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Archive through October 11, 2005

The TVClubHouse: General Discussions ARCHIVES: 2005 Dec. ~ 2006 Feb.: Health Center: Living with Chronic Pain: Archive through October 11, 2005 users admin

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Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 9:39 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
I have fibromyalgia, and although I started a forum for it recently, I also have a laundry list of other ailments, primarily living with chronic pain. From a discussion with another member, I understand there are others here in the same boat.

I'm hoping this will be a safe harbour for us to vent, share helpful ideas, and support each other. I won't go into detail, at the moment, but here's my laundry list: Chronic pain, Fibromyalgia, DDD, Whiplash, Sciatica, and a benign cyst on or near my left ovary - and that's all I can remember for now (Ya gotta luv Fibro and the subsquent brainfog that goes with it!) Oh, and apparently I'm borderline manic-depressive. But I try to keep a sunny disposition as much as I can, despite everything.

The following things are very helpful to me with my chronic pain and I truly hope they'll be of some help to you...

When I win the lottery I'm going to have my own personal massage therapist! Until then, I go when I can, and especially when things are in full flare. On good days I have a relaxion massage, and on bad days I ask for a therapeutic massage. When money was tight I went to a massage school - 100 bucks for 10 massages instead of 70-80 bucks for one hour! (Mind you they are students, and some massages were too strong, and some were too gentle and a waste of my time. But for the most part, they were helpful.)

I also use heat packs that warm up in the microwave, they are like beanbags. And for ice, I use soft gel-packs that we keep in the freezer.

On the worst days I use painkillers. Being in Canada, apparently its easier to get Tylenol 3's which have codein. I am allergic to caffein so I use something similar which is called EMPRACET, it has the tylenol and the codein but not the cafein. They put caffein in these pills so if somebody tries to overdose they will not fall asleep, or at least that's what I heard. I also use muscle relaxants.

But I only use the painkillers and muscle relaxants on an as needed basis. 20 years ago when I was first diagnosed with DDD I was told to take the pills 3 or 4 times a day, in about a year they weren't useful as I'd gotten used to them.

I went off them cold-turkey and a few years later was encouraged to try them again, but ONLY as needed. And that seems to work. Besides putting me to sleep, they make me quite agitated for the next day or so. So you can imagine how my dh is crestfallen when I have to take them.

You may or may not be a Senior, but some organizations consider folks over 50 with chronic pain who are retired to be entitled to the same benefits as seniors... so having said that, may I recommend that you look into the support systems in your town (if you haven't already). I know that Canada is not the same as the States, so I have no clue what is out there for those of you who are American, but I learned a long time ago, if you don't ask then you definately will never know.

So... I did that for my elderly mom this past Spring when she moved in with me. The government supplied a physiotherapist who even came to our place 3 times a week for about 3 months! And there's a lady (a psw - Personal Support Worker) who gives mom a weekly shower. Both these services are covered under our government healthcare system. Worth looking into, eh? Her rollator, (walker with wheels) cost her 100 dollars, the gov't pays 300 dollars out of a total of 400 dollars. You get the idea...

Hope this helps! If anyone has any other suggestions, I'm all ears - cuz that's about the only body part that doesn't hurt. LOL!


Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Sunday, October 02, 2005 - 11:21 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
Thanks for starting this thread.

I'm sure I will lurk for a while and learn what I can about DDD from you all.

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Monday, October 03, 2005 - 12:03 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Hi Kearie, thanks for popping in and feel free to lurk all you like. :-) DDD is the pits. So many people have suggested surgery, but I've heard some pretty scary stuff, so I'd rather not mess with it, unless, my backs against the wall. (pun intended) Heck, I'd love to get my boobs done, but I'd rather not go under the knife unless I have to. Mind you I've gained so much weight that its adding so much to my discomfort, I can't begin to tell you. Hmmm I've made about 3 billion boob jokes today, maybe its bothering me more than I'm willing to admit. It's nice to have a lightbulb moment every once in a while, eh?

Puppylov3
Member

01-26-2004

Monday, October 03, 2005 - 4:11 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Puppylov3 a private message Print Post    
thanks for creating this. I too have DDD (diagnosed in May) which is complicated/accompanied by arthritis on the right side (both lower lumbar). The scope of pain meds I can take is limited due to the fact that NSAIDS (aleve in particular) make me bruise like crazy.

I also suffer from chronic tension headaches (and sinus problems that give me headaches - and I'll just say that I laugh at doctors who go through symptom lists and ask if I have headaches because the answer is 'yes, but I"m headache prone so I don't know if it due to whatever your asking me questions about or one of the other ones I get.")

