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How do you cope with the pain?
I am 57 years old, have led a highly active live with daily sports until a few years ago, when I started having pain in my left foot. I underwent several therapies including acupuncture trauma, which caused a nerve reaction. Since then, that was Sept 2023, I have not had a single day without pain.
I have been suffering pain in my feet, legs, hands and tongue for more than 3 years, moving up to my upper back now. After countless doctor consultations I have at last been diagnosed with SFN. Further blood testing is in process to find the cause and to explain the muscle pain. I have been told to contact a pain management center - have to wait 3 months for an appointment. My feet are chronically inflamed, extreme pain, as soon as I put weight on them, bone marrow edema up to the tibia, develeponig ostheoporosis.
In the past I have tried all sorts of pain meds, from OTCs to steroids to medicinal THC - nothing worked.
Pregabaline was a nightmare, no pain relief, weaning off it difficult.
Now I am supposed to try Gabapentin, but I am so tired and scared of trying yet another drug and having to endure the side effects on top of the pain.
The pain is eating me up. Only moments of laughter or crying for an hour in bed can sometimes give me relief.
How do you cope with chronic pain?
How do you keep up a positive attitude towards the future, knowing it will never get better?
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Have you tried Cymbalta for pain?
@cgrove9 Of course, if it helps you, I understand using it, but I caution that, like opiates, it is addictive and has very similar withdrawal symptoms. It can also suppress breath in like opiates, and may be difficult to judge how much you are getting at one time. As you know, many doctors brush off non-customary medicine, but most of them don't live with the pain we do and the desperation to be out of, or in less, pain. I am just concerned about Kratom. My step brother tried it, had a bad experience with it and said it was hell to get off. I did a Google search on whether Kratom was addictive, and below is the link to the results. Just please be careful.
https://www.google.com/search
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2 Reactions@joycelen I am a retired registered nurse. You should Google it and see what it says. This some of what I found: "Kratom has been used for managing chronic pain, for treating opioid withdrawal symptoms, or for recreational purposes. It is under preliminary research for possible antipsychotic and antidepressant properties." I am interested in how it is working on you for pain. Doesn't your doctor order this from a prescription? It should list the dosage. I am taking Oxycodone for severe rotator cuff shoulder pain.
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1 ReactionIs it safer than celebrix that is hurting my heart
@mysporby1940 Hi, I don't know as I am not a medical professional. My Primary care physician suggested it to me and it helps a little.
@bevthenurse Hi, and thanks for your reply. I have Kratom but I have never taken it. I am actually hesitant to do so because I cannot find a suggested dosage. I researched it pretty well before I bought, but when I realized there were no dosing guidelines, I backed up from actually trying it. No I do not get it by prescription. Unlike Marijuana, it is not given by RX. It is just sold from various companies. I was given Oxycodone but it seemed to give me nightmares, so I do not take that. I went back to taking Hydrocodone, which I have done for years. The severe scoliosis, multiple disc problems and inflammatory arthritis in my spine and joints have gotten worse so the hydro is not always effective. Depends on how many issues are flaring up. I like the idea of taking something natural but just not comfortable with the fact it is not very regulated. The scoliosis started at 14 but after menopause rapidly progressed. I am too old for such a major surgery now and have no one to care for me during rehab. Thanks for your input!
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1 Reaction@jcoleary Hi, yes I am an RN. But I am retired. I originally retired due to disability but now I am at the retirement age anyway. I know where you are coming from about office staff. I have found the doctor might be wonderful, but sometimes I find it hard to stay because of rude,incompetent. and yes ignorant office staff. It is a sad situation. If you have a great doctor though, I believe it is worth staying. Take care and thanks for your comment.