bananarama
08-12-2007, 09:14 AM
:eek: Hi! My back is killing me, but Ihave been told that I absolutely should not take anything for it, as I am anemic, and they think I may have internal bleeding. I was on Tylenol 4. What should I do? It is the lower back, and the flanks. Also some pelvic pain. The pain does spread over my entire abck sometimes, but I don't think it is related, as the pain in the upper only comes on while i am straining it, such as when I am at work. Any suggestions that may help get rid of the pain? I hate the fact taht they are saying not to take anything, because I am hurting so bad. I did take Tylenol 4 after a week of not taking it yesterday, but I don't know if it was the medicine (they also just put me on a prescription iron, so maybe that is another option?), or the heat, as I pulled a double working in th ekitchen yesterday, but I was extremely nauseated all day long, and felt like i couldn't eat anything, but eatting made it feel a little bit better.
I wish it would all just go away. I hate being in this much pain all of hte blasted time!! I don't know what to do anymore. It is highly annoying. Any suggestions are much appreciated.
Daisy
I wish it would all just go away. I hate being in this much pain all of hte blasted time!! I don't know what to do anymore. It is highly annoying. Any suggestions are much appreciated.
Daisy
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butrfligirl28
08-12-2007, 10:05 AM
Hi Daisy,
So good to see you posting, but so sorry you are in so much pain! I am confused as to why you can't take tylenol based pain meds. I understand NSAID's and such because of the risk of bleeding, I can't take them myself. But tylenol based meds, such as Vicodin, Percocet, Tylenol 4, ect. should not increase your risk of bleeding and anemia. Have you talked to your doctor and/or pharmacist about this? They need to give you some options, not just "take nothing"!
Did you find any answers at the teaching hospital? What did they find out? Please call your pharmacist and your doctor. There has to be something you can take. What is the cause of the anemia? Does it have anything to do with your pain? Did they do testing to rule out things such as ovarian cysts, malignancy?
Also, you have been suffering with this for some time. With chronic pain comes depression, anxiety, irriability, fatigue, stress, ect. I recently started Cymbalta and I cannot say enough how happy I am that I did! I waited WAY TOO LONG to do this. I wish I had tried it sooner. I have seen a difference in my pain, and how I handle all the stress, fatigue, frustration, and loss that go with having chronic pain. I would give it a try. You don't have anything to lose, and so much to gain.
Please keep us posted and talk to your doctor. There is not reason to suffer like you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend.
Your Friend,
Amanda
So good to see you posting, but so sorry you are in so much pain! I am confused as to why you can't take tylenol based pain meds. I understand NSAID's and such because of the risk of bleeding, I can't take them myself. But tylenol based meds, such as Vicodin, Percocet, Tylenol 4, ect. should not increase your risk of bleeding and anemia. Have you talked to your doctor and/or pharmacist about this? They need to give you some options, not just "take nothing"!
Did you find any answers at the teaching hospital? What did they find out? Please call your pharmacist and your doctor. There has to be something you can take. What is the cause of the anemia? Does it have anything to do with your pain? Did they do testing to rule out things such as ovarian cysts, malignancy?
Also, you have been suffering with this for some time. With chronic pain comes depression, anxiety, irriability, fatigue, stress, ect. I recently started Cymbalta and I cannot say enough how happy I am that I did! I waited WAY TOO LONG to do this. I wish I had tried it sooner. I have seen a difference in my pain, and how I handle all the stress, fatigue, frustration, and loss that go with having chronic pain. I would give it a try. You don't have anything to lose, and so much to gain.
Please keep us posted and talk to your doctor. There is not reason to suffer like you are. My thoughts and prayers are with you, my friend.
Your Friend,
Amanda
bananarama
08-12-2007, 10:26 AM
Hey, Amanda! They said the anemia was from iron deficiency. They put me on Chromagen Forte (which I can't find any info on anywhere, and it didn't even come with a monograph). They said that it was really bad (the anemia).
When I went to Mayo, the doctor did a complete physical, and is sending me to a neurologist for migraines, a physical medicine doctor for teh back pain, a gynecologist for the female issues, a psyhchiatrist for the depression, and a nutrionalist to put together the many diets. I had an xray on my whole spine, an ultrasound on my kidneys, and a pelvic ultrasound (inner and outer). When I go back on the 27th of August to see all of the specialists and get whatever tests that they want done, I am also getting an oximetry test to check my oxygen levels while I am sleeping.
