[Moreta]

I'm trying to get pregnant, so I need to come off all my pain meds. I have 2 herniated discs in my lower back and arthritis in most of my joints. I need some suggestions on what to do. Any feedback would be appreciated.

[sabby]

(((((((((((( Moreta ))))))))))))

How wonderful to work towards having a baby! I wish you well!

As far as dealing with pain without meds....there are many things you can do for yourself that may help the level of pain or just getting through it.

I think the most important thing is to breathe! So often when we are in pain, we forget to breathe. We hold our breath and then we end up tensing up more and increasing the pain level. It also helps a lot when we concentrate on something other than the pain...so thinking of your breathing helps in a couple of different ways.

Talk to your dr about anything you can take that will help mitigate the pain and not hurt the baby. I think that tylenol (I may be mistaken) is one thing you can use.

Warm baths and showers may help relax you. Using a heating pad, 10-15 minutes on, 20-30 minutes off might help. Using ice can help reduce inflamation and pain as well.

Excersise is important, for many different reasons. Using the parts that you have arthritis in helps to keep the joints moving so they don't lock up on you so badly. It may be difficult with the lower back pain to do that so maybe using some ice before exercise will be helpful.

Mindfulness.....it works for all kinds of things. Helping to keep yourself thinking about the wonderful outcome you are hoping for....a beautiful and healthy baby can help keep you on track.

I wish you much luck Moreta!

[Leed]

Ice can help your back alot. When I had spine surgery, my doctor sent me to "back school: -- and the therapist there taught me that heat is BAD. He said that heat draws blood to the heated area and causes more swelling and pain and inflammation. He said that ice reduces the inflammation, reduces the swelling AND the pain.

So I'm supposed to use ice for 20 minutes 2 times a day. I put the ice in a baggie, and wrap that in a towel, and put that on my back. You can't put ice directly on the back or you'll damage your skin.

So try using the ice a couple of times a day for no more than 20 minutes. If you can't tolerate 20 minutes, then try it at LEAST for 10 minutes. It WILL help with the pain.

Best of luck and also BEST OF LUCK in trying to get pregnant! How wonderful !!! God bless and please take care. Hugs, Lee

[Cherry73]

I know how hard it is with herniated discs. I have five herniated discs. Have you talked to your doctor about being pregnant with herniated discs. I ask because I was and it was very difficult. I was put on bed rest at five months and when I did walk to bathroom or bedroom I had to use crutches or walker. It caused an extreme amount of pain also inflammation and swelling which made me have issues with my left leg. Sometimes due to the swelling it wouldn't work our go numb and I would fall. I'm not trying to discourage you in any way and everyone person is different. I'm just encouraging you to discuss it with your physician so there are no surprises like I had. Best wishes.

[Moreta]

Originally Posted by Cherry73

I know how hard it is with herniated discs. I have five herniated discs. Have you talked to your doctor about being pregnant with herniated discs. I ask because I was and it was very difficult. I was put on bed rest at five months and when I did walk to bathroom or bedroom I had to use crutches or walker. It caused an extreme amount of pain also inflammation and swelling which made me have issues with my left leg. Sometimes due to the swelling it wouldn't work our go numb and I would fall. I'm not trying to discourage you in any way and everyone person is different. I'm just encouraging you to discuss it with your physician so there are no surprises like I had. Best wishes.

I go to see my neuro either this week or next. Can't remember. I'm going to talk to him about it and see what he says. I'm gonna wait to come off meds until all this fertility testing is done, since there's a chance that it's not going to happen.