[anna342]

I've been told by my doctor that they will not prescribe me painkillers (codiene based) for much longer, even though the rheumatologist has recommended them, as they can be addictive and are not good for you. Fair enough, I understand that, but it leaves me back in pain and not really having any way of coping with it (not that they care).

So, I was thinking of whether there are any natural supplements that may help. I take glucosamine and chondriotin, when I remember, but I was wondering about actually pain relief.

I read about devils claw, tumeric, bromelain, white willow bark (where asprin comes from so not sure about this?).

Does anyone know anything about these or has tried and could recommend anything?

[Hunny]

Have you had a look at NeuroTalk?

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/

Hope this helps a bit.

H

[anna342]

No, never been there, having a look now, thanks

[(JD)]

http://www.herbalnewsmagazine.com/herbal-pain-killers/

The above link might help.
Remember that foods can increase or decrease some pains also. I know I have to stay away from "white" foods or my bone/joint pains become exacerbated. (Except for cauliflower...which doesn't have the same effect as white rice and potatoes, breads etc.)

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18023958/ Has a good article...

http://www.alleviatebackpain.net/bac...pain-naturally Gives a list of 10 foods such as alfalfa and ginger, sage that help reduce pain.

[Zen888]

Hi Anna

What sort of pain are you experiencing? Where in the body is your pain?

I know a good website that has natural and alternative treatments for all sorts of disorders. So, tell me what sort of pain and where it is and I'll do some quick research for you!

[anna342]

Mostly pain in my joints, I have chondromalacia patellae and hypermobile joints everywhere which is I guess why they all hurt.

I also have fibro, which my gp and rhematologist havent done anything about or made many suggestions other than exercise and painkillers. I tend to just hurt all over, and occasionally get shooting pains in my legs, what feels like muscle spasms, sometimes it feels like my skin hurts. It's difficult to pinpoint!

[Zen888]

Hi Anna

It would be easier to give you the website since there is loads of information for some of your disorders.

http://www.planetorganic.ca/goodforyou/healthtools

*On the far right side of this webpage you will see "Related Information" and a list of options.

I hope this website helps you!

[anna342]

Thanks, I'll have a look in the morning!

[Starbuck1128]

Oh Anna,
I feel so bad that you will be in pain again! Thw AMA is inthe middle of political upheaval regarding pain meds. 1/2 the Dr.s know that chronic pain pt.s aren't getting the help they Need and 1/2 are just too concerned about addicitoin issues! My GF is a hospice nurse and one of her pt.s was Dying from bone cancer and the Dr. wouldn't write for pain meds, lest the pt. (who had days to live) become addicted.
I, myself, have been waiting for a referral to a pain manegment clinic for two months now since the accident. I feel for you .One thing that has helped, tho it is not natural is Cymbalta. It helps a LOT!
If yr Rhuematologist says you need them, why won't s/he write for them? Maybe it is time to look for a new GP... As scarey as that can be...I'm at that point myself.
Be brave. We have the Right Not TO Suffer!

[anna342]

The rheumatologist said he'd write to my GP (which he did) to say that he recommends the codiene based painkillers. So my GP acted on that, for a few months, but now has decided he doesn't want to anymore. I have no been discharged from rheumatology, so I can't go back unless my GP refers me again, which they wouldn't do because I've already been assessed and they came to the conclusion that it is 'just' fibro.

[Perna]

The natural supplements you mention have to be taken consistently, not just when you're hurting most. Glucosamine and chondriotin can't just be taken, "when I remember" but has to be taken every day for 2-3 months before it is effective.

Here's a nice list I found, similar to yours:

http://www.steadyhealth.com/articles...lers_a892.html

I only use/know about turmeric, but highly recommend this site:

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=78

[anna342]

Thanks I'll have a look at those links.

I've actually run out of the supplements now, but when I start working again and can afford it I will get them and make sure I take them everyday!

[Starbuck1128]

Found another link that might be of use
http://us.mg204.mail.yahoo.com/dc/la...=9pns7dcnpr5qg

[anna342]

I couldn't get on to that Yahoo link, it said I needed to sign in, but I'm not a member of yahoo.

But from the other articles and looking in a health shop I've bought some more glucoasamine and chrondroitin with msm complex and devils claw. I will see how it goes for a few months.

[nightbird]

(((Anna)))

And there is a kava kava you can take (it's a hawaiian herb) in tea or tincture form that might help also, as well as relaxing and trying some guided imagery tapes specifically for your issue ~ see www.healthjourneys.com for a look-see.

Remember though, even though these natural pain relievers are a help, natural can be powerful, so check online or in a book about the contradictions just in case.

You want to make sure they work together.

Can you see an herbalist near you sometime, to set you up maybe?
Just an idea.

And restricting your sugar will help with the joints also, as will drinking more filtered water too!

The best to you Anna... and your health.

Peace and Wellness,
Night
xoxo

[anna342]

Thanks nightbird, I don't know of anyone in the area to get advice about it, but I will keep an eye out.

[TrespassersWill]

I've tried actually all the alternative treatments you mentioned and none of them helped me. I finally got into a pain specialist as my GP was afraid to keep prescribing narcotics because of the pressure the medical board places on physicians. Now the pain specialist who doesn't take my insurance and is the only one for hundreds of miles wants to try all these experimental treatments ie: nerve blocks that cost over $3000 and not covered by insurance. Not to mention its experimental.