November 6, 2013

Life's Circumstances!


When you are suffering from severe chronic pain, you have to learn to walk your path one step at a time because you have no choice.  Life's circumstances are not always what you might wish them to be.

I was recently diagnosed with severe arthritis along with neuropathy.  Ouch!

Beyond any understanding, I’ve been led in many different directions with trial and error with my doctor.  I was told there was nothing I can do about it.  No magic pill to take the pain away.  I kept asking for a referral to a Specialist to get to the bottom of all my new ailments but he kept refusing me.  I was livid!

It all started with swelling in my feet and hands and the tingling and burning sensation is extremely uncomfortable. 

Then to add to the existing pain, I developed pain in my upper arms and could barely get dressed in the morning.  I thought I pulled a muscle at the gym.  Well, xray tests proved it to be severe arthritis.  Ugh.

Sometimes, your current medication can cause havoc with your body.  So, I’m off my statin drug that I take for high cholesterol and the only difference I am experiencing is less pain in my feet only.  I will have to see what else may change after 30 days off the meds.

I was concerned and wondering and questioning the direction my life has taken and confused that my only solution is to exercise in the pool for low impact exercises. 

New medical studies have shown that over the counter meds for pain are now very dangerous to take if taken more than two days per week.  So, I guess that leaves me with five days of great discomfort and two days of a tad bit relief.  I saw this on the nightly News!  My doctor confirmed this new study as well.  So be careful taking OTC meds.

Well, the fact that my new path is before me now. I have researched for some alternative medicines and creams and any forms of Holistic healings available.  

I came up with B-Complex and Alpha-Lipoic Acid supplements and Australian Dream cream to massage in the painful areas.  I noticed a big difference in the cream within two days.  So, if any of you out there are suffering with arthritis or neuropathy issues, try the above mentioned and see if it gives you some much needed comfort.

My pool has turned out to be my best friend these days.  I have put my Silver Sneakers classes on hold, as I cannot do the routine like before as it hurts too much.  However, I do the same exercises in the pool.  It is a plus that I live in Florida and have my pool to aid me with my current issues.

The future is yet to be realized. Today is here and I just have to help myself the best I can. 


9 comments:

  1. I made a note when I dropped my statin. It has been three months and yesterday I felt the first relief on my shoulder muscles and my legs did not cramp for the last two mornings. The only thing I can find about the length of the side affects, the lingering effect varies in time.

    I am so sorry for the diagnosis, but so glad you found relief with the cream. The pain I experienced was not constant, so I did not need any help with it, but it was frustrating when I wanted to use the upper arm muscles.

    I am still not sure if it is the statin or not, dadgummit. My Dr. says none of it comes from the statin, but how do he know? LOL

    Love you lady and glad you have the pool available.

    Sherry & Jack....
    PS: As always you give some great advice, along with some education..

    Love the big egg & the eyes....

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  2. First, thanks for visiting my blog :)
    Your posting is so timely with my own situation. As I was talking with my doctor today and discussing my blood sugar levels have increased , we also concurred that it was a result of me living with pain from back issues. But I too, opt to do the best without additional meds. Some days are better than others for sure.
    Hang in there my new friend. Take care.
    'hugs from afar'

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  3. I have heard many say they have foot and leg problems when taking that med for high cholesterol. I had a friend that went off it. Others seem to have no problem. The doctors do not have a cure for everything that is for sure. You are blessed to have a pool to use and nice weather too. My BIL had therapy for back pain and knee replacement with pool exercises. Here in the cold weather the cost is dear for those that want to enjoy a pool indoors.

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  4. I too have neuropathy and severe arthritis. So I understand the pain you are in. I just take it one day at a time.

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  5. I have mostly musculo-skeletol problems, but also some nerve damage. I have some arthritis, but not severe (as far as I know). I do worry about neuropathy though because of the nerve damage. Thanks for posting this and sharing what is and is not working for you. I hope that you continue to get more and more pain relief. Chronic pain is horrible, and something others just don't understand.

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  6. Dear Rose, I am sorry for the pain you are feeling.

    Keep researching for foods and supplements that might help. Try fresh ginger root. It is tasty and may be added to salads and drinks, such as cranberry juice with seltzer. You may grate it if you don't mind the bits or grate and squeeze the juice from the pulp.

    I will keep you in my prayers.
    Blessings dearest and a hug, Catherine xo

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  7. Sorry for your trials and tribulations. Try and keep up with some type of exercise...

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  8. Dear Rose, I am stopping by to see how you are feeling. I hope that you are feeling better.

    You are in my thoughts and my prayers.

    Blessings dear. Catherine xo

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  9. awwww chronic pain really sucks, i hope i can say that!

    so good that you live in florida, to get year round use from your pool and hopefully continued relief!!

    have a wonderful thanksgiving!!

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