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Living with severe pain

As many of you know, I had a very bad ankle fracture, a trimallelolar dislocation, 3 months ago. Surgery, etc., etc.,no weight-bearing, all of the usual. I've been out of the cast for 5 weeks, and in PT for 4.

My life is very complicated these days, as anyone's would be under the circumstances. I live alone, deal with a lot of stairs, and have a dog for company. She of course needs to go out regularly, but I've been managing well with the help of kind friends and neighbors. I hobble around using a cane.

What I'm not doing well with is the pain from my fractures. There's a ton of hardware in my ankle and leg, and still a great deal of swelling and discoloration. My surgeon says everything is fine and seemed skeptical of the pain level, but the PT is quite understanding. This is a very serious injury. I take Naproxen and was on Hydrocodone a good while. Now I have a small supply of Tramadol. It doesn't touch the pain, really, and besides, I don't want any drug problems. Never had any and don't want to start now. I take the Tramadol sparingly, and don't think the surgeon would renew it if I asked. Which I won't, since it hardly works.

I'm posting this here because I know many MSers live in constant pain too. My MS pain has been nothing compared to this. I will no doubt be in PT for several more months, at least, and I'm just so weary. I never realized how *exhausting* constant severe pain is. I feel myself getting depressed, even though I'm on Lexapro. I'm generally pretty cheerful, but not these days. Before the fracture I had the trouble most MSers have with fatigue and energy levels, and this is really compounding that problem. Going places is a hassle, but I don't much feel like going places anyway. It's been a long winter.

I'm wondering if anyone has some practical suggestions for getting through this rough patch. So many of you have been there, done that. I'm tired of hearing myself complaining, even though I really don't do a lot of that. I'm just tired, and I hurt, a lot.

Thanks for letting me vent. I need a new lease on life.

ess
15 Responses
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1260255 tn?1288654564
Ess:

You've gotten a lot of good advice here. I tend to think that pain management is an option to pursue, just as it is important to keep up with physical therapy.

I hope the following link is helpful; its from people who have been in your situation and they talk about the recovery process as well as pain. Reading it tells me that you are not alone in your situation.

http://www.webanswers.com/health/surgery/healing-time-for-trimalleolar-ankle-fracture-with-9-screws-and-one-plate-6cd592?page=3

Having had a complete fracture of the humerus, snapping the ball off the top of the bone, I can say that orthopedic pain is very intense. Not to mention more pain as the surgery also damages muscles and ligaments when the bone damage is repaired with all kinds of hardware.

On this forum there has been a lot of discussion about pain and rating it. How would you rate your pain at the time of the accident, post-operative and now? Is there anything that you could use as a comparable example for your current pain? The more descriptive you can be in terms of the type of pain and the level, the more informed professionals will be to assist you.

So sorry for your big OUCH!

Audrey

Helpful - 0
645390 tn?1338555377
(((Ess))),
Shoot, I am sorry for all you are going through. I do believe chronic physical pain, definitely adds to our mental status.

I have been there before, as my pain comes around fairly frequently. I have had lots of pain in a knee for the last month.  Saw an Orthopedic surgeon yesterday, and did not get good news. I am pretty down and out, and in very very bad pain, ever since they manipulated my leg and did a cortisone injection.

Anyway, I did get some vicodin today, and took it, and do feel "mentally" better as well as physically a bit,

I do agree you should look into pain management.  I go to a neuro who deals with facial/scalp/ ear all the neuralgias.  He has helped me IMMENSELY with all my facial, head,ear neuralgis,and  injects steroids/lidocaine every 3 months.  I was able to get off pain pills for the most part and feel almost pain free at times.

So I too would recommend pain management.

Also, do you have someone you can talk to that listens well?  Good friend, family member, person of religious faith?  If not, perhaps some counseling sessions from a facility that has chronic illness in their specialty?

