I'm really hurting. My hands, my hips, knees, ankles, feet and neck are all killing me. I don't know what to do. Don't see the rheumy until the 24th. And the muscle weakness is horrible.
I don't mean to complain and whine. I'm sorry. It's just so hard. I have five small children I'm trying to keep up with all day and my body is betraying me. I just don't know what to do. :'(
Kitten, it's six days until the appointment, but phone in and see if there is a cancellation sooner. Let the person at the front desk know about the pain levels, and see if an advice nurse can phone you back, as the nurse may have a few ideas. When you speak to the rheumatologist, ask if a referral to a pain management specialist is appropriate at this time. This resource may give you some ideas: http://www.everydayhealth.com/lupus/coping-with-lupus-pain.aspx
I hope your pain is controlled soon. Is there a babysitter who can help you get through the week?
It's okay to complain. There are times when we reach that breaking point and need somewhere to turn. Sometimes it's hard to keep enduring and managing, but we do. Whenever I am feeling really bad a hot bath will help ease up some of the pain. I hope that you can see your dr. sooner and get some relief. Stay strong, your family is counting on you getting better.
Thank you both. I have a pain management doctor. I should go in, I'm just afraid that without being "fully diagnosed" my doctor will not want to give me narcotics. I've tried NSAIDS, good NSAIDS. I've tried good muscle relaxers that they gave me too. They are just not working. Nothing touches the pain. I went in a few weeks ago for my neck, because when my face flared up, my neck flared up really badly at the same time. They gave me cortisone injections in my shoulder muscle which helped the neck a bit, but did nothing for the rest of my body of course. Now the cortisone has worn off and my neck is bad, and my body is just killing me.
I don't want to take narcotics if I don't have to. But sometimes it's warrented I think.
A good pain specialist has a lot of other tricks besides narcotics. Some are non-pharmacological. You can ask on the phone what types of options are available before you go in.
Well that would be good too. Honestly, just something.....anything to help. I can't keep going on like this.
Narcotics are okay for short periods of time. They can be additive. I did need to use them for awhile for severe endometriosis. I was in constant, unbearable pain. I know how bad you must be feeling. You just need something to take the edge away. You never know what a dr. will give you until you ask. If you feel you need it, it is worth asking for. They will either give it to you or not, so it's worth a try. Feel better.
I’m sorry your in pain and having small children makes it so much worst because of the emotional it can cause. I hope you have help. I really only have help about 3 hrs a day when my husband is home, its hard! Try an Epsom salt bath! And Vicks baby rub on your joints, it won’t stop it but it does relieve some stress and stiffness
Thank you Chastity! I have been using Icy Hot spray on my legs and ankles/feet. It helps a little.
I went to the pain doctor. What a joke. He gave me an antidepressant, which I can't take because I'm already under the care of a psychiatrist for a different condition and it wouldn't be good to add this medication. And he gave me another muscle relaxer. Seriously? They don't work!!! Ugh. Anyway my apt is in a couple days. I can make it.