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.

@gailb

I want to draw everyone's attention to a CNN Special Report by Dr. Sanjay Gupta that was shown last night. It's his 4th report on the use of "Weed" or Marijuana/Cannabis. His reports have been tremendously helpful in understanding the scientific research that has shown Cannabis to be helpful and not harmful.

Last night I learned some things I didn't know about using Marijuana/Cannabis. I learned that CBD and THC are anti-inflammatory medications. Since inflammation is the culprit in many health issues, I found that a good thing. I know inflammation adds to pain, so NSAIDS are often recommended. But, for some of us, ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDS have already done their damage to our stomachs. I cannot ever take them again. I also have had a gastric bypass (RnY) surgery, and cannot take NSAIDS because of that.

Another thing I learned is that there are no set amounts of Marijuana or CBD to use. Depending on the type of Marijuana you purchase, the dose will be different. It will also vary personally. As I have said, I am hyper sensitive to Marijuana when vaped. I can't use it that way. I can use about .30 ml dropper sublingual for pain relief with a light high. I don't like feeling high, and maybe I will adjust over time but since I don't need it very often anymore, I'm not worried about it.

A Very important learning was that Marijuana actually heals the brain over time from the addiction of opioids. I knew that it helped me to withdraw from the Tramadol I was taking. I have also realized that when I quit cigarette smoking on 2/2/82, and I smoked Marijuana (illegally then) for some relief when my withdrawal got terrible, it really DID help me quit smoking. The report said you cannot overdose on Marijuana and no one has ever died from Marijuana. Marijuana is NOT a "gateway drug" and is in fact the opposite of that because it actually helps people permanently withdraw from opioids without the terrible symptoms of withdrawal.

Apparently Marijuana also helps prevent Dementia and they think it MAY stop the progression of Alzheimers. It seems to destroy certain proteins in the brain. They're cautiously optimistic about that.

I highly recommend that if you have questions about "pot", "marijuana", "cannabis", "hemp", (all interchangeable names) or it's derivatives, CBD or THC, watch this CNN special report. You can probably purchase the video or can stream it on your computer.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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Well, I am fully aware of the benefits of marijuana. There. Are safeguards and clinics never bring in marijuana not grown in the high standards. I lived in Oregon and now Texas. I have no idea what is going on in Texas. They charge high and mean high taxes on homes. Their streets are in desperate need of repair. I love it here with all the beautiful trees and birds. However they need to wise up. Reduce home taxes and sell marijuanawhich brings in funds to state. I have a feeling the drug companies ste growing marijuana just waiting to break into market. No one will want narcotics again. I fear the pharmacies want in to the big bucks. Read Genisis in Bible. All herbs are for our use. I have a marijuana cookbook.

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@raina

Hello, my name is raina, a new member to the chronic pain group. I have fibromyalgia, chronic pain and fatigue. I hope to get and give tips on how to live with these diseases.

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Thanks @JustinMcClanahan for this info

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@gailb

I want to draw everyone's attention to a CNN Special Report by Dr. Sanjay Gupta that was shown last night. It's his 4th report on the use of "Weed" or Marijuana/Cannabis. His reports have been tremendously helpful in understanding the scientific research that has shown Cannabis to be helpful and not harmful.

Last night I learned some things I didn't know about using Marijuana/Cannabis. I learned that CBD and THC are anti-inflammatory medications. Since inflammation is the culprit in many health issues, I found that a good thing. I know inflammation adds to pain, so NSAIDS are often recommended. But, for some of us, ibuprofen, aspirin and other NSAIDS have already done their damage to our stomachs. I cannot ever take them again. I also have had a gastric bypass (RnY) surgery, and cannot take NSAIDS because of that.

Another thing I learned is that there are no set amounts of Marijuana or CBD to use. Depending on the type of Marijuana you purchase, the dose will be different. It will also vary personally. As I have said, I am hyper sensitive to Marijuana when vaped. I can't use it that way. I can use about .30 ml dropper sublingual for pain relief with a light high. I don't like feeling high, and maybe I will adjust over time but since I don't need it very often anymore, I'm not worried about it.

A Very important learning was that Marijuana actually heals the brain over time from the addiction of opioids. I knew that it helped me to withdraw from the Tramadol I was taking. I have also realized that when I quit cigarette smoking on 2/2/82, and I smoked Marijuana (illegally then) for some relief when my withdrawal got terrible, it really DID help me quit smoking. The report said you cannot overdose on Marijuana and no one has ever died from Marijuana. Marijuana is NOT a "gateway drug" and is in fact the opposite of that because it actually helps people permanently withdraw from opioids without the terrible symptoms of withdrawal.

