Constant Pain - What do you do?
Discussion
I had a knee operation about 10 years ago. Stuff went wrong, turning it into 3 operations and 3 months off work and it still hurts. All the time. I'm quite tired at the moment so it's getting me down more than it would normally.
It's not fixable surgically as there's no evidence of anything structurally wrong on the MRI, and after the original incident, neither I or the consuiltant want to go back in for a root around at the end of an arthrosope.
Stretches and massage do very little so I take painkillers to allow me to lead a normal life. I'm currently trying to cut down on them as I don't want to end up all Trainspotting, with an addled mind that allows me to stare at the wall but little else.
This is not much fun, not in terms of withdrawal but in terms of not being able to concentrate on what I'm doing at work because my knee is shouting for attention.
Is anyone else in a remotely similar situation? (should I ask on Biker Banter
) How do you cope with it? I currenty have a repeat prescription for Tramadol (usually take 100-150 mg per day) with top ups of OTC Co-codamol or Ibuprofen / Codeine as required.
Don't really know what I want from this post really, just a chance to vent I suppose. Hey ho.
It's not fixable surgically as there's no evidence of anything structurally wrong on the MRI, and after the original incident, neither I or the consuiltant want to go back in for a root around at the end of an arthrosope.
Stretches and massage do very little so I take painkillers to allow me to lead a normal life. I'm currently trying to cut down on them as I don't want to end up all Trainspotting, with an addled mind that allows me to stare at the wall but little else.
This is not much fun, not in terms of withdrawal but in terms of not being able to concentrate on what I'm doing at work because my knee is shouting for attention.
Is anyone else in a remotely similar situation? (should I ask on Biker Banter
) How do you cope with it? I currenty have a repeat prescription for Tramadol (usually take 100-150 mg per day) with top ups of OTC Co-codamol or Ibuprofen / Codeine as required. Don't really know what I want from this post really, just a chance to vent I suppose. Hey ho.
I suffered a serious knee injury last June and have had three lots of surgery to rebuild the knee. I offer no advice, just a "I feel your pain post"!
The pain is constant (like someone shouting in your ear the whole time) and distracting and debilitating. To some extent, I'm starting to get used to it and being able to function more 'normally' by tuning it out, but sometimes the only answer is pain killers.
I completely sympathise with your not wanting to take too many, but feedback from my loved ones would suggest I am a much nicer person when I am on top of taking pain killers... So, be kind to yourself, don't beat yourself up for taking pain killers.
I cut out the Tramadol after a difficult withdrawl and feel better for it. I usually stick to strong ibuprofen and cocodamol. Naproxen is reserved for really, really bad days.
The pain is constant (like someone shouting in your ear the whole time) and distracting and debilitating. To some extent, I'm starting to get used to it and being able to function more 'normally' by tuning it out, but sometimes the only answer is pain killers.
I completely sympathise with your not wanting to take too many, but feedback from my loved ones would suggest I am a much nicer person when I am on top of taking pain killers... So, be kind to yourself, don't beat yourself up for taking pain killers.
I cut out the Tramadol after a difficult withdrawl and feel better for it. I usually stick to strong ibuprofen and cocodamol. Naproxen is reserved for really, really bad days.
Get one of these.
http://www.keshefoundation.org/shop/product/view/5...
I had scitatia and joint pain from lots of stupid sports from the last 25 years.
Pain all gone, now training again.
http://www.keshefoundation.org/shop/product/view/5...
I had scitatia and joint pain from lots of stupid sports from the last 25 years.
Pain all gone, now training again.
Just a quick word of warning, Tramadol is one of the strongest painkillers and has plenty of side effects.
I would be very cautious of taking them for a long time. You don't want to become like a druggie addicted to them.
I am saying this after having a consultation from a doctor outside of UK, the ones that actually treat people and not stuff them with Tramadol and Morphine like most hospitals do in UK.
I would be very cautious of taking them for a long time. You don't want to become like a druggie addicted to them.
I am saying this after having a consultation from a doctor outside of UK, the ones that actually treat people and not stuff them with Tramadol and Morphine like most hospitals do in UK.
Some hypnotherapists offer pain management services, which might be worth looking into
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC275236...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC275236...
