Showing posts with label Chronic Pain. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chronic Pain. Show all posts

Thursday, January 11, 2018

I'm BACK!!!

I'm sorry I haven't been around. I got an email saying Blogger was being shut down quite awhile ago. Apparently this is not the case! Oops! I am back and will do my best to get this blog going again. If anyone has any info they'd life to share or add to my blog, please contact me at folioamanda@gmail.com. I would love all your input! Hope you all enjoy my blog and it provides you with info to help you. That is my main goal. To take what knowledge I have learned from so many years of chronic pain and pass it onto you. Thank you for visiting and have a great day!!
Amanda

Guest Bloggers Needed

** Would anyone like to be a guest author? Looking for your stories and tips. If you'd like to contribute please contact me at folioamanda@gmail.com. Thanks!! ** 

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Guided imagery and meditation for chronic pain

I have found that meditation and guided imagery are very helpful with chronic pain. There are a ton of resources on the web for both. Search Meditation for chronic pain or guided imagery. Guided imagery is my favorite. Try to find a recording of it. So you can listen. Rather than read. If you read and remember the guided imagery and can do it again without reading than you're good to go though. I use a couple, and no longer listen or read anything. So I can use them while passenger in a car, waiting at the doctors office or anywhere! 

Once you get good at it you can put yourself into a trance like state and the pain goes way down!! 

One of my favorite very quick ones to do is to imagine a thermostat. Put your hands in your lap. Sitting up. This thermostat goes 1-10. Like a pain chart. Select where your pain is. Relax your body as much as you can. Let your shoulders down, take a few deep breaths. Visualize turning down that dial as your pain goes down. Keep repeating using whatever relaxation techniques you know of without getting up. Biofeedback, breathing, relax muscles head to toe, etc. go until u get that dial down to an acceptable level for u. Relax and stay in the moment for awhile. I usually do it for 1/2 hour to hour if I have time. Don't fall asleep. Lol. Then slowly ease out of it. This is one example of guided imagery. Like I said a quick one. The more detailed ones are much better. 

Meditation is not much different. There is a ton of resources on the web, books and ebooks. I will let you explore this on your own because it is a very personal experience to each person. 

Hope this helps you all. Thank you for reading my blog!! Gentle hugs to you all! 


Monday, January 20, 2014

Tai chi (Tai Cheng)

I'm going to be doing a beachbody challenge for Tai Cheng which is like Tai Chi.  Feb 17, 2014. This includes a support group with a Beachbody coach. Shakeology. A very healthy shake and promotes weight loss. These are very very gentle excercises. Warm ups and slow movements. Very good for chronic pain and the elderly. 

Here's a video of it: http://youtu.be/tCPrrsyP1-0

Here's more info on Shakeology: 

If u want to join contact me: www.facebook.com/amandalakso

Thanks!!!

Friday, February 22, 2013

The Wonders of Castor Oil: The Oil That Soothes the Pain

The Wonders of Castor Oil: the oil that soothes the pain
By Dionetta Hudzinski, RN, MN
Nurse Consultant: Pain and Palliative Care
Health and Wellness Coach
comfortcareunlimited@gmail.com

First of all most of you are thinking yew…doesn’t it smell awful?  Well, you are probably confusing it with Cod Liver Oil which has a fishy smell/odor. Castor Oil has a pretty neutral odor.  It is a thick, clear, light amber colored oil made from the Castor Bean. Castor Beans are poisonous if ingested. But surprisingly expeller pressed/ cold pressed Castor oil is NOT poisonous.  Castor oil has been used for centuries as a home remedy for constipation and other illnesses. It also has properties that are VERY useful for the relief of pain.  It is analgesic; which means it has pain relieving qualities.  It is anti-inflammatory: which means it decreases inflammation. Lastly it is anti-pruritic; which means it decreases itching from a variety of causes.  It is also a detoxifier.

My advice to my clients is “don’t drink it, apply it!”  Castor oil can be applied like any other over the counter (OTC) analgesic (pain relieving) cream.  It can be used as massage oil.  It can also be used as a pack.  I use it in all three ways.  Castor oil packs make it not so messy to use.  Once made and stored in sealable baggies in the freezer they are ready for use at any time; and they last for months so they are economical as well. Castor oil is relatively inexpensive.  You can purchase an 8 oz bottle for under $8 and a 16 oz bottle for under $15.  It takes approximately 3-4 oz of castor oil to make one pack the size of a wash cloth or small hand towel.

My first experience with Castor oil and pain was back in 1999 when I was attending the Academy of the Healing Arts here in Yakima WA.  We were taught about the properties of castor oil, its history and use as a pain relieving measure.  We were given the instructions on how to make the Castor oil packs, instructed on how to use these packs and we were given an assessment sheet that we needed to document before and after findings.  So I dutifully went home and made my 2 castor oil packs. Placed them in sealable baggies and placed them in the Freezer and there is where they stayed for 2 months.  One night I came home from work, my hands were aching and my wrists were sore.  By bedtime they were throbbing from finger tips to my shoulders.  I tried gentle range of motion exercises, took some ibuprofen, even took a half of a vicodin I had left over from some dental work months before. The pain just continued and I did not know how I was going to sleep. Then it came to me “the castor oil packs and my homework assignment” So I dug out the castor oil packs. Wrapped one around each wrist, covered each with another hand towel to protect my bedding and PJ’s from the oil.  And there I was in bed thinking this was pretty silly to be doing, but homework was homework so here I was, waiting to see what would happen if anything.  Then the improbable happened, 20 minutes after applying the castor oil wrap I realized that my arms were not throbbing and the pain had receded to almost zero.  AMAZING I thought as I rolled over and went to sleep without another thought.  In the morning, I awoke and found that the pain was gone.  I took the wraps off and returned them to their baggies and replaced them in the freezer.  Since then I have been using them for a variety of different pains and teaching others about the wonders of castor oil.I want to share one other story that proved to me that this was in fact a wonderful remedy that was a hidden treasure.  I went out to see a new client.  She was Hispanic and monolingual Spanish.  I had with me my sidekick apprentice Nurse who also was my interpreter.  After 15 minutes of trying to get an evaluation and assessment done, I suddenly stopped and asked the interpreter to ask the client why she was so restless and why she kept getting up and pacing. At that point the client picked up her gown and showed us the giant plaques of her psoriatic lesions.  They were thick, beefy red and bleeding in some areas.  They covered her thighs, abdomen, lower back, neck, and into her hair and also on her arms. She said they itched so bad they hurt.  She had not had a good night sleep in months and neither had her poor family.  She was beside herself.  She could not sit or lay down for long and she spent most of the day and night just pacing and scratching.  She had a shoe box full of empty orpartially used tubes of prescribed medications.  She said nothing worked and if it did there was not enough in one tube to treat all the lesions and besides the cost was prohibitive. So she stayed home and suffered in silence.

