Having been told by a well meaning physio that I should accept the fact that I will suffer increasing pain throughout my life, (degenerative spinal condition), I am searching for ways to minimise my pain and maximise my future physical abilities with minimum medical intervention. Having been very active, I am finding myself more restricted. The frustration is almost unbearable. To know this will only get worse is quite daunting to comprehend. Anyone out there in a similar situation with tried and tested coping mechanisms or general positive suggestions?
2006-08-24 21:14:33 · 5 answers · asked by CC...x 5 in Health ➔ Other - Health
My current options include yet another caudal epidural or fusion inducing surgery. Five damaged disks and facet joint pain. My muscles are in permanent spasm and I have typical sciatic pain in my right leg which causes me to lose sensation right down to my foot and limp.
The smoke isn't a viable option, I quit all inhaled substance 10 weeks ago.
I used to ride horses for at least 4 hours and practice yoga daily.
2006-08-25 09:40:14 · update #1
I have osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. I am not nearly as incapacitated as you, but my hands are getting really gnarly looking and my left knee is really bad, hurts and is swollen all the time. I take Piroxicam for the inflammation and Mirapex for my restless leg syndrome, it helps muscle spasms. The Mirapex is not habit forming and also makes me sleepy. I take calcium and glucosimine chondroitin supplements to help build my bones. I don't do exercise, but I still do all my own housework and yard work. My hands will probably be my biggest problem in the future. They have pains in them now and the joints hang. I take Valerian root to help with the stress. I don't smoke or drink, just try to do as the doctor says and add my own herbal remedies. Good luck and I hope I helped out.
2006-08-30 21:05:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm guessing something's affecting the cartilege in your back, from what you say. Through a diet, exercise and stem research (the less pc, the better) I am sure things can already be done to slow it down and in a near future perhaps even provide regeneration of the necessary cells. But you'd have to check with doctors and scientists for all that, as I am not quite arrogant enough to pretend I really know anything about this from mere googling.
As for pain management, I'm with the guy who mentioned cannabis. In the Netherlands 'medicinal cannabis' is not uncommon, though there's better stuff available in the coffeeshops of course. Some people are in risk of becoming addicted quickly though - and especially as you would want to remain active rather than living in a drugs den - well, it's a good thing you're used to it already. I might be completely off the mark, but I think drugs and medication that come straight from the source are healthier than the chemical concoctions they stuff everyone with today. This goes for medicine, but does include drugs too such as opium, cannabis, coca leaves and maybe heroin (semi-synthetic). I am more 'afraid' of XTC, LSD and cut coke.
All this said, managing pain is hard enough without having to manage an addiction on top of it. So the best advise I can give is to keep this question open for a bit longer while you do some further research on the net and perhaps refer people to here for some more sensible answers. Lastly, I can't say I understand your frustration or that I could empathise, because I'm stuck-up perhaps but not pedantic. I do hope you won't be too fashed by it though, as whatever impact may have on your life, life is always bigger than the obstacles thrown into it. I hope you are directed to ways in which you can remain active and comfortable, as I am sure they exist.
2006-08-25 08:49:24 · answer #2 · answered by McAtterie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You do know there're pain management clinics, don't you? You can find them online in your area by doing a search for " 'name of your state' pain management centers". Although I don't believe in it, some people swear by accupuncture.
I fell 8 months ago and fractured my entire hip, resulting in a permanent limp. One treatment I received was aquatic PT. I feel that's one thing that helped me a lot (both with lessening the severity of the limp as well helping decrease the pain).
I'm sorry about your condition, and I hope you'll find something in the responses to your question that will help.
2006-08-24 21:30:53 · answer #3 · answered by honeybucket 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lots of percocet?
2006-08-24 21:17:32 · answer #4 · answered by Kevin Federline 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
marajuana - it will help... I know of someone that used it for MS - it was helping her with the pain
2006-08-24 22:01:03 · answer #5 · answered by tigger4201979 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