pain flare?

thanks hon. it means alot to me

You're supposed to empty the dishwasher? Who knew?
I had to learn how to "not care" when things aren't as they "should" be or used to be...make a whole new lifestyle, "think out of the box" perhaps is one way to describe it.

You mentioned the dishwasher. I just don't empty the dishwasher. I use dishes from it, clean, begin a dirty stack in the sink, and when it's full enough, add them back to the dishwasher and run the dishwasher. It only takes about a gallon of water when you use a dishwasher (imagine!) and this way I basically always have clean dishes, not too much clutter and little increased pain from emptying the dishwasher all at once.

I have similar views and activity regarding house cleaning. (Haven't had any home help for nearly 2 years now, even though the MD writes a script and asks for it. How they get away with providing and then stopping is beyond me.

thanks sky! most of the time my husband does it but I was feeling really useless that day so decided to do it. then get this. I used my carpet shampooer. that really messed me up but I did take my time. it took me all day to do a short hallway and living room. even though I took all day it still hurt bad. I just have to learn to ignore the mess I suppose.

No! ouch. No, PT told me no vacuuming etc. I got rid of the carpet and have tile now (but wish I had put in wood floors!)

It does take a new perspective. Not beating yourself up over it is a biggie. I consider it reorganizing utilization of energy. Downsizing helps. I don't have help now, so if I only get 4-5 hours on a good day... and the choice is cleaning house or going to the movies or....something else that replenishes my spirit... guess what I've learned to do?

I make sure the animals are taken care of, always.... and even that is not in the usual way (as in daily, neatly etc) I found out they don't mind at all and are quite flexible... too much water for one day or enough food out for 3 days is fine with them! (dog and bunny show here ) Caleb was bathed in the shower with me this morning... just gotta do things the way you can, and if you can't you can't!

oh showers are out of the question for me anymore. especially if hubby isn't here. ouchy! I can't even stand long enough to cook a decent meal anymore. I have to really take my time if it is going to be a bigger meal. usually now something I can put in the oven and maybe one veggie. not like I don't need to lose alot of weight lol

I have a shower chair and grab bars. I need hot baths when pain flares, but if it's the sacrum, then I can't get into and out of the bath. I used to have a hot tub on the patio, that was not high sided and I could just step into it. Ahhhh I long for those days again. (Hot tub died...and was returned and not replaced. )

You can sit at the table and prepare the food, and then take it to the pots or whatever to cook. But I don't do much cooking at all for various reasons, yes, standing isn't good. I had the counters built higher than normal so they suit my height and I don't have to lean over them. Opening a lower cabinet door and propping my foot on the cabinet floor helps takes strain off back, but doesn't help keep my sacrum stable. Let's just say I use the crock pot a lot?!

Inability to eat properly, small meals often, and with stress added (cortisol) and it's very difficult to find a good weight. Talk about a real catch 22 cycle!

I guess the main thing is to figure out what works and the rest goes out the window along with any guilt of not being able to, for me. If I can't well... how can I? And what good does it do to rag on myself about it? Ah, things my pain T helps me keep in perspective.

I wish you had a pain T like I do... what a world of difference. Mine is an adjunct professor with the Uni of Miami medical center, where he used to work with spinal cord injured and the like. He still instructs other doctors about management and care of the psyche I guess. I'm high maintenance. I think anyone with chronic pain is, whether they admit it or not, or allow it or not.

((((gentle hugs)))

yeah I hear you. it stinks most of the time. well I just try to deal with it and I have done pretty good over the last 3 yrs but with it getting worse well it just blew me out of the water I guess. I will get past this hopefully soon. I do plan on seeing a dr as soon as I get my medicare card they keep promising me lol

there ya go! To remember that it hasn't been this bad all along, and will probably pass before too long...just as you noted, a "flare" is a good way to get through it. May the card come in the mail next week! TC

had to take my dad for a dr appt yesterday at a major hospital/medical college here down in atlanta yesterday. the walk was not far and didn't see a valet parking until after I got to the main door of the bldg. I was in so much pain from the short walk I was in tears. when we left I didn't even make it back to the car. hubby had to go find it and come get me. today is bad yet again. cant stand up more than a minute or walk from living room to the kitchen. going to get my walker out I guess. *sigh* Lord take this pain away!

Why did YOU have to take your dad? Ok, don't take that wrong. There has to be another way, and you need to find those options so you can take care of you.

I find giving myself MUCH MORE TIME to get a task done helps greatly...it means driving around a few minutes waiting for a parking spot or to find the front door or whatever... won't put me behind. I've learned I have to do it anyway, but putting the extra time in there means I don't get stressed out about it...it is what it is.

NOW take time for yourself, tonight and tomorrow! ICE, rest, heat, rest Ice... and eat well, but lightly, do your stretches (ham strings are crucial!) You know all this, I'm just reminding you, like my pain T always does me.

Did you make a list of things to do for pain flares? I have a whole typed sheet, for when the brain doesn't fully engage. I actually forget to take my pain meds!

I am the only one that can take dad that far away. his wife doesn't drive in atlanta or anywhere south of where we live. dad isn't able to drive there either with his memory and lack of comprehension anymore.
I don't think this is a flare anymore. it has gone on way too long now. getting worse all the time now. I have to find a new dr that can do something about this if at all possible. *sigh*

(((Bebop))) There was a short period of time that my pain med quit working as well, and in fact I needed at least TWICE as much for several months. (You can imagine the angst and hassle with the MD this caused, and projected outcome.) I happened to hear about a MAJOR FDA crackdown locally (it was never on regular news) in that the drug manufacturer and/or the warehouser were cutting the active medication dose within the pills they were selling to the pharmacies. My MD hadn't heard of the problem even by the time I changed pharmacies...and immediately only needed the previous lower dose to cover the same amount of pain. (Walgreens was involved. I moved to a locally owned pharmacy.)

Just a thought.

Bee,

Sorry about the increased pain. Pain is such a bummer.

How about trying to find a new doctor?

I will be going to a new one very soon. after the beginning of september. whew!