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Chronic Pain

Herbal Remedies For Common Aches and Pains

Karen · Leave a Comment

Modern medicine believes that it has intellectual hegemony over our health. If we do anything that wasn’t developed in a lab or part of a randomized controlled trial, it’s quackery – or the placebo effect. But it turns out that modern medicine isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. The vast majority of today’s drugs don’t actually heal the sick. Instead, they mask the symptoms. Take mental illness, for instance. The drugs that doctors prescribe simply numb the pain. They don’t deal with the underlying psychology that is causing the anguish in the first place. The same is true of diabetes. Insulin injections don’t reverse the body’s dysfunction. They just provide a chemical that it can’t make in sufficient quantities itself. The great thing about natural medicines, though, is that they really do seem to be able to heal the body. Science suggests that they allow us to return to our natural healthy form, letting the body get on with repair work itself. Herbal remedies for common aches and pains are something that people have been using for thousands of years. And, excitingly, many of them work, all without the side effects of prescription drugs.

herbal remedies for common aches and pains
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Why haven’t you heard about these miracles of nature? Well, there are two reasons. The first is that you can’t make profits selling cumin seeds. Yes – it’s a powerful natural painkiller. But you can’t patent it – and it’s in abundant supply. The second is that modern science doesn’t investigate these questions. Because there’s no money to be made in studying herbs, we hardly know anything about their medicinal properties. No company that funds research will ever be able to make a return. The good news is that we have some studies funded by non-commercial interests that seem to point to the wellness-promoting effects of certain herbs. Here are some of the ways they can counteract your pain.

Cloves

Toothache is one of the most horrible forms of pain out there. For some reason, it is intolerably uncomfortable – perhaps due to the fact that the swelling has nowhere to go. The good news is that you can push back against the pain of toothache while you’re waiting for your dental appointment with cloves – a simple herb you can find at the grocery store. Cloves are small dried buds of an evergreen plant. Place one in the area that’s causing you pain and then wait for the inflammation to die down. You should notice that it provides considerable soothing, making it easier to get to sleep. If the infection goes deep, it won’t be able to get rid of it. But it can make it feel much better.

Chilies

herbal remedies for common aches and pains
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Chilies contain a powerful compound called capsaicin which is what causes a burning sensation in your mouth after you eat spicy food. It turns out, though, that this chemical is also great for topical pain relief. Putting chilies on your skin might seem like a strange thing to do – and it is. But they have a remarkable ability to “exhaust” your pain receptors and literally make you go numb. Think about the differences in how some people react to spicy food compared to others. For one person, eating chili is the hottest thing they’ve ever put in their mouths. But, for another, they hardly taste it. It all comes down to the levels of pain receptor chemicals in the neurons. Chili activates these, and eventually depletes them over time, leading to a reduction in the overall sensation of pain. So when you apply it topically, you can experience the same effects. Just note that you should never put chili on an open wound. After all, it’s an organic product and could rot, causing infection.

Ginger

herbal remedies for common aches and pains
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Ginger is one of nature’s most powerful pain relievers. Systematic reviews have found that eating just two grams of the spice per day reduces the pain associated with physical training. Ginger is also highly effective against migraines and reduces the level of nausea people experience afterward. Before you take ginger or any other supplements, be sure to talk to your doctor. Some herbs may interact with medicines you’re already taking.

Turmeric

Turmeric, like ashwagandha, is one of the top supplements for kidney health because of its ability to fight inflammation. But it is also highly effective in treating pain as well. Turmeric has a bunch of potent active compounds that people believe nourish the body. Research shows that it is as effective as ibuprofen for pain relief in people with arthritis when taken for a period of four weeks. What’s more, turmeric has wonderful health-promoting properties, thanks mainly to the fact that it can inhibit the aging process. People who take turmeric regularly seem to have lower levels of mTOR, an enzyme that tells the body to age faster.

