Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

My wife has had arachnoiditis for over 25 years. Our HMO doctor referred her to the HMO Pain Clinic. This will be the 5th pain clinic she is sent to. It's like Molikai, i.e. doctors are afraid of her and don't know what to do. Sort of like putting her on the Island with others who have the same condition. It's what they did to lepers in Hawaii.. She wants to die so badly but loves the grandchildren so much and they adore her.. She was on Meperidine and it's now off the market. IT was the only med that helped her live reasonably and now? We've been married for 48 years and are still intensely in love and care for each other always. We see the pain clinic doc on Wednesday and we both feel sick to our stomachs. Her story is a horror and too long to discuss. She needs the Demerol which helps enough to hang in there. The HMO will not provide it. She is allergic to everything else. I heard the Mayo deals with it without fear but, again, we are stuck with the HMO we can afford. She is on palliative care because hospice only deals with short term death. When she dies, I call the morgue. What can we do? What can we say?

Dear cozy, You touched me so deeply, I want to die, I have nothing left. My four pets, [children] I don't want to leave. They give me a purpose in life. They love me comfort me. Oh the wonderful doctors, they give you their diagnosis, "FAILED LAMINECTOMY" Around the world are diagnosed with that but the real diagnosis is Arachnoiditis or Adhesive Arachnoiditis which I have. It upsets me terribly about HMO's Government controlled insurance. There is a site NORD, American Chronic Pain Association, Rare disorders, non-profit, self-help organization providing assistance, hope to individuals with chronic pain. They may be able to guide and help you. Is she on Palliative care at home? What is so important is she knows how much you love her. Many do not realize how important that Word The word, love, could save a life. Hydromorphone [Dilaudid} Perhaps contacting your Congressman, Senator's sometimes they do help, can't hurt to try. In your situation they may help.

If you have pain does Trazadone help. Helps me a lot.

I really liked your "Have a large dose of happiness today"

Dear @kozykozon , how I identify with every thing you posted earlier. I love my Grandchildren and my children so very much. And I live for the days that there is so little pain I forget what it is like to be in such a flare that it feels like I have been beaten.

I am in such a flare right now and can barely think straight. Trazodone used to help me greatly. My Rheumatology doctor has basically "fired" me. I don't have much left except to ask for a referral to our teaching hospital in Birmingham. UAB.

Love is all we need. To know we are loved. Sounds like you have that covered. God bless you.

Mamacita Jane

Hi,@sundance6, I agree with you 99.9% in everything you say! We are all different, and different meds will affect each one of us as our bodies adapt and change.

Gabapentin used to knock me out. Now, I have seemed to develop a tolerance for it. Yet it appears the only thing that helps when Fibromyalgia is raging.

Epsom Salts baths help tremendously. I take Magnesium tablets daily, but they are useless during a flair.

Here's hoping that we see a better say tomorrow!

Love and light to you.

Mamacita Jane

Yes, Trazadone does help pain I sleep through the night. Reason it's advised to take it before bed is because it makes you tired. Non-Addictive. Prescribed to me 100 mg but I have taken for a long time. I don't take it when I take the Traz. I waite about hour. I hope this can help you.

It's nice to know you're not alone. It really helps. Who knows. Perhaps a Doctor will respond with something that can keep us going for a few months. Realistically, however, I don't think that will happen. You know, Death is really not the problem. It's the process. It seems $ is a Doctor now as is our Government putting in a poorly thought out process for abuse of meds. Washington makes me sick at times. Politicians making policy for medications necessary for MOST people in severe pain. God Bless! You!

I had to reply, it hurts so much to hear about all the pain all of us are going through. We can tell other family, friends about the pain but I have found this site is so helpful.My diagnosis isn't the the same pain is pain. I hear Birmingham is a good hospital. Hoping you can get the Traz. soon! If I am not making sense I apologize, my P.M. dr. increased the Clonidine for pain can't think. Some drs can't be bothered with complexed cases! I hope you can have a comfortable evening.

Thanks MJ! The Dr. Teals Epson Salt baths are Great. Add a bith of their liquid and they are to die for! You know what I mean. I take three or four a week. Good after my Silver Sneakers Yoga class! Which by the way has been a Godsent! It has helped me so much both menatlly and physically!
If anyone has one in your area go try it out. I was aprehensive until I went. People with all sorts of handicaps and twisted this or that are there. I have a Great instructor! She does it a good pace. We do most on a chair so we don't have to get up from the floor. In the three weeks I have been doing it I have seen a remarkable chance in myself.
My balance has gotten better. I can climb stairs. My endurance has gotten better! I just feel better than I have in a long time!
It is worth the little bit of time it takes! I haven't got so I do it at home yet except for the breathing. Just learning!
Do yourself a favor and check into it in your area.
Peace!
Sundance(RB)