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From: Anne.Marie@f34.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Anne Marie)
Newsgroups: misc.handicap
Subject: PAIN CONTROL QUESTIONS
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Date: 21 Dec 90 05:26:11 GMT
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Index Number: 12546

[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference on Fidonet]

I have a few questions to ask here.  I have Crohn's disease and
have had it for 9 years.  I have only been in remission once and
that was for 6 months. I am currently taking Prednisone, 6MP,
Zantac, and Phenegran when needed for nausea.  I take tylenol #3 2x
a day to help control diahrrea.  I have about 9 feet of bowel
left.  I have been on hyper-al many times and this disease keeps
progressing.  Due to the length of time on the steriods, I now have
joint problems, combined with constant abdominal pain.  I have been
to a pain clinic twice and had trigger point injections and used a
tens unit, with no improvement.  My home health nurses suggested a
PCA pump w/morphine.  They said it will keep the pain under control
without sedation and it's set for you so you don't have to do
anything to it.  My doctor will not do it.  He said that this is
not the "textbook guidelines" used to treat this disease. I have
had 3 bowel obstructions in a row this summer.  Right now I am in
the midst of a acute flare-up and have had to increse my prednisone
back up to where I started.  I just can't get this disease under
control.  And I realize that I have to be hospitalized alot with IV
steriods and other drugs to get it to calm down and to control the
pain.  But how am I to keep going every day when I have so much
pain that sometimes I cannot do anything but lay on the couch with
a heating pad on my abdomen?  All I want is some relief, even if
it's only a little bit.  The nurse's have talked to him, but to no
avail. He's afraid I will become addicted and said this type of
pain control is only used in terminally ill people.  I don't know
who to turn to.  I have discussed it with him, gone to the pain
clinic and done eveything I can think of including visualzation
etc..........  How can I find someone who will give me the help I
need.  I am on total disability, and my dr said that I will never
be able to go back to work as this is a day to day disease. I don't
think he understands the pain, and I haven't even mentioned it to
him the last few months.  I see him 2x a month.  Does anyone have
any suggestions?  Anything!!!!!   I would like to enjoy my days and
get some sleep at night.  I think it is long over due.
Sorry for the long post, but I am really looking for help and
have been hesitant to ask for it.  I have been reading this
echo for a few weeks and have seen some helpful advice to
others.  I appreciate in advance any help anyone can give
me.     Thank you.
					  Anne Marie
 # Origin: Atlanta Medical Forum -- (404) 351-9757  (8:7301/204)

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