From experience, wean yourself off the Tramadol carefully - you can get water soluble ones (GP wasn't aware but my pharmacist was) - the proper cold turkey is horrendous, I couldn't do it!
On your original subject, I managed to get a referral to the pain clinic, who in turn referred me to a pain management counsellor who used CBT to help me - my life is transformed. It sounds like I'm in less pain than you (no pain killers these days) but she helped me turn my life around. I went from staying in, just about house bound and miserable/depressed, to being out and about with a healthy social life, got my pilot's license and now i'm even mountain biking. No reduction in the pain, but a reduction in my perception of it somehow and the way i handle it.
On your original subject, I managed to get a referral to the pain clinic, who in turn referred me to a pain management counsellor who used CBT to help me - my life is transformed. It sounds like I'm in less pain than you (no pain killers these days) but she helped me turn my life around. I went from staying in, just about house bound and miserable/depressed, to being out and about with a healthy social life, got my pilot's license and now i'm even mountain biking. No reduction in the pain, but a reduction in my perception of it somehow and the way i handle it.
Thanks for all your inputs. It's slightly better today so can see a bit more clearly.
The painkillers are annoying but I try to take a week off every six weeks or so, especially on the Tramadol as I've heard some horrific stories of withdrawal.
These few days aren't so bad so any physical dependence, if it exists, is pretty slight. I may look to different medication however; Naproxen was mentioned so I'll investigate that. Does it make you egg bound? One distinct advantage of Tramadol for me is that it doesn't affect my bowels. Taking the equivalent amount of codeine would lead me straining until the veins bulged on my forehead. This I know as after the operation I was on lots of it.
Other solutions suggested are exercise and Pain clinic. I'm going to try those. Walking doesn't seem to help much but cycling may do. The difficulty with exercise however is the time, we have three young children (all under 5) and commute an hour each way to a long-hours job. Weekends I try to do as much as possible with the children as I don't see them a huge amount in the week and my wife needs a break. I'm just going to have to force the time in there. I suppose.
I've strapped it heavily today and it's helped, I'm not sure why and don't really care as long as it works OK. I do look like a bit of a cripple though as I move around. Still, might get a bit of sympathy
The painkillers are annoying but I try to take a week off every six weeks or so, especially on the Tramadol as I've heard some horrific stories of withdrawal.
These few days aren't so bad so any physical dependence, if it exists, is pretty slight. I may look to different medication however; Naproxen was mentioned so I'll investigate that. Does it make you egg bound? One distinct advantage of Tramadol for me is that it doesn't affect my bowels. Taking the equivalent amount of codeine would lead me straining until the veins bulged on my forehead. This I know as after the operation I was on lots of it.
Other solutions suggested are exercise and Pain clinic. I'm going to try those. Walking doesn't seem to help much but cycling may do. The difficulty with exercise however is the time, we have three young children (all under 5) and commute an hour each way to a long-hours job. Weekends I try to do as much as possible with the children as I don't see them a huge amount in the week and my wife needs a break. I'm just going to have to force the time in there. I suppose.
I've strapped it heavily today and it's helped, I'm not sure why and don't really care as long as it works OK. I do look like a bit of a cripple though as I move around. Still, might get a bit of sympathy
Given what you are going though I thought you might enjoy this TED talk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DokhOtMp75A
I don't believe it'll give you a solution. It's just relevant to your situation of "pain with no obvious reason" and pain clinics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DokhOtMp75A
I don't believe it'll give you a solution. It's just relevant to your situation of "pain with no obvious reason" and pain clinics.
8Ace said:
Thanks for all your inputs. It's slightly better today so can see a bit more clearly.
The painkillers are annoying but I try to take a week off every six weeks or so, especially on the Tramadol as I've heard some horrific stories of withdrawal.
These few days aren't so bad so any physical dependence, if it exists, is pretty slight. I may look to different medication however; Naproxen was mentioned so I'll investigate that. Does it make you egg bound? One distinct advantage of Tramadol for me is that it doesn't affect my bowels. Taking the equivalent amount of codeine would lead me straining until the veins bulged on my forehead. This I know as after the operation I was on lots of it.
