I haven't started the long weekend well.

I awoke with severe pain at the site of an old vetebrae fracture. It happens from time to time. But I mean today it has been hurting past the vicodin and celebrex all day. I called to try to get something stronger but the message back was to take advil, which I can't do, and continue with usual meds. Okay, I told the nurse that I couldn't take advil and that under no circumstances will I go to the local E.R. again. So I am hoping for relief. Pain makes stress and this I need to avoid as it's horrid in a cycle.

Yes, it does and yes, you do.

I would put a hold on absolutely EVERYTHING... and begin self care regardless of anything else and anyone else!

IF you had no other responsibilities what would help? ICE PACKS and soothing music? Hot tub soak and a dark room? Meditation?

Now, go to it woman! You'll be no good the holiday if you don't take this time NOW!!!

Oh, I am taking it. Believe me, no choice. And my family knows I hate to cook so they always do it. I am just afraid it will get unmanageable without E.R. My worst nightmare. I think moist heat, thanks for the reminder.

Yeah and fear of the pain causes more pain...so try and change your mindset...you are doing all the things you can to keep the high pain away, you are doing all the things necessary...

Whine, cry, complain. I am at a 9 at the site of old fracture T4,T5. I wanted something stronger for it but doc wouldn't. Vicodin is a joke. Part of it is the way I have been sleeping with 6 year old with night terrors. The only position that helps is in recliner but then I am right in the middle of everyone and feel like I am constantly getting startled and jarred.So I am reclining now in bed and it feels okay. Need pillows under my knees but that will have to wait. Hubby can do when he gets back. So, if I go to the E.R. for pain relief it will be one that is 1.5 hours away through mountain roads and bumpy. I doubt hubby would be thrilled with that but... Local hospital has really done it and I wouldn't let my animals be cared for there. I am angry, angry because I had a plan worked out with the spine center at above hospital and because my doc was not in when I called I got someone else and they didn't step up the meds. I have purposely NOT had the spine center perscribe a thing as I wanted to have my local doc manage meds as they are narcotics and I want to have the utmost security and propriety with those kinds of meds. Shoulda just asked him to write for the big stuff, who cares about integrity if it means suffering in the end.

Whine, whine, whine

Update,I called the good spine hospital inthemidst of thisand they were able to get my pharmacy to give me a few days of heavier narcotic via phone order. I called my doc today, not in, left message about what happened, they are getting back to me. I am so annoyed at this point. Time for a chat with doc huh?

Sounds about right

for stronger meds!!!!!!!!!!!!

This week Ihave had several LONG conversations with people frommy doc's office. All about the pain plan from the big hospital, and the fact that lett ers and records are sent and not scanned into the computer record very quickly, thus the docs have no access unless they know the notes are there and have staff find them. I have had the pain in my mid back, the fracture place for over a week now, upand down. That is the way it is and then I could go months without pain there. It is however becoming a more regular thing. I feel like I am "fighting" with my own doc's office more and more. I have been trying toplay it straight but I may just use the pain clinic from the big hospital.

So I called my doc's office back and asked that they check the scan pile and they said nothing was in there and tocall the big hospital for faxing records immediately. I called and they will be sending the most recent MRIs and doc notes. geez Louise, helpme?????

Okay, I went to the doc. Had all of my info from MRIs etc. The pain that I am having now is on my back,where the bra strap goes if your old and sagging,and it hurts. I have had it all of my life but it has gotten worse and flare ups are awful. What she told me today was that I needed to NOT take narcotics except for extreme flare ups. I need to manage on celebrex. I wish I had money for accupuncture. I can of course have injections for the lower back stuff. Ijust found out the pain clinic will see me for this and there is a good chance of success. The shoulder stuff I can have injections 3X yearly.

I made a decision today to go to P.T. 5 days a week rain, flood, snow or earthquake. I am not a wuss and this pain is so not fun. Time to fight back.

wisewoman, this is where I am right now. I have to take back control of this pain, and right now P.T. seems to be the way to go. At the very least it will strengthen you some.