Mother in pain

[WreckemTech]

My 88 year old mother has severe osteoporosis and kyphosis. She has episodes of severe back pain under her shoulders, which I am assuming is due to vertebral fractures of the spine. She uses a heating pad, over the counter pain medicine, and Tylenol with codeine when she cannot tolerate the pain anymore.

Has anyone found other alternatives to address the pain? Should we visit a specialist such as a pain doctor or spine specialist? I am trying to get a TENS unit hoping that might help.

Thank you!

[RubymyT]

I am younger, with severe Osteoporosis ,scoliosis and kyphosis & fractures through most of the thoracic spine

I go to a pain clinic at the Mc Master Hosp in Hamilton Ont. I receive injections in the spine about every 3 /4 months. I have worn a Fentanyl pain patch since 2005, Had a fusion in 2012

Have hydromorphone for breakthrough pain.

Doctors really do not want to prescribe opiates, unless you are going to a pain center. Family docs usually want a pain doc to be in charge of that.

I feel bad for your mom, I'd go crazy without the pain meds.

Hot baths, then letting cool water run in the tub while draining the warm. Heat helps me move and the coolness takes away the inflammation. Well for me any way.

I'm 70 and there is such a thing as quality of life. I have a high pain tolerance. But if you are always in pain, the quality isn't so great.

I think your mom wants whatever it takes to give relief.

For me , chiropractors was the worst.

Don't know what country you are in. Me Canada

[WreckemTech in reply to RubymyT]

Thank you for sharing your experience, and my heart goes out to you. I wish you relief and comfort... My mom lives in a small town in New Mexico. We would need to travel about 120 miles to see a pain doctor in Texas. I live in Arizona. Your suggestions and story are very helpful, and I appreciate you taking the time to share it with me. Did you ever try a TENS unit? That is what we are going to try next.

[RubymyT in reply to WreckemTech]

tried TENS about 20 years ago. Weird but it made me nauseous , doc told me that sometimes your brain reads it as pain not relieve.

I hope it works for your mom. My pain clinic is about 75 miles from me. its not too bad its only 4 times a year.

It's really nice that you're there for your mom. Pain isn't so heavy to carry when you have someone there to help carry the load.

Is your mom taking an osteoporosis drug ?

[WreckemTech in reply to RubymyT]

No, she has never liked going to doctors, abhors taking medication, and has not officially been diagnosed with osteoporosis. She only goes to a primary care physician once a year, and he's never broached the subject of osteoporosis over the years She's been walking stooped for many years. At 88 is it too late to get any help from osteoporosis drugs?

[PoohBear72 in reply to WreckemTech]

I am sorry your mom is going through this. You may want to check with an endocrinologist and ask what the options might be - if you mother is willing. It would probably involve some testing she may resist, but at least she could hear the advice from an expert. Best to you both.

[WreckemTech in reply to PoohBear72]

Thank you for your advice and best wishes!

[accuneedle29 in reply to WreckemTech]

Using a Tens unit may help.Some pain clinics rent them to patients. You can dial the setting to offset pain as it increases. You may also consider acupuncture treatment which is often helpful w/ various pain conditions. Hoping you find relief for your mom!

[WreckemTech in reply to accuneedle29]

Thank you for your thoughts and advice! We learn from each other.

[DeannaAlphi]

Hi there. My best pain relief is warmth. I bought a home far infra red sauna which does not feel uncomfortable like conventional saunas. It makes you sweat without feeling hot and bothered. Warms you from the inside out and has many other health benefits.

It's my favourite place to be as it melts my various pains and frees up my movement whist in it and also for a time afterwards. I also use an electic blanket to get into a warm bed and I also have a wearable electric poncho which I sometimes wear while at home.

I'm in the UK and noticed that Robert Dyas on line sell these saunas almost half price at bank Holidays although the offer only lasts a few days. I left it too late the first time I saw it but wasted no time the second time.

There are also other types of near, far or full spectrum sauna things on sale which would be cheaper to buy. There is a semi dome tent thing which you lie in a bit like a sleeping bag and also a mat. Have a look on you tube and ask google. Research the products though. I dismissed these things for a long time because I thought infra red lamps were sun lamps for a tan. These are totally different and safe to use.

Hope your mum can find some relief. Di Doh

[WreckemTech]

Thank you! Have you tried an Infrared heating pad? If so, do you find it provides more relief than a regular heating pad?