I'm trying to get a handle on all this pain......
 

I have been SO depressed these past weeks that I cry often. Yesterday in traffic, heading to the Urologists office I called my husband in tears. My Arthritic shoulder was hurting, my 2 worn tendons in my heal were hurting......besides my lungs from the stomach acid burn from the surgery last Friday and then there's that PN pain that's always there and now worrying about the thyroid nodules....it just seems to go on and on and I can't even talk to good friends about it anymore because they have NO idea where I'm coming from!
It's really helped reading how y'all deal with this but right now I can't seem to get a handle on it all. I'm looking up psychiatrists in my insurance plan and will see if they can help me at all and I'm going to have my heal looked at by a specialist to see what he can do for it.....but I'm dreading thinking about any type of surgery again :(
Yesterday my Urologist said he thinks I may need bladder surgery again in 3 months since the results we'd hoped for aren't happening.:(:(:( He doesn't want me to work for 2 more weeks.....no lifting for 2 more weeks.......my school district is going to love hearing that! And I am now getting no paycheck at all since I'm not working.
Thanks for listening to me ramble it helps to know y'all are out there and I know y'all are going through SO much too.........Hugs to you all! :hug:

Oh Roxie.

You are having such a time of it aren't you??

Last night on tv, they did a segment on chronic pain. The end result was...the doctor on the tv said 'if you have chronic pain, you should definitely try, yoga, meditation and deep breathing.

Now I have no idea if you have ever tried these things. Perhaps they release endorphins in your brain??

Might be worth a shot.

Just know that we all care.

Melody

I am sorry and I can relate. Yesterday I had a little well more then little breakdown on the phone with my mom. I feel like I am loosing my mind. I am going back to the psych too because I need something to help me calm down with the anxiety and depression as well. I wish I had advice for you but I think it is good you are reaching out for help. Use the real time support you have too like family/friends,allow yourself to cry,try to do some coping mechanisms though at the moment they are not working so great for me. I kept saying yesterday to myself you just have to let the time pass and hope for better. I know work has been a big issue and I am sure a huge stresser with money etc. I really can not imagine working like this. Have you worked on disability yet? Is there any family that can help you out financially?I don't get it my friend is on disability for mental issues. In reality can do so much though. I understand depression but she is fine to go out and have fun and not in pain/illness. WHy do some people get it and not others who need it more?It is not fair. I am sending warm hugs and remember you have a buddy here. Hang in there and as we say in the therapy world one day at a time or even one moment at a time.

Roxie
 

Sending good thoughts - you'll get thru it - although it seems overwhelming - you've shown your strength in the past and we're all here for support! Hang in there!

Hi Roxie!

I read your post and feel sad for you, however, happy that you can vent about it.
It always seems that, in life, when one thing happens, it just kind of snow-balls..

Sounds like you have a lot of things going on. I KNOW it is hard to deal with what you are feeling & going through. Hang in there! Things will get better. ;)

Try and take one thing at a time and many deep breaths! It will help! :)

*Barb



End Stage Renal failure, diabetic (insulin dep.) for 26 years, Degenerative Disc Disease (need a fusion), PN, Panice disorder, heart by-pass surgery at age 48.

Hi, Thank you ladies. I truely appreciate your support and kind words.
I found a psychiatrist that isn't too far away, tho I can't see her till Feb. 1. Next I'm going to find a Orthopedic surgeon to look at tendons in my heal, tho I can't have surgery till summer, maybe there's something he can do for me in the mean time. I'm hoping if I can at least get my pain under control that will help my over all being......Tho I can't take most pain medication......UGH!!!! Thanks again.........

Rox:

If you have pain in your heel (I did YEARS AGO!!), my doctor gave me a cortisone shot. Now let me tell you, it's not the most pleasant experience, BUT, it did the trick. And I had to do 3 ultrasounds (it goes with the treatment), I believe the ultrasound breaks up the inflammation.

