1. < Chronic Pain

Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Posted by Kelsey Mohring @kelseydm, Apr 27, 2016

Welcome to the new Chronic Pain group.

I’m Kelsey and I’m the moderator of the group. I look forwarding to welcoming you and introducing you to other members. Feel free to browse the topics or start a new one.

Why not take a minute and introduce yourself.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

HazelBlumberg | @hazelblumberg | Aug 13, 2017
In reply to @boourbonman "I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana...." + (show)
@boourbonman

I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana. Judi and I did it. We then went down to Edgewater FL. and got two 500 mg bottles. $70 each. So we were suppose to start with 5 drops (each drop is a mg.) three times a day and slowly work up to 10 drops 3 times a day. Do the math. 16 days for $70. We are both at 5 drops 3 times a day and no relief. I sure hope it starts to ease our pain. Will Keep you posted.
Hoot

Jump to this post

JK, your smartphone sounds wonderful! I can't begin to tell you why, exactly, I'm not crazy about smartphones. Maybe it's because I see so many kids glued to them all the time. There's a coffee shop here in town that I like to go to, and often there'll be four students at a table, each on a cell phone. I just don't get it.

I think using your smart phone to tell you when to take medications is absolutely brilliant! A lot easier than those pill containers that're partitioned off. Those're fine, but not when you have to take different medications at different times.

When I go to the doctor's office, I almost always have a book with me, either in book form or on my Kindle--although, as old school as I am, I admit that I like reading a book much more than I like reading one on my Kindle. What I _do_ love about the Kindle is listening to audiobooks while I'm knitting! If I don't bring a book with me, I bring an easy knitting project that I'm working on.

My husband adores his smartphone. He does all sorts of things with it, like find the nearest frozen custard (we haven't found any yet!) or the hours of a particular museum or restaurant or something like that. His sister gave him a GPS for his car, so he plants that on the dashboard. It's hilarious when a particular map hasn't been updated. When we were in Nova Scotia, the GPS made it look as though we were driving on water most of the time! It couldn't find the roads.

Hey, I'm someone who still misses dial phones. I have one out in the garage, and if it weren't for all the options one has to hit whenever one calls someplace, I'd probably still be using it. I have a record player and a load of old vinyl records. I find the sound so much warmer than CDs. Now, while I'm working, I stream Pandora all day long and've built up quite a collection of stations, which I put on shuffle.

But I just can't seem to warm up to smartphones. I already spend so incredibly much per month for my Wifi and landline--our cell phone service out here in the boondocks is awfully spotty--that I just don't want to add on the cost of a smartphone plan.

Hazel, the terribly old-fashioned

REPLY
Mentor
Jim, Volunteer Mentor | @jimhd | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @hazelblumberg "I developed earaches in September 2016. My primary care found no ear or sinus infection and..." + (show)
@hazelblumberg

I developed earaches in September 2016. My primary care found no ear or sinus infection and sent me to an ENT, who diagnosed TMJ pain. I went to my dentist for help. He gave me weekly anesthesia shots into trigger points (OUCH!) and exercises to do, including massaging the trigger points and opening my mouth as wide as I could numerous times in the shower while my face was warm and wet. (I have been wearing a night guard made by my dentist for over 20 years; he replaces them as they wear out.) The pain continued and only got worse; it was at the top of my head, in my ears, in my jaw, above my palate (as though I'd eaten hot food). My dentist sent me to an oral surgeon, who did 360-degree x-rays and found no joint damage. He told me I was therefore not a candidate for surgery (YAY!) and prescribed Flexeril, a muscle relaxer. The pain only got worse, and I continued to wake up in the night with horrific pain. Ibuprofen didn't even touch it.

My dentist then sent me to a physical therapist, who didn't listen to a word I said. I came in on a "good" pain day: my pain level was about a 5 out of 10 (10 being the worst). After his examination and showing me how to do various exercises, he triumphantly told me that my pain level was now reduced. I said "No. My pain level is now about 7.5." He said he didn't believe me. He attempted to push me to go to his outside clinic to get "magnet therapy," and he tried to push me to see a friend of his who is a naturopath. Two days after this session, I was still in excruciating pain and doubt I'd ever return to this physical therapist, although he had me schedule 4 more 1-hour sessions with him.

I called my dentist again, and he called in a prescription for Tylenol plus codeine, which I can take every 4 to 6 hours. My dentist seems to have no further solutions for me.

