Lolabella

Does anyone have tips of how to deal with chronic pain. I have herniated discs in my neck was off work for five weeks back in recently and pain has flared big time. I cannot take a lot of medication due to gallbladder removal and issues after that. It has flared up again this week and despite lots of physio and melds I was buckled in pain today. This is in the context of trying to make my sons Halloween special and having to stand for long periods of time. The pain has been so bad that I was biting my arm to try and deflect pain sensors away from root of pain, no joy. Hence I have downed a bottle of wine and 7.5 mg of diazepam. The diazepam alone didn't work. My life currently is looking after my little boy, struggling through work die to pain and the rest of the time lying on a heat blanket to deflect pain. I am not depressed I have a wonderful child and wonderful friends. Is it time to give up work? My kids dad pays duck all maintenance wise but luckily I am economically self sufficient. Help advice needed

JD

Sorry,I don't have any suggestions. But mixing the wine with benzo's doesn't sound like a good idea or long term solution.

Debbie329

I'd return to my doctor for a permanent solution.

Soberwolf

I'd see a Dr we can't give medical advice there is this though

Recovery and Pain Management - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information

Lolabella

I guess I probably know the answer myself. I didn't work for five months a year ago and had no health issues. Nearly died having my beautiful boy and was beset with health issues after that not helped by having no family and a thankfully ex abusive partner. I have control issues after losing my mum at 15 and rearing myself due to alcoholic dad heroin addict brother and no present family. Money is control to me but a grand a week is no good if you're sick and a grumpy mum ��

Anna

Going back to your dr is a good place to start. Are you able to see a specialist in pain management?

I have had neck and back pain for many years. You have to keep trying to find what works for you. For me, movement was the best solution and sitting still was the worst. I walk a lot and do yoga when I can.

Lolabella

Anna thanks. That's my problem my work requires me to sit at a computer for a long time. Ironically I work in mental health and develop programmes for 0-3. I have just been offered a government post in suicide prevention which is my specialist area. If I do it it will set me up for life financially but the thought of increased hours and stress scares me given my precarious health. All I want at the moment is to sit back, go slow, sleep lots, heal and be the best mum I can be

Lolabella

Ps I have a wonderful dog and my pleasure was always walking him. I worked in horrible places, saw horrible things, but came home every night and took my boy up the mountains. Cleared my head every time. Now my poor dog is left home most days without his best friend who I had to re home. She was a very severe rescue case and loved every child but mine, she could not share me she snapped on more than one occasion and too close to my ds face. I still miss her though everyday. I also have my little boy in crèche far too long everyday. I need to be pain free and a good mummy again

Anna

Lolabella, it sounds like you are thinking about making a lifestyle change that will support your health. When I was sitting at a desk all day at work, my pain was the worst. Since then I have moved on and even having a job for years where I was on my feet all day was preferable to sitting at a desk. I hope that you make the right decisions for your health, your son and your beloved dog.

FeelingGreat

lola you have my sympathy for your situation and admiration for your level-headed approach and appreciation of the good things in your life.

I agree that any work you do would have to take into account your medical issues, and avoid sitting for long periods. It would be a pity to waste your skills though.

I've heard very good things about pain clinics both with relieving pain and helping people to live with it. If you go back to your doctor ask him what resources are available, and can he refer you. It's a specialist area and probably more promising than your GP's skills alone. A pain clinic may be able to help you with building up your tolerance for work through physio, exercise and ergonomics.

Part of dealing with the implications of the pain might be to make some special arrangements with employers in your area. You might be able to do some consultancy work from home, or go part time. It's less income but your work and expertise is valuable and would help you as well as others.

Debbie329

I used to sit at a desk all day and once got sciatica....omg......couldn't touch knees.....it went on for about 8 months and I cried at my chiropractor s thought I'd never walk normally again........I stopped driving and started taking the train and was told to walk at least 2 miles a day because walking naturally realigns your back......I also bought a big ball that I would lay backwards on for 5 minutes at a time to decompress and stretch my back. I eventually beat it but it took time. I also changed careers......so I'm not require to sit all day anymore.....but that was after I cured myself.

PennyLane76

So sorry Lola! I have had great success with a TENS unit. I stick on those electrodes for about a half hour. Really helps. Maybe ask your dr? Are you trying
to quit drinking?

Debbie329

I've heard good things about tens therapy.

Lolabella

Yes Sadie haven't drunk for two weeks and been ok but pain was so bad I was on my knees last night. Must check out tens does it work for neck?

Lolabella

No certainly not don't even like either of those but sometimes it is the only thing that works....can't take most anti inflammatory neds or any pain killers other than paracetamol. It's a bitch. Hopefully with a break between jobs I will Have a rest build up strength and get to some meeting thanks everyone for your support

mns1

I work woth a lot of people with pain stemming from disc issues and I agree with Anna movement is a must. However, it is extremely important to talk to your doctor for any contraindicated exercises as well as recommendations for specific exercises that will give you the most benefit.

Debbie329

As far as the use of the ball to stretch my back that was recommended by my chiropractor......as was walking.....I was on Vicodin and flexeral.....and used to go to work high as a kite but they knew and didn't care......they said.......I don't care what you have to do to ease the pain.....just get here......I was a banking consultant in my previous life.

Debbie329

I remember walking thru grand central station in New York at rush hour ......it's incredibly noisy and busy at that time.....I felt like I was floating thru the station and the sound was at a murmur.

PennyLane76

Yep, sometimes movement we think is good makes it worse. I attempted yoga again and backbends were the worst possible thing for my lower back and I didn't know. Figured it out quick, but it really set me back.

TENS for your neck... I use it there too, also have herniated cervical disc . (Thank you phone using driver who hit me!) Mine is 6,7. I got a headache when I tried it further up by skull, but everyone is different. Maybe you can try it at PT and see? That is where I first used it, in combo with moist heat, then after going back to work I needed it daily so finally got a professional grade one to use at home . Lifesaver for me. And moist heat vs. Dry heat makes a difference for me too.

Standing any length of time is the worst , and sitting too long. I alternate sit/walk or stand/walk if I have to do either.

Best to you!

Lolabella

I have exercises from physio but it's so badly flared that she said only do very slight movements no big stretches. Going to do Pilates tomorrow if it's calmed and just had lovely sunny walk with dog. Yes standing is the killer was queuing for my sons face painting yesterday and that just put my whole back into spasm it was agony for hours. Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon early December just want to avoid surgery on neck at all costs. Heat works very well. Debbie I would love to float but sadly my stomach won't tolerate any codeine morphine style drugs hence my slip last night. Not going to beat myself up sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do to get away from pain. The joys of 21st century living