How Do You Deal with Real Pain?

[Menopause728]

New to this site and know I am running through my scripts a week before my next refill but what do you do when your in real pain? I have three disc tears, two herniations, already had a neck fusion 6 years ago, horrible sinuses issues (currently have a double ear infection and my head is throbbing) arthritis in my neck and both hips. I can't take aspirins or any NSAIDs due to stomach issues (per doctors orders and gastritis from eating Advil like candy through the years or any decongestants or antihistamines due to severe dry eye syndrome that turns into pink eye if taken. Do long story short I am just miserable and don't want to take pills all my life but I  have went the last four days in immense pain that makes it hard to function at work and just makes me depressed!

[anthonyzone]

This is the same dilemma that I face. although I suspect that my pain is not as bad as yours is.
My pain consultant told me that pain itself is bad for the body and needs to be treated just as any other illness does.
I'm trying to compromise by taking meds infrequently, not every day, and using some herbs at other times, like chamomile and some Chinese relaxation herbs.Trouble is only the meds actually work.

[cleanguy]

Meno... when you go to the acupuncturist tell him or her about depression. There are different ways they treat it... it's so relaxing.

[Menopause728]

Thank you for all your posts. I will check out the other forum and definately look into acupuncture. I have tried EVERY THING else.

[Menopause728]

Thank you for all your posts. I will check out the other forum and definately look into acupuncture. I have tried EVERY THING else.

[marycarmel]

You might want to check out the Pain Management forum as well.  You'll likely find some good information over there.

If you're running out of meds too early, you are either abusing them or you are not being treated properly for your pain.  Addiction and pseudo addiction can look very similar.

If you're not having withdrawals, then it seems like your body isn't dependent on your medications.  If you do go into withdrawals, check out the Thomas Recipe and keep yourself very hydrated.

[selfinduced]

Hi Meno, Real pain is a REAL issue and you need to find a happy medium. Can you get a few massages to help with net/back pain and headaches? What about antiinflammitories? My husband also has NO tolerance for meds and he does suffer back pain. He will take a muscle relaxer about 3 times a year but he ices his back EVERY night. Somehow it keeps his pain in check. I too had the terrible headaches, but low and behold mine were rebound headaches from the stupid pills! A month after being off the pills the headaches were gone. Play around a little and see what works. If your running out of meds a week early that will only get worse. Can you talk to your Doc?

[cleanguy]

I have a similar issue with pain... tried everything, and swear to God that acupuncture worked for me. Spinal stenosis and ruptured discs. Im 42 and have the neck 90 y.o.  was a doubter, but for what it's worth it helped a lot. It also helped with withdrawals.

[Menopause728]

Thank you Vicki!
I'm just confused because my husband does not believe in Westen Medicine or taking pills of any kind and it bothers him that I take anything!! I am confused if I'm addicted because I don't get anxiety, restless legs, sweats or anything like that I just feel the usual pain and now that I have told I can no longer take OTC meds to alleviate the pain I feel like I'm in a real pickle having to remain on narcotics.

[vicki595]

You need to get in a quiet room and put your feet up. Working will make it worse, of course!   Take Tylenol and put an ice pack to the base of your neck. Caffeine will help it, also, of you dare to have some coffee...

Sorry...it WILL get better...

[Menopause728]

I meant appetite not altitude, not sure how auto fill did that!

[Menopause728]

Yes I am and I feel like my head is going to explode. I can't focus it hurts so bad (which is bad as a financial analyst) along with the normal pain of repetative movement from work.  Albeit, I don't feel the nausea, loss of attitude or lack of sleep. I sleep like a rock!

[vicki595]

Hello and Welcome-   There are times when pain meds are just necessary. For someone who is addicted, we suggest giving the meds to a spouse to dole out as needed. This is about all you can do. Are you without meds now?