Natural Pain Relief

[cudagirl]

I posted this in Lupus forum as well. My legs are killing me, deep throbbing pain.  My dr has increased my steriods...which I hate (goody for me)...and will not give me anything stronger for pain because my kidney function test came back way to high.  I am in agony...are there any natural things I can try like acupuncture?  Has anyone used them, do they work?

[cudagirl]

Yes thank you for your comment about Potassium.  I have chronic low k numbers.  I was in the hospital a few weeks ago because it was critically low.  I have to eat a lot of these foods plus take supplements.  Thank you again.

[TrudieC]

So glad it will help.  Yes, it should never hurt so do communicate how it feels.  Another thing I was thinking about was that being low in magnesium and potassium can cause leg cramps.  Try upping foods in this area - potato chips, gatorade, bananas, etc. and see if your legs feel a bit better.

[cudagirl]

Thank you for your replies....I went to massage therapy...WOW what a difference.  Now I will tell you, YOU must let them know how much pressure to apply.  At first it was way to much.  I have several tender spots and when she touch them OUCH, but after that, I swear I was on another planet.  I feel a lot better.  I have another appt next week.  

[FurballsMom]

I don't have RLS, but I know someone who does.  She told me that reducing her intake of salt has really made a difference.  She no longer has to take prescription RLS medication.  My friend and her huband don't eat processed and packaged foods.  Like me, they only eat natural foods that have ingredients that people can actually pronounce.  I mention that, because prepared and packaged foods do contain high levels of salt.  But, she still had to reduce her intake of salt.  She also changed the type of salt used at home to a natural sea salt (not the overprocessed white sea salt) that contains trace minerals in it.  This is the same thing I use myself.  

I don't have Lupus, but I do have chronic pain issues.  My chiropractor works in an office that offers both massage and accupuncture and thinks that accupuncture would help me a lot--in addition to the regular adjustments I need just to control my pain.  I sure wish I could afford to avail myself of both the accupuncture and the massage treatments.  Neither one is covered by my insurance and I simply can't afford the out-of-pocket expense for the accupuncture treatments that the chiropractor believes would be of added benefit to me.  I'm all for it, but I'm on a fixed income, since I'm on disability and can't afford it.  I do get some benefit from the chiropractic adjustments, though, and those are covered by my insurance.

I'm all for anyone else's ideas for natural pain relief, as I have to deal with chronic pain issues myself', but I'm sensitive to many medications.  That's such an twisted irony.  

I joined the auto-immune forum, because I do have auto-immune issues--I just don't have Lupus.

[uk2]

I agree ithat the dr can help with RLS i tried requip for rest legs worked well but the drug didnt agree with me most dopamine agonist dont shame as the rest leg thing drives me mad my mum had that too.

[TrudieC]

Your doctor should be able to give you something to help with restless legs.  I would check that out.  Enjoy your appointment!

[cudagirl]

Thank you for your replies....a lot of great information.  I just set up an appt with a massage therapist for tomorrow.  I can't wait.  I have been living in the bathtub since Wed.  My husband just bought some Blue Emu and did my legs...they feel better.  I am just tired of being up all night, and Scott (hubby) sleeping on the couch because I can't control my legs.  He says I run in my sleep all night long.  Again thank you!

[TrudieC]

I get a lot of relief from therapeutic massage therapy and go once a week for treatment.  My Lupus hits a lot of my connective tissue and if you find someone who does myofascial release it can make a huge difference.  I have had success with acupuncture for other pains so may be a solution here too.  I rely a lot on heat too.  Heating pads and soaking in the tub - wish I had a hot tub and could jump in several times a day.  I've also heard that biofeedback can help you control the pain.  I hope you can find relief soon.

[catzz]

I haven't had acupuncture but I do know that it can provide remarkable results for pain relief.  However, success can vary on the individual.  If the dr is ruling out pain meds, acupuncture would be at the top of the list, definitely consider giving it a go.  Sorry to hear you're having such a bad time and horrible pain.