Other solutions suggested are exercise and Pain clinic. I'm going to try those. Walking doesn't seem to help much but cycling may do. The difficulty with exercise however is the time, we have three young children (all under 5) and commute an hour each way to a long-hours job. Weekends I try to do as much as possible with the children as I don't see them a huge amount in the week and my wife needs a break. I'm just going to have to force the time in there. I suppose.
I've strapped it heavily today and it's helped, I'm not sure why and don't really care as long as it works OK. I do look like a bit of a cripple though as I move around. Still, might get a bit of sympathy
Take the kids out on bikes? Joints love exercise, mines a thirty year old motorbike injury and the cycling is essential if I'm to avoid pain. Go steady and it *might* hurt more at first. Just listen to your body The painkillers are annoying but I try to take a week off every six weeks or so, especially on the Tramadol as I've heard some horrific stories of withdrawal.
These few days aren't so bad so any physical dependence, if it exists, is pretty slight. I may look to different medication however; Naproxen was mentioned so I'll investigate that. Does it make you egg bound? One distinct advantage of Tramadol for me is that it doesn't affect my bowels. Taking the equivalent amount of codeine would lead me straining until the veins bulged on my forehead. This I know as after the operation I was on lots of it.
Other solutions suggested are exercise and Pain clinic. I'm going to try those. Walking doesn't seem to help much but cycling may do. The difficulty with exercise however is the time, we have three young children (all under 5) and commute an hour each way to a long-hours job. Weekends I try to do as much as possible with the children as I don't see them a huge amount in the week and my wife needs a break. I'm just going to have to force the time in there. I suppose.
I've strapped it heavily today and it's helped, I'm not sure why and don't really care as long as it works OK. I do look like a bit of a cripple though as I move around. Still, might get a bit of sympathy
RickRolled said:
Just a quick word of warning, Tramadol is one of the strongest painkillers and has plenty of side effects.
I would be very cautious of taking them for a long time. You don't want to become like a druggie addicted to them.
I am saying this after having a consultation from a doctor outside of UK, the ones that actually treat people and not stuff them with Tramadol and Morphine like most hospitals do in UK.
I am in constant pain through a health condition & have no choice other than taking Tramadol, 600mg a day along with 120mg Ibuprofen & various other pills. I see it as a necessary evil as it took 4 years of various combinations before we came up with a solution that would help with pain but also allowed me to have a clear head & not turn me into a zombie.I would be very cautious of taking them for a long time. You don't want to become like a druggie addicted to them.
I am saying this after having a consultation from a doctor outside of UK, the ones that actually treat people and not stuff them with Tramadol and Morphine like most hospitals do in UK.
I know that when the time comes withdrawal will be tough, but nothing else I tried came close to dulling the pain & I couldn't cope without it.
Good luck op, I hope you find relief one way or another.
Speedracer329 said:
RickRolled said:
Just a quick word of warning, Tramadol is one of the strongest painkillers and has plenty of side effects.
I would be very cautious of taking them for a long time. You don't want to become like a druggie addicted to them.
I am saying this after having a consultation from a doctor outside of UK, the ones that actually treat people and not stuff them with Tramadol and Morphine like most hospitals do in UK.
I am in constant pain through a health condition & have no choice other than taking Tramadol, 600mg a day along with 120mg Ibuprofen & various other pills. I see it as a necessary evil as it took 4 years of various combinations before we came up with a solution that would help with pain but also allowed me to have a clear head & not turn me into a zombie.I would be very cautious of taking them for a long time. You don't want to become like a druggie addicted to them.
I am saying this after having a consultation from a doctor outside of UK, the ones that actually treat people and not stuff them with Tramadol and Morphine like most hospitals do in UK.
I know that when the time comes withdrawal will be tough, but nothing else I tried came close to dulling the pain & I couldn't cope without it.
Good luck op, I hope you find relief one way or another.
Speedracer - when the time comes, investigate the water soluble version. You can then reduce the dosage a tiny bit at a time over a period of time, and make life a lot easier coming off them - at least it did for me!!
OP - Naproxen can irritate the stomach causing ulcers, so you can be prescribed something (omneprazole or something sounding like that, can't quite remember) to take alongside it which helps stop that.