My primary care is currently out of town, but I will see her when she gets back (in August); she may be referring me to a pain management specialist, which my dentist recommended--however, my dentist refuses to give me a referral to such a specialist, even though the specialist will take referrals from dentists or doctors.

I have been treated for many years for clinical depression and panic/anxiety disorder by my psychiatrist, and the meds have helped me immensely. On Monday I see my psychiatrist for my usual 6-month med check, and I'm going to ask him for help with the terrible TMJ pain. I have also had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for a long time. The fibro pain has greatly lessened over time and hardly bothers me, but the CFS continues.

The TMJ pain makes it difficult to concentrate. I'm self-employed, and I enjoy my work. But pain gets in the way, as it does in every single situation: work or pastimes. My dentist mentioned massage therapy, but I'm in too much pain right now to try it. Another friend mentioned using a TENS unit. I feel as though I'm not living; to be in constant pain is hardly living, at least to me.

Any other suggestions? Would a TENS unit help? I'm more than willing to purchase one. I'll try just about anything to be pain free. Sometimes I am pain free. But I spend about 2 weeks out of every month in serious pain. I am feeling very discouraged.

Jump to this post

I like to write lists, so I have on my Android a list of current meds including dosage, with allergies listed below. Another list of the surgeries, ER visits and hospitalizations, one of my tie collection, one of my hymnal collection, one of life verses from the Bible, a shopping list, a to do list, insurance policy numbers - you get the idea. Doctors and nurses like it. They also like that I have a link to my lab results.

Jim

REPLY
jenapower | @jenapower | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @boourbonman "I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana...." + (show)
@boourbonman

I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana. Judi and I did it. We then went down to Edgewater FL. and got two 500 mg bottles. $70 each. So we were suppose to start with 5 drops (each drop is a mg.) three times a day and slowly work up to 10 drops 3 times a day. Do the math. 16 days for $70. We are both at 5 drops 3 times a day and no relief. I sure hope it starts to ease our pain. Will Keep you posted.
Hoot

Jump to this post

For those who are interested in medication alarms and have IPhones, there's an app called Round(or Round Health). You put all your medications into it, times you take it, dose etc. It's on a clock type face (thus the name Round). It will give you a notice when it's time to take your medication every time around the clock, you also have a stored list of all your medications, their doses, and how many times a day to take them. I have been using this and find it really helpful when you have to write down all your medications if you go into a doctors office, or anytime you need that list it's right there. It's really a very helpful app.
Just an FYI, Jennifer

REPLY
jenapower | @jenapower | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @hazelblumberg "I developed earaches in September 2016. My primary care found no ear or sinus infection and..." + (show)
@hazelblumberg

I developed earaches in September 2016. My primary care found no ear or sinus infection and sent me to an ENT, who diagnosed TMJ pain. I went to my dentist for help. He gave me weekly anesthesia shots into trigger points (OUCH!) and exercises to do, including massaging the trigger points and opening my mouth as wide as I could numerous times in the shower while my face was warm and wet. (I have been wearing a night guard made by my dentist for over 20 years; he replaces them as they wear out.) The pain continued and only got worse; it was at the top of my head, in my ears, in my jaw, above my palate (as though I'd eaten hot food). My dentist sent me to an oral surgeon, who did 360-degree x-rays and found no joint damage. He told me I was therefore not a candidate for surgery (YAY!) and prescribed Flexeril, a muscle relaxer. The pain only got worse, and I continued to wake up in the night with horrific pain. Ibuprofen didn't even touch it.

My dentist then sent me to a physical therapist, who didn't listen to a word I said. I came in on a "good" pain day: my pain level was about a 5 out of 10 (10 being the worst). After his examination and showing me how to do various exercises, he triumphantly told me that my pain level was now reduced. I said "No. My pain level is now about 7.5." He said he didn't believe me. He attempted to push me to go to his outside clinic to get "magnet therapy," and he tried to push me to see a friend of his who is a naturopath. Two days after this session, I was still in excruciating pain and doubt I'd ever return to this physical therapist, although he had me schedule 4 more 1-hour sessions with him.

I called my dentist again, and he called in a prescription for Tylenol plus codeine, which I can take every 4 to 6 hours. My dentist seems to have no further solutions for me.

My primary care is currently out of town, but I will see her when she gets back (in August); she may be referring me to a pain management specialist, which my dentist recommended--however, my dentist refuses to give me a referral to such a specialist, even though the specialist will take referrals from dentists or doctors.