I told her I had something to help her if she was willing to try it.  She said she would try anything. So I went out to the car and returned with a 16 oz bottle of castor oil.  I told her how to use it.  Just apply it like a lotion to any area that itched or was painful.  We arranged for another appointment one week later.  When we arrived at her next appointment she met us at the door grinning from ear to ear and asked if we had any more of “that oil” as she held up her almost empty bottle of castor oil.  She said that after applying the oil the itching subsided in about 15 minutes and she would apply it again when it started to bother her again.  This was the first time she had any significant relief, and she slept a full night for the first time and her family was very appreciative as well because now they too could sleep through the night without waking up to her pacing and moaning. Three months later her psoriatic lesions had completely healed leaving only pink new skin and she was a new woman.

I have used the castor oil packs for headaches, toothaches, neck pain, knee pain, hand and wrist pain.  I have applied it to bug bites with great success.  And I have used it as a massage oil on others and myself.
Instructions for Castor Oil Packs

Supplies needed:
•Castor oil (expeller pressed or cold pressed) (4oz bottle)
•Old wash cloth/ small hand towel or flannel ( needs to be soft and absorbent)
•Sealable plastic baggie

Preparation of Packs:
1.Pour castor oil over the cloth and rub it in until evenly distributed and worked into the cloth. Cloth should be saturated but not dripping.
2.Fold cloth and place in plastic bag and close seal
3.Place in the freezer until ready to use (packs will keep for months in the freezer but will turn rancid if left at room temperature)
4.Replenish Castor oil to cloth after 1 week of continuous use.

Application:
1.Remove from freezer
2.Remove from baggie (cloth will be stiff but pliable)
3.Wrap castor oil cloth around any painful area
4.Cover the oiled cloth with another hand towel or a plastic wrap to prevent oil getting on clothes or furniture.
5.Leave on the area at least 1 hour and repeat in 3 hours if pain is still present
6.When done refold the cloth and replace in baggie and return to Freezer for the next time you need it.
7.CAUTION:  DO NOT HEAT THE CASTOR OIL PACK IN THE MICROWAVE It might cause a fire.NOR PLACE A HEATING PAD OVER THE PACK.  It may cause a serious burn to the skin.
8.Instead you can heat a rice bag or a damp towel in the microwave for NO MORE THAN 2 minutes. And place this over the castor oil wrap.

Suggested use:
Apply for 1 hour every 3 hours or until pain subsides
Repeat every day for 3 days then stop for 3 days and then repeat the cycle again.

Alternate Application: Use as a massage oil.  Use about a dime sized amount at a time as the oil is very thick.  Massage into any painful or achy area on the body.  Massage in well until it is absorbed into skin so that you can put on your clothes without fear of getting oily residue on your clothes.  You can repeat this as often as needed.  Recommend 3 times per day

Rationale:
Castor oil has analgesic properties as well as anti-inflammatory properties.
It is also useful in pruritus (itching) from a variety of causes including renal failure, dialysis and liver failure and psoriasis.  Also good for insect bites.

Works best on localized pain such as bursitis, arthritis, carpal tunnel, areas of local inflammation.

If you so decide to use the castor oil packs, email me (comfortcareunlimited@gmail.com )and share your results.  I look forward to hearing about your successes using castor oil.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Guest Blogger Writes Of Her Journey of Pain and Nasuea

It all got worse after my hystorectomy in june 2008, so thats where im going to start. At that time we were getting ready for my niece to come for a short visit two weeks after my surgery. My body was starting to ache all the time, i figured i was just still recovering from a level 10 vitD deficiency. I was tired most of the time still, so it made sense.

My surgery went well. But my nurses wouldnt give me my pain pills, saying i was in pain because i needed to have a bowel movement. When i explained my Dr had me do a colon cleans & that i hadnt eaten a thing since, i was then told it was from gas then and either way i needed to get up and walk.

When on the morphine drip when i first came out of surgery i told them that i was itching horribly from head to toe. They told me i was probably allergic to the soap they washed the bedding in. When i inquired as to why the itching only happend after i pushed the button, i was given the same answer - the soap. I told my Dr the next morning and she immediately changed me off the morphine and the itching ceased. I had a roommate, the nurses and cnas were all but running to answer her call bell. She mustve had great insurance, because i was on state insurance at the time and my call bell rarely was answered. So bad to the point where my roommate would push Her call button & tell them to check my light cuz i needed help and not getting any. She was a nice lady.

So i called & asked my husband to pick me up a day early, i just couldnt take the lack of treatment going on.

When i went home i was under orders to rest. HA! my baby was 2yrs old, his brother 9. His brother has always been a difficult child. The day after i got home while i had fallen asleep, he went in the back yard and tore apart the club house my husband was building with him. Plywood laying all over that side of the yard. He then carried his baby brother, who was in nothing but a diaper & no shoes, to the center of the mess surrounded by nails. He then came and told me his little brother was in the back yard. I told him thank you & went to grab the toddler. I was in complete shock when i seen what christopher had done. I told him to go grab his brother, i wasnt supposed to lift over 10lbs and he got the baby Out there fine. Anyway he tells me no, then ran into the house and locked the slider door and the front door so i couldnt get in with his brother. He came back to the slider at some point when i went to rescue the baby, i also noticed my cell was in my pocket. When i got back to the deck i set the baby down and looked up to see the older one looking at me and holding a steak knife to his throat. **please know this was not the 1st time he had done this and we had him in 3 differemt counceling programs at that time** i told him if he didnt put the knife away i was calling dad and he can deal with him all pissed off. My kid said Fine! So i called my husband and told him what was going on. I had wrapped the baby in my hoody and kept an eye on the boy inside. I informed him that his dad just started his truck to head home so this was his last chance or he Would be spanked. He threw the knife on the table next to him, flipped the door unlocked & ran lickity-split to his bedroom.

I told my husband we were in and i got of the phone. I took baby to the couch and turned on sponge bob, then went back to his brothers room.

The closer i got to his room, the louder the banging got. I entered his room right as he put his foot thru his lizards Glass aquarium, slicing his heel wide open. As i picked up the lizard i yelled "what is wrong with you!?", he just kept glaring. I bandaged him up, and he calmed down. I never did find out what the reason was for that outburst, maybe there wasnt one. Then i called his therapist to report what happend and after that i called my husband to let him know what had happend & that the storm had passed for the moment.

