HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

crying

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/11/2009 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hi friends, I haven't posted much this week. My son left yesterday to go to TN with my parents. They came to get him. It was hard to let him go. But I know how much it meant to him and to my parents. And it means he won't have to go to daycare this summer. He is 11 now. So I have been trying to spend some good quality time with him.He is suposed to be gone until right before school starts back. He is a big mammas' boy, so I really think he will be home before then.

Okay, I called my pharmacy to have my Lortab refilled. The system told me that it was to soon and to contact my doctor, which I did right away. They did call me back. The nurse told me that indeed it was too soon. And to that she added" Are you still hurting THAT bad?" I said that yes,I am. I explained that I have been pushing myself to walk the three times a day and that I have been doing the PT. She asked if PT is making the pain worse. I said I really didn't know, but it certainly wasn't making it better. She made me an appt. for next Tues. And said that I could have the rx. filled in 2 days... I am so close to tears. And I am sure they will start to fall, very soon. I have not abused the Lortab. He wrote the rx. for 10mg #60, take 1 every 8 hours. I told him at my last visit that although I tried to wait the 8 hours, that I couldn't. I was taking them every 5 or 6 hours. I explained that and he wrote the new rx the same way and put a refill on it. It was filled on the 28th. I have been taking about 4 a day on the average. Some days more, some days less. But I have NEVER put one in my mouth that I wasn't hurting... I told the nurse that I have not had one pain free day since the surgery. I told her that my buttocks and hips have hurt since the surgery. This pain is real. I am not addicted to my Lortab. And I would relish the day that I don't have pain and could just not take them at all. But that day is not here. It has been 7 weeks since the laminectomy and each day I wake with the hope that I will not hurt. But ofcourse, it simply doesn't happen that way. I do hurt. And now I will be left to suffer with no help for 2 days!!!  He would not okay the early refill. I can't believe this. I have 2 left now... So it will be a bad couple of days. I just took motrin,tylenol and aleeve. I know it won't help at all. But I will try to wait before taking another Lortab... No matter what I will be out completely. And there isn't a darn thing I can to about it... I don't know if PT is hurting me worse. I do know that it hasn't helped. I did tell the nurse that I was walking the 3 x's a day. I am not one to lie. And I really don't know why I told her that. I have been walking. But not the 3 x's a day... Now I feel quilty for telling her that. I told her that I am hurting. And my pain level is staying about an 8 everyday. And it is. I guess I have the big 10 to look forward to for the next 2 days. I am so sick and tired of this pain. I had the surgery in hopes that it would work and I could be past all this... I don't know if I am hurting b/c the surgery didn't work or b/c I just haven't healed yet. I am trying to be patient and not jump to conclusions. But it has been 7 weeks now. And I have not had one pain free day since. It doesn't look good. 

I have vented now. I don't feel any better. And the tears are flowing now as I know what my next couple of days will be like. I am so sick of all this. I am tired of the pain. I am still hurting. The Lortab doesn't take the pain away. But it does take the edge off a little. Both hips and both buttocks are hurting. I don't even know why. I don't know if it is just part of the healing. Or if it means that this is the way my life will be from now on... I am supposed to go back to work at the end of the month. I don't know how that will be. I miss my job, the kids, and my co-workers. And I worked for all those months in pain. I guess I will go back when he releases me. I guess I'll just have to do it. I can't go on anymore now. I am crying too bad.

