[shortandcute]

As many of you, I am in pain all the time. Because of my mental illness, I can't get any doctors to take me seriously--they won't even refer me to a physical therapist because they think I'm imagining my pain! And of course, they won't prescribe me pain meds, which I don't mind so much because I'd rather not take them. So, if possible, I'd like to get some advice on good ways to manage pain at home. Thanx.

[glok]

Hello, shortandcute. See if posting here gets you what you seek:

Ask the Therapist

I wish you well.

[shortandcute]

Well, actually, I was thinking of something that help my physical pain.

[Vossie42]

What kind of physical pain?

[shortandcute]

Originally Posted by Vossie42

What kind of physical pain?

neck pain, shoulder pain, bad headaches (not migraines, thank God), pain in my ribs, hip and knee pain, pain in my ankles and feet

I'm in constant pain all the time. People have noticed some deformities in my back and by the way I walk, I mean I don't think it's as obvious at first sight as other people's, but quite a few people have noticed it. I've had doctors tell me that my back was "crooked" and/or "twisted." I even doctor take xrays of my back and tell me how shocked she was about how bad my back was. Even my present doctor had mentioned how crooked my back was, and has asked me several times if I've ever been in an accident or suffered whiplash. But, then this same doctor has turned around and gotten snippy with me for coming in too much. He had also suggested I go into physical therapy, but then refuses to refer me. I cant get into see a physical therapist without my doctor's referral. And then, after all this, he's been acting like I'm just not following his instructions!

[lizardlady]

some ideas that might help...

-massage
- soak in the bath. It really helps me to soak in a hot tub/jacuzzy(sp?)
- rice hot packs. You can make these at home by filling a sock with rice and sewing the top shut or just knotting it. Put the pack in the microwave for a couple of minutes. Then carefully apply it to the area that hurts.
- the gentle stretching of yoga helps my fibro pain, but be careful if you have an injury

Why will your ding-dong doctor not write you a referral for physical therwsapy, especially after he suggested it?!?!?

[shortandcute]

I'm not sure why he was getting so weird about it. I went in the other day, and I finally convinced him to refer me, but not after he kept carrying like he had no idea that I had any back problems in the first place!The only reason I started going to him in the first place was because of my back problems and he's allegedly an osteopath, so how is it that he suddenly didn't know?!?!?

[lizardlady]

Shortandcute, maybe it's time for a new doc?

[kjv2acts]

Have you tried biofeedback? I do have chronic migraine and residual pain from an accident last year which shattered my foot, ankle and tibia. If I can really focus, the biofeedback can relax me. I taped my uncle (who is the closest thing to a dad I ever had) talking me through the process, but I'm sure you could find something online. My warmest wishes for you

[lorna]

I will also tell you that massage helps neck and chronic pain= sometimes schools offer it a reduced rate . Plus can't you just find your physical therapist on your own and go- here we don't need a note. Best wishes I so understand- live with it everyday- just keeping moving to prevent edemia- that will make thing hurt more.

[shortandcute]

none of the PT's out here will accept any patients without a doctors referral--otherwise this would not be an issue

[sabby]

Is it possible to have someone you trust go with you to your doctor appts? I ask that because I know at times when I'm in a lot of pain, I'm not always able to understand everything that's being said, sometimes I can't connect things said to what I'm supposed to try to do and other times, I just need someone there to be able to express to the doctor things I'm having a hard time expressing or stuff I've forgotten to tell the doctor. It's nice to have a second set of ears and someone who can back me up.

I'm sorry you are suffering in so much pain. Pain makes each day long and each night longer sometimes. I wish you well and hope you can get to the PT soon.