My husbands mother had come up to help, but had left the day before this happend.
Two weeks later my hyper high maintnance sneaky bad idea havin never sleeping niece came to stay with us. Considering i was still recovering, the agreement was that i was only to have her while my mother was at work. I already had my hands full with my son. This was not the case. We had her with us 24/7, my mother flat out told me the child was too much to handle...she really was a handful!!...but i wasnt in a position to deal with it either. But that didnt seem to matter. We had her for 6 months. (SIX!!) it was suposed to be work hours for 2weeks. Thru xmas and her 2nd birthday we had her. We had a joint party for her and my youngest who was turning 3, as their bdays are only 5 days apart. We celebrated at chuckie cheese. Both xmas and the bday party my mom got video clips of, which i thought was cute...at the time. She had my brother convinced that SHE had my niece & SHE threw the celebrations (my brother & his wife were in Tn dealing with court stuff, thats why we had my niece in oregon). I sent him pictures and told him numerous times, his friends told him, our family members all told him...and to this day he doesnt believe it. He says " why would she tell me that if she didnt have her?" Ummm.,moron!:(

My brother moved back first. My husband took 2truck loads of my nieces things over to him and our mother, you would think it would have been a tip off to my brother that my mother had duped him, and that i was not lying afterall...but nope. He wont believe it! Anyhoo, i had agreed to do daycare for him, keep my niece all week and then he came and picked her up on the weekends. He paid me once, then asked me to fill out a paper so he could get daycare payment help from wefare. I did, but was turned down for not being set up in a completely childproof home. I told him this, the next time i was owed money i was told to call welfare.

We also found out i was vitD deficient, i couldnt get out of bed one weekend:( my level was 10, and i had to get a super dose.

Then we got the news about his wife planning on moving here too with my brother and my mom. She also to this day does not believe i had her daughter 24/7. Idiot woman! But in 6 months she only called twice!! to check on her baby. Already everyone had big plans for me to take her job hunting & take her where she needed to go, because i didnt work so that meant i was free to be their taxi i supose.

My husband had had enough. He decided it was time to move away. My health was declining & they didnt seem to notice or care. His mother lived 3hrs away in a small town, her health was no good & she needed some extra help and didnt have anyone to help her, so we decided we would move by her. And then he could help her when she needed it & i could get back to taking care of me and hopefully get better. My family was not happy however, as it was inconvenient for them, we told them a whole month before we moved to find different daycare. They didnt. They bitched about how they didnt know, and how one of them was going to lose their job, even asked me if i would take my niece With us just for a couple weeks to get the wife there so she could watch my niece! My husband told them no. Enough was enough, and i love him for that!:)

That move was in 2009. Since then i have been to numerous doctors about my all over pain. It was getting worse rather than better. I hurt down to my bones:( the doctors would do all sorts of bloodtests, but everything always came back normal. I was told all sorts of blow off answers. Even told at 30yrs old that i needed to accept the fact that we all hurt more as we get older! I was like REALL!?! AT 30!?! not even... Ive been told the reason my back hurts was from carrying my fat baby, then because all young moms have low back pain, Then told it hurts because im too skinny! I now know i have a double curve scoliosis at about 30% curve & some disc degeneration:( You would think any one of the doctors i have seen would have picked up on that. But i just found out last september!

My stomach issues worsend as well. Forever being nauseus, spareatic vomiting out of nowhere (i used to have to carry a puke bag 24/7), and the pain from my chronic constipation being blamed on not drinking enough water (even though its ALL i drink!) with my tramedol. the pain was excruciating. I would feel like something kinda sharp was being dragged through my guts, my entire body would sweat profusely and make my hair drippy (ew!), and then the vomiting would start. This would happen a few times every morning, then usually i would take a warm bath as soon as i thought my stomach could handle it and that would help it calm down enough so i could smoke some medical marijuana & hold down a couple of nausea pills.

One morning in May my mom had come to stay the night & my bestie was remarrying her husband of 10yrs that afternoon and i was supposed to b a bridesmaid. But the vomiting and stomach pain would not subside. My husband checked on me while i was yet again stuck on the potty, folded in half and dripping sweat. He went and asked my mom to check on me. She talked me into suffering a trip to the ER. I weighed 217lbs at this point.

They admitted me, i missed my besties rewedding;(. Poked, prodded, xrayed & drew blood. Summed it up to an intestinal flu and after 3 days sent me home.

Things were pretty uneventful, although my oldest son was being a handful..13...ugh lol! I was working on being able to eat again and we started making plans for camping. Also i got great news that a couple of my pain drawings were accepted and being shown in an art gallery in portland, oregon! I was so excited! My first art show! July 6!

July 3rd was my 2nd admittance into the hospital for stomach pain and uncontrollable vomiting.more poking and prodding by a different doctor. This time they said it was being caused by the stress of raising my difficult child and from being stressed about my chronic fibromyalgia pain. After 5 days when i could hold down jello they sent me home again.

La dee da life goes on...

October i switched to the doctor who treated me in the hospital, and made her my pcp. I went in to see her to discuss my medications and i asked her to send me for an mri. She told me we need to think about & accept the fact that this was probably as good as it was going to get;( i told her my medications werent working well for me & she offered me methadone! I said noooo... Im scared of that crap!! So i left that appointment feeling sad & hopeless. Thats a pretty dreary outlook for someone only 33yrs old:(

A week later i was back in the hospital. Excruciating stomach pain & uncontrollable vomiting. My primary doctor was out of town, the doctor who did see me all but accused me of Dr jumping and sent me home. The next day i was still sick, so my husband called that dr who seen me the day before and asked him what to do. He said to wait until he came on shift at the ER at 7pm. So we did. His demeanor was much kinder and he was much nicer to talk to. He told me that he was going to admit me and try to figure out whats going on. Here We Go Again...

Bloodwork every 6hrs, more imaging, lots of saline & anti nausea meds. Three days later the dr comes in and tells me he thinks that my pain meds (i was on a lot at that time) was causing me an iliac, a temporarily paralized spot in my intestines. So nothing could go through, causing the stomach pain and vomiting. He said he wanted to keep me in another day or two to be sure.

Two days later my vomiting had ceased, the nausea had not yet however. I was able to eat jello and hold down water & juice. The doctor came to see me again and said he wanted to keep me another night just to make sure he isnt sending me home just to get sick again and be right back in. No problem for me!

He also kept me the next night lol! And he changed my meds and took some others away to help prevent the iliac from flaring up again.

I was down to 123lbs. Almost 100 pounds lost due to all my sickness. :(

To date i have not been back in the hospital (knock on wood quick! Lol!), i still have chronic pain from my fibromyalgia and scoliosis w/disc degeneration, and my stomach still hurts in the mornings but not making me pour sweat, or anything at all like i was having before, and the vomiting only seems to happen if my meds are making me too nauseus from an empty belly, but it has been controllable and not so bad that i have to carry a puke bag anymore.

I still have health issues, i have made that dr from my last stay my pcp, and we are learning how to manage them. He also got my state insurance to cover physical therapy! Its a miracle!!! Lol!;) i get to feeling frustrated and hopeless and he helps make that better too. For starting out as a jerk, ive found im pretty lucky to have him for my doctor. ;) hes not going to over dope me like my last doctors did, instead hes trying to Help me.

Ok, im not sure what else to write other than saying to the reader to take it day by day. Its a struggle. God gives his biggest burdens to his best angels!

