Maintaining a healthy perspective
For folks with chronic pain, it is easy to get discouraged. Some people suffer daily over extensive periods of time without relief. They become exhausted fighting their pain. Other parts of their life break down as they try to cope and find some semblance of normalcy.
When someone says take things one day at a time, they are offering good advice. When you have one day of pain, focus on getting through that one day. Don't look back and don't look forward. How we think effects how we feel. The one thing we need to avoid is anticipating pain before it has a chance to develop. If we are already convinced tomorrow is going to be a painful day, we stand a great chance of that being the case.
It might be a good idea to create a journal and a time line. If we are going to track various aspects of our life and our condition, be sure to include a timeline that will enable you to view your condition over a large period of time. What you will gain is an opportunity to see your condition in a big picture. When you see a series of painful days over a course of a few weeks, you may see patterns and an overall steady state rather than a decline which may be how you feel you are doing. An overall average will include very good days and very bad days. You will see the average rather than every up and down pattern. This can help you regain hope and comfort that you are coping better than you think you were.
126 Comments:
i have been taking lyrica for back and nerve pain all it seems to be doing is making my back tighter i have been taking it for 3 weeks
I've been on Lyrica 400 mg for a few months and its' not quite as good as neurontin but not as much side effects. If your not taking it in conjunction with Topamax 50-200 mg try it (migrane meds), Tramadol 100 mg - 300 mg ask about it. I've been doing the above for years and have a degenerative disc, plus. As a group, I feel I can live pretty well but have to watch my long days.
I had been waking up with migraines on-and-off for nearly four months when my pain specialist recommended the GITT test (5 hours, drinking a 100 gr. glucose beverage and having blood drawn a total of 7 times). The results came back with abnormal levels of glucose AND insulin: hyperinsulinemia. After 10 days of changing my diet, the morning migraines are GONE. Worth checking it out, even when your blood sugar results come back normal (like mine did).
How did you change your diet to eliminate the morning migraines?
Changes in my diet: major switch to foods with a low glycemic index, which basically means very limited simple carbohydrates. The best list I've found so far is at www.glycemicindex.com. Seeing how most of the research was done in Australia, many of the "prepared" foods listed are from there and Canada. Well worth beginning to understand the whole thing! For example, apples, peanuts, and grapefruit have a low GI; rice, bananas, and watermelon have a higher GI. Mini-meals are better than three large meals, so as to keep the glucose and insulin levels balanced. FYI, we now live in Panama so simple, wholesome eating isn't as complicated as it would seem. I never would have imagined this as a source for migraines, but it works! Good luck!
Because I have been suffering since birth from various diseases like migraine, cancer, morbus crohn, epileptic seasures and osteoporosis, I fellt an urgency to look inward to find relief instead of just taking more tablets. I noticed that stress was making me more ill and decided to reduce the sources of this stress. I am now trying to live my life to its full potential with respect for my fysical boundaries. Most of all, I try to enjoy myself as much as possible.
One of my hobbies is writing poetry which is mostly in Dutch, but on ocasion I also write English lirics. I'll include one of my poems, 'Game of life', which I wrote after I came from a depressive period and decided that I didn't want to suffer as much as I did before.
Game of life
With as many marks
on body as well as soul
made by selfinflicted pain
too strict in wanting to fullfill a role
life proves not an easy game
So why not change
the setting of this game
and the rules that we use
cause there's everything to gain
when there's nothing left to loose
There's nothing left to loose!
Sandra Vis (the Netherlands)
Because I have been suffering since birth from various diseases like migraine, cancer, morbus crohn, epileptic seasures and osteoporosis, I fellt an urgency to look inward to find relief instead of just taking more tablets. I noticed that stress was making me more ill and decided to reduce the sources of this stress. I am now trying to live my life to its full potential with respect for my fysical boundaries. Most of all, I try to enjoy myself as much as possible.
One of my hobbies is writing poetry which is mostly in Dutch, but on ocasion I also write English lirics. I'll include one of my poems, 'Game of life', which I wrote after I came from a depressive period and decided that I didn't want to suffer as much as I did before.
Game of life
With as many marks
on body as well as soul
made by selfinflicted pain
too strict in wanting to fullfill a role
life proves not an easy game
So why not change
the setting of this game
and the rules that we use
cause there's everything to gain
when there's nothing left to loose
There's nothing left to loose!
Sandra Vis (the Netherlands)
I have degenerative disk disease in my neck and back with nerve root compression, but I have been taking Lyrica for an unrelated, hereditary sensory neuropathy with constant pain. It was precipitated by taking statin drugs, but never went away off the drugs (but got worse with repeated challenges).
I have taken most of the conventional anti-epileptic drugs without benefit or else intolerable side effects. Neurontin did not work at all, although I was so goofy on it, it was hard to tell. Lyrica 50 mg twice a day cut my neuropathic pain in half or more after about a week. I increased the dose gradually to 100 mg three times a day because it did not seem to be working as well with passage of time, a fairly common response, I am told. I could not tolerate 300 mg a day and cut it back to 100 mg twice a day. I missed one evening dose and had a terrible withdrawal response with considerable pain, feeling unwell and agitation. It went away in a couple of hours after taking the Lyrica, 10 mg of Valium and my usual Percocet.
I feel that I am back where I started before the Lyrica except now I feel as though I cannot get off of it. By the way, at no time did my neck or back symptoms change on any of the anticonvulsants.
I have severe degenerative disc disease ( all 7 cervical, 4 thoratic, 3 lumbar) probably caused by a terrible fall of 37 ft. back in 1974 at work. I have incredibly debilitating spasms that seem to crush my diaphram and halt my breathing. I am currently taking 80 mgs. of Oxy three/day, 300mgs/day of Neurotonin, and 350 mgs/day of Soma. I have not yet had surgery, and I work everyday, but I cannot referee college basketball any longer and I can no longer compete as a world class athlete on the master's level. This has been going on for 14 months and I have seen the best of doctor's at Yale and in NYC and no one wants to operate. The stenosis and spondylosis are making them skeptical of a good outcome. Has anybody been where I am? My meds do not come close to the pain I have. I meditate, volunteer with seniors,...the usual stuff to not focus, but I have cried on more than one occassion in private. Any words of wisdom?
i'm so sorry. if at all possible no sugery i've had 5 til pain
my boyfriend of 16 years is addicted to ultram. how can i help him get off this? Please help me, we have 2 little precious boys that need their daddy. I just don't know what to do!
