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I don't even know where to start..Pain everywhere
I really don't even know where to start here. I'm 71. I started with RA in my left knee when I was a child. Supposedly went into remission later in life after a surgery and way too much steroids which left me with a whole other set of problems. Actually I'm having my left eye eviscerated next week due to years of damage from chronic secondary glaucoma and uveitis. I've been told I should have both knees replaced. I have degenerative disc disease so my back is a mess. I have gut issues including IBS-C and OIC from using hydrocodone for pain. I get spasms anywhere (even anal) and anytime my body feels like giving me a little extra zap. My spine itches so badly sometimes it drives me crazy. I hurt everywhere, even my skin hurts. It feels like my nervous system is really screwed up....the signals from my brain to my nerves...or maybe it's the other way around seem to fire off pain signals all the time. Weather changes?...forget about it...I'm a walking weather station. My skin hurts, my muscles hurt, my bones hurt....everything hurts.
I'm now in a wheelchair so I don't get much exercise. Yep..you got it. The weight started piling on regardless of what I do or don't eat. I really should lose 40 lbs.
At my age I'm not going to start having surgery after surgery for both knees, my back, my neck, etc. I can't afford expensive drugs and the side effects of some of the newer medications you see advertised on TV are daunting and aren't adviced because of my stomach issues. So why am I even asking anyone for their thoughts? I don't have a clue. I guess I'm frustrated and feeling overwhelmed. Homepathic thoughts? Eating habits and ideas on healthy foods? I think I eat a pretty healthy diet...fish, chicken, fruits and veggies. My one weakness is a sweet tooth. I don't eat much in the way of cookies, cake, pastries, etc but I do eat a container of slow churned 1/2 fat Dreyers chocolate ice cream over the coarse of 8 weeks, 4 or 5 mini York peppermint patties in the evening while watching TV, and suck on 3 to 5 Matlow's peppermint hard candies a day. Does anyone feel like eating sugar triggers pain?
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@cahnny - I'm truly sorry that you've endured more than your share of physical issues, and that you live with so much pain.
Because of peptic ulcers 8 years ago, I'm not supposed to take any NSAIDS, which makes it hard to treat arthritis and other pain. I take some Meloxicam, which is supposed to be easier on the stomach.
I imagine you've seen a pain specialist. . Mine has been a great help to me. Another option that may not involve medication is a pain management clinic. I've heard great things about the Mayo program.
I'm 67, but I don't have any problem with having whatever surgery the doctors recommend, if it appears that it will improve my quality of life.
Our daughter gave us a book with a DVD called "Sit and Be Fit". We've never used it, though we should have. Maybe this winter. Maybe it would be worth trying.
I'm sure others will have good suggestions from their experiences.
Jim
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear everything you’re going through! I’ve had similar (and some of the same) issues since 2009, and I’m only 58!
If you’re on Facebook—or if you aren’t, I suggest you sign up—join CBD Oil Users Group. It sounds as if you may have fibromyalgia, so I’d also recommend joining their sister group, CBD Oil and Fibromyalgia.
I am a living, walking poster child for CBD oil, and you will see many, many others just as excited about their new leases in life as I am.
Also check out (Google) “endocannabinoid system.”
Thank you very much. After I have my eye surgery I will look into that. I'm on a very limited budget so cost is a factor. My doctor actually gave me a prescription for marijuana and I did try it. It didn't help with the pain though. Actually sometimes it intensified the pain I felt....sort of like my neck muscles started tightening up so tight it caused pain from my neck down my spine. Seemrf to get different reations at different times. I understand CBD is different though so I will definitely look into it. I Binged CBD and found this interesting article. Here's the link. https://www.today.com/health/what-cbd-oil-everything-know-about-latest-health-trend-t118055
I'll look up the Facebook pages you mentioned now. As for Fibromyalgia, it's strange you say that. Actually just two weeks ago I was at my gut doctor's office. During our conversation he made a side comment that some of the complaints I had sounded like Fibro to him. I've wondered about it too. I'll check this all out. I assume you're a member of the CBD Oil Users Group on Facebook.
Thank you again
Thank you Jim. I'd be interested in knowing more about the DVD on "Sit and Be Fit". I'll look it up on Amazon. I have serious back issues too so I really have to be careful how I move. At 71 I'm just not comfortable with having so many surgeries that "might" help. My understanding is I should consider having both knees replaced as well as neck and back surgeries but the odds they give me are not encouraging. I guess I didn't mention I'm having my left eye removed next week. I have no choice with that one. It's a longggg story spanning many years. Bottom line...the time has come. The eye has to come out. I've been blind in that eye for over 10 years so at least I don't have to adjust to seeing out of one eye. I'm just nervous. I haven't had the best of luck with medical issues. There always seems to be complications to overcome. I just have to be positive and expect no problems...lol. Again..thank you for the kind words. I guess it's nice to exchange feelings with people who understand.
Yes—it can be challenging to find the right CBD oil for you. Some of the companies listed in the FB group’s pinned post offer (relatively) inexpensive sample-sized bottles. I started with Kat’s Naturals “Heal,” and it has been a Godsend.
I am indeed a member of that group as well as one called CBD Oil and Fibromyalgia. You will not believe the wealth of information there.
Also, this is the first episode in a new docuseries that may interest you. They’re airing all seven episodes free, and then they will cost $197 to purchase. Episodes one and two will be available only until 9:00 p.m. EST tonight. https://thesacredplant.com/docuseries/episode2/
I wish you all the best!!
Speaking of moving, how are you with being in a pool?
I just this week started an aquasize class designed to accommodate those of us with arthritis (sanctioned by the American Arthritis Foundation), and OH MY GOODNESS! The water is soooo warm, and the movement feels simply wonderful.
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1 ReactionI love being in a pool but there isn't one convenient enough to me that would fit into my situation.
There are two CBD oil groups on Facebook. There's CBD Oil Users Group and then there's CBD Oil Users Group Official. Which one are you referring to. Seems there's a lot of groups actually but also a lot of people trying to sell things.
Hmmm. I didn’t know about the group with “Official” in its name.
No sellibgbis allowed in the two groups I mentioned, and they’re closely monitored.
Hello @cahnny,
I am glad to see you have connected with some members that have given you some suggestions as to what you may be experiencing or avenues to discuss with your provider on trying to find answers. Based on your discussion with @gal_in_kalamazoo, here are few discussions on Connect that you may also find interesting:
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/cbd/ - Discussion with members actively discussing CBD
- Fibromyalgia pain, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/fibromyalgia-pain-28e002/
@gal_in_kalamazoo, have you been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, or are you just familiar with the disease?
@cahnny, you mentioned your doctor mentioned the possibility of fibromyalgia, if you don't mind sharing, has there been any follow up there?