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Guest Blogger Jamie Crawford Tells Her Tale

Hello! Some days I feel like I am 70 other days I feel 4 but I am only 31. If I could remember my name I would tell you, oh wait it is….ummm…oh yeah…Jamie. I am a Wifie to the most amazing man, Bonus Mommie to three incredible children and three precious grandchildren. The last time I checked I lived in Peoria, Arizona. I am sure you know what I mean in just trying to remember your name let alone your date of birth or which house is yours especially on the days when your fibro fog is so intense you do not remember what you did an hour ago. I hope I can finish this blog post before I forget what I was doing.

So what is wrong with me? Well, I landed myself in the hospital for 22 days in 2010 due to spinal meningitis. Now two years later I have fibromyalgia, multiple scoliosis, restless leg syndrome, chronic headaches and migraines, anemia, insomnia, Hashimoto’s thyroid condition, and a few other issues on the side. They do not know where I got the spinal meningitis nor do they know why I have had these issues as a result. As of recent, I spent five days in the hospital that resulted in two units of blood, two bags of iron, vitamins, antibiotics, and fluids. Now, they do not know why I am losing blood nor what could be causing the iron deficiency. Regardless of how I got here I am here and learning each day to fight my fight.

I commonly get asked if I work or better yet why do I not work because I do not look sick. I have not returned to work since I was hospitalized in 2010. I am officially “retired”. I am lucky enough to be a Mommie and Wifie who does not have to work full-time. I do own Kelly Kreative which a marketing and public relations company and recently started Kreative Girl Designs which a kreative design company focusing in jewelry, hair bows, and tutus. I also write regularly and am looking at expanding some of my work even more. I am simply not able to work time in the capacity I was prior to getting sick. I go through more days of “sick” than not. Most people do not understand what it is like to go from working full time plus living the life that I thought I wanted to suddenly have it all end in the blink of one eye. However, looking forward I absolutely love my life (minus not feeling good) and am so thankful to be where I am now.

In looking at my medical issues, they have impacted my life in so many ways. As many of you know battling with the same conditions I do that each day is different. I have my great days and I have my days I would rather go to sleep for a long time. I have stopped four wheeling, riding quads, and even working out. I do yoga as much as I can because I have noticed a positive effect when my restless leg syndrome is really bad. I do push myself to keep up on household chores like grocery shopping, cooking dinner, and laundry. We do still like to travel just accept that I will need a nap or five and a few extra days to recover from the trip. We do not always make plans but rather go day by day, one so I do not disappoint others and to allow myself to heal rather than be upset if I cannot do something. I am very blessed with a Hubs who understands my fight and is supportive. Life has changed a lot from my wild days.

Medical care is a completely different story. When I “retired” I lost my health insurance. In Arizona, I do not qualify for state health insurance because I do not have a biological dependent child. So, I have gone two years without health insurance. So, my medical treatment is my usual pain management appointment to show that I am disabled and the cheapest medication. I am not treated differently because of my conditions but rather less quality treatment because I cannot afford the good stuff. Luckily that has changed. I now have health insurance and my medicare is starting in March. I am slowly adding in new treatment based on all my conditions and what is most important at that time. I have an incredible pain management doctor, Dr. Abram Burgher. In addition to my pain management I also see an awesome doctor, Dr. James Tuggle. He focuses in the utilization of vitamins and minerals to assist in my daily living. He is actually the one who figured out I was losing blood. I have been seeing him for years for vitamin therapy via injection. He has done a lot of work with me on hormones, vitamin deficiencies, and “non-traditional” treatments. It has made a huge difference in my life. Finding a great team of doctors really makes a big difference.

Although my battle is young compared to most I would say to those of you who struggle to keep focused on the good things. Make sure you develop a supportive network so when you have your bad days you have someone to lean on through those moments. Take the time to find doctors who understand your struggles and are willing to listen to you. Yes, there are doctors who listen to you and treat you as needed not just based on paper. If you get a bad feeling from a doctor do not continue your appointment or do not go back to them. (Ask my Hubs, I walked out of one doctor’s office because she refused to listen.) Be willing to read, learn about your battles, treatments, ideas, research, medication, therapy, and so on. I go to the doctor with a list of ideas or questions. I question everything. Remember that you are not alone. This is a true fight. If you need someone to talk, reach out to someone special (or me). Also, push yourself. I know you push yourself every day. Find something to push yourself on or for because it helps give you purpose.

I hope you laughed while jumping on board my mind for a while. I am always around to ask questions to or to talk to. I will be thinking about you!

Xoxoxo!
Jamie Crawford
Google talk - missjamiekelly@gmail.com
http://myimaginationpain.blogspot.com/


Guest blogger on Pain, Guilt and Hope

Pain, Fatigue, Guilt, and Hope by ProgressMom

Every day I hurt. Every day, I am tired. Not like the good kind of tired where you have worked hard all day and you feel satisfied and fulfilled from a job well done. No, this is the kind of tired where you sometimes have to stop and sit down while you wait for the elevator. This is the kind of tired where you sit down on the couch to have a snack and realize you forgot your drink and think, “Dear Lord, how bad do I want that drink? It’s all the way over there..”
My new “normal” has become pain, fatigue, and guilt. Why the guilt? Guilt because I can no longer be the mom and wife, friend, daughter, sister, etc, I used to be. I cannot run around the yard and throw the football with the kids because I hurt, and the activity will make it worse. Guilt because it takes all I have to “give” at work all day, and I “give through the pain and fatigue and well, by the time I get home, I have little to nothing left. Guilt because I take medicine just to feel some kind of normal, and I don’t really “believe” in medicine. I mean, what kind of a hypocrite am I? Guilt because church attendance has become another chore (which doesn’t get done), something that my body just cannot get on board with because, uh, you guessed it by now, pain and fatigue.

The new question has become, “Is this what my life is going to be like?” And, “Is this not just a little flare? Is this it? And, how much worse is it going to get?” Another doctor visit, more tests, and more, “Here try this medicine.” Another medicine I have “failed” at because the side effects debilitated me more than the pain itself and didn’t fix the pain, anyway. Another wish to cry out to the doctor, “Do you have ANY idea how much this hurts? Every day? All day?” And, no I don’t want those other pills, the ones that have all the atrocious side effects (like lymphoma, for example).

And, then, the realization sets in…they cannot help me. I am on my own. The doctors can’t fix this. Silence…Where is my hope? I need hope…And then, “ I lift up my eyes to the hills–where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.”Psalm 121:1-2. I pray, I cry out to God and ask for wisdom. I claim His promises for me. He promises not to withhold His wisdom from us when we ask. In fact, He says he will graciouslygive it to us.

And, I recall learning about a wonderful Integrative Medicine doc…I have hope restored, not just in the doc, but in the God who reminded me to go in that direction. Despite the pain that is still there, burning, throbbing, reminding me of its tenacity and power, I have hope. Hope in a God who is bigger and more powerful than my pain. Hope in a doctor who is carrying her God-given purpose on this earth. Hope for His plans to prosper me and not to harm me, plans for a hope and a future. Hope that says, “He never would allow anything to come upon me that He did not plan to use for my good and His glory.” I WILL trust in Him! I WILL press through the pain! I WILL believe that on the other side of this, there will be beauty. There is beauty in the suffering, for it is through the suffering that we come to know Him better, love others better, and know that Christ’s power rests in us to do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us.

