Hi,
You mentioned physical therapy. I went for P.T. for my shoulder impingment problem. I spent $400 on these sessions, my current insurance calls for $30.00 co pay per session. I'm not getting that much on my SSDI payments, I can't afford to spend hundreds on PT plus $600.00 per month on medications(I'm in the medicare donunt hole) . (my husband is working but we are just getting by) PT only works for a while. I've had PT several times for my shoulders, back and fibromyalgia. I had PT in May for my shoulders and the pain is starting to come back. They tell you to exercise at home but there is no way you can keep up the same level of exercise at home that you had in PT and few people will comply with a permanent exercise regimen. Plus at PT you have ultrasound/heat/TENS and people stretching and massaging you, something you don't have at home.
I was going to a chiropractor last year but when I changed ins, I found out he's not on my plan and he's too expensive to go to otherwise. I'm waiting for hubby to find another job with good benefits so I can get off medicare and go on his ins.
You've certainly got a whole lot of painful conditions on your plate. I completely understand. It's so difficult to explain to healthy people how awful life can be when your body turns on you. Shoot - sometimes we can't even explain it to ourselves!
The first thing that comes through loud and clear in your post is that you are under-medicated for the amount of pain you're in. If you aren't working with a pain management specialist already, it's time to find one - or a different one. Ultracet is a pretty mild pan reliever, but doctors love it because they've been told it's not addictive. Not true. There are plenty of people who have become addicted to it.
You definitely need a stronger medication, and probably a longer-acting one than ultracet which only lasts 4 hours if you're lucky. Oxycontin, MS-contin or even the fentanyl patch are good choices for people who have 24/7 pain. When your pain is constant and you're only taking short-acting meds, all you do is play catch-up with the pain. I'm certain you already understand the roller coaster of pain - relief - pain - relief.
Fentayl is an extremely strong narcotic, but the patches are available in a low dose of 12.5 mcg / hour to start with. Depending on how much ultracet you've been taking, and how long you've taken it, the 12.5 patch might be a good start for you. Either that or the 25 mcg patches. They last for 3 days. Just something to ask your pain doc about.
Because chronic pain impacts you both physically and emotionally, you can't neglect the emotional end of things. No magic pill exists that will completely wipe out your pain and allow you to live your life as you once did. Accepting that fact is a first step in redefining the rest of your life. Ask about a referral to a pain psychologist. It's extremely important that your therapist be a pain specialist - particularly when narcotic pain medicine is part of your treatment. A general therapist will not understand the difference between physical dependence and addiction. Those are two tremendously different issues.
I was so skeptical when I began therapy with my pain shrink, but it didn't take long at all before I realized it was the best money I ever spent. A good pain shrink can help you learn how to cope with the pain when no medication will help. You can begin to see positive possibilities as you face your new life - with the pain. I refuse to allow myself or my loved ones or my friends to see me as only a medical condition and an object of pity. That never would have happened had I not gone into therapy and added it as another tool to my pain toolbox. There is always something else to try where the mind is concerned, and the mind is the most important tool for any person with chronic pain and illness.
Since you have spinal issues, physical therapy is another must-do. Anything you can do to increase your muscle strength will take the pressure off your skeletal system. The exercises hurt something fierce, but within a few weeks you should notice a difference in your overall physical capabilities. A physical therapist can help you recognize when you aren't maintaining good posture, which is essential for anyone with spinal pain.
Hit your treatment with medicine, physical therapy and emotional therapy, and make your life the best one you can. Do your research and take charge of your own treatment. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, right? :-)
Hi, I hear you! I can sympathize because I have a lot of chronic pain with fibro, arthritis, DDD and cervical stenosis, carpal tunnel and every ache you can think of. My latest problem is TMJ and headaches.
I had the carpal tunnel surgery on my right hand (putting off the left), and after the surgery I started to get the shooting pain in the forearm that you mention. It's horrible. I also have elbow pain and shoulder pain. I also agree with you about the Lyrica. My rheumy keeps trying to get me to take it, and I'm already 30 lbs. overweight with HBP and high cholesterol. The LAST thing I need is to gain weight. I am resisting an anti-depressant for the same reason.
I don't really have an answer for you. I am considering trying pain management because I can't take a lot of pain meds either. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone.
Hi Heart and sorry for all the misery. With your problems and the amount of pain you have, the only medication that would ease the pain you have and make you more comfortable are in the opiate family and you say they make you "whoozy" and such. With your Doctor willing, you might try a few different pain meds that include Oxycodone, Hydrococone or something in that family of meds. Other than that, I don't know of any miracle drug out there that will ease the pain without some form of whoozyness, sleepiness ect...I wish there were, it would solve alot of my problems. Take cae, Mollyrae