pain managment

Hi MorganMistwalker. I too have had osteoarthritis for almost the past 40 years but my worsening MS (for the past 3 months) has been causing the most excruciating, disabling pain. Because of the historic osteoarthritis, I've basically learned/adapted to frequently living with a pain score of 7 but with the MS pain, daily running (approx. 8 hrs a day) at a pain score of just under 10 (maximum pain score), I too am currently struggling like yourself.

One of the things I have to constantly remind myself is, "the pain won't last, it's not present 24/7, it will change, it will pass - NOTHING STAYS THE SAME"!  When my pain is not excruciating, need to take full advantage of this by doing as many activities as I can SAFELY do (need to use a lot of moderation, planning, listening to my body and acting accordingly)!  This includes everyday doing something that makes me smile, laugh, feel better - which hopefully equips me to more effectively SURVIVE the nightmare periods of pain.  I do try to exercise everyday, whether that is doing household chores, swimming, walking etc and hopefully plan on soon looking into Yoga (designed for people with health problems/physical limitations).  I also receive Acupuncture an Aromatherapy massage and Reiki from 2 different Complementary Therapists and luckily, possess a Jacuzzi bath which can sometimes either relax me or help increase my energy levels.

Not sure if any of the above may help you but will always try to "be here" for you.....................also perhaps, please try to remember none of us are alone on our unique and unfortunately, often problematic journeys and be "being there" for one another, this may just help?????????

Ann x

I hope I am as good as you are Ann. Thank you for the advice I am looking into acupuncture  tho must travel. Yoga is a good one tho my hip doesnt allow me to bend as much or stretch. I have a large family with young children so I do as much as I can also still work my pain on a daily basis is between 5-8. I am shocked as to how quick this time was and the recovery time has been the longest ever over two weeks and still need a walking aid this is causing problems for my shoulders and elbows as they are now flaring up.

Have you been referred to a Physiotherapist.........certainly sounds like you need one!  Do you have a good relationship with your GP (or GP Practice)?  Possibly because I am a retired qualified Nurse, always do my research (usually on the internet) re: available services in my local-ish area for my medical problems, always using valid and reliable websites.  Because of this, have gained access/NHS funding to attend a Neurotherapy Centre (about 20 miles away) and Acupuncture at a "satellite site" of our local hospice about 10 miles away.  I think anyone with problematic medical problems/conditions need to be as proactive as possible and become "expert patients".  Another thing is - have you ever asked to be referred to a Rheumatologist (an expert in arthritis, rheumatism etc)?  My GP(s) are excellent and have always supported me but aLthough GPs have a wide knowledge base, cannot be "experts" in any particular field(s).  If patients see their GP, "armed" with evidence based (possible) interventions/treatments etc, it really can be so mutually beneficial with both the patient and their GP(s) jointly increasing their knowledge bases and hopefully help alleviate whatever medical problems are being experienced.  Have you had a look at websites, specifically concerned with arthritis, perhaps Arthritis UK, ARC (Arthritis and Rheumatism Council) etc?  Might be worth a look?  

I can also empathise with your dismay over how quickly your condition has deteriorated and how long it is taking to recovery from it!  My worsening MS started in mid-late October and still really struggling to manage it!  Having historic pain, think I have a pretty high pain threshold - usually manage to "function" ok with a pain score of 7 (equating to needing analgesia) but since this latest onset, have had varying periods of daily pain scores between 8-9.8 ........don't believe in ever recognising pain higher than 9.8 as I am only too aware it can get even worse!

Please let me know how you go on and hoping your pain and disability soon decreases!!!!!!!

I have a group of doctors that I can see though one laughs at me and says its all in my mind. I dislike the docs I do look up online all my symptoms and have an idea about whats what. I am awaiting treatment with rhumatology and osteo teams also muscleskeletal team at the hospital but the wait is between 8-16 weeks ahould have seen the rhumatology team already but they have no appointments at three different hospitals. I am looking into accupuncture and other alternatives.

Good to hear you are being proactive which is so important!  As far as the GP who laughs at you and says it's all in your head..........avoid at all cost - highly unprofessional as well as being unethical and totally acceptable! Hopefully, if possible, you can find and work (in a mutual partnership with 1 of the other GPs?????  Unfortunately almost all of the Specialist Consultants in every hospital are extremely busy, under resourced and in such great demand that the waiting times of 8-16 weeks could be a lot worse but bad enough.  Sooooo glad you are looking into complementary therapies as I am a big believer in using these as an adjunct (not a replacement) to conventional medicine.  Perhaps you may want to look into aromatherapy oils (i.e. You could use in the bath) that may help?  If you want I will do this too and see what I can find? Keeping everything crossed for you that you/we will find ANYTHING that just might help alleviate your symptoms!  I often use lavender oil in the bath........it is a very relaxing oil and often helps people to get a better quality of sleep.  Another very old fashioned treatment for sore, aching muscles is to use Epsom Salts in the bath - might be worth a try?  I'm going to have an Aromatherapy massage with 1 of my Therapists this Thurs morning and with your permission, will ask her for any advice for yourself.  Please try to stay positive, although so much easier to do when your pain score is on the "low" side!  I am always reminding myself that even when my pain score is  above 9, it won't stay at this level.....everything changes and so will this!  Thinking of you love and will get back to you if/when I find any info for you.  xx

I too have daily pain with rhematoid arthritis which ive had for 2 years...which came on after a severe throat infection. I also have osteo arthritis causing  back pain also all my fingers alongside carpal tunnel synovitis and 4trigger fingers i take 24 tablets a day with tramadol being my pai releif ... Very painful too.i am having an operation wednesday in my left hand for the trigger finger and carpal tunnel . When its healed theyre booking in my right hand then .,,,x hope everyones ok xxxxxx

Wow Jeanie you got it bad fast. Sorry for that. Im trying herbal remedies so far nothing has worked but my research is going far so am hopeful.

This is for MorganMistwalker.  My Aromatherapist has suggested oils that have a "warming" effect inc. Lavender, lemon and eucalyptus and she has also asked a fellow associate for her "recipe" for "aches and pains" which is: 

20 mls base oil (acts as a carrier for the other oils)

2 Drops fennel (or marjoram?)

3 drops lavender

5 drops eucalyptus

I usually use essential oils in the bath (using no more than 7 drops) but as my Aromatherapist massages me with various combinations oils - this would probably be more beneficial?  Essential oils aren't cheap but don't believe oils that aren't "guaranteed" essential will not have as good an effect.  Worth a try.  Hope to talk to you soon. Ann x

im currently suffering with back pain, does anyone have any useful advice on pain managment xx