Acupuncture

Strictly speaking, acupuncture isn’t a herbal remedy, but it seems to be effective at getting rid of aches and pains. Recent studies, for instance, find that prodding people with needles reduces neck pain, knee pain, and lower back pain. One of the largest systematic meta-analyses to date found that acupuncture was highly effective for managing chronic pain as well. It helped study participants reduce the frequency of their headaches, the pain associated with arthritis, and musculoskeletal pain.

Peppermint Oil

herbal remedies for common aches and pains
Pexels – CC0 License

 

People who have chronic pain will often put a diffuser in their bedrooms and use it to pipe out peppermint oil-infused vapor. Why? Well, it turns out that peppermint is one heck of a plant. Research shows that it is antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and has independent pain-relieving effects. Investigators also believe that, unlike many plants, it has multiple active ingredients, each with a unique mode of action. A 2015 review, for instance, found that peppermint was able to reduce the pain associated with arthritis and painful spasms.

Again, you’ll want to avoid putting peppermint essential oil in broken skin. It’s powerful stuff, and could also lead to infection. You should also do a spot test since it can lead to allergic reactions in some people.

 

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Filed Under: Chronic Pain, General, Medical Issues

4 Natural Remedies To Help Manage Chronic Pain Conditions

Karen · Leave a Comment

Living with a chronic pain condition is so hard and it can affect every aspect of your life. Simple things that you used to take for granted become very difficult and it can feel like your condition is really holding you back from doing the things that you want to do in life. That’s why it’s so important that you find ways to manage the pain so you can live life the fullest without the constant fear that pain will stop you. If you speak to a doctor, they will prescribe you some medication, but a lot of people don’t like that option. Strong pain medication can be very addictive and it has a lot of side effects, like drowsiness and nausea, so it can be just as debilitating as the pain condition is. The good news is, there are other alternatives to these strong painkillers that don’t carry the risk of addiction and do not have the same serious side effects. These are some of the best natural remedies to help manage chronic pain conditions.

natural remedies to help chronic pain conditions
Image Source – Pixabay CCO License

 

Exercise

People tend to think that exercise is a bad idea as it will make your pain worse, but that is not usually the case. Most people find that exercise helps to improve their situation because you release endorphins, which act as natural painkillers when you exercise. That means that you should see a reduction in pain if you stay active. However, it is important that you start out slowly and find low impact exercises, like walking and swimming, so you can stay active and get your heart rate up without putting too much stress on your body and making the pain worse.

Marijuana And CBD

Marijuana and CBD products are a very popular alternative pain relief remedy and although there is not a huge amount of research into it, a lot of people report that they find regular use of marijuana or CBD to be more effective than painkillers with fewer side effects. Marijuana can be smoked as cigarettes or using smoking pipes, or alternatively, you can take it orally in edible form. If you live in an area where marijuana is not legal, you can use CBD products instead. They come in so many different forms, like edible sweets, capsules, and oil that can be dropped on the tongue.

Essential Oils Help Manage Chronic Pain Conditions

Essential oils are an important part of alternative medicine, and there are lots that are great for pain relief. Things like wintergreen, lavender, and peppermint have all been shown to help with pain. You can use them in a variety of ways, like massaging them into the skin, making them into a bath soak, or using a diffuser.

Meditation

Often, a large part of chronic pain is mental rather than physical. That is why meditation is such an effective way to help you manage pain. Regular meditation sessions have been shown to reduce pain, and they can also help to manage the stress and anxiety that is caused by chronic pain conditions. Even a 5 minute daily meditation can make a huge difference, so make sure to add it to your daily routine.

These are all great natural remedies for chronic pain conditions so you do not have to rely on strong painkillers with lots of nasty side effects. 

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Filed Under: Chronic Pain, Medical Issues

Joint Pain And The Weather -Are They Really Connected?

