Living w/chronic pain most of my life. Opioids don't work for me, spinal cord stimulator helps. Exercise + mindfulness help also. I have use of a pool twice-weekly but must use rollator to help me walk. Pain care is mostly private and restricted in ROI, so very expensive!
What access do you have to help with pain relief?
Hi Frances, I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling with pain. I also have tried all opioid and pain medication with no success. I therefore made the decision to go analgesia free as I didn't see the point of sedating myself with no pain relief. It was at this point that I recognised restless legs and a upper limb right side tremor and was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. I was prescribed half Simenet and warm showers in the morning to release the stiff painful joints. I have to keep moving as sitting for more than 20 minutes makes my joints seize and then I can get up with out help. I work from home and have voice control on my computer and arise and fall desk to sit or stand alternatively to change my position as much as possible. I have a puppy although training is being done as a joint venture with my partner and I walk before work and as a lunch break learning to relax which helps both me and the puppy. Mindfulness meditation before bed helps for relaxation and you can download a free app to your telephone or computer. There's several so one with suit you as not everyone can cope with whale sound lol. But you don't need one with in-app purchases required as the free ones are the same. Sorry I can't be more helpful but it's trial and error with us all I think. Complete relaxation seems to be the key though. Hugs and best wishes. Jan xx
Hi having had back pain for thirty years I'm now at a total loss. I've had Physiotherapy many times. Different medication over the years, recent MRI confirmed osteoarthritis in my lower back and confirmed this is moderate and symptomatic, same in my neck. I'm told nothing can be done on the NHS other than pain management which I'm now on the waiting list for. I've worked for almost 50 years paid my taxes and now feel abandoned by the state to live out what were to be my golden years, in pain. I hope you have more success with your treatment.
Expand on the heat with a long heating pad, gabapentin was and is my godsend, deep tissue massages helped too.
@greekqueen, I use both cold and heat pads, especially when in spasm.Unfortunately, I can't have deep tissue massage as it could displace the leads connected to spinal cord. (Stimulator)
After I had to retire from teaching, I was fit enough to train in aromatherapy, herbalogy and deep-tissue massage! I loved being able to help others, but can't any longer.
I have a wonderful Osteopath, who 'irons' me out from neck to feet, he's a godsend! Effects don't last once I renew activity
🙄.However, I am booked for rhizotomies early next month. That will last a couple of months (if I don't overdo things) so I'm lucky really. I have a lot of travel as there's no pain clinic nearby and without private health insurance, I couldn't afford help at all.
Take care, hope your day goes well.
Glad you are finding some things work.
I have been referred to a pain clinic after 25 years of pain, finally thought I'd try, it is quite far for me to go too.
Haven't tried an osteopath yet, don't think I could go unless private. I wish most things didn't come at such a high price 😞
Hi there, Having had back issues for twenty five years including one surgical intervention and much physio, sports injury massage and a variety of painkillers and other treatments. Plus knee and shoulder problems, a wide variety of other sporting and work related injuries, and associated general wear and tear from an active lifestyle and a labour intensive career in construction. I can testify that the most effective pain relief I have found has been from changing to an anti inflammatory diet.
This has meant cutting out processed foods completely and eating a mainly plant based diet with loads of fresh fruit and veg, and some fresh or fresh frozen fish.
No meat, no cows milk and minimal other dairy, no gluten, no alcohol and good hydration always.
Loads of recipes and advice regarding anti inflammatory foods and meal plans etc are available online. I also take dietary supplements including turmeric, magnesium and fish oils.
I can testify that I haven't felt so well and pain free in a loooong time since starting on this dietary regime nine months ago.
Wishing you better health 🙏
Thank you! I've been on organic diet for years, plus supplements you mention.Advised by Urologist (!) to take bread soda in water daily, as it's antacid and relieves inflammation.
I'm also on Alflorex, great probiotic, as gut bacteria need help after decades of antibiotics.
Do you find extremes of weather exacerbate pain?!
Extreme cold weather can have an effect on an old finger injury, but not too much else in general, and extreme hot weather seems not to have a massive effect on me pain wise, it just fatigues me greatly.
Glad for you. Take care.
Frances, what is bread soda and where can I get Alflorex please? I'm in NI. Thanks
Raising agent in baking, Aoibheann, also known as baking soda or bicarbonate of soda.Alflorex is available in any good pharmacy or healthfood shop.
Dreaming, or not, how do you know?
Has anyone had a spinal fusion - with good results? And how do you get a 2nd opinion?
Curious: how do deal with friends and your pain? 
Do you have to accept the generic
