sooo discouarged

[ellienc]

I have gone from pillar to post since '01 when I had THE accident and I am so discouraged at the length of time they work-no pain free days-but I consider an all day level 7 a good day.  But is seems that they stop helping sooner and sooner and the whole answer, according to my present Neuro, is to increase the dosage or change everything around.  I know the changes reek havoc on my system, my insurance is basically worthless, and would love to try some alternative treatments but they are not cost effective.  I have found out with every change I tend to spend the first week (sometimes two) falling asleep if I stay still for a minute, then wake up a couple of hours later.  HELP or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Would love to go back to reading and doing something productive during the day, doing my evening stretches and meditations, prayers, and go to bed, in my bed and sleep for more than two hours at a time without this pain waking me up.  I drink natural teas before bed, that I can afford, but nothing seems to help the length of my naps and severity of my pain.  Any suggestions out there???

[Tuckamore]

There may be physician willing to treat you pro bono ....or at least on a sliding scale. Also check with your county seat office. Often there are state insurances or at least "one condition" vouchers that will pay for your consult.

Don't give up my dear. I'll be waiting to hear about what you come up with! :o)

Peace,
~Tuck

[ellienc]

It seems like some of this PT is helping build some muscles I should be using.  Thank you for your suggestion about the osteopathic manipulations.  Sounds good to me. There were times before this last round, that I went to Chiropractors and they seemed to help, especially my neck, but now that it is broken, many will not see me.  I thingk massage therapy or some Qi Gong would help as well, but the lack of insurance and funds make it almost impossible,  I have tried to continue with my Tai chi and it helps so much.  I now do what I can sitting in a chair (due to balance issues).  I would much rather take the homeopathic route.  I wonder if their area grants for that. hmmmmm, you have this old brain clicking away now.  Thanks so much Tuck,

With peace and blessings,
Ellie

[Tuckamore]

Hi Ellienc,

I am sorry that you are having such issues with your pain control. The journey through Chronic Pain is not an easy one...as you can attest.

Only you can make the decision as to what route to take. That said I would certainly want my good day(s) to be better then a seven. We all know we cannot expect to be pain free but a 4-5-6 should be a sensible goal. In my opinion how you go about reaching that should be determined through research and past experiences.

Sometimes we have to step backwards in order to go forward. If a few weeks of sleepiness brings you more pain relief it may be worth it. You might also want to try osteopathic manipulations....or treatments. My greatest non-medication pain relief has come through a Doctor of Osteopathy.

What ever you decide I wish you the very best. We are here to offer support and suggestions. Please feel free to take advantage of our members knowledge that comes mostly from personal experiences.  My heart goes out to you.

Peace,
~Tuck