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How do you cope with multiple chronic problems?
Anyone have suggestions for how to cope with multiple chronic problems? It's hard enough to deal with any chronic pain, but what about when you have 3 or 4 different things going on most/all of the time I'm working on the various issues with the appropriate medical specialists, including a fine pain management doctor. Usually, I handle the pain well enough. However, with 3 or 4 on-going problems for days and weeks on end, I'm just exhausted dealing with the pain. I think we all agree that dealing with chronic pain (after whatever physical treatment can help) is mostly a mental focus. Any suggestions would be appreciated! I hope this is a good day for you, Sue
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Hi Anne,
I also have fibro and arthritis in my spine and hips. Which books to you recommend for nutrition?
thanks!
karen
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1 ReactionDid you get my reply to you? Computer acted weird when I hit reply.
Good morning- I hope that I'm not jumping into this too late. I too have multiple illnesses/conditions/sicknesses/disorders/ailments/complaints.
Firstly I have Peripheral artery disease with a stent. It also looks as if my stent might need to be replaced after only 5 years.
Secondly, I have multifocal adenocarcinoma of the lung (MAC is an unusual type of lung cancer that does not metastasize. All lesions are considered primary and each treatment is based, literally like a whack a mole!)
I have other various chronic conditions but I consider them more of an annoyance until they act up. I treat my PAD and MAC like this. Whichever acts up first gets to be first in line. But this hasn't come easy for me. I've had lung cancer for over 24 years and PAD for more years than I know.
At first, I panicked a lot and found that that didn't help one bit, but I continued to panic because I was scared, until, I think that I ran out of adrenalin. When one pops up needing treatment I then get very concerned and serious and not flippant at all.
There really isn't a magic bullet at all. I also listen very carefully to my team of doctors, who all work together to offer me the best options. Luckily they all seem to agree and I rue the day that they don't.
I also have anxiety and depression and when I am very anxious I take CBD tinctures, 1500mg of Green Line Apothecary. And it's an actual Apothecary. I have tried so many CBD tinctures but this one hits the spot. I probably should take it regularly but I don't and a full dropper full when I need it does the job. I also take Cymbalta (30 mg because anything stronger makes me sweat way too much) and Bupropion 150mg).
Merry
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9 ReactionsI also would so appreciate more information on the CBD and gummies. I have had chronic widespread pain for 4 yrs since I contracted Bacterial Meningitis. I have no quality of life anymore. I have yet to try the CBD or gummies though I have looked at many sale sites, I am just not educated about them enough to know which purchase to make and from who especially since they are a little expensive and I worry I’ll get the wrong product and/or it won’t help me.
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1 Reaction@kjs1964 - I give you a lot of credit. I also have chronic pain, and the best results with pain are similar to yours. I can not take drugs, and I am allergic to anything to do with pain except steroids, but I have osteoporosis, so I try not to use that.
Meditation, prayer, massage, acupuncture, active Qigong movements, and physical therapist who do counterstrain, fascial release, and cranial sacral. I also use good oils for my pain and my mental well-being. One day at a time, sometimes one hour at a time.
Hi, and nice to meet you.
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5 ReactionsOur household includes one diabetic and one with Lupus. Understanding the inflammatory nature of some foods helps. Terry Wahls has a couple of books out, one with theory and one as a cookbook. Perhaps you can find a few recipes that make sense to you. Basically, avoiding processed foods, sugar and high fructose corn syrup and aspartame are key. Especially for fibromyalgia which is affected by food intolerances. Keep a diary for a few weeks to help identify them. A diabetic or Meditteranean cookbook also has good advice. We stay on the low glycemic side of foods. There is also the AIP diet if you want to change your diet entirely.
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4 ReactionsSMRT (Spontaneous Muscle Release Technique) is a newer massage therapy that you might look into. It is less painful that myofascial and there are practitioners out there.
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1 ReactionHi Karen, I can recommend a few books. I have a book called The Diet Cure, written by Julia Ross, M.A. I’m not a dieter, but the book has good information about nutrition and what foods do to our bodies. I also have The Fibro Manual. It has a small chapter on Rapair: Digestion. But a companion book, The Fibro Food Formula is a more inclusive and practical guide to foods for fibromyalgia. Both of those books are by Ginevra Lipton, MD. Dr Lipton was diagnosed with FMS during medical school. You can find her books and other info on http://www.fridacenter.com. I think a $5.00 digital book is available on http://www.fridabotanicals.com, or Amazon.com.
I have other books, let me try to find them. I’ve also read a lot of info about nutrition and foods for health online. I have smoothie books, natural foods cookbooks, etc. with good info and recipes. I can provide titles but I think any book that is top rated or best seller, like The Diet Cure will provide valuable information.
I’m often too fatigued or in pain to make big meals. But I’m also not cooking for family or kids! I have found ways to keep it simple and get decent value in food. I’m a smoothie person. I use strawberries, bananas, blueberry yogurt, almond milk and protein powder and ice for one of my favorite smoothies. And I use Stevia as sugar if I want a touch of sweetness. There are great smoothie recipes online.
I hope this info helps! If I come across my other books or websites of interest, I’ll share more!
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2 ReactionsSounds like we have tried the same things! I’m going through withdrawal of opioids now. I am still on one low dose opioid but will discontinue it as treatment for my back provides relief. I just saw a new pain doctor yesterday. I have nerve compression in my spine from degenerative disk disease issues. He wants to preform facet joint injections, which I’ve never done before. I’m willing to try them if they will provide relief! As pain meds have been discontinued and lowered, pain is bad. I think I’ll do better as my body calms from opioid withdrawal.
I do a lot to cope and have pretty good days sometimes so I’m thankful for that. My inversion table takes pressure off my spine. I do Mc Kenzie exercises for my back and have done chi-gong too. As my back has deteriorated, I’ve had to be careful. Stretching is great and I take 30 minute walks with my dog a couple times a week.
I’ve learned a lot about fibromyalgia but it’s still a baffling illness! I have bout’s of fatigue. Moderation is key for me. That’s where meditation and relaxation come in!
All the stuff I do to take care of my conditions and body pain is certainly worth it! Sounds like you have found some relief too, that’s great. It’s simply become an invaluable part of my life! Nice to meet you also.
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1 ReactionI want to add that I was diagnosed with osteoporosis about 7 years ago. With calcium, vitamin D and food I’ve been able to turn that diagnosis around. A recent X-ray showed some bone growth, so that’s encouraging! Make sure your on a good calcium supplement! I used a power version and added it to smoothies, as well as a pill form when I wasn’t drinking smoothies! Sounds like you’ve got exercise down, that’s important too. I’m not sure what stage of osteoporosis you’re in, but don’t give up on nourishing your bones to help rebuild! It can happen, it did for me! Even my doctor was surprised!
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