Need Pain Relief ASAP

[tj91962]

I need help. I have been dealing with chronic pain and the medications my doctor has me on are not working. A little history; I'm 47, was in a severe car accident when I was 22 and in the air force. I was thrown from the vehicle, injuries were: skull fracture, 2 cervical & 2 lumbar vertebrae broken, broken clavicle, shoulder, road rash from head to buttocks, broken hips and pelvis from being run over by another vehicle. I was able to recover from this and return to active duty. Over the years since, I have developed arthritis and fibromyalgia.  However the pain level was manageable up until the last couple of years. During the winter of 2007 I developed water on the knee and overdid it when shoveling the driveway.  Since then the pain has increased 10 fold.  I was seen by an orthopedist, thinking I may need a hip or knee replacement, but that wasn’t it.  The doctor has put me on Naprosyn, then added Vicodin and that has recently been upgraded to Percocet.  In addition to the meds, I have been through physical therapy and water therapy.  All which have done nothing to help the pain.  I also have a tens unit, which doesn’t help at all. I am now walking with a cane, and taking 2 percocets every 4 hours and am lucky if I gets 10 minutes of relief.  I do stretching exercises several times per day, am still working full time and try to maintain an active lifestyle.  The pain radiates down my back and into my knees.  The muscles are always very tight, actually hard as a rock.  Stretching, massages with topical anesthetics gives no relief.  I have been to the pain clinic and they are unable to do injections as the area is too large.

I am at a loss as to what to do next.  My funds are very limited and I do not have medical insurance.  All of my medical attention is through the VA.  Any suggestions you could give would be most appreciated.

Thank you.

[urban1115]

I feel bad for you.  You have been thru hell.  My husband has had back surgery, It failed.  Now he was walking & was hit by a car.  We were on Vicoden for years. Till this Opioid scare.  He is now using CBD rub/salve.  Rubs it in the lower back & he has instant relief.  Up to 8 hrs.  It can't hurt to try.  Good luck

[mombojombo]

The thing with CBD oil that I've found is that it is so unregulated, it's hard to find what is "real" out there. I have a hard time envisioning this as a cure all but who knows.  I think research will be good in this area.

[urban1115]

Not a cure all but it helps when they doctors will not work for you.  You are correct, everyone sells it & it's hard to tell what works.  Trial & error. We did find one that is awesome.  But it may not work for you.  It is so nice not to have pain.  The salve works on the part you put it.   Just an idea.  We use RaphaRub instant relief rub.  Good luck

[occh1]

You might find the best yoga instructor you can find and try that as i have known many people with severe back pain and swear that was the only thing that helped. If you can't  do that you might try acupuncture.

[kimj1]

Dear Tuckamore,

I am new to this and hope it is ok to suggest Volteran Gel It is a NSAID that comes in a tube you can use it up to four times a day. The manufacturer has coupons to help purchasing and I believe will supply it if your income meets guideline. I use it on neck and back and like the fact that it does not have to be taken by mouth as NSAIDS upset my stomach. Good luck to you, I hope this helps !

[Clasher]

There is a holistic product called OPC3. It's made exclusively by market America and sold on the shop.com portal.  It's an example of advanced nutraceuticals, a combination of potent anti-oxidants in an isotonic solution. I suggest trying a bottle using one dose for every 70 pounds of body weight taken twice a day as directed on an empty stomach. It may not be a miracle product but it will surely help your body cope better with its afflictions.

[Tuckamore]

Hello TJ,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am glad that you found us but sorry to hear about your pain. We can relate.

I too had a traumatic MVA that left me with multiple injuries that are now the source of my chronic pain. After six months in the hospital they still "missed" a few injuries that haunt me. And as you say over the years it adds up. So I understand where you are coming from. Although I had to give up my career last year I am glad to hear that you are still able to work..

Does VA not offer pain management physicians (PMP). It certainly sounds to me that you may benefit from a physician that specializes in the treatment and control of chronic pain. A few Percocet do not seem potent enough for you. You may require something that is longer acting and than use to Percocet for break through pain. You have apparently tried all the usual and customary treatments. It may be time to ask about a long acting opiate.  

A TENS Unit caused me more pain too. I couldn't even stand the electrical impulses on my skin. If you obtain no releif than does it make sense to continue using the Unit?

Have they ruled out SI (sacroiliac) Joint Dysfunction? That can cause hip and/or gluteal pain that runs down the back and/or the side of your leg? It was one of the things that they missed with me. Have you seen a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy)? They tend to understand the importance of proper body structural alignment and injuries that effect that balance. A newer graduate seems to have the art of manipulation fresh in their mind. It was a D.O. that diagnosed and now treats my pain. If there is one in the VA system I would suggest that you have a consult.  

I wish you the best of luck. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. We are here to support you and we will look forward to your updates.

Peace,
Tuck