Talking for me is good, very good.  I am quite the talker at times. I do have a few close friends, although I tend not to talk to them too often about any physical pain issues, they just don't "get" ms, or "pain " issues.  There are a few people on this forum that I speak with, and really, that helps me so much.  

Another thing for me is too try to be active, to the best of my ability anyway.  I started doing swim aerobics a couple of month ago, and I LOVE it.  It is good for my body and soul.  I haven't been able to go for the last 3 weeks, due to major problem with knee, and being ill as well.

I am going to try to go Monday, and hopefully I will be a bit more mobile in a couple of days.

Just wanted you to know that you are not alone. We are here for you, and I am so sorry things are so hard for you these days. I wish I could come over, with 1-2 of my boys, and let them wait on us, and cook Oatmeal (which my 8 year old did this morning for me.)  It was the lovely thought that counted, and not actually the oatmeal, as he really didnt cook it, but he did add milk :)

Thinking about you Ess....hugs to you my friend!

Michelle
Helpful - 0
1045086 tn?1332126422
Ess, when PT is started after a time of immobility you are likely to need to increase pain control measures NOT eliminate them (even though some docs lose track of this).  You need pain control to do the therapy.  You need pain control because you did the therapy.

You may need narcotics or muscle relaxers/antispasmodics or a lidoderm patch or a block or a TENS unit ..........  You definitely need a doc who has the whole bag of tricks at his disposal.  Full recovery is dependent on the ability to perform the prescribed therapy.

Hope you find a doc to help you pronto.
Mary
Helpful - 0
755322 tn?1330269114
I can commiserate with your pain, Ess! Ever since my attack of Transverse Myelitis and later diagnosis with MS compounded with lower back problems, I have been in horrible pain every day.

I was getting really depressed and the anti-depressants didnt do a thing to help, just made me wonky. Finally I begged my Neuro for a pain management doctor. I found a good one.

Always a no drugs for me type person, I gave in as I couldn't stand the pain anymore and all the hypnosis and meditation tricks didn't work for me at all. Finally, I allowed myself the luxury of pain meds and it turned my life around completely. I wear a fentanyl patch for the general chronic pain and take gabapentin for nerve pain. It did take a while to tweak the drugs and the dosages to find the sweet spot.

I cannot tell you how much better I feel. Also take an occasional small piece of  Xanax if the weather causes break through pain and I get jittery and anxious about it.  I can now get out, drive, do a little shopping and enjoy lunch with my friends where before the cloud of pain prevented anything fun at all. My depression went away with the lowering of pain levels. I can also exercise more too.

I hope you will consider pain management, Ess, a long term solution. Tramadol and short acting drugs never touched it.  

Cheers, Jessica
Helpful - 0
900662 tn?1469390305

I feel your pain,  I had left ankle surgery in 2006- cast for six week.  Now pending is my right ankle surgery  which will be more extensive .

I wish I had a good suggestions   for you how deal with all the issues.  
I used that time to re-train my dog  ( pre -Kouper) to help pass time- My dog learned commands by hand signals.

Diet,  I ate five small meals and maintained my weight.  

My foot down was pointed down  in the cast, it miserable when I called back to the Dr office a few days before the first cast removal to seen if they could change it- I was told NO-
pointing the foot down relaxed my achilles, a bone spur was removed and it was going thru the achilles and they removed a portion of the achilles.

The pain lasted for awhile-  i had two rounds of PT.

wish you the best.

Johnniebear
Helpful - 0
198419 tn?1360242356
Essy,

You are definitely in a situation. What doc is the one who knows you most? May be a safe bet to get to that one and explain the current sitch and see what is offered or suggested, and I do hope they listen.

I'm contemplating talking to a doc about the chronic pain in my neck, shoulder, etc. myself but sure don't know where to turn since I don't visit anyone regular except the neuro and I'm doubtbful he'll be of any help. Naproxen not cutting it. Have done the PT, etc.