I have been on tramadol for five years due to slipped discs and arthrits in my lower back. I am 26 years old and just found out im pregnent. Tramadol is not good for a fetus so iv stopped taking it. I am in the worst pain iv ever been in.I have taken lortab in the past and did not go threw the withdrawls I am going threw now.Five years ago when my doctor put me on this he said it was not addictive he lied.I have a six year old daughter who needs me and i'v been nonfunctial for the past two weeks and there is no sign of relif in sight. How do i get threw this?
I have a neck fusion at C6/C7 and developed cervical spondylosis, my right arm was amputated just above the elbow with severe phantom pain, and just last year I was injury while at work and based on the ER Dr.'s info. and my Dr. of record with BWC I was only diagnosed with a severe back sprain and bruised tailbone, but my symptoms or pain have never decreased and all the x-rays or MRI show is onset of degenerative disc disease, neuropathy, but no damage that should not be causing the symptoms I describe so says my Dr. I'm currently on Duragesic 25mg patch, 300Mg of Neurontin, 60Mg of Cymbalta, Lodine, and Zanaflex. The last four are considered a Rx cocktail considered to give excellent relief to patients of chronic pain, neuropathy, or fibromyalgia. Can anyone tell me if there's anything else that may work? I suffer from severe neck pain all the way down past my left shoulder blade and arm. At times it causes me to not have any use of my only arm. My other condition leaves me with a pain that starts in my low back down thru the center of my R buttock with a catch directly in the center and then proceeds down the back of my hamstring just above my knee, but also runs down my right groin and hip. It's a permanentpain, numbness, tingling, and burning sensation. Sometimes I feel like when I walk my joint is clicking or popping between my pelvic/hip bones, and at night my leg/hip/buttock go completely numb to the point of a paralysis. I really don't know what can be causing my symptoms, but I do know they started the day I fell at work and have not gotten better, but increasingly worse and are now at a permanent stage of chronic pain. I can't get BWC to approve going to a pain mgmt clinic even though my Dr. has me on Rx's that have managed my pain for over a year. Any suggestions would be great.
for you taking the oxy,soma,and neurontin.my mother is taking the same pill reg.as you.it seems as though your whole life becomes revolved around the meds..Please tell me do you have sickness when you run out?It breaks my heart to watch my mom suffer.i feel sorry for you too.if there is hope lets look together.w/b
so does this medication work or not?is it worth trying or should i stay with what im taking already?
I am sitting here with a sample bottle of Lyrica and reading these comments debating to take it or not. Has anyone gotten relief from Lyrica? I have two herniated discs in my neck and lower chronic back pain. I am taking Oxy 80mg 3x's/day, Soma 350mg/3x's/day and have something for breakthrough pain. My doctor recommended the Lyrica but I don't want to become addicted to it. Advice?
i have had chronic neck pain for the last 3 yrs. due to a buldgging disc. i started w/trigger point injections, they worked only for a while. then i went to cervical epiderals-steroid injections & also tramadol 50mg 4 times a day & neurontin 300mg 3 times a day. a current mri showed a disc prolapse c6/c7 w/degenerative changes. dr. says no surgery. she says that along w/meds, yoga & mind control would help to relieve the pain. i have been off work 14 months in the last 3 yrs. the pain is almost unbearable. seems like nothing is helping. any suggestions to help manage the chronic pain? help!!
Hi, I injured my neck at work, ended up with an allograft and titanium plus 2 cadaver disc in c4 and 5. The surgeon left c6 and c7 alone although they are protruding. I am in pain all the time. I am sick of going to doctor after doctor to tell me they cant do anything with out fusing my whole neck. Does anyone know if there is a surgery they can do with out a complete fusion? I have been out of work, im a nurse, for 7 months. I hate this.
hey i have two herniated disk in my neck and degenitive disk in my L5 disk in my back. well my disk is completly gone and it is cause my spine to rub bone to bone. i'm only 27 and it has caused alot of inflamtion in my back. I was taking valium and percocet. i stopped taking percocet for some months but couldnt stand the pain. it makes you so tired all the time and you almost hate getting up somedays. so i started taking loracet and quit taking my valiums i dont know what to do. i take three a day and it helps but sometimes i have to take 4 to 5 in a day. not all the time but sometime. so when i run out it is hell until i go back to the doctor. what do you think is the best thing. neurotin just makes me drunk robic made my heart feel weird and it didnt do the justice. to me these loracets have less risk of side affects but are dependant.i can take them and not get sleepy and have normal life the others even valium make me drunk or make me scared of heart attack. my aunt died at 53 from heart failure cause by year and half of vioxx. because the doctor took her off narcotics and put her on that so she wouldnt get addicted. so there its scarry.
I have had neck surgery twice. I still have a lot of pain and a constant headache since the last accident over 5 years ago. Along with that I have a lot of back pain, (upper and lower). I can not take anti-infamitory nsaids. When my headaches increase I take 2 tylenol arthritis tablets. If this does not help I apply one of my Lidoderm patches to the area. For headaches (right below the neck) or to the area of pain on the spine for the back pain. This really helps. You may want to ask your Dr. about this medication. It really helps me, and it is not another pill.
I have been on lortab for approximately 14 years. I ran out about a week ago & have been waking up in the middle of the night with hot sweats. Is this withdrawal?
I have headaches virtually all the time , of differing severity, since I was born. My brain was crushed with foceps. I have tried Lortab, Percocet....to no avail. Did I mention that I am 53 years old? Any ideas?
after reading all these comments, all I can say is WOW...
I have two hernatied discs... one at c5/6 and the other at t3/4...
A cervical epidural was done, it never helped, workers comp is jerking me off, I've been out of work since 11/06. Lortab's take my mind off the pain but its still there, the lidoderm patches helped with spazms, I also take flexeralls, I have tramadol which doesnt work, tried all teh crap like celebrax, etc.. Just got prscribed lyrica today from pain management, its so tough to get something that works, oxycodone worked the best but my primary dr wont keep me on it.. the pain is constant , my left side of the neck down into the shoulder blade and my left arm get VERY sore and sometimes numb...