Anice

Posted 6/12/2009 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
My dear Anice,
I'm so sorry that your pain is not subsiding. Although I have a pain management dr. now, I have been in your sittuation in the past with injuries and surgeries and it's NO fun! Your doc is doing exactly what he was trained to do and unfortunately as we all know, we are not all the same! Some heal faster than others and some have higher tolerances to pain than others but they treat us all the same! It's old school me4disine and it's WRONG! Just like Skeye, I'm sure your pain is real and that you are telling him the truth. As usual we find ourselves being judged because of all those abusers out there crying for meds from these drs. So they don't believe the ones who are truely suffering! It sucks! I wish I could tell you that your dr. will change his mind but I doubt he will. You may have to look for a pain specialist if this pain continues and your dr refuses to help you. I wish I could write more but I am really beat after this week. I have to get some rest. Anice, I will be praying for you and I really hope your pain lets up soon!
Big>Gentle> Hugz!!!
Your Brother,
Pete
Posted 6/12/2009 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
Anice,
I know that you are hurting, I understand that, but you know that you have to follow the directions of the surgeon or he is going to cut you off the pain medication, period. You have to try other modalities to help cut the pain, ice, heat, stretches, and yes, walking. I know it hurts, and it is going to for a while longer yet, but you have to do what he is telling you to do in order for your body to start the road to recovery. The longer that you are limiting your activities, walking, and even PT, the longer it is going to take for you to start feeling better.
If the Lortab is supposed to be taken every 8 hours, then try taking the motrin or aleeve at hour 4 instead of waiting for the time when the pain is starting to escalate. Try using ice before you start your walk or heat. Take some socks and fill them up with rice grains and warm them in the microwave for two minutes. Check the temperature just to be safe but use those on your hips and low back to help relax the muscles and the ease some of the pain.
I don't want to see you loose the pain medications period, because I do know that 7 weeks post op, I was still hurting quite a lot, but adjusting those dosage times on your own is going to get you into trouble that you don't want.
Best wishes ,
Sandi
Posted 6/12/2009 2:28 AM (GMT 0)
Awww, Anice,

I'm sorry that you are still hurting so much, and that your doc doesn't understand. It's tough. I think that surgeons have the mentality that once they fixed something, it should be fixed. It shouldn't hurt any more, it should work right, you should be back to normal in X number of months; it's fixed. They don't think about the human factor. They don't think that everyone is different & everyone heals differently & reacts to trauma differently. So they don't understand it when someone takes longer to heal, or has bumps in the road. I think that every surgeon should have to undergo a major surgery themselves, just so they see how it feels! All the stress that you've had lately, regarding your son doesn't help either! I know that this is going to be a tough couple of days, but you'll get through it! Vent to us any time you need to, & if withdrawls get to bad, don't be afraid to talk to your doc, or at least your pcp & ask for some help. Best of luck, and I hope you feel better!

many hugs,
Skeye
Posted 6/12/2009 2:51 AM (GMT 0)

Anice, I too know all to well what it means to not have the pain relievers when you need them. I can't change the dr's mind because if I could, I would have already dealt with my doc. I agree with Sandi, do everything else you can. Heat wroks for some, ice for others, chnaging the two out yet for others. Over the counter meds need to be used when possible. When you have done all you can then pray and cry. If neccesary, cry your prayer.We are all proof that life is not fair. Another thing that saves me is finding something to distract me. If I am successful at distracting myself, I don't feel the pain or at least all of it. Just so you know, I am crying as I write this as I do know the pain that you are in and the tough place you find yourself.

Let me ask about your son. You say he is a momma's boy. You say he might be back early because he probably will mis you. You did not mention how much you will miss him. I don't say that in any negative way, I also know that you are missing him already. Your heart is already hurting and now you add something else. I know that this is a big issue as well. You say it was hard to let him go and probably harder that you are letting on. They have all the police type shows on and they are always calling out the swat team or special forces.  I think we need to have our own quick response team and when one of our members is in need, we would call out the team to help someone. I just wish there were something more I or someone else could do. We are here so don't hesitate to let us know when you need us the most. We will do what we can even if it is just listening. We care.  

Posted 6/12/2009 4:25 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your responses,again. It means alot to me that you all do care for me. Your friendship and support have meant so much to me.It is wonderful to have each and every one of you. I do treasure these friendships!! I am so sorry I haven't been posting much this week. I tried to catch up on everyone, but I am still pretty far behind. I will get caught up!!