You shouldn't have to just always deal w/it. I feel for you for sure, Ess.
-shell
Helpful - 0
1564991 tn?1307630809
I have a small comment on the difference between breakthrough pain meds and long acting pain meds. Most people get put on fast acting pills that wear off just as quickly or never get the pain under control at all. But there are options available for long-acting relief. I wear a patch that releases a consistent amount of medication 24 hours a day so that the pain never reaches a point that my oral medication cant handle it. As far as I know there are two different kinds of these patches available.
I have a herniated disk and some congenital spine issues.
Oh, and this was all taken care of by a pain management specialist.
Helpful - 0
923105 tn?1341827649
Hi Ess,

I'm so sorry to hear that your in so much pain, compounded with depression as well.

You mentioned 'a long Winter' maybe this has something to do with it also, but Spring is around the corner now, and with the better days you may well feel better in yourself.

I know, pain is bad.  I live with it everyday, even the feel of someone or something touching my legs sends me into hysterics.

I cope with taking Valium (something that I am not happy about at all) but otherwise I would not be able to wear anything at all around my legs.

I can assure you that it would not be a pretty sight seeing me walking around in just a sweaters and knickers:))

IMO, you have done a the right thing for starters, and that is by venting here - and I also agree with the everyone, that a pain therapist may be a good way also.

Always here for you,

Right here we go, just like Alex with her list:)

Hugs

Debs, Troy, Monica, Wilshire, and Etienne. xxxxxxxxxxxxxx



Helpful - 0
1253197 tn?1331209110
Hi Ess

I am so glad that you and also Alex have shared your experiences of pain and trauma..for that is what it is-, but sorry that you are experiencing this. I am wondering if you have explored the side of your pain that is the trauma/shock of what you have been through. Trauma can be deeply embedded inside us and it may be necessary to acknowledge this and release your feelings (possibly with the aid of a counsellor?)

However I am not undermining the actual physical pain as this is incredibly debilitating. Almost two years ago I had an accident as I think I have mentioned to you before and I tore all 3 ankle ligaments when I tripped over a fork lift truck. I was in plaster for a month and I just felt completely out of control of every thing in my life and was totally reliant on others to help me. The pain was excruciating and I felt constantly tired and it was only later that I realised how much effort is exerted in fighting pain even when on painkillers.

It probably took me a year to recover fully with lots of physio but I also tried acupuncture (which anyone who knows me and my dislike of needles will know was a desperate measure). I had to admit that there was some improvement and I also had ultrasound on it.

I fear that it is going to be a long recovery for you also and when you have become a little more mobile, swimming may be something worth considering if you have a pool anywhere nearby. I would heartily agree with Alex that distraction really does help and trying to balance keeping busy along with good old fashioned proper rest with foot elevation.  Anything that may help you relax!..Also think of childbirth and calm steady breathing (not that childbirth is at all relaxing but being in control of your breathing from youir diaphragm can help).

I am soooooooo sorry that you are suffering so much and feeling low is entirely understandable. Your ankle will improve but it is going to take time and small steps (sorry about the pun) so try and stay positive and you know that you can come on the forum any time and let us know when you are having a horrible day.

With much love

Sarah x
Helpful - 0
1394601 tn?1328032308
I take Percocet in small doses daily.  I found using Xanax with it helped.  Why an anxiety medication works on pain, I have no idea.  But taking just the Percocet didn't relieve it.  Now I am not saying I am pain free.  I am far from it.  It takes the edge off and makes life tolerable.

My neuro prescribes these meds for me.  Her words to me is addiction will not happen when these types of meds are used for pain and not for recreation.  She has said there have been studies done to prove it.  

Taking narcotics seems to be the big no-no but I will take a qualify of life over being in pain and not enjoying life.
Helpful - 0
739070 tn?1338603402
Dear Ess,

First, no apologies accepted for sharing your pain and venting with us. That's what we are here for. Pain management is a very good idea ! My guy is great and has reduced my pain considerably. It has gone from a daily 10 to a 2 or 3.

I'm certainly not as strong as Alex is when it comes to pain and diversions to help clear one's mind from it, but she has some very good suggestions. Mindful meditation is a great technique which I have used,  I go to my "happy place" and think of how relaxed and calm I am.

I do wish your pain would improve. You have endured this for such a long time.

Thinking of you and sending gentle hugs,
Ren
Helpful - 0
1318483 tn?1318347182
Ess -

I am so sorry you are having difficulty trying to heal your ankle.  It sounds like you had quite a little accident there.  I didn't know about it before this post....or I might have forgotten...I am good for that lately.  :/

Anyway, I think pain management might be a good choice for you, too.  I finally decided to do it.  I have been in pain, like a level 5, all the time for 6 years now.  The drugs I do take simmer it down most of the time but I am really tired of all the drugs and the pain.  I am just starting out with the pain management, but i have high hopes!   It may be your answer, too.  

I have so much respect for Alex.  She really has been through the ringer all through her life, yet she still holds her head up high and gives everyone encouraging words to us all.  I am going to try her advise as well.  So, maybe we can both be pain free sometime in the near future?

I sure hope so.  Good luck, ess, and keep us posted...

Addi
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your good thoughts and ideas. Pain management may be a good route to take. I have a friend with post-polio syndrome who is under the care of a physiatrist just to keep her pain at a bearable level.

And Alex, OMG, you never cease to amaze me. You really should write a book. I don't know how you've lived through everything. I don't know much about self-hypnosis, but a professional tried several times to hypnotize me some years back to deal with other pain issues. Apparently I'm not very suggestibe, because she was able to reach only the very lightest level, and it did no good. I really tried. But I will read up on your technique and see what develops.

Doggie and kitty hugs gratefully accepted.

ess
Helpful - 0
667078 tn?1316000935
Your situation is very bad. I have had a lot of pain in my life and I have dealt with tons of depression. What I have found is distraction is important.  This is what hypnosis and mindfulness meditation is about. It is not perfect and will not erase pain but the brain can't think of two things at a time.

I do self hypnosis several times a day. Emotions effect pain so if you can keep emotions on a lower level than pain can be less. Also being in good practice helps. I can actually put myself in a state of medical sedation before I get medication before surgery.

Also you may know this but you have to get ahead of pain. I am a recovering addict and do not wish to get addicted to pain pills but I take pain killers pretty much every day in small amounts. I go to long with pain because I drive and take medication too late. Plus my time at the legislature make me upset.

I once was in a construction accident and tore the ligament which holds your spine down. I lived alone and had to walk my dogs three times a day and I lived on the third floor with stairs. I stacked all the classics by my couch and read them one by one. Because of my MS I did not learn to read until I was an adult. I had nothing for pain. It was hard going but I after a year healed. I also fell twelve feet on my head. I broke ribs, collarbone and shoulder. I could only sleep with an ice pack to numb it for months. Again I had no medications. I tore the ACL in my knee twice each taking years and surgery to get over.

All these made me depressed. Chronic pain seems endless and that is depressing.

I think your situation is worse but I learned distraction is important. Also keeping other stress which adds to pain.

Losing Boomer set off my diaphragm spasms.

Hopefully your pain will go away at some point. Venting is good. Complain all you want it is healthy. You are a great lady who has been through so much and it just is not fair.

Polly, Grady, Dante, Moon Pie, and NeHi send big soft hugs. So do I.

Alex

Helpful - 0
338416 tn?1420045702
When I was in so much pain from the blood clot (and didn't know what it was) somebody told me about pain management.  You can get a lot of benefit from a reduction in pain levels - you feel better, less depressed, and most importantly, you heal more quickly.

That's what I would recommend - talk to your doc about pain management, and tell him about your fears of being dependent on drugs.

I'm sorry you're hurting so bad.  I'm glad your PT understands, even if your doctor doesn't!
Helpful - 0
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