How do you cope with multiple chronic problems?

@ashby1947, I added your post to the Aging Well group as well here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/aging-well/

As we age, more and more of us are living with multiple chronic conditions. It's not easy navigating these waters. You might be interested in this related discussion with @parkerjean @gingerw @linh @esthermayo @becsbuddy @ess77 @lioness @silverwoman @lottiest @cynthiabliss @artist01 @sherrycarroll14 @pattimike124 and others
- Multiple conditions: How do you keep track of all your medications https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/where-to-turn-1/

Another good discussion here:
- A discussion for people over 60: Let's focus on what we can do https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/i-would-like-a-new-discussion-for-people-over-60/

How do you focus on what you can do? What distracts you from pain?

@ashby1947 Like you, and many others, I live daily with multiple conditions. It seems like that is par for the course as we move along in our years.

While I do work with pain, for me it is a crapshoot to determine which condition may be causing the discomfort! So I make it a game or challenge to figure out. for example: in December I had a arterio venous fistula placed in my right wrist in anticipation of upcoming dialysis. I now have only one artery supplying blood to my hand. This has caused terrible cramps as everything gets reestablished. But I also get bad hand cramps in my left hand. So, is it from the fistula, or side effect of medications, or a result of one of my cancer conditions. See what I mean? Rather than dwelling on the issue, taking time to figure out the cause distracts me.

When I am tired, I rest. Or switch gears and go to a lesser energy activity. And know tomorrow is just hours away, the sun will come up, and there will be a chance to make a difference, once again.
Ginger

Hi Sue,

I’m sorry to hear what you are going through with chronic pain. I’m glad to hear you have a support system of doctors to help you manage. I also have several conditions causing chronic pain. I have experienced chronic pain everyday for over 19 years. It’s a challenge! I’ve have had a hard time managing my pain. I’ve seen some good doctors who have definitely helped, but a lot of chronic pain isn’t 100% treated with therapy’s and medications.

Over the years, I’ve realized that self care is so important! I’ve always been a believer in the mind-body connection when it comes to pain. I know when I avoid it, I suffer! I’ve come to understand it’s an ongoing commitment! I have degenerative disk disease and my back is a mess. It has been neglected by doctors I’ve seen and I’m currently pursuing treatment options. Also fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hypothyroid, insomnia, arthritis, gerd, depression and more.

For me, I’ve benefited from relaxation techniques and meditation for starters. I found an app online called Calm. It offers guided meditation and breathing techniques that have helped my outlook about living with pain. To me, it’s about coping with my pain and being able to stay positive! Which isn’t always easy.
I’ve also read some books on the right foods to eat for my condition of fibromyalgia, arthritis and gerd. Nutrition is so important for wellness! I’ve incorporated vitamins and supplements for my conditions. Smoothies with fruits, yogurt, protein powders, etc. Just making sure I get the food and nutrients I need to maintain strength and balance.
I have read books and researched online a lot about things that are available to assist in making my life more comfortable. The right pillows, posture, sleep therapy’s, educational tools, etc. I have an inversion table for my back and it provides relief.
Just knowing what I can try to bring some relief when pain is high and I’m not coping well, gives me peace of mind. It’s such a personal thing, depending on your particular circumstances. You might have ideas you can implement to bring yourself peace of mind and some physical relief.
I really recommend meditation. It was kind of intimidating at first but I started with 10 to 12 minutes a day. It’s grown from there, as I’ve discovered how much it helps me. I’ve tried bio feedback before and that helped me. Meditation is a lot like bio feedback. Deep breathing and guided meditation calm the body and mind!
I hope you get more reply’s! I’m new here myself so it’s nice to meet you! I wish you the best!

Thank you, Colleen.

I’m treating body-wide Osteoarthritis pain with Tramadol and Cymbalta. The additional pain from PMR cuts right through the pain relievers for Osteoarthritis and is controlled only by prednisone. Making sense of it all is challenging.

I also deal with multiple chronic problems. Have found that CBD is the only thing that helps me manage without feeling like a zombie. I have tried a dozen oral products, now take 2 CBD tinctures (Tommy Chong's) and on particularly bad days add some gummies with a little bit of THC in them. Also use a wonderful cream/lotion with MSM and about a dozen herbs in it in addition to CBD. It has made all the difference. Far fewer days when I have to struggle to get out of bed.

Hi
Very happy you have found something that works for you. If you are able I would certainly appreciate specific information describing the CBD and gummies as well as the topical you use. I have pain coming at me from 4 sources and my new pain mgt. Dr who replaced my old Dr is MME driven and operates out of fear first rather than care first. Whilst I understand why he is so afraid of violating CDC guidelines for prescribing opiates but at the end of the day understanding doesn’t do me much good regarding my pain management
Thank You

Hi Colleen,

Sally and I are having our morning coffee. Not sure I mentioned, Sal is the great granddaughter of Augusta Stinchfield. She often tells me stories of her family and the Mayo Clinic. The world is a better place due to the Mayo Clinic and it’s progressive approach to medicine.

Thanks so much for everything.

Namaste

I haven't had much success with either of the medications you menetioned. I am have now arranged to try a spinal stimulator. I have reached a point where I am not getting much relief from any medications. So, I am hoping and praying the spinal stimulator works as advertised.

Wow. That's incredible.

For those who maybe don't know the name, Augustus W. Stinchfield (December 21, 1842 – March 15, 1917) was an American physician and one of the co-founders—along with Drs. Charles Horace Mayo, William James Mayo, Christopher Graham, E. Starr Judd, Henry Stanley Plummer, Melvin Millet and Donald Balfour—of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustus_Stinchfield