self-care through chronic pain?

smallbluefish · Mar 06, 2018 at 03:09 AM

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.

Mar 06, 2018 at 03:35 AM

Quote:

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 · Apr 16, 2018 at 09:54 PM

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 · Apr 25, 2018 at 07:57 AM

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 · Jul 04, 2018 at 04:33 PM

Quote:

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 · Jul 04, 2018 at 08:50 PM

Thank you and welcome to PC.

Jul 05, 2018 at 06:39 AM

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 · Jul 07, 2018 at 04:13 AM

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 · Jul 08, 2018 at 05:00 PM

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 · Jul 13, 2018 at 08:52 AM

Quote:

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 · Jul 19, 2018 at 03:44 AM

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 · Jul 20, 2018 at 07:47 AM

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IvAZ9faJqE

sarahgeo · Jul 20, 2018 at 10:59 AM

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 · Jul 21, 2018 at 12:05 AM

Quote:

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!

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Candy1955 Veteran Member Member Since Mar 2018 Location: USA Posts: 605 6 495 hugs given	Apr 16, 2018 at 09:54 PM #3 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.
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Rosalba New Member Member Since Apr 2018 Location: MD Posts: 6 6	Apr 25, 2018 at 07:57 AM #4 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.
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Candy1955 Veteran Member Member Since Mar 2018 Location: USA Posts: 605 6 495 hugs given	Jul 04, 2018 at 08:50 PM #6 Thank you and welcome to PC.
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Anonymous32451 Guest Posts: n/a	Jul 05, 2018 at 06:39 AM #7 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
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Candy1955 Veteran Member Member Since Mar 2018 Location: USA Posts: 605 6 495 hugs given	Jul 08, 2018 at 05:00 PM #9 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.
	Reply With Quote

MDDBPDPTSD Veteran Member Member Since Oct 2010 Location: United States Posts: 509 13 249 hugs given	Jul 19, 2018 at 03:44 AM #11 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. __________________ Practicing being here now.
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Gus1234U Seeker Member Since Jun 2010 Location: Here Posts: 9,204 13	Jul 20, 2018 at 07:47 AM #12 Candy, have you ever watched Gabriel Iglesias ? he's good clean fun, and hilarous~ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IvAZ9faJqE __________________ AWAKEN~!
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