Thread: MS Pain
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Old 04-14-2014, 04:12 PM
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NurseNancy NurseNancy is offline
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Florida
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NurseNancy NurseNancy is offline
Grand Magnate
NurseNancy's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 4,240
15 yr Member
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hello and welcome to NT,

for fibro you would see a rheumatologist.
i've had my MS dx for 11 yrs. i was dx'd with fibro long before that. i've had muscle pain for many yrs.

about 5 yrs ago my pain was getting very bad. it's generalized. what worked well for some of it was heat and therapeutic massage.

my neuro finally referred me to a pain dr; one who specializes in pain. he prescribed PT which did help but not significantly. i was initially taking tramadol for pain which worked for yrs but then didn't. (tolerance...?)
i then was given oxycodone. for better or worse and all the buzz about it, it has helped me live a fuller life but i'm by no means pain free. i only take one a day and don't abuse it.

so, i'd ask your pcp or neuro about seeing a certified pain physician. no other dr will give you pain meds. but, i'd try to rule out any other condition that may be causing your pain and try any other tx first before a narcotic.

pain is said to be the 5th vital sign; besides heart rate, blood pressure etc.
ethically drs are supposed to tx pain. it's not something that should be ignored.

i just got my latest issue of the NMSS magazine. in it they have an article about pain and MS. they say "MS related pain can be associated with faulty nerve signals in the brain and spinal cord". they also talk about some alternative therapies like meditation and acupuncture. they also say that 2/3 of folks with MS have pain.

keep advocating for yourself with your drs. don't let them tell you it's depression or hormones or any of that stuff. pain is real to those that feel it and should be taken seriously.

keep us posted. sorry this was so long.
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