1. < Chronic Pain

Uncommon side effects?

Posted by motorcarrier @motorcarrier, Dec 11, 2021

I'm having trouble finding a pain medication that works for me. I suffer from several lower back issues as well as peripheral neuropathy and I've tried a variety of solutions over the years and I have difficulty with the usual medications such as opiods and synthetics and antidepressants and anti siezure medications used for pain. Rather than making me drowsy, they do just the opposite: make me jittery and unable to sleep at night. Is this common and is there an alternative?

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jetsetter | @jetsetter | Dec 14, 2021

They tried traction once at PT. It really hurt my neck for some reason I kept slipping out of the harness. Possibly operator error. The therapist didn’t try it again.

REPLY
jenatsky | @jenatsky | Dec 15, 2021
In reply to @motorcarrier "I'm 6 months shy of 70 and, no, I don't want any more invasive procedures. I..." + (show)
@motorcarrier

I'm 6 months shy of 70 and, no, I don't want any more invasive procedures. I live in Central Texas and I have a Plan G supplement so I can afford to get 2nd (and 3rd) opinions. I may be wishing for a pipe dream but I just want something that dulls the pain, doesn't have too many side effects, and doesn't alter my ability to think and act clearly.

Jump to this post

Then you need to look beyond traditional medicine. I’m a retired nurse and there is no magic pill until you find what works for you. For the first time since 1988 I have pain levels in 2-3 range and I’m sticking with my regime for now. I hope you find yours too?

REPLY
ess77 - Elizabeth | @ess77 | Dec 17, 2021
In reply to @motorcarrier "I'm 6 months shy of 70 and, no, I don't want any more invasive procedures. I..." + (show)
@motorcarrier

I'm 6 months shy of 70 and, no, I don't want any more invasive procedures. I live in Central Texas and I have a Plan G supplement so I can afford to get 2nd (and 3rd) opinions. I may be wishing for a pipe dream but I just want something that dulls the pain, doesn't have too many side effects, and doesn't alter my ability to think and act clearly.

Jump to this post

@motorcarrier, @jetsetter, and all...Hello, I found after years of steroid injections and nerve blocks...I sat up one day and said -I don't think so. I simply decided no more steroids. no more shots. I'm finding a better way to handle this pain...it's not 'my' pain...I don't claim ownership of any of it. That's a big part of beginning to take control of the entire situation.

I found once I made this decision and began to claim health, I very slowly began to feel better. I do some strange things for myself....began deep, diaphragmatic breathing when I have any pain flare It's especially helpful for lower back pain and some for cervical pain. I also began to accept the situation, acceptance was a key turning point. No more fighting, no fight or flight, no more additional adrenalin. And, as little medication as possible.

I'm this year off gabapentin, Lyrica, oxycodone, 800 mg ibuprofen 4x daily-which helped greatly-reduced swelling, Celebrex which helped a lot, Only take regularly- Robaxin muscle relaxant helps with cramping and spasms, an occasional Tylenol and Voltaren gel that does help some. especially with fibromyalgia pain and some arthritis, and I also use frankincense and myrrh with coconut oil balm to relieve general muscle issues. I take Requip and Iron+C for RLS. Use a Bi-pap for sleeping. All that together is a pretty good plan. Now, the addition of medical marijuana has sealed the deal, with therapy pool exercise 2x daily and walking as I can.

I use music to add to relaxation, schedule an hour nap around now and don't have any guilt for not being the body I used to be, for resting the day following doc appts or whatever. I embrace rest. For the first time in my life. It was a sin to sit and rest, God forbid I lie in bed with sunlight outside! When I'm ill, or in more discomfort, I stay in bed and enjoy the comfort I'm still working on meditation, as it's a bit challenging for me. Focus isn't my strongest point. So, I use music, as I research online and learn about these issues. I have multiple bird feeders outside my glass doors and many, varied feathered friends who visit daily So relaxing. and good company. The most dramatic help comes from the MM tincture nightly, 1:1, Thc: CBD. One dropper full before bed and I feel my muscles loosen and relax, the pain begins to drift out of the muscles and body. Amazing weed, that is.

