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.

Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 22, 2021
In reply to @cahnny "@rwinney some mentioned that starting a comment with the @....would generate an e-mail so the recipient..." + (show)
@cahnny

@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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Like you, I have trouble with focus for meditation (a little Attention Deficit, perhaps) especially when I am in pain. What I find helpful is to focus on a specific thought or idea as I move. The movement is usually walking, but sometimes it is rocking in my most comfortable chair. Somehow trying to be still just makes me more aware of the pain

When I was really ill, nearly unable to move off the sofa, I found restful sleep was the most difficult thing to achieve. In my case, it seems the more I move in the daytime, the easier it is to sleep. That deep fatigue I feel isn't really physical tiredness, like from a "good day's work" - just more of an emotional exhaustion - so physically moving helps me get to actual tiredness. This might be by walking - even around the house, doing some stretching exercises, or even doing (yuk) house chores.

Yes, the bell at the top of the page is telling you that you have 95 notifications. They are arranged from newest to oldest. You can click on the ones that interest you to read the full text, or click the "trash can" on each one that doesn't.

Has your weather gotten better so you don't ache so much?
Sue

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 22, 2021
In reply to @cahnny "@rwinney some mentioned that starting a comment with the @....would generate an e-mail so the recipient..." + (show)
@cahnny

@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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Hi @cahnny, welcome back!!
You're email notification were turned off, so that's why you didn't get an email notification when someone replied to your post or @mentioned you by username. I turned your settings back on so you should get an email from this reply.

The bell icon with the red number are a tally of the notifications for discussions, groups and blogs that you follow. If you click the bell icon and then click My Notifications (View All), you will be able to see all the notifications and read and delete them.

It is great to hear from you again and to see all the comments your return has generated and suggestions people have for you and each other. Did you know their is a group dedicated to Sleep Health? See here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/sleep-health/

REPLY
1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Nov 22, 2021
In reply to @cahnny "Hi Rachel: Thank you for taking the time to reply. To answer your first two questions....I..." + (show)
@cahnny

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

REPLY
cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 23, 2021
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @cahnny, welcome back!! You're email notification were turned off, so that's why you didn't get..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @cahnny, welcome back!!
You're email notification were turned off, so that's why you didn't get an email notification when someone replied to your post or @mentioned you by username. I turned your settings back on so you should get an email from this reply.

The bell icon with the red number are a tally of the notifications for discussions, groups and blogs that you follow. If you click the bell icon and then click My Notifications (View All), you will be able to see all the notifications and read and delete them.

It is great to hear from you again and to see all the comments your return has generated and suggestions people have for you and each other. Did you know their is a group dedicated to Sleep Health? See here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/sleep-health/

Jump to this post

@rwinney thank you. I'll check that group out. Right now I'm dealing with a heart issue. For more than 30 years I've had episodes of skipping heart beats. I've seen a cardiologist and had multiple tests done. I take Toprol XL to help control it. Last night was a doosey. I was skipping every 3rd heart beat and my blood pressure was going up and down. I finally fell asleep around 8am. I called my cardiologist and made an appt for Fri. This isn't new but always concerning. I Few times I've called 911 and was taken to the ER and admitted for a few days. Just do tests and send me home. I'm going to try to keep a journal between now and Friday to see if anything I'm taking or doing might be contributing. Tonight the skipped heartbeats returned about 30 mins after I took a 10/325 hydrocodone/acetaminophen. Trying to cut back on that so had taken acetaminophen earlier in the day and then just dealt with the level of pain it left me with. So much happening. Getting very tired and frustrated.

REPLY
cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 23, 2021
In reply to @sueinmn "Like you, I have trouble with focus for meditation (a little Attention Deficit, perhaps) especially when..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Like you, I have trouble with focus for meditation (a little Attention Deficit, perhaps) especially when I am in pain. What I find helpful is to focus on a specific thought or idea as I move. The movement is usually walking, but sometimes it is rocking in my most comfortable chair. Somehow trying to be still just makes me more aware of the pain

When I was really ill, nearly unable to move off the sofa, I found restful sleep was the most difficult thing to achieve. In my case, it seems the more I move in the daytime, the easier it is to sleep. That deep fatigue I feel isn't really physical tiredness, like from a "good day's work" - just more of an emotional exhaustion - so physically moving helps me get to actual tiredness. This might be by walking - even around the house, doing some stretching exercises, or even doing (yuk) house chores.

