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1310633 tn?1430224091

Renal Cyst, Chronic Pain, Non-Narcotic Options?

I have numerous renal cysts (Bosniac Cat.2F) that have been the cause of my chronic pain for the last 4 years. These renal cysts came about as a result of repeated kidney procedures to remove cystine kidney stones. I have had in the order of 150 laser cystoscopy's as well as 9 PCNL's (Percutaneous Nephro Lithotripsy), all on my left side. My kidney stone problem began when I was 19 y/o and persists to this day (I'm now 38). I recently underwent a laparoscopic renal cyst-decortication to remove the 2 largest clusters of cysts, but many cysts remain. My urologist theorized that my pain was caused by my renal cysts, so in an attempt to reduce my pain level, opted for the decortication. The incisions have healed and it's been 6-7 weeks since the procedure, and the pain remains, so it appears that, a) the renal cysts aren't the cause of my pain, or b) too many cysts remain and the few that were decorticated had no effect on my pain level.  

I started seeing a pain-management doctor recommended me by my urologist approximately 2 years ago. The course of treatment the PMdoc had me on went awry (by my own ignorance & negligence, and I became addicted/hooked on the opiates he prescribed (120-140 Opana 10mg + 80-100 Dilaudid 8mg per month). I knew I was using the medication incorrectly, but there was nothing I could do to stop myself. One day I ramped up my doses during a particularly bad episode of both stones and cyst-pain, and I never ramped down. It started taking more and more and more to get the same pain-killing effect, and I ended up in an inpatient rehab facility to detox off the opiates. I informed that PM, while I was in rehab, that I'd not be seeing him anymore.

I'm now left with my chronic pain and kidney stones. The kidney stones I can deal with, as if it gets bad enough and the stone is big enough, I head to the ER of my home hospital, and I get taken care of under the watchful eye of my urologist (who is fully aware of my past addiction & subsequent stint in rehab). A kidney stone and IV Dilaudid to take care of it until it passes, administered by ER staff/nurses/doctors, does not a relapse make.

My question is: for my chronic pain caused by the renal cysts, is there a non-narcotic, long-term option/pain-killer, available? My GP (who just happens to be the lead physician at the rehab facility I went to) recommended a PMdoc that does not resort to narcotic pain-killers as a first resort, but I don't start seeing her until next week. I'd like to go in with a few options to throw at her (I don't want to go in blind).

Does anyone have any experience with non-narcotic pain-killers that actually work for chronic pain? My pain level is a constant 3-4, spiking to a 5 about twice a day (at random times and not caused by anything in particular). I deal with the pain as best I can and bury it in the back of my head, but it's a daily battle dealing with it.

Anyone got anything for me?
2 Responses
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1312592 tn?1273756934
I have been doing visualization therapy and it works wonderfully. While you do the visualizations, the pain almost completely disappears, and afterward (if its a good one for you) your level should decrease at least a little bit for a while. It's not practical all the time, but it's helped my quality of life immensely.
http://www.healthcareattlas.com/visualization-therapy.html
If you'd like to know more email me. :)
Helpful - 0
356518 tn?1322263642
There are non narcotic pain medications availble. There is Ultram and Ultracet which is non narcotic medications you could t;l to your doctor about. You can try such medications as Nsaids also. I am not really sure what medications would interfere with your medical problem, you would have to discuss that with your doctor.


There is  also the alternative pain option too. I will list some of those for you.

There exists a range of therapies known as either complementary medicine
(used in addition to traditional Western therapies)
or alternative medicine (used in place of traditional Western therapies),
and devotees have used them for conditions as minor as a headache and as
major as cancer.

Studies suggest that a low-fat, high-fiber diet may help to stave off aches and pains. In addition, certain anti-inflammatory spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and cilantro, may have therapeutic effects
and play an important role in chronic pain management.


The National Pain Foundation endorses a comprehensive list of nontraditional remedies, below. See which ones work for you:

Acupuncture.
This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting long, thin needles into various points on the body. The idea behind this is that optimal health is achieved when energy flows freely through
the body, and the needles remove any blockages of this energy.
Acupuncture has been used successfully to alleviate pain from musculoskeletal issues as well as headaches
Massage.
Not just a perk for wealthy spa-goers, massage has in recent years come to be recognized as important to overall health.
It reduces muscle tension and stress, can relieve soreness, and may
even boost your immune system.

Biofeedback.
This teaches you to focus on your body's response to pain and stress via a monitoring system that gives off sounds or visual cues whenever your muscles tense.
Eventually you become able to use nothing more t
than conscious thought to change your physiological response to a particular type of stress on your body.

Hypnosis.
Popular as a cure for smoking as well as overeating, hypnosis can also be used to manage pain.
A trained clinician induces an altered state of consciousness, making you more receptive to suggestions of behavioral changes that can reduce your pain.
For instance, if you suffer from chronic lower back pain,
under hypnosis you might be taught to visualize your back muscles opening up. Some people can even learn to hypnotize themselves.

Guided imagery.
This involves imagining yourself in a peaceful setting.
The more detailed the scene, the more your mind can truly transport you out of your discomfort and into the soothing scene.

Are there any questionable pain-relief remedies?
Yes. Think twice before relying on herbs.

Health-food stores are full of herbal supplements purported to reduce pain, but be careful.
The FDA does not regulate these supplements, and some of them have negative side effects, particularly when combined with over-the-counter pain medications.


I hope this helps:)
Helpful - 0
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