How are YOU treated for chronic pain?

[jena1225]

For anyone experiencing chronic pain, what have you been Prescribed to control?

(I already take Vicodin during the day so I can work from home-Percoset at night) to help relieve the pain.

But to illiminate the Nerve ending pain that is attacking my lower back, legs, hips, etc.. I have been given Prednisone, Zanaflex, and Soma IF I might need.

It has only been a few days, but no relief as of yet. I know it may take time, but I just wanted to get an idea of what some of you are treating your pain with and is it working?

Thank you all!

[Linda C]

I have tried a couple of things for the pain but nothing really stops it. The stronger stuff just makes me out of it. So I have been taking Aleve and Tylenol. When joint pain is acting up ,I apply ice packs.
I do take one paxil pill a day. I don't know if that helps pain or not.
I am not real active person.
I just switched to Beataseron and I haven't noticed any increase in the pain. Infact it my be less, I haven't done an ice pack for awhile.
I hope my spelling is close enough to figure out what I said.
Blessings,Linda

[cricket52]

Hi Linda:

Chronic pain can sure wear one down. Sorry you are having trouble controlling the pain.

For spasticity I take Baclofen. I manage my own dosages, depending on the pain levels.

For neuropathic pain I am currently on Lyrica, waiting for gov't approval to get funding for Neurontin. The Lyrica makes me dizzy.

For the normal aches and pains (like sore hips in the morning or sore muscles) I will occasionally take Ibuprofen.

Narcotics are not a good choice for me, they don't work on spastic or neuropathic pain and are addicting.

Good pain management is important to your quality of life. I was lucky enough to find a neuro who understood that. Other people on the board have had some success with pain management specialists.

Best wishes.

[thatislife]

Hi. I havn't been diagnosed with MS but I hope you don't mind me posting here. I have neuropathic pain from a brain operation and my doctor just prescribed Lamictal because I also have seizures. He said it worked really well for both. I don't know if you can take it just for pain though. I also can't tell you if it works!

[jena1225]

Oh yeah, I am also on Lyrica. I cannot imagine anything I am NOT currently on that could be given to me by anyone else. . I know I have to give the Prednisone and the restarting of the Zanaflex time to work.

My nuero has done everything to help me and is still is. He is a blessing to me There is no way I would be able to do anything without the Opiates, even being on the other things. They are the only things that let me get my kids clothes together, do even the smallest of things. Addicted/dependant, so be it. My quality of life even with them could be better

Sorry, I am just very down right now, as having this pain has turned my life upside down it seems

[kelly in MD]

Sorry to hear of your chronic pain. You must be worn completely thin. I admire your strength and hug your hubby! I love my good one too.

My pain issues are not as horribly painful, but since they are neropathic, very hard to treat. Cymbalta has worked wonders for me. I realize an AD and it's uses for pain are new but it has even taken away a lot of the numbness ans burning in my hands that I've had for almost 10 years now. It may be worth a shot.

I do understand what you mean about the addiction factor. I was terribly addicted to Ambien for years because it was the only way I could sleep. Fortunataly, the Cymbalta has helped the nighttime pain so much that most nights now, I can sleep with just Baclofen (for spasticity) and no longer need the Ambien. That's a major milestone for me, but I still say, if I need it, I'll take it. I must sleep in order to work. Same with you, you can't live in constant pain. My nuero did mention Lyrica to me too but my new combo (too many to mention!) seems to be working for now.

Take care and I hope you find more relief very soon,

Kelly

[jena1225]

Yes, I hear Nuerapathy is very hard to treat I do hope your combo works for you as well. It can be so draininng trying to find the right combo when so many meds are involved.

It is a "wait and see" game again at this point, so I will do just that. I just hope I don't have to wait too long, as I have a family for crying out loud!! lol and no money left!

I told my Nuero straight "Sorry Doc, I just cannot afford to have this, so..." I just laughed!

[Virginia]

Jena, Cymbalta also worked wonders for my neuropathic pain. It also worked very fast - within just a few days. It also helped with spasticity.

Virginia

[kelly in MD]

Exactly Virgina. I read that it can help within 1-2 weeks but it started literally within 2-3 days for me. It's been about 2 months now and it still amazes me.

Kelly

[curiousforever]

99% of chronic pain patients don't become addicted. They might become dependent physically - but not addicted.