OP - Naproxen can irritate the stomach causing ulcers, so you can be prescribed something (omneprazole or something sounding like that, can't quite remember) to take alongside it which helps stop that.
I'm also in constant pain, due to neuropathic pain following a slipped disc nerve injury helping a fat person up off the pavement about five years ago. My first piece of advice would be to do what I did and go to your GP and get referred, plus do your own research, but don't get suckered in my the whole alternative medicine industry, who largely exist to prey off people like us by giving us false hope - my addage is that if it actually works then it's known as mainstream medicine.. Since your injury happened from a bodged operation though, I presume you've already seen lots of specialists etc.
There's not a lot to say really, except that you have my sympathy. I haven't slept properly in five years and probably never will, I can't concentrate on books any more so I've stopped reading, and I even find concentrating on films difficult. I guess you're much the same?
There's not a lot to say really, except that you have my sympathy. I haven't slept properly in five years and probably never will, I can't concentrate on books any more so I've stopped reading, and I even find concentrating on films difficult. I guess you're much the same?
I was taking 2 x Tramadol and 2 x Paracetamol every 4 hours since May last year, and a few months ago I moved to Dihydrocodeine and Paracetamol instead.
The main reason was that the Tramadol was putting me into a 'bubble', and i still knew the pain was there, i just didn't care about it.
My options were/are Tramadol, Dihydrocodeine, Oral Morphine(Works well, but don't expect to do anything), and monthly injections.
The main reason was that the Tramadol was putting me into a 'bubble', and i still knew the pain was there, i just didn't care about it.
My options were/are Tramadol, Dihydrocodeine, Oral Morphine(Works well, but don't expect to do anything), and monthly injections.
Should have also said that with my rehab I borrowed a turbo trainer and attached it to my mountain bike to it, under advise of my Physio and consultant.
Started just doing 10 slow revolutions, to get the mobility then upped to minutes, now can actually cycle properly for a while. No Tour de France, but a local gentle flat 6 miler is doable.
Started just doing 10 slow revolutions, to get the mobility then upped to minutes, now can actually cycle properly for a while. No Tour de France, but a local gentle flat 6 miler is doable.
Should have also said that with my rehab I borrowed a turbo trainer and attached it to my mountain bike to it, under advise of my Physio and consultant.
Started just doing 10 slow revolutions, to get the mobility then upped to minutes, now can actually cycle properly for a while. No Tour de France, but a local gentle flat 6 miler is doable.
Started just doing 10 slow revolutions, to get the mobility then upped to minutes, now can actually cycle properly for a while. No Tour de France, but a local gentle flat 6 miler is doable.
I feel your pain. I too suffer from a knee issue/pain which all looks ok on the MRI. I also suffer some shoulder pain and currently my achilles heel is buggered. Ever since I turned 40 I just seem to be constantly in pain (43 now). I don't have any solution and its incredibly frustrating, however I realize that I will need to spend the rest of my life like this now living with the pain. There is a ton of alternative stuff out there, but having tried a lot my conclusion is they are mostly snake oil, and the only thing the REALLY works is if you mind TOTALLY believes whatever you are trying will work, it will work. The mind I think is the only thing that can really overcome the pain, but for most of us we can't make the mental shift. I've read a lot about things like Tension Myositis Syndrome and other scholarly articles about pain and the brain etc. Some people (a small percentage) seem to be able to shift there perspective of their injury and the pain get massively reduced to the point where it does not bother them. I don't seem to be able to do this.
But back to the real world, aside from drugs, I fine the best thing for the knee is movement without/as little load as possible. If you can swim - swim lots it will help in my experience (I can only do it a little because of my buggered shoulder). Very light (ie no pressure on the pedals) cycling can help, but its a thin line that can be crossed into more pain.
But back to the real world, aside from drugs, I fine the best thing for the knee is movement without/as little load as possible. If you can swim - swim lots it will help in my experience (I can only do it a little because of my buggered shoulder). Very light (ie no pressure on the pedals) cycling can help, but its a thin line that can be crossed into more pain.
With regard to swimming though, do note that breast stroke is well known for aggravating knee and back problems; so either swim front crawl instead, or if you want to do swim breast stroke then take it easy.Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff