[smallbluefish]

i'm curious to know what folks here for for self-care through longer / more difficult bouts of chronic pain?

sometimes I'm either feeling so tired or so disillusioned/depressed from the pain and discomfort that I don't bother, or can't think of how to (right now, for example).

what are some ways you take care of yourself (or make sure you're taken care of once you finish "riding it out")?

context: I have a bunch of different kinds of pain, including migraines and headaches. right now I'm at about a week and a half of headache and nausea.

Originally Posted by smallbluefish

i'm curious to know what folks here for for self-care through longer / more difficult bouts of chronic pain? sometimes I'm either feeling so tired or so disillusioned/depressed from the pain and discomfort that I don't bother, or can't think of how to (right now, for example). what are some ways you take care of yourself (or make sure you're taken care of once you finish "riding it out")?

Thanks for your post because I'm currently going through withdrawals for prescribed Oxycodone and this topic will be useful.

I just got up now at 7pm because I stayed in my room wide awake, depressed and in pain.

I usually take a hot shower and keep my body temperature always in the red by wearing jackets etc. But I don't need to tell you that these aren't really effective.

The best thing you, me and everyone else can do is see a Pain Specialist aka Pain Management. I'm not sure on the date, but I will be going to them soon, I have an appointment.

At the moment, I take Lyrica 75mg and And supposed to take 2 x 2 times a day. It doesn't so what I want so I pop them like tic tacs. This makes me over-eat, sleep and feel IDK..put on weight...strange. the complete opposite of the Oxycodone.

Funny thing though, my parents have always had chronic pain also. My Dad drinks his pain away and my mother won't even take a damn cold and flu pill.

PS: I have an addictive personality, so doctors tread lightly when it comes to handing out narcotics.

[Candy1955]

Have been in pain for about 20 years but now it is a struggle. I came here cause I don't know which came first, the 6-7 pain level or the depression/anxiety. I think the pain... Am on anti-inflammatory, can't take pain meds. Not sure what to do or advise.

[Rosalba]

From the first time, I take pain shots treatment that delivers medicine directly because it's a process to throw the medicine where they're needed in our body. Usually, a doctor uses an X-ray to find where to put it as like my doctor.

[haole1]

Originally Posted by Candy1955

Have been in pain for about 20 years but now it is a struggle. I came here cause I don't know which came first, the 6-7 pain level or the depression/anxiety. I think the pain... Am on anti-inflammatory, can't take pain meds. Not sure what to do or advise.

I sympathize and relate greatly Candy as its 18 years and heading downhill for these bones. I do see that anxiety or any very brief stress can give me a nerve zinger anywhere and makes my general pain level worse. However I see no possible way that serious pain could invent itself solely by any emotion really. I know it helps to stay positive but that is sooo difficult when the pain isolates one. My best friend died a few years ago who used to hang out with me no matter how bad I was. Very hard to find a good friend when oneself is so down and in pain. I wish you and all to attract a "best" friend as friendships help greatly. Best nevet

[Candy1955]

Thank you and welcome to PC.

sometimes the best thing for me to do is just find a position that works and stay their

no matter what I have to do, or how wierd the position might look, I figure it's better than moving yourself about causing yourself more distress

I also like using soft items, like pillows and stuff, to soove the pain

[MDDBPDPTSD]

Self care during a flare for me is to make certain I am well hydrated and as comfortable as possible. I use self soothing techniques and try to ground myself in the here and now while remembering that the pain will not always be this intense. It will decrease sooner or later. It might not ever go away, but it is not always as bad as it gets during a flare. I also remind myself that if it gets too bad I can always reach out for help at the emergency Department. They can give me additional medication to help. There is a non opiate that helps me usually (torradol???) and they don’t have any problems giving me that. I have asked to have it for home use but they declined saying it is unsafe for long term care.
Additionally I am blessed to have a friend who understands my pain and will stay with me on the phone until I feel better. She is an excellent resource for me.
I hope some of this helps.

[Candy1955]

The #1 thing for me is to eliminate or reduce stress. Stress will probably kill me. So I go to bed, avoid the sources of stress, SEEK PLEASANT DISTRACTIONS, like funny you-tube videos, etc.

[rainbow8]

Originally Posted by MDDBPDPTSD

Self care during a flare for me is to make certain I am well hydrated and as comfortable as possible. I use self soothing techniques and try to ground myself in the here and now while remembering that the pain will not always be this intense. It will decrease sooner or later. It might not ever go away, but it is not always as bad as it gets during a flare. I also remind myself that if it gets too bad I can always reach out for help at the emergency Department. They can give me additional medication to help. There is a non opiate that helps me usually (torradol???) and they don’t have any problems giving me that. I have asked to have it for home use but they declined saying it is unsafe for long term care.
Additionally I am blessed to have a friend who understands my pain and will stay with me on the phone until I feel better. She is an excellent resource for me.
I hope some of this helps.

Do you mean Tramadol?

[MDDBPDPTSD]

No tramadol is not what I meant. Ketorolac is the generic name for it. https://www.drugs.com/toradol.html
It has bad side effects if used chronically. I only get it in the Emergency Department.
It is an NSAID.

[Gus1234U]

Candy, have you ever watched Gabriel Iglesias ? he's good clean fun, and hilarous~

[sarahgeo]

Hey. I've been suffering from chronic pain for most of my life due to multiple surgeries from when I was younger. I find that stress definitely makes it worse, and more difficult to cope with. Most of my meds work for short periods of time and then they wear off and I'm back to square one. I've started meditation, which I find helps me let go of stress and take myself to a place of calm. Also I've started experimenting with essential oils, and have found peppermint works quite well when I get migraines!

[MDDBPDPTSD]

Originally Posted by sarahgeo

Hey. I've been suffering from chronic pain for most of my life due to multiple surgeries from when I was younger. I find that stress definitely makes it worse, and more difficult to cope with. Most of my meds work for short periods of time and then they wear off and I'm back to square one. I've started meditation, which I find helps me let go of stress and take myself to a place of calm. Also I've started experimenting with essential oils, and have found peppermint works quite well when I get migraines!

I use a couple drops of peppermint oil in a squirt bottle of water for when I get nauseous. The water helps to cool me down and the peppermint scent is a nausea fighter!