Karen · Leave a Comment

If you haven’t felt it for yourself, you’ve likely heard someone blame their joint pain on the rain or cold. Is arthritis and weather really connected? If so, how? It has been said for centuries that cold, stormy, or even sudden rises in the humidity levels can cause extra pain deep in the muscles, joints, or bones. However, is this pure speculation based on old wives tales, or a scientifically proven fact with evidence that arthritis joint pain and the weather are connected?

Several scientists have asked this question and have done studies that have proven that certain people can, in fact, feel a connection to weather through their old injuries, arthritis, or age. One study, done by scientists at The University of Manchester, is titled “Cloudy With a Chance of Pain” and provides evidence specifically to this natural phenomenon.

Many people struggle with this and wonder if it’s a true feeling or just their imagination playing tricks on them. This article will explain how weather does affect arthritis pain and how you can take measures to prevent and ease that discomfort.

Joint Pain and The Weather: The Connection

This connection between joint pain and the weather is not new. It has been around for quite some time. The first mention of a connection between arthritis and weather that are recorded are from the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. He claimed that “those who wish to understand medicine need only look at the changing seasons of the year and study the prevailing winds.”

He makes it sound so simple, but since then studies have proven that three major types of weather change causes sometimes severe pain.

  1. Cold Temperatures

Several people report being able to feel when an extreme cold front is coming and they certainly can. Cold weather is one of the worst triggers for arthritis due to the fact that the cold changes human blood flow.

The human body is designed to keep itself warm which is an average temp of 98.6°F. When cold air is coming to the body automatically goes into this must keep warm mode and can cause the blood flow to be re-routed from limbs and joints to more vital organs like the heart and lungs!

  1. Arthritis and Barometric Pressure

Most commonly known as “air pressure, barometric pressure truly can affect the limbs and joints. This is why pain can increase when conditions are humid, rainy, or suddenly hot or cold due to weather fronts.

Seasons also affect barometric pressure especially in the winter when it gets really cold.

Arthritis is super sensitive to seasonal changes because the cartilage cushioning the bone inside of the joint is extremely worn. This causes the nerves to be exposed and severely sensitive to any type of weather or pressure change.

  1. Less Activity

Much like seasonal barometric pressure extreme heat or cold can cause people to naturally become less active. When joints and bones that suffer from wear and tear or arthritis pain become still and stiff for long periods of time they become even more inflamed and in pain.

This is why if you suffer from joint or limb pain it is vitally important to get moving at least a few minutes every day. Try a Zumba class, walk on the treadmill, or schedule a daily aerobics class. Find something that you enjoy and truly stick to it.

How to Treat Joint and Limb Pain

Even though the weather will unavoidably affect arthritis flare-ups for some people there are a few things you can do in order to treat and ease the pain so that it is more bearable.

  1. Be Active

As stated above being active is one of the best ways to keep the blood flow steadily flowing in order to reduce pain.

Activities do not have to necessarily be high impact. Simply riding a stationary bike for twenty minutes a day can do wonders for improving joint pain and increase overall fitness levels.

  1. Take Vitamins

If you spend a lot of time indoors it is important to take a Vitamin D supplement. Vitamin D is essential to the joints and bones!

However, taking a multivitamin daily will give you enough Vitamin D but if you don’t there are plenty of Vitamin D supplements on the market!

Another great way to improve joint and bone health is fish oil. Fish oil is full of Omega 3’s which are proven to decrease inflammation.

  1. Collagen Peptides

So what exactly are collagen peptides? Let’s break it down.

Collagen is a vital protein for the body. It is the major building block for hair, nails, skin, bones, and joints. Peptides are little pieces of the protein made up of amino acids.

When joined together collagen peptides are like a soothing superglue that can effectively treat and soothe joint breakdown. Not only does it soothe the joint break down but it stimulates the tissue to create more cartilage. It truly treats the problem not only soothes it.

Other benefits of adding some Collagen Peptide powder to your glass of water is hair, skin, and nail health. Drink a glass a day and it will help you in more ways than one!

      4. Heat

Heat is a definite way to soothe aching joints.