Awaiting approval for medical branch blocks or soemthing of that nature with thortatic injections and also disc surgery for the cervical disc if the injections dont work..
life sucks :(
PS: I'm only 26...
ive been in pain for 5 1/2 yrs, was crushd @ neck,by a 1500 lb dumptruck deck for approx 8 mins...striated muscles damaged... miracle yes..pain also a loud yes...tried all injections,triggers/ epi's. "
didnt work, .medial branch blocks next on list"rhizotomy"..tried nsaids caused blood/issues curently on 10/325 3/day..norco..which doesnt cut it i too would like advice on anyhting ..and dr just started me on lyrica side effetcs might be rashes, odd water filld postules. horrid nightmares, all lyrica showed me was I should not drive on then at all. made me feel totally baked, not interestd in zombie effect .. dr's bumpin me up to stronger norco or oxycod/oxycons?.. no surg to date dr's scared of litigation issues..oh well drive on drill sgt!!btw tramadol made no change i could eat a tic tac and feel no diffI'...ll continue to read what you folks write so help me out pleeeeease.. btw age 41 pain since age 35
just had my 2nd fusion ,a 4 level thoracic fusion in may 07. i am in terrible pain. i chose to go without any pain meds once out of hospital.i went thru intense withdrawls for several days(physical) from the oxy before the op and massive opiates in the hosp. i made it. 5 weeks no opiates.while i am proud,my follow up is in 2 days and i really want some oxy for the bad, bad days.what do you think? thats 6 levels fused,constant pain and this is the important fact,debilitating pain.and also,does soma work for pain? thanks for your time. I,m 42.hope everybody feels better.
I thought I had problems with pain. I've had a constant headache for 18 years with migraines in between, just finding out that I have arthritis in my neck along with slipped disks in my neck, leaving days of my week unfunctional. Medications have helped to dull the pain, but nothing gets rid the pain. What I wouldn't give for one day without a headache. I wish the same for all of you, one day without pain.
I was in a car accident about a year and a half ago. I was told that I had soft tissue damage in my lumbar area and that it would get better. It never did. Along with the pain i get random tingling all over my back, more irritating than anything else but still there. If anyone else has had similar issues with this please let me know. Im 18 and do not want to live with this the rest of my life. Also does anyone know what the withdrawl effects of Cymbalta are
Hi everyone,
My pain came about during my pregnancy with my now 3 year old son. I've tried yoga, pilates, acupuncture, rife machine, physical therapy, chiropractor. These have only worked temporarily, and my pain comes back. I have also been taking Naproxen and Hydrocodone (Vicodin) for the last three years. Unfortunately, I have built up a tolerance to the Vicodin and it is no longer as effective at killing the pain, and I have to fight with my doctor everytime I need a refill. Withdrawal sucks.
I have been in chronic pain for almost 4 years. The doctors can not pinpoint the root of the problem and want to laser my nerves in L5/S1 facet joints in the lower back. The only thing the doctor is sure of is that I have arthritis in that area. I really dont know if I want to have the procedure because it might not be the nerve causing my chronic pain. Has anyone had this procedure?
This is in response to the lady whose considering getting your nerves in your back lasered (4:35pm)... My husband has severe deg. disc disease in his back (along with an imense amount of arthritis) and he just went through a procedure where they numbed the nerves (they used 6 needles, so it was kind of intense, but not too painful). This was to see whether or not burning his nerves would work. They told us that if it did work, he'd be able to get his nerves burned every year to avoid surgery for as long as possible (he's 30). If it didn't work, he'd have to consider a fusion (surgery), which I'm not sure is the best thing, but might be the only option since he's in so much pain. I'm not sure if this is the same thing your doctor is considering doing, but I just thought I'd pass it along since I didn't see any other postings about it.
This is in response to the lady whose considering getting your nerves in your back lasered (4:35pm)... My husband has severe deg. disc disease in his back (along with an imense amount of arthritis) and he just went through a procedure where they numbed the nerves (they used 6 needles, so it was kind of intense, but not too painful). This was to see whether or not burning his nerves would work. They told us that if it did work, he'd be able to get his nerves burned every year to avoid surgery for as long as possible (he's 30). If it didn't work, he'd have to consider a fusion (surgery), which I'm not sure is the best thing, but might be the only option since he's in so much pain. I'm not sure if this is the same thing your doctor is considering doing, but I just thought I'd pass it along since I didn't see any other postings about it.
I have concerns if I am able to continue taking Topamax and tramadol for my migraines during pregnancy...anyone have a similar situation?
I am 19 years old and have sever degenitive disk disease. It used to be in my low back, and has now moved all the way up my spine and into the lower part of my neck. It is something that has put me out of playing college basketball. I have suffered since my junior year of high school, but have learned to live with the pain today. No one will do surgery on me because they say it won't help. Has anyone's pain gotten better as they have gotten older? Is there anything I can do that could help the pain? I don't want to do a shot because they say its not good at my age..
I am 57 , have degenerative disc disease, and have tried every pain med there is. They all make me sick. So I struggle thru with Tylonol Arthritis. My dr has just prescribed the Facet Joint Rhizotomy , and I am really nervous @ this. Burning nerves around the joints....seems that would cause other problems...Has anyone had this, and how did you fell after????
Has anyone used Suboxone for pain?
My husband has just been diagnosed with degenerative spine, doctor is saying its probably genetic since there is no incident to linl it to. went to 3 different surgeons but none will operate because his "worse"discs are in two different levels seperated by not as bad discs. He was prescribed tramadol, worked ok at first but is needing to take more as he is getting used to it. We have applied for disability because he cannot walk well, was given handicapped plates, and crutches for assistance in walking, anyone tried for disability and been approved?
I have degenerative joint disease and spinal stenosis,slipped and bulging disc, as well as fibro and CFS. I am a real mess.
I took my first epidural cervical injection a month ago from a pain management specialist. It seems to help about 85-90% of the time, but I am now having debilitation migraines with nausea and vomiting that started about 5 days after the injection.
Has anyone else experienced this problem? The doctor as well as my Neurosurgeon says the headaches are not caused from the injection. I am now headed to see a Neurologist at the end of October for the migraines. I expect to get only migraine meds. No one can tell me what the migraines are from.
I have also received a hip injection a few weeks ago for Sciatica and leg pain.
No doctor wants to operate on either neck or back. They're apparently going to wait until I'm virtually crippled!
