THE PAIN

Hi Julie,

I am lucky to not have much pain. If I do it is in my neck or back and I take Ibuprofen and use a wheat bag that goes in the microwave. I have certainly noticed more aches and pains as the temperature drops. I find the heat works really well for me but I am guessing this wouldn’t be enough to manage your pain? There are likely to be other members who can share their thoughts on pain management and I will ask a friend of mine what they take to tackle it.

Best wishes and keep checking back to see what others have to share.

Sarah

@julie wrote:

Hi there

I wonder how ppl manage with pain managment…the pain in my shoulders drives me mad????

Pain can be such an individual things. I frequently get a weary ache across my back as my back curve is more > than ), so standing for any length [8 minutes or more] or seated uncomfortably in an airplane seat, hard dining chair etc, the worse is when I have to shower and move about without my back brace, then I have to either get comfy in the sofa or lay flat on my bed with a good book.

I have a tendancy towards some stress aches across my shoulders, again, usually because I have been trying to do too much ad again settling on the sofa with my arms rested on cushions taking the suportive weight of my arms.

By far the worst is the occasional muscle pain in my upper or lower arms, which I can only describe as metallic ripping of the flesh.

As for management, usually just rest and heat, ocassionally I resort to some ibuprofen or if it is a specific area I used voltarol gel. I don’t know how one of these tens machines can help with chronic pain. For me it has been a trial and error method.

When I was working and getting the tax credit I had free prescriptions, now I am not working I don’t get free prescriptions, so I tend to drive myself the most cost effective way.

@ranald wrote:

Hi AMGmod.
How can you not be getting free prescriptions if you are not working? That seems perverse that you could only get them when you were in work! Surely you are in receipt of ESA or IB if you are unable to work? Even those on JSA would get free prescriptions.

Ranald.

Free prescriptions are included with benefits that are means related as per those listed on the Direct Gov site http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/HealthAndSupport/ArrangingHealthAndSocialCare/DG_4000514

As the Incapacity Benefit is not means related but National Insurance contributions related free prescriptions do not form part of that benefit.

Hi I have to have a vitamin D injection quarterly – one of the symptoms of MD is an inability for us to store this vital vitamin. Without it I am aching, popping pills and can’t walk properly. I have to take tablets as well – they look like horse pills but are ok! Talk to your GP but I bet that’s what’s wrong. Take care Alexandra

I went mad and bought a really expensive pillow from Dreams on Monday night (10th Jan) Today (13th Jan) I can look over my right shoulder for the first time in about 10 years – AND I have regained some movement in my right arm. It’s a bl**dy miracle!
It looks like the sort of cushion you’d usually get on a Parker Knoll chair. It has a straight edge about 2 inches deep and comes with a damask cover. I can’t believe what a difference it’s made. I sleep more deeply…

…. and I start the day pain free ! Of course it creeps back over the course of the day but at least I get some respite.

I suggest you all wobble and wheel your way to Dreams and try one out. I lay on a bed with the pillow for about 45 mins in the same position before I bought it and they were very happy to let me do it.

My Genetic Doctor Gave Mexiletine Hydrochloride Capsules. There to treat heart Rthym but also muscle pain it will relax them. Thay seem to be working the pain is usually my neck ,Back Thighs and hands its so horrible