suggestions for pain?

[denverluv]

Hi guys - I am wondering if any of you have any tips for pain. Right now my head is killing me, my shoulders and neck hurt, and my back is spasming and hurting. i take tramadol, which ususally takes the edge off, but today is not touching it. i am only on here because I calle dthe dr office and they said go to the hospital, which I really don't want to do beause my only real option right now is the county hosp. and unless you are dying or bleeding they make you sit forever, and I just can't handle that right now. Any tricks you all have?

[denverluv]

OH- Because I used to be a pill addict and told them that from the beginning so that I wouldn't get myself into trouble LOL - I knew they would be giving me something for pain and I was aware I would need it but it's a fine line you brain walks in thinking you NEED more pain control or wanting something.  I never actually talked to the nurse or dr. just the lady that answers the phone. And also right now my medicaid is cut off so county hosp. is really my only option right now.  And by the way, I waited all day to call them because I thought the same thing - they are going to think I just want better pills. But it did get to the point I was hurting so bad- but, when it came down to it, I really wasn't hurting enough to put myself in the position of having the hospital think I am a pill seeker. I don't want to build my tolerence because when i do get the surgery I am going to need the stronger pills and if I start taking them now I won't have anything left to take then. My toerence builds really quickly- back in my pill days I would wake up and take 10 5mg percocets right off the bat- then an hour later take two more and a couple somas. Then througout the day just keep taking about five at a time. I had a rx for over 150 pills that was supposed to last a month and it woud be gone in a week. Then I had another rx for Darvocet to get me through the next week. Then I would spend the next week trying to figure out how to get pills while withdrawing. SO! LOL- I don't want to go through all that again so I am trying to be careful. I know tramadol can be addictive but because of that I have been extra cautious. Like I said I have only been taking one every six hours and that is the bare minimum to take. I think now it's different too because I am taking them for pain where as last time I wasn't taking them for pain. So anyway, sorry for that loooong answer!

[RedFlame]

I don't understand why the doctor told you to go the ER.  Was he thinking that you would be able to get a shot there or was he blowing you off?  I am asking becuase I am afraid to call the doctor even times when the pain has been unbearable.  I am so afraid that I will be percieved as "drug seeker".  Perhaps working in the medical field has left me tained I don't know.  

I don't understand why he couldn't call in a stronger drug even if it was a few.

Lois

[WarriorMomma]

Your attempts at not building a tolerance to meds is completely understood.

To ease my HAs I alternate between hot and cold showers. It helps me; however, others think that's kinda odd. :) Massage therapy helps a LOT. Thank goodness for devices you can use on yourself if you aren't lucky enough to have a partner (or can't afford therapy).

GOOD LUCK. My advice won't help you yesterday, but it's here for future. GOOD LUCK!

[selmaS]

I am glad u got some relief and didn't need to go to the hospital.

Rest up....I pray u r feeling better tomorrow : )

"selma"

[denverluv]

Thanks guys- as much as I hated to do it the next time it was time to take my meds I took two - usually I take only one every six hours- I am trying to not build my tolerence too quickly- plus the tramadol makes my stomach upset a little bit.  I took a shower, ate a littel bit- i didn't eat all day either because I hurt so much- it's cooled down a little - I guess it was almost 100 degrees here - ugh- anyway, i feel a little better - not as bad as I did earlier. I didn't want to go to the hospital because it wasn't THE WORST pain ever- I had back surgeries as a child, both of my kids with no epidural- I had an infection in my arm once and they had to cut out some of the muscle to get the infection- those were the worst pain- it wasn't there yet LOL-

[Sweetpea32]

I have shoulder, neck and mid back spasms and tension. Massage therapy has helped so much i go twice a week and they only massage right below my  incision and it helps so much with tension HA's. I am actually feeling a bit better with massage therapy. I just have to pace myself and not over do things and the flare ups seem to calm down. Hope you find some relief soon!!

Maleena

[selmaS]

No worries...hope u feel better soon : )

"selma"

[denverluv]

Thanks selma- i know that it is because yesterday i took my dog to get groomed, and they called and said she was freaking out really bad (she was a puppy mill dog and has some issues) and I had to go get her, and she ended up pooping all over the back seat, and I had to clean it obviously, and today I am paying for it. I know tomorrow will be better so that is another reason I don't want to go to the hosp. LOL- but thank you for the suggestion- as soon as my husband gets home that sounds like a great idea- that's the other thing- kids are off from school and they have been great letting me lay on the couch but I can't go to sleep :) but you better believe when he gets home I will be in the bath! - I guess I called the dr too because I was a little scared :)- I am so new too all this chiari and sm I want to make sure nothing wrong is happening. - but she sounded like really just go to the hosp for something for the pain, and I don't want to go that route either. Thanks guys

[selmaS]

Hi draw a bath and soak in it...soft lights, candles ect....even ur fav music...but on low......then crawl into bed and rest...I had a major HA yesterday and that is what I did/do and it helps me.

There is also a list of anti inflammatory foods in the health pages that u may also want to try.

DO use extra bath towels to make it comfy....to rest ur head and neck and tailbone....


Good luck
"selma"