Pain medication

[pete1961]

I have been on a variety of pain killers for over 2 years because of nerve damage.It has been difficult but it is just a case of making the best of a bad job .I am currently on tramadol naproxin and pregabelin they hold the pain but don't stop it.Anyone with Any helpful tips that work for you would be appreciated.

[RibvanRey]

As you are finding the common term pain killer is wrong and is why it is never used by the medics. Pain relief is as good as it gets. More and you are unconscious.

Two good techniques are distraction and meditation. There are as many distractions as people. I use audio books a lot. They run all night in my bedroom. Anything to take your mind from being allowed to focus on the pain. Meditation is the opposite kind of. Focus on something. An ornament or picture or even an idea and then learn to exclude everything else.

If you are still in more pain than you can bare then talk to your GP again. If they feel that they cannot help more then ask for a referral to a pain clinic. Regards Rib

[Bananas5]

AKA as pain management. Pain relief is a cpcktail which can be added too or taken away from. Pacing yourself is important. Never pushing yourself whilst relatively pain free where you are likely to have a flare up after.

Alternatives to drugs such as acupuncture can be very helpful. No 2 people will have the same cocktail - the basic meds are used as a starting point.

And yes - pain clinics have the knowledge and advice.

Pat x

[Hidden in reply to Bananas5]

Wise words about when you are pain free, never to push yourself!

[Kerryjess]

Good advice given by Rib and Paton. Pain relief is a much better term to use!

I was on the same cocktail for ages but came off Pregbilin as dudnt like side effects. The pain clinic added in Fluoxetine and Amytriptiline and I found those helped. They said toy she the A'triptiline no later than 8 pm because of the drowsiness next day but I take it at 7pm. ( set a daily alarm in my phone) it does mean that I get drowsy coming up up bedtime which usually helps. My dose can go up to 30mg but I usually manage on 20mg per day. Audio books are great ! Gentle hugs for you xo

[Heorte]

I have same situation and agree with all three respondents. It is true that you can learn to live with pain and balance something approximating a 'normal' lifestyle. I use a lot of radio and audio books to keep distracted. I have computer downstairs and android for up, and I have trsinefd up with a voice software to do writing and have two books on kindle, as well as heaps of research and notes. At the moment I have turned from my beloved woodworking and taught myself to do pyrography (facebook@dracanwoods) and with the help of my wonderful husband we have started doing craft fairs once a month. All things are not just distractions but have become something more real and although there are good and bad hours, days, weeks, I have found that trying to find things to look forwards to are vital _ I've been to places where there seemed no point anymore.

It used to intensely irritate me when someone might say _keep busy_ all easily said by none sufferers, but it's about finding what you can do and can enjoy to make life reasonable.

Few quick points

Fluoxetine helps

Take control over own drug regime

Have someone to hear exactly how you feel without needing any pitying answer (there isn't enough for them to provide)

Pain is the enemy, realize the fight

We exist, we're here and we manage the impossible daily.

[pete1961 in reply to Heorte]

Thank you for your help and I hope I can return the favour sometime Pete

[mitziblue]

I take Opana ER and it has really helped me. Hope this helps sweetheart!!!! xxx Mitzi

[pete1961 in reply to mitziblue]

Thank you I am willing to try anything xxx

[Hidden]

I think heat is important. You may have to do it lots but it helps.

You also need to be aware of triggers that cause you more pain.

EG: for me, if I go out doing photographs and twist and turn

holding my camera is ridged poses, it gives me severe pain the day after.

(at times, many days after)

Also, it helps to have rest days where you are doing very little on your back.

It's wise to get used to doing some stretches.

lastly, taking paracetamol with tramadol can make it work better.