Horace
Journeyman
Reged: 11/22/03
Posts: 81
Loc: Earth
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Hello colleagues in pain:
How many of you with back pain, actually do recommended Physical Therapy, eat right, get enough exercise and massage and are not overweight?
Or are you just popping the pills for relief because it's easier?
I myself for the first time in my life am making a concentrated effort to do everything I can do to ease up the pain (besides meds). I cannot say that I would've done this when I was younger, being somewhat lazy in certain respects.
How about you?
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LostShopper
Enthusiast
Reged: 05/10/02
Posts: 206
Loc: Deep South
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Well, my problem isn't back pain, but we are all in the same boat in one way or another. I do take meds, but in addition I have made some changes in my lifestyle. Given up the soda pops for juices, try to take walks when I can, and always find time every day for prayer/reflection/quiet time. I think working on our mental wellbeing is as important as the physical. Having a support system is important to me and I am lucky to have a special friend whom I can call to talk about anything. I used to bottle stuff up, and find that's not healthy for us either. Not sure if that answers your question, but that's what works for me. As for the pain, I am sure there are many here who have non-med methods that are quite effective - with my particular problem, the walks will often work, but when necessary I certainly don't hesitate to use my hydro.
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bronwyn
Newbie
Reged: 11/11/03
Posts: 40
Loc: bluegrass
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Quote:
Hello colleagues in pain:
How many of you with back pain, actually do recommended Physical Therapy, eat right, get enough exercise and massage and are not overweight?
Or are you just popping the pills for relief because it's easier?
Well, If I could walk farther than 10 feet without extreme ddebilitating pain, I would. To go to the store without using a cart will cost me a week of absolutely no activity, such as cooking, doing dishes, or even sitting working on the computer. I am slightly overweight from where I was hindered from doing anything but lay in bed for two months following surgery. I do my PT and my husband provides a somewhat decent massage. I follow doctor's orders as completely as I am able to, and quite frankly, norco 10's barely take off the edge so that I can live some simblance of a life versus ultracet with does nothing other than get my stomach in an uproar.
So yes, I'm "popping pills because it is easier" so that I can attempt to do the other things needed to try and stave off another surgery.
BTW, when was the last time you took meds 30 minutes before bed and sat up crying in pain for another 4 hours trying to get some sleep so that you could go to work the next day? I did that last night, and just about every night for the past 5 months. So please don't just assume that everyone is just popping pills, most of the posts I read here and elsewhere are from people who are trying everything they can to be out of the pain, because lord knows, if you still have a large chunk of life ahead of you, the last thing you want is to be in pain and not able to live and enjoy that life.
Bronwyn
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Bronwyn
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prettyday
Threadhead
Reged: 02/09/03
Posts: 924
Loc: Coastal Sage Scrub
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I cry in the shower before work and in the car after work; does that count?
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First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.
- Mahatma Gandhi
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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Horace-
A VALID question to be sure. While I would hope the majority of the friendly users here at DB have tried exhausting ALL OTHER OPTIONS prior to making the committment to a possible life-long opiates/benzo/other dependence, I have wondered this myself many times.
The question in no way negates the legitimate pain sufferer, but time after time I read posts by people who report doctors' visits with anger because they didn't receive whatever medication they were seeking.
But, to play Devil's Advocate, many, many times posts by DB users (especially people I know frequent the boards) ARE advocating treating the problem by whatever means necessary to obtain RELIEF from the pain. Even trying alternative medicine, meditation, and, in some cases, even trying to alter their lifestyles to avoid causing themselves more pain or to get healthier.
I can see why someone new to the board would ask this question. But don't forget, we are all individuals with individual medical issues. It isn't for me to determine whether or not somebody is just drug-seeking or has tried to do everything else possible to help themselves before resorting to addictive medications. Honestly, it doesn't even matter--pain is pain is pain. Emotional pain hurts just as much as physical pain.
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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summer
Veteran
Reged: 05/21/02
Posts: 563
Loc: East Coast
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Take walks as I feel it's possible for that day. Physical therapy did jack sh*t for me, I'm actually slightly underweight for height, and yes cry alot in pain, sometimes getting out of bed can take up to an agonizing hour. I think that the "pill popping" statement could have been sensitized a little more as this makes CPS look like addicts, that's just my hones opinion. If not for my meds I could not lead a full and productive life. Everyones story is different, but as and above poster said basically the same for different reasons(re:different ailments) I really don't know how I feel about your post, no offense, but I do in someway find myself bothered by it, maybe it's just me or maybe your wording, something just doesn't come across right there, again JMHO-Is there anyone that sees my point?
