Chronic pain - Let's talk

Thanks, I had pain without relief for years when a neurologists I went to for an other issue reviewed my MRI and recommened a muscel relax<br />
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Don't know if there is a permanent group....there should be....so many of us suffer and each have ways of coping and meds to try.

This is my very first post ever, and first "group" message board I've ever joined so please bear with me if this is a bit longer than a typical post (unclear to the unwritten rules). Sorry, so I recently turned 40, have been on long term SSDI since '07, and am 3 mos. post-op from my 13th spine surgery. Since '04 it was about one a year, then from '08 on occasionally 2X a year. I'm fused both anterior and posterior cervically from 3-T1, with a bunch of lami's and disc's at T7-9, but also fused front ant back from L3-S1. I'm exhausted researching alternative modes of relief, like has anyone tried the following: INTRATHECAL PAIN PUMP, (I'm on my 2nd spinal cord stimulator, for those considering, save your time, money, and the rise in your expectations), COLD LASER THERAPY, PLATELET (or Plasma) REPLACEMENT THERAPY? I dont mean to complain, because I know they're are far more people out there in more pain than myself. I'm just looking for alternatives to see what might help, besides popping a pill every 6 hours, because I would really love to get back to work. My apologies if my soapbox was a bit on the big side.

I've tried an epidural for my neck problems, unfortunately it didn't help, however I've known others who have benefitted a great deal from the procedure.

A muscle relaxer is in my drug mix. It helps a tiny bit.

I would so recommend seeing a Pain Specialist at Mayo Clinic. They are on the cutting edge of alternatives. I know it might be expensive, but just go for a consult. Sometimes doctors will do courtesy phone consultations.

I did years ago for phantom pain and they used electric shock, which worked and got rid of the pain, but only for a few months. I did it a couple times again locally, but the side effects of the treatment were too strong and I decided to stop. If the effects lasted for a lot longer period I might have kept going. 19lin.<br />
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I had been using a muscle relaxant due to cramps in my body, but until the doctor said to try them for the sciatic pain I never thought of it and it does help although it takes awhile before it works. I did go to the local ER once when my sciatic pain went on for days and the ER was less than helpful.

I did try shots in the spine for awhile, but they did not help when I needed them so I stopped.<br />
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I, too, am getting fed up at present with the Constant pain which comes from no-where and then attacks a certain part of my body for a few weeks or so, and then moves onto another spot................such is the Fibromyalgia, ME and CFS...(I have had this for nearly 20 years and it is getting much worse, along with increased tremors)........at present I have severe pain in L) shoulder radiating down into forearm, and nothing is relieving it. I also take Gabapentin, OxyContin, valium, osteo-panadol, Prozac, supplements of Magnesium, melatonin, a mixture of natural vitamins dissolved in my water bottle,, plus other meds for other conditions (husband says I own our local chemist).............tonight I have resorted to taking an endone as well with my hot packs etc..................if anyone has any ideas re how to reduce the never ending pain that is destroying our lives, please let me know? In answer to the above lady who asks if her dosage of OxyContin is too much, and thinks she should try and reduce, I would say No Way........we all know how unpleasant we get when in pain, so if this has been prescribed by your specialist, then you need it. (I know the feeling that others may think we are woosses, but they don't know the pain)....................thankyou