[dazeofdolphins]

I have daily back pain and PF that I treat with a Fentanyl Patch and Morphine. I am having a mental block towards exercising and feel I am aging too quickly for my body. Any suggestions on treatments? I've literally done every tx for my PF besides surgery in both feet. I am open to suggestions.

[Leed]

Hi ~ Forgive me for my ignorance, but what is PF?

I'm also a chronic painer and have been for over 25 years. I've had several spinal surgeries, and also have Fibromyalgia. I'm disabled now, and am on the Fentanyl patch along with Methadone, Topamax, Cymbalta. I'm no longer a candidate for surgery -- no surgeon will touch me anymore. LOL I've gotten opinions from the heads of several large hospitals, and none want anything to do with me. LOL

I know what you mean about feeling about 20 years older! I even WALK 20 years older. But at least I can still walk -- I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to do that, but at least I'm still doing it. There is NO WAY I can exercise, as I've tried every kind there is, and it puts me in bed for at least 2 days. Even water therapy puts me in bed -- which is surprising, cause it's supposed to be the best thing for chronic pain. I've had every kind of therapy there is, plus every single procedure that pain management can do, to no avail. So the only option left for me was medications.

Guess you and I are in the same boat, huh? It sure sucks, doesn't it? But I still have to count my blessings, cause like I said I can still walk. And that's better than a lot of people I've talked to.

I wish you less pain -- let me know how you're doing, ok? God bless. Hugs, Lee

[dazeofdolphins]

PF is Plantar Fasciitis, a foot problem that affects many. Thanks for asking and good luck with your pain

Originally Posted by Leed

Hi ~ Forgive me for my ignorance, but what is PF?

I'm also a chronic painer and have been for over 25 years. I've had several spinal surgeries, and also have Fibromyalgia. I'm disabled now, and am on the Fentanyl patch along with Methadone, Topamax, Cymbalta. I'm no longer a candidate for surgery -- no surgeon will touch me anymore. LOL I've gotten opinions from the heads of several large hospitals, and none want anything to do with me. LOL

I know what you mean about feeling about 20 years older! I even WALK 20 years older. But at least I can still walk -- I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to do that, but at least I'm still doing it. There is NO WAY I can exercise, as I've tried every kind there is, and it puts me in bed for at least 2 days. Even water therapy puts me in bed -- which is surprising, cause it's supposed to be the best thing for chronic pain. I've had every kind of therapy there is, plus every single procedure that pain management can do, to no avail. So the only option left for me was medications.

Guess you and I are in the same boat, huh? It sure sucks, doesn't it? But I still have to count my blessings, cause like I said I can still walk. And that's better than a lot of people I've talked to.

I wish you less pain -- let me know how you're doing, ok? God bless. Hugs, Lee

[sparklehorse]

You've probably thought of some time spent in a heated pool. It would be easy on your feet. I am working up the motivation to go find one somewhere near me maybe two times per week. I am resistant because I dislike the undress get wet get dressed part. But the warm water and relief from gravity help me feel better for awhile.

[talktopaul]

Just wondering if you have access to a chronic pain clinic at all? I don't know much about the US, but there are some in main cities in Australia where I come from. These can be great because they are generally staffed by a variety of clinicians (doctor, psychologist, occupational therapist, exercise physiologist etc) and they all work as a team to help resolve the pain where possible, and to learn to manage any residual pain.

I think one of the biggest things is learning how to 'pace' activity so as to avoid (or at least minimise) any flare ups of pain. Flare ups tend to result in a sensitisation of the pain system. Pacing is one way to reverse this, but there's a lot more that can be done.

If you're interested there's a great British series of podcasts that may be helpful.

Anyway, my thoughts go out to all experincing chronic pain - hang in there.

[dazeofdolphins]

Yes, have been through a chronic pain clinic but it didn't do much. By the way, you're lucky you live in Australia - I love it there!
dazeofdolphins

Originally Posted by talktopaul

Just wondering if you have access to a chronic pain clinic at all? I don't know much about the US, but there are some in main cities in Australia where I come from. These can be great because they are generally staffed by a variety of clinicians (doctor, psychologist, occupational therapist, exercise physiologist etc) and they all work as a team to help resolve the pain where possible, and to learn to manage any residual pain.

I think one of the biggest things is learning how to 'pace' activity so as to avoid (or at least minimise) any flare ups of pain. Flare ups tend to result in a sensitisation of the pain system. Pacing is one way to reverse this, but there's a lot more that can be done.

If you're interested there's a great British series of podcasts that may be helpful.

Anyway, my thoughts go out to all experincing chronic pain - hang in there.

[avoice]

I have a spinal cord neurostinulator. At first I hated it now it has become my best friend. I just relax and feel that instead of pain.

[lorider]

I started Physical Therapy about 6 months ago and I am amazed at what it's done for me (I have arthritis and fibromyalgia). I go to a PT practice here in Albany that specializes in chronic pain. It's not exercise, don't worry, it's more like a pressure-point massage. I believe it's a combination of a few techniques one of which is called myofascial release. I was so glad to find out that I had insurance coverage for something I couldn't afford on a regular basis from my massage therapist. Good luck to you!!!