Pain Management

Have you tried specifically asking your doctor for painkillers? It seems to me that a lot of doctors avoid the issue, and then when they are forced to talk about it, they tell you that painkillers just mask the symptoms. My answer to that was, of course it masks the symptoms, that's what I want it do! Try writing down your request and your arguments for pain relief on paper and bringing it in with you. If your doctor is still unwilling to prescribe basic relief, then ask for a referral to a pain management clinic. If he's refusing to do that, I would find another doctor, personally, but you could always check with your insurance company for pain management specialists, sometimes you don't need a referral. good luck, I hope you find the relief you need. I have a doctor who has always been willing to call in a script for Vicodin for me, even though his nurse seems to think he shouldn't!

Hi Dawn What other meds are you taking for your Cd? How long have you been having that much pain? When mine got really bad I went to emerg. I did get a needle once for pain but the problem was I was having a blockage and needed better care then I was getting at home. If the bridge is looking that good maybe you should be in the hospital or on better meds for your CD. lol gail

OK, sorry about that. Ab pain is pretty difficult to deal with. So many may not treat this. Hmm, maybe you should go to the ER and find out the reason your pain has been getting worse. Is it possible you have a stricture? Unfortunately, surgery may be needed.
On the other hand, several members here use the patches, you might bring that up with SOMEONE. The only advise I can give you now is stay on the phone until you find someone who is willing to help!

Sincerely,
Matthew

Thank you all for your help. I'm just having a flare as the Humira is just not working anymore. I was doing one shot weekly I had to start some pred 30 mg's but as most of you know it takes awhile to reduce the inflammation and in turn calm the pain down. It's just these in between times while waiting for the roids to kick in. It's so crazy how they just ignore my requests for a pain management clinic. I will try putting in calls to the local hospitals to see if they can recommend me somewhere, thank you for that suggestion, I hadn't thought of contacting a hospital before. I'm in upstate NY by the way if anyone knows anyone around that area. I also am concerned because now the Humira's not working and the Dr didn't seem too thrilled about Cimzia, he said the side effects were more dangerous than the Humira, but I have a feeling that's my next step. I just wonder why I cant do the pred at 7 mg's daily seems to work once I drop below that the trouble begins. I feel like its less dangerous than these crazy drugs they want me to take. I can work on keeping bone density if that's the biggest concern. Thank you again all who responded. I wouldn't have made it this far without you guys, thanks Dawn☼

First - I am so sorry you are in pain. I have been there and it stinks!

Here is what I learned recently from my doc when I was going thru a tremendous amount of pain:

1 - Pain indicates that something is wrong. It is VITAL that you treat the cause of your pain, not just the pain.

2 - According to my doc, studies have shown that there is a higher incidence of perforated bowels and a host of other issues in Crohn's patients who are taking narcotics. While, there are many reasons this may happen, they just have not pinpointed exactly what it is. In the meantime, many docs will not chance it.

3 - One pain med that seems to be safe for Crohn's is Tramadol (Ultram). My doc has recommended using this ONLY as a bridge from when the pain starts to when they figure out what is causing it and when they treat the cause. He does not want me on Tramadol long term. Also, I should use it in conjunction with Tylenol for the maximum benefit

I know that the pain is soooo awful that you are willing to do or take anything...just be careful.

You are in my prayers - please keep us posted

hey guys thanks for your responses. I will be in to see Dr at 4 tomorrow. Im sure I'll have to do some sort of testing and try to figure where to go now that the Humira has failed, God I hate saying that, Thats probably why I'm so bad now I didn't want to admit another failed medecine. To me it feels like the same pain I've had since day one. My tummy is just so aggravated. They have said I'm not a candidate for surgury as the disease is intermittant throughout my whole tract. From what I remember mine is mostly in my stomach although my first Doc thought that was very unusual I usually feel better as the pred takes effect . it just seems to take about 4 weeks on a 30-40 mg daily dose. Like 3 o'clock to 7-8 I want to admit myself to the ER but it subsides to a degree that I can function somewhat with the meds I do have (Darvon) after that but you guys know the minutes seem like hours when it's that kind of pain. I did also request my records sent to the pain mangement place at Albany med, they will review it and see if they can help me. I'm not very optomistic because Ive had records sent to a place before and they denied me. I also have an issue with Tylenol, makes me double over for some reason, and I did try Ultram with absolutely no effect whatsoever .uggggghhhhhh I want to donate myself to science as a guneia pig and try anything available, I'm thinking stem cell therapy might be good for Crohns patients, thanks everyone for all your help, thoughts, support, and prayers Dawn☼