Managing without drugs

[pheonix2]

I have pain all the time. I have to resort to painkillers when I have extra pain (ie. flare-up). I would like to know if anyone knows of something else to do for severe pain as painkillers put me to sleep (4-14 hours).

[rettalee55]

Boy! I do know the feeling! I keep trying to move but the more I hurt, the harder it gets. Myself I can't take pain meds because they "wake" my brain up and too late in the day stays in my system to where I can't sleep, also If I take them twice in one day, (as is allowed by my doctor) they make me nauseous. One thing, surprisingly that has helped me, is my pain doctor has a compounding pharmacy make up a cream for me made with 5% Lidocaine and 1% Diclofenac sodium. I rub it in on very painful areas, back, leg, foot, etc. They make Diclofenac in pill form. (It is a great arthritis drug) However it's side affect is causing blood in the kidneys with UTI pain. Not good! But great in this cream form with the lidocaine.

Just some little information of my experiences. I hope you can find some help. That pain is so not the way to live!!!

[rosie1928]

Hi Phoenix

I was talking to my support worker a few days ago and she advised me to find out more about mindfulness for pain control. I have been studying it on utube and their is a pain meditation. I find if I am in very severe pain I can ring a help line -- crisis line and talk through the pain as the pain distresses me and often the pain will subside. Also just walking up and down if you can even in the house to raise the endorphin levels does help. Quite often my pain killers will not even touch the pain and asking someone to pray for me can help as well. I am keen to explore the mindfulness route as my liver is on overload now due to other medication. I used to be a nurse and thought I understood pain but now I understand how tiring and frightening it can be. I am lucky enough to enjoy craft -- mainly embroidery and this takes my mind off my pain.... I am always in some pain from 3 to 10!! I hope all this helps you. Rosie1928