Now I have no idea if this applies to tendons, but they can GIVE YOU SOMETHING (whether it be a shot or oral meds). I'd go for the shot (if this is applicable in your case).

It lasts for some time. I believe it's a cortisone shot.

It really did work. I've had three of them in my heel (over the span of 20 years), They numb the area first, then they shoot you.

Don't worry, you've been through so much already, this is a breeze.

mel

HI Mel,
I'm on oral steriods right now for the burned lungs so maybe that will help some with the heal. If not I'll find out from the Orthopedic. I had an MRI a few weeks ago of my ankle and heal and they said I have 2 worn out tendons and that they are very thin......that's why they hurt. SO I figured since I'm sitting at home anyway now might be a good as time as any to go to the Ortho dr. and see what he has to say about it. I don't know if tendons can be repaired or not...sounds painful tho! lol

Hi
 

Roxie i've been seeing a Psythiatrist for 15 yrs,for a variiety of reason's.
It started after my son had cancer,I was a rock when he went through
it. But he got through the scary things, I went to pieces and fell apart.
This was not helping anyone,so my primary Dr. said try it ,or at least
a Psychologist,good advice..Because I thought I had to do something,
believe it or not parents of sick children stay together but many don't..Our
marriage was getting not so good..I liked both,but perfered the Psychologist
the talking, I would come out exhausted the Dr. and I would talk and it
helped with the anxiety and panic attacks that started with this..
Insurance wouldn't pay anymore,and said I would have to see a Psychiatrist.
I did. Roxie I think it's a good idea..Also if needed more people get help
with disability ,I always thought they had more patience with the paper
work..But my daugther-in-law said ' that people willl think i'm crazy,
Who cares you and I know you wore out and the Dr. is paid to listen..Ask
your Pharmacist,prmary,Dr. or friends,you sound like you know what
you need..

I hope there is someway your work can help you out. And a Psychihiatrist
is not going to solve your problems,but will help you do that,help you
think things through. Bring up your fears ect.and with there help may
help you get on with you life..And no you don't have to go for 15 yrs. lol
Oh be sure you let the Dr. Psych.your problem with meds.and know your
Med. problems.

They are just letting phd's in some states write scripts because there is
a shortage a Psychihatrist in many states. But they would have to have
at least a masters Degree...Lots of luck :hug::hug: Sue pm if you need to.

Heel issues..
 

First Roxie,
Let me tell you that I know where you are coming from with the pain issues. It is overwhelming at times isn't it??...It's o.k. to let it all out sometimes. Crying is good for the soul. But it's not good to do it on a continous basis. It gets to where it takes over your soul. Getting some help for dealing with the constant pain, constant illness is a good idea.

The heel issues...I too suffer from this. The tendons on my left ankle have given out and the ankle has also. I've thrown away all my Manolo Blahniks:p and the sandals with the delicate heels. The podiatrist took one look at it and cast me for inserts for my shoes to help hold my heel in one place. He said it would stabilize my foot and cut down the inflammation. It won't fit in all my shoes, but it will fit into the Naots.

I hope things let up for you soon. Pain isn't fun and you are right. Most people don't understand it.

Billye:hug:

Hi Roxie
 

It seems when it rains it pours. I am sorry to hear about what you are going through. I too have multiple health problems and sometimes I get overwhelmed. I know the balacing act can be hard with work. We have something here called light duties. that means you can come to work but only doing the lightest of duties. I have a little trolley like the one that flight attendants use for carrying my gear. It saves my back.

HI Aussie,
I wish we had "light duties" at my school, but they are real hard noses when it comes to disabilities. Since my Urologist said I can't lift anything over #25 pounds right now the district said I can't work at all!....it's their new policy! So here I sit, not making any money at all. UGH!!!!!!!!!

