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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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