WinsomeDefiance -> RE: Unable to Diagnose Pain Stiffness Swelling (11/22/2011 4:48:28 PM)
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I hope you find some relief GH, I know how frustrating and upsetting it can be to undergo so many tests and have no definitive answers. Been there, done that and redid that and retried it again and so on and so on. Even now, after being diagnosed with a few connective tissue diseases, most of my symptoms and tests are atypical and baffle the good doctors. Now, we just treat the symptoms and I've found that helps the best. What I post next, is what I've found sometimes works for me. Even our best attempts to do the right thing, won't always work when our bodies betray us this way. Take what you can use, leave the rest. I typically keep a dose of Benedryl or Clariton daily and maintain a level of anti-inflammatories in my system. One thing I've found is allergen triggers (although I've been tested for allergies and don't seem to have any) are one of the leading causes of my auto-immune responses. I prefer vinyl/wood floors to carpets, and stay away from known triggers like being around people who smoke. When the pain and swelling (and ohhh so many other problems) worsen or return, I will get back on a series of steroid treatments (usually Prednisone) and most of my symptoms disapear or at least lesson (rash on the face, ulcers in the mouth, swelling, high blood pressure, kidney pain etc.) I also try to keep as busy as possible, without tiring myself out. When my body says it needs rest, I rest. To sum it up, what works for me: Allergy meds, to prevent allergen triggers Maintain a level of Anti-inflammatory meds like Ibuprofen in my system. Avoid allergen triggers like dust, cigarette smoke Clean living environment Activity within reason that doesn't over tax Rest when my body tells me to Get the stronger stuff when my diseases require it Because I live with chronic pain, (I can count on my fingers, the actual # of days I"ve been pain free in the last 20 years) I tend to avoid using narcotics. When the pain is too great, I will take them, but I won't keep more than a 10 day supply on hand. Drug addiction hasn't been a problem for me, I've never had to suffer through withdrawal or anything, but I have enough to deal with as it is, without adding that to the list. So, I'm very cautious about taking anything addictive at all. I'm always concerned when I hear from my friends just how many different narcotics they take at any given time. Besides which, narcotics don't even do much for me at all to relieve the pain. I've taken IV narcotics that barely dulled the pain at all, so meh. Also, for a while, Cymbalta really did help with the pain. My body quickly becomes resistant to most medications, but the best I felt in decades (not counting the times I'm on Prednisone) was when I was taking Cymbalta. Hope you feel better soon.
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