Roxie
 

Oh Roxie, you are having a hard time - I feel so bad for you. What kind of bladder surgery did you have? I don' tknow if your recall, but I too had bladder surgery. Along with that, they fixed my enterocele and rectocele. I am 38 years old. I also suggest trying a cortisone shot - or epidural steroid injection - they did wonders for my lower back. I have two herniated/dessicated discks back there.

I'm sorry you are feeling this way. Sending big hugs to you!!:hug::hug::hug::hug::hug::hug: Hope you feel better soon.

HI Sandy,
Thanks for all the hugs!
I had Mini Arc bladder sling surgery and it worked great for 2 1/2 weeks....then bam! It wasn't working any more! My dr thinks possibly that it came loose and if that's the case I'll have to have it done again in 3 months! UGH!!!!!!!!
I'll see what the Ortho says about my heel and about the cortisone shot. It's so painful at night when I'm trying to relax or sleep......the worst time to have pain!

Roxie, do you have any Lidoderm patches in your house?. You can cut up one and put it on your heel area!!!

Might do the trick.

Melody

Hi Mel! Yes I do and that's an excellent idea!! Thank you! I'll put one on my heel before I go to bed tonight and let you know how it works! You are great!

That's Great News.

:hug:

Hope it works for you.

Hi! I don't know much about your surgeries, but I do understand what it is to be overwhelmed by too much medical garbage at once. It is completely understandable that you feel as you do.

Here is what I use as a rule of thumb in deciding whether to get counseling: if I am have one or two days of feeling overwhelmed but feel better on the following day, I'm probably going to be ok without help. But if I'm still upset and get to where I don't want to get out of bed (different from not being ABLE to get out of bed), and this lasts for a week or two, it's time to call a professional.

When I found out three years ago that I was never going to be able to go back to work and would have to file disability, I had a hard time with that. I chose a licensed clinical psychologist with experience with chronic pain patients for simple talk therapy. It was quite freeing to just vent about the social, financial, physical and mental aspects of chronic illness without someone trying to push the lastest anti-depressant pill on me.

Hope you are able to get what you need. I'm glad you are smart enough to know when you need help. Until February, focus on putting one foot in front of the other and don't forget to breathe. :wink:

fanfaire
:cool:

Thank you Fanfaire,
I hope I chose a good Psychiatrist....guess she'll send me elsewhere if she's not right for me or I'll see she's not right and go elsewhere.
I'm trying to focus on getting well while I'm off work and get all the medical stuff done before then also. I hope I can do both.

Mel, I put one of those patches on my heel an hr ago and it's feeling SO much better right now! I'll have to get my dr. to give me a new prescription for these. Thanks again!!

Roxie
 

How do they prsscribe those a patch's how many mgs before you cut
them up...Bob said tonight when he called his heel was hurting and
knee..He's gotten shots but i've been wondering if he should ask his
Dr. about them..He tried them a long time ago but ,he couldn't remember,
the size. It seems like it helped you,good thinking Mel..Oh how long
do they help all night or what...Glad that part is feeling better..
Hope you sleep well. hugs to all Sue

Hi Roxie:

Most people get one disease; we get a basket full of all sorts... Sorry this is such a big load to have to carry. I am glad that you have a loving husband to help you through all of this.

I do think your idea of getting a Psychiatrist is very good. It helps to have someone to talk to and someone who can help you sort this out... I also wondered if your doctor had explained that Prednisone may have some effect on depression and your emotions? I don't know if you have experienced a wide range of Prednisone effects, but it can also make you highly irritable or euphoric, in addtion to increasing your appetite...

It makes me highly irritable and I tend to get very emotional at times. Since you probably are on a short term dose, hopefully, this will let up quickly...

Regardless, you do have a huge amount on your plate to deal with. I hope you are able to find someone who is easy to talk with and who can help you get some relief from all of this stress. Also, a lot of psychiatrists are very good at pain management. Perhaps you will find one who can put together a means of pain relief...


We will be thinking about you,
Cathie

I'm just glad I was able to do SOMETHING, besides show videos and make you guys laugh from time to time.

