Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

Hi, my name is Randy. I am 61 and have been diagnosed with CRPS. Right now its in my right knee and spreading to the left knee. I have seen all the youtube and online info. I have been in therapy for a year and have a pain management Dr. I am looking for anyone who may have tried something I haven't to relieve some of the constant pain I have. Any comments may help.

Welcome to you Randy and sorry for your diagnosis. You don't say what you've tried so I'll tell you what I've tried. Since 1988 accident I was on Tylenol w/ Codeine #3 or #4 for more years than I can recall in addition to Salsalate Hcl as an anti-inflammatory. In 2005 a pain doc, my first, switched me to Kadian (morphine sulfate) ER. In 2016 I saw another pain doc who placed me on buprehorphine patches, which work much better for pain control. I'm on no anti-inflammatories as NSAIDs interfere with my BP meds and I've never had steroid injections and never will. My only surgery was a fusion L4-S1 in 1990. I've had PT over the years but now have chronic pain, bilateral lower extremity neuropathy. My symptoms are not uncommon to chronic pain suffers I don't believe. I hope you find relief.

Good evening @randy211, I am sorry for your continuing pain without relief. You gave us a request to tell you about other "somethings" that we may have tried. You'll have to tell us what you are using now. And may I ask what your pain management doctor has told you about controlling your level of pain. Thanks...will watch for your post.

May you be free of suffering and the causes of suffering.

I found some MDs(?) here in Oregon who claimed to be a pain clinic with OHSU and others. All they did was tell me to take a marijuana product, so I did. I wrecked my car, and did a lot more damage to me system. Now I have been genetically diagnosed with Gelsolin, Fukatin LGMD, RYR2, and a bunch of other crap, but OHSU will still not see me to help with my diseases. Most frustrating. Now I take 4,000 of acetaminophen every single day, along with a bunch of other meds. Novolin, Nitro, Imdur, etc. Anyway, OHSU will still not see me, so I have no trust in their system. Find someone you can trust. I do not know know any in Oregon.

I have an autoimmune disease, and broke 7 ribs falling off a horse 5 years ago. If the pain is not well managed, can end up with a central pain issue that is hard to treat. I am fine; did find out I have scoliosis (self healed, so it has an angle). I do lots of movement, like cat/cow/child/cobra yoga and other PT stretches to keep my alignment and posture straight. Cool pac/moist heat, lidocaine patches, KT tape (you tube has instructions depending on where it is), magnesium citrate and B-12 help. CBD cream helps soft tissue referred pain, but KIKII pain cream on accupressure points helps. (Potters House pharmacy). I haven't tried acupuncture or some of the other integrative methods, but movement/hydration has always helped along the way. I like my foam tube, and water exercise as well. I am on Etodolac for pain.

Ouch, Mary. Broken ribs after falling off a horse does not sound like fun at all. It sounds like you're doing a lot to help relieve the pain.

@olaf49 @marye2, you may both be interested in this discussion in the Spine Health group:
- Scoliosis - Introduce yourself and meet others https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/scoliosis-introduce-yourself/

I have had a fusion in my neck and lower back. Still have chronic pain. I am also battling breast cancer and dealing with side effects which is chronic pain in my legs. Sometimes I feel so defeated and that no one is listening

Well I had 8 back surgeries, one neck operation, morphine pump implanted; however I deal with pain every day. I am trying to see what other people are doing to deal with this pain. Now the are testing me for ALS and I keep failing those test; so far I have weak lung, tongue, esophagus muscles.

Got lower back and leg chronic pain for 10 years. Had 2 back surgeries, plus all the rest, on no meds, but nothing works. Very active senior that continues to mt. bike, swim, lift weighs, etc, while ignoring the pain. Started meditation 6 months ago, but no improvement. Trying to get into Mayo's 3-week pain rehab program.

Hello @skier, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. @rwinney has shared her experience with Mayo Clinic's Pain Rehabilitation Program in this discussion which you might find helpful.

Mayo Pain Rehabilitation Program: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-pain-rehabilitation-program/

There is also another discussion you might want to share your experience on -- Do you meditate? And does it help?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/do-you-meditate-and-does-it-help/

You mentioned your are trying to get into Mayo's 3-week pain rehab program. Are you having any difficulty getting into the program?