in a lot of pain today

I usually post in BPD but because so many other issues I try to post in other relevant forums too.

Have had chronic back pain for many years. Then, had emergency surgery over 6 months ago… I'm in so much pain. I have nerve damage in my leg now since the operation however, I realise the damage could have been much worse if they didn't operate when they did.

Anyway, that just a bit of background…had to travel to social event, I haven't driven since the surgery, so I was a passenger…the pain from the travelling and having to sit for such long periods at the wedding was unreal. I didn't have any 'proper' pain meds with me…just one 70mg Lyrica and Neurofen! So, they were no use whatsoever.

Today I am reeling in pain…I am currently lying on my side with pillow between my knees…I find this the least hurtful of positions.

Just thought I'd share because I am in so much pain physically and also emotionally.

I'm so sorry you're having so much pain. I, too, find traveling hard on my back. I hope your back will get over it soon. Hang in here!

I hope so too PAYNE…thanks for the reply. Hope you are doing ok?

Traveling and I don't mix well -- so I just don't travel. The ONLY position I can lay on is flat on my back with a wedge under my knees. My hips are too painful to lay on my side.

After 3 spinal surgeries, none of which worked, I'd like to throttle the surgeons --especially the first one. He did the most damage, the creep. I hope the fleas of a thousand camels infest his privates.

On that happy note, I shall sign off --- pleasant dreams everyone. Love, Lee

Hi Beautifulfreak,
I am so sorry about your pain and distress, I live with severe pain too.
I hope your able to get some pain relief, is your surgeon aware of how much pain you are in? Try doing a pain diary to show your dr, and describe the pain. What helps and what makes it worse. Tens machine I have helps me, do check with your Dr safe to use one if wanted too. Hot water bottles help me, distraction like listening to music, reading, being online etc doing enjoyable things while lying down.
Please do not suffer in silence, do tell your Dr what is going on and how much you are suffering.
Swimming can help with back problems, as the water cushions you.
I hope you're feeling better very soon.
Take care
Kate

Yes, I will definitely have to try and get to the doctor more because the pain is intolerable at moment.
I will have to go back on the pain meds again because it is impossible to go on like this.

Mental and physical pain in like double torture isn't it?

everyone I am sorry that ye are in so much pain too and I am truly grateful that we took the time to reply.

I just use a Tablet for the internet etc…because I lie on my side a lot of the time. How do ye manage?

I think it's a vicious circle--physical pain leading to worse mental problems, mental problems making the pain worse......

I am now on extended release Tramadol, with permission to take more Tramadol and Tylenol for break-through pain. I am doing better than when I was taking three Tramadols a day.

After 27 years of trying about everything on the market, my "new" doctor came up with the combo of OpanaER 40mg twice a day and Lyrica 75mg twice a day, plus i was already taking Topamax 200mg twice a day, and Cymbalta 65mg twice a day. All of this has kept me more "comfortable???" than I've been in 27 years, and that's not really great, but it's better than the agony I WAS in.

I wish they could come up with some "miracle" drug. Of course it would have side effects that would kill you. LOL

Boy, what we have to put up with, right? Take care all. God bless. Hugs, Lee

beautifulfreakI know what your going through. I had (past tense) the back problems, am still very careful ~ I totally get the pain of a car ride. What helped the most was shots of a Novocaine type drug with Cortisone. (really yucky-8 shots at a time, up & down my back) Dunno if that is something you've done, but for me the nerve pain was incredible & this gave RELIEF. For me it was a miracle. It allowed me to heal.
My new pain is post traumatic headache, a throbbing headache/nerve pain with no relief,24/7 for over a year, so I feel a little kookoo sometimes. My neuro-doc is thinking of giving me shots in the head, to deaden the nerves "break the cycle of pain". I'm gonna go for it. No drug has touched this one & I can't take this pain in my head anymore. Maybe this would work for you?

I have issues with pain, too. I have felt a lot better since seeing a chiropractor. I am very thankful for that. Pain makes me depressed and irritable. Irritability for me leads to mood swings. Such a vicious cycle.

I hope you find a way to find some pain relief!

I also see a pain managment doctor for my back. Sometimes in the mornings when i first wake up i feel like i'm going to be parilized. then i take my hydrocodone , the pain goes away for the rest of the day, but i also have hyerniated discs that affect my neck too.

Thanks for this av lady. Things are so intolerable right now emotionally and physically.

Oh honey, I am so sorry you are feeling so bad. I can totally relate. I worked five days this week which I haven't done in months and today I am down for the count. I am so tired of doctors making decisions for us about pain meds. Tramadol never worked for me. I have been on hydrocodone 5-500 for over ten years. It just takes the edge off now. I am still waiting to have an MRI. I want to just scream sometimes. I pray that we all get help and relief soon.

If you are allowed to take an anti-inflammatory (NSAID) then take 1 of the following: Ibuprofen 600mg (3*200mg), Naproxen 2.5 tabs of 220, (550mg), or 2 tabs of regular aspirin PLUS Tylenol 650mg. That should help enough to reduce the pain somewhat. Hopefully you are finally able to get some relief. I never leave home without any of my meds...My short term supplies always go with me and my 90 day supplies stay home. I also keep a kit of travel size amounts (20 of each) of otc meds: Tylenol, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, (10) Imodium, Tums (10), Gas X (6), Benadryl (6), and Pseudoephedrine (8 XR @ 120mg).

Pain is something else, isn't it?

Last year, I had toothaches.

I have chronic sinus trouble, too, that gives me horrible headaches, as if someone were living in there and pounding against it with hammers. I can't function when it's like that.

Wishing you relief.

Carol