Hey, I made a contribution, now didn't I??? lol

Glad they worked. They didn't do a thing for Alan's feet (his neuropathy I mean). So I confiscated them and I put them on my knee or my back (when I wake up crooked).

Right now, here in Brooklyn, I just woke up to a freezing cold day outside (thank god, it's nice and toasty in my apartment).

I know, when we walk to Dunkin Donuts, I shall be crooked as a tree trunk.

Oh, I just can't wait till May. I'll be walking upright with the best of them.

bye for now.

Melody

Hi Roxie,

Do you know the name of what your heel problem is?

Could it be plantar fasciitis? If so, a podiatrist can make orthosis custom tailor made for your feet. With the orthosis/orthotics placed in correct shoes appropriate to your gait and posture, the pain of PF can be completely relieved.

If it is PF I would never concede to surgery. I think the conservative methods above work very well. I also found this link which altho' a surgical type procedure is less invasive: http://www.drfettinger.com/pdf/ESTWarticle.pdf

Steroid injections are not without risk as you can develop such things as steroid arthropathy, tendon rupture, septic arthritis etc.

Quite near where I live is a retail shoe shop run by podiatrists who assess ones gait, via filming posture and foot load etc walking and running on a treadmill. Once they have carefully looked at all the factors they then know what shoe is the correct one. They have never been wrong for me. I had very severe Plantar Fasciitis before going to them which cleared up once I had new orthosis/orthotics and new shoes. Unfortunately they don't have a full range of styles, mainly sports shoes....but the relief has been worth practically living all the time in sports shoes.

Megan:

I'll never forget (years ago), when I got up in the morning, planted my right foot on the floor and when I tried to walk, I almost died. I said "Alan, I can't walk, there's something wrong with my foot".

This was over 20 years ago. I didn't even get to the podiatrist. We had our doctors within driving distance to our home, so we just drove there. I limped in and said "there's something wrong with my foot". He took an x-ray and told me "you have a heel spur". I was QUITE obese at the time, so naturally I said "well, if I lost weight, would that help"??? And the guy said 'it would make absolutely no difference".

I have never forgotten that conversation.

He put me on the table and gave me a shot. (Back then, there were no ultrasound treatments with the shot (maybe in the podiatrists offices, but not in my primary care guy's office).

Then he said: "you need orthotics". Thank god I had insurance because I remember they were a lot of money. Well, weeks passed by, the orthotics came in, I wore them and felt much better.

Then as the years flew by, we moved, I got a podiatrist and the heel spur thing came back. This time I saw the x-rays and I said 'oh my god, what the heck is that on the x-ray". The podiatrist said 'that's a double heel spur, you can hang a coat on that one". I just looked at him. I came in there not able to walk one bit. I had misplaced my original orthotics over the years.

So he did new impressions (and I remember asking him "if I lost weight, would it make a difference?? " and he replied "no, it won't".

So I had my second pair of orthotics.

I wore them every day. I also lost weight. S L O W L Y. That's how I do it. I wish it could do it like Alan does, but my body works in it's own way.

Two or so years ago, the heel spur thing hit again. I could not walk. That's when I got another shot, and did the ultrasound. I remember asking the doctor "can't you just go in and snip this sucker and get it out?"

He replied "no, we don't do that". I have always wondered why.

Well, to just make a long story short. I lost a tremendous amount of weight, AND I NEVER HAD ANOTHER PROBLEM WITH MY HEEL SPURS (OR DOUBLE THINGS), again. I have no idea why. I no longer wear any orthotics. I'm sure they are in the closet somewhere but I haven't worn them in years.

I do however, wear my CROCKS every day.

I have no heel problems whatsoever.

