I started interferon about 6 weeks ago and apart from a bit of nausea and the odd ache the day after seem ( fingers crossed) to be tolerating it ok.
However, we’re on Anglesey with friends ( all 70 ish) and thinking we all feel like spring chickens, we decided to book a rib ride under the Menai bridges. The website did not have any warnings as to how fast and erratic this hour is. Lunatic driver who stopped and started suddenly etc.
Result being for the first time ever, I have whiplash. It’s arrived with considerable pain ( like really severe toothache up left hand side of neck into head and shoulder blade and down arm) ibuprofen and paracetamol don’t touch the pain and I can’t take codeine ( it’s a histamine liberator) wondering if a nerve blocker like Pregabalin might help short term.
Would interferon be worsening the pain?
Will check with consultant as well.
Any tips for pain relief? The physio said just ride it out but I m lucky if I can get 3 hours sleep a night. I m a hardy old boot but boy, this is really unpleasant.
thanks so much
Louise x
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Pregabalin or gabapentin mights help, but these meds are more for neuropathic pain. Best to consult with a doc about whether those meds are viable.
I would consider a number of pain relief options. There are topical agents that could be considered for the muscle pain. Some find relief with acupuncture or other complementary health approaches. Perhaps a TENS unit could be considered. Best to consult with a doc who is open to different types of interventions.
Massage therapy by a skilled therapist might help. Note that anytime we sustain this kind of injury, it impacts our ability to move multiple muscle groups. The pain can spread from the injury site. Massage therapy can help with this.
If you are not already having arthralgia or myalgia from the interferon, then it seems unlikely that the IFN is contributing to this issue. Best to run that by your MPN care team though.
I so sympathise with you. I had whiplash from a car going into my car, which at the time was stationary waiting to join traffic from a side road. Saw a chiropractor for months until sorted but now I’m older I get neck pain which often stops me sleeping. I hope you find the answer …
"hardy old boot" 😏... haven't heard that one lately!Anyway, I would definitely see your GP who should also be able to recommend a physio.
After many years of abusing my back through off road biking, cricket and allotmenteering I was getting spasms until a physio explained all. Since I was able to 'un-spasm' my back, the muscle and nerves are repairing somewhat and it happens less frequently...despite I'm approaching 70.
I know it's not your back but something sounds like it needs to be put back in it's right place.
I get pain going from shoulder to neck into head. Especially if I cough. I see a physiotherapist who gives a deep massage into my shoulder where he can feel knots. Strangely although the shoulder doesn’t hurt, it stops the pain in my head. Thought I would mention it as sometimes the pain is triggered from a different part that doesn’t hurt the most. I am on interferon but had this way before I started treatment so for me it’s not connected. Hope you can get it sorted. It’s horrible being in pain
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