So, though I am not cured instantly, not set free from my affliction, strangely, I have a little more peace knowing that He gave me HOPE. He has not forgotten me. He sees every tear that is shed and He has saved them in a bottle (Psalm 56:8).

My new normal is not normal, but then, nothing is here in this fallen world. This is not our ultimate destination. But, thank God, we have the hope of the life that is to come, and we have His loving hand to hold as we journey through this world as well as opportunities to love others who are suffering as well. There is purpose in the pain. I WILL push through it to the purpose, even if I do not learn of it until I cross to the other side. He will not let it be wasted. I have hope!

Hope (Photo credit: bitzcelt)

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https://progressmom.wordpress.com/

Saturday, January 26, 2013

My dear friend writes about his bout with chronic pain

My friend Amanda asked if I would share my experience with some chronic pain I have, and continue to, deal with.

I am a normal, active and fairly healthy 36 year old male. I have always been hard working holding mostly manual labor jobs. I was in the Army infantry for five years and did a two year deployment to Iraq. Once home from Iraq I drove trucks over the road for a bit and then decided to go to school. In February of my second year of school I woke up one day to a sore ass. Nothing major, just felt like I had been kicked real hard in the butt. Well, I’m a health guy, and so I thought whatever was ailing me would go away. Weeks went by and this pain persisted. Now- I’m stubborn, and I am a healthy guy… So whatever this pin in my ass was, I was certain would work itself out. Day by day this pain got worse. By April I couldn’t hardly sit, stand or lay down without some serious discomfort. One day in May I had Supper with my family, and decided to lay on the bed for a bit. Well, I couldn’t lie down and I was howling in pain. The pain was in my butt and going down my leg. I went to the ER and they took an X-ray for my back. I was given some super-duper pain meds and told I had “degenerative arthritis” whatever the hell that is. So, I called my Mom as she is a nurse and told her my life was over, I had this degenerative arthritis. She laughed and said we all have that, it’s part of getting older. That answer is the answer they give when they have no idea what is actually wrong with you.

So a few more days go by and I don’t get better. I call and they set me up for a CAT scan. I do this CAT scan and it doesn’t show much. By this time I am in the ER on a every three or four day rotation. I hurt and I hurt BAD. So much for being a young health guy. I went in at one point and could hardly move. Couldn’t walk, couldn’t sit… At this point I got an MRI and an overnight stay in the hospital. They gave me dilaudid for the pain, and soon after that lil shot I felt like I was eighteen again. At this point I was told (after the MRI) that I had a bulged disk in my back and it was pinching a nerve. How the hell could this happen to me? I was young, I was healthy? I fought as an infantryman in the Army… and now I couldn’t walk. June came and went, July I was in the ER every other day. Same story, same mix of drugs. I was now on a host of meds, mostly pain meds, and I was eating them like candy. None of this helped. In August I came in and was treated like a drug seeker. Now- I am not a drug seeker. I like to drink, but in my life I have never, ever, ever been on drugs. So now that I actually need them… I get treated like some kind of drug seeker. That day I vowed never to go back to the ER no matter how much pain I was in. I took the prescribed amount of vicoden I was given, and sat on a block of ice for two weeks. I couldn’t sleep, I was in too much pain. The pain by now started in the butt and went all the way down my leg. Once in bed I couldn’t move- and I mean AT ALL. My wife started sleeping in a different room. A lot of times in the night I would wake up screaming in pain. Like blood curdling screaming. The nerve would pinch more and there was nothing I could do except live through the pain. This was hands down the worst thing I have ever dealt with. Think of being tied up and tortured. I couldn’t move, and even though I was not moving, the pain would overtake me. I couldn’t do a thing. I slept very little for about two weeks. Getting out of bed was fun too. I absolutely could not sit up- nor could I roll over without seeing stars. I am talking the worst fucking pain a human can endure here. Not some discomfort… worst pain ever. And guess what, you couldn’t see it. No broken bones, no blood, nothing, just my word saying I was in the worst pain ever. Back to getting out of bed… I would roll over, and then shimmy out of bed. I could put no weight on my left leg (the affected side of me) I would need to stretch for several minutes just to put weight on my leg. Stretch to the foot of the bed, then another stretch to the head of the bed. (This took 10 or 15 minutes) then grab my dresser and prop myself up. Then weight on my leg, then stretch more. After 25 minutes of stretching I could now, with the aid of the bed and footboard, limp to the point where my bathroom door was near, do a spin step hop thing and damn near die taking one step to my bathroom. (Hey the only reason I got out of bed was to use the bathroom) I would then stand at the toilet to relieve myself, and in order to do so I had to stand on one leg. Sitting and pooping… I will spar you the details. For June July and August I had a bucket next to the bed, because I could NOT make it the ONE STEP to my bathroom.

Did I tell you I was a young healthy guy? A bad ass in my own mind. Fit for anything. Did some of the hardest things a person can do… I have always been healthy. I am the guy who doesn’t believe in this “unseen pain.” If there isn’t blood, it can’t hurt. All these people claiming disability…. Most of them are just too lazy to work. Looking for a handout.

I went from the top of the world, to the bottom. This can’t be happening to me. I have great wife, and great kid, I am in one of the hardest schools in the country. I survived combat. My life is perfect. I went from that… to locking up my guns and giving my wife the key to the gun safe because I was that dame close to ending my life. No bullshit. I would cry and cry on my wife shoulder. She would cook, clean, mow the yard, go out with friends… I would lie in bed and cry. I couldn’t get up. I couldn’t do even the simplest things in the house with considerable effort.

So why aren’t I dead. Well, the guns were locked up silly. Here’s what I did. I quite going to the ER. I sat on ice for weeks on end. I would get up at 4:00 or 5:00 and watch tv- sitting on ice. I went on a diet (I wasn’t huge, but I had gained weight since coming home from Iraq.) I lost 15 pounds in three weeks. I went to physical therapy. I really don’t know what helped, what did the trick. I do not think it was the therapy. That just wasn’t effective for me. The Ice- maybe. The diet, could be. I really don’t know. I got off the drugs. Getting off most was no problem, like I said I never did drugs, and I don’t like them. All except for vicoden. That lil bad boy is addictive. I did get off vicoden, I need it for pain and I took it for pain, but as I tried to quit cold turkey- I found I was addicted to it. So I simply cut my doses. In three weeks I was off vicoden.

So, how am I now? Well, I hurt. Not the absolute hurt I initially had. I would say on that good ole pain scale I am at a 2 every day all day long. This is chronic. I am off the drugs, but I do have an open prescription for vicoden. At times I take it. Mostly I use it for sleep. I have a consult for surgery in a week.