Simply take a long hot relaxing bath or take a soak in the hot tub to feel instant relief. Although heat is a great way to soothe the pain it’s important to keep in mind that it is a temporary fix.

If you find you have severe pain in one main area it can be effective to use a heating pad. Just place the heating pad to the aching area for twenty minutes. By directing the heat to that one area you are causing deeper relaxation which causes optimal comfort.

Don’t Let Joint Pain And The Weather Hold You Back

Although arthritis and weather can go hand in hand it’s important to prepare to treat it so that you don’t miss out on all the adventures life has to offer.

Joint pain can be incredibly painful and there is no definite cure for every person yet. That is why it extremely important to listen and learn your body.

Maybe you had severe pain the last time that big snowstorm was approaching or maybe you could feel that thunderstorm rolling in. Whatever it may be, knowing your own triggers can better help you know how to prepare for joint pain and the weather how to treat it.

As for treating joint and arthritis pain try it all! These tips are a great place to start and soon you will know exactly what works best for you so that you can conquer every adventure that life has to offer!

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Filed Under: Chronic Pain, Medical Issues

Ways You Can Manage Chronic Pain Without Painkillers

Karen · Leave a Comment

It would be irresponsible to suggest that you should just get rid of your painkillers right now. Having chronic pain can be debilitating and life impacting. For people who have a constant pain in their back or niggle in their knee, painkillers may allow them a short time of respite every day. However, often painkillers do nothing other than mask the pain and don’t get to the root of the problem. When you visit your doctor, you may not even get a diagnosis for your pain. This doesn’t mean that it is all in your head. You simply have to find a way of managing this pain which can result in some trial and error. Read on to see how you can manage chronic pain without the need for so many painkillers.

chronic pain
Image credit Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Exercise Can Help Manage Chronic Pain

It may seem a little odd to suggest that you exercise when your body is in so much pain. However, sometimes limiting the movement of our muscles can result in an increase in pain. While you shouldn’t be heading to the gym to take part in a grueling spin session or a HIIT class, you can partake in some more gentle exercises. You might want to have a walk on the treadmill or do a few bicep curls. If the gym isn’t your thing, consider heading out if the weather is good and taking a stroll to your local park. While not too taxing, getting outside can take your mind off of your pain and can help relieve your niggle if only for a short while.

Treat Yourself

You don’t always have to be homebound if you suffer from chronic pain. This can lead to isolation and loneliness. Instead, you should consider treating yourself. Head out to a spa for a day and partake in a massage or two, have a dip in a swimming pool and enjoy some time in a sauna. If you wonder why you might be sore after your massage, this article can help you embark on some massage therapy to help manage chronic pain. By taking a pal, you can make your trip to the spa a more sociable affair, so you don’t have to go alone.

Chronic Pain
Image credit Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Do Something New

Sometimes when we suffer from chronic pain, we end up isolating ourselves. It’s all too easy to say no to every invitation that comes your way because you don’t want to be a burden on your friends. Consider being a little more proactive and making the effort to go out for dinner once in a while so you can keep up to date with your pal’s news.

You might prefer to head out to do something new. Making new friends could be just as exciting and take your mind off of your pain. Consider what it is that you want to do. This could be a new hobby or pastime. Maybe you want to learn a new language or you might want to master some new baking skills. Sign up for a class and give yourself something to look forward to every week. Doing something new really can give you a new lease on life and stop you from feeling like you are stuck in a rut.

While your pain may be chronic, you don’t always have to rely on painkillers. Follow this guide and try alternative ways to manage chronic pain.

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Filed Under: Chronic Pain

Quell For Pain Relief

Karen · Leave a Comment

If you have been reading my blog for a while, then you know that I have suffered from chronic pain since 2012. I have been taking medication since then, and seeing a pain management doctor for about two years. I am always looking for new ideas for pain relief. I saw an ad on Facebook for the Quell 2.0 for pain relief and was intrigued by this product. So, when they sent me one to try out and write about, I was very very happy to get it. 

