Re: Re: type of pain -- was Need Help on Intro Diet

[Guest guest]

Sounds like you're dealing with pain from multiple causes. That makes it tricky to treat. And of course pain relievers always slow down the gut, so constipation and other digestive symptoms increase. I often have to choose between the lesser of two evils -- constipation pain or back pain....

My neurologist keeps mentioning Lyrica for my neuropathic pain -- and I know it helps people with fibromyalgia. I haven't tried Lyrica yet, as I have been able to manage my neuropathies to avoid long bouts of nerve pain. But it might be something for you to look into, talk to your doctor about.

Spinal pain (I have some damage to lumbar, thoracic and cervical vertebrae) is another matter and there are days when I do end up taking ibuprofen and suffer for a few days afterwards with increased constipation. I've been through two 6-week sessions with a physical therapist who taught me several stretches and movements to help minimize the spinal pain. I find the daily stretches really help. I've also had to purchase an ergonomic chair for my workplace in addition to my home office so I could get through the day without significant pain.

Arthritis is just beginning to be an issue for me, so I haven't had to deal with much arthritic pain yet -- but I know I'll have more issues in the future. Won't be much fun, to have arthritis on top of neuropathies and spinal damage. Oh well.

These are the only suggestions I have for the moment. It helps to check in with your doctors, get some Xrays if that seems appropriate.

A few months ago one of my shoulders froze up, was quite painful, so I headed to my orthopedic surgeon, worried about my rotator cuff. The Xrays showed an impingement -- and, nothing much can be done at this point. So many of my issues are in this category of "just learning to live with the problem." But this shoulder impingement also pinches some nerves running down to my hand, so in addition to the pain and motion problems in my shoulder, and having carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes (per nerve conduction studies and EMGs), now I have to deal with a completely numb and useless hand several times a day when the nerves get pinched. Quite annoying, I must admit. But there it is.

I'd continue to ask questions and seek information. See a pain management specialist if necessary, in addition to your doctors. I cope better when I know what's going on, and do the research to understand more.

Kim M.

SCD 5+ years

[Guest guest]

Thanks Jodi, Do you think LDN is a better choice? Any idea what type of doc I can ask about it?

Ann,

Living in Italy

Undiagnosed Crohn's since 1977 Diagnosed 15 years

Sacroiliitis 25 years

Rheumatoid arthritis 25 years

Pyoderma Gangronosum 2 years

SCD since July, 2008

Meds: None

To: BTVC-SCD Sent: Friday, August 14, 2009 4:05:00 PMSubject: Re: type of pain -- was Need Help on Intro Diet

Hey Ann,Lyrica is like Neurontin (spelling?) many tolerate the Lyrica much better though..Just a thought though- have you looked into Low Dose Naltrexone?Jodi