Tired of the pain!

I take Meloxicam (a prescription NSAID) daily, Tylenol arthritis every 8 hours and Tramadol if the pain control is inadequate with the Meloxicam and Tylenol. I decline to take opiates for arthritis, because the pain isn't going anywhere and habituation is a real problem with narcotics.

My regimen keeps my pain level to one I can function at most of the time. I have had to accept that I will never be completely pain-free, and haven't been since 1987. I use a lot of mental distraction and have learned to ignore a certain level of pain; I also use gentle stretching and resistance training which definitely helps me.

You must realize that you will expend a fair amount of energy dealing with the pain, and it is important to get the rest you need. My friends know I'm always up for a leisurely activity, but they understand when I decline an all-day shopping jaunt or a hike.

Hi Caligirl

My regime is very similar to Angelic Victory's but I also do a fair amount of meditation, stretching, yoga, and tai chi. I don't normally have the ability to do more than one section of my body at a time so I primarily focus on my hands.

I take Lyrica for the trauma and OA I experience. For my chronic pain I take Kadian and Tridural. For the acute part of my pain I take Tramadol and Dilaudid.

I find that massage therapy helps my pain and have also started myofascial therapy.

Wishing you the best of luck and hopefully a positive pain management regime.

Shannon