Hello, I see a pain doctor every 3 months. I take a Fentynl patch of 50mcg every 48 hours. I am slowly starting to titrate off of hydrocodone. I take 5.5 tabs throughout a 24 hour period. I have never been tested for the reason or reasons why I have this Chronic pain. My new pain Doctor only wants to talk about titration, which I would be more on board with if we knew what is causing this??. I have excruciating pain throughout my whole body. My hip or sciatic is taking on new symptoms and getting worse. I live in Idaho marijuana use is illegal. My former pain Doctor ( now retired) had no problem with me using it, but I have not asked this new Doctor. Plus, I have urinalisis taken yearly so I don't understand how my other Doc. said yes to it. You can buy it 45 minutes away in Oregon. I don't want to be on pain meds, but I don't know what to do? I have other health issues and one of my Doctors wants to refer me to the Mayo clinic. I'm so tired and I just feel myself getting worse. I really do not know what to do? This is much more complicated than trying to wrap up in a paragraph. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Stacy
Thanks for responding. I live in the San Fernando Valley just north of Los Angeles. I haven't got a skin biopsy yet for the Neuropathy. I didn't know anything about that. I just developed pins and needles, prickly and intense itchy sensations in my fingers, toes and feet in January and told my Neurologist. That's when my restless leg syndrome started back up again and this past week they both have gotten out of control. The RLS is also in my arms and I woke up today and felt it in the back of my neck. I don't know anything about tinctures, so I appreciate your help.
Hello @arniec, I'm Rachel, its nice to meet you. You mentioned seeing 2 pain management doctors, psychologists, neurologist, etc... Join the club, my friend. No cure in sight, you are absolutely right! We all can get a little crab-ass about that.
I found my tools from attending a 3 week out-patient program at Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Center. It's a highly successful approach to living with and managing chronic pain. Perhaps you haven't found the right approach yet, to see you through the long haul. Just a thought.
The Mayo Pain Clinic sounds wonderful but I live in Ct. and that would require 3 weeks in a hotel or airbnb plus travel and food . I wish there was 1 close!
@arniec Ok, so you're like me and would need to travel. I came from NY and attended FL. I am on Medicare and needed to adjust my supplemental insurance plan to have out of network coverage. After doing so, Mayo Pain Rehab Center (PRC) was 100% covered. Travel, lodging and meals were out of pocket costs.
Yes, it is a big decision, and a big commitment. Here is a link explaining the program:
As you will see, PRC is a comprehensive rehabilitation program that incorporates 4 main components:
- Physical
- Behavioral
- Emotional
- Chemical
This approach tackles the whole person because that is what it takes for successful long term chronic pain and symptom management. I will be honest and tell you that it is no cake walk. You must really want to embrace healthy, positive change and be committed to working the program so the program works for you. I graduated October 2020 and will attest that my experience was life changing not only for myself, but for my friends and family also.
Please explain why you worry about Voltaron It is sold over the counter, and my physician advised that I mix it with what is straight CBD oil as a topical where I have arthritic pain as well as residual pain from shingles..
Good evening @joycemarie, I am sorry for any misunderstanding. I was referring to Voltaren which is a medication I was given in the 70's before my first spine surgery. At that time It was not an OTC but an Rx with some limits. Later I was able to get it in Mexico without an Rx. I think you may have replaced the en with an on. At least when I looked up Voltaron it asked if I meant Voltaren? I now think we are referring to the same medication and it worked well for me. I just had to be cautious according to my clinician at the time.
It is probably a great idea to mix it with CBD oil. I have small fiber neuropathy and I would like to try it. How will I follow your recipe?
Good evening @joycemarie, I am sorry for any misunderstanding. I was referring to Voltaren which is a medication I was given in the 70's before my first spine surgery. At that time It was not an OTC but an Rx with some limits. Later I was able to get it in Mexico without an Rx. I think you may have replaced the en with an on. At least when I looked up Voltaron it asked if I meant Voltaren? I now think we are referring to the same medication and it worked well for me. I just had to be cautious according to my clinician at the time.
It is probably a great idea to mix it with CBD oil. I have small fiber neuropathy and I would like to try it. How will I follow your recipe?
Just a note as I use Voltaren cream but it really doesn’t get the deep pain in my toes. I use it on my feet and ankles hoping the anti-inflammatory properties will help pressure on nerves after on my feet all day. My daughter is a nurse and they use it in the hospital.
