I need to cry
#142329 - 01/25/05 07:37 AM
|
|
|
|
|
BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
|
|
|
I'm sorry. I apologize in advance for whining, but I am so down and need to get this off my chest.
I know I would feel better if I could just sit down and cry, but I can't. When I take my medicine for bipolar, I cannot cry. I feel sad, but I guess the medicine numbs me, for I find it impossible for the tears to come! So I am going off the med for several days so I can have a good cry. I know that sounds weird, but I NEED a good cleansing cry.
The reason for the sadness----I am in such pain. I have been taking Celebrex for my back problems and ran out of it several days ago. Since stopping it, I have woken up every morning in severe pain. The orthopeodist I saw recently said I have the BEGINNINGS of arthritis. If this is the beginning, I am depressed! I can't live like this!
I'm sure the joint pain has been worsened by the extreme cold weather we've had lately (10 degrees here yesterday).
Part of me is just depressed that I am 45 years old and having this extreme pain. I feel like an invalid. Housework, working out in the yard, painting, walking around the mall---all have become painful for me.
I'm sick of going to doctors that dismiss my pain and treat me like a hypochondriac. The last one I saw looked at the X-ray and said, "I don't see anything. There's nothing I can do for you."
What to do next? Beg the doctor for a refill on the Celebrex---and worry about it causing a heart problems? Take Advil and let it ruin my stomach?
Sorry, but if I could just cry .... I'd feel much better. Maybe what I need is a surrogate crier. Any takers?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
AWWE Honey!! I am so sorry your having such pain!! I wish I could just give ya a big hug!!! I am always saying I am to young to feel this flippin old! I wish I had some advice. I just wanted to let you know I am thinking of ya!!
BIG HUGE HUGS!!!
--------------------
Heather7476
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Wish I knew what to say to help, but I guess all I can do is say I hope that you find a doctor that will start treating your symptoms seriously and find something to take away the pain! And never be afraid to vent - that's what we're here for.
--------------------
- Jennifer
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Oh Bl, I'm so sorry!! This is awful! I'd be crying too! Have you seen an orthopdic specialist? Thats the kind of dr I'm seeing for my foot. He is the one who gave me the cortisone shots in my hips that have taken away most of the pain! I know the thought of getting a shot in your back sounds awful, and yes, the shot will hurt but it might really help!
Also, have you checked out the local community center or YMCA? Most places with a swimming pool with have whats called theraputic swim. Many places even have special swim classes just for arthritis patients! I just joined the Y and I'm taking an after work aerobic water class and I'm the youngest and most fit (remember I'm 34 and anything but skinny!  ) one in the class so there is no need to be self conscious! I really think that the pool would be so good for you!! Please say you will at least look into it! If you are not sure where to go, call your local chamber of commerece, thats how I found that YMCA!!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I really think you should see a chiropractor. They can work with you on the "arthritis" thing and maybe not make it go away, but relieve the pain for you and possibly make it so that during those inflammation times, it's not so bad... Seriously! If money or insurance is an issue, they're usually willing to work with you on that. Most insurance will cover at least a small percentage, and what they don't cover, usually you can work up a payment plan of some sort. I've seen chirporactors and I've seen physical therapists, and I can tell you I didn't get nearly the same amount of relief from the therapist. Chiropractors work to get to the bottom of what's causing the problem (even if it's arthritis) and concentrate on getting your spine and blood/nerve supply to work together to be healthy. Once they've achieved that they can keep your organs functioning properly long term!
Ok... enough preaching! I hope you're able to start feeling better soon BL. Get that cry out!!! HUGS!!!
--------------------
~ Rachel (IBS-C)
If life hands you lemons, make lemonade!!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I second the chiropractor!! I see one every 2 weeks and love it!! 
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
BL
#142373 - 01/25/05 08:46 AM
|
|
|
|
|
XXXXX
Reged: 11/23/04
Posts: 210
Loc: South East Texas
|
|
|
I am 41 and have been told that I have osteoarthritis. I take glucosamine (you can find it at Sam's), it makes an unreal difference in the level of pain.
Would renting a movie like "Steel Magnolia's" help you with the crying? "Passion of the Christ" would for sure! I don't know if this will help but PLEASE know that I am praying for you.
Hugs,
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Poor you...I feel terrible for you...it must be awful...I wish I could give you a great big hug...you are so brave. I HATE those catch-22 situations where you don't know whether to put your belly or another health problem first...I really hope you feel better soon and that nasty pain goes away...
