Not giving up, there has to be an answer.

[Tracie4]

I am a Navy Veteran with disabilities caused by a training accident. Without getting too in depth, this accident from almost 29 years ago is causing multiple health problems today. Domino effect if you will. Long story short, I'm finding myself allergic to many prescriptions and I'm looking for natural remedies. I'm interested in Holistic Nutrition and Natural wellness. I have been practicing tai chi and yoga 2x week at the VA and I'm finding it helpful for arthritis pain. Currently, I'm trying to ween myself from prescription meds and move towards a healthier lifestyle.

[Bananas5]

Hello Tracie4 and welcome on board.

My husband is ex Royal Navy too. He suffered a broken back while on active duty over 30 years ago.He has worked his way through all the prescription meds as well as many therapies as his conditions deteriorate.

Can I ask if you receive a War Pension? And if you have attended the pain clinic?

x

[Tracie4 in reply to Bananas5]

I receive a pension from the VA. I also broke my back on Active duty, however I'm in the U.S. Has your husband found some treatments better than others?

[Tracie4 in reply to Tracie4]

Btw, the pain clinic seems to want to load me up on pills and injections. I'm tired of it. I want to focus on healthy remedies.

[Coastwalker in reply to Tracie4]

Good for you Tracie4, natural is best, I would never touch any prescribed medication again because it comes with far too many side effects and I have seen what these medications have done for family members. My late Mum came down off of 9 medications and was far better in health, but sadly for her it was too late as the damage had been done. Amazing what natural healers are out there when we look and do some homework. I read recently of a weed found in our back gardens/yards which had the same pain relief effects as opium, but without any side effects.

[Tracie4 in reply to Coastwalker]

Was that "weed" dandelion? Or "stinging nettles"? I've done some reading on natural healing. But I don't feel informed enough to try it. It can be poisonous if its not done properly. And you have to make sure there's no chemicals in your yard from treating for pests. I wish I had a teacher.

[Coastwalker in reply to Tracie4]

It is called bitter lettuce, the shape of it is similar to a holly leaf, lighter green, taller and of a lighter texture. Make a tea with its leaves 3 times a day I read. Do google check this yourself to be sure though, Tracie4.

[Tracie4 in reply to Coastwalker]

Thank you.

[Tracie4 in reply to Coastwalker]

Guess what! I enrolled in Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine! I now have a teacher! Yay Me!

[Coastwalker in reply to Tracie4]

Good for you Is Chestnut School a website Tracie4 ?

[Tracie4 in reply to Coastwalker]

Yes. It's an on line class, because we travel. For the things that I have to grow, recipes I have to try etc... I'll have to do in the camper. I think it'll be fun. Wish me luck!

[Coastwalker in reply to Tracie4]

I can just picture your camper full of plants life, sounds all good fun, fellow camper. A good new hobby with lots to learn.

[Tracie4 in reply to Coastwalker]

Definitely. Lol. It'll be fun!

[Bananas5]

Ah right. Things may be different across the sea.

Our experience of pain clinics has been excellent. Teaching you how to manage your pain by self help, physio, mindfulness and yes some drugs. There does come a time though, and this has neem medically proved, strong drugs no longer have any effect..

We move to the sunshine Islands of the Canaries to help him. He is far more relaxed here with the knock on effect of less pain.

So get rid of stress in your life and it will improve!!! Easy to say.

There are of course many who believe in the holistic approach. I think the 2 can work together..

x

[Tracie4 in reply to Bananas5]

Wow, I haven't been to the Canary Islands since 1990. Its beautiful there! You're definitely right, I do need to reduce my stress levels. Although it's a slow process, I'm working on it. Thank you for the encouragement. Blessings to you and your husband.

[Bananas5 in reply to Tracie4]

Very welcome. Good Luck and take care.

It does work!

x

[lowlife]

Have you tried the usual heat/ice therapy and tens machine? Have you tried pacing yourself by listening to your body. Acupuncture is supposed to be good for spinal problems and if you Google acupressure you can try it yourself at home to see if it helps. I find pacing works well for me as I can't sit for long but everyone is different so hopefully something Will work for you. X

[Tracie4 in reply to lowlife]

Thank you. I've done dry needling as appossed to acupuncture. And yes to the heat/ice packs and tens unit. I definitely have to pace myself. When I "over do it" I'm usually down for about 3 days. That is hard because when I feel good I want to accomplish as much as possible. Definitely a work in progress. I know in my heart that if I can just loose some weight that my body won't have to work so hard to keep going.

[johnsmith]

Have a look at april.org.uk/. You may find something useful there.

Have a look at alexandertechnique.co.uk/. This will be a useful addition to your understanding of T'ai Chi and what is required for good movement.

[Tracie4]

Wow, I will! Thanks