And despite all of that I do yoga and walk (orthopedist told me to keep walking because it is good for my lowerback). And I have an array of physical therapy excercises to do (doc is know where near talking about surgery - which I'd probably resist).

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Monday, October 03, 2005 - 7:50 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Puppylov, I tend to prefer the gentler ways to treat these problems, if at all possible. Like heat, and ice, and massage, and sleep. They are less intrusive and usually just as effective as the meds, with no side effects. Unless you call that wonderful mellow, relaxed and supple feeling after a massage a side effect. LOL

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Monday, October 03, 2005 - 8:23 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Puppyluv, About massage: I want to add, in all honesty, that I don't really EVER let the massage therapist touch my DDD area. Its just too sore, and ANY pressure exacerbates it. But I enjoy when they pound the heck out of my upperback and shoulder/neck area during a therapeutic massage. Cuz like the song says, it hurts so good, while they are doing it. And the payoff at the end, is that I feel WONDERFUL at the end of it. I am very vocal and free with my 'ouchies', but I always reassure them that they will know the difference between my 'ouchies', and 'ow ow ow'!

Herckleperckle
Member

11-20-2003

Monday, October 03, 2005 - 8:54 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Herckleperckle a private message Print Post    
Mameblanche, can you tell me what DDD is? I take it that it is a back problem, but I guess I've never heard of it.

Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Monday, October 03, 2005 - 10:02 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
Degenerative Disc Disease.

Puppylov3
Member

01-26-2004

Monday, October 03, 2005 - 10:09 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Puppylov3 a private message Print Post    
in my case the ddd was diagnosed because of hip pain (right hip joint area). From what I understand about muscle groupings from my yoga class (my instructor - also a massage therapist - gives us an anatomy lesson at the beginning of class) the psoas muscle is the likely culprit for that in a bit of referred pain from pinched siatica. And yes I do have back aches to boot from time to time.

my physical therapists did some deep tissue massage work on my back in June/July because I had a nasty spasm/attack while I was still in physical therapy. Wonderful experience - they were careful around the ddd/arthritic area. They also did a lot of electronic stimulation/heat pack work.

and due to chronic pain for decades and likely family history - I have a high tolerance (I hate the term threshold because to me it implies that I don't feel the pain) for pain. So I drive myself and the doctors and the therapists crazy (as well as my stylist because I awed her with my ability to not flinch when she does waxing on my face - lol)

Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Monday, October 03, 2005 - 10:33 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
I started having back problems a few years ago when I quickly turned while bending. I literally couldn't stand straight for two weeks. Saw a chiropractor 3 times a week for a month.

Later when I saw my doctor, he ran tests and stuff. (See how well I follow an pay attention)
Dx'd me with DDD, and arthritis in my hips and hands.

I started seeing a physical therapist, which helped. I'm not on pain meds at this time. I can't take asprin, (ulcer) or tylenol products.
(I took way too many in the past fighting headaches, to no avail.) However the pain does limit my ability to to general tasks in a timely matter.

My degeneration is mostly limited to the lumbar area.

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Wednesday, October 05, 2005 - 10:59 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Copied from the Fibro Forum:
My medical unemployment is running out soon, and we pay for 'extras, like a cleaning lady, out of my contribution to the family fund so to speak.. It will be interesting to see how that plays out. Sigh. Long story. Maybe later.

Hussy
Member

08-06-2004

Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 2:33 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hussy a private message Print Post    
I have DDD , diabetes, neuropathy, brittle bones. stress migraines and so many other little things that I haven't been able to work since 2001. I have been denied 3 times for SS because I don't have enough medical proof since I don't have insurance. I do go to a local clinic but they refuse to treat my back or DDD. This last time I was denied they{SS} said I can do some type of work just not what I was doing. They didn't bother to clue me in to what work it is. I don't know where to turn for the help I need. I live in Georgia and they do not help someone like me. I am separated from my husband and I don't have kids. I was like gee thanks for nothing...

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Friday, October 07, 2005 - 5:51 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
(((((hussy))))) I can't imagine a doctor refusing to treat a medical complaint! But then I live in Canada.

What am I saying? MY gyno doesn't want to have anything to do with the cyst near my ovary! But at least he said I could take my file to another doctor. (I had a blocked bowel a few years ago and he's skittish of it, even though he performed my partial hysterectomy last summer.) But he says this isn't a big enough thing to bother over, but if I feel otherwise, go elsewhere. Fine.

At least in Canada we just need a GP's referral to a specialist.I am appalled that your clinic is hanging you out to dry.