--------------------
Feel the fear and do it anyway!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi, sorry to hear you're in pain.
I'm new here, but I'm not new to arthritis (migratory rheumatoid-diagnosed in early 1980's) and back pain (in the '80's also & in Sept. 2001-physical therapy).
For the arthritis, I could not take Celebrex (or any anti-imflammatory)b/c of bad intestinal reaction. I find I can tolerate Tylenol Arthritis (even the drugstore's generic form of it-cheaper!) and it helps. It also works for both arthritis and back pain.
When I had physical therapy for my back, the most effective relief I got was from "moist heat" (laying on a heating pad I got from the drugstore that could be used for moist heat or dry heat-it came with its own sponge-like pad that you moisten (not dripping) and lay it on the heating pad and then you lay on top of it with the dampened sponge against your back--I lay a light blanket over me so I don't get chilled) for 10 minutes at a time. The therapist said that "moist" heat penetrates deeper and can do a better job. I love it!
My mother-in-law had been a long-term patient of a chiropractor and swears by them. I have not been helped by them at all. I did get some help from massage therapy a couple of times, but as much as it helped and felt good, I just can't get into it. The heating pad at home is cheaper and easier.
Good luck and keep us posted on how you're doing!!
Debby
--------------------
Debby 
"Live to Ride. Ride to Live."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
According to my therapist Tylenol is better than Advil b/c Advil is just another anti-inflammatory (tears up the insides).
Check out the website www.collagevideo.com (sorry, I don't know how to link you there from this reply) for a great video that I do all the time when my back bothers me "Say Goodbye to Back Pain" $39.95?.
Debby
--------------------
Debby
"Live to Ride. Ride to Live."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
BL!
#142497 - 01/25/05 11:50 AM
|
|
|
|
Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
|
|
|
Oh no! Sweetie, don't think about apologizing for whining! You sure need a good cry out.
Get a second opinion or a referal to a specialist. There are so many things - arthritus, RA, Fibro, muscle problems - that can work together to make this kind of thing so much worse. THat could be happening with you and if so you need to know.
Tylenol or tylenol with codeine would be good for this and easy on the tum. I'd avoid the NSAIDs until you have a definite arthritus diagnosis with inflammation seen - they are so hard on our tummies.
Good luck sweetie. And "enjoy" your cry. SOme of my meds can stop me being able to cry too and it's awful when I'm hurting.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
that I am so sorry you are in pain and I hope your back gets better soon. *Hugs*
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I want you to know you are not alone *hugs*
Ok. I am 26 and I have fibro, migraines, IBS, and who knows what else?! Life is NOT over for either one of us!
I agree with Linz. Please see a specilist to get things ruled out. I also agree on trying tylenol before anything else. If you want to go natural...go to Whole Foods and tell them about the pain you're experiencing. I am taking something called Fibro Responde. Can't say it takes all of the pain away...but it HELPS!
Can you get some B-vitmains? They help with stress.
Lets see what else...
If I think of anything else I'll let you know. First things first...know how much we love you and care about you! You're an unbelievably special person...and we don't like that you're hurting *hugs* Let us know how we can help. Vent ALL THE TIME...we want to know how you feel!
Thanks for being so honest with us BL! PLEASE e-mail me any time! And if you want to talk on the phone, I have unlimited long distance and I'd love to chat!
Oh, I hope you feel better soon!
With love and prayers,
Ruchie
--------------------
Formerly known as Ruchie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Linz
#142532 - 01/25/05 12:44 PM
|
|
|
|
|
BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
|
|
|
Thanks for your concern! I thought Tylenol didn't help with immflamation. Now I'm confused. What do you take for your fibro pain? Gosh, maybe I have fibro. Whatever it is, I'm sick of it!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Ruchie
#142537 - 01/25/05 12:49 PM
|
|
|
|
|
BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
|
|
|
THanks for responding to my earlier post. I was in so much pain this morning. I know you understand that!
I am taking a multivitamin, and I started taking a combination glucosamine/chondroitin supplement about 3 weeks ago. The pharmacist said I would not notice a difference from this for at least 6 weeks.
I have an appointment Thursday with the pyschiatrist who treats me for bipolar. I will talk to him about all of this then. Maybe he will have a suggestion. He'll be mad that I've cut back on my med but I need to cry. Just a good old fashioned sobbing!!!!!!!!!!!!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
((BL)) Good for you! I'm glad you're taking care of YOU!