I was on Cymbalta for a couple of weeks, and liked it, but I just cannot afford to take it. But, I think that I will try and find a way to pay for it, because taking the Elavil has put me in the hospital once, and almost did it again. I am off of anything for depression right now. I am glad that it is working for you.
Sorry that I haven't been posting in here for a while. The last one got closed, so yeah. Don't know why I didn't start a new one.
I don't know what kind of testing they are going to do when I go back. Hopefully they are going to tell me what is causing the pain. I am in so much, and this not being able to take anything is killing me. Especially since I have had to work doubles two days in a row. Today the restaurant is closing early, so no chance of that today, thank God.
Any way that you know that I could get rid of the pain otehr then the meds? I don't know. I was feeling much clearer without being on them anyways, so I think that as soon as I can stand it, I want to get off of them completely.
When I went to Mayo, the doctor did a complete physical, and is sending me to a neurologist for migraines, a physical medicine doctor for teh back pain, a gynecologist for the female issues, a psyhchiatrist for the depression, and a nutrionalist to put together the many diets. I had an xray on my whole spine, an ultrasound on my kidneys, and a pelvic ultrasound (inner and outer). When I go back on the 27th of August to see all of the specialists and get whatever tests that they want done, I am also getting an oximetry test to check my oxygen levels while I am sleeping.
I was on Cymbalta for a couple of weeks, and liked it, but I just cannot afford to take it. But, I think that I will try and find a way to pay for it, because taking the Elavil has put me in the hospital once, and almost did it again. I am off of anything for depression right now. I am glad that it is working for you.
Sorry that I haven't been posting in here for a while. The last one got closed, so yeah. Don't know why I didn't start a new one.
I don't know what kind of testing they are going to do when I go back. Hopefully they are going to tell me what is causing the pain. I am in so much, and this not being able to take anything is killing me. Especially since I have had to work doubles two days in a row. Today the restaurant is closing early, so no chance of that today, thank God.
Any way that you know that I could get rid of the pain otehr then the meds? I don't know. I was feeling much clearer without being on them anyways, so I think that as soon as I can stand it, I want to get off of them completely.
butrfligirl28
08-12-2007, 10:42 AM
Daisy,
Please call your pharmacist and explain the situation. There ARE options for you, even if you want off the narcotics completely. You may even need a different pain med. There are many I cannot take, as they make me feel weird or "high". I cannot stand that feeliing! I take percocet and long-acting oxycodone, and all I feel is pain relief. I don't notice anything else at all. This has allowed me to continue working, driving, ect. with no worry about being able to do either one.
You don't ever have to apologize for not posting! Sometimes I can't even read the boards for weeks, simply because I am busy, tired, ect. Come here anytime. You are ALWAYS welcome! I hope and pray you find some answers soon! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Your Friend,
Amanda
Please call your pharmacist and explain the situation. There ARE options for you, even if you want off the narcotics completely. You may even need a different pain med. There are many I cannot take, as they make me feel weird or "high". I cannot stand that feeliing! I take percocet and long-acting oxycodone, and all I feel is pain relief. I don't notice anything else at all. This has allowed me to continue working, driving, ect. with no worry about being able to do either one.
You don't ever have to apologize for not posting! Sometimes I can't even read the boards for weeks, simply because I am busy, tired, ect. Come here anytime. You are ALWAYS welcome! I hope and pray you find some answers soon! You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Your Friend,
Amanda
EasterBunny
08-12-2007, 12:29 PM
Hi,
Due to a back injury I suffer from constant back pain as well, and found myself taking myself off of the pain meds prescribed for me, because I didn't like feeling fuzzy and sleepy throughout the day.
My orthopedist told me that I can take up to 2,300 mgs. of ibuprophen (only) daily without its doing liver damage. So, you might try taking 800 mgs./ 3 times daily, every four to six hours.
I also drink elderberry tea throughout the day. My grandmother used to drink it for her back pain. She gave birth to ten children - ha! I sweeten it with a little honey.
You might try juicing 10 ounces of raw potato and celery juices with one of your favorite fruits. Potato and Celery juice are also said to help with back pain. I normally drink that three to four times a week. You can even make a tea out of celery juice and drink it throughout the day, if you like. I hope you're not allergic to any of these things, because they seem to help me.
You might also try some low grade daily exercises recommended to you by your orthopedist for your particular problems, and take small walks throughout the day to keep your muscles strengthened.
