Pain Clinic????

[GSDgirl]

I am somewhat new here.  I have had muscle and joint pain for at least 8 - 10 years and my Doc always gave me Soma and upon occasion Vicodan.  I preferr not to take Vicodan due to the effects on the liver.  Now I take Soma and Foirocet (tylenol again) which usually does not touch the pain.

A Rheumatoligist diagnosed my Fibro.  I am afraid (as are most) to ask for something else as I take all of my soma ect and need another script when the time is due.  I forgot to mention the neurontin that I take 3x daily (900 mgs)

My question is this......should I opt for a pain clinic instead?  Sometimes (not always) the pain is so bad all I can do is curl up on the couch.  Hubby does not understand so I force myself to carry on like nothing is wrong.

Thank You for any suggestions
Denise

[RockyMD]

Oh it be a cold day in hell before Roids go in my body. I also have UC-Pancolitis and I have  been through it with a former GIs who "discharged me from the practice" (lol, he was a real nutcase) and my current one, that no way in h*ll was I taking Roids ;)

I agree, some day there will something...for now I am just going to try to keep active :/

[GSDgirl]

You have the right idea about not killing your liver and kidneys.  Like I said opiates are not really an option and anything with tylenol is definately out.  I beat Hepatitis C with little liver damage and I am not going to kill it now.  

I need / want the impossible, pain killer that will let me function with no tylenol.  My Doc isn't too concerned about the Soma affecting my liver so that is good.

I did go to a PM clinic that wanted to to a cervical (neck) injection of steriods, I forget what it is called but after researching it, no way in the world is it for me.  I guess I am just grasping at straws hoping someone had another suggestion having to do with a PM clinic.

Some day there will be something

Denise

[RockyMD]

Same boat as you you GSD. Rheumy gave me Soma, the Anti-Convulsant, and I still have some Lortab from my PCP (Which I hope he or Rheumy can refill, for Emergencies) but I agree with you, I rather not take cause at 25, I rather not rush an implosion of my liver and kidneys.

Moving on, my Rheumy hinted at PM but never referred me to one. I mean thinking more about it, I don't what more can be expected. Exercise or just in general moving around like others have said, I can do that on my own!  Ouch, Yes, Very Painful @ Times. But Muscle Atrophy isn't rocket science.

What else about PM, need MORE drugs?  My Rheumy can RX something..

Talk Therapy/Feedback? lol.  I have a dog, great family, can make friends + find supports groups, again on my own.

So why PM...?  

[GSDgirl]

Hi, my rheumy told me to do water exercises but where I live that will wait till summer.  I actually am pretty active, I train German Shepherds, have horses and a personal dog kennel.  The only times I am "couch bound" is when the reoccuring gastritis acts up, then I am down for 3 or 4 days but even then I have animals that depend on me.

I have done physical therapy at least 6 times in the last 8 years and honestly, every time it made my neck, trapezious, and back worse and worse.

I have also used hubby's bow flex and stationary bike, even tried the inversion table.  Bought a hot tub thinking that would help, little not much.  Bought an expensive new mattress, a little relief but not much.

Thanks, I will figure this out eventually.  I cannot take any major opiates as I need to be able to function in our office.

Denise

[tanyamn]

I strongly believe that being active does reduce FM pain.  I've been dealing with pain since I've been 5 years old....started with my back, slipped a disc.  I outgrew scoliosis and then was diagnosed with FM in 2002 after 8 years of PT for a variety of problems.  I still have a list of problems with my spine and am extremely hypermobile, in a bad way, but I DO KNOW if I let my pain control me I hurt even more.  Back in 2003 and 04 my arms hurt so bad I couldn't move them without bringing tears to my eyes so I laid on the couch for 2 weeks.  I refuse to lay around no matter how much I hurt!  I don't take pills either, not anymore.  I have taken just about every pain med, but not much over the years.  I have a very high tolerance and it does just the opposite, makes me more hyper instead of tired. (maybe 12 scripts between the ages of 18-32)  Anyway, I just want you to know that you have to control the pain and not let the pain control you!  Be more active, maybe start with very light aerobics or something.  I do more intense Army type exercise and at the age of 34 now I have my pain under control compared to what it was several years ago even though I still have pain everyday all day.  This is funny......my legs can hurt so bad I'll punch my thighs to have a reason to hurt and its more like mind over matter.....I don't think I explained that good and I know it sounds weird but it works for me.  If my arms or back hurt I will exercise them with weights.  I wish you luck and I hope you do try exercising no matter how much you hurt because eventually you'll feel better.  It really isn't any different than arthrities....you have to keep moving to prevent pain.
Let me know

[GSDgirl]

Thank you for your comments.  I have taken the flexeril and could not function at all.  

Denise

[LauriewithMAD]

OOPs !!!  I put "I have had fibromyalgia"  but should say "I have fibromyalgia"  
LOL  Its monday, what can I say?  LOL

[LauriewithMAD]

I have had fibromyalgia and take "Flexeril"  AKA "Cyclobenzaprine".  Ever since being on these pills, my whole life had changed.  Before the meds I couldn't even walk a block, the pain was so bad.  I remember the days where I couldnt sit, stand or lay down.  I can relate so much to your pain, and I feel for ya!  
I have also seen a Doctor who recommended doing Tai Chi, as it relaxes the mind, body and soul..... which is supposed to help with pain management.  

LauriewithMAD