I do miss my son terribly. I did talk to him this evening. He was kind of quiet... We are very very close. That little boy has been my lifeline many many times. I love him so very much and so deeply. I hug and kiss him many times during the day. He acts like sometime he doesn't like it. But he grins so big. He loves getting attention and he loves affection. I am sorry if I didn't say that I was going to miss him. Oh, how I miss him already!! It has been hard on him watching me go through all of this. He is so thoughtful and sweet. It really has effected him... I try not to let him know how bad I hurt. But he has become very perceptive and he knows.I let him go b/c he is really close to my parents. And he needs to be #1 and get all that grandparent attention! He has gone for the past couple of years during the summer. He always wants to go. They don't have alot of rules as most grandparents don''t. I will talk to him everyday. And I will write to him a couple times a week. I want him to have some fun and enjoy his summer. He deserves it sooo much. And ofcourse, at the same time, I want him to come home. He will come home whenever he is ready. I have a 4 y/o daughter. And I don't mean he is my favorite. I love her to pieces too. But it is different. She is a beautiful, fun, little angel. And a big handful. It is fun to dress her in cute little girly girl clothes with bows in her beautiful curly hair. She is a blessing to me just the same. My son and daughter are very close too. She is missing him really bad,too. It broke her little heart when he left...just as it did mine.

My doctor knew that I was taking them every 5-6 hrs instead of the 8 hours he wrote the Lortab script for. He just nodded but didn't say not to. I told him that I am trying. And I am. I don't like taking them. And they never have given me a "high" feeling. I try to wait longer. I just can't deal with the pain longer than that. I have been walking. And I have been doing the PT and doing my best with both. I have been using the heating pad. And I do take Tylenol and Motrin and Aleeve,too. I took a very hot bath tonight. And then I rubbed some BenGay on my lower back,hips and buttocks. The pain is better. My mother in-law #1 (my 1st husbands' mother) bought me a whole bunch of different types of rubs like that. I have about 6 different ones in a bag and then some patches too. I thought that was real sweet and thoughtful of her. She gave them to me yesterday. I just tried it tonight. It has helped some. And there are plenty others to try if this doesn't help for long. I did take a lortab before my bath. And I have one left. I will just have to deal with this for 2 days before I can get the refill. I will manage. I will try the rice in a sock and put it in the microwave. I will do all that I can. I really haven't thought much about withdrawls... I hope I don't have them. I will get the refill in 2 days. And I will go to the doctor on Tuesday. I will explain exactly how I feel and see what he says. I do want to go back to work. And I completely intend on doing so. I will give it my best. I may have to go back to my PM doctor, if the ortho thinks I should. I will do everything that I need to do. I was taking about 3 lortabs a day on average. Some days I would take 4 or 5 at the most. But I never took one pill that I took just for the sake of taking it. I have been hurting all along. I am trying to move around a good bit. I don't just lie or sit and do nothing. I have tried increasing my activity. I am trying to push myself(not too hard, I don't think). I want so much for all this to be behind me. I want to stop all this pain. I am trying. I feel I am doing my best. I'll get through these next couple days. It may not be pleasant by any means, but I will get through it. I am glad I have the variety of rubs. It really has helped a little. I will use it as much as directed,although not more than that.

Dear friends, thank you for letting me vent. I will get caught up on everyones' posts hopefully tomorrow. I am wishing you all well and sending hugs to all of you.
Anice
Posted 6/12/2009 4:32 AM (GMT 0)
anice
I wish I had something better to say to you , than what has already been said,  but I haven't!  I have no magic words that will ease your pain and make it go away and make things all better for you. Sandi gave you some really good advice, it actually was very very good advice, she is really looking out for you! Try the alternating heat and cold, walking, listening to music that you like, perferably something soothing, and  healing music that will relax you! Have you tried Ben Gay on your hip? or something like that? Have your husband give you a good foot massage, I tell you from experience I used to give them to my patients, and a good foot massage with lotion will work wonders for a person, just nice and gentle! I know my patients always said it helped them, but unfortunately for me, it was always being requested! Not to be bragging but even my most difficult patient, was co-operative and like putty iin my hands after a good foot massage! So ask your husband if he will do it for you! I bet it will help, if nothing else it will relax you a bit!
I wish you lonly the Best anice
Good Luck to You

