Is there any easy way to ask for pain meds??

Erin Ann, how do you keep straining your neck?  Whatever you are doing, you need to stop.  My neck and shoulders always hurt.  Also, I was getting up in the morning with a stiff neck.  I finally discovered it was the way I was bunching up my pillow.  Since I stopped doing that, my neck is better.  You can resolve this probably without pain meds.

 

I wouldn't advise asking for pain medication outright.  That sends up red flags for the doctor.  If you truly need pain medication in order to function, let your doctor know how you are feeling.  Give examples of how difficult certain daily activities are for you.  Let them know how uncomfortable you are.  Then, that puts the ball in their court, so to speak.  But, I'm not sure any doctor would prescribe pain medication, other than ibuprofen or Tylenol, for a sore neck.  I know my doctor wouldn't.

 

Sherrine

Erin, I am sorry that you are having this problem right now. I understand neck strain, I guess we all do. Try to describe your pain issues to him, give him concrete examples of the pain and how they impact or limit you, then let him be the problem solver. If he asks you what you think would help, give him specifics- there are lots of things out there that 'allegedly' help with muscle/skeletal pain, like ultram, flexeril, robaxin, and others. I think being specific about your needs will take your request farther, because you are asking from a place of physical pain and need for relief, rather than drug-seeking. I can relate to your problem so much! I, too, have lots of pain that is not being managed. I do have ultram and cymbalta, but those are primarily for musculo-skeletal tension rather than pain relief. I am going to ask my doc for something for pain at my next appt, too. Lets work on it together. I think refusing to prescribe something for pain management is cruel and cold hearted.
Peace!

ErinAnn,

 

This is a very tricky question and I really don't think it has a clear cut answer.  I am no expert at giving advice, but I can share my story with you.  I was extremely addicted to pain killers almost 12 years ago and I would do anything and everything to get them.  Now that I have legitimate pain, I have had doctors tell me that they couldn't give me anything because of my past addiction.  This happened after I broke my leg last year!   

 

My suggestion is to tell your doctor the truth-that the Flexeril isn't working for you.  Meds affect everyone differently, and everyone has their own "pain scale."  So, if you feel like your pain is an 8, tell your doctor that your pain is an 8.  There is no sense in trying to downplay what you feel.  Also, YOU are the only one who feels YOUR pain.  That's one of the first things I learned here.

 

But, a huge problem is that a lot of doctors just won't listen to their patients.  Doctors are afraid of Rxing controlled drugs these days.  What happened to the Hippocratic Oath?  I suppose that the wonderful insurance companies have gotten their grubby paws on that, too.

 

I agree with Sherrine-don't ask outright for pain meds.  Tell your doctor that your meds aren't working and you need help relieving that pain.  You are already going to PT, so that is evidence that you have been following doctor's orders.

 

Personally, I found a doctor who isn't predjudiced against me, and is working with me to help control my pain.  I'm still never comfortable, but at least now I can "manage."  I guess you could call me a work in progress.

 

Anyway, I have probably totally confused you-because reading what I've written, I've confused myself.  I think my original point was to be honest and tell your doc all you want is his/her help.  Hopefully, you've got an understanding doc who doesn't think that you are a junkie looking to score.  I really do hope you find the answers you're looking for.

ErinAnn have you noticed more neck pain since starting PT??? I know the more they try to do to my neck the worse it gets. I'm at a point where I don't want anyone touching my neck. The rolled up towel under the neck sounds like a good idea for sleeping. You don't want to sleep on too high of a pillow that causes your neck to be bent. Try to keep as level as possible.

 

Oh, I forgot your question. I only take tylenol for pain with an occasional tramadol.

 

luv and hugs

Marlee

I bought a fiber pillow and I now puff it up at the end I'm going to sleep on and, when I lay down, it forms to my neck and head.  Since I started doing that, I haven't been waking up with a stiff neck.  I used to fold part of  it in half and lay on the higher part and it was raising my head a little and that's how the neck strain started.  

 

Sherrine 

You might want to ask your doctor for something like Tramadol/Ultram. Some doctors are more likely to give you this type of pain reliever than a narcotic drug.

((Hugs))

Marlee,

I strained my neck once probably a couple months ago now really bad. This was actually what lead me to be diagnosed oddly enough. I had recently begun fed up with the constant pain and lack of energy. All any one was telling me was that I needed to exercise more, stretch more and eventually things will loosen up and ill get stronger and blah blah blah. I had always stretched because of the pain, i would feel the need to stretch. Well then me and my hubs ended up in an argument about basically things that I cant do anymore. So I started pushing myself harder and then too hard. I overdid it one day stretching and woke up the next with a really bad neck strain. It was horrible and I was miserable so I made an appt with my doctor who basically told me there is nothing more they could do for me other than what I was already doing, besides send me to PT. So they put in an order for the PT. I guess to help me loosen up my neck and then build strength? At that appt I asked her if she would do an MRI on my back and neck or at least some xrays. I basically pleaded with her because for years I have had this pain and no one would do any tests. I know its muscular but I never get any relief. They tell me to stretch more and I do and its so hard to because im so tired all the time. She agreed to do the xrays and also she said she would do some research into my case. The next day she asked me to go in for the RA blood tests. After they got the results of the blood tests I was pos for the RN factor (i think thats what it was) and there was some inflammation they referred me to the rhuemy who figured things out and diagnosed me with FM. He recommended I still go to the PT and tell them about the fibro.

So I think what they are trying to do with the PT is to get back some of the rotation ive lost with the strains and get me to a point where I can do more exercise without hurting myself. At least thats what I gathered from it.

Ever since that strain it has been really easy to strain it again. Just reaching for something has caused me to go backwards in my recovery, so I just dont know what to do with it.

On a happier note, I didnt strain it as bad as I was expecting this time. I was expecting to wake up and not be able to move my head. Im a little more sore than before but I havent lost more mobility. yay!

Marlee,

My rheumy and therapist both suggested getting me into the water aerobics. We have a pool in the backyard which is nice when its really hot and uncomfortable, but the water can be very cold so I only go in when its hot out. I think they are planning on discussing some water aerobics classes and maybe some other classes that would be helpful for me once I am finished with my PT. Honestly I am an introvert and I am not really sure I like the idea of taking one of these classes. Id rather do things at home where I am comfortable, but we will see when the time comes what I decide.

That neck brace sounds like it could help. You will have to let me know how good it works. Money has been tight this year for us and i know of a few things I could really use, but I can always add to the wish list

Thanks for all your help!