If there is anyone who can help with all of this pain...please enlighten me.
I can hardly live this way anymore. I cannot work or do anything else.
To the one that has had a Spinal...i have had a spinal at one time and had migrane headaches after reviecing it.. there is a chance from what i was told at the time that i might get them..fortunately mine only lasted a few days and were gone...best of luck with you
Hi, im 23 and have Diffuse disk buge at L5 S! with desiccation/degenerative changes. This all started after a fall while snoboarding, and 5 years of figure skating (and many falls). Everyday for the past 6 months, i have had aches, and extreme pain. I have semi permanat sciatica, comes and goes, and alternated from right leg to left leg. I have no insurance and starting seeing the health department in my area. Oxys work the best for me, 10mg. But the clinic wants to try other alternatives before starting me back on that. (frustration) He believes that i might have arthritis, from my years of over exercising, and many falls. I pray every night the one day ill be able to be my normal self again Doc says i cannot afford to fall again, tells me to stop ruining my back.It hurts when i sit, and especially when i stand up. My hips,a nd pelvic bone hurt, like when you scratch a chalkboard, just like that. Very painful and uncomfortable. I'm seeking pain management if this doctor doesn't budge with the right medicine. Its gets frustrating when doctors judge you for a junkie, even when you have proof of injuries. Its the drug dealers and users that make it harder for the people who really need it. I only use the oxys when i need it, not everyday. But they are the only thing that kills my pain, otherwise im in misery. The clinic also gave me lyrica, medrol(which i have tried and doesnt work, makes me nervous), lidoderm patches(dont help for bone pain), visteril, (tried makes me depressed), and feldene for pain. We will see what happens. Doc told me i might need surgery. I wouldn't doubt that, because i cant live like this forever.
God bless and take care to all. One day we will be happier and pain free.
I lifted a part in July and heard a pop in my lowerback. Just found out that I have a bulging disk and it is bulging on a nerve and is causing excruciating pain day and night and since the accident I have been in pain. I am now on Lyrica and it seems to ease the pain so that I can enjoy life a little but when it were's off the pain is back. The disk is L5. I also have alternating sciatic pain which causes my right leg to go numb to the point of parlyzation. Not sure what the surgeon will do he seems to think the swelling will go down but it has been 3 months and still no sign that the swelling is going down or will go down. I am open for any suggestions.
Please Help?
I had back surgergy on Jan. 4th,07, through mayfield spine, for several herniated disc,laminectomy l5-s1, pinchincing sciatic down right side so bad to point of paralysis. I was rediagnosed this aug. with l4-l5 disc herniation with l4 root displaceement, degenerative endplate signal and disc desiccation. They want to cut me open again as soon as next week for fear of paralysis now down left leg but risk factors are to high for me to risk, after they told them to me and used the terms i no longer have a virgin back at age of 30. The gabapentin 0f 900mg a day did no good, so now i take lyrica 250mg a day, that sux, topamax, 200mg a day, baclofen 20mg, 2x a day, hydrocodone 7.5/750 every 3 hrs., diazepam 5mg 5x a day, budeprionxl 300mg 2x day, seroquel 100mg, 2 at bed, depakote 500mg, 3x a day, This pain has got me scared to death, i have three small boys to care for, cant risk another surgery, but cant live with the pain, the epidurals dont work, falling into depression, they wont give me anything strong enough to relieve the pain, now because im depressed over the pain, this is a revovling horrible life circle i cant find light through!!!!!!!!
For those of you who are suffering from back pain, slipped discs, neck pain and/or any other type of pain that may be caused by misalignment...please consider seeing a chiropractor. You will be glad you did. A chiropractor can adjust your spine to relieve pressure and pain being caused by nerve compression and pinching. Your spine and your nervous system are connected to all parts of your body - chances are, if one part of your spine is out of place, you are feeling pain in many different places in your body. This can be fixed or at least improved! You may need to be adjusted several times and you will definitely need to return for check-ups after your condition improves...but you will find that pain and pain medications will no longer be constants in your life. Pain medicine is treating your symptoms and not the cause. Don't get surgery before you see a chiropractor!
(Many insurance companies now pay for chiropractic treatment.)
for the people that have had the surgury and back pain and all the pills, I found something that helps very much with spasms and back/leg pain you still need the tablets but you can cut down. its a belt by R.S. Medical. you will have to google it for the info. it massages and kind of builds muscle......
it does help lower back, sciatica and it strengthens the muscles for you. its like a workout(except you sit!) but after a week you will be amazed. I noticed a difference in two days. There are no Tablets for sciatic nerve pain. This belt has made my life worth living. I was at the point of giving up. No doctor will touch me either. I cant exercise, to strenghten up and this has given me the ability to walk thru a grocery store, ride longer distance in the car, take a walk with my father. Honest to God I am no sales person. I have had two surguries L5 S1. I know all the pain, lonliness, tears, fustrations. I know the look in my familys eyes If you have insurance I think its covered. I am trying to pay for mine out of pocket. Please try it don't give up......dont let the darkness take over.
I beleive they have a shoulder/neck device also for those of you.
I hope I have helped one of you. I know what your going through.
I suffered a bad fall at work followed by back pain until they found a fracture in my lower spine years later. I ended up having surgery with an artificial disc at level four with a fusion at level five. The artificial disc is what kept my range of motion. I still have pain from nerve damage due to the fall but the surgey saved me. The artificial disc can only be used for a two level problem no more. Only a few surgeons do this surgery but it's the best.
I've recently been prescribed Lyrica for my back pain (2 previous surgeries on lower back) and I've had amazing results. It's been almost miraculous. I've had more energy and drive and less pain since being on Lyrica than ever before. Kudos.
