Originally Posted by MalindaK

With the IBS and other problems, I do not tolerate pain meds at all. They just cause other problems. So I do with relaxation techniques, stay away from chemicals in food (like I use fresh bacon with no nitrates or nitrites in it) and mild excercise when I can get my chronic fatigured butt to move .

My IGF1 test (human growth hormone) came back so low, I was the lowest in our group.,.. and that causes you to not recover from exercise or exertion. So I just breath... and try to take my mind off the pain. I mentally put bubbles of pain into a champagne glass until I offload my pain and can go to sleep. (well, sometimes that doesn't work.) I have a lot of restless nights and I can't sleep too well or at all.

I do have a great pain specialist though who keeps my back and neck from hurting through internal things instead of narcotics. Thank God for her.

Now I am facing an 8 evel C-spine surgery in April and that is not helping me to focus on being being pain free.

It's a never ending battle. Hang in there.
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Malinda