Apparently Marijuana also helps prevent Dementia and they think it MAY stop the progression of Alzheimers. It seems to destroy certain proteins in the brain. They're cautiously optimistic about that.

I highly recommend that if you have questions about "pot", "marijuana", "cannabis", "hemp", (all interchangeable names) or it's derivatives, CBD or THC, watch this CNN special report. You can probably purchase the video or can stream it on your computer.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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Thank you so much for posting this encouraging message.

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@meknight

Meknight: chronic pain, fibermyalgia, sleep issues, arthritis, female, 50's. Pain keeps me up at night, and when I do sleep, I wake up stiff and in more pain. My fingers and toes are painfully swollen and turning. I see a pain specialist, but the meds barely make life bearable. Looking for another way to survive.

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Dear oregongirl, Re. "not finding out what was wrong" that is - what caused your falls: My doctor attributed my two uncontiousness caused falls to SYNCOPE when the body just "winks out" momentarily. One moment I was on the phone and the next I was flat on the floor clutching the phone in a "death grip" and the other, I was watering the garden and the next moment I saw the pavement inches from my face as It approached smack down (and what a bruised chin and eye I received). In the first fall I injured my lower back irreparably and rue the day the caller, who had nothing on their mind, made that call after a sensible late night hour. I hope this is helpful.......

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@kristacat

Hello :). First time I’m using a chat for medical reasons. I feel quite desperate and thought I would see if I could tap into this community for help. I was recently diagnosed with hip bursitis. I’m only 42 and sometimes the pain is debilitating. It started on my outer thighs but months later is now more painful on the top of my pelvis bone (highest point) and the groin area which sometimes swells up. I have angioadema (my lower lip swells and I get a rash). I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago. I am fortunate that this condition flares up now and again and is not something that I suffer everyday. I do get very tired - I am finding it hard to stay awake during the day. To add to all this I have 7 uterine fibroids. And also restricted blood flow in both lower legs which can make standing still and flying very painful. Such a variety of conditions but I cannot figure out whether any of these could be related or am I just incredibly unlucky ???!!!! If anyone has any insights I would be very grateful. I am aware that I do have some IgG intolerances to certain foods and recently stopped eating dairy. tips on handling chronic pain and tiredness would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much

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Ladies even though Dr says it isn't meds just read all the side effects on meds read all the literature the pharmacy gives you they are the specialist in drugs I'm not saying Dr,s don't know ,they do but the pharmacist specialists know more ,I went of of it for this reason it effected my memory also Cymbalta I lost memory all togethe so listen to your body ,we know how we feel but Liz wean yourself of ,don t go cold turkey

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@wsh66

You might try going gluten free for a month. It helps with many skin conditions. I saw a new Post Cancer/Lymphedema doctor yesterday who prescribed heavy exercise, aerobic and weight training as a solution to the somnolence, (tiredness), that Chemo and Cancer leave you with. I also use Adderall. Once you get used to adderall you really don't notice your taking it and the crash goes away. She didn't think much of the Adderall. Celebrex is great for reducing swelling and a gluten free diet will also reduce swelling. Lyrica is good for Fibromyalgia and other forms of pain from over active nerves. Chronic pain is still best dealt with with Opiods if it's too serious for Tylenol. If your going to hurt for the rest of your life you might look into a pain pump. I have one and it's the best thing that ever happened to me. I used to eat 252 mg. of various narcotics per day. Now I get 2.75 mg. to 3.75 mg of dilaudid delivered directly to my spine. That is 300 times more effective than eating the same amount. Message me if you need more help.

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Great glad you,ve found exercise ,makes a big difference

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@kristacat

Hello :). First time I’m using a chat for medical reasons. I feel quite desperate and thought I would see if I could tap into this community for help. I was recently diagnosed with hip bursitis. I’m only 42 and sometimes the pain is debilitating. It started on my outer thighs but months later is now more painful on the top of my pelvis bone (highest point) and the groin area which sometimes swells up. I have angioadema (my lower lip swells and I get a rash). I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago. I am fortunate that this condition flares up now and again and is not something that I suffer everyday. I do get very tired - I am finding it hard to stay awake during the day. To add to all this I have 7 uterine fibroids. And also restricted blood flow in both lower legs which can make standing still and flying very painful. Such a variety of conditions but I cannot figure out whether any of these could be related or am I just incredibly unlucky ???!!!! If anyone has any insights I would be very grateful. I am aware that I do have some IgG intolerances to certain foods and recently stopped eating dairy. tips on handling chronic pain and tiredness would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much

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Here's another option.....take the 3 capsules (900 mg) one hour before bedtime. Then the Gabapentin can do what is was designed to do...calm your nerves. I did experience foggy brain when I took it in the morning so my neurologist and I came to the conclusion that I should switch to nighttime. So far so good.....good nights sleep and no foggy brain.

