Re: Becky (lo-ong!)

[Guest guest]

Dear Becky,

First, congratulations on being a cancer survivor! My husband, Dan, was

finally told a few months ago, he was officially cancer-free. So I understand,

at least a little, how wonderful that is. But I also know that with that

sometimes comes a lot of PTSD. Good news can cause

new fears.

I mention this because my Psychiatrist believes some of my pain is caused by

PTSD - and I'm sure he's right. Stress always makes physical pain worse, and

can even cause it. That's why relaxation techniques work so well with many

chronic pain patients.

Do you mind if I ask what stage and grade cancer you had?

I also have arthritis - several types, along with a menagerie of other

conditions, syndromes etc. My Dr. gives me Vicodin, muscle relaxants, valium if

I want to take one, and Ultram. It rarely takes the pain down below 6 on a pain

scale.

What dosage Vicodin are you on? If it's 5/500 you just can't take that much

(10/day), because it will hurt your liver. 10 of those give you 50 mg/day of

the narcotic in it. If you could switch to 10/660, you could take seven of them

a day - which would be 70 mg. narcotic painkiller, with a good deal less

acetaminophen to hurt your liver.

But the pain med should NOT be what you're looking for! Most pain is caused

by inflammation. If you can get the inflammation under control, you'll need far

less in pain meds. AND you will feel a LOT better.

If you can't tell if Relafen is working - it isn't! There are 8 basic

groups of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories). Sometimes you have to try

one drug from each group to find something that helps.

I'm allergic to all NSAIDs - which only leaves the steroids, which are

wonderful, but can cause osteoporosis, which at your age, would definitely not

be the best thing.

It's my preference not to get anything stronger for pain at this time.

There are only a few which do more for pain, and I want to leave those for when

it gets worse.

Stress is also a major factor in pain. That's why I'm going to a therapist,

and have taken classes in biofeedback, self-hypnosis, meditation, guided

imagery, mindfulness meditation - and any other mind/body connections I can use.

For me, self-hypnosis is great; my first choice. Sometimes meditation works

well also.

This is more work on my part than just getting more meds. But I want to be

able to keep the rest of my body as healthy as I can. Chronic pain can cause

depression in itself. But all narcotic painkillers are " downers " , so I figure

if I can get the right anti-inflammatory, use meds only when the pain goes

beyond 6 on my scale, and use either relaxation skills or get involved in

something I can do to take my mind off it. Sometimes, just playing music I like

is enough.

I'm also very sure that my 10 on the pain scale may well be someone else's

2. So, learning to cope with pain at level 6 is good for me, so that when it

gets worse, or something else happens, I won't be so drug tolerant.

This is just my philosophy; others have their own philosophy, including

taking higher doses, using more powerful meds, and keeping their pain level down

to a 2 or 4. We each have the right to choose our own philosophy, based on the

relative merits of each. The above is just mine. And every now and then -

about every 6-8 weeks, I give myself a break, take Prednisone (steroidal

anti-inflammatory) for a week or two, and increase the Vicodin and muscle

relaxants and take a few valium during the week or two.

Other things that help: long soaks in the tub, with candles and soothing

music; a heated throw (like an afghan) which works similar to a heated blanket,

but which I can heat up and put over me, hands inside; going to physical therapy

a couple times a year (my doc likes this) and getting exercises to help

different joints - and they DO work!

I'm also looking for a medical quality " tens " unit, and also when I can

afford it, pamper myself by getting a good massage, and lastly, a good

stretching for seniors videotape. They all help even more.

That's it! The End!! LOL

And please, for those of you who believe in taking a higher level

painkiller, or keeping your pain down to a 2 or 4, I understand your philosophy.

This message is not meant to be argumentative, and I DO NOT want to start some

kind of fight about what is the best. We each decide, for ourselves, what is

right for us.

I respect your right to do that, and ask that you respect my right to do

what I believe is best for me. The purpose of this letter is to give Becky -

and anyone else who is interested - another way of looking at her situation.

What Becky decides to do in the long run is HER choice.

With soft hugs,

Jo

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Let there be peace on earth

the peace that was meant to be . . .

Let us walk with each other

in perfect harmony. . .

chronic pain

Hi, I am 32 year old female who has survived Inflammatory Breast Cancer and

all the treatments that go along with that. The problem is now I

have arthritis in all of my joints. And just the last couple of weeks my

lower back is hurting real bad. It hurts to walk, stand, sit or do

anything. But the only thing my doctor will give is vicodin. They are not

working anymore. I have to take at least ten a day to get any relife. I also

take relafen for antiinflammatory, but do noth know if that is working. Also on

finoral for my migraines but cannot take those if taking vicadin. I am

wondering if anyone out there has any info or

things I can say to my doctor. I am now going to try and to my oncologist

since my other doctor will not listen.

Help me please

Becky