pain relief

[Trevor6]

I have had COPD for 20years with osteoporosis I am constant pain be referred to pain management but have heard nothing yet 6 months driving me crazy. I am taking high dose Zapain for 9 years not helping any one any suggestions

Thanks

[Ergendl]

That sounds awful for you, Trevor6.

I have chronic low level pain which knows how to shout if I do too much (as I did yesterday). It's from arthritis which developed following a road accident in 1977.

I cope using hobbies and interests to distract me. The way I perceive myself has changed over time, so that I no longer try to be the independent person who can do everything and go for long walks up tall mountains like I used to. Now my hobbies are more sedentary: playing keyboards, writing, singing, collecting post cards, doing jigsaws.

If my pain relates to my back and joints and is getting worse, I see a registered osteopath or physiotherapist to help improve things. I also do 12 minutes of gentle stretching exercises each morning to help me get moving. That does lessen the amount of discomfort first thing. A friend who has osteoporosis finds the more gentle stretching exercises very helpful for her posture and soreness.

It was interesting to read a post here yesterday, saying that if we run low on oxygen when doing more physical things, our bodies will take it from our back and motor muscles to keep the heart, lungs brain, and other vital organs supplied. So some of our pain may also come from that.

[Karenanne61 in reply to Ergendl]

That's very interesting about muscle 'thieves' !

[anng18]

I do sympathise, Trevor. Heat pads can be very good if you can apply them to the area of pain.

[Trevor6 in reply to anng18]

Many thanks, well since my post I have been connected to pain management team and my pain medicine has be changed and increased, and I must say it is helping, as long as I continue to take at correct times. Been hospital recently, after passing out/falling at respite , now diagnosed with Adisons disease which has upset me as I have enough to be getting on with , still waiting to see if Am suitable for LVR surgery/valves but it’s a waiting game which involves lots of tests .

[knitter]

I can sympathise , I have arthritis mainly in my hands and in my spine after fracturing it . Osteoporosis too .

I have a heated pad I use on my back .

Jon Kabat Zinn meditation on you tube for chronic pain too.