Feeling at my wits end with Chronic Pain and Fibromyalgia

Posted by Jen, Alumna Mentor @sandytoes14, Aug 19, 2019

Usually I am not one to share much of my personal story but here goes...I have what is called moderate to severe degenerative disc disease, arthritis of the spine C3-C7 and lumbar spine, and Fibromyalgia. In the 20 years Ive had pain, I"ve been though many treatments including PT, tens unit, bio feedback,injections, nerve ablations, you name it. I'm prescribed Cymbalta 60 mg for Fibro and anxiety as well as 225 mg of Lyrica. I have been on and off various painkillers too. I'm currently on a long acting oxycodone of 13.5 mg and once a day one 15 mg of IR oxycodone. This has been my regime for a few months now as I switched from 15 mg IR oxycodone. Now for those who are worried about me ODing...I understand. I actually hype-vigilant about my meds. (And I have my hubby and son who watch) Years ago I was on 15 mg Fentanyl patch for 10 months and came off it in one month with no side effects.
Right now I'm really struggling with this rotten pain. I have no appetite, either can't sleep or nap during the day.

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@trishj46

Lioness------I am going to check out cream, but my bathroom looks like a drug store with creams and ointments.
What kind of magnetic brace---lower spine? Where did you buy it, online?? I use ice pack on my butt for burning.
rectal pain day & night . With this neurogenic bowel, I have to manually handle since it is paralyzed, a lot of distress.
Have to self-cath too with same distress! Thanks for suggestions! I am open to anything. My Doctor has had me on so many meds, I think she is a saint for putting up with me! Hugs!

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I am in Phila. Pa----not really far from Pittsburg. I am in Delaware County.

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@lioness

trishj46 Where in PA? I lived a little outside Pittsburgh

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@lioness...so how far outside Pittsburgh. I lived in Coraopolis.....

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@trishj46

Lioness------I am going to check out cream, but my bathroom looks like a drug store with creams and ointments.
What kind of magnetic brace---lower spine? Where did you buy it, online?? I use ice pack on my butt for burning.
rectal pain day & night . With this neurogenic bowel, I have to manually handle since it is paralyzed, a lot of distress.
Have to self-cath too with same distress! Thanks for suggestions! I am open to anything. My Doctor has had me on so many meds, I think she is a saint for putting up with me! Hugs!

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@trishj46 Pittsburg is in Alleghany county I lived in Westmoreland Co all my life but since 2010 I live in Calif. now Long Beach. no family left back home son and grandson here . It was an adjustment for sure. The magnetic brace has 5 magnets inbeded in the brace up spine and 5 across the lower back. I was less then 20.00 and I got it through a catalogue Dr. Leonards I have used it for 3 months now and it has helped me a lot . I use it when I'm going out walking or shopping when I'm on my legs a lot . In 2005 I had a work compensation since I fractured my back doing private duty the Dr then after the narcotics put me on Tramadol 50 and Ive been on it ever since but gone from 5 to 1 now .So sorry for all your troubles. Is there nothing can be done for the neurogenic bowel ,bladder ? Cyber hugs coming your way . I also use Epsom salts does this help you any ? It will relax the muscles and of course feet soak.

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@lioness

@trishj46 Pittsburg is in Alleghany county I lived in Westmoreland Co all my life but since 2010 I live in Calif. now Long Beach. no family left back home son and grandson here . It was an adjustment for sure. The magnetic brace has 5 magnets inbeded in the brace up spine and 5 across the lower back. I was less then 20.00 and I got it through a catalogue Dr. Leonards I have used it for 3 months now and it has helped me a lot . I use it when I'm going out walking or shopping when I'm on my legs a lot . In 2005 I had a work compensation since I fractured my back doing private duty the Dr then after the narcotics put me on Tramadol 50 and Ive been on it ever since but gone from 5 to 1 now .So sorry for all your troubles. Is there nothing can be done for the neurogenic bowel ,bladder ? Cyber hugs coming your way . I also use Epsom salts does this help you any ? It will relax the muscles and of course feet soak.

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I get DR.Leonards catalog! Is the brace covering upper and lower back? Can do nothing with neurogenic bowel or bladder----damage from spinal cord surgery! Thanks!@

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@trishj46

Jen-----thanks for sharing!----I was on most of same meds, but insurance company stopped them. They are in the process now of wanting to stop percocet. Where do you live? I am in PA and they want people off opiods! It is so cruel and more & more people committing suicide. Do not know what I will do if stop this. take good care.

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@trishj46 I live in FL. They want us off opioids here too. My medical team seems to be handling the government’s guidelines well. I have seen drug seekers come in his office and he tells them no way!

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@artscaping

@lioness...so how far outside Pittsburgh. I lived in Coraopolis.....

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@artscaping Hi Chris.Yes I know where Coraopolis. I lived near Greensburg the county seat of Westmoreland Co. I say it is about 45 min. from there . Funny how you forget the little towns around there cant remember any now. Have a good day Linda

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@trishj46

Jen-----thanks for sharing!----I was on most of same meds, but insurance company stopped them. They are in the process now of wanting to stop percocet. Where do you live? I am in PA and they want people off opiods! It is so cruel and more & more people committing suicide. Do not know what I will do if stop this. take good care.

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I know we with not Tolerable pain seem to be the ones suffering with the opioid crisis.
It’s a sad thing but I feel they need to fight it differently.

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@trishj46

I get DR.Leonards catalog! Is the brace covering upper and lower back? Can do nothing with neurogenic bowel or bladder----damage from spinal cord surgery! Thanks!@

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@trishj46 caps off now . Yes the brace goes over shoulders you can adjust the tightness of it It covers both upper and lower back I would suggest putting the closer belt over panties..

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@lioness

@trishj46 caps off now . Yes the brace goes over shoulders you can adjust the tightness of it It covers both upper and lower back I would suggest putting the closer belt over panties..

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Thanks---I am checking it out-----cream too! sending you Hugs!

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@trishj46

Thanks---I am checking it out-----cream too! sending you Hugs!

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@trishj46 Glad to hear it .We are all in this pain joirney together You,ll find we all suggest what works for us in hopes it will for you also 😊 Connect is a caring community Let me know if it helps you I love the cream put it on before bed and during day 😁

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