Don't want to Use Pain Med's What Else

[ladyrhea4]

What Can I do..I have had Pain Ever since I Melanoma in 2002 and Was on a Year of Interferon 3 shots a week. I was put on Pain Pills for the Muscle pains and Joint Pains that I had and I still have. I just got done with my 2nd round of Melanoma and Again took Interferon one shot a week this time and Same pain.
I am now going off the pain medications because I'm tired of being on them. So I have done it Cold Turkey. I want to know what I can do for the pain after I'm done with the DT's ..I am trying to change things slowly as I get off the Medication.
This is a Personal thing, I do not look down on others. Thank You Ladyrhea4

[mellie4]

I'm starting to look into other treatments other than narcotics.  I'm still not sure I want to give them up since my pain is so bad, but I'm also tired of being on them and the side effects of them.  All of the suggestions already given are things I'm going to be looking into myself.  One thing is I got the name of a pain psychologist.  They're supposed to be able to help facilitate all the other types of options, like homeopathic, yoga, acupuncture, etc.  I'd imagine someone like that would have more ideas as well.

I've used the thermacare patch for years on different body parts and I find them to be really helpful, and it's great you can wear them under your clothes without anyone noticing.  The length of time the heat lasts is fantastic, too.  I buy mine at Costco as it's much less expensive there.

[BP88]

Have you tried medical marijuana?  It works wonders for my pain when compared to narcotics.  No withdrawals and no actual tolerance build-up makes it even better.  If you get tested at your clinic I wouldn't smoke it, though.

[Tuckamore]

Hello Lady,

Welcome to MedHelp's Pain Mangement Forum. I am so sorry to hear about your chronic pain and all the challenges it has brought you.

I accept your choice to journey through chronic pain without the aid of narcotics for pain management. For some of us that is not a choice if we wish to function at all and have some quality of life.

I can tell you what I have tried to ease my pain over the years. I admit none were very successful for me but that does not mean they won't be for you. Much will depend on where your pain is located and the type of pain you experience as to what may ease it.

Acupuncture was very relaxing though did not ease the actual pain. You may want to try that. TENS Units can also help confuse the pain signals thus reducing your pain. I purchased and use a massage chair, a localized massager, a jacuzzi and of course a  heating pad. Sometimes just a long hot shower can ease my generalized aching.

I also use a product called ThermaCare that retains it's "heat" for about 8-12 hours. It can be worn even under clothing and you are not connected to a heating pad. I used NSAID's for years, don't forget to protect your stomach lining if you chose that route.

A massage therapist can be helpful. My insurance does not cover it and treatments are costly. A good pain management therapist has also been beneficial for some ppl that are dealing with chronic pain

I've learned my own self meditation. Sometimes I can take my mind away from my painful body. What works for me, may not work for you. My mind revisits beautiful places and memories and often I will listen to relaxing soothing music. Other ppl have used bio-feedback.

Are you opposed to using muscle relaxers, tricyclic antidepressants or other similar non-narcotic medications?  If they are an option for you than I urge you to find a good combination that may aid in your pain releif.  

I find that the busier my mind is the better I am, of course that excludes extreme flares when nothing eases my pain. At those times I just have to wait it out.

I wish you the very best and hope that your new approach to pain will be successful for you. I do not know your reasons for taking this route. Please remember there is nothing shameful or wrong for ppl that have true pain and require narcotics for pain control. When they are used as prescribed by an astute physician they can be lifesavers. If your choice does not work out, please do not feel like you have failed at anything.  

I hope that you will keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. We all learn from one another.

Take Care,
~Tuck      

[Sarajmt]

Hi Ladyrhea:  I am sorry you find yourself in so much pain.  It does sound like you're been through the mill.  

I respect your decision to not use narcotic pain killers.  In their place, I really can't think of a good alternative.  (I wish there were!  I'd use it myself)  There are of course the over the counter medications.  After that you could go with muscle relaxers, anti spasmodics etc. Perhaps a nerve medication such as Neutontin, Cymbalta or Lyrica.  Also there are drugs used for arthritis that may help you.

You could also go the yoga and meditation route.  Perhaps herbal remedies along with a nutritionist consult.  I've not tried these methods myself so I can't tell you if they work or not

Your doctor is the one to advise you best on this.  What I've listed above are things that some I use and others I know that others have used with some success.  This forum is for patients, not doctors.

Hopefully someone will come on who knows something you could try.  But speaking for myself, the only thing that I know of for pain that OTC meds won't handle are narcotics.  

I wish you luck not only getting off the pain killers but also with finding a successful regimen for your pain.  Please keep in mind that your  pain will be worse for a couple of weeks (at least) until your body adjusts to not having the pain medications.