[misscath007]

This is probably more of a vent then anything else but I need someone to talk to right now. I am so tired of being in pain, it seems my back pain is getting worse and worse and now even walking short distances is an effort. I am going for a second opinion on my back week after next because I am not wanting to rush into a decision yet about surgery.

On the other hand, I would do it if it meant some pain relief eventually since this level of pain is really getting me down. My GP has given me tramadol which does not really touch the pain but it does take the edge off. She will not prescribe narcotics pre op, nor will my surgeon. It is getting so that I would kill for a vicodin! I don't even want to take anything stronger but what is the alternative? I am in PAIN!! The ice packs help but it's not enough! I started taking the tramadol every 4 hours instead of every 8 hours and it helps a little.

God, nothing is easy is it? I am looking into seeing a pain management doctor but have not found any that accept my insurance. I am getting profoundly depressed over this. Any suggestions would be welcomed.

[Travelinglady]

You might have to pay a doc to get a script for it, but there's what's called a TENS unit. I have one for my foot. I used it one time for 40 minutes and it helped for more than a week! Also, there's an ointment called Biofreeze that's like an ice pack that has helped me.

Are you watching your posture when you sit and walk? How do you sleep in bed? Never sleep on your tummy, for example!

[misscath007]

Thanks, Payne. I have heard of those Tens portable units but I don't really have the money to buy one. I will price some and see if I can possibly get a used one maybe cheaper than new. I have also used Biofreeze and it seems to only help for muscle spasms not this disc pain I am having.

I never sleep on my stomach, I sleep on my back with my legs elevated by 2 pillows. When that gets uncomfortable I turn on my side with a pillow between my legs. Those are the only 2 comfortable positions.

[Leed]

Hi Miss Cath ~ You might ask you doc about Lyrica -- it's a drug that is used for nerve pain, (it's also used by epileptics) but it has worked for ME and that is about unheard of! LOL NOTHING has worked for me until I got on Lyrica, which was added to the Opana ER. Even the Opana wasn't doing the trick, but when he added the Lyrica, almost ALL the pain is gone now now!!! This is the first time in 26 years I've felt this good!

It can't hurt to ask him. All he can say is "no." LOL I wish you the best - I know how badly you're hurting. Keep us posted! Hugs, Lee

[misscath007]

Thanks Leed. I will ask doc about it. I called her office this morning but she is out of town for the rest of the week so I will have to scrape by on my own. Her nurse suggested I go to ER if pain does not let up,*maybe* they could give me something for the pain but that's a big MAYBE and not something I am going to count on. Unless things change for the worse, I'm not going to bother going to the ER.