Luann
There is a similar program in chicago at the shirley ryan ability lab (local). I had a discussion with a dr and staff member about the program, and there is much that is not applicable for neuropathy. I’ve had 2 rounds of physical therapy. Its either neutral of it can cause pain for days. I’m familiar with CBT and have been thru that with several psychologist’s and use the techniques. Unfortunately the techniques only work for me while I concentrate on them. I’ve been exposed to “mindfullness” but as I ask more questions, I conclude that “here is something, but we don’t know its application”. I’m moving to part time work as a step to full retirement. I’m hoping some enjoyable activities will act as a distraction. Work isn’t a distraction. So thank you, I will keep this in mind. Perhaps I’ll consider more seriously in 6 months.
@arniec I'm happy to hear of your retirement goals! Enjoyable activities are most certainly needed in helping to live more successfully with chronic symptoms. I structure my distractions in a weekly schedule. I've been unable to work for 5 years now and really benefit from keeping a daily/weekly planner, like when I used to work. It keeps me on par with holding myself accountable to the tools I learned at Mayo Pain Rehab. The structure has helped me tremendously.
The last nugget I want to give you about PRC is that the beauty and success of the program comes from the team approach they take to comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals affected by all sorts of disabilities (including neuropathy). I yearned for a team to collectively review my case and put my needs first. I also had gone to PT, psychologists, pain management docs for years prior, but it wasn't a package deal, so to speak, no-one worked together for my best interest. Total game changer for me. I'm glad to hear you will keep it in your back pocket for possible consideration in the future.
Congratulations on your upcoming part-time position! May you enjoy the reduction of hours and find joy. Don't wait for full retirement to find those distracting activities. You're worth it now! 🙂
Good evening @joycemarie, I am sorry for any misunderstanding. I was referring to Voltaren which is a medication I was given in the 70's before my first spine surgery. At that time It was not an OTC but an Rx with some limits. Later I was able to get it in Mexico without an Rx. I think you may have replaced the en with an on. At least when I looked up Voltaron it asked if I meant Voltaren? I now think we are referring to the same medication and it worked well for me. I just had to be cautious according to my clinician at the time.
It is probably a great idea to mix it with CBD oil. I have small fiber neuropathy and I would like to try it. How will I follow your recipe?
@artsscaping and others....Hello, my friend Chris. I've missed you and your wisdom and insightful messages. I hope you are perking along, pain is taking a back seat to your interesting life. I love your partner's artwork. Is he still painting and changing his style? What's going on in your life? How have you modified your MM use to keep up with your needs? I'm in the process of adjusting the mm I take for anxiety, which is rising in intensity I'm afraid...and insomnia, which is ok but I do tend to awaken about 2-3 a.m.
Also, I'm having increased pain in my hands/wrists!/knees/ankles!/feet!/ lower back is becoming debilitating. I can lessen the back pain by sitting/lying down. Well, that's fun, isn't it? I think my herniated discs in the lumbar and in the neck are responsible for some of the issues. ie lower back and numbing left leg that causes walking trouble.
I've used Voltaren for several years as needed. Sometimes I go for months without needing back pain issues. Now, nothing I've previously used is helping, other than Voltaren I lather on my back, upper legs, and sometimes shins and feet often. Now, also, as needed on the arms and wrists. I take 1:1 THC/CBD capsules now at night and at times when I awaken at 3ish. I think some of these sleep problems are from pain. My keg concerns me now, as it happens and I may fall or at least not move well. I did get the Mobile Help unit and feel safer but need to adjust the mm.
just saw Rheumatology for vasculitis and gobs of blood tests. Look really good. He suggested my PCP order tests, etc. I called PCP, he referred me to the MAYO neurologists I've seen before. She wants me to go to the hospital for tests, ED. I don't want to! so, I have the option of ED or PCP. Weird actually...
I think I'll add some drops of THC to Voltaren in a few minutes. I will let you know what it does.
Thanks, my friend. Be safe, be well, Be blessed. Elizabeth
@arniec I'm happy to hear of your retirement goals! Enjoyable activities are most certainly needed in helping to live more successfully with chronic symptoms. I structure my distractions in a weekly schedule. I've been unable to work for 5 years now and really benefit from keeping a daily/weekly planner, like when I used to work. It keeps me on par with holding myself accountable to the tools I learned at Mayo Pain Rehab. The structure has helped me tremendously.
The last nugget I want to give you about PRC is that the beauty and success of the program comes from the team approach they take to comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals affected by all sorts of disabilities (including neuropathy). I yearned for a team to collectively review my case and put my needs first. I also had gone to PT, psychologists, pain management docs for years prior, but it wasn't a package deal, so to speak, no-one worked together for my best interest. Total game changer for me. I'm glad to hear you will keep it in your back pocket for possible consideration in the future.