White Beard
Posted 6/12/2009 6:13 AM (GMT 0)
Anice, I mentioned your son because I knew it was very important not that you failed. With him leaving it is possible that feeling are intensified as you deal with the loss (not personal but missing him). I would advise you to spend some wonderful time having you daughter entertain you. Little 4 year girls can do that very well. White Beard had a good thought about your husband. How are things on that front. I hope it is doing well and that he can be a help at this time also. Blessings!!! Don't worry about catching up. Just keep us informed.
Posted 6/12/2009 7:28 AM (GMT 0)
hello Anice,

Doctors sometimes are just not fair, and not give us clear answers. But I have heard many many times that after about 2 months, sometimes 3 months, the doctor likes to cut off all pain meds and refer that person to a pain doctor if they're still in pain. It may be easier to have your PM take over for pain management for a little while til Pt has a chance to work, which can be a while. And PM doctors are better at pain control, so their wont be any waiting 2 days for meds.

I really hope you dont get withdrawals, one of my neigbors had a cyst drained, and was given hydrocodone, and after 2 weeks of taking it daily, she suffered some minor withdrawals, she was very moody, and couldnt sleep, but it wasnt bad like it is for people taking meds daily. But if it gets there, please call your pcp, you shouldn't be let to suffer in withdrawals AND pain.

Anyways, the next time you see your surgeon, ask him about what his policy is on continueing pain meds if you havnt already. This way you'll be prepared. My grandmother had major back surgery several years ago, and she called for a refill and he told her to call her pcp to get her pain meds as she shouldnt be in pain anymore, even though she couldnt even get out of bed after 12 weeks. And then my aunt was warned last summer after her back surgery that he cuts off of meds after 8 weeks, but I know not all doctors are like that, but it's better safe then sorry.

-hellokitty
Posted 6/12/2009 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
Anice,
I wasn't saying that you are taking the meds to get "high" or just to take more than you should be. I am trying to get you to see that by adjusting the meds on your own, your surgeon is going to at some point just not refill them because you are taking more than he is telling you to take. Ask him what he wants you to do when the pain is more than the lortab is covering, or it is flaring up at hour 5 or 6. See what he says. Most surgeons cut off pain medication around week 8-12 or refer the patient to pain management. It might be a better option for you anyway, at this point. That way, you can discuss your continued pain levels with another doctor and get his opinion. and maybe he will give you something different , or something that lasts longer than the lortab. But you are going to have to follow the instructions of the pain management doctor to the letter or you will find yourself in big trouble. Most PM doctors have contracts that you must sign that says that you will take the medications only as directed, and not adjust the dosage amount or frequency on your own.
While you are in pain, they need you to call them and let them know, ask them what to do to try to ease the pain.
I am not suggesting that you aren't trying, but I am suggesting that you try other ways to manage the pain, than taking the lortab as often as you are..... Assuming that you are sleeping 7 hours a day, you are taking them every 3 hours, which is way too close together. Using the various pain relief rubs is a good idea, especially around the low back and hip areas. I'm glad that you found some relief from it. It's a good start to using other means to manage the pain levels. Don't use the pain relief rubs though with more heat, because you can inadvertantly burn yourself.
I am only saying this to you because I care, and I know that you are in pain, and I don't want to see you find yourself cut off of pain medications when you need them. I am hoping that you start to feel some pain relief from using all of the other options along with taking the lortab as you are supposed to.
Hang in there.
Sandi
Posted 6/12/2009 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Anice,

