I know this can be a touchy subject especially from those of us dealing with pain on a daily basis. I understand how hopeless you can feel waking up every morning, wincing as you inch to the bathroom, unable to go to the bathroom until the shooting pain subsides. I get how frustrating it is not to be able to get up and chase your babies around the house, or push their swing and they shout underdog mama! I have been there, crying into the pillow as Zack cooks dinner after working all day while I’m stuck in bed, dealing with a migraine for third day in a row. As depressing as it can be, there are better ways of coping than to over use pain medication.
Don’t get me wrong, some days tylenol is like skittles and a tramadol is the only relief I get to be able to rest. Before 2009, any time I had a migraine or my back was sore, I’d take a couple tylenol, if it didn’t work within an hour, a lortab was next. After battling heartburn that was getting worse, my dad finally went to his doctor, and our world fell apart. He had a tumor in his stomach. He battled for eight months, and passed away the Monday before Thanksgiving. He had been on pain medicine daily since the 1970s from a back injury in the navy.
I now beg my loved ones to please talk to their doctor when dealing with chronic pain. I know how mentally exhausted it makes you! Please let medicine be used as part of your treatment (plan, not your only treatment. Stress can cause flair ups, so talk to your Dr, therapy can help.
Very good advice, mamagin (smiles),
I've been seeing a pain management dr. for 3 years now. I'm on 4 mg, 3x day of dilaudid and I get nerve blocks every 2 months. I have no side effects from the dilaudid and I was told it won't damage my organs like ibuprofen and tylenol are know for. It does not take my pain completely away but, it does keep it a lot more tolerable level. That, I can deal with (smiles),
I still use other methods as well. Such as ice-packs for my migrains, a heating pad and eucalyptus oil for the sore muscles. Vicks Vapor Rub will do the same thing. It works great for pain and it helps in getting the inflammation down. Not to mention it will clear your sinuses too (ha ha).
Ben
Thanks so much for your information on pain management. Just to read that others are in these difficult situations, then I am not alone. I'll see a pain specialist next month (2 or 3months for any specialist at Johns Hopkins in my town). My primary gives me Hydro-codon, and life improves in many ways. Also, a psychologist is affective in treating negative mind thoughts.
I am thinking about you a lot Mamagin, and you and your Father are advanced soles living in a tough time. I hope that our next lives will be long and comfortable!
Mentholated rub is amazing! As is icy hot rub, read the label though, some have aspirin in them! Pain management clinic is the best, I’m getting set up with the one associated with our local hospital. So far every Therapist I have been to says they are not experienced in treating someone with my history along with my current medical condition and refer me to another Dr. Monday I’m hoping to be referred to a Therapist that works with tbi patients.
Hey Anne, sorry to hear you are experiencing chronic pain as well. I will keep u in my prayers 
good luck w ur pain spec next month, hope they can help u! Therapy goes hand in hand with keeping your mind healthy when facing such overwhelming physical problems. Hydrocodone can cause problems with stomach and liver, of you are needing long term meidcations, hopefully your Dr will go over all your options not just go with most prescribed. You are a strong woman, Anne!
I am so sorry you have so much pain :((
How are you Lisanne? You have been in my prayers, I do hope the kids are taking it easy on you! Haha, it is exhausting yet so much fun watching them grow take care, write when u can!
Another good one is a combo of peppermint and lavender oil. The lavender helps you relax and of course the peppermint tingles. DON'T get it in your eyes,though - LOL. I have a vial with a roller ball for easy application to the temples.