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In so much pain - what's effective without prescription?

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Posted 3/22/2009 11:25 PM (GMT 0)
I am in agony at the moment - mostly my hands and feet. I keep taking paracetomol for pain and ibuprofen for inflammation - but they don't seem to be very effective. Is there anything I can do to ease my symptoms? Both my GP and rheumy wouldn't prescribe anything without a diagnosis, but I literally can't move tonight. My joints keep seizing up too if I sit still too long, I just can't get comfortable. Any ideas?
Posted 3/23/2009 12:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Alim, So sorry you are SO stiff and sore. Do you have an electric blanket? or electric mattress pad? If so. turn it on about a half hour or more before going to bed and then turn it down if necessary. Going to bed in a toasty warm bed can really calm those stiff joints. If necessary, turn your heat down so you can keep the blanket on low all night. If you don't use an electric blanket, you could soak in nice warm tub. Add some epsom salts if you have them. about one cup will do. Some folks get some relief from sore muscles/joints from the epsom salts and/or warm water. Also try some very gentle stretching to keep the muscles lose. If you can take tylenol, it is sometimes helpful to add one tylenol tablet to your ibuprofen dose. For some reason it can really manage tough pain surprisingly better sometimes. I hope some of the others have some ideas for you. Blessings!
Posted 3/23/2009 12:42 AM (GMT 0)
My doctor told me at my last visit to never underestimate the power of soaking in epson salts. He said he has several patients that do it three to four times a day. I honestly haven't had the time or energy to try it. Godd luck.
Posted 3/23/2009 1:11 AM (GMT 0)
If advil etc is not working then I agree with Rosie, a warm bath or a heating pad... I use one quite often. I hope your pain eases soon! Take care
Posted 3/23/2009 1:26 AM (GMT 0)
I will turn on my heating pad and then get into a nice hot bath that has epson salt in it and will relax in the bath for 20-30 minutes and then I crawl out of the bath and get into my nice warm bed. I will usually have the window open (when it is cooler outside) and turn my heat off. It seems to be the perfect temp for me when I use the heating pad. Someone also bought me a pregnancy pillow and it has been great. I can bend it pretty much any shape depending on what joint is hurting. I would recomend one of them for anyone who suffers from joint pains. I hope things start lookin up for you!!!
Posted 3/23/2009 9:56 AM (GMT 0)
I can't bear heat at the moment - especially hot water - it makes my hands and feet feel like they've been scalded if that makes sense! Which kind of worries me as I thought heat sensitivity was more MS like. I may try the epson salt bath - I find a luke warm bath quite soothing. May go and ask the pharmacist at lunch time what the best thing might be without prescription - I've not heard of tylenol not sure if it's available in the UK, I'll try and find out.
Posted 3/23/2009 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
Uk does not have Tylenol.  Try paracemotol with Codeine.  You don't need to get it with prescription in the UK.

Posted 3/23/2009 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
You mean you can get codeine without a prescription in UK? I'm moving! LOL
Posted 3/23/2009 10:34 PM (GMT 0)
lol @ twinkiet - yes you can, but advice is not to use it for more than 3 days. Had a good chat with the pharmacist tonight and I've got a much higher dose of ibuprofen - one specifically for rheumatic and arthritic pain. I was in so much pain tonight when I left work it brought tears to my eyes. My feet still feel like I've walked over hot coals. Might have a cold bath in a mo before bed. I can't wait for my next hospital appointment, diagnose something and give me drugs NOW :-D
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