I had a wonderful physical therapist that always did my massages. She used an analgesic rub called Tiger Balm. I have been using it for about 10 years now and it works wonderful with moist heat. If you don't have a moist heating pad, invest in one, they are not expensive at all. Tiger Balm can be found at Walmart and most drug stores. It can be easily overlooked because it comes in a tiny jar about the size of Carmex that we use for chapped lips. A little goes a long ways. They did come out with patches and I do not like them. My orthopod says not to stay on a heating pad for more than 20 minutes at a time. He said too much heat can make things worse.

Not to scold you, but yes, you should have been honest with the nurse over the walking. Honesty is always the best policy. Not only that you are misleading them on what you are truly capable of doing. That can be detrimental to your care from the doctor. You are a nurse and you know that. Be honest you only hurt yourself in the long run if you aren't.

You definetly need to try and distract yourself from the pain. Pain is horrible as we all know that. But, maybe you are concentrating on it too much. Its hard to detach yourself somewhat but it is possible. Like someone else suggested, listen to your favorite music, play with that little one, try to read a book, anything that will get your mind off of it somewhat.

You had a wonderful attitude before surgery, find that great attitude and bring it back lol. You will get back to work, you are determined. I think you are overwhelmed with the whole surgery thing and its dragging you down. Do not let that happen to you. You will get back up on your feet. No one heals the same or hurts the same, you may have a low pain threshhold who knows.  Even when you get your script you really need to add some OTC to stretch the pain meds out or you may end up without meds and you don't want that to happen. Taking them more than rx'd will only lead to trouble.

Take care of yourself and cut yourself some slack, you will make it. Hugs, Susie

Posted 6/12/2009 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Pain is never pleasant but you got to focus on the issue here. First, as has been mentioned, it is imortant that you exercise (walk in this case) as prescribed. You got to be on the level with your doc about this otherwise he will draw conclusions based on wrong data. The walking will hurt indeed but the longer you wait he worse it will get. The walking also distracts you a bit, even though the pain might feel worse. Now that's something you should do from now on.

On the practical side, now that you have to go 2 days without pain meds, this might be the exact time to effectively limit your dose to the prescribed amount of 3 a day. If you can go 2 days without any meds, you can go the remaining weeks with three a day as well. Again you have to be precise to your doctor about what you take (also over the counter meds) and when you take them. Alternate course of actions have been dealt with above.

Personally I laid out all the meds I had to take the next 24 hors so I could properly dose them. And try not to look at the time too often, that usually works counterproductive. If you're wearing a wris***ch, put it aside, it helps a lot.

Finally you should accept that 7 weeks is way to soon to say anything definitive that makes sense. It's not because you're supposed to go back to work that the doctor assumes the pain will be completely gone. Actually, most surgery leaves some kind of residual pain. The healing process for a serious operation takes months, not weeks. I know a lot of people think that things will drastically improve after surgery but it doesn't work that way. Patience is the key here and I know that might be hard, especially with yur son gone for the moment. Just hang in there. Things will get better, slowly but steadily.
Posted 6/12/2009 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Anice,
I'm sorry I didn't get to read this thread sooner. You have been given a lot of good advice, and we've already said that it's way too early to know about how that nerve is going to heal. I'm a year and a half out from surgery and still was holding out a thread of hope. And while that's unrealistic, 7 weeks is nothing. I think the first thing you really need to adjust is your expectation of both healing time, and the likelihood of being completely pain free. Now, I truly hope the latter happens, but it will probably happen gradually, over time, as nerves can take up to two years to heal. But there is a possibility it will heal only partially, or not at all. And you have no way of knowing that yet. Make some peace with the waiting game. I know it's not easy. And that also involves the work issue, but we've told you that before.