At the end of the day, I get a cup of warm water and put 20 to 25 drops of eucalyptus oil into it and zap in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. I rub it onto my lower back. I'm single now and so have to do these things on my own. I'm becoming quite self sufficient - ha !
Good Luck to you !
EasterBunny
Due to a back injury I suffer from constant back pain as well, and found myself taking myself off of the pain meds prescribed for me, because I didn't like feeling fuzzy and sleepy throughout the day.
My orthopedist told me that I can take up to 2,300 mgs. of ibuprophen (only) daily without its doing liver damage. So, you might try taking 800 mgs./ 3 times daily, every four to six hours.
I also drink elderberry tea throughout the day. My grandmother used to drink it for her back pain. She gave birth to ten children - ha! I sweeten it with a little honey.
You might try juicing 10 ounces of raw potato and celery juices with one of your favorite fruits. Potato and Celery juice are also said to help with back pain. I normally drink that three to four times a week. You can even make a tea out of celery juice and drink it throughout the day, if you like. I hope you're not allergic to any of these things, because they seem to help me.
You might also try some low grade daily exercises recommended to you by your orthopedist for your particular problems, and take small walks throughout the day to keep your muscles strengthened.
At the end of the day, I get a cup of warm water and put 20 to 25 drops of eucalyptus oil into it and zap in the microwave for 8 to 10 seconds. I rub it onto my lower back. I'm single now and so have to do these things on my own. I'm becoming quite self sufficient - ha !
Good Luck to you !
EasterBunny
bananarama
08-12-2007, 04:23 PM
Thanks guys (or gals). I am not allowed to take Ibuprofen, as that does cause internal bleeding, and being anemic, they said nothing like that is allowed (even Tylenol). I have to wait until tomorrow to call anyone. Grrrr... Anywho...I will try the otehr suggestions. See how they work for me. Right now I am completely broke, so don't have money for anything like that, but soon i will, hopefully. Right now i am so confused as to what to do. Hurting, but can't do anything about it. :(
bananarama
08-29-2007, 11:40 PM
Hey! Here is an update from Mayo:
Psychiatrist: I am Bipolar Type 2-On Venlafaxine 37.5 mg, but going to go on a mood stabilizer as well after getting in with a psychiatrist in New Port Richey. Have to go to a psychiatrist once a week, and get cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
Nutritionist: learned about portion control and a diet that will help with kidney stones, anemia, and diabetes. Follow up in September.
Neurologist: The nausea makes teh migraines complicated, and I may have something wrong with my brain, so I have to get an MRI on my brain. Also, need to get an MRI on my spine to see exactly what is wrong. Those and a follow up are going to be done September 24-29th. Also, a Vitamin D deficiency may be causing the pain everywhere, so therefore they tested for that (will get the results in September).
Physical Medicine: The pain in my back is in the muscles, and most likely from the kidney stones having messed with te muscles in the back. He said that that happens to some people who have kidney stones, and the ureteroscopy. I am to go to physical therapy 2-3 times a week for 4 months, and get a TENS unit for the back pain.
Internal Medicine: I don't have sleep apnea. Not really any new info there.
Gynecologist: PCOS (which I already knew). He wants me to skip my periods still, but not have the cramps (which is what I have without birth control, cramps but no period). So, he wants me to take the birth control, but instead of taking the placebos, he wants me to throw them away and start a new pack of birth control, therefore not having periods. This will help with the anemia as well. He said that until all of the ptehr pain is diagnosed, he doesn't want to do the laparoscopy until all of my other problems are controlled, that way he doesn't cause unneeded pain.
So, yay for some answers. I have to go back to Mayo Clinic September 24-29th to have my anemia checked on again, see the neurologist (after having the MRIs), and see the GIM again. Also seeing the neurologist. Yay.
Psychiatrist: I am Bipolar Type 2-On Venlafaxine 37.5 mg, but going to go on a mood stabilizer as well after getting in with a psychiatrist in New Port Richey. Have to go to a psychiatrist once a week, and get cognitive behavior therapy (CBT)
Nutritionist: learned about portion control and a diet that will help with kidney stones, anemia, and diabetes. Follow up in September.
Neurologist: The nausea makes teh migraines complicated, and I may have something wrong with my brain, so I have to get an MRI on my brain. Also, need to get an MRI on my spine to see exactly what is wrong. Those and a follow up are going to be done September 24-29th. Also, a Vitamin D deficiency may be causing the pain everywhere, so therefore they tested for that (will get the results in September).
