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Posted 7/26/2011 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
Husband has been experiencing arthritis pain in hands and lower back. He's grouchy about it, because he says he feels like since he stopped drinking (last drink was 10 months ago today), he has all kinds of aches and pains.

My question-what can he do about the pain? Since taking OTC pain relievers are not a good idea.

All suggestions are appreciated.

Emma
Posted 7/26/2011 5:44 PM (GMT 0)

That is something that happens when one gets sober:  Awareness of physical aches and pains, as well as emotions.  They had been covered up by alcohol.

Have him try moist heat or a heated rub like Capsaicin (though if his skin is very sensitive, it may burn him.)  A small rubber ball that he can squeeze is also good for the hands.  It will keep the fingers from being so stiff.  If he has a really bad flare, he can take an NSAID.  A couple of ibuprofen once in a great while are not going to kill him.  It's the regular use of these meds that causes damage.

Do you know what the status of his liver is these days?  Have his enzymes stabilized?  Since he doesn't have hep C, liver cancer, or ESLD, he doesn't have to be quite as cautious as those of us whose livers are failing.  Of course, that does not give him a free ticket to do things that are potentially damaging to his liver.  But there can be moderation and a balance (though still NO alcohol.)

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 7/26/2011 6:44 PM (GMT 0)
Stretching also works wonders for the lower back. Mineral Ice is my personal favorite.
Posted 7/26/2011 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Emma,

A lady that I work with has back problems as well. She says when it flares up, she has one of those "noodles" (the long cylinder styrofoam things you use to swim with as a floatie). She cut it to fit her lower back (longways up and down the spine), and sleeps on it. I've heard others say as well that it really works for them.

Thought it was worth mentioning....

Posted 7/26/2011 7:53 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone. I will have him try a few of the suggestions.

Connie-I think his health is pretty stable. His next scheduled visit to the GI is mid October. He says he feels good...other than the aches and pains. There are even some days that he says he feels like a million bucks! He has gained some weight, which is from the nightly ice cream. He says since he can't drink, he wants that one treat. He sleeps all night, no more bloody noses, no more dry heaves/gagging. Urine is light yellow...it was orangish before. The whites of his eyes aren't yellow anymore. Still not white as snow, but GI doc said bilirubin may never get back to normal range.

I am very proud of him. Last drink was 10 months ago today. Right after we had the 9pm Sunday night call from our internist telling us he had a serious liver problem. Doctor recommended that he get into treatment first thing in the morning. Husband said he was having one last drink. After he finished it, he fell back onto the couch and said, "I feel dead." What a difference these 10 months have made.

I am so grateful to our doctors, our family and to this forum. All the support has made a difference.

Emma

Post Edited (healthynow) : 7/26/2011 4:03:38 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/26/2011 9:46 PM (GMT 0)
Emma, he's another miracle!  Does he know what a role model he is now?

I hope some of the suggestions will help him.  Don't know if he would be interested, but yoga is also good for the joints.

And I'm with him on the ice cream (though I get sugar-free...less calories.)

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 7/26/2011 10:03 PM (GMT 0)
I find that taking a hot shower, first thing in the day, helps my back and joints loosen up. Cold showers work well on hot afternoons to stop any swelling after work.
Posted 7/26/2011 10:06 PM (GMT 0)
Yes Connie. I do feel like it is a miracle. I never would have thought he would stop drinking. He always said he wouldn't quit.

I don't think he considers himself a role model...other than a model of bad behavior...the terrible warning model. When people ask, he just says doctors orders, no more drinking...that he ruined his liver. When people say they are sorry, he just says that this is the reality of the situation, it's his own fault, and he has to deal with the consequences. If he has any "poor me" feelings, he has kept them to himself.

Emma
Posted 7/26/2011 10:47 PM (GMT 0)
But Emma, it was his choice to follow his doctor's orders.  You and I both know that many continue to drink despite the warnings and despite how sick they get.  So even if he doesn't want to acknowledge his ownship in making the right decision, I certainly do.  It may be simpler for him to just say "doctor's orders," but if everyone listened to their doctors, we would have a lot less liver disease and lung cancer.

I agree with David about the hot shower.  When I worked, that's how I started my day to loosen up.  Now that I'm not typing so much, my neck and back pain have decreased substantially.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 7/27/2011 7:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Emma,
I used to start whining about sore feet and sore hands six weeks into sobriety a decade ago,which always meant I was going to bust.Never could get past the 42 days sober until the meltdown .It's 15 months now . Karen bought me a foot spa this time last year ,then I realised I couldn't drink anymore and never used it. My feet and hands still ache when they're not cramping .Hopefully Doug doesn't get cramps as well.Take care.
Princess
Posted 7/27/2011 7:42 PM (GMT 0)
Michael, big congrats on your 15 months!  Another HW miracle!

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 7/27/2011 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Princess-congrats on your 15 months! I am sure that Karen will add some extra gems to your princess crown to celebrate! Seriously, a big congrats to you. From watching my husband, I can see what hard work it is. Your are to be commended for your success.

Emma
Posted 7/27/2011 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Emma,
More jewels is the last thing the real Princess needs .Looks like I'll have to set up my own thread here. Comedy and cross-dressing. I tuned in at 3am my time ,1pm east coast time and not a soul had been on HW.Hence the new thread starting soon.I see people complaining ,people laughing and a big padlock happening . Only half joking Connie .Smile all ,don't worry be happy.
Princess
Posted 7/27/2011 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
Princess-I agree. I have been watching too, and there is no action on the boards. It makes me sad a bit, because I miss my cyber friends. But given liver disease, I'll take that no news is good news...folks are stable and maybe trying to enjoy a bit of summer.

I will look forward to your new social thread. Could use a bit of socializing myself. yeah

Emma
Posted 7/27/2011 11:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Emma,
The Princess thing came from my daughters ,they seem to think I spend a lot of time in the bathroom .That was 20 years ago and it's just escalated from there. Elly who's a Dr of Philosophy now started it .
I live opposite the beach and rarely go . Karen goes when it's really hot for a swim. She's the real Princess. Hard to handle at times. It's only 10 degrees celsius here with a top of 20 today . The nicest day for a couple of weeks . Alas ultrasound and blood tests for me today . Anyway take care ,how about something about you and your hubby. Did you know you can die from eating too much of that polar bears liver??? Just a sample's all you need.
Bye for now
Princess
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