Back in the game after rehabilitation for debilitating pain

Oct 30, 2019 | Kris Luhman | @krisluhman | Comments (11)

Tyler McDonald

At 35, Tyler McDonald felt like his best years were behind him. Affected by mystifying mobility issues and severe pain, he needed a cane and heavy pain medications to move through his days. Withdrawn and depressed, Tyler's outlook was grim — until he met a Mayo Clinic neurologist who opened a door that led Tyler to a happier future.

For Tyler McDonald, the worst part of his debilitating leg pain and mobility issues wasn't needing a cane to walk or requiring heavy doses of pain medication to get through the workday. For Tyler, who loves playing baseball with his sons, the worst part was sitting on the sidelines not being able to actively coach his little league team.

All that's changed now. Thanks to Mayo Clinic specialists who correctly diagnosed Tyler's condition, addressed his symptoms and removed him from opioid pain medications, Tyler is looking forward to getting back on the field with his team.

Continue reading Tyler's story via Sharing Mayo Clinic

Interested in more newsfeed posts like this? Go to the Adult Pain Medicine blog.

jeffrapp | @jeffrapp | Nov 14, 2019

Can't open the link. It says "restricted access"

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 14, 2019

In reply to @jeffrapp "Can't open the link. It says "restricted access"" + (show)

@jeffrapp and @beccahp, the link has been restored. You can read Tyler's story on Sharing Mayo Clinic https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/10/23/back-in-the-game-after-pain-rehabilitation/

bigjuan | @bigjuan | Jun 4, 2023

19 surgeries so far. 78 years old. I first took Norco in 1996 after having my left ankle fused.
I had nightmares, and the pharmacist said to go have beers with my buddy and stop taking Norco. Which I did.
However, now, after a bunch of surgeries in the past three years, including fusing my knee, so it will not bend, I am taking Norco again.
Maintaining a log is crucial.
Whenever I take a Norco for pain, I write the exact time I took it, and what body part was screaming for the pain relief. That log really helps me see how much I’m taking and why I am taking it with the biggest reason to prevent addiction to the opioid.
I couldn’t sleep at night because of the pain. Now, I take Norco before going to bed as well as gummies.
Those gummies are a lifesaver, and I can sleep through the night ignoring pain.
Forget about the politics regarding marijuana. This stuff works. Plus, it is much easier to get addicted to Norco than gummies.
In order to not stagger or fall after taking a gummy, I take it as I’m getting into bed.
I only buy the gummy’s from a licensed dispensary. Never, would I buy from someone on the street.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Jun 11, 2023

At 78 you can use anything you wish that works. 👍

bigjuan | @bigjuan | Jun 12, 2023

In reply to @jenatsky "At 78 you can use anything you wish that works. 👍" + (show)

78!
Beer, scotch, wine, maybe you’re right.
Thanks for your reaction.
Trying to figure out this website is difficult for an idiot like me.
Hope you’re OK.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Jun 13, 2023

Alcohol does kill the pain along with your kidneys, liver, high blood pressure if that is what you want as you age out. Life is too short to view it in a haze. Good luck Juan.

ruthblaze | @ruthblaze | Jan 23 10:19am

In reply to @bigjuan "78! Beer, scotch, wine, maybe you’re right. Thanks for your reaction. Trying to figure out this..." + (show)

I’m 78 on tramadol and gabapentin for chronic arthritis pain I wish I could get off them but each time I try the pain returns. It’s depressing

bunnybear | @bunnybear | Jan 24 5:33am

What I find is that the day or two of pain is bearable. But after stopping those meds you will probably see how much pain they were preventing. I went off Lyrica and Cymbalta because of significant weight gain. I am allergic to NSAIDS. All of them! Voltaren lasted the longest without messing up my kidneys. Now I am trying to find a med that will control pain but not cause the weight gain. Is there one out there I can try?

lioness | @lioness | Feb 3 11:15am

@bunnybear Hi I also am in a lot. Of pain have back injury crushed nerves and am on Lyrica but still have pain One thing I do is drink a lot of tea and. One tea for pain is Blueberry tea,also Arnica tea .They both give me relief as I don't like taking my Tramadol anymore then I have to Just sharing

bunnybear | @bunnybear | Feb 3 9:45pm

@lioness Thank you so much! I am going through a lot of adjustments to my meds and spinal stimulator to figure out the optimal doses/setting. So your suggestions are very welcome! I didn’t know they made arnica tea. I look forward to trying both types of tea you mention!