Summer
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scissorhands
Member
Reged: 06/04/03
Posts: 167
Loc: Hell
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How much do you really help yourself?
After five back surgergies, and a body full of plates, cages, screws and rods... I still do everything I did before, cook, clean, laundry, shopping, lawn mowing, landscaping,take care of my man, etc..I just do it when I'm Best if kept off the board good and ready and if the body's not up to it one day, then it just doesn't get done. I do walk at our local track every evening for 45 minutes, rain or shine. Then I go home and kiss my meds, all 110 lbs of me!
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Baseball is wrong...Man with four balls cannot walk!
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turcica
seeker
Reged: 12/21/03
Posts: 312
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Horace, not everyone with chronic pain can use alternatives such as exercise and the other options you mentioned. There are so many debilitating disease states out there that unless you have "been in the trenches" so to speak and seen many of them you have no idea the extent of the disease states. Not all CP sufferers can improve their physical well being with diet, weight control, exercise, bio feedback, physical or psychiatric therapy,accupuncture and the list goes on. Some diseases, once you have it, it isn't going away without a miracle. I am not speaking for myself here but for the thousands of people I have come across in life that this is true for. The others, its like anything else. Some people are more pro active and involved in their condition and exhaust any means to improve an improvable state. Others do not and I guess would be in the category you question. Regardless, need not judge others lest you be judged yourself. This comment is not aimed at you but at anyone who would judge any other human being. Abusers, yes of course there are people who use the pills for a high or escape. But then you have to ask yourself, what in the thread of their life led them to this? I don't support taking any kind of pills or even alcohol to dull pain that is psychological in nature.The people in this category can be helped by some of the means I mentioned above. Food for thought. turcica
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turcica
The only failure is not knowing how to be happy
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Edited by turcica (01/07/04 09:25 PM)
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Opie_Yates
Old Hand
Reged: 08/11/03
Posts: 473
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I'm taking Night_Shade's "Malcom X" philosophy to pain and insomnia: "By any means necessary".
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I'm not a doctor, I just play one on a message forum!
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catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 320
Loc: Midwest
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I haven't been posting very much lately but still read a lot. Nightshade, I have to applaud your post  I think you summarized the pain problem very succinctly. The original poster (Horace) worded his questions in a pretty confrontational style, which got more than one person's "dander up." I believe a lot of folks feel guilty about needing meds even for legitimate physical pain. As for people who take opiates or benzos for emotional pain...forgeddaboutit...Guilt City, in most cases. Just my .02 Catmom
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If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
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catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 320
Loc: Midwest
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I see your point exactly, Summer! The questions were rather rudely put, to say the least. Catmom
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If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
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summer
Veteran
Reged: 05/21/02
Posts: 563
Loc: East Coast
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Thank you my Sweet!-
I was wondering if I was being oversensitive, but the whole tone and wordage(is that a word? LOL) just came across wrong.
Again, thanks-
Summer 
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catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 320
Loc: Midwest
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You're more than welcome, sweetie! It's tough enough to be in pain without it being implied that it's at least partially your fault.  Catmom
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If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
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Corrie
Board Addict
Reged: 07/16/02
Posts: 362
Loc: Southeast US
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Assuming that the post was meant in a positive tone  , I work out regularly, don't drink alcohol anymore (quit smoking years ago), and also use massage therapy, also trying acupuncture as well. I have to say that working out regularly produces endorphins and lessens my pain, as well as keeping my weight down to almost under normal, but I think that fat percentages are more indicative of a healthy body rather than weight. I realize that many here can't work out to the extent that they would like to because of the different levels of pain we all deal with, but my back pain (herniation) is lessened when I exercise 5-6 times a week, with both cardio (low impact, but high intensity using weight) and lifting weights with a weight belt to stabilize my core.
Everyone in my family can tell if I haven't worked out, because my pain is doubled, and my mood is way down and I'm pretty cranky. I also have depression, and working out is the best anti-depressant I have found. I'm still searching other holistic means to find pain relief, but I (like many others here) have to have sufficient pain relief in the form of pills to perform the daily activities that I have to do, i.e. work, kids, cleaning house, etc. I feel fortunate to have that option (OP's), but it's only one of quite a few methods that I've employed. My main goal is to get off of the pills one day soon because I don't like the lethargic, numb feeling you get after taking opiates long term, but the pain killing properties are a necessity at this point in my life.
