Both my regular doctor and the internal medicine doctor who is taking care of my fibro meds have said they want to refer me to a pain management doctor. Have any of you went this route? Did it help?
I’m not really wanting to go to a pain doctor. I hate taking even Advil. Any thoughts?
Well if you don't want pain meds you are stronger than I am. LOL Good luck with that. Hope it works for you
Hi Smalltowngirl,
I have found that many natural remedies for pain management help me a lot on a daily basis. I have pain medication that I can take at home, but I cannot take it work, so I'm left to Ibuprofen and natural remedies to help with my pain management during the day. My doctor wanted to refer me to a pain clinic as well, but I thought it would be a hassle, would be yet another appointment I have to attend, so I decided to start utilizing more natural remedies for pain management.
Things I have found helpful:
1. Hot baths with Epsom salt. I take a bath usually every morning before I go to work or go out of the house to set the tone for the day. Epsom salt reduces inflammation and helps decrease the toxins in our bodies. I have also found that taking a hot bath really makes me take time for myself and helps me relax, which in turn helps my stress level and pain. I like to use Lavender scented Epsom salts as I enjoy the smell. I also use Dr. Teal's Tension Relief bubble bath. This can be found online or at your local grocery store.
2. I use Salonpas patches for muscle tension and pain relief. The patches provide a warming/cooling sensation and helps the muscles relax. It doesn't always make the pain go away, but the cooling/warming sensation distracts me from the pain.
3. Lately, I have started burning essential oils in my home. My favorite is peppermint when I need energy or Lavender/Orange Citrus when I want to relax. I've found the more I control my external environment, the more calm my internal environment is which has an effect on my pain levels.
4. I tend to get overly hot and heat really sends me into a flare. I have a fan on my desk at work to control my immediate environment and it has made a world of difference.
5. I keep a small blanket with me at work (this may not work for everyone). When I'm in a lot of pain or feeling anxious from the pain, I wrap myself tightly in the blanket for 15-20 minutes. Somehow, the feeling of being tightly comforted by the soft blanket helps reduce my pain and anxiety from pain.
I hope this is helpful and if you don't feel comfortable seeing a pain doctor, it is your choice : ) Advocating for your needs and what you feel would work for you is very important.
Hugs,
Sara
My GP refered me to a Pain Management Specialist... well so far 3 appointments and he has only examined me once...that was the first visit. Since then he asks me what do I want him to do for me ...I respond with Manage me?? I have no idea what exactly he does in the first place... but I need a Dr. who will listen and send me for tests to rule everything and anything out... and treat me accordingly. I seen him yesterday and basically he says he treats pain...that is what he does... I was just thinking well I need someone who treats ALL of me not just PAIN. SO I will now seek out another option. I made an appointment with my GP for Monday. I am going to give her the "I TOLD YOU SO" speech. After going for my sleep study and going to a Neurologist I now have some proof of what I have been trying to tell her. I may have Fibro... but I have something else going on as well... or maybe I do not have Fibro. at all... But I DO have something else going on...
Pain Management will treat your pain... it sure would not hurt to try going to one and see if you get the treatment you need.
Wishing you the best... HUGGS, Belinda
Well, we decided to hold off on the pain management doctor…but I did get some tramadol. I’m sleeping better at night but can’t tell it’s helping me during the day at all.