I do wonder, though, if you may need to return to your pain management doc, at least after a month or so if things aren't improving. He/she may be better equiipped to manage your pain WHILE that nerve is healing. Most NS offices aren't prepared for that, which is why I think my NS's nurse is an angel. She is the one who has hung in with me this long, and just prescribed me a 90 day supply of pain meds as she knows what's happening to my life. I think at least my NS was wiling to accept I was not one of his success cases. But I think a lot of NS don't do this easily. So they want you to be feeling better within their time limits; I sometimes wonder what their statistics look like, and how accurate they are. I would really suggest going into that appointment next week and be totally honest about your pain, tnat you need some help with it, and that no, PT and exercise aren't helping at this point in time. Most docs knows that may create even more discomfort. If your NS isn't willing to help out more with the pain, then perhaps ask for your PM doc to take it over. But I would be very careful about underreporting your pain because you want to get back to work. Any kind of back surgery is a long term issue, not a short term one. You want to do all you can to heal. If you go back to work too soon (and your NS will be more than happy to release you ASAP, and that may leave you in a hole with no PM because all docs think you're healed!) you may endanger your healing. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but it may be what you need to do for now. Work on adjusting your expectations in order that you get the best long term results. If you heal sooner, that's great. But it's something you can't completely control at this point. You can only do what's good for you in terms of exercise and PT and PM and activity, and listen to the response your body gives you about what the limits are. They may be stretching but very, very slowly. Much slower than any of us ever want, that's for sure. But slow healing doesn't mean no healing.

Hugs!

PaLady
Posted 6/13/2009 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Hi friends, I do appreciate all of your replies. Your support and heartfelt concern really do mean alot to me. I have almost made it through day #1. I have used a variety of things to help: I slept, read a book, got on the computer, made some phone calls, did my checkbook, put the Ben-Gay on this morning, then I put on a Lidocaine patch later (after washing off the cream), took motrin, tylenol and aleeve and flexiril. I have walked twice today. It was hard walking, but I know how important it is. I pushed myself and made myself do it even though I was hurting pretty badly. I will walk once more in about an hour. And I vowed to myself this morning I would that I would walk 3 x's a day from here on out. It does hurt to walk this much. But my doctor does want me too. And since I told the nurse that I have, I am not one to be dishones or lie. I really feel bad about it. I do have 1 lortab left and I will take it before bed so that I can sleep tonight. I will keep doing the things I did today even after I get my refill. I don't want to have to go through this again... It has been hard, but I have almost done it. I can get the refill tomorrow. I will try harder to get to the 8 hour point. It will be hard... But I have gone all day today without one... I do want to say that I did not mean to run out before it was okay to refill my meds. I honestly did not feel like I was doing anything wrong. I did tell my doctor that I couldn't go the 8 hours between doses. He did not say not to do that. He knew how many I was taking a day. There were times when I would wake up in the middle of the night and be hurting sooo bad, that I would take one then. It didn't happen that way too  often. But I guess the main thing is that I was taking them wrong. I just thought the doctor would have said something. I am not sure why he didn't. I assumed that he was okay with it. I did tell him about the notebook I have at home that has all the times and what exactly I take. I did that so that I wouldn't forget what times I was taking them. I did it so it would be no question about the times-for me. Anyway, I have learned a hard lesson. And it is one I don't want to have to go through again.  Thank you all for all of your support.

Anice

Posted 6/13/2009 2:37 AM (GMT 0)
Dear Anice, I wish you well in getting through this very tough time.
and wanted to hope you get a low pain day soon and of course you have lots
and lots of soft hugz....
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((ANICE)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
you'll be in my thoughts and prayers as well....
Posted 6/13/2009 7:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Anice:

I just wanted to let you know that I, too, have been thinking about you - I know you are dealing with so much right now, the physical pain from the surgery, and the emotional and psychological pain from the other problems you have been faced with.

It's very late, so I'm going to go to bed for now, but I will come back tomorrow to check and see how you are doing.

