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Pain Question

I've posted regarding this before, but I'm posting again. I'm a recovering opiate addict (2 years clean) and I have off-the-charts-pain! I had several disks fused in my neck in 2006 and shoulder surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff in 2010. My pain is in the upper part of my neck radiating both down into my shoulder and into the area where my skull meets my neck creating a wicked head ache! Chiropractors won't touch me because of the plate in my neck. I've tried TENS units to no avail and massage therapy as well. I'm just absolutely exhausted! The pain in unbearable. I'm spend most of my time lying down just for some relief!!! There has to be something that I can take without jeopardizing my sobriety!! Does anyone have any suggestions???

AND...I'm having some weird stomach issues...so I had my first colonoscopy yesterday. I understand, and expected, pain in my abdomin today. What I don't get is, my throat hurts. It's not like a typical sore throat. It feels kinda like I got punched in the throat. Is this common???

Thanks for the forum to ask these questions! I appreciate any responses!
7 Responses
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3197167 tn?1348968606
I'm in pretty much the same boat as you...though a different part of my body.  It's good to hear that you are meeting w/you pain mgmt. team tomorrow.  May be time for some new tests to see what's going on if they haven't run any for awhile.  I am having an MRI and a CT Scan so they can check nerves AND bones....and see what the source of the severe pain might be.  Let us know how you come out....and good for you on your clean time!!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I didn't have an endoscopy with my colonoscopy. My throat is better today. I'm not sure why it hurt, but at least it was only for a bit!

I've got an appointment with my pain management team tomorrow. I'm gonna ask about nerve compression. All I know is...something's gotta give!! I can't keep trying to function like this!!

Thank you for the information. It is appreciated!
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Avatar universal
Just wanted give my opinion on couple things you mentioned. Your throat. Did they do endoscopy at same time if so this would cause throat irritated. If having pain from neck down shoulder and arm ask if its a nerve compression. I have major neck pain issues shoulder arm back etc.... anyway the way explained to me nerve compression in my neck is causing the shoulder arm pain and oh yes the migraine type headaches. Good luck and prayers for you with pain.
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Avatar universal
I do have a pain management physician. He's worked with me throughout my recovery. The pain just has increased over the past couple of months. I think maybe he and I just need to have a long conversation as to what can be done about it.

I have tried acupuncture. Unfortunately, I did not get relief from this pain! Acupuncture helped with other pain...just not this particular problem that seems to be increasing!

Thanks so much for your response!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I thought the same thing about the breathing tube. But my procedure was only 20 minutes. I wouldn't think it was necessary for such a short procedure. It is a bit better this morning though.

Thank you for your response!
Helpful - 0
1796826 tn?1578874779
Have you tried acupuncture? I was surprised at how well it works.

Sounds like you should be talking to a doctor about non-narcotic pain management too.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
They may have placed a breathing tube down your throat while you were anesthetized. It will be better in a day or two. Eat ice cream and drink tea.
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