I haven't read through every comment, but the many I did read didn't mention Methadone. My neurologist consulted with the pain management specialist at Kaiser (the insurance I have) and I'm now taking Methadone two at a time, twice a day. I've had severe migraines ever since I can remember, and am only 21 one & had to stay out of college this year, which would've been my senior year, as a result of the intense, unrelenting pain. With the Methadone in me 24/7, taking it whether the pain's bad or not, it really has helped. I've gone from Percocet (highest strength there is) all the time to just one dose in two weeks. That is a MIRACLE for me! Methadone is a strong narcotic but doesn't give you that "out of control" feeling so although it makes me sleepy, I can act perfectly normal, it doesn't mess with your head. And I still have Percocet for breakthrough migraines, but I take it MUCH less frequently. Although the pain is never completely gone, it's much more tolerable, and if I take Motrin 800 (which my personal doctor said was safe for me, that dosage isn't safe for everyone) with some food (to prevent GI bleeding) at the first sign of worsening pain I've been able to successfully keep the pain at a level low enough to continue functioning. I've never known a life without this intense pain, and once I found out I was allergic to Imitrex (stopped breathing) I was told the other migraine-specific meds could be dangerous for me as well, leaving only strong, dangerous narcotics as treatment options. My body is extremely resistant to all medication as a result of having so many things in me my whole life (two doses of Morphine in 30 minutes through an IV and I had to ask the person with me repeatedly if they'd actually put anything in, I felt nothing AT ALL) so I felt hopeless. But for me, Methadone has been the answer. My mom's gotten frequent migraines as an adult, and she actually started Methadone a year before me and has had the same results. Obviously it has risks & isn't right for everyone, but if you're in chronic pain and not responding to anything else, it's worth asking about. NO preventatives work for me, and I even had several rounds of Botox as an experiment, so this has really saved me. I'm just now a young adult and it's about time I had a life of something other than late-night IV treaments, 15 ER visits in one semester, getting painkiller refills every week, and not having any interaction with ANYONE except my family and doctors. Methadone may be dangerous but for me personally, that risk is BEYOND outweighed by the benefits. I'd rather have a full life with less pain (it's always there but not nearly as bad) then a life with less risks but in such intense pain I wished God would take me Home right then. Like I said, not for everyone, but worth asking about!
I have been suffering with debilitating degenerative disk disease and degenerative sensory nerve damage for over 10 years. i have taken everything under the sun for pain management, being allergic to Tylenol and all Tylenol based pain relievers it is hard to find something that actually diminishes the pain for me. I have recently started to have times of complete paralysis, and now suffer from the ddd in my neck as well as lower back. I have seen neurologists and pain specialist and spinal specialist to boot and none have done any good. I read an article about a disk replacement and was wondering if anyone has had this done and what if any recomendations can you give someone like myself. I work and have two teenage daughters and I can not continue to have days and weeks where i am no good to anyone including myself when i am unable to even go to the bathroom alone. can someone give some advice here
My friend is on Suboxone
Suboxone is not normally persrcibed for pain relief, it is designed to take the place of methodone in helping with addiction treatment. it is an opiate but give no "high" it blocks other opaites from your system, and if you try to take other opaites it will throw you into some nasty withdrawls, as it will also do if you attempt to take to much or "shoot" it up.
my wife is on Suboxone after being dependent on vicodin (norco) for 3 years, she was abusing them and taking up too 30,00 mg a day, she went threw a detox program for 3 days and was put on suboxone. it is an 8 month program but it is working great. the Suboxone removes the mental craving for opaites (vicodin, methedone, herion, codiene...) and fills the physicall craving because it is an opaite itself, but gives you no "high" or any alteration of mind function :) so when u come off the suboxone all you need to deal with is the physical withdrawls, theres no more craving of being stoned
For all the ppl on here the Dr. puts on Lyrica, please read all the side affects. Please be care full it does do damage to the Kidneys and Liver. My best friend was on it 2 days when his Kidneys started shutting down. I just thank God I got him to the ER. in time it's been a year ago and he's going strong now.
To all of the people who are on work comp and getting the run around from the work comp insurance and their doctors: A work comp attorney will do wonders for the way you are treated. Work comp insurance doesn't want to pay for anything, they like to play a waiting game. If you get tired of waiting for their help you'll go back to work even though you are suffering, then they'll cut you off. The work comp insurance will try to tell you that you don't need a lawyer, DON'T BELIEVE THAT FOR A SECOND!! They aren't there for the employee's benefit like they want you to think, that is what the attorney is for. I got injured at work, got an attorney, now I have a wonderful pain mgmt doctor. The doctors that the work comp insurance co. sends you to will ALWAYS say you are fine, don't need medical help and can return to work
ANONYMOUS. ..PLEASE DO NOT GO TO A CHIROPRACTOR FOR AN ADJUSTMENT w/o
FIRST CHECKING w/YOUR FAMILY DOC...THE ADJUSTMENT CAN NOT ONLY, NOT HELP THE PAIN BUT CAUSED SEVERE CRIPPLING....IT'S A FACT! ALSO THE SEVERE HEADACHE I RECEIVED FROM MY FIRST EPIDURAL WAS CAUSED BY A NEEDLE PUNCTURE IN THE DURAL CAUSING THE SPINE LEAKAGE & MY DOC DID WHAT WAS CALLED A BLOOD PATCH & MY HEADACHES GRADUALLY STOPPED. CHECK WEB/MD FOR A GOOD EXPLANATION OF THE BLOOD PATCH. SOMETIME LOTS OF CAFFEINE & WATER WILL DO THE JOB, TOO! SURE WISH THE LATTER WORKED FOR ME....MUCH EASIER..MUCH!
I have been on Lyrica for 3 weeks now. I take 150mg at night and 150mg in the morning. It has not helped my fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain. Now my vision is blurred and I cannot read the newspaper, phonebook and having difficulties with my computer. I had lasix eye surgery almost 2 years ago, so I will nedd to go get glassed if I want to continue this drug that hasn't helped.
I have been taking Tramadol now for about 3 months and my doctor is weaning me off of it and put me on Lyrica. I was told Lyrice is a controlled substance & can be very addictive. Can anyone give me any advice please. I am also on Paxil Cr 25 mg. per day & clonazopen .5mg 4 times daily. Your response would be greatly appreciated!
I found something new that your traditional doctor will not know about. As a precursor, no...I am not a spammer or getting paid for this. I was in an accident 2 1/2 years ago. I suffered brain trauma and multiple disc injuries. I have had 5 epidermals, seen 4 different physical therapists, two chiropractors and taken more pills than I care to think about. I was on migraine meds, muscle relaxers and pain killers. I finally found, through a friend, a holistic health center nearby. The guy I have been seeing is a yoga, psychotherapy and egoscue instructor. Do yourself a favor and check out egoscue.com. It's free to check out their suggestions of exercises. If any of it helps, there are certified instructors all over the country.