Lorie

Posted 6/13/2009 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
Aw Anice, I really feel for you. But I cannot tell you how many times people have done exactly as you did, tell the dr the whole bit-these guys half listen to us patients most of the time. Bit still reality is when a script is written a certain way its intended to be taken that way regardless of what the dr says or does not say.

I can tell you first hand Benadryll is great to take at bedtime if sleeping is a problem for you. Hope you will try to get some Tiger Balm and give it a try. Hugs, Susie
Posted 6/13/2009 8:19 AM (GMT 0)
Anice, Biofreeze is also a great rub that I love, it's also a rub on lotion/cream. I get mine from amazon cause they dont sell them in the stores, they mostly sell them at doctor offices and PTs and Chiropractors, but I get a bottle for $8 which lasts me a good month or so. I havent tried Tigerbalm, but I hear that it's also a good one like straydog said. Sometimes it's nothing but trial and error til we find something over the counter that helps, my aunt was given a syringe/tube (no needle on it) of lidocaine from my grandmother's home nurse, and my aunt let me use some on my knee, and it worked alot faster and much more better then those patches, maybe you could ask about getting a tube for yourself from your doctor, I know I'm going to. you just squeeze the syringe of lidocaine where you need it and rub it on, and it works within minutes.

-hellokitty
Posted 6/13/2009 3:58 PM (GMT 0)
Anice......

My husband just had two surgeries in less then a year to fix his shoulder. He has been on pain meds until one day the doctor just stopped refilling them. We were not aware that he has a time line he follows. First surgery was 4 months of pain control, second surgery was 5 months. Now my hubby has to find someone to take over this shoulder care. He scars really really bad so the shoulder is frozen again. He has so far refused the third surgery. Its a long and hard road but don't beat yourself up over it, its painful and life altering.

I take Percs 10/325 4 x a day. and a 24 hour 200 mg of Tramadol ER once a day. (to cover the night time) I have to take OTC meds and I have to be careful in doing so because of my kidneys. My heating pad is my best friend. The pain will always be there I can't remember a day that I was pain free in the last 2 years. Find some good advice in your thread here and figure out which ones work. You will find your pain meds will go a long way with using other techniques for relief also.

Hang in there
Laurie
Posted 6/13/2009 6:40 PM (GMT 0)
Anice, Just checking in on you to see how your night went. I know that you are to get your refill today and that you are going to look at a new plan which is good. I was called out to work at 1 this morning and did not see anyone up when I came back in but was still thinking about you. Hope you had a restful night and today is filled with a calmness and peace.

Posted 6/13/2009 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
I first of all want to say again how much each and every one of you mean to me. I feel so honored and blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful, caring, compassionate and loving friends. You do truly feel like family to me! A family made up of understanding brothers and sisters who know exactly where I am and what I am feeling, and unending support. I don't know how in the world I could have made it without all of you. Thank you for everything you do for me. And for caring enough to call me out and let me know that I have made some wrong choices in trying to manage my pain and offer so many alternate choices, so that I won't find myself in the same position again. I have not taken offense to anything that any of you have said. I know it comes from experience and because you care. Thank you for looking out for me. I really can't explain appropriately just how I feel about all of you. I wish I could have all of you in one room and go to each of you with a big, soft gentle hug and a kiss on the cheek! I would do so in a heartbeat.

I did make it through yesterday and last night. I tried everything I could think of to try to get my mind off hurting. I did the lidocaine patches (samples I have gotten from my doctor), creams, heating pad, hot baths, reading, playing with my daughter, talking to my son on the phone( Oh, God, how I miss that little man) and I made myself walk three times. I did the motrin, tylenol, aleeve, flexirl too. I didn't even take the last Lortab until this morning. I did get them filled. And since I did get through yesterday, I know it can be done. I will keep on doing those things and will take the Lortab every 8 hours from today on! I learned my lesson. And it was one I don't want to go through again. I will really do my best to wait the 8 hours. If it becomes too hard, I will take it only one hour early-at 7 hours. I am determined to do right. I see that although I didn't mean to do wrong or to be unresponsible, I was... So, I can't do anything about that. It is behind me now. I can only start fresh from today on. I feel good about this...