I have been treated for many years for clinical depression and panic/anxiety disorder by my psychiatrist, and the meds have helped me immensely. On Monday I see my psychiatrist for my usual 6-month med check, and I'm going to ask him for help with the terrible TMJ pain. I have also had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for a long time. The fibro pain has greatly lessened over time and hardly bothers me, but the CFS continues.

The TMJ pain makes it difficult to concentrate. I'm self-employed, and I enjoy my work. But pain gets in the way, as it does in every single situation: work or pastimes. My dentist mentioned massage therapy, but I'm in too much pain right now to try it. Another friend mentioned using a TENS unit. I feel as though I'm not living; to be in constant pain is hardly living, at least to me.

Any other suggestions? Would a TENS unit help? I'm more than willing to purchase one. I'll try just about anything to be pain free. Sometimes I am pain free. But I spend about 2 weeks out of every month in serious pain. I am feeling very discouraged.

Jump to this post

For anyone who has an IPhone there's an app called Round, maybe Round Health. It's like a clock face without the numbers, you enter every medication you take, the time of day you take them, and the dosages. It will give you a notification when it's time to take each medication. It also keeps a list of everything you take, dosages, and times taken, so you have it when you go to a doctors office. I found it really helpful. Jennifer

REPLY
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @hazelblumberg "I developed earaches in September 2016. My primary care found no ear or sinus infection and..." + (show)
@hazelblumberg

I developed earaches in September 2016. My primary care found no ear or sinus infection and sent me to an ENT, who diagnosed TMJ pain. I went to my dentist for help. He gave me weekly anesthesia shots into trigger points (OUCH!) and exercises to do, including massaging the trigger points and opening my mouth as wide as I could numerous times in the shower while my face was warm and wet. (I have been wearing a night guard made by my dentist for over 20 years; he replaces them as they wear out.) The pain continued and only got worse; it was at the top of my head, in my ears, in my jaw, above my palate (as though I'd eaten hot food). My dentist sent me to an oral surgeon, who did 360-degree x-rays and found no joint damage. He told me I was therefore not a candidate for surgery (YAY!) and prescribed Flexeril, a muscle relaxer. The pain only got worse, and I continued to wake up in the night with horrific pain. Ibuprofen didn't even touch it.

My dentist then sent me to a physical therapist, who didn't listen to a word I said. I came in on a "good" pain day: my pain level was about a 5 out of 10 (10 being the worst). After his examination and showing me how to do various exercises, he triumphantly told me that my pain level was now reduced. I said "No. My pain level is now about 7.5." He said he didn't believe me. He attempted to push me to go to his outside clinic to get "magnet therapy," and he tried to push me to see a friend of his who is a naturopath. Two days after this session, I was still in excruciating pain and doubt I'd ever return to this physical therapist, although he had me schedule 4 more 1-hour sessions with him.

I called my dentist again, and he called in a prescription for Tylenol plus codeine, which I can take every 4 to 6 hours. My dentist seems to have no further solutions for me.

My primary care is currently out of town, but I will see her when she gets back (in August); she may be referring me to a pain management specialist, which my dentist recommended--however, my dentist refuses to give me a referral to such a specialist, even though the specialist will take referrals from dentists or doctors.

I have been treated for many years for clinical depression and panic/anxiety disorder by my psychiatrist, and the meds have helped me immensely. On Monday I see my psychiatrist for my usual 6-month med check, and I'm going to ask him for help with the terrible TMJ pain. I have also had fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome for a long time. The fibro pain has greatly lessened over time and hardly bothers me, but the CFS continues.

The TMJ pain makes it difficult to concentrate. I'm self-employed, and I enjoy my work. But pain gets in the way, as it does in every single situation: work or pastimes. My dentist mentioned massage therapy, but I'm in too much pain right now to try it. Another friend mentioned using a TENS unit. I feel as though I'm not living; to be in constant pain is hardly living, at least to me.

Any other suggestions? Would a TENS unit help? I'm more than willing to purchase one. I'll try just about anything to be pain free. Sometimes I am pain free. But I spend about 2 weeks out of every month in serious pain. I am feeling very discouraged.

Jump to this post

Jim @jimhd

What a great organizational system, Jim. I'm sure the medical profession must really find you a great patient!