Yes, the bell at the top of the page is telling you that you have 95 notifications. They are arranged from newest to oldest. You can click on the ones that interest you to read the full text, or click the "trash can" on each one that doesn't.

Has your weather gotten better so you don't ache so much?
Sue

Jump to this post

@sueinmn Hi Sue: Yes I think you're right about the exhaustion being emotional sometimes although, since I haven't been getting much sleep lately I do think I'm getting overly tired which is probably making my other issues worse. Actually sometimes I think it's a viscous cycle. You should know I'm in a wheelchair so taking walks and most forms of exercise are not an option for me. I do get as much movement into my day as I can. I stand up and use my wheelchair as a walker and walk a little around the house until my back just won't take it any more. I figure..don't use it..lose it...lol. Weather...oh no. It's been a roller coaster of up and down barometric pressure and pretty much one storm after another. This time of year a lot of people call this area the Pacific Northwet..hahaha

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Nov 23, 2021
In reply to @cahnny "@sueinmn Hi Sue: Yes I think you're right about the exhaustion being emotional sometimes although, since..." + (show)
@cahnny

@sueinmn Hi Sue: Yes I think you're right about the exhaustion being emotional sometimes although, since I haven't been getting much sleep lately I do think I'm getting overly tired which is probably making my other issues worse. Actually sometimes I think it's a viscous cycle. You should know I'm in a wheelchair so taking walks and most forms of exercise are not an option for me. I do get as much movement into my day as I can. I stand up and use my wheelchair as a walker and walk a little around the house until my back just won't take it any more. I figure..don't use it..lose it...lol. Weather...oh no. It's been a roller coaster of up and down barometric pressure and pretty much one storm after another. This time of year a lot of people call this area the Pacific Northwet..hahaha

Jump to this post

Wow, you sound like my Mom. She always said the same thing. After a broken hip & a couple strokes, she was in assisted living and a wheelchair, which she pushed up and down the hallway of her building to get exercise. She eventually managed to graduate to a walker for in-building activities.
Keep on with whatever you can do to move! What other "tricks" do you have for sneaking exercise into your day?
Sue

REPLY
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Nov 26, 2021
In reply to @cahnny "@rwinney some mentioned that starting a comment with the @....would generate an e-mail so the recipient..." + (show)
@cahnny

@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.

Jump to this post

@cahnny Hello. Im sorry to read you've been having heart issues. I hope you're feeling better.

I see you have had instruction from Colleen on your email/comment concerns. Having notifications turned on is helpful

Have you had a chance to look into the sleep health conversation yet? How has your sleep been lately?

Thinking of you.

REPLY
2 replies
cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 27, 2021
In reply to @rwinney "@cahnny Hello. Im sorry to read you've been having heart issues. I hope you're feeling better...." + (show)
@rwinney

@cahnny Hello. Im sorry to read you've been having heart issues. I hope you're feeling better.

I see you have had instruction from Colleen on your email/comment concerns. Having notifications turned on is helpful

Have you had a chance to look into the sleep health conversation yet? How has your sleep been lately?

Thinking of you.

Jump to this post

@rwinney Hi Rachel...I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving. Quite here so that was nice. I saw the cardiologist today. I'm going back on Dec 8th to get a ZIO patch to monitor my heart beat for 2 weeks. Nice upgrade...used to have to use a Halter monitor. He said I shouldn't be concerned about the skipped beats and occasional bouts of high blood pressure. He read results of tests done in the last 2 years and feels my heart is fine for my age so I'm not going to worry about it any more.
No I haven't checked out the sleep forums yet but I will. I'm doing better. I'm trying Tylenol PM and that seems to be helping a little. In fact it's 5:30am and I'm getting ready to go to bed now. I never sleep well the night before I have to go anywhere which isn't often. I'm going to sleep until I don't want to sleep anymore today...lollll We have major storms rolling through the next 48 hrs so hopefully things won't get to bad and I'll get to catch up on much needed rest.

