1. < Chronic Pain

Pain And Changes In Weather...Am I Alone????

Posted by cahnny @cahnny, Sep 10, 2016

I've read articles saying that changes in weather can effect severity of pain and, of course, there's the old timers who swear the old bones ache when it's gonna rain. Well I guess, at 70 years old, I'm now an old timer and, let me tell you...my old bones and muscles, and skin, and hair HURT. There are days I hurt from neuropathy and Morton's Neuroma in my feet and legs, to profound itching along my degenerating spine (I think due to pinches nerves), to aching joints, swollen cysts behind my arthritic knees, gut discomfort from IBS, pinched nerves EVERYWHERE to neck pain that goes down my arms, to skin that just feels sore and tingly. I'm talking all these things all at the same time. It's like someone flipped a switch and lit me up like a roman candle. One doctor will say...that could very well be. Another doctor will say poppy cock. Well poppy cock this...I know my body and I know how it feels and I know it's not in my head. Now it might be coming FROM my head...as in mixed up signals from the brain saying YOU'RE IN PAIN but the pain and sensations are real.

I needed a new bedside alarm clock so purchased a clock that also provides barometric pressure, temperature, and humidity readings. It seems, without fail, on days when there is a dramatic swing in barometric pressure my body goes into all over intense pain mode. Do any of you have the same experiences??? I'm not talking just a little aching. I'm talking REAL discomfort.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 20, 2021
In reply to @rwinney "You are welcome! Ahhhh...meditation....I like to take the pressure off of the term meditation and just..." + (show)
@rwinney

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?

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I'm still getting the hang of this website. I just did a cut and paste and put you newest relaxation post on my desk top so I'll see it when I get up in the morning and read it. Actually my so called primary isn't the best place to start regarding pain medication. Too long of a story to go into right now as I'm getting ready to go to bed. I thought of this thread just as I was shutting down my computer. I've had a lot on my mind these last few weeks so I'm not very organized right now. Personal issue. I do want to keep up with you so don't abandon me because I'm not staying on top of this thread. I'll read your post tomorrow and come back to reply. Thank you SO much for your input. It does mean a lot to me. I'll try to get back here tomorrow.

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Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Nov 20, 2021
In reply to @cahnny "I'm still getting the hang of this website. I just did a cut and paste and..." + (show)
@cahnny

I'm still getting the hang of this website. I just did a cut and paste and put you newest relaxation post on my desk top so I'll see it when I get up in the morning and read it. Actually my so called primary isn't the best place to start regarding pain medication. Too long of a story to go into right now as I'm getting ready to go to bed. I thought of this thread just as I was shutting down my computer. I've had a lot on my mind these last few weeks so I'm not very organized right now. Personal issue. I do want to keep up with you so don't abandon me because I'm not staying on top of this thread. I'll read your post tomorrow and come back to reply. Thank you SO much for your input. It does mean a lot to me. I'll try to get back here tomorrow.

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@cahnny Take your time getting the hang of this website and let me know if you need assistance in navigating. Your responses are appreciated and there is no time restriction, take as long as you need. I certainly will not abandon you.

I look forward to hearing how your relaxation techniques are coming along.

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cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 20, 2021
In reply to @grandma88 "Yes, my husband who has New Daily Persistent Headache definitely feels any weather change. His pain..." + (show)
@grandma88

Yes, my husband who has New Daily Persistent Headache definitely feels any weather change. His pain level will go way up to near unbearable. You'd think the medical community would have a treatment/solution to this issue.

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@racox so sorry to hear about your husband's headaches. I had to look it up because I had never heard of it before. Although I usually get short lived headaches every day now I know it's not what your husband is suffering from. I imagine it can be quite frustrating to say the very least. I hope he finds relief. When I did a Bing search to find out what it was, I did see a Healthline article with self-help suggestions. It was called "18 Remedies to Get Rid of Headaches Naturally". I just went back and checked the suggestions and many seemed to make a lot of sense.

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cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 20, 2021
In reply to @wishingtobepain "He didn't say there was anything could be done I have nerve damage in my lower..." + (show)
@wishingtobepain

He didn't say there was anything could be done
I have nerve damage in my lower right abdomen and pelvis, degenerative disc disease, 3 herniated discs, neuropathy, AIP, the list goes on.
A few years ago we were driving to Seattle from Kansas City, were on I80 going more southern route and there were storms all around us, I seriously thought I was dying. The pain was so intense I couldn't talk or respond to my husband when he was asking me if I was ok.
Felt like my body was shutting down. Was starting to rain and it was dark, we ended stopping for night. I was ok, but still in very serious pain. Think because we were in mountains had something to do with my reaction. Know I don't ever want that feeling again.
After that I definitely believe that the barometric pressure has a lot to do with how our body feels.
Sorry I have no answers for you.
As much as I hate to say, I live on pain pills.
I've had 14 surgeries and none of that even compares to nerve damage. I know there are others in much worse shape than I am, but there are times I wonder how I'm going to make it from one day to the next. We just have to keep going.
Take care of yourself, and have a very happy holiday.
Carol

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@wishingtobepain I felt so bad for you as I read your post. I too have a list of medical issues starting with childhood RA at a very early age so I know how frustrating it can be. I bet you won't take that trip again...lol. I too take pain medication on a daily basis but the pain never completely goes away. At 76 I have serious concerns about surgery for pinched nerves or disc issues, etc. I have several very elderly friends who had surgery and it was down hill from there. They all say, at their age, they wished they hadn't done it. My main issue is body wide nerve pain now and I know it's inflammation causing pinched nerves. We've had a really bad stretch of weather these last few weeks so the barometric pressure has been a rollercoaster. Some days are so hard to deal with. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you have a happy holiday season and take very good care of yourself.

