[Kathryn]

support needed

by Kathryn on Sun Feb 26, 2012 1:15 pm

Hi all. I'm new here, although I thought I had posted several weeks ago but I can't find it. So be it; I don't even remember what I posted about.
I'm 57, and is lucky enough to have a friend who took me to the ER in Dec. of 2010. Turns out I was stage 3 of multiple myeloma. This after trying to get help for several years and 7 physicians. Plus, every procedure was initiated by me - exrays, p.t., etc. Finally, at a pain management clinic, I suggested an MRI ,which I was able to schedule for the next day, which happened to be the day I was diagnosed. Luckily I responded well to the chemo and can actually pass for "normal" most days. That's with the help of pain pills. I take Dilaudid 4x day and Loricet at the same time. Because of this, I can't drive. I used to be a fairly busy woman - self employed interior designer who wouldn't hesitate to paint the exterior of my house, for example. But now I can only manage about 10 minutes on my feet before my back starts hurting excruciatingly. I miss driving badly; I feel like a prisoner in my own home. (My husband works from home and he is my caregiver.) Does anyone have any ideas to take care of the pain besides narcotics? Has anyone tried hypnosis or acupuncture? My husband gets tired of my whining about my "captivity". It would help to have someone to talk to, but that's not easily available around here.
I appreciate anyone who took the time to read this.
Kathryn

[rumnting]

Re: support needed

by rumnting on Mon Feb 27, 2012 9:30 am

A good oncologist should be very familiar with pain control. Your current regimen clearly is not working for you. I would ask him about the pain med patch (Fentynal ?) that you wear for 3 days. Pain pills are then used for breakthrough pain, if needed.

[Norm]

Re: support needed

by Norm on Mon Feb 27, 2012 7:51 pm

I'm sorry to hear about the pain you're having.

I, too, have dealt with back pain for almost two years now. I had compression fractures in two vertebrae. I don't know the exent of damage that you've had. I've been taking Duladid as well plus muscle relaxer. At times the pain was severe but has improved to the point now of only occasional need for pain medicine. I saw a back orthopedic specialist to get an opinion and to see if surgery was an option for me which he said wouldn't help me. If you haven't seen a specialist I suggest you visit one. I've also had several months of physical therapy which has helped so that's another option for you if you haven't already pursued. I wouldn't rule out acupuncture plus relaxation techniques as a way to help. If these things don't help you then you might talk to your family doctor or perhaps consult with a pain clinic. Whatever you decide don't give up! There are medical professionals out there who will address chronic pain issues. I hope you can find the right person to help you. Good luck.

[Kathryn]

Re: support needed

by Kathryn on Tue Feb 28, 2012 11:04 am

I appreciate both of your replies. Thank you. If my oncologist can't help, I think I'll try acupuncture and/or cancer pain specialist.

[Radbadad]

Re: support needed

by Radbadad on Tue Feb 28, 2012 4:26 pm

Clearly you need to speak to you Doctor about this. There might be something going on that you need more than pain management help. I can see why you don't trust Doctors, but you have to find someone you can trust and then follow their advice.