My story gets very complicated when I start telling you about my health care provider. I will be brief. I go to the VA. The VA sucks and they won’t spend money on a person. I had no other insurance. I signed up with my wife’s insurance (we didn’t do this previously, because hey… I’m a healthy young man right.. what could go wrong?) and had to wait for the preexisting condition time limit to come. So now that’s up and here I am. I could write a ten page paper on the shitty treatment from the VA and the waiting and waiting I did with the regular insurance, and goddamn loopholes I had to jump through just to get a damn consult to see the surgeon… That process alone took months.

All in all I am better. The consult is in a week. I do not want surgery, but I also do not want to be in the pain I am in for the rest of my life.

My outlook on unseen pain has changed 100%. Oh, sure there are people faking it. Lots of lazy pricks looking for a free ride and a hand out, but chronic pain, unseen pain, back pain, PTSD (Ya, I have that too), and other unseen illnesses certainly exist

Remember I was young, I was healthy, I fought a fucking war… and for three months I couldn’t get out of bed. And if I could have I would have shot myself.

I’m better now- but you can bet your ass I am a believer now too. My life is getting back on track. My awesome wife endured this with me and stuck by my side. I am gaining weight again as I am back in classes and I do nothing but go to class then come home to study. I look forward to completing this semester as this is my last semester of class work and then I can more actively pursue my weight loss goals.

Life is good again.

Jason Surface

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Guest blogger on Chronic Migraines

Danielle is a 29 year old who lives in Oklahoma. She suffers from chronic migraines.

Her daily life is effected by the fact that she has some sort of headache every single day. She takes medications to keep them tolerable, but She does not remember a life without pain. She has missed more days of work than She cares to count up because of migraine pain.

When asked if she had doctors that treated her fairly she said, "I have had more than my fair share of doctors who don’t listen and doctors who seem to not care. But I have fought and finally found doctors who believe me and believe that there will be a way for me to live pain free."

When asked what meds she takes that have been helpful, or unconventional treatments, she replied, "I take 800 mg of Neurontin three times a day to help “prevent” the migraines. Most of the time this just brings it to a more tolerable level. I also take 400 mg of Vitamin B2 per day and 1000 mg of Magnesium per day. These have been proven to help reduce migraines. I have a prescription for Fioricet, but I rarely take it because I don’t find that it helps at all. I generally take Excedrin migraine on a daily basis. I have tried chiropractors and acupuncture to no avail."

Hobbies or activities she is still able to do include: I am able to work the majority of the time. I am still able to play with my children, and enjoy weekends with my husband. The thing I miss out on the most is the general happiness that comes from being pain free. My almost 4 year old daughter has come to know me as being in bed. I want to change that. She already knows when I’m not feeling well and tells me “Mommy, you need to go to bed."

Any advice to our readers? If your doctor isn’t listening to you, find someone else. There is no reason to live your life in pain and feel like no one is listening to you or taking you seriously. There are TONS of doctors out there, you just have to find the right one.

Also she'd like to add, If you are a family member/friend of someone who lives in chronic pain, please take them seriously. Please don’t downplay their situation or make them feel bad about it. Trust me, they already feel bad enough. I have spent many days in bed feeling terrible because my kids are growing up without me. I sincerely wish I could feel better. I pray about it, I take my meds, I go to the doctor. Give support. Don’t think just because they look ok, that they actually are ok. When you live in chronic pain you learn how to put on your happy face and go about your day because that’s what you have to do.

Guest blogger: Danielle Brigance
Authored by: Amanda Lakso

Monday, February 13, 2012

UPDATE: New pain medication for me

Had a good appt. with the doc!! Trying a new pain medication in place of the morphine. Now trying fentanyl patches. Like quit smoking patches but for pain. Wear them for 3 days then change it. It's 80-100 times stronger than morphine!! Maybe I'll get my life back again! The last year has been absolute hell!!!!! Thanks for everyone that's been so supportive. Cross your fingers this works!

Monday, January 23, 2012

11 Tips for Living With Chronic Pain

1. Learn deep breathing or meditation to help with chronic pain.

Deep breathing and meditation are techniques that help your body relax, which eases pain. Tension and tightness seep from muscles as they receive a quiet message to relax.

Although there are many to meditate, the soothing power of repetition is at the heart of some forms of meditation. Focusing on the breath, ignoring thoughts, and repeating a word or phrase -- a mantra -- causes the body to relax. While you can learn meditation on your own, it helps to take a class.

Recommended Related to Pain Management

Chronic Pain: Does Vitamin D Help?

Not getting enough vitamin D in your system may be linked to chronic pain. Over the past 10 years, several researchers have found an association between extremely low vitamin D levels and chronic, general pain that doesn’t respond to treatment. Many Americans are running low on vitamin D. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in 2009 showed that vitamin D levels have plummeted among all U.S. ages, races, and ethnic groups over the past two decades. But does not having enough vitamin...

Deep breathing is also a relaxation technique. Find a quiet location, a comfortable body position, and block out distracting thoughts. Then, imagine a spot just below your navel. Breathe into that spot, filling your abdomen with air. Let the air fill you from the abdomen up, then let it out, like deflating a balloon.

2. Reduce stress in your life. Stress intensifies chronic pain.

Negative feelings like depression, anxiety, stress, and anger can increase the body's sensitivity to pain. By learning to take control of stress, you may find some relief from chronic pain.

Several techniques can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Listening to soothing, calming music can lift your mood -- and make living with chronic pain more bearable. There are even specially designed relaxation tapes or CDs for this. Mental imagery relaxation (also called guided imagery) is a form of mental escape that can help you feel peaceful. It involves creating calming, peaceful images in your mind. Progressive muscle relaxation is another technique that promotes relaxation.

3. Boost chronic pain relief with the natural endorphins from exercise.

Endorphins are brain chemicals that help improve your mood while also blocking pain signals. Exercise has another pain-reducing effect -- it strengthens muscles, helping prevent re-injury and further pain. Plus, exercise can help keep your weight down, reduce heart disease risk, and control blood sugar levels -- especially important if you have diabetes. Ask your doctor for an exercise routine that is right for you. If you have certain health conditions, like diabetic neuropathy, you will need to be careful about the types of activities you engage in; your doctor can advise you on the best physical activities for you.

4. Cut back on alcohol, which can worsen sleep problems.

Pain makes sleep difficult, and alcohol can make sleep problems worse. If you're living with chronic pain, drinking less or no alcohol can improve your quality of life.

5. Join a support group. Meet others living with chronic pain.

When you're with people who have chronic pain and understand what you're going through, you feel less alone. You also benefit from their wisdom in coping with the pain.

Also, consider meeting with a mental health professional. Anyone can develop depression if they're living with chronic pain. Getting counseling can help you learn to cope better and help you avoid negative thoughts that make pain worse -- so you have a healthier attitude. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

6. Don't smoke. It can worsen chronic pain.

Smoking can worsen painful circulation problems and increase risk of heart disease and cancer.

7. Track your pain level and activities every day.

To effectively treat your pain, your doctor needs to know how you've been feeling between visits. Keeping a log or journal of your daily "pain score" will help you track your pain. At the end of each day, note your pain level on the 1 to 10 pain scale. Also, note what activities you did that day. Take this log book to every doctor visit -- to give your doctor a good understanding of how you're living with chronic pain and your physical functioning level.