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cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 20, 2021
In reply to @rwinney "@cahnny Take your time getting the hang of this website and let me know if you..." + (show)
@rwinney

@cahnny Take your time getting the hang of this website and let me know if you need assistance in navigating. Your responses are appreciated and there is no time restriction, take as long as you need. I certainly will not abandon you.

I look forward to hearing how your relaxation techniques are coming along.

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@rwinney I've read your post and will start trying your suggestions today. It is hard to follow these posts. I've replied to a few but I don't know if I'll see replies....lol

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Sheryl | @grandma88 | Nov 20, 2021
In reply to @cahnny "@racox so sorry to hear about your husband's headaches. I had to look it up because..." + (show)
@cahnny

@racox so sorry to hear about your husband's headaches. I had to look it up because I had never heard of it before. Although I usually get short lived headaches every day now I know it's not what your husband is suffering from. I imagine it can be quite frustrating to say the very least. I hope he finds relief. When I did a Bing search to find out what it was, I did see a Healthline article with self-help suggestions. It was called "18 Remedies to Get Rid of Headaches Naturally". I just went back and checked the suggestions and many seemed to make a lot of sense.

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Thank you for your reply and information about the article. I'll check it out. I appreciate your concern.

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marilynredder2367 | @marilynredder2367 | Nov 21, 2021

Absolutely the barometer is everything. I now live in Florida to have less pain and I do. But that barometer still makes a gigantic difference.

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msg | @msg | Nov 21, 2021

THE BAROMETER OF OUR LIFE
The barometer not only predicts the weather but also how we are going to feel the upcoming day. I to have moved to Florida for a better life. I’m a snow bird from Illinois who’s still adjusting to the way of life down here. The biggest thing I miss is the excellent medical care that was available to me there. In Florida it a bit of a struggle every step of the way. It’s very stressful! From finding doctors to proper medication, it’s almost impossible to get anything done. The most valuable thing I’ve learned since moving here is patience and understanding.
As a handicapped individual, I have one question for all of the Florida businesses, especially doctors office’s and government properties in general. Why do you feel you don’t have to aside by the federal ADA laws? I’ve run into so many places that don’t have wheelchair ramps, automatic doors or interior doors and hallways wide enough for wheelchairs.
Has anyone else noticed this?

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cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 22, 2021
In reply to @lagyotbos1019 "Hello I was just reading your post and felt the need to respond. Yes your pain..." + (show)
@lagyotbos1019

Hello I was just reading your post and felt the need to respond. Yes your pain will get worse at times with me. My general practitioner told me this and I know from experience. I have been on from 180 mg of oxycodone to right now 60 mg. I stopped breathing from them in 2013 and got off them for awhile. My illness’s now are so severe I had to get back on them. The trick with pain pills is you have to trick them. Taper off some and start back on them and you will probably see a difference. I am sorry for your pain. It sure does take your life away. At least it has mine. Take care and good luck to you.

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@lagyotbos1019 thank you for your comment. I do understand what you're saying about tapering off certain pain medications and then go back. I've been alternating hydrocodone/acetaminophen and straight acetaminophen from day to day depending on severity of pain. I make sure I take some hydrocodone every day but try to limit it as much as I can bear. I count the mg of everything I take during a 24 hr time frame so I don't ever go over my daily limit. Again..thank you for the comment and you take good care also!

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cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 22, 2021

@rwinney some mentioned that starting a comment with the @....would generate an e-mail so the recipient knows they got a reply. I have never received an e-mail. I find these comments only when I come to the site. I've been starting my comments to you thinking you would see them. I'm replying to some comments but don't know if I'm seeing what everyone writes. I don't want to ignore anyone. I'll try posting a general comment saying basically that so people know I'm thankful for their comments. I'm trying the relaxation tips you gave but find it hard. No matter what position I'm in, I'm distracted by pain. I also seem to have a very active mind right now. I'm trying some of the relaxation music I found on YouTube. It's helpful during the day during waking hours. I tried one of the lovely 24/7 selections when I went to bed last night but I just couldn't fall asleep. Also EVERY time I fall asleep I dream. There not necessarily bad dreams but just not pleasant. I always wake up knowing I've been dreaming but they fade almost immediately. Sometimes I don't even think I make it into a deep sleep. The dreams...stories...situations...whatever you want to call them seem to start the second I hit that twilight sleep before deeper sleep. As most elderly people do, I wake up once or twice a night too. Between pain, waking up, so called dreams, some nights I don't get more than 3 or 4 hours real sleep. I'm tired. Talking about sleep...it's almost 4:30am so I better go to bed. Oh...that's another thing. I'm a terrible night owl. Always have been. I know about trying to gradually change bedtimes. For several reasons, that's not for me. By the way...there's a "bell" shape at the top of the page that says 95. I didn't notice it before. That's not notifications for me is it? I'll have to click on it and see what I find.

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