It made a WORLD of difference in my life and finally got me off of meds. I take a couple ibuprofens every once in a while now, when I do more than I'm ready to handle.
Much luck to all of you!!!
Finally after reading all the comments I came to Todd...I was so surprised more haven't tried the wholistic path. After 12 years of pain, many medications, epidurals (sometimes did me a lot of good), and physicl therapy that helped strengthen my back, I found additional relief for both physical and mental pain with my wholistic doctor. I currently have the acupuncture, ion clease, Aserts, and supplements (really did the trick for my tiredness),plus lots of encouragements even by e-mails when I couldn't come in. I suggest this along with the medical doctors. Put all the information together before making your decisions. Every single one of us is different so what works for one may not for another. This has worked for me for a few years now. Main problem is my insurance doesnt' pay for the wholistic visitions. God bless you with the right directions for your life.
ok does anyone know what the story is on suboxone.i have been taking 8mg. 5xa day now i hear that you can stay on suboxone for a year i had been shooting heroin for 30 years.suboxone changed my life 360 degrees i am scared to get off the suboxone what is the story thosjlll@g-mail.com
I have Fibromyalgia, Scleroderma, Migraines, Degenerative Disc Disease, and CFT to name most of my issues and I am 53. For migraines the best preventive medication for me is Topomax and watch your diet..no alcohol, chocolate, or preservatives in food. I also take Imitrex when I do have a migraine. I take Oxycodone 7.5/500 for herniated disc and nerve damage in lower lumbar. Massage with Heat Brand directly into the spasms and use a heating pad works really well. I am on disability. You can expect to get turned down twice by the SSA, then get an attorney who does only disability cases and it won't cost you anything unless he/she wins your case and expect to wait at least two years or more unless you know someone who can help. Try writing a letter to your State Senator if it goes on too long. My biggest problem is CFT. I am too tired to do anything even when my pain is managed. I am going to an Orthopedic Surgeon to talk about Facet Burning or Surgery. I don't know if my autoimmune diseases will allow surgery or if it is the best option. I would appreciate any advise. It has been a problem with my back for over two years now. Everyone taking controlled drugs, stick to your recommended dosages no matter what and you will avoid having to go through any days without them which is much worse than having to deal with some pain rather than taking extra. Good luck everyone. I feel your pain. God be with you.
I just started taking Lyrica after years of pain from degenerative disk disease, bulging disks in the cervical spine, shoulder pain, and fibromyalgia. It helps the pain like nothing else has, but the side effects (sleepiness, high feeling) are almost debilitating. Do these symptoms wear off after a while? I've only just started so I'm taking 150mg a day and suppose to be starting 300mg a day by tomorrow. I'm scared I won't be able to go to work.
I have degenerative disc disease and stenosis of all lumar spine and s1. I had 2 surgeries and another tomorrow. I take lyrica for neuropathy and tramadol for pain. I took neurontin first but was told lyrica was better. I see no difference. I have nuts bolts, screws and cages and grafts. I thank my mother for the disc disease and I have a congenital defect. I had no idea I had problems until 4 years ago. I have no highs or sleepiness with lyrica but I have had to increase dosage, along with tramadol. I am a PhD nurse, golf, travel, play a lot, but now my life is on hold...again....can't work, stand, sit..
I HAVE BEEN DISABLE SINCE 1994 AND HAVE HAD MANY PROCEDURES DONE ON MY BACK L3-4, L4-5 AND L5-S1 AND AS WELL ON MY Cervical-SPINE, BUT I WOULD NEVER HAVE SURGERY AS A RADIOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST(WHICH I WENT BACK TO SCHOOL TO GET THIS DEGREE AFTER MY INJURY AND GRADUATED BUT THEN AFTER ALMOST 5 MONTHS I HAD A BREAK DOWN BECAUSE I COULD NOT WORK DUE TO ALL THE HEAVY LIFTING OF PATIENCE EVEN THOUGH THE TEXAS STATE BOOK LIST RADIOLOGY AS A LIGHT DUTY JOB WELL IT WASN'T AND BOY WAS I EVEN MORE DEPRESSED THAN BEFORE AFTER I FOUND THIS OUT BECAUSE IT TOOK 3 YEARS OF SCHOOL TO GRADUATE) I HAVE SEEN MORE PEOPLE THAN NOT THAT HAVE HAD MORE PROBLEMS AFTER SURGERY. TO THE PEOPLE WHO ARE WORRIED ABOUT HAVING A NEUROTOMY, RHIZOTOMY AND MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCK DONE THESE ARE ALL THE SAME PROCEDURE, THEY JUST ARE CALLED DIFFERENT NAMES AT DIFFERENT PLACES AND BY DIFFERENT PEOPLE. I HAVE HAD THEM ALL THEY DO HELP AND I DO RECOMMEND TO HAVE THESE DONE. I HAVE DONE THEM ALL WITH NO BAD SIDE EFFECTS AND HAD A GOOD DEAL OF PAIN RELIEF AND THE PAIN HAS NOT COME BACK FOR A YEAR AT TIMES NOR AS BAD AS IT WAS BEFORE, BUT YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE THE NAGGING PAIN AND MUSCLE SPASMS AND STIFFNESS, AND ALSO THAT OLD THING WE CALL SIATICA THAT RADIATES DOWN FROM OUR JIPS AND BUTTOCKS DOWN OUR LEGS BY THE KNEE ADN SOMETIME TO THE FEET ADN A NUMBING EFFECT AS WELL. I HATE TO SAY THIS BUT WE WILL ALWAYS BE ON MEDICATION I HAVE BEEN ON SO MUCH BUT AM ON TRAMADOL, TRAZADONE,CYMBALTA,ROSEREM,CLONAZAPAM,ZANAFLEX, AND TOPAMAX WHICH THEY JUST STARTED ME ON TODAY FOR NERVE PAIN, WHICH I DO NOT KNOW MUCH ABOUT THIS NEW MED TOPAMAX. THIS SOUNDS LIKE ALOT OF MEDICATIONS BUT I CAN MANAGE MY PAIN AND NOT FEEL LIKE I CANT FUNCTION, BECAUSE I ACTUALLY CAN MANAGE WHEN AND HOW I TAKE IT AS SO I CAN STILL FUNCTION HERE AT HOME TO DO SOME THINGS, BUT I SO MUCH UNDERSTAND THE POINT