My link to free pain diary:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/30680755/Pain-Diary-Worksheet

And a second one:
http://www.painknowledge.org/physiciantools/PALogB698/PainandActivityLog_B698_FINAL.pdf

8. Learn biofeedback to decrease pain severity.

Through biofeedback, it's possible to consciously control various body functions. It may sound like science fiction, but there is good evidence that biofeedback works -- and that it's not hard to master.

Here's how it works: You wear sensors that let you "hear" or "see" certain bodily functions like pulse, digestion, body temperature, and muscle tension. The squiggly lines and/or beeps on the attached monitors reflect what's going on inside your body. Then you learn to control those squiggles and beeps. After a few sessions, your mind has trained your biological system to learn the skills.

9. Get a massage for chronic pain relief.

Massage can help reduce stress and relieve tension -- and is being used by people living with all sorts of chronic pain, including back and neck pain.

10. Eat a healthy diet if you're living with chronic pain.

A well-balanced diet is important in many ways -- aiding your digestive process, reducing heart disease risk, keeping weight under control, and improving blood sugar levels. To eat a low-fat, low-sodium diet, choose from these: fresh fruits and vegetables; cooked dried beans and peas; whole-grain breads and cereals; low-fat cheese, milk, and yogurt; and lean meats.

11. Find ways to distract yourself from pain so you enjoy life more.

When you focus on pain, it makes it worse rather than better. Instead, find something you like doing -- an activity that keeps you busy and thinking about things besides your pain. You might not be able to avoid pain, but you can take control of your life.

http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/11-tips-for-living-with-chronic-pain

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Magnesium Malate - Soothes Muscles by Supporting Energy Production


My new life with Magnesium Malate


I started taking a new supplement this week. I know it's been only a week and I didn't expect this to work at all, but the first couple days, I wondered why I had SO much energy. Then I remembered that I was taking the new supplement Magnesium Malate. (Malate aka Malic Acid) Once I realized this, I was so excited, but wanted to make sure it wasn't just lucky coincidence. By day 7 now, I'm very impressed. I know it's still a little early to tell, but like I said, I'm impressed. The energy I have found is something I haven't seen in over 4 years! So in my eyes, even if it only lasts a week, I'm thankful, but let's hope this continues. I also read that you should up the dosage slowly so I'm still on the lowest dosage. 1 tablet per day. The bottle says 1-3 per day. The internet dosage information is all over the place. So I will just follow the directions on the bottle. I will keep you updated. Until then, here's more info about this supplement. 

Here's some basic info about Magnesium Malate: 

Magnesium Malate is a compound of magnesium and malic acid, clinically shown to soothe and energize muscle cells. Malic acid is a natural fruit acid that is present in most cells in the body and is an important component of numerous enzymes key to ATP synthesis and energy production. Therefore, magnesium malate may be helpful in those suffering from fatigue due to fibromyalgia.


Magnesium is an essential mineral in over 300 enzymatic reactions in metabolism. These reactions include those involved in the Krebs cycle (one of the body's main energy production processes), energy storage, the breakdown of fatty acids, protein synthesis, DNA metabolism, neurotransmitter activity, and hormone regulation. Magnesium is stored primarily in the bones and plays a role in the absorption of calcium by the bones.


Shopping around:



Also you really want to shop around for this item as prices really vary a lot and I highly recommend buying them as one supplement, not two separate.

Magnesium Malate - Soothes Muscles by Supporting Energy Production - from Source Naturals

http://www.drugstore.com/search/search_results.asp?N=0&Ntx=mode%2Bmatchallpartial&Ntk=All&srchtree=1&Ntt=magnesium+malate&Go.x=0&Go.y=0



Here are some more links to more information about Magnesium Malate that are very helpful. I didn't want this article to get too long. 


http://www.livestrong.com/article/531142-the-dosage-of-magnesium-malate-for-fibromyalgia/

http://www.smartbodyz.com/Magnesium-Malate-Ingredients-Dose.htm

http://www.ehow.com/about_6529483_magnesium-malate-fibromyalgia.html

http://laura-owens.suite101.com/trigger-point-therapy-to-relieve-chronic-pain-a75812



Here's the data and facts behind it all


Fibromyalgia Pain: Magnesium and Malic Acid

Research Finds Taking Both Supplements Together Is More Effective

Laura Owens

Contributing Writer



While magnesium can reduce pain in some fibromyalgia patients, not everyone with FMS has low levels of magnesium. Yet research indicates that taking adequate doses of magnesium in combination with malic acid over an extended period of time can significantly reduce the muscle and soft tissue pain associated with fibromyalgia.



Fibromyalgia and Muscle Energy Disruption

It's unclear how or if these two elements work synergistically, yet magnesium and malic acid are both key components in how energy is produced and transported within the cells of the muscles. Evidence suggests that one cause of fibromyalgia pain is local hypoxia in the muscles (low oxygen) which contributes to muscle tissue breakdown.


Magnesium activates the most important enzyme in the body, ATP (adenosine triphosphate) an energy molecule produced within a component of cells called the mitochondria, the body's "energy furnace." About 20 percent of the body's production of ATP is located in the brain. As a result, diminished levels can reduce the brain's cognitive functions, a common problem in people with fibromyalgia.
Magnesium is needed in the production of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter involved in the perception of pain. Serotonin levels have been shown to be significantly lower in people with fibromyalgia. Magnesium is one of the many co-factors needed to release and bind serotonin in the brain to provide balanced mental functioning.
Magnesium deficiency increases a chemical in the body called substance P, a neurotransmitter and protein found in the brain and spinal cord. People with fibromyalgia have abnormally high levels of substance P. Substance P serves as a pain messenger and is associated with inflammatory processes in the joints. Excess levels can cause pain signals to be sent to the brain even when there is no actual injury or illness.

Malic Acid and Fibromyalgia Pain

Malic acid is an organic substance found in fruits (particularly apples) and plants.
Malic acid is involved in the production of energy in the body. It plays a role in the molecules involved in controlling mitochondrial, energy production, within the cells. Malic acid provides greater stamina and endurance in muscle cells.
Malic acid is particularly useful in helping remove aluminum from the body. Aluminum toxicity is thought to be one contributor to fibromyalgia symptoms. While magnesium also helps block the toxic affects of aluminum, malic acid may be even more effective.

Studies On Magnesium and Malic Acid To Reduce Fibromyalgia Pain

In a 1992 study 15 fibromylagia patients received an oral dose of 1200-2400 mg of malate (malic acid) and 300-600 mg of magnesium over a four and 8 week period. Patients reported a reduction in pain across a tender point index (TPI). Six subjects felt an improvement in 48 hours.
During another study conducted in 1995, researchers gave 24 subjects with fibromyalgia a "Supermalic" low tablet with 50 mg magnesium and 200mg malic acid. Scientists measured pain levels through patient self-assessment and the tender point index. Results showed that the low dose, short term trial was not effective to reduce fibromyalgia pain. However, higher doses over an extended duration significantly reduced subjects' pain.

