Whatever you can do to stay socially connected. Nurture your relationship with your sister and any old or new relationships that arise if they bring you joy. If you're interested in travel and you have the resources, maybe look into a relaxing cruise? Also, attitude is crazy important. In relation to chronic pain, try to avoid looking too far down the road of life (that can be depressing). Set your sights on each new day and making it better than the day before. If your pain is not being managed effectively, consider seeking other medical/professional opinions. I wish you well on your journey

Re: Chronic Pain

ALRATIBA — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 18:11:05 GMT

I've been to pain mgmt doc .... his advice: physical therapy, lidocaine patches, Tylenol, hot or cold compresses 30 minutes twice a day (whichever temp works better) ... and remainng active. PT gave me a series of exercises to do each day in addition to twce a week treatment.

I apparently have a high pain tolerance - so I'm able to work through the pain. I go out for a walk unless there's a weather issue - I use a rollator walker.

PT, exercise and remaining active works for me.

Re: Chronic Pain

Tinkrbl44 — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:11:42 GMT

@ALRATIBA wrote:
I've been to pain mgmt doc .... his advice: physical therapy, lidocaine patches, Tylenol, hot or cold compresses 30 minutes twice a day (whichever temp works better) ... and remainng active. PT gave me a series of exercises to do each day in addition to twce a week treatment.

I apparently have a high pain tolerance - so I'm able to work through the pain. I go out for a walk unless there's a weather issue - I use a rollator walker.

PT, exercise and remaining active works for me.

@ALRATIBA @texassunflower

I think lidocaine patches can be a godsend. I've tried three name brands, and came across a generic-type patch at the dollar store, and they work just as well as the name brand patches!

I've found that putting the patches on at bedtime so they can work all night makes for a very comfortable following day. Putting them on at bedtime also guarantees less pulling and stretching and they stay exactly where placed.

@texassunflower

So ... what are you trying?