Chronic pain in from osteoarthritis & stenosis

Thank you.

I was sad to read of your story, but you should be proud you have made it to such a great age.
You had responses so nothing much I can add, but I urge you to find another Dr. Im with new pain management and am on opiods but insufficient to help. Chronic severe pain sends one to dark places.
I also have stenosis, I dont know how much it contributes to my pain ....a lot I guess.
Im going g to open a discussion on hypnosis. I had a Spinal Cord Stimulator, removed 5 months ago, but my back still relives the pain from the hardware...its deep, never ending. Pls dont accept your situation, no one should be expected to tolerate chronic severe pain. I see yet another new pain Dr on Monday, hope he's better than current one.
Prayers for us all, God Bless.

I have those exact same things. I am 68. I’ve been suffering since I was 38. The doctor said at 38 he didn’t want to put me on narcotic pain reliever because I would be taking handfuls of pills at 68. This turned out to not be true at all. There has been a a slight up to over 30 years. I’ve gone from December and June being my aggravating months to every day of the year and gone from 2 half pills a day, 2 pills a day (4 halves). Percocet is a legitimate treatment for chronic pain associated with what we have. In the past because of the political situation I’ve had to bring in the research from the CDC to the doctor. Then there is no problem. The line I suggest using is “I am suffering. How are you going to alleviate my suffering?“ When I was 25 years younger, the military NSAID me right into the hospital. Ibuprofen and the associated pain relieving medication’s are toxic on an ongoing basis and my body rejected them. They attending hospital. Doctor said never to take NSAIDs on a regular basis. So after that, I was put on the Percocet and there I comfortably stay for the last 25 years. If your doctor is not alleviating your suffering in an acceptable way, then you are going to have to get help in advocating for yourself. I wish you good luck in the matter and I hope you have help to get what you need. I have had many surgeries because I know that in a few more years, the doctors won’t be willing to do the surgeries anymore.. I’m I’m sure at 96 that is an issue for you too. sometimes my life becomes all about my pain and I can empathize with your position. See if you can find an advocate, a case manager or a ombudsman.

That is so very sad and heart wrenching to hear. Doctors have been trained that pain meds are bad. You need to find a new doctor. Go to pain management if you haven’t. That will appease them. Your age is a conflict for them to prescribe narcotics. That’s not the right answer. It’s extremely exhausting for you. Do you have family or supportive relationships that can advocate for you and help you find a physician that will work with you? My father is 93. He has a fabulous geriatric doctor that treats his pain, insomnia, and depression with appropriate drugs. He does his job and monitors him. Keep searching and fight for your health care!

Has anyone had any success with infrared light therapy home devices or treatment with red light therapy in a clinical setting? I have seen "medical grade" devices for sale that combine electrical pulsing and light therapy. I have read that infrared light can have positive pain management, and even healing results. Has anyone tried it?

@cutshaw01

It was prescribed for me twice post-op as a matter of course.

@gypsyblue Thanks, I will keep searching.

@loriesco, I am so sorry that you have been dealing with pain for such a long time. I have no reason to complain since my pain has been relatively short compared to yours. I am well past my best-before date and have now reached the stage where I'm considering Maid. I'm not really ready, but I see no alternative.

@borwin98 what “maid?”
Thank you for your empathy, but we all have something and I’m very lucky that I can control my pain and still be extremely productive and do what I want and have purpose!

@megroberts it does help some more than others. The problem is that you have to keep using it. It helps to bring good blood flow to improve healing and circulation. As a nurse, I used it many times for wound healing and neuropathy. It has been around a long time. Medicare actually paid for the therapy for wounds and neuropathy. I think the devices have improved a bit over the years. I can’t speak to pain relief with arthritic pain but it couldn’t hurt unless you are using it over undiagnosed conditions or lesions. People are purchasing the red light face masks for wrinkles etc. however, if you have undiagnosed skin cancer for example, you wouldn’t want to nurture it to grow. Like anything else, check with your doctor first.