Quell is an electronic device that you wear on your leg, and has been approved by the FDA for 24/7 use. It is 100% drug free, and is the only OTC pain relief device FDA cleared for use while sleeping. In a published study, 81% of users reported improvement in their chronic pain* . The Quell 2.0 device blocks chronic pain, and is designed for people with a wide range of chronic pain conditions. It comes with a 60 day money back guarantee, and, it is made in the USA.

quell 2.0 pain relief

When it arrived, it was packaged in a very nice box that can be used to store it in when not in use. Inside the box, there is the device, a leg band, two electrodes, and a charger. There is also a brochure that explains exactly how to use the device. It is controlled by an APP for your smartphone. The APP was easy to download and set up. 

 

Quell 2.0 pain relief
The package that the Quell 2.0 comes in.

My device was already charged when it arrived, so I didn’t have to wait to start using it. I took all the parts out of the box, and read the instructions. After putting the device inside the leg band, along with one of the electrodes, I downloaded the APP to my phone.

quell 2.0 pain relief
The APP screen on my phone.

I registered my device, then did a calibration. The device was ready to put on. Once it was on my leg securely, I started it with the APP. The recommended use of the Quell 2.0 for optimal pain relief is for three one hour sessions per day, separated by one hour in between. So, you can wear the device on your leg for 5 hours minimum, then take it off. You can also use it 24 hours a day if you wish. 

 

quell 2.0 pain relief
Quell 2.o wearable pain relief

I am going to be trying the Quell 2.0 for pain relief for 30 days to see if it helps me with my chronic pain. At the end of 30 days, I will be writing my review to let you know how it worked for me. I can’t wait to see what it can do for me, and really hope that it works. 

*Journal of Pain Research 2016;(9):469-479

 

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Filed Under: Chronic Pain, Reviews

5 Tips For Relieving Chronic Pain Without Painkillers

Karen · Leave a Comment

Living with chronic pain is never easy, but the good news is that there are several things that you can do to help yourself better manage it. Many people who suffer with chronic pain on a regular basis worry about the side effects of taking medication on a long-term basis, so you might be wondering if there is anything that you can do to relieve your symptoms without a prescription. In some cases, your doctor may be unable to prescribe you regular medication to help you manage your pain. Here are some of the main things you can do to stay in control.

1. Use Deep Breathing and Meditation to Encourage Relaxation:

Meditation and deep breathing are techniques that can help your body to relax. It gives your muscles a quiet message to relax, helping them release any built-up tension and pressure. Focusing on deep breathing, ignoring intrusive thoughts, and even repeating a mantra can help your body to relax. It’s possible to learn meditation on your own with several online tutorials that you can follow, and if you find it’s more helpful, you can also take a class.

2. Reduce Stress in Your Life:

Stress and other negative feelings such as depression, anxiety, and anger can intensify chronic pain and increase your body’s sensitivity to pain. Learning to take control of your stress can be one of the best ways to help you manage your chronic pain. There are several techniques that you can use to promote relaxation and reduce stress in every aspect of your life. Listening to soothing, calming music is a great way to lift your mood, help you relax and make living with chronic pain easier for you. You can even find specially designed relaxation playlists and CDs for this purpose.

3. Exercise Regularly:

Although exercising may be the last thing on your mind when you are suffering with chronic pain, some regular, gentle exercise can make a huge difference to how you feel. When you exercise, endorphins are released, which are brain chemicals that improve your mood whilst also blocking pain signals. In addition, getting more exercise will also help to strengthen your muscles, which will prevent re-injury and further pain. Exercise has a wide range of benefits including keeping your weight under control, reducing your risk of heart disease, and controlling your blood sugar levels. Speak to your doctor about the right kind of exercise for you.