REPLY
cahnny | @cahnny | Nov 30, 2021
In reply to @rwinney "@cahnny Hello. Im sorry to read you've been having heart issues. I hope you're feeling better...." + (show)
@rwinney

@cahnny Hello. Im sorry to read you've been having heart issues. I hope you're feeling better.

I see you have had instruction from Colleen on your email/comment concerns. Having notifications turned on is helpful

Have you had a chance to look into the sleep health conversation yet? How has your sleep been lately?

Thinking of you.

Jump to this post

@rwinney I'm losing track of comments. Things keep popping up that keep me from visiting this site so when I do come I can't find where things left off. Sorry if I don't reply fast enough or miss a comment. I saw the cardiologist. I'm going to wear a ZIO patch for two weeks but he thinks I'm ok. He said not to worry about the skipped beats and short episodes of high blood pressure. He went over tests my pulmonary specialist had done in the last 6 months and was happy with results...echocardiogram, lung/heart CAT, blood work, pulmonary tests. I'm on oxygen now so levels are good. There's always something. This time it's my thyroid. I have Graves disease. I assume that it's still called that. I had my thyroid "removed"/"deactivated" some 30 odd years ago via radioactive treatment. Went in a special room...guy in a "space suit" came in and left a canister marked radioactive on a table and told me to open the canister, remove and swallow the pill inside after he left the room. I did. It's my understanding that pill eventually stopped my thyroid from functioning. I've been taking levothyroxine ever since. Yearly test results have been fine for years and years. Suddenly 5 months ago I had a TSH result of 5. something so my primary ordered a repeat test which I had done last Friday. TSH had shot up to 19.1. I'm trying to get in to see the endocrinologist who originally adjusted my dosage levels years ago. Right now it looks like I can't see him until February. Not sure how bad/what side effects TSH of 19 will have while I wait to see him. COVID has made it harder to get appointments because some offices have been closed. So that's where I stand right now. Lots of back/neck/nerve pain, concerned about my thyroid, checking out my heart (think it's ok), just finished getting certified for permanent 24/7 oxygen at home. Hubby has a few issues also but they seem to be under control right now. We're just plodding along here...lol

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Rachel, Volunteer Mentor | @rwinney | Nov 30, 2021
In reply to @cahnny "@rwinney I'm losing track of comments. Things keep popping up that keep me from visiting this..." + (show)
@cahnny

@rwinney I'm losing track of comments. Things keep popping up that keep me from visiting this site so when I do come I can't find where things left off. Sorry if I don't reply fast enough or miss a comment. I saw the cardiologist. I'm going to wear a ZIO patch for two weeks but he thinks I'm ok. He said not to worry about the skipped beats and short episodes of high blood pressure. He went over tests my pulmonary specialist had done in the last 6 months and was happy with results...echocardiogram, lung/heart CAT, blood work, pulmonary tests. I'm on oxygen now so levels are good. There's always something. This time it's my thyroid. I have Graves disease. I assume that it's still called that. I had my thyroid "removed"/"deactivated" some 30 odd years ago via radioactive treatment. Went in a special room...guy in a "space suit" came in and left a canister marked radioactive on a table and told me to open the canister, remove and swallow the pill inside after he left the room. I did. It's my understanding that pill eventually stopped my thyroid from functioning. I've been taking levothyroxine ever since. Yearly test results have been fine for years and years. Suddenly 5 months ago I had a TSH result of 5. something so my primary ordered a repeat test which I had done last Friday. TSH had shot up to 19.1. I'm trying to get in to see the endocrinologist who originally adjusted my dosage levels years ago. Right now it looks like I can't see him until February. Not sure how bad/what side effects TSH of 19 will have while I wait to see him. COVID has made it harder to get appointments because some offices have been closed. So that's where I stand right now. Lots of back/neck/nerve pain, concerned about my thyroid, checking out my heart (think it's ok), just finished getting certified for permanent 24/7 oxygen at home. Hubby has a few issues also but they seem to be under control right now. We're just plodding along here...lol

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@cahnny Don't worry about comments and keeping up with this site. You're doing great! What distractions can you find today?

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