[SallyC]

Even though my injuries have healed, I'm having a lot more pain in my muscles and joints. I cry out with pain when I move my arm to reach for something.

I've always felt lucky and blessed not to have the chronic nerve pain of which some of you suffer. So, I guess my pain is not MS pain, but it still hurts.

It's not a constant pain...it only hurts if I move... I know, stop moving .. but no, I must keep it all moving to keep my body as strong and as useful as I can.

I don't want to start woofing down pain killers, especially not Narcs. What do you all suggest, so I can help myself here without becoming dependent on pain killers?

Thanks,

[kicker]

A friend saw a pain specialist and learned non-drug techniques.

[ANNagain]

Oh Sally, sorry that you hurt. <real tears>

I've use a heating pad on the lowest setting for muscles. It relaxes them. Chose a heating pad that is a little larger than standard and that has an auto shut off.

For joints (R knee) I use cold blue gel thingys. I have been able to avoid NSAIDS most nights. And to cover the blue gel thingys, I turn those ugly free hospital slippers inside out and voila, nice terry covers!

Anyone with loss of feeling should not use the hot/cold treatments. We all know that, right?

ANN

[NurseNancy]

i agree with seeing a pain dr. that may be 1 thing to try.
another is some sort of heat; on & off.
you can't manage the tub can you? warm/hot water may be the best.

some pt? i just did that and quit it. they about kill you trying to help you.
but, it would keep your body parts moving.

i'm so sorry you're in pain sally. i can relate.

[SallyC]

Hey you guys thanks...great suggestions. I know that, in the hosp yrs ago in PT, they did the ultrsound/hot/cold treatment on my lower back for spazms and it worked wonders, so why didn't I think of that?

I think I depend on you my friends, too much. Thanks, I love you.

[Erika]

Sure hope that something works really soon on that pain for you Sally.

Chronic pain is such a miserable and tiresome state to live within. Tough as we have all become through the ups and downs of this disease, constant pain can really wear one down.

here's another tip that might help a bit:
I like my house and vehicle quiet, so don't play the radio or CD player much; but when there's a lot of pain, I find that some music, of the sort that I've enjoyed in my past is an uplifting distraction. It seems to turn my mind away from the pain toward better thoughts and better times. It helped to get me through the worst of the TM relapses.
Worth a try if/when you are feeling down.

With love, Erika

[mrsD]

I find cold pack treatments done for 20minutes twice a day very
helpful for arthritis and nerve pain. I use a gel thing that is reusable by 3M.
http://www.amazon.com/Nexcare-Reusab.../dp/B002RBZS20
This lasts for YEARS if taken care of properly and not punctured.

My chiro warned me about heat...it was one of the best recommendations ever!

Heat accelerates inflammation and also stimulates nerves to fire.
Cautious use of cold treatments is now recommended for arthritis as well.

Biofreeze is very helpful (available now on Amazon) and I am looking at the new Cold Ben Gay product, but haven't tried it yet. My PT gave me the Biofreeze recommendation and it has been very helpful for my tendon injury.

http://www.bengay.com/bengay-cold-therapy

[jprinz99]

could you possibly have a shoulder problem? Bursitis, tendonitis or partial tears often get more painful over time

[Judy2]

Awwwww nuts.....I'm so sorry pain has found you ((((Sally)))). I can SO relate. If you're thinking about any "milder" drugs, the two Aleve I take every day really do help take the edge off....FWIW. Hope you find some relief as pain really does wear you down and puts this miserable disease in a different category.

[karousel]

Sally you should have your shoulder checked out. When I injured my shoulder I went to PT. The best part of PT that made my shoulder feel the best was ice and an electronic stimulus on my shoulder. Not to be Debbie Downer but that PT didn't work and I ended up having surgery followed by more PT. But that meant more ice and electronic stimulus to make it feel so good!