And I meant it about calling/e-mailing...I'm here for you ANY TIME! Got it?!
You're my hero, you know that? You're so open and honest...and I think you're just so super!
FEEL GOOD!
Love,
Ruchie
--------------------
Formerly known as Ruchie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Tylenol is just great for pain. I was advised not to take the mx. dose every day cause it can cause probs with your liver if you do that long term. Truth be told...I drink caffeinated coffee for my pain...and it is a MIRACLE for me.
I also take my vitamins. When the pain is atrocious I take tylenol. If it's HORRIBLE, I take Darvon...which is a narcotic I believe. That was prescribed by the pain specialist I go to. OOOH! Can you ask your doc to send you to a pain specialist? They will CERTAINKLY believe you and will NOT ignore your pain! They can also diagnose fibro if it's that...and they know TONS about arthritis! Just a thought :-)
Hope this help!
Love,
Ruchie
--------------------
Formerly known as Ruchie
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
DynaDeb
#142550 - 01/25/05 01:19 PM
|
|
|
|
|
BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
|
|
|
Thank you for all of your suggestions. Wonder what is in Tylenol Arthritis (besides Tylenol). I will have to check that out.
I have done 2 months of physical therapy for my back. It helped for awhile, and now that I've stopped it, the pain has returned. I do do the exercises at home that the therapist recommended.
Where do you get the heating pad that has the moist heat? I have one of those that you put in the microwave or freezer, but I've never seen one with a sponge-like pad.
Also, thanks for the video suggestion. I will have to look at that.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I never thought about watching a very emotional movie. That's a great idea! Maybe it will help me. I just feel like I need to sob.
I am taking the glucosamine/chondroitin supplement, but so far, it's not helping. I just started it 3 weeks ago. How long did it take before it helped you? I understand it takes awhile to get into your system.
I appreciate your concern---and your prayers.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Rachel
#142559 - 01/25/05 01:26 PM
|
|
|
|
|
BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
|
|
|
I'm not sure about seeing a chiropractor. My grandmother used to see one, and my parents always laughed and said they couldn't believe she was wasting her money on that quack! So I have a bad image of chiropractors!
Also, I'm trying not to spend any more money on doctors until I get my current medical bills paid off. I still haven't paid for the 2 months of physical therapy and the last 2 specialists I saw (orthopaedists.)
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Michele
#142561 - 01/25/05 01:27 PM
|
|
|
|
|
BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
|
|
|
Thanks, sweetie! I'm trying hard not to go to any more doctors until I get my current medical bills paid off. I don't think I'm gonna make it though.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Thanks for listening---and allowing me to vent.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Hi--the active ingredient in tylenol arthritis is a stronger dose of acetaminophen than regular or extra-strength tylenol.
I don't have the box it came in that shows the inactive ingredients. I do know that it is much safer to use.
The heating pad is the kind that plugs into the wall and the one that I have is from my local Walgreens drug store. I don't know if you have Walgreens by you, but anywhere they sell heating pads (even WalMart-Target etc.) may have one. Just see the front of the box and it will tell you that it can be used for moist heat also.
I'll check online, but I know they are verrrry common.
Debby
--------------------
Debby
"Live to Ride. Ride to Live."
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
I have seen 2 orthopaedists that specialize in back problems because that's how this started out (but now it's much more than that!) The first one was very cocky. He said I just needed to get on a treadmill or stationary bike and work out (yeah right! I couldn't sit up in the chair without crying in pain!) He didn't even take an X-ray or feel of my back. He just listened to my symptoms and said, "The good news is you don't have a slipped disc." (He charged me $179 for the visit.) I had to ask him if I could see a physical therapist.
The physical therapist could not believe it when I told him the specialist didn't even take an X-ray. He suggested another specialist who at least took an X-ray, but also said there wasn't anything he could do for me. He gave me a prescription for a muscle relaxant (and charged me over $400 for the visit.) I took the muscle relaxant and it hasn't helped. Called back to his office and they suggested I double the dosage and take 4 Advil with it. Even with taking all of this medicine, I still didn't sleep at night because of the pain!
A cortisone shot is out of the question for me since I have bipolar disorder. If I have one, it puts me in a manic stage---and I won't sleep for days!!!!