Congratulations on your upcoming part-time position! May you enjoy the reduction of hours and find joy. Don't wait for full retirement to find those distracting activities. You're worth it now! 🙂
Hi Rachel, thanks for the comments, much appreciated. If you don't mind, what condition do you suffer from? If you'd rather not share, I certainly understand
regards,
Arnie
@artsscaping and others....Hello, my friend Chris. I've missed you and your wisdom and insightful messages. I hope you are perking along, pain is taking a back seat to your interesting life. I love your partner's artwork. Is he still painting and changing his style? What's going on in your life? How have you modified your MM use to keep up with your needs? I'm in the process of adjusting the mm I take for anxiety, which is rising in intensity I'm afraid...and insomnia, which is ok but I do tend to awaken about 2-3 a.m.
Also, I'm having increased pain in my hands/wrists!/knees/ankles!/feet!/ lower back is becoming debilitating. I can lessen the back pain by sitting/lying down. Well, that's fun, isn't it? I think my herniated discs in the lumbar and in the neck are responsible for some of the issues. ie lower back and numbing left leg that causes walking trouble.
I've used Voltaren for several years as needed. Sometimes I go for months without needing back pain issues. Now, nothing I've previously used is helping, other than Voltaren I lather on my back, upper legs, and sometimes shins and feet often. Now, also, as needed on the arms and wrists. I take 1:1 THC/CBD capsules now at night and at times when I awaken at 3ish. I think some of these sleep problems are from pain. My keg concerns me now, as it happens and I may fall or at least not move well. I did get the Mobile Help unit and feel safer but need to adjust the mm.
just saw Rheumatology for vasculitis and gobs of blood tests. Look really good. He suggested my PCP order tests, etc. I called PCP, he referred me to the MAYO neurologists I've seen before. She wants me to go to the hospital for tests, ED. I don't want to! so, I have the option of ED or PCP. Weird actually...
I think I'll add some drops of THC to Voltaren in a few minutes. I will let you know what it does.
Thanks, my friend. Be safe, be well, Be blessed. Elizabeth
.......and a cheery greeting to you @ess77. One question.......how do you manage to do so much almost every day? I failed at filling the bird feeders and other than feeding and training chipmunks....I am pretty much a bit lazy so that I can save enough energy to reply to my Connect constituents. (Just teasing.)
And Jay......he is doing very well......we are redecorating the kitchen and Master bedroom. I think I get to pick the new toilets. You know.....they have improved and this could be interesting. In exchange, I get to brighten up the bedroom and get a desk all my own. He feels that he would prefer to use his talents creating the landscaping. He sure has done a great job already. For the first time in years, he created some beautiful holiday decorations. After his wife died and the children left he just wasn't too motivated. I am thrilled that he enjoys it again. He created a beautiful display using skiis and other unusual items in the display. Perhaps the grandchildren have motivated him.
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Hello, I see a pain doctor every 3 months. I take a Fentynl patch of 50mcg every 48 hours. I am slowly starting to titrate off of hydrocodone. I take 5.5 tabs throughout a 24 hour period. I have never been tested for the reason or reasons why I have this Chronic pain. My new pain Doctor only wants to talk about titration, which I would be more on board with if we knew what is causing this??. I have excruciating pain throughout my whole body. My hip or sciatic is taking on new symptoms and getting worse. I live in Idaho marijuana use is illegal. My former pain Doctor ( now retired) had no problem with me using it, but I have not asked this new Doctor. Plus, I have urinalisis taken yearly so I don't understand how my other Doc. said yes to it. You can buy it 45 minutes away in Oregon. I don't want to be on pain meds, but I don't know what to do? I have other health issues and one of my Doctors wants to refer me to the Mayo clinic. I'm so tired and I just feel myself getting worse. I really do not know what to do? This is much more complicated than trying to wrap up in a paragraph. Any suggestions would be very helpful. Stacy
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1 ReactionThanks for responding. I live in the San Fernando Valley just north of Los Angeles. I haven't got a skin biopsy yet for the Neuropathy. I didn't know anything about that. I just developed pins and needles, prickly and intense itchy sensations in my fingers, toes and feet in January and told my Neurologist. That's when my restless leg syndrome started back up again and this past week they both have gotten out of control. The RLS is also in my arms and I woke up today and felt it in the back of my neck. I don't know anything about tinctures, so I appreciate your help.
The Mayo Pain Clinic sounds wonderful but I live in Ct. and that would require 3 weeks in a hotel or airbnb plus travel and food . I wish there was 1 close!
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1 ReactionThis is so interesting .Can you share a bit more about your experience?
