Quote:
Originally Posted by catra121
Have you tried a TENS unit at all in physical therapy? It doesn't work for everyone but I know for me it was a lifesaver when the meds gave me little to no relief. I was able to get a portable one that I can wear all the time and it gave me the ability to do the physical therapy that I needed to do to get the function back. Another thing that helps a little (not a lot) is Lidoderm Patches. They are not a huge relief but they can help tak ethe edge off a little in some areas. Since my RSD has spread I cannot wear the TENS unit on my whole body so I use it on my ankle so I can walk and the Lidoderm patches in other places (often under my bra strap to keep them from hurting me too badly).
Does anything else help to give you relief like heat? Heat helps me so I have several different types of heating pads to help give me relief under different situations. A hot bath is also usually helpful especially if the pain is more wide spread. I cannot take showers anymore because I cannot stand the pain from the water beating on me like that.
Also...have they tried any sort of anti-inflammatory med for you? This was always part of my meds when I was taking Lyrica or Neurontin, in addition to an antidepressant, and then Tramadol for the pain. Vicodin did nothing to help me with the pain but the tramadol seemed like it was a little bit better. I know what you mean about a little relief being better than nothing...but it may be worth it down the road to see if there are things that could give you MORE relief than what you are currently taking because it is clearly not enough.
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Yes, i have tried the TENS unit. i actually have one of my own. ( excuse the lower case letters, typing is difficult since i only have use of my right hand). i cannot use my Tens unit on my hand because, it is just too painful. i am already in enough pain, and evenjust the little things make the pain worst. anyone else with rsd, sensitive to the wind, hair touching you, or even the sun and heat? i know everyone is different, but rsd is SUPER hypersensitive. i do however, have some lidocaine but not in patch for, so the rubbing is too much. i usually only put that on my shoulder and back, or upper arm, where my rsd is not so bad yet. maybe i should invest in the patch kind? heat definately does not help. it just shifts the pain to being an intense burning pain for hours on end. what are some anti- inflammitory meds? i actually have none of those. and yes, vicodin and gabapentin and cymbalta do nothing for the pain, but i do have to admit that cymbalta helps with my anxiety and depression, and they all get me to sleep, and that's about it.
thank you alt and catra so much in helping me through this long and tough time.