Teresa

REPLY
peach414144 | @peach414144 | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @boourbonman "I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana...." + (show)
@boourbonman

I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana. Judi and I did it. We then went down to Edgewater FL. and got two 500 mg bottles. $70 each. So we were suppose to start with 5 drops (each drop is a mg.) three times a day and slowly work up to 10 drops 3 times a day. Do the math. 16 days for $70. We are both at 5 drops 3 times a day and no relief. I sure hope it starts to ease our pain. Will Keep you posted.
Hoot

Jump to this post

dear hazel, peach here. am in mourning for my 13 year old cat miracle. was wondering why he would only drink from a dripping faucet, i could not open his mouth but a fraction of the way. went immediately to the vet. there was a huge tumor preventing eating, grooming etc. cannot live without a tongue had already lost weight he is now at rainbow bridge waiting for me. thank the other dog and cat for helping me. i will do well after a while and i thank all of you who understand. i just need a hot tub and an orangeade. well at least the orangeade. i will smile.

REPLY
peach414144 | @peach414144 | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @boourbonman "I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana...." + (show)
@boourbonman

I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana. Judi and I did it. We then went down to Edgewater FL. and got two 500 mg bottles. $70 each. So we were suppose to start with 5 drops (each drop is a mg.) three times a day and slowly work up to 10 drops 3 times a day. Do the math. 16 days for $70. We are both at 5 drops 3 times a day and no relief. I sure hope it starts to ease our pain. Will Keep you posted.
Hoot

Jump to this post

dear justin maclanahan, i thank you for your tips on how to swim on this site, peach, over and out.

REPLY
peach414144 | @peach414144 | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @boourbonman "I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana...." + (show)
@boourbonman

I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana. Judi and I did it. We then went down to Edgewater FL. and got two 500 mg bottles. $70 each. So we were suppose to start with 5 drops (each drop is a mg.) three times a day and slowly work up to 10 drops 3 times a day. Do the math. 16 days for $70. We are both at 5 drops 3 times a day and no relief. I sure hope it starts to ease our pain. Will Keep you posted.
Hoot

Jump to this post

speaking of flavored soda water. when i was very, very young i was a "soda jerk" working for justin agnello at the blue moon cafe in rye ny. if you would try the specialty of the day which was a chocolate or vanilla ice cream soda. (bearing in mind there are many variations) i stil to this day keep the ingredients at hand. with whipped creme, nuts and a cherry on the top and of course a straw. what a blowout it is to your mind. while creating this masterpiece you forget some of the pain and when you eat same with a straw and a spoon. the pleasure is enjoyable. since also having diabetes i only consume some and my blood sugars are still good. memories can be golden. i think this helps us to keep our mind off the pain for a little while. (some relief is better than no relief)

REPLY
HazelBlumberg | @hazelblumberg | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @boourbonman "I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana...." + (show)
@boourbonman

I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana. Judi and I did it. We then went down to Edgewater FL. and got two 500 mg bottles. $70 each. So we were suppose to start with 5 drops (each drop is a mg.) three times a day and slowly work up to 10 drops 3 times a day. Do the math. 16 days for $70. We are both at 5 drops 3 times a day and no relief. I sure hope it starts to ease our pain. Will Keep you posted.
Hoot

Jump to this post

Peach, I am so sorry to hear about Miracle. It is so difficult to lose one's animal companions. I really do hope that our dear critters go to the Rainbow Bridge. They are so deserving of it. Wish I knew what to say--except allow yourself to grieve. This is such an enormous loss.

Hugs,
Hazel

REPLY
JK | @contentandwell | Aug 14, 2017
In reply to @boourbonman "I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana...." + (show)
@boourbonman

I promised you all I would let you know when I got approved for Medical Marijuana. Judi and I did it. We then went down to Edgewater FL. and got two 500 mg bottles. $70 each. So we were suppose to start with 5 drops (each drop is a mg.) three times a day and slowly work up to 10 drops 3 times a day. Do the math. 16 days for $70. We are both at 5 drops 3 times a day and no relief. I sure hope it starts to ease our pain. Will Keep you posted.
Hoot

Jump to this post

@hazelblumberg Hazel, am I somehow consistently spelling your "name" incorrectly? It never comes up when I put it in.

I have been experimenting with dark chocolates. They say it should be at least 72% but the darker the better. I have some 99% that I bought by mistake -- too dark and bitter. I can do 90%, and I think I really like 85%. Around here the Lindt bars are in a lot of stores at reduced prices, even Marshall's. There is something you are supposed to look for in the processing but I don't remember what it is, whatever it is, it is not as good as things not processed that way.
JK

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