Thanks! Luann
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2 ReactionsGood evening @joycemarie, I am sorry for any misunderstanding. I was referring to Voltaren which is a medication I was given in the 70's before my first spine surgery. At that time It was not an OTC but an Rx with some limits. Later I was able to get it in Mexico without an Rx. I think you may have replaced the en with an on. At least when I looked up Voltaron it asked if I meant Voltaren? I now think we are referring to the same medication and it worked well for me. I just had to be cautious according to my clinician at the time.
It is probably a great idea to mix it with CBD oil. I have small fiber neuropathy and I would like to try it. How will I follow your recipe?
May you be content and at ease.
Chris
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Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsJust a note as I use Voltaren cream but it really doesn’t get the deep pain in my toes. I use it on my feet and ankles hoping the anti-inflammatory properties will help pressure on nerves after on my feet all day. My daughter is a nurse and they use it in the hospital.
Luann
@arniec I'm happy to hear of your retirement goals! Enjoyable activities are most certainly needed in helping to live more successfully with chronic symptoms. I structure my distractions in a weekly schedule. I've been unable to work for 5 years now and really benefit from keeping a daily/weekly planner, like when I used to work. It keeps me on par with holding myself accountable to the tools I learned at Mayo Pain Rehab. The structure has helped me tremendously.
The last nugget I want to give you about PRC is that the beauty and success of the program comes from the team approach they take to comprehensive rehabilitation for individuals affected by all sorts of disabilities (including neuropathy). I yearned for a team to collectively review my case and put my needs first. I also had gone to PT, psychologists, pain management docs for years prior, but it wasn't a package deal, so to speak, no-one worked together for my best interest. Total game changer for me. I'm glad to hear you will keep it in your back pocket for possible consideration in the future.
Congratulations on your upcoming part-time position! May you enjoy the reduction of hours and find joy. Don't wait for full retirement to find those distracting activities. You're worth it now! 🙂
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@artsscaping and others....Hello, my friend Chris. I've missed you and your wisdom and insightful messages. I hope you are perking along, pain is taking a back seat to your interesting life. I love your partner's artwork. Is he still painting and changing his style? What's going on in your life? How have you modified your MM use to keep up with your needs? I'm in the process of adjusting the mm I take for anxiety, which is rising in intensity I'm afraid...and insomnia, which is ok but I do tend to awaken about 2-3 a.m.
Also, I'm having increased pain in my hands/wrists!/knees/ankles!/feet!/ lower back is becoming debilitating. I can lessen the back pain by sitting/lying down. Well, that's fun, isn't it? I think my herniated discs in the lumbar and in the neck are responsible for some of the issues. ie lower back and numbing left leg that causes walking trouble.
I've used Voltaren for several years as needed. Sometimes I go for months without needing back pain issues. Now, nothing I've previously used is helping, other than Voltaren I lather on my back, upper legs, and sometimes shins and feet often. Now, also, as needed on the arms and wrists. I take 1:1 THC/CBD capsules now at night and at times when I awaken at 3ish. I think some of these sleep problems are from pain. My keg concerns me now, as it happens and I may fall or at least not move well. I did get the Mobile Help unit and feel safer but need to adjust the mm.
just saw Rheumatology for vasculitis and gobs of blood tests. Look really good. He suggested my PCP order tests, etc. I called PCP, he referred me to the MAYO neurologists I've seen before. She wants me to go to the hospital for tests, ED. I don't want to! so, I have the option of ED or PCP. Weird actually...
I think I'll add some drops of THC to Voltaren in a few minutes. I will let you know what it does.
Thanks, my friend. Be safe, be well, Be blessed. Elizabeth
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Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi Rachel, thanks for the comments, much appreciated. If you don't mind, what condition do you suffer from? If you'd rather not share, I certainly understand
regards,
Arnie
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Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction.......and a cheery greeting to you @ess77. One question.......how do you manage to do so much almost every day? I failed at filling the bird feeders and other than feeding and training chipmunks....I am pretty much a bit lazy so that I can save enough energy to reply to my Connect constituents. (Just teasing.)
And Jay......he is doing very well......we are redecorating the kitchen and Master bedroom. I think I get to pick the new toilets. You know.....they have improved and this could be interesting. In exchange, I get to brighten up the bedroom and get a desk all my own. He feels that he would prefer to use his talents creating the landscaping. He sure has done a great job already. For the first time in years, he created some beautiful holiday decorations. After his wife died and the children left he just wasn't too motivated. I am thrilled that he enjoys it again. He created a beautiful display using skiis and other unusual items in the display. Perhaps the grandchildren have motivated him.
May you have joy and comfort.
Chris
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Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions