Rachel, my wife said this regarding your post of yesterday:
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Rachel, Hank just read to me your post. I understand and sympathize with your dilemma. I believe chronic pain offers an opportunity for "any" weakness in your body to flare and thrive. Even though I know my suffering will increase when I have a drink or eat something containing sugar -- sometimes you just need a "vacation", a diversion from pain. So don't be too hard on yourself. Everyone needs an escape from chronic pain. I find no help with aspirin or any other pain killers. I am allergic to them all. Gabapentin gave me hope but then I began hallucinating, had balance and vertigo problems, my tinnitus worsened, I gained 10 pounds and I couldn't think.
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My coping support comes from an electric fan on my feet day and night. Not being in any temp over 65 degrees summer or winter. An infrared lamp on my feet and cutting sugar out of my diet except for piece of pie or cake on Christmas or Thanksgiving. I really look forward to one or two mixed drinks a week as tolerated. This is a journey of constant search for what works for you. Hank has been my search engine! By the way, sometimes I get a little relief with soaking my feet in hot water then put them in front of the fan to cool off quickly. I think it confuses the nerves.