I’m in a difficult spot.

[JonJay55]

Hello all,

The last couple of weeks have been horrible. I have degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, bursitis in my hips, and a herniated disk that is pinching nerves. All of this is causing so much pain that it’s difficult to sleep, walk, sit or stand for periods of time. I had to start using a cane for support. I have some days when I don’t need it. It’s horrible not being able to sleep or when I am sleeping I feel the pain in my hips which cause me to be in even more pain when I wake up. I’m lucky if I get four hours of sleep. I have tried otc’s to help me sleep, but nothing seems to work. To make matters worse I lost my health insurance and can’t afford my medication. I am also diabetic and just one of my medications for that is 773 dollars. Yesterday was so bad, I finally broke out in tears. Thank god ky wife was here to console me.

[Bananas5]

I take it you are not in UK?

Pain meds and anti inflammatory meds aren't always the answer to chronic pain although they do have a place.

Have you tried a yoghurt pot filled with water, frozen, then rubbed on your hips? Or heat? Wheat filled bag that can either be heated in microwave or frozen? Heat pad?

These aren't remedies but may help alleviate the hard pain.

And of course pacing yourself...stopping whatever you are doing before pain kicks in.

Sorry I can't be of any more help.

x

[Hidden]

Hi

I'm so sorry you are

[Hidden]

Hi

I'm sorry you are in so much pain. Hot water bottle and electric blanket do help a little. I have an hour or less sleep per night due to pain. It does drag you down. Please take care of yourself Lynne

[cyberbarn]

Have you explored the Pain Toolkit website? Don't let the 'buy here' message on the front put you off, there is a lot of free resources on the website that can help with chronic pain.

paintoolkit.org

[Emma2017]

So sorry to hear your story. It’s so cruel in the US re insurance for your health, hope you can find the money for your meds. I know what your pain feels like, I have had 3 spinal ops and are scheduled for another double op. The nerve pain is excruciating and keeps me awake at nights. For me pregabalin helps a lot and if I put lavender drops on my pillow and lower arms it seems to help some too. Another good help is a warm bath with Dead Sea salts before bed and when you get up. Hope you get sorted and feel at least a bit better soon.

[jonnylongton]

Hi JonJay55 i can empathise with you as i have the same conditions regarding my back and hips, also diabetic. I had terrible pain and couldnt lie on my side in bed as my hips would feel like someone was sticking hot pokers in them. I saw a councillor who suggested getting a 2 1/2 inch mattress topper. It is a godsend. I still get pain but not as much as i was getting before. Its only the topper not a full memory foam mattress. I said £80 from Amazon it was called Memory Foam Mattress Topper, Gel Cool Foam. Hope this helps.

[JonJay55]

Thanks everyone, I appreciate the advice. I have a TENS machine that helps a little. Hopefully I will get this insurance soon so I can get to my doctor. The pain has gotten worse of course, which I figured it would without the medical care. I know a lot of people say don't have back surgery, but I'm tired of the pain. I have sciatica on both sides know, which makes it almost impossible to sleep. I end up in my recliner watching a couple of movies most nights. I did apply for disability which is a damn joke. We work our entire lives and we have to fight for something we paid for. I was denied three times, and now have to have a hearing.

Any suggestions with the hearing?

Have an awesome day folks.