Physical Medicine: The pain in my back is in the muscles, and most likely from the kidney stones having messed with te muscles in the back. He said that that happens to some people who have kidney stones, and the ureteroscopy. I am to go to physical therapy 2-3 times a week for 4 months, and get a TENS unit for the back pain.
Internal Medicine: I don't have sleep apnea. Not really any new info there.
Gynecologist: PCOS (which I already knew). He wants me to skip my periods still, but not have the cramps (which is what I have without birth control, cramps but no period). So, he wants me to take the birth control, but instead of taking the placebos, he wants me to throw them away and start a new pack of birth control, therefore not having periods. This will help with the anemia as well. He said that until all of the ptehr pain is diagnosed, he doesn't want to do the laparoscopy until all of my other problems are controlled, that way he doesn't cause unneeded pain.
So, yay for some answers. I have to go back to Mayo Clinic September 24-29th to have my anemia checked on again, see the neurologist (after having the MRIs), and see the GIM again. Also seeing the neurologist. Yay.
curiousforever
08-30-2007, 12:05 PM
That's strange. I just had to have iron infusions due to anemia - and they thought I had a bleeding ulcer - (I have gastritis instead) and they never took me off my meds.
There are lidoderm patches. They work really well for me.
There are lidoderm patches. They work really well for me.
bananarama
08-30-2007, 12:14 PM
Thanks! Yeah, I have no idea why they said I couldn't take pain killers, but apparently now it is fine to take them. I was even told that it was okay to take naproxen. Which is good, because after the absolutely horrible pain I was in yesterday, I don't know what to do. I had some really bad pelvic pain that was worse than any I have ever felt in my life. Urrrggh.
feelbad
08-31-2007, 11:36 AM
so sorry for what you have had to go thru.i am still at a complete loss here as to why in the heck they told you that you could not actually take any type of pain meds due to anemia???considering the array of possible narcotic options out there or other types of meds availiable for pain,it really just makes no real clinical sense.why would they put a person thru all that knowing how much you were actually suffering with all this?thats just cruel.anemia should have no adverse reactions if you actually took any form of narcotics(tho i could totally see why they wouldn't want any NSAIDS).did you ever call your pharmacist to even find out if there actually was any real reason here for putting you thru absolute hell?i just really don't get the connection there at all.as long as you can now take something now(gee,wonder why that suddenly changed??)i would have an in depth chat with whoever is supposed to be managing your ongoing pain about all options for you.this just really dosen't make sense.if you need rxing info on that iron suppliment,just call your pharmacy about it,it is there job to let you know all about the actual meds they fill for you.they have access to info that we cannot always get our hands on ya know?
if your doc doesn't seem to understand your pain at all you can turn to a real pain management doc to try and help you with your many different pain issues.they really helped me tons with all of mine.i wish you luck with all this bananna.hopefully now that you have the 'okay' someone will help you with the unmanaged pain part of your issues.please keep us posted on how things are going for you.that was such a really sick thing they did to you,honestly.marcia
if your doc doesn't seem to understand your pain at all you can turn to a real pain management doc to try and help you with your many different pain issues.they really helped me tons with all of mine.i wish you luck with all this bananna.hopefully now that you have the 'okay' someone will help you with the unmanaged pain part of your issues.please keep us posted on how things are going for you.that was such a really sick thing they did to you,honestly.marcia
bananarama
08-31-2007, 11:57 AM
Thank you Marcia! I appreciate your concern. I didn't see the doctor at Mayo that told me that I couldn't take the pain medications. My neurologist actually told met hat taking an NSAID wouldn't be to bad, since I can only take it twice a day. They do want me to get off of the narcotics soon. It was miserable without the medications! I don't know how many nights I cried myself to sleep, and some nights I just plain couldn't sleep (which happened the night before last). I was told to go to ER, but I live with my parents, and they weren't to keen on that idea. Everytime a doctor tells me to go to ER, they are reluctant to take me. When I am at school, the RAs force me to go as soon as the doctors mention that I might need to go. Oh well. But things are going to start looking up finally. Hopefully I can get the TENS unit for home, as long as it isn't too expensive. I can't afford much. But, that thing helps a lot for the back pain. I just can't believe that the kidney stones are still causing me problems even after they are gone!! I just don't understand.
Thanks again!!
Thanks again!!