pain medication

[momander]

Hi everyone,

I wonder if there is anyone here suffering the same as I am??

I have 2 herniated discs and sciatica. I also have early signs of mild osteoarthritis of the spine. I had a HA last year and can no longer take naproxen. I am wondering what others take as pain relief? I take co codamol and gabapentin, and also lidocaine patches, ( ralvo patches ). They do take the edge off but I am still in chronic pain. I do stretching exercises every day and also chair yoga. My mobility is affected and I can only walk short distances with a tri walker. I live in the UK and support with pain management is thin on the ground. I do not want any kind of spine surgery or steroid injections, and both my GP and pain management clinic are not in favour of this anyway. There seems to be very little that can be done. I would love to hear what others are doing and how they cope with this condition.

[Colinmac66]

Have you tried or been offered acupuncture ? I had acupuncture carried out on my spine , it helped ease the pain and allowed me to have more comfortable movements. It might be worth enquiring about it.

[momander in reply to Colinmac66]

Hi,Yes, I have tried acupuncture but it did nothing for me I'm afraid. Glad it worked for you though

[Knotty2012]

Maybe try some thc edibles. They help ease my pain at night and get some sleep. I've heard alot of good things about bromelain and quercetin. I started taking some this past week

[momander in reply to Knotty2012]

what are c edibles?

[Hidden in reply to momander]

I believe the responder means edible CBD or cannabis. Many people find help by using these products. I have used CBD oil off and on for a few years. You don't get "high" from this (at least I don't), but it does help a lot with sleep and seems to ease my pain a bit as well.

[momander in reply to Hidden]

HI,I kinda thought that was what was meant!!! I have to be so very careful now with anything I take as I had a HA last year and a lot of drugs/suppliments etc interfere with my heart medication!! Sadly CBD oil or derivatives are one of the many things I cannot take.

[Baca]

I am sorry to hear about your condition momander! I have had problems with gabapentin in the past the doctor was over medicating me now I just take one tablet at night to help with neuropathy. Have you tried CBD oil? I use Eden’s Herbals because they are very professional and meticulous handling and purification and grading that you are getting pure product. I use 750-1000mg I get relief and no side effects unlike prescribed meds. I hope you find some relief soon.

[momander in reply to Baca]

Hi Baca,Unfortunately there are so many medications/ supplements I can't take as they interact with my heart medication!! CBD oul is one of them as it reacts with 2 of my heart meds

[burgerlady]

Hi, I live in the United States, and I can relate well with your problem. I have sciatica, 2 herniated discs, severe arthritis, and a couple of other spinal problems. I have the same problem as you with having to use a walker to get around. I have a pain management specialist who has recommended that I have a type of procedure that is done in the doctor's office and not actually a surgery. It is a nerve block where they burn the ends of the nerves. It is supposed to relieve my pain for up to a year at a time. I had it done on my knee, which has very severe bone-on-bone arthritis, and it really helped. I was pain free for awhile. Maybe you could ask your doctor about this? Also, I take gabapentin and hydracodone. These help a little. I also use cbd salve, which works instantly. All these in combination seem to work wonders.

[burgerlady in reply to burgerlady]

Sorry, I meant oxycodone, not hydrocodone.

[momander in reply to burgerlady]

hI,I can't take CBD as it reacts with my heart meds, especially blood thinners. what is the name of the procedure you have had in the doctor's office so that i can ask my GP if she has heard of it?

[burgerlady in reply to momander]

It is called radiofrequency ablation.

[Hidden]

Hello just reading your letter I too have siatica. I had a spinal operation but I needed some steel I my lower back because I had siatica only I still have worse siatica I just take pregablin and ampitriptline and I do have a good sleep.But then as soon as I get out of bed my siatica starts up again.hope this helps.

[momander in reply to Hidden]

Hi,you are so lucky to be able to take pregbalin!!! I was so so unwell when I tried it, and the withdrawal from it was awful. I am glad it helps you though