And I know I need to find a swimming pool to go to, but everytime I try to exercise, my back pain gets much worse. I start having spasms running up and down my back---and it's horrible! Plus, I'm not putting a bathing suit on my fat body. I have gained a ton of weight because of my inactivity. I would be too embarrassed to be seen like this.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Re: Bl
#142584 - 01/25/05 02:11 PM
|
|
|
|
michele
Reged: 06/02/03
Posts: 6886
Loc: southeastern michigan
|
|
|
I didn't know the cortisone shot would re-act with the bi-polar, thats too bad. They made a huge difference for me!! My mom has severe fibro and lymes disease, she can barely walk most days. She started going to the community center by her house and using the pool and it has really helped her. The water takes all the pressure off the joints and she says its the only time that she isn't in pain!! My mom weighs about 220 pounds. If she can get out there, so can you!! As I mentioned, most pools have a theraputic pool time which is going to have mostly older and not-so-fit people. Get yourself one of those suits with the little skirts attached to it, Layne Brant has some on-line. If it makes you feel better, who cares what you look like!!
--------------------
Taking it one day at a time.....
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
BL
#142633 - 01/25/05 02:59 PM
|
|
|
|
|
Linz
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 8242
Loc: England
|
|
|
Yep, you're right that NSAIDs are for inflammation not Tylenol, but I'd want to make sure that it was arthritis before I screwed up my tummy! The NSAIDs are only really good painkillers for arthritis.
Good luck, hon. Pain is so so horrible. I'm praying that tomorrow I hurt alot less than today. You get soooooo fed up of it, don't you?
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Sorry you're in so much pain. It sounds so debilitating and I'm sorry the doctors are not much help. I hope you find a good solution soon!
--------------------
~Angela
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Oh honey, I am so sorry to hear of your suffering. First, I take celebrex, I go to a family doc, who keeps me in a script for them. I don;t know what I would do wtihout him.
Second, I take prilosec otc, yes, it is expensive, but it sure takes care of my tummy with all of the meds an supplements I take. I have no after effects from it, the stuff is just great! I hope you can get some Celebrex soon. I also take it for Osteoarthritis, I agree with some of the others, there are so many contributing factors that could make this something other than Arth. I am going to a Rheumatologist soon for the same reason.
Love to you honey, go ahead and get that cry out, I have had to go off of my meds to accomplish the same thing. Its a good decision.
Huggs, Huggs, Huggs, and more and more. Love to you Bl, hope you are better soon. One more thing, do you have time to stand in the shower under hot water? IT helps me tremendously, when I am hurting.
My poor mom, had her vioxx taken away from her, the celebrex does not help her at all. I feel so sorry for her, this has slowed her life down so much. I pray they can come up with something to help her soon!
I am always here, if you need to talk! love toya, gayla
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Gayla
#142796 - 01/26/05 06:21 AM
|
|
|
|
|
BL
Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 3522
|
|
|
Thank you for your sweet post! I am doing a little better this morning. I just transferred from the bed to the recliner at about 5 this morning to accommodate the stabbing pain in my back. (My husband carried the recliner upstairs to our bedroom so I wouldn't have to go downstairs each morning to the cold living room in the dark. Bless his heart!)
A friend gave me the name of her rheumatologist yesterday. I need to check and see if he's on my insurance list and make an appt., I guess. I don't know what else to do.
And yes, the hot shower does help! I could stay in there all day if it weren't for having to pay the hot water bill.
Ahh, your poor mother! I'm sorry she can't take the Vioxx anymore. And the Celebrex doesn't help her? I guess they each work differently. Hopefully, she will find something else that can alleviate her pain.
Take care! I'm hoping for a good cry soon. Maybe I will have PMS soon. That would definitely bring a good sobbing on!
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Since your back seems to like the hot water, maybe your doctor can refer you to physical therapy in a hot tub or sauna? Or maybe there's a YMCA around you that has one. That certainly seems like it would relax your muscles!
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, as I haven't gotten a chance to read the previous posts. Hope your doctors get this thing figured out and start taking your pain seriously! 
--------------------
- Jennifer
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
|
|
Moist heat is best (don't know if anyone else has mentioned this) so if want to save on the hot water bill, try rinsing a washcloth in hot water, putting in on a hot water bottle and putting that on your back.
Feel better soon honey!
PS. Vioxx being withdrawn has been a nightmare for loads of people. A crappy situation. I'm only glad I never got on it and loved it before it was withdrawn.
Print
Remind Me
Notify Moderator
|
Posts
