any otc pain meds that actually help - Pain Management Message Board

ejreiss · 03-06-2007, 04:57 PM

Hello everyone, it's been a long time since I've posted but I have a couple of questions about unresolved pain management that maybe you could answer. My problem remains that I have had three failed back surgeries with constant chronic pain in lower back and legs. It is so bad that I can't even sleep sometimes for several days in a row. My problem is that my pain management doctor does not believe in long acting opiates and only gives me 60 percocet per month to deal with my pain. This is tough because I have been on it a long time and instead of working for 6 to 8 hours as it use to, it only gives me about 2 hours of pain relief per dose. That relief is well appreciated but what do I do for the other 20 hours a day. My doctor has said that if I needed any more relief then take tylenol or advil or alleve. The problem is that none of those otc medications have ever given me any relief at all for any kind of pain other than a headache. I was just wondering if you guys knew of anything otc that worked for you that I could try. Also is there any combination of otc medications that may work and are safe? Thank you for any help. I just don't know how much longer I can deal with this pain without some sort of resolution. It's been 8 long years and that is a long time to be in pain.

babs17 · 03-07-2007, 03:35 PM

I have not been too lucky with Meds/OTC pills...but I swear by my Electric warming pad. It takes care of my pain all the time. It at least lowers it so I stop crying...and for that, I am grateful.

rayefaye · 03-07-2007, 03:41 PM

Hi ejreiss, maybe it's time to find a new doctor who is a little more understanding to your problem.

jpd39 · 03-07-2007, 04:32 PM

Consider trying some Flex All or Icy Hot sports balm with the Aleve or Advil. The rubs seem to loosen the muscle tissue along with the OTC pills to make the pain a little more bearable.

ejreiss · 03-07-2007, 04:59 PM

I've tried to do without seeking a new doctor even though he will not prescribe substantial or long acting opiates. I've gone a real long time without adequate pain relief but I think I am at my wits end. My problem is a little complicated because although I have been determined perm disabled by several doctors, my case is workmans comp and the only doctor they will authorize me to see is the one I am currently going to. He is the only doctor that has treated me for long term pain management and he stinks. I'm sick of hearing him say things like take an advil like anyone else who has aches and pains. My problem is I am not like your average person who can take advil for a sore muscle. My problem is not a sore muscle or average pain. I've been saying this for a long time but if I don't get anywhere with him on my next visit I will have to do what it takes to be seen by another doctor. I can't really financially afford to pay for my own doctor visits monthly and also pay for any other meds he may prescribe. I guess what I'm going to have to do is see another doctor and if he feels I am being under-treated for my pain management then at least I will have something to back me up if I have to take work comp to court in order to be seen by another doctor. For now I guess I was just wondering if there was anything otc or a combination of otc meds that is safe and effective. Believe me my situation really sucks. I'm not one to seek any kind of drug or anything that makes me feel anything less than completely alert and myself. But the disadvantages of taking pain meds far outweigh the burden of dealing with 24/7 constant pain. That damn pain makes me far less like my normal self than any pain med could ever do. It makes you grumpy, tired , frustrated, depressed, unfunctional, un-productive,
useless and every other negative thing that I'm just to damn tired to think of. What the hell is wrong with these doctors that are unwilling to help anyone with chronic pain? I'm not a junky looking for a fix, but my doctor makes me feel that way because of the way he treats me. I feel like I have a knife sticking in the back of my leg and I just want someone to help me pull it out so I can get on with my life. Well sorry about all of that but I guess I just needed to vent a little. So if any of you can recomend any DRUG FREE methods to relieve my pain I sure would appreciate it. I doubt it will help but anything at this point is worth a try. I just don't know if you can take advil along with other meds or some other concoction that is safe and useful. ADvil alleve tylenoll aspirin have never helped me for any kind of pain but maybe a safe combination of two that has been proven beneficial would help. Thanx