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I wanted to ask what can be expected from pain relief?
My pain level is probably at an 8 or 9 (I have had 4 children so I rate childbirth as 10 lol) when it is at its worst. Pain levels are still at a 6-7 after pain medication.
What degree would you say your pain control methods alleviate your pain? Like should I be shooting for 0? or 2? or my pain should halve to 4 ish. I know its a bit subjective but I would appreciate your input.
Also - what does steroids do for pain? If your joints are really killing would it be better to inquire about cortisone shots? New to the merry-go-round!
I take tramadol and have a BuTrans patch that I started yesterday. I also take celebrex. I take plaquenil as well (i do know this is not for pain) but no steroids
Thanks for reading,
Coralie XXX
My pain level is probably at an 8 or 9 (I have had 4 children so I rate childbirth as 10 lol) when it is at its worst. Pain levels are still at a 6-7 after pain medication.
What degree would you say your pain control methods alleviate your pain? Like should I be shooting for 0? or 2? or my pain should halve to 4 ish. I know its a bit subjective but I would appreciate your input.
Also - what does steroids do for pain? If your joints are really killing would it be better to inquire about cortisone shots? New to the merry-go-round!
I take tramadol and have a BuTrans patch that I started yesterday. I also take celebrex. I take plaquenil as well (i do know this is not for pain) but no steroids
Thanks for reading,
Coralie XXX
Never shoot for zero with pain meds because there's a trade off here:
1) It will take more and more pain meds to reach zero and the side affects of the pain meds will become greater and greater.
2) You have a medical condition that needs to be controlled...the best way to do that is to get it under control....that being said, you will probably always have reoccuring pain if you have SLE. It's ok to ask for help, but realistically, pain is going to be a part of your life - so it's best to learn how to deal with some degree of pain on a daily basis and find your pain triggers. control what you can....and deal with the rest.
If my pain levels reach 8-10, I keep pain meds on hand to relieve it (knock it down to 6-7)so I can avoid a trip to the ER for pain relief. In addition to pain meds I usually get other medication to control my lupus flares...like steroids. For me a lower dose is usually preferable as I'm kind of sensitive to them.
I know it's hard to control triggers and deal with pain....but there's a downside to pain management as well. I think its definately needed (pain mgt) but within reason. If my pain is zero...it means I'm a zombie....
Does this make any sense at all?