Perhaps you need someone representing you, fighting on your behalf, like a social worker or a minister or whatever.

Dee
Member

08-08-2000

Friday, October 07, 2005 - 10:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Dee a private message Print Post    
There is a good email group called Disinissues, I believe. It's at yahoo. They give excellent advice - you might want to check it out.

Good luck.

Hussy
Member

08-06-2004

Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 5:16 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hussy a private message Print Post    
thanks mame and dee... had a bad night last night, hoping things will look up soon... thanks for caring...Cin

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 10:50 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
I am soooo sore and unbelieveably achy today, all because I'm too lazy to make a massage apt. But its also cheaper Mon-Thurs, so I should wait anyways.
Try to enjoy the holidays, be gentle with yourselves. :-) (Columbus Day in the US and Thanksgiving for us Canadians.)

Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 1:54 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
I dread laundry days. I live in an apartment with coin laundry.

Folding and putting away clothes just kills my back. Sometimes when I bend I feel my back start spasming and I'm not sure if I will be able to stand back up. It's time to stop, go sit down and let the laundry wait.

The dull ache will be there all day. Any kind of movement will make it hurt. Standing to sitting, sitting to standing, walking, reaching.

I wanted to get the dishes done today, but they'll have to wait now too.

Tomorrow I'll be exhausted and want to sleep most of the day.

I hate laundry day.

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 9:43 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
For some reason, the phrase An Attitude of Gratitude has been bouncing around in my brain today. (Maybe because its Thanksgiving!) I'm even thinking of starting a thread about it. I think that no matter how crappy we feel, there's always something to be grateful about that we should cling to rather than focussing on the crap.

So today I am grateful because:

1) My dh loves me, I love him dearly, and today is our 6th wedding anniversary.
2) Although having my elderly mom move in with us this past Spring has been unbelieveably stressful, its also been surprisingly rewarding, as we're closer than we've ever been.
3) I've made some neat friends at TVCH!
4) I have some pretty terrific friends in RL - real life too! (One of them even sat with mom for 2 hours while Vin and I went out to celebrate dinner. My friend is a Personal Support Worker and was happy to make a few dollars tonight and help us out in a pinch.)
5) So for today, overall, life is good. Could be lots worse.

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 9:59 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Kearie, just want to say that I can totally relate. I enjoy doing laundry, but it just about kills me. Its the bending into the dryer that gets to me. Same with washing dishes by hand, which I find emotionally therapeutic - but standing and bending, is agony. My back seizes up and I get so stiff.
But I'll be the first to admit I'm lucky that I have an electric dishwasher, and a monthly cleaning lady to help with laundry, etc.
You'd think with all this I'd be fine. No such luck!

Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 10:08 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
Happy Thanksgiving and anniversary Mame.

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 10:27 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Thanks Kearie! Hugs.

Hey I actually did it - I started a Gratitude thread here in the Health area. Lets see if it takes off or it tanks... Maybe you could pop over and take a whack at it. :-)

Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Sunday, October 09, 2005 - 10:15 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
You mean I have to find something to be grateful for. AHG!!!

Dishes are also a pain. I do them by hand also and then put them in the dishwasher to dry. Today I will try to tackle them.

Another thing that has me bummed is the fact that my favorite past time is becoming harder and harder also. I love scrapbooking but it's getting harder to sit that long, hunched up with scissors and glue. LOL

Oh well...(see gratitude thread)

Hussy
Member

08-06-2004

Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 12:30 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Hussy a private message Print Post    
Today hasn't been a great day, I don't know what is up with my shoulders down to the tips of my fingers aching all the time. I ask my doctor about it and she seems to think it is from the diabetes like the pain and numbness I have in my legs and feet. Since I am having to appeal my SS decision I have decided to write down on paper how I feel each day and which body part hurts the most that day. lol.What a wonderful life ..

Mameblanche
Member

04-13-2005

Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 9:55 am   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Mameblanche a private message Print Post    
Just 'survived' a way too full weekend. It was fun, but I'm beyond the pale. For a full recap of the highs and lows, you can check out my folder, if you wish. http://www.tvclubhouse.com/cgi-bin/forum/board-auth.cgi?file=/6402/2580968.html

{{{{{Hussy}}}} I think keeping track in writing is a great idea, for a number of reasons. Too bad I'm way to lazy to do this myself. :-(


Kearie
Member

07-21-2005

Tuesday, October 11, 2005 - 12:50 pm   Edit Post Move Post Delete Post View Post Send Kearie a private message Print Post    
Hussy, do you have a lawyer to work your appeal?
You get quicker results with one I believe.

Writing stuff down is a great idea. Stick with it.