Chronic Pain, alternative Treatment

@grandmar - Thank you for the link to pet therapy. I raised 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as therapy dogs, trained by me and licensed by the AKC. They were most helpful in the secured living center for patients with memory issues including my Dad. Just a few months ago, I had to say goodbye to my precious Roxie. She developed spyrigimalia and lost the use of her back legs. I so miss her because she was my best source of comfort and relief from chronic pain. The grieving is decreasing and I feel immense gratitude for her love and assistance. I cannot accept another one because I can no longer care for a dog. So..the visits seem to be a possibility. I do help a neighbor train his sled dogs when I am having a good pain day. All are rescues and in need of love and attention. Aren't we all? Wishing you a great day.

Hi All!
I know it has been a while since I've shared.
Lots of stuff going on that I will discuss at another time.
I am posting this link to an article I received.
It is very interesting for those of us suffering from mental or physical pain.
This hit home because many years ago, when I was mentally going through a very bad time and my body pains were getting to me, my daughter brought over her 2 puppies.
Both puppies climbed up on me kissing me and cuddling me.
It was like they knew something was wrong.
Considering how dogs are used to help people with all sorts of issues, I believe they knew my pain.
Anyway, please take a look.....
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/pet-therapy/art-20046342/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=housecall
Here's to a pain free (or controlled day)!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@grandmar - Thank you for the link to pet therapy. I raised 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels as therapy dogs, trained by me and licensed by the AKC. They were most helpful in the secured living center for patients with memory issues including my Dad. Just a few months ago, I had to say goodbye to my precious Roxie. She developed spyrigimalia and lost the use of her back legs. I so miss her because she was my best source of comfort and relief from chronic pain. The grieving is decreasing and I feel immense gratitude for her love and assistance. I cannot accept another one because I can no longer care for a dog. So..the visits seem to be a possibility. I do help a neighbor train his sled dogs when I am having a good pain day. All are rescues and in need of love and attention. Aren't we all? Wishing you a great day.

Yes Kratom works for me also! I haven’t been taking it for very long but it’s very similar to opioids. Some of the side effects are similar to opioids as well such as constipation! I’m concerned however about long-term effects and if I should be wary of taking this unregulated herb. Is it addictive? The jury seems to be out here.

Also I’ve tried three strains and they all seem pretty much the same to me. In addition, it is illegal in some states so it’s not a solution for some I’m afraid.

mrhappy what is kratom ? Never hear of that

Yes Kratom works for me also! I haven’t been taking it for very long but it’s very similar to opioids. Some of the side effects are similar to opioids as well such as constipation! I’m concerned however about long-term effects and if I should be wary of taking this unregulated herb. Is it addictive? The jury seems to be out here.

Also I’ve tried three strains and they all seem pretty much the same to me. In addition, it is illegal in some states so it’s not a solution for some I’m afraid.

@mrhappy

Please see the post I pasted from Colleen Young with reference to Kratom. The note is from the Mayo Pharmacist. Please be careful.

@jfsherley

I've pasted below a post from Colleen Young, Mayo Connect Director, explaining Kratom:

Colleen Young, Connect
Posted by Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung, Thu, Aug 24, 2017 5:18pm
In reply to @virtuous69 "Hello cpaul:. I'm Victorios 69. Read your post re:. Kratom. What exactly..." + (show)

IMPORTANT NOTE from Mayo Clinic pharmacist:

Kratom is a natural product but it does have significant risks and side effects. Because of these risks the FDA banned import of Kratom in August 2016 and issued a notice of intent to classify 2 chemicals in Kratom as Schedule 1 drugs (the same category as heroin).

Kratom can cause dependence and withdrawl symptoms including aggression, anxiety and other negative psychiatric effects, muscle aches, spasms, tremors, insomnia, fever and upset stomach. It can also cause dangerous slowed breathing and seizures. It can worsen psychiatric disease and may increase the risk of suicide. Kratom can impair liver function. Kratom interacts with other herbal medications including Jimson Weed. It interacts with sedating medications. It has the potential for many other drug interactions because of the way it is metabolized.

There are other medications and therapies for pain and withdrawal. Pain and withdrawal CAN be safely and effectively managed with prescription medications and other therapies by dedicated providers.Trying to manage serious medical conditions without your provider to guide you could make the condition worse.

Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Centers use group therapy, physical and occupational therapy and biofeedback and work with each individual to optimize therapy. http://www.mayoclinic.org/departments-centers/pain-rehabilitation-center/overview

This is a link to opiate addiction treatment centers and has further information on Kratom addiction. http://americanaddictioncenters.org/withdrawal-timelines-treatments/kratom/