My Ortho wants to do back surgery, and I'm really hesitant about this, because of the possible repurcussions, so I'll try everything else in the interim to find a way to live with it. I have a lot of empathy for everyone here living in pain ... big to you guys.
Corrie
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zoe11
Journeyman
Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 87
Loc: Other side of the moon
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I agree with some of the posters and feel the post could have been phrased a bit kinder. I'm so sorry for the poster who's in so much pain that she cries at night before bed or for the one who cries in the shower and on the way to work. I'm soooo sorry anyone has to suffer that much.
I've lost weight due to the medication change my pain doc put me on. Get rid of the elavil and lose weight. I think it has helped my pain, but then again, my entire pain regimen was changed. It's hard to tell which came first the chicken or the egg, so to speak.
Hey folks try to stay pain free. Here's my question -- do you all think the cold weather makes the pain worse?
zoe
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Sky_Queen
Fly Girl
Reged: 12/03/02
Posts: 1966
Loc: Texas
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Hey Zoe - I really do think the cold weather makes it worse - at least for me with fibro pain. The cold just goes right through my bones and makes me ache worse than ever. Add any rain or dampness to that and it's almost unbearable. As to the original poster of this thread - I think it could have been worded a little more politely, but I don't think his/her intentions were meant to be insulting. Sometimes it's hard to put ones feelings down into words and convey the message you are trying to get across. I think most of us here have exhausted all the possibilities - they don't really work, and don't take the pain away completely so here we are...........exercise can be very helpful to some people, but for those of us with fibro too much can be devastating and we pay for it for days.
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henry1
Enthusiast
Reged: 10/08/03
Posts: 287
Loc: North Central USA
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A great question Horace, and I have no problem with your choice of words. I'm sure many people here would love to be able to do some of the things in your post if it would help them. The fact is many people are past that point. I would think most people would love to get relief without pills. If you can, thats great. I happen to suffer from sciatica, which is not always a problem. I purchased a special seat to use when driving and that has helped a great deal. I get by without pills more often than not, but when I need a pill I take it. I believe people should do what they need to do in order to enjoy life. Its much too short to spend it in pain.
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treading the backward path...
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PrivateRealm
Threadhead
Reged: 03/18/03
Posts: 879
Loc: usa
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Well I already knew I haad pinched nerves and my x-rays showed some major curvatures and other problems of the spine. So they are finally scheduling my MRI and sonogram to see about the other disc problems and such. We are also going to proceed to Physical therapy. I am a server, so I am always o my feet 5 nights a week, and I chase 3 kids around the house. I do not drink, andtry to do my best, but a the end of the day, the pain and lack of energy are quite debilitting. I try to stay as active as possible, as I think it is important. If I give into the pain, eventually, it will take me over. For now, I am waiting to see if we can find out what else is wrong with the MRI and Sonogram, as it has taken the doctor about a year to finally get tis far, and my wreck was 7 years ago. Wow, all this and I am only 27, but my back pain, and headaches due to it are getting so much worse.
Besides hydro, I am also prescribed Flexeril and Indocin.
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KeriAnne~~~
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away."
Edited by PrivateRealm (01/07/04 10:17 PM)
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keystone
Veteran
Reged: 09/05/02
Posts: 587
Loc: Arizona, USA
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We have discussed this briefly before, however my insuance company has provided me w/ a TEMS (Empi) device that basically is an electrinoc stimulator.
The theory is that you can wear it all day and your muscles contract, get stimulation which is proven to speed up the healing process.
Personally, I find that it does help, at least distract the pain from my lower back when I take a holiday or have acute pain that needs attention and I cant high dose narcotics due to a sales call, etc.
Many if not MOST Physical therapists will lend you a unit for a 30-day free trial period. Give it a shot. My insurance did pay for the device ($800) buy I was in a car accident and the at-fault party is taking care of it.
Just an idea, but it definately dulls the pain. By NO means does it "cure' you, but you can function. It's the size of a small Walkman and nobody knows you are wearing it.
Your PT would proviode this, and again almost ALL will let you have it for a trial period at no charge. If you don't like it, or insurance will not pay; they inclue a SASE for return of the device.
KS
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The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was to convince the world he never existed.
