it was nice to hear from you. i have been talking to my doctor about what to try next for breakthough pain. i have been using ultram over the last few years but it makes me so nauseous and makes me loopy which is not what i am looking for. i also have problems with my liver not metabolizing almost all narcotics so that is out too. the lido patches may be the way to go. i will have to decide if my pain is localized enough for that. it seems when i get breakthough, it is everywhere. i also have reynauds in my hands and there is little you can do about that either, except keep moving. i have had facet blocks in my spine for a badly degenerative area and then pt for that. the pt got me stronger, but it was all i could do! when i finished that i was wiped out for the day. it is all a game, seeing what works and what is too much.
i also get easily overheated ... even though i have the freezing feet! and then there is menopause! what a mess, huh?
i am going to vote that it is worse to have a problem with your arms ... i love to keep myself busy with hand work, and so i would not want to be without that. i worry more about the reynaud's than the legs although they hurt more.
i also developed vision problems and were progressive lenses and my big problem is if i read for too long or when i change from clsoe work to looking far away ... it is very blurry until i adjust.
oh and we put spinkler system in so i can garden but do not have to water ... that was a great help.
hope you are all having a low pain day joan