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@kristacat

Hello :). First time I’m using a chat for medical reasons. I feel quite desperate and thought I would see if I could tap into this community for help. I was recently diagnosed with hip bursitis. I’m only 42 and sometimes the pain is debilitating. It started on my outer thighs but months later is now more painful on the top of my pelvis bone (highest point) and the groin area which sometimes swells up. I have angioadema (my lower lip swells and I get a rash). I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago. I am fortunate that this condition flares up now and again and is not something that I suffer everyday. I do get very tired - I am finding it hard to stay awake during the day. To add to all this I have 7 uterine fibroids. And also restricted blood flow in both lower legs which can make standing still and flying very painful. Such a variety of conditions but I cannot figure out whether any of these could be related or am I just incredibly unlucky ???!!!! If anyone has any insights I would be very grateful. I am aware that I do have some IgG intolerances to certain foods and recently stopped eating dairy. tips on handling chronic pain and tiredness would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much

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That is certainly a possibility, but I believe you should not change meds in any way without first speaking with the doc who prescribed it.

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@kristacat

Hello :). First time I’m using a chat for medical reasons. I feel quite desperate and thought I would see if I could tap into this community for help. I was recently diagnosed with hip bursitis. I’m only 42 and sometimes the pain is debilitating. It started on my outer thighs but months later is now more painful on the top of my pelvis bone (highest point) and the groin area which sometimes swells up. I have angioadema (my lower lip swells and I get a rash). I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago. I am fortunate that this condition flares up now and again and is not something that I suffer everyday. I do get very tired - I am finding it hard to stay awake during the day. To add to all this I have 7 uterine fibroids. And also restricted blood flow in both lower legs which can make standing still and flying very painful. Such a variety of conditions but I cannot figure out whether any of these could be related or am I just incredibly unlucky ???!!!! If anyone has any insights I would be very grateful. I am aware that I do have some IgG intolerances to certain foods and recently stopped eating dairy. tips on handling chronic pain and tiredness would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much

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@artscaping You mentioned taking 3 capsules one hour before bedtime - what types of capsules?

Teresa

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@kristacat

Hello :). First time I’m using a chat for medical reasons. I feel quite desperate and thought I would see if I could tap into this community for help. I was recently diagnosed with hip bursitis. I’m only 42 and sometimes the pain is debilitating. It started on my outer thighs but months later is now more painful on the top of my pelvis bone (highest point) and the groin area which sometimes swells up. I have angioadema (my lower lip swells and I get a rash). I was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia a few years ago. I am fortunate that this condition flares up now and again and is not something that I suffer everyday. I do get very tired - I am finding it hard to stay awake during the day. To add to all this I have 7 uterine fibroids. And also restricted blood flow in both lower legs which can make standing still and flying very painful. Such a variety of conditions but I cannot figure out whether any of these could be related or am I just incredibly unlucky ???!!!! If anyone has any insights I would be very grateful. I am aware that I do have some IgG intolerances to certain foods and recently stopped eating dairy. tips on handling chronic pain and tiredness would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much

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@oregongirl and @wsh66wsh66

When I withdrew from Tramadol 50 mg, 4 times a day, I did it very slowly. Going cold turkey is not recommended. I took over 3 months to withdraw.
- I began by going down one pill a week every 2 weeks by increasing the number of hours between pills.
- Then I took 1pill in the morning and 1 pill at night for 2 or 3 weeks.
- Then I broke 1 pill in 1/2 and took it at night, with 1 whole pill during the day for 2 or 3 weeks.
- I finally broke 1 pill in half and took half in the morning and half at night.
- Eventually, I took only half a pill in the morning and 1/4 pill at night. When I was ready, I stopped taking any pills.

I did have anxiety and shakey thinking at first (for a couple of weeks) as well as muscle tightness, almost spasms at first. That's when I tried taking CBD, and it calmed my anxiety and muscles. I used 6 mg. of CBD every 4 - 6 hours as needed. The muscle tightness continued off and on as I withdrew, and I continued to use CBD throughout my withdrawal. I know it helped me to withdraw without many side affects. My withdrawal was relatively easy.

Oregongirl, why are you wanting to stop taking Tramadol? If you will be having pain for the remainder of your life, and you live in a state where you can't buy Cannabis, why don't you want to take Tramadol? It worked well for me, but now that I can legally buy Cannabis for pain, I don't need Tramadol. Actually, I have very little pain anymore since I began doing Active Release Technique with my chiropractor. When I do, I rely on Tylenol or CBD/THC.

Warm regards to both of you,
Gail
Volunteer Mentor

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