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IMSUSCOT1
Threadhead
Reged: 10/23/02
Posts: 882
Loc: usa
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I write this from my hospital bed (just admitted for what will be my 8th surgery, the 4th in the past two years), I can say that I believe Physical Therapy is very helpful...IF monitored by a licensed Physical Therapist....it's been my experience (and I've had A LOT of PT) that the PT techs are overall less compassionate & because they do not have the formal education in place, particularly w/respect to normal & abnormal anatomy & physiology, they can actually HURT you...The KEY in PT, is to LISTEN to your body....PT shouldn't cause severe & acute pain...and you shouldn't be in so much pain on the day following PT that you can't get out of bed either...PT should be at times uncomfortable...but if it's causing an increase in your pain level of more than 3 points, and if that pain does not subside with stopping the activity, then the PT or tech is working you too hard.
That being said, I am quite disappointed to find that I may have to have all of the hardward & the battery(that was just put in on December 4th) for my spinal cord stimulator, removed surgically, that I could just shoot someone!
And as alternative methods go, I really have had much success with my spinal cord stimulator...I still have to take some narcotics, but far less than I would need if I didn't have the spinal cord stimulator.
But I look forward to the day when I can regurn to the Gym & get into a regular routine of exercise...I do believe that makes a HUGE difference
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Let's see... as far as trying to help ourselves with other means than meds I am all for! Although meds were made for a purpose. Before I go any futher I want everyone to know that this is my personal opinion. I have herniated discs in my lower back and I have tried PT. It didn't do anything for me really. It helped some but not much. I am thin... not too thin like anarexia but I am a perfect weight for my height so I am not overweight. I work 10-18 hour days as a computer programmer and I sit a lot in my chair which hurts like HE!!. I also suffer from severe anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, and severe social disorder causing me to have panic attacks. Without those meds, I could not live. I wouldn't be able to function as a human being in society. I used to excercise a lot before my back problems and I am slowly getting back in to it but it takes time.
There are people on this board that don't even have that chance so I am glad I can at least try. And I have all the sorrow in the world for those of you who cannot.
There are some things in life that we all just have to deal with. Chronic pain is one of them (if we have it). I personally feel like helping yourself in other ways than taking meds is great! I too have quit drinking, smoking, and starting eating right again. Meds are necessary in our situations so let's just stick together and we will ALL get through it!! All my love to all you wonderful people!!
Train 
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chantal
Board Addict
Reged: 03/02/02
Posts: 305
Loc: US
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Quote:
Hello colleagues in pain:
How many of you with back pain, actually do recommended Physical Therapy, eat right, get enough exercise and massage and are not overweight?
Or are you just popping the pills for relief because it's easier?
I myself for the first time in my life am making a concentrated effort to do everything I can do to ease up the pain (besides meds). I cannot say that I would've done this when I was younger, being somewhat lazy in certain respects.
How about you?
First of all, congratulations on making changes in your life and trying to get fit. However, I do not exactly understand what getting fit, eating right, losing weight has to do with pain meds. The people I know that should make the same effort as you are planning to do, exercise, lose weight, eat healthy, etc. do not take pain meds and aren't in any kind of constant pain. For someone who is in pain, to do these things like exercising he or she needs to pop a pill first. I, for instance, am a very active person. Everything in life I enjoy doing involves physical activity, sometimes heavy physical activity. If you plant a garden, for instance, you will be busy in it year round. If you enjoy playing tennis or bicycling, for instance, you are a very active and fit person. However, to be able to do this I have to take a pill. If I don't have pills, I can't move and couldn't care less about the outdoor activities that ARE my life. Getting off pain meds sounds fantastic and can make you feel really good. But only psychologically. But definitely not physically. Without pain meds many people simply do not have a life and will become sedentary. But those that I know who actually are sedentary are the ones who are not taking any meds. Go figure.
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2muchpain
Enthusiast
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 274
Loc: USA
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Horace,
I was more than a little surprised to read your post. When you first joined this board you were anxious about an upcoming doctor's appointment. You described yourself as a very educated person who did not want to be treated like a junkie. You received a lot of support from the members. As I recall, your visit to the doctor went well. I also recall your positive feedback regarding an order from an OP or IOP, so I gather you are not anti-drug.
It is my belief that most of us are doing everything we can to be healthy. Sure, there are a few recreational users, but I get the impression that most of the people on this board have tried everything under the sun to find some relief. I know that in my own case, desperation led me to DB.
I do not have a weight problem; in fact I am on the slender side. Everything I do hurts, whether it is exercise or trying to sleep.
My post is not intended to attack you personally. It just that your post came across as being preachy. We get enough of that from the government.
A pain free '04 to all.
2much
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