Experiments in Pain Management.

 
A SHORT HISTORY OF MEDICINE:

"Doctor, I have an ear ache."

2000 B.C. - "Here, eat this root."
1000 B.C. - "That root is heathen, say this prayer."
1850 A.D. - "That prayer is superstition, drink this potion."
1940 A.D. - "That potion is snake oil, swallow this pill."
1985 A.D. - "That pill is ineffective, take this antibiotic."
2000 A.D. - "That antibiotic is artificial. Here, eat this root!"

As I am in the midst of "pain pill prohibition' (restricted from taking any pain meds until my next medical test tomorrow)... I am forced to get creative in my pursuit of pain alleviation.
     Due to health issues of sarcoidosis and arthritis, I am left in pain 24/7. In most cases, it is severe enough to warrant prescription meds. If I do not have those, I will take cold or sinus meds that have many pain relieving ingredients. Unfortunately, neither of these is "allowed" for 48 hours before testing for my ear issues. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are allowed on a minimal basis. (even at the 'maximum' they never worked before) so I am exploring alternatives.
     For my back (arthritis and inflammation) I used to use a muscle relaxer and pain meds together. They worked pretty well. Today I am using a microwavable bean bag. I make it as hot as possible with out causing it to burst into popcorn. Having this burning hot bag on my back really distracts me from the original pain by creating a new pain.. Sounds silly doesn't it? But it works. I seem to be able to tolerate the pain of the bag, possibly because I know that I can control it. If i remove it, the pain of the heat immediately leaves, put it back and it starts again... I like control. Unfortunately when it cools down or is removed for any length of time the original pain rears it's ugly head and I am back to square one.
     I also have sinus pain. Used to use Sudafed Pain for this. now I use the microwave bag (just not as hot). and... I have found to my delight that spicy food (as in my home made soup) will clear the sinuses really good. It is something I had not realized before and I will be using this method of sinus pain relief more often in the future. Tasty!
     My headaches are a whole other issue. still haven't found a fix for them yet, but an occasional Reese's does seem to take the edge off...   Okay... so it doesn't but I will take any excuse to have a Reese's!  In the words of my favorite duck...  "Keep your hands off me. I came here for those solid-gold goodies, and I ain't leaving without them. On account of I am greedy."