I have a 6 week tunneled epidural catheter in. Thursday was the 5 week point, so at my appointment, the rate was cut in half to wean me off the meds a little easier. Well later that day the pain spiked to horrible levels, and has continued to be very high since. I knew that this would happen, since I could tell that while the TEC has given me some relief while it's been in, it wouldn't be anything lasting as the pain frequency has actually increased over the weeks. Additionally, whenever I have had some kind of relief for some time (like through blocks) when the pain comes back it's always awful.

But since I still have a reduced rate of the meds in me, I can't take any pain pills. I've been desperate, doing all the little things I know how to do. Yesterday I was thankfully able to get in a good hour and a half at PT where about halfway through (with the first half being misery) my pain reduced to probably a 7/10 which lasted for a few hours. I felt human again for a little while, which was nice. Around the house I have been elevating my legs (the RSD is in both of my knees but often radiates up and down my legs), using the stationary bike, taking time to relax amidst all the work I have to get done, keeping my legs at a good temperature, things like that.

Does anybody have any little tricks like that to share? Some things that make your pain just a little better to get through? I know everyone's bodies respond differently to some things, but it's really worth a shot.