OF NOT WANTING TO DO THE THINGS WE USED TO LOVE TO DO, THOSE ARE SOME OF THE SACRIFICES I HAVE HAD TO GIVE UP BUT I SAY PLEASE NEVER GIVE UP AND GO FOR THE RYZOTOMY, MEDIAL BRANCH BLOCKS, AND NEUROTOMY'S BECAUSE THEY GIVE YOU SOME RELIEF TO WHERE YOU ARE NOT HURTING AS BAD AS YOU NORMALLY ARE WITH NO SIDE EFFECTS AND THEN YOU CAN LEARN TO MANAGE YOUR MEDS AND YOUR LIFE ALOT BETTER AND YOU KNOW YOUR BODY LIKE NO ONE ELSE AND WHEN YOU HAVE THESE PROCEDURES DONE YOU WILL FIND THAT MAYBE YOU CAN DO WITHOUT THAT DOSE BUT THEN TAKE THE NEXT IF YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT I MEAN, YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF YOUR BODY!! I WANT TO SAY GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU AND I HOPE THAT YOU CAN FIND A MEDIUM TO THIS MADNESS OF PAIN AND MEDITAION AND FAITH AS WELL AS STRETCHING AND WALKING EVEN IF IT IS ONLY FOR THE 15 MINUTES AT A TIME THAT WE ARE LIMITED TO DO BEOFRE WE HAVE TO SIT DOWN THEN SITTING DOWN ABOUT 15 MINS AND WE ARE REPOSITIONING OURSELVES AS TO HELP RELIEVE THE PAIN AND PRESSURE OF SITTING SO YEAH WE GET TIRED BECAUSE WE CANT FIND THAT COMFORTABLE SPOT FOR MORE THAN 15 MINS AT A TIME. SO BOTTOM LINE DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAINTAIN THE MUSCLE MASS WE HAVE AND TO WATCH OUR WEIGHT AND TO DO A SAFE ABDOMINAL WORK OUT BECAUSE WHEN WE KEEP OUR ABS TIGHTS IT STREGTHENS THE LOW BACK MUSCLES AND HELPS WITH THE PAIN TRUST ME, AND DO NOT BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR A PRESCRIPTION TO GO TO REHABILATATION FOR THEM TO MASSAGE, WORK OUT SLOWLY, AND MANIPULATE YOUR MUSCLES IN YOUR BACK AND NECK TO KEEP THEM MOVING AS WELL AS GOING TO A CHIROPRACTOR , ALL OF THESE THINGS WILL BETTER YOU LIFE, TRUST ME I KNOW, IT WILL HELP YOU GETTING OUT OF THE HOUSE AND NOT BECOMING A HERMIT AND IT WILL GET YOU HELP THAT YOU WILL BE SUPPRISED BUT WILL HELP YOUR MIND, BODY, SOUL, ATTITUDE, AND MOST OF ALL OUR SELF ESTEEM. GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND KEEP THE FAITH!
lyrica is no account stick with percocet and xanax
For the person who posted her poem:
It is spelled L-O-S-E
(Not "There's nothing left to LOOSE".)
Loose means your jeans are too loose. Lose means you don't win.
Good poem, but that's a pretty big spelling error.
I was on Lyrica for nueropathy of both hands and feet. At the beginning Lyrica worked wonderfully and my pain was reduced froma a constant 10 to a 3-4 depending on the time of day with night being the worst. After two months Lyrica started attacking my body and I had to take more and more of it to get the same relief. At one point my left foot swelled up so much that from my normal size 12 it grew to a size 18 and the pain was an 11 all the time no matter what I took. MY pain meds went way up and I could not work at all. I found that Lyrica was causing my kidneys to slowly shut down as this proved to be the cause of my edema. It took me several weeks of withdrawal symtoms that approached severe at times and only coompletely eliminating the Lyrica could I begin to function once again. I think Lyrica should be taken off the market or many more warnings should be required to allow its stay on the market. There is not much out there for sufferer's as myself with neuropathy, I am back on Neurontin but that is not working much at all. Lyrica in my book is a very dangerous drug and should only be taken as a last resort because it causes more problems than its worth.
I have fibromyagia with chronic headaches and tramgeminal neurolgia in my face was on 8 different meds not working well I now take 50 mg of lyrica 2 a day and and almost fully pain free well i cant beat that from non functioning to fine in 2 days ill keep taking it the first day or so is a little rough though
not chronic. i feel so bad for anyone worse off than me. I should pray and be thankful...my back hurts though. Or is it my back is the question...Sort of...i call it a pain with my chicken wing...you know, right under where the shoulder blade is but only on my right side. I know I am a side sleeper which makes me lean all my weight on it. I changed my pillows. It's the nothing in my lower back. Should I keep going to the chiropractor? He pulls my neck even though it's that part of my upper back that hurts...I'm in phoenix. It is not chronic but annoying on a daily basis. 2 months into the annoyance...started after a slip and fall on the wood stairs in my condo, causing a bump to the very center of the mid back. I got up, but over time, not the same. I'm only 29. Am I to pay this guy for life and if so, will I ever get better. He has been popping my neck and back for a month now 3 times a week. I am scared about it. Should I take yoga and get massages...I'm a realtor and the boss yells at me for more sales. Stress appears to make it hurt more...Calling for the occasional 2 or 3 asprins. If anyone has a darn answer please post it. I hear pulling on my neck has been linked to stroke.
I have been diagnosed with hernited disc at L-3 Thru L-5, I had my second epidural injection today and as of this one have had no relief, I am in constant pain. The doctor's have recently given me Ultram 300ER, and am currently on Ambien CR 12.5 for sleep at night, I am getting no relief from the Ultram. and at 60.00 copayment with the insurance its not worth it. I only unfortunately get relied from Vicodin and when the pain is bax Oxycodone, unfortunately i am fighting with my insurance company to have back surgery, but they are being tough. I am asking my doctor to give me something stronger for pain cause let me tell you I am a 30 year old male and sometimes the pain puts me in tears. It sucks.
Def. check out egoscue.com before going through with any surgeries. These exercises have done wonders for me.