So, whether it's the crocks, or the fact that I lost weight, who on earth cares?? One less pain to deal with is how I look at things.

take care,

Melody

Melody, being overweight is the major cause of heel spurs, you are right! Also, they are almost always self-limiting....that is, they will go away by themselves, although it may take 3-4 years for the body to adjust and the pain to stop. I always hate to see people get surgery -- it makes the docs a lot of money, so they recommend it -- when weight loss and time will take care of things. And orthotics help many people. I had steroid injections for mine years ago, and it helped temporarily, although I don't think I would do that again now that I am more aware of the possible side effects.

Sue: (and anyone else who is not familiar with the Lidoderm Patch.

Lidoderm patches are manufactured by Endo Pharmaceuticals. Here is what one looks like:

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...t/lidoderm.jpg

http://i73.photobucket.com/albums/i2...odermpatch.jpg

Each patch measures 4 inches by 5 1/2 inches. (and this is completely different than the Fentanyl patch by the way). You cannot cut up a fentanyl patch. The fentanyl patches come in different strengths.

This Lidoderm patch is infused with 5% of Lidocaine. It's a good size patch.
You cut it up as you need it, and then put the rest back in the little pouch it comes in. I've been doing this for years. These patches last a long long time also.

In the beginning, Alan used to take one patch, cut it in 10 strips and wrap each strip around each toe. It worked for a while (on his neuropathy) but after a while it stopped. So now I just use a patch for my arthritis.

For a person's heel, I would just put the patch to the place on the heel, draw a pen around the place to cut the patch, cut the patch, peel off the stickie thing, and just apply the little piece to the bottom of the heel.

The rest of the patch is perfectly fine and can be used when needed.

These patches (oh you can use up to 3 patches at a time). I've never done this, but that's what I was told. And the rule for wearing these is:

12 hours on, and 12 hours off.

So there you go!!

Melody

Hey Mel,
I wore half a sheet of the Lidocaine patch last night and put my sock over it so it would stay in place all night and I slept all night long without pain!! It was SOOOO nice to be able to sleep without pain. It hasn't hurt half as much all day either......and I removed the patch this morning when I woke up. So tonight I'm going to use the other half patch. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for that wonderful suggestion!

Hi Megan,
I don't know the name of my foot ailment, other than the dr. said I have 2 very thin tendons and that's what's causing the pain. I'm going to see a specialist soon so after I find out the exact name I'll let ya know. I hope I can just get inlays to use in my shoes and the dr. doesn't think I need surgery......cause I can't do another surgery anytime soon. I'm just glad that Melody's suggestion of using the patches helped with the pain so much!

Wow, that is such good news!!

I can't seem to keep the patch on wherever I put it.

For example, yesterday, my right knee was hurting, so I put a patch. I pressed it into place. I have my pair of trousers on over the patch. The patch gets all stuck to each other. It never stays where it's supposed to stay.

I have even used the Johnson Dressing thing (that you peel it and place it over something so the something doesn't fall off.

Doesn't work for me. This Johnson and Johnson product came with the Fentanyl patches. Alan was afraid the Duragesic patches would fall off in the shower so each time we applied a patch, we placed the Johnson and Johnson thing over the patch. Stayed put for 3 days (or 2, because Alan's doc prescribed it for a change over 2 days).

But when I put the Lidoderm patch on my shoulder (well, it does stay on the shoulder, okay). But god forbid I put it on my sciatica, well, in a few hours, I find the darn thing stuck to the inside of my pants.

Oh well. trial and error , as they say!!!

I'm very happy you slept with no pain. Thank god for small favors.

Melody

Melody first your posts and replies make me so happy. I have no idea but your tone or attitude and especially your strories. I have those patches and on my leg it makes it worse the pain because it presses on my pain area that a fan blowing hurts but I may try it for my back muscle pull. I have the opposite problem those patches stick to me like glue.My mom I think has something similar with her foot I may be wrong but she thinks the glucosamine msn I think it is helps I take similar and have seen nothing.Also she has orthotics.
Roxie I am glad you found something to help you rest that is a pleasure.