Magnesium Malate Dosage and Side Effects

Magnesium Malate has been shown to be the most effective form of magnesium to reduce fibromyalgia pain. The recommended dose is 1,500 mg, although people should adjust their dose according to their pain level and side effects.
Side effects with extended use may include headache, muscular pain, and mild gastrointestinal symptoms. The most common side effect is loose stools. Should this occur people should decrease their next dose by 50%.

Resource:
http://laura-owens.suite101.com/ 







Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Today on Dr. Oz- Chronic Pain


DR. OZ “WHY YOUR DOCTOR THINKS YOU’RE CRAZY! IS YOUR CHRONIC PAIN A DISEASE?”
There is a growing epidemic your doctor may be ignoring. Your Pain: When To Worry
Learn to think about pain like a doctor. These four rules can help to uncover the root of your problem and find effective treatment. Today’s audience is filled with people afflicted with chronic pain as Dr. Oz helps to shed some light on the groundbreaking research proving its existence.
Audience members Hilary (Chalfont, PA), Jacqueline (Montclair, NJ) and Shelia (Hillsborough, NJ), who all suffer from severe chronic pain, share their emotional stories, and how their primary practitioners told them there is nothing wrong with them, and try and make them believe this pain is all in their head. Chronic pain sufferer and woman’s health advocate Dr. Donnica Moore teams up with Dr. Oz, Dr. Sean Mackey member of The Institute of Medicine Committee that released the ground breaking findings on chronic pain. Dr. Julie Silver Physiatrist, who specializes in pain management to disclose the best multi-dimensional treatment for chronic pain.
Dr. Oz today talked about chronic pain, your doctor thinks it’s in your head: your doctor isn’t telling you something and Dr. oz said a lot of doctor’s are going to be really angry after todays show. Plus Dr. Oz shares the worst and best treatments for your pain. Plus Dr. Oz’s 4 critical questions you need to ask your doctor about pain.
Dr. Oz started off this segment of the show saying a lot of doctor’s are going to be really angry about what he’s talking about today. Millions of people have been suffering from chronic pain and doctor’s haven’t been taking us seriously. There is ground breaking new science proving that chronic pain is real, it’s a disease and it’s not something you’re making up.
Dr. Oz spoke with one woman in the audience who has complained of back pain and leg pain and her doctor told her to go home and have more sex with her husband and that it would help with her pain and then proceeded to show her positions that might work.
Dr. Oz said he was Peed off and said it frustrates him that it’s hard for one to get proper treatment for pain and in his opinion doctor’s do think you are crazy, they think the pain is all in your head. There are 4 reasons why doctors won’t be able to help you with chronic pain like they should.

Why You Doctor Thinks You’re Crazy

1. Doctor’s Can’t See Your Pain – If they can’t see your pain it doesn’t exist
2. Doctor’s Don’t Have Pain Management Training
3. Doctor’s Think You’re Out To Score Some Drugs
4. You’re A Woman – Dr. Moore said male doctor’s treat female patients differently.
We can now call chronic pain a disease according to the new study released, the pain itself is a disease just like diabetes, heart disease and the like says Oz. Dr. Mackay said this study is now validating what chronic pain sufferers in the audience have been saying.

Dr. Oz 4 Questions To Find The Right Pain Specialist

Next we moved on the the 4 questions you need to ask to find a doctor to treat your chronic pain:
  • How Much Pain Management Training Do You Have?
  • What Is Your Approach?
  • How Long Before I Begin To See Results?
  • How Much Will It Cost

4 Rules

Dr. Silver is the author of You Can Heal Yourself and an award-winning book from the American Cancer Society titled What Helped Get Me Through: Cancer Survivors Share Wisdom and Hope, here is what she says about When to Worry About Your Pain.
Learning to treat pain effectively takes years. As a medical doctor who specializes in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), I have extensive training in treating pain. Doctors who specialize in PM&R are formally called physiatrists and are sometimes informally referred to as pain doctors.
One of the first things we learn is when to worry about pain. Since we are taught to treat so many different kinds of pain, we need to know when to sound an alarm about a patient’s condition and how to act to treat them most effectively. If you’ve been experiencing pain, it’s important that you learn to think like a pain doctor. While these “rules” about when to worry certainly do not cover every person and every situation, they are important to know to get to the source of your problem.
How to Think Like a Pain Doctor
1. Two-Week Rule 
Any pain that lasts for more than two weeks should be checked out. A lot of people think that new pain means that they have cancer. In fact, most new pain is due to bones, joints, nerves and other musculoskeletal structures. Many doctors use the two-week rule because a lot of musculoskeletal pain will resolve within a two-week period. Also, a two-week delay in diagnosis is very unlikely to change someone’s prognosis if the pain is due to cancer. Though the two-week rule applies to most pain, there are times when doctors ignore this rule and become immediately concerned (See Rules 2, 3 and 4).
2. Acute-Trauma Rule 
Doctors should immediately check all pain associated with acute trauma, such as a car accident or fall off a ladder. Usually, people aren’t overly worried that cancer is causing their pain if they have trauma that results in immediate or even slightly delayed pain. However, all pain associated with trauma necessitates an evaluation; this includes a physical examination and possible imaging tests such as x-rays or MRIs.
3. Worst Pain of My Life Rule
Doctors should be alarmed at any new and severe pain that a patient reports. It’s not unusual for a patient to actually say, “This is the worst pain I’ve ever experienced!” Often, the “worst pain of my life” is not cancer, but may be the result of something serious, such as a heart attack, appendicitis or ruptured blood vessel (aneurysm). If the pain is severe but chronic and has been worked up previously, then the “alarm bells” ring less vigorously.

4. I Can’t Sleep Rule

Doctors should be concerned about any pain that awakens a patient at night. Sometimes, night pain is more serious than pain that occurs during the day with normal activities. This is because, usually, when you rest, pain improves. Pain that doesn’t improve with rest is sometimes worrisome. However, resting too much with chronic pain leads to weakness and more pain. If you have chronic pain, try and alternate rest with activity to stay strong and keep your overall pain levels down. Cancer pain is one type of pain that often doesn’t improve with rest and will awaken people at night. However, it’s important to know that a lot of musculoskeletal pain problems will bother patients at night. Hip bursitis or shoulder tendinitis can often keep a patient awake if they lie on the affected side and put pressure on the injured part of the body. It’s important not to make assumptions about what is causing night pain, and to identify the cause and treat it appropriately.
There is no doubt that pain is undertreated and that physicians and patients need to work together to find solutions. When someone tells me, “I’ve tried everything,” I often ask if he or she has had a consultation with a physiatrist. Often the answer is no. To find out more about doctors in your area who specialize in treating pain and helping people to function at the highest possible level, visit the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Source: doctoroz.com


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