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Pain And Changes In Weather...Am I Alone????
Chronic Pain | Last Active: Oct 21, 2023 | Replies (149)Comment receiving replies
Hi Rachel: Thank you for taking the time to reply. To answer your first two questions....I will be 76 in January. I've been taking 10/325 hydrocodone/acetaminophen for years. I've lost track now but I think it's been at least 7 or 8 years. I just looked up hyperalgesia on Web MD and it makes sense to me. A number of times recently I've said to my husband...." I swear that sometime the pain gets worse instead of better soon after I take my dose of hydrocodone". Maybe I should be calling it generic Norco. I am positive the most severe pain I am experiencing is definitely nerve pain. I have also told my husband I think I have nerve damage of some kind that is causing a more intense sensitivity to pain so this all makes a lot of sense.
I am using many of the self help techniques you mentioned. They do help to some degree. I've had no luck with the one I was most interested in and that's meditation. OMG...my mind goes crazy when I try it plus I can't get into a comfortable position so my mind keeps focusing on the pain I'm feeling. I keep trying from time to time though.
I think I want to focus on the medication end of this situation to start. At times I get more pain relief from 1000 mg of acetaminophen than one 10/325 hydro/acetamin . I will contact my primary. My primary is not an MD He is a PA-C.... a certified physician assistant with 20 years experience. Obviously over the years I have seen many specialists but not recently. There are other issues regarding choosing a doctor and doctor's visits but I consider that to personal to discuss on an open forum.
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@cahnny Hi Im so sorry about your R A I am in alot of back pain from a bad fall ,arthritis Like Rachel said yes weather has an effect on our joints. My toolbox is Hot tub bath with Epsom Salts Ice when it feels swollen then heating pad .The biggest part of my day uses ice and heat.I can't get in or out of a tub so I bought on Amazon a chair that takes you into and brings you out of tub .It's wonderful.Epsom salts in a rub also is great,even a tub with A C Vinegar helps or like ES rub
it on your pain I hope this helps
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You are welcome! Ahhhh...meditation....I like to take the pressure off of the term meditation and just think relaxation. Starting with a simple pause. Take time for you, it can be anywhere. Pause and count to 20. Take a deep breath to clear your mind. Scheduling these breaks throughout the day is valuable because it allows you to build a routine and understand that relaxation can be just as important to the mind and body as eating. It doesn't have to be a huge routine, just simple yet effective.
What is helpful for me is to sit in a quiet comfortable place, If not, where ever you are can work too. I carry a lot of tension in my shoulders and always catch myself with shoulders up and tight, also my jaw. First I drop my shoulders as low as they can go even if it hurts at first, next I loosen my jaw by opening my mouth to relieve the tension. Next I put my palms face up and relax my fingers. Once you feel your body start to calm and come down from a heightened state, take a slow deep breath through your nose and inflate your belly then slowly let it out through your nose. This is called diaphragmatic breathing, like a baby breathes with their belly. Allow yourself to practice this relaxation several times throughout the day until it becomes habitual. You can do it for 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes. I use it while eating if I'm having a digestive flare. Chronic pain folks really need to utilize this practice. It's a simple and effective self help component.
I applaud you for focusing on the reduction of medication, it takes bravery to recognize and want to make such a big change. I tapered off very safe and slow and I hope that with the right help you can too. l'm glad you are feeling that Norco has run its course and want to make a change. Your primary doctor is a great place to start.
Have you scheduled an appointment yet with your primary?