I talked to my son for a long time last night. He said something that upset me. He said my mother said my husband was a sorry sob and she hated him. It upset me alot. Not so much b/c she said that. I respect how she feels about him. And I do understand it. I know she loves me and doesn't like how he has done me. I am upset about it b/c I don't think it is appropiate to discuss that with MY son. She is entitled to feel the way she does. I respect it and won't try to change it. It is just wrong that she is discussing it with my 11 year old son. She really is wrong for that. I will discuss it with her latter today when I talk to her. My son said he hates my husband. THAT is where my mother went wrong. It hurts my heart that she is putting her feeling out to my son and influencing his opinions like that...
Anice
Posted 6/13/2009 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Anice,

I am so sorry your mother made that remark to your son. You are absolutely right with your feelings. I have an ex son in law that I have negative feelings about, but would never say anything disparaging to my granddaughter about her father. That is crossing the line. So I will pray for you about this situation.

As for your pain, I wanted to tell you that I suffered from severe back pain for four years before I had the surgery to my L4/L-5 and I, too, suffered after the surgery. For me I had to go to PT for one year to get out of pain where I could function and go back to work (I was an RN). I tell you this to encourage you that sometimes it takes a long time, but with enough time you will be out of pain, I believe. This was over twenty five years ago, and I went from tylox, to darvocett to L tryptophan for the pain. The latter did really work, but they took it off the market because of some productivity scare with contamination. It was also controversial, but it worked for me.

Any way, I would also suggest to consider seeing a therapist to help you through managing this pain. You are going through a lot with your son being gone, now with your mother's influence, and the pain affects your psyche too. So for what it's worth, consider it.

Hang in there. And know that I am here for you.

Blessings.

Lindaloo
Posted 6/13/2009 10:59 PM (GMT 0)
(((((((((((Anice))))))))))

I just wanted to send you a gentle hug. The words in your post were very moving - about our family here. I feel the same way.

I also agree it was not appropriate for your mother to say something to your young son, but sadly this happens a lot. I hope when you talk to her she can agree that those feelings should be shared with you and other adults, not with children.

Lindaloo has some great advice, as always. But I want to commend you for coming so far wiht so much to tackle!

Hugs,

PaLady
Posted 6/13/2009 11:57 PM (GMT 0)
Anice,

I can't much more to all that has been said. I have endured four laminectomies with fusion and none were pleasant. All painful for a long time. I agree there are times, especially in the first 4-6 weeks, when the pain exceeds the medication. If you still have excessive pain you might back off some of the walking for a while. Don't stop, just adjust the pace and length. Make sure your doc realizes the degree to which the prescribed med does not cover the pain. If you are compliant with the Rx dosage, most will find another solution to the pain.

As for the massage products I have had good luck with Massagewarehouse.com. Also biofreeze.com and biotone.com. All sell directly to consumers on line.

I wish you well in your struggle to beat the pain.

Modelmaker
Posted 6/14/2009 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Anice, It was good to hear that you were able to find ways to deal with the pain. It is sometimes good to know that life can go on without a pill or tablet. We know the diffeence between addiction and dependance and at time we even labor with being dependant on medications. You did very well.

 

It is a no brainer that your mother should not have talked to your son that way. Let me encourage you when you talk to your mother not to allow your emotions to get out of control even if hers are. I know that it would be easy to allow emotions to control us in a time like this and often it happens and more damage is done. Just a word of encouragement. You have not mentioned much about your husband lately. I know that there were issues and that you stood your ground and I hope that he has made adjustments in his life to show you and your children the love and respect that is due. Hope you are enjoying a great weekend.

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12