4. Improve Your Sleep Habits:

Getting enough sleep at night can make a massive difference to how you feel and make it much easier for you to manage chronic pain. There are several things that you can do to enjoy better sleep, from something as simple as using an eye mask for sleeping to encourage your body’s melatonin production, to cutting back on alcohol to get a better night’s sleep. Practice good sleep hygiene, which involves having a set sleeping and waking routine, and only using your bed for its designated purpose.

5. Get Support:

Last but not least, getting support can make it much easier for you to manage chronic pain without the help of medication. Consider joining a support group where you can meet with and get ideas and advice from people in a similar situation to yourself. Chronic pain can also lead to mental health worries such as depression and anxiety, therefore it’s worth considering meeting with a mental health professional who can offer therapy and support to help you regain control over your body and mind.

Living with chronic pain doesn’t mean that you need to commit to regular prescription drugs. With these techniques, you can manage your pain more naturally.

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Filed Under: Chronic Pain

Health Update

Karen · 2 Comments

My health update

Fabgrandpa and I went to our endocrinologist on January 2. My visit was less than stellar. I have gained 14 pounds since my last visit in October and gone up one whole point on my A1C to 8.4. I can no longer ignore the fact that I need to lose weight. Just figuring out how I’m going to do it is what is holding me back. (Yeah, I know, excuses.) Tomorrow I am going for a session with a nutritionist at the endocronologist’s office. I went to one about 17 years ago when I was first diagnosed with diabetes, but over the years I have forgotten, or just failed to think about, what she told me. A refresher is always a good thing, right? 

A couple of days after I went to the endo, I had an appointment with my pain management doctor. I have been having good results with the treatment she has been giving me. I am off of the percocet that I was on for over five years, and now take 600 mg of gabapenten three times a day. She also gives me a prescription for hydrocodone to take twice a day if needed, and baclofen, which is a muscle relaxer. I take the baclofen at night. I don’t take the hydrocodone every day. If I have an  especially busy day, like going grocery shopping, I get worn out and then things start to hurt, so that is when I take that.  This time she gave me a shot in my left hip because it was hurting so badly. I also went to the chiropractor the next day. My hip has been giving me so much trouble I can barely walk. I guess the next step is to see an orthopedic doctor. 

Photo from WebMD “Colostomy Stoma”

This week we had an ice and snow storm here in Georgia (well, all over the southeast). There was ice on the roads, covered by about two inches of snow. During that snow storm, I went to the bathroom to empty my colostomy bag. It was full of bright red blood. I freaked out! That has never happened before, and it scared me to death. I called the gastroenterologist on call at the hospital, and he said for me to go to the emergency room. I don’t know about you, but I have never driven on ice and snow, and I was certainly not going to start when I was freaked out due to a health problem. I live 30 miles from the hospital. So, I called 911 and asked for an ambulance. 

In just a few minutes, there were three firemen in my living room. Of course, Rosie The Boy Cat and Morti ran and hid under the bed, but little Frank was right there in the middle of them, so curious. He was stretching his neck, trying to see every little thing these new humans were doing to his lady. It made me laugh!  Soon after the firemen got there, the ambulance arrived.  They parked on the road, because of the snow in the driveway I suppose. The firemen helped me get out the door and off the porch. The EMT’s started an IV, took my vital signs, and strapped me onto the gurney before they took off. 

I looked a fright. wearing a blue print LuLaRoe Carly dress, pastel green leggings, my red plaid house slippers with the fake fur collar around my ankle, and my olive green parka with fake fur around the hood. I had hap-hazardly thrown some things in my tote bag to take with me in case they admitted me to the hospital–underwear, a robe, a clean dress, socks, my phone charger, and some extra colostomy supplies in case they wanted me to take my bag off. There is no telling what all else was in that bag. 