Well all i can say is that im 21 yrs old and have suffered from buldging discs in my L4 L5 and my L5 to my S1. Not to go along with i suffer from arthritis and have had all this since age 14 from an old football injury. And yet i have been on all kinda of garbage, Tramadol, lyrica, lortab, darvon, vicoprofin, flexoril, zanaflex, and have also had numerous steroidal shots in the back and yet i have received no releif besides for the tramadol. Only the bad thing about the tramadol, is i ended up in the hospital with a seizure so apparently i cannot take that medication. Im just lookin for a non narcotic medication close to tramadol that works but without the seizure. As for therapy goes i was discharged from the insurance company for it was not helping. Any suggestions?
I am 38 , and have been dealing with severe back pain for the past 7 years, in 2004 I had fusion done on L1-S5, I felt better for maybe 6 months and now almost 4 years later, I am again in the worst pain
I can possibly describe. I am now on lyrica, and morphine , 4 times aday, I have been on numerous meds in the past.. Nothing seems to work, or it works for a month or so, and then back to the same aggrievating pain.. I hate that all I can I do is try to deal with it.. along with weight pain, which doesnt help at all, but what to do, cant sit for to long, walk, or lay down, it can be so bad I caant even concentrate on the littliest things, I know that I am not the only one that feels like this.. Just wanted to let you know, I understand what some of you are going thru.. Go Fri, back to dr. to see what new mri results are..
I don't know if anyone is willing to try this or even if a chiropractor would in many cases, but I was hurt at work (mid back) and was sent to the M.D.They could not find anything wrong with the area I complained about,but did find a sight problem with my neck(c4-c7) and treated as they saw fit, with no relief. After 2yrs.I found a very good chiropractor and he has relieved the pain (in the center of my back) for about 3wks at a time. He also pops my neck when I have problems with it.This my not be an answer for everyone,but I know it has greatly improved my pain.
I wake up with a headache every single morning, and lasts almost all day and night. It has been like this for over a year. My doctor put me on Topamax and Propanol. For pain relief, he gives me 30 Tylenol with codeine for 3 weeks. That is barely enough to help me out. He even said that Tylenol with codeine can cause headaches. I am 26 years old. I have four kids. I am tired of going back and forth to the E.R. and the clinic. Is there any other pain relief that my doctor should be giving me other than Tylenol 3?
All of NSADs and samples for headache relief and Tramadol has brought me no relief at all, or Ultram, Flexeril, Naproxen.... It seems like only the strong stuff works for my body....
My husband is going thru the steps necessary to start taking Suboxone on Thursday. He has been dependent on opiates for severe back and neck pain for many years. His nurse tells us Suboxone will also stop his pain, yet everything I have seen or read so far, does not say anything like that.
My husband will be 52 this month. He has been permanently disabled for many years. He had fusion surgery on his lower disc, which he was born without, at age 13, something almost unheard of at that time in someone so young,
He has constant pain from other discs, degenerative disc disease. He has shrunk at least 3 inches in the last 6 or 8 years. He has constant pain in his neck also, and in his right arm, which he almost lost in an accident, and his right knee, which he had 5 reconstructive surgeries on
Our marriage is suffering due to his addiction to opiates. Suboxone sounds great, but I worry about the pain. A friend says his wife is pain free on Suboxone, yet I cant find anything online.
any help would be appreciated, thanks so much
After spending years trying to get relief for degenerative disc disease, I finally went to a competent pain management specialist. The treatment was methadone, 10 mg 2x/day and baclofen, 10 mg 2x/day. Although for me Soma was a better muscle relaxant, and helped me to sleep, I stuck with the program. This past month, when my back gave out completely and I was almost a paraplegic, I had to give in to going under the knife. The results have been amazing, although the recovery slow. I am now taking neurontin for the nerve damage, and just a little ibuprofen now and then (and an occasional ultram).
There is no easy solution - I do NOT recommend surgery except as a last resort, coupled with an intense motivation to do all that is necessary for a full recovery. Since the surgery was specific only to one area of my problems, I know I will have to rely on meds again.
The secret to that is to become insistent with your doctor, avoid any meds that overly dull your senses, and make multiple lifestyle changes (increased exercise, weight loss, and stress management). A positive and proactive approach to life does wonders.
anonymous said... I was sent for a MRI for lower back pain. It came back that i had degenerate disc diease and also canal stenoisis diease. I tried spinial injections, Different meds, nothing worked. Get your self a good neurosurgeon. I had the best! My problems were in L3,L4, And L5. I have been out of work now for a year. We did the surgery and i had good results. I used to have shooting pain into my right hip and thats gone now. The only thing i take is neurotrin(6oo mg). I am still not back to work, but in pain management now, and also Make sure you have a comp lawyer. My injury was caused on the job and even with a lawyer they denied my surgery twice until my lawyer got us a comp hearing. Got to the comp hearing and NO PROBLEM with the insurance company approving the surgery. The insurance company will jerk you around, but we had won our comp case in july. YOU NEED A GOOD LAWYER, AND A GREAT NEUROSURGEON, I had both GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS ALL. P.S The surgery was not that bad. I was only sore for about 2 weeks where the incision was made.
ray says i know what u are all going through u take the pain meds for so long thatn they dont work and than they run out near the end of the month. im on oxyctin percect for breckthrough and lyrica for the siatica pain but i went into surgery worst than what i was before the surgery, i found out that part of my facet bones are missing in my lower spine the jerk that did my surgery thought i woundnt find out the truth about the injuries that i substain from the orignol surgery and soma also for the pain and the ones that got pain in there arms get checked for a torned rotor cuff in shoulder u will find youre arm wont hurt no more i promise u that that it is not youre neck like some think it is thanks ray hope this helps
the reason iam telling you guys that to get a 2nd oppion because i did i had pain in both of my arms and shoulders for years and was told there was nothing that could be done for me. they said it was caused by my neck thank got i found out the truth 8 years after the fact and i already had one surgery to fix my arm now iam pain free in my one arm that was frozen and the worst pain i can tell u about but i still got other problems and i know i got 5 more surgerys to go to fix my spine i hope and my neck and my knee and my rt shoulder o yea the other shoulder had a tore roter cuff too. will get that fixed next month hope to get told some hopefully good news about my spine if theres some hope fore me to get out of this pain that iam in. i hate pain meds but if i dont take them i cant move hardly at all if i dont so her we are in a delima and i know theres a god that will have mercy on us all. when i9 went to a pain clinic the doctor said he couldnt do anything to stop the pain that iam in and may god bless me too whats up with that