Chronic Pain Management Support Group

[Crochetlady]

I don`t check this thread very often anymore. So sorry you`re having such a rough time Skippy. I`m embarrassed to admit I forgot the rule of my meds. I went out one evening last month and over indulged (I rarely have alcohol)...the consequences...I had to go off my meds for over a month. I`m starting to feel the effects so I hope my blood test is back to normal next month. BTW I learned my lesson.

[Tweetybird999]

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia just before Christmas. I've tested positive for lupus twice, but more testing is needed. I still work full time at a very busy job, but have 2 weeks off now. Reading everyone's stories makes me feel very lucky that I'm still quite functional. I get confused and sit for hours at my desk, unable to do any work. Not sure how this can go on before my performance is obviously off. Sometimes I get into work very late, but I have a flexible work place. My worry is that the pain will get worse, as it's been on an increase lately. My doc has recommended I start yoga or tai chi so I will in the new year. We have no short or long term disability at work so I'm thinking about trying to find a new job that would have this available. I've also increased my vitamin intake significantly, but too soon to tell if this will help anything. Peace be with all of you.

[Andit]

Hope everyone has found a little relief from the pain over Xmas.

I overdid it in Dec (was helping with organizing a party & my neighbour & I were prepping food for the masses ). then nearly slept through Xmas while dealing with a nasty cold. Yuck. & I'm still dealing with a teensy bit of extra pain from the night I foolishly tried to recapture my long lost youth & danced for far longer than I had any right to. But the memories were worth it.

Wishing everyone a happy healthier less painful New Year.

[MrsSunshine]

lol @ andit.. its fun to be young again. but yes we sometimes end up paying for it.
so far im doing ok.. trying to take things slowly. the second my body tells me otherwise.. i have to listen.

[hollyquaiscer]

Hi everyone. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia just before Christmas. I've tested positive for lupus twice, but more testing is needed. I still work full time at a very busy job, but have 2 weeks off now. Reading everyone's stories makes me feel very lucky that I'm still quite functional. I get confused and sit for hours at my desk, unable to do any work. Not sure how this can go on before my performance is obviously off. Sometimes I get into work very late, but I have a flexible work place. My worry is that the pain will get worse, as it's been on an increase lately. My doc has recommended I start yoga or tai chi so I will in the new year. We have no short or long term disability at work so I'm thinking about trying to find a new job that would have this available. I've also increased my vitamin intake significantly, but too soon to tell if this will help anything. Peace be with all of you.

If you do find a new job that has disability insurance you might have a very hard time getting it as you have been diagnosed with these issues already and ALL insurance plans state that they WILL NOT cover a pre-existing condition which your is as you had it before you joined that insurance plan. Just wanted to give you a heads up on that. If it gets really bad, you can apply for Canada Pension Disability (and you can be any age, not 65 or over).

I am truely sad to hear skippy that you are suffering so much, especially over Christmas. I am sorry for all you others as well. I too overdid it at Christmas and am now paying the price. I have not left the house in 4 days, have had to up my pain meds, and have dropped another 9 pounds that I am trying desperately to put back on. I have told my lovely dd's that next year, it's all on their shoulders.
I hope everyone has at least one pain free day before the year is out and I wish everyone better health for the New Year.

[MrsSunshine]

well once again i spoke too soon. trying to clean up from xmas. bad idea.. now im in pain.

[Natalka]

holly and tweety - I was able to get on my husband's insurance with me having several pre-existing conditions, no questions asked. Same with prescription coverage.

However, at a time before when we had no prescription coverage through his work, tried to get on Blue Cross - my husband and son could get on a 'regular' cost prescription plan, but mine was outrageously expensive - so we couldn't do it.
Now that seems odd, since the prescription coverage we get is through Blue Cross anyway...

Hoping all of you (and me) find some comfort and ease....

[Tweetybird999]

I'm rather lucky to already have my non-revokable life insurance, but not disability. Yes, I probably can't get disability now either. I'm a long way from 65 (still 38) and have 2 little kids. Also have drugs 100% covered through combining both my DH and my insurance. I'm feeling much better being off work a week and taking some new vitamins. My doc phoned me the other day. Turns out I'm Vit D deficient in addition to still being anemic, so that was contributing to matters. Feel much better after taking vit D 5000 IU/day. This dose for a bit then down to 3000 daily and stay there. Have been taking iron for a while, but it seems I just won't make more red blood cells. Also have included a daily B-100 complex time release. Can't hurt anyway as it's water soluble. I've ordered some books my doc suggested and find less caffeine helps a lot also.

[Andit]

Have been taking iron for a while, but it seems I just won't make more red blood cells.

Maybe ask your doctor about erithroprotein (Eprex) shots. When I was on dialysis, I was severely anaemic & I was given 3 shots a week in addition to iron pills to build up my red blood cells. You can also ask about the iron supplements in IV form (a pain, but it helps).

Hope things improve for you in 2012.

[cheekysaver]

Do you guys have any tips on pain management?... not all days are like this... but i sat funny when i did my binder clean out and messed myself up.(i simply sat cross legged... but for a couple hours and my knees at the sides hit the floor and i am in a hyperextended position for the entire time i sit like that) I currently take Motrin and i have been doing everything i can to not go onto perscriptions... they just effect me hard and knock me out. If they helped me function without knocking me flat on my bum i would probably have them for the really bad days.

[Skippy]

Do you guys have any tips on pain management?... not all days are like this... but i sat funny when i did my binder clean out and messed myself up.(i simply sat cross legged... but for a couple hours and my knees at the sides hit the floor and i am in a hyperextended position for the entire time i sit like that) I currently take Motrin and i have been doing everything i can to not go onto perscriptions... they just effect me hard and knock me out. If they helped me function without knocking me flat on my bum i would probably have them for the really bad days.

I swear by my heating pad in all seasons, and/or Voltaren gel

[Tweetybird999]

Firstly, don't sit cross legged for hours! yikes...I'd still be stuck if I did that. But I use Advil/Motrin, heat (hot water bottle or hot tub, bath tub), and tiger balm. Also started yoga again and it really relieves the pain in my arms and legs.

[MrsSunshine]

good grief i couldn't sit for hours like that either. i'd be numb from waist down. for my pain I take advil.. works like a charm for me.

[Andit]

Firstly, don't sit cross legged for hours! yikes...I'd still be stuck if I did that. But I use Advil/Motrin, heat (hot water bottle or hot tub, bath tub), and tiger balm. Also started yoga again and it really relieves the pain in my arms and legs.

Do you use epsom salts in the bath? That helps, I find. Also, I find using my yoga ball helps (I lie on my back on the ball & roll it back & forth. Or I sit on the ball, knees bent, then roll back until my legs are straight, then roll back to the original position (do it very slowly).

Hope the pain goes away soon.

[Skippy]

All good suggestions!
At the moment I'm in agony cuz I had the 24hr.flu,so I missed a day of meds.
Oh well, get the worst over at the start of the year