Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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katerina11 07/08/2015

Hey everyone!

I'm sure a lot of you have chronic pain issues! I do too :(
I've tried a lot of things...currently I do tylenol arthritis at night along with Robaxin but still find myself waking up in the middle of the night in pain...I have also tried using lidocaine patches and asprecreme as well as ice and heat...but no dice :( still wake up in pain...

I'm not really wanting to start narcotics (I have nothing against them) but I have trouble getting my medications on time and would not want to withdrawal from them and potentially lower my pain tolerance.

Marijuana isn't an option :( I live in a state where medical MJ is legal but I signed a NO MJ contract for my job so def can't be using it :(

There are other issues complicating the pain like scoliosis, degenerative disc disease, and osteoarthritis in my SI joints....I would appreciate any suggestions!

dsprt4help 07/09/2015

Where is the pain at? Is it localized or all over? If you have M.S. stop the heat. Would it help to go for acupuncture? Massages? Reflexology? I take Gabapentin 800mg 2 at night & 1 when I wake up in the middle of the night with spasms. Getting out of bed & using a slant board to stretch my calves helps me also. I've tried everything & it takes a lot of trial & error to find relief. There are Doctors that specialize in pain management I went to 1 & he got me set up with a good physical therapist that was wonderful at giving me specific exercises to help me reach my goals. Hope you start finding some relief.

katerina11 07/11/2015

Hey dsprt4help,
Thank you for your response. It's definitely localized mostly in my back and SI joints. Massages help a lot when I can find the time and when I can afford them...
I actually think the pain is flaring up because I haven't been able to get a hold of more gabapentin for about a month now...
I saw a pain management specialist who recommended a wide array of things including radiofrequency ablation but I guess with the way their clinic is set up...only active duty military can be seen (I'm a retiree and get my medical care at a military treatment facility)...I think I maybe should try seeing another one off base...just don't know if it's worth the time :(

ChrissyH 07/11/2015

Have u tried using a Tens Machine? It's not a medication. No script is needed. Look it up on Google. 2 years ago I cut ALL Gluten out of my diet. 2 days later 96% of my pain was gone.

ChrissyH 07/11/2015

It's also referred to as a Tenns Unit. We paid around $25 for ours. On Amazon there r some for 100.00+. You'll only need a basic one to start with.

dsprt4help 07/12/2015

Get in contact with the pain management specialist again & ask what they can do for you at that facility. Are you retired military & on VA medical? You tell them you need them to help you find a solution. If only active military can use that clinic ask them what clinic they refer nonactive to that is acceptable & covered by the VA. My father is a vet & all his medical,prescription,vision,hearing pretty much head to toe is covered & if he needs something that they do not offer they let him know where to go & the billing is taken care of by the VA. I assumed you are a vet when you said you were retired & saw an on base doctor. Keep after it until you get some relief. No one should have to live in pain.

carolinagirl123 07/17/2015

I suffer with chrinic pain too. Im in lyrica and itbis actually helping, and its NOT a narcotic too. But I do tske a narcotic wuth my lyrics, I hsve to, my psin in my legs, feet and ankles are unbesrabke without it. I do see a pain management doctor. That's where you need to go for help. And thank you for your service!

hmmmingbird 07/26/2015

Gabapentin stopped working for me, neuro switched me to Tramadol 50 mg up to 3 a day, as needed and that works for me.

I got a tens-type unit for $12 at tanga.com. Don't let the price fool you. It has four electrodes and ten different massage types and the lower power works for me.

Thank you, Chrissy, for suggesting that. I didn't even know what they were called and bought mine on a whim. I'm so glad I did.

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