It took us over an hour to get to the hospital, but when I got there they took me right into an exam room. They had me empty my bag into a bedpan, and did a test to see if there was blood in the stool. They also drew blood, and gave me something for nausea. Then, I went down the hall for a CT scan. All of this showed no reason for the bleeding. They finally sent me home with a referral to a gastroenterologist, to see them next week. My appointment with Dr. Sharma is on Wednesday. I saw him before, back in 2014, when I was trying to get my colostomy reversed. He is the one who referred me to Dr. Galloway at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. I guess it was about time to see a gastroenterologist again anyway.

One of my friends, someone I used to work with at BellSouth, has had a colostomy for about twelve years. She said she has had this happen before, and her doctor said it was caused by arterial vein malformation in intestines. She had a colonoscopy through the stoma, and they found three polyps or AVM’s. So, that is probably what will happen with me, which is not so bad. The worst part of it is the prep for the colonoscopy. Yuck!

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Filed Under: Chronic Pain, Living With Colostomy, Medical Issues, Type II Diabetes

More Doctors. When Will It End?

Karen · 1 Comment

The last time I updated y’all about my health issues was back in January, when I talked about starting to go to the pain management doctor, and starting to use the BiPap machine for sleep apnea.  The BiPap machine has really helped me. I sleep better, if not a bit longer, since I don’t stop breathing 36 times an hour every night. As far as the pain management doctor goes, I think it was one of my best decisions in a long time.  She has me off of percocet, which I was afraid I would be taking for the rest of my life. Now, I take Gabapentin three times a day, and hydrocodeon two times a day. That is instead of taking percocet five or six times a day. So that is a good thing. 

The pain I was having in my abdomen has almost completely disappeared, but because I am no longer experiencing that, it allowed a pain in my side and back to be brought to the forefront. It is a continuous aching, sometimes throbbing pain in my right side, where my kidney is on that side. I mentioned it to my pain management doctor back in February, and she seemed to just brush it off, and sort of made me feel like she thought I was trying to get more pain meds. But believe me, that is not the case. I don’t want to be on so many pain meds that all I do is sleep all day. 

So, when I went to my endocrinologist last month, they found a urinary tract infection. They called in an antibiotic for me, and referred me to a urologist. Yes, another doctor added to the roll. Before I get into the urologist stuff, I have to tell y’all that I have been having episodes of LOW blood sugar. I have been diabetic since 2001, and have never experienced low blood sugar until now. If you’ve followed me for some time, you will know that I went through some rough times of not being able to get my blood sugar down low enough, so this is a new thing for me.

The low blood sugar usually happens in the early morning. The cats wake me up around 5:30 every morning wanting to be fed. My routine is that I feed the cats, check my blood sugar, then wait for the cats to finish eating so I can let them outside. I can tell when my blood sugar is below 70 or so because I feel like I am going to fall down. My hands shake, and my heart beats at a very fast rate. I have a container of glucose tablets, so I take four, wait 15 minutes, and check my blood sugar again.  There have been times when my BS is in the 50’s, and when that happens, I have to take 12 of the glucose tablets to get my sugar up high enough. That is pretty scary to me. 

I went to the urologist three weeks ago. They took a urine sample and sent it to the lab. Then we talked a bit about my symptoms and why I was there. They scheduled a CT scan for a week later. Then yesterday I had my follow up appointment to discuss the results of the tests. They found no infection, and a large kidney stone that I have had for about twenty or so years was not anything that they would worry about. They did find a large cyst on my right kidney, but they also said that the cyst would not be something that would cause the pain I have been having. They want to take a closer look at it though, so they have scheduled me for an ultrasound next week. 

I asked the doctor what they would do if there is a cyst, and she said they would only watch it to make sure it doesn’t get bigger. She also suggested that the pain I am experiencing is probably caused by muscle strain due to side and back muscles having to compensate for my lack of abdominal muscles. So, that is where I stand with my health right now. One more doctor added to the pile, with no answers to the questions I have about why I am still in pain five years after my surgery. I’ll try to catch you up after my ultrasound follow up appointment in two weeks. 

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Filed Under: Chronic Pain, Renal Cyst, Type II Diabetes

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