So, take control and be your best advocate. Pain management doctors weren't the answer. Now, only Mayo Clinic Florida is for me. They've diagnosed multiple issues, helped me reduce chemical medication, added exercise in the therapy pool, acupuncture, massage, a nutritionist, counseling, and psychiatry guidance. This place has saved me and set me on a positive path to a better rest of my life, however long that is. I'm almost happy! Getting there. I hope the same for you. Take control. Be your best advocate. I think it takes a team working with you to get the kind of help you need for a better life.
Blessings and may you find the best team for you. elizabeth

REPLY
1 reply
jetsetter | @jetsetter | Dec 17, 2021
In reply to @ess77 "@motorcarrier, @jetsetter, and all...Hello, I found after years of steroid injections and nerve blocks...I sat up..." + (show)
@ess77

@motorcarrier, @jetsetter, and all...Hello, I found after years of steroid injections and nerve blocks...I sat up one day and said -I don't think so. I simply decided no more steroids. no more shots. I'm finding a better way to handle this pain...it's not 'my' pain...I don't claim ownership of any of it. That's a big part of beginning to take control of the entire situation.

I found once I made this decision and began to claim health, I very slowly began to feel better. I do some strange things for myself....began deep, diaphragmatic breathing when I have any pain flare It's especially helpful for lower back pain and some for cervical pain. I also began to accept the situation, acceptance was a key turning point. No more fighting, no fight or flight, no more additional adrenalin. And, as little medication as possible.

I'm this year off gabapentin, Lyrica, oxycodone, 800 mg ibuprofen 4x daily-which helped greatly-reduced swelling, Celebrex which helped a lot, Only take regularly- Robaxin muscle relaxant helps with cramping and spasms, an occasional Tylenol and Voltaren gel that does help some. especially with fibromyalgia pain and some arthritis, and I also use frankincense and myrrh with coconut oil balm to relieve general muscle issues. I take Requip and Iron+C for RLS. Use a Bi-pap for sleeping. All that together is a pretty good plan. Now, the addition of medical marijuana has sealed the deal, with therapy pool exercise 2x daily and walking as I can.

I use music to add to relaxation, schedule an hour nap around now and don't have any guilt for not being the body I used to be, for resting the day following doc appts or whatever. I embrace rest. For the first time in my life. It was a sin to sit and rest, God forbid I lie in bed with sunlight outside! When I'm ill, or in more discomfort, I stay in bed and enjoy the comfort I'm still working on meditation, as it's a bit challenging for me. Focus isn't my strongest point. So, I use music, as I research online and learn about these issues. I have multiple bird feeders outside my glass doors and many, varied feathered friends who visit daily So relaxing. and good company. The most dramatic help comes from the MM tincture nightly, 1:1, Thc: CBD. One dropper full before bed and I feel my muscles loosen and relax, the pain begins to drift out of the muscles and body. Amazing weed, that is.

So, take control and be your best advocate. Pain management doctors weren't the answer. Now, only Mayo Clinic Florida is for me. They've diagnosed multiple issues, helped me reduce chemical medication, added exercise in the therapy pool, acupuncture, massage, a nutritionist, counseling, and psychiatry guidance. This place has saved me and set me on a positive path to a better rest of my life, however long that is. I'm almost happy! Getting there. I hope the same for you. Take control. Be your best advocate. I think it takes a team working with you to get the kind of help you need for a better life.
Blessings and may you find the best team for you. elizabeth

Jump to this post

Thank you, I needed to hear this. I will go see the pain management doctor on Tuesday and then decide what's next. I will at least hear what she has to offer, doesn't mean I have to do anything. I have to really take a look at the whole picture and keep working with what I have. Glad you were able to get help at Mayo.

I am my best advocate, but it is tiring and stressful. No one else will do it for you, that's for sure.

Thank you thank you! I'll let you know what comes next..

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Dec 17, 2021
In reply to @jetsetter "Thank you, I needed to hear this. I will go see the pain management doctor on..." + (show)
@jetsetter

Thank you, I needed to hear this. I will go see the pain management doctor on Tuesday and then decide what's next. I will at least hear what she has to offer, doesn't mean I have to do anything. I have to really take a look at the whole picture and keep working with what I have. Glad you were able to get help at Mayo.

I am my best advocate, but it is tiring and stressful. No one else will do it for you, that's for sure.

Thank you thank you! I'll let you know what comes next..

Jump to this post

Oh I understand how tiring it can be. But the best thing I ever did was to switch from a "pain doc" to a pain management doc.

It was hard work, but it was 15f and damp here today. 2 years ago, I would have been on the couch, in pain, with a heating pad.

Today I ran errands, attended a meeting, and worked on Christmas gifts. Oh, I ache, but I now understand how to stay in control- without pain meds, NSAIDS or opioids. So now I am in "pause, rest & regroup" mode.

I wish you the best as you try a new and hopefully better option.
Sue

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