The Waiting.....

The waiting time between the time I take my medications (2 Kadian 200mg total, 1 Percocet 10/325 total and one Robaxin) seems endless as I agonize in pain waiting ever so patiently for the medications to kick in so that I can get what little relief that they provide.

Time ticks away so slowly and I wish I was not watching the clock for the time when I can take my meds or waiting for the point where the pain meds are suppose to kick in.

So.....in honor of each of our waiting times for this to happen......what do you do to kill the pain? I've tried focusing on some point in the ceiling and I've tried breathing techniques and I've tried watching tv or reading a book and none of this seems to help.

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HEALTH ISSUES: Herniated discs at S-1-L5, L5-L4, L4-L3. Two level fusion (2000); one level fusion (2002); Revision at L4-L3 (2003). Diagnosed with Failed Back Syndrome, Permanent Nerve damage and Chronic Pain

Medications:

Kadian, Lexipro, Percocet, Temazapim, Lunista, and Robaxin.

Oh my gosh, I totally know what you mean... I try the meditation and breathing techniques, I can't focus enough to read and TV is hard to focus on too. If I can call a friend on the phone and get them to talk to me about their lives a little bit, that helps. If I can focus on trying to help someone else solve their problems it helps me stop thinking about how much my back hurts. (well, unless I move.. or breathe too deeply...LOL!)

You know what really irritates me? Is that when I do finally have those precious moments where the medicine seems to work a little bit and I have found the right way to sit and I've managed to focus on something else I invariably eventually think "wow... I actually don't feel completely miserable right now!" and then, guess what? right...I'm thinking about it again! ARGH!

This site helps. Laughing about stuff is probably the best thing. It doesn't make the pain any less, but it gives me something more positive to focus on too.

Good thread... I can't wait to see what everyone else says.

Ry

Yeah totally know what ya mean Ry. I too will do that, I've gotten comfortable....pain meds have kicked in.....and I'll think gee this ain't so bad and then BOOM the pain strikes again! It's like a no wind situation

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HEALTH ISSUES: Herniated discs at S-1-L5, L5-L4, L4-L3. Two level fusion (2000); one level fusion (2002); Revision at L4-L3 (2003). Diagnosed with Failed Back Syndrome, Permanent Nerve damage and Chronic Pain

Medications:

Kadian, Lexipro, Percocet, Temazapim, Lunista, and Robaxin.

Hi Scared : it's me again. I agree with Ry laughter is the best medicine. What i do is the same thing You do and that is wait, pray, curse, throw unbreakable stuff and try my best not to take my anger out on my family and friends. Funny thing for me is when i get really mad i do not feel pain like i normally do HOWEVER once I calm down all hell breaks lose and i pay dearly for losing my temper. Someday there will be a cure and we will all look back at this a laugh ?????????????

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Tom Lasko

Yep Tom We will!! I know that someday there will be a cure for our pain. I too throw things...scream......cry....and vent my anger with projects that I know help. I am currently writing a book that seems to scoop me away into another world where I feel both pain free and totally engrossed in. So ya I agree with you.

Take care of yourself

Scarred

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HEALTH ISSUES: Herniated discs at S-1-L5, L5-L4, L4-L3. Two level fusion (2000); one level fusion (2002); Revision at L4-L3 (2003). Diagnosed with Failed Back Syndrome, Permanent Nerve damage and Chronic Pain

Medications:

Kadian, Lexipro, Percocet, Temazapim, Lunista, and Robaxin.

Hi, everyone,
Well, I'm right in the middle of my "waiting" period now. I must be a fast metabolizer, because the percocets start to wear off in about 2 hrs. and by the 3rd hour I'm left waiting. Plus my pain is worsening these past few days. Not sure why. Didn't do anything. You know the drill.

I'm in the process of finding a pm doc to take over for my neurosurgeon, and then will likely be playing games with some longer acting meds. My mind just went blank.

I distract some with tv. Works if it's something I'm interested in, although I'm fidgeting the whole time because of the sitting thing. Same thing i do when online. I think what my body most wants to do is just go to bed, but I spend half my day in bed as it is. Sorry, I'm rambling. I guess rambling is another thing I do! LOL

And you're right, coming here helps. At least I can "talk" with you all about it and not get irrelevant questions or suggestions. You all are a godsend!

I hope I made some sense. about another hour to percs.

PaLady

I need to lay down, in bed or on the sofa. I prefer the bed. I take my meds three times a day. In the morning, I take them when the pain wakes me up. The meds and water are set up the night before. The second time is about 5 or 6. I just lie in my dark room. My husband knows I'm, "Waiting for my pain meds to work". The third round is when I go to bed, so yeah, that's where I'm most comfortable.

That is too bad that you too have to lay down DiLane. Mine is just as bad when it comes to the laying down and the only place that I feel comfortable is bed. I take my pain meds first thing in the AM and am usually in quite alot of pain so I have to go sit in the hot tub or bath before I feel the pain meds catching up. Second time for BT pain is a percocet in which I am laying down much. Then its pain meds again at around 9-10pm for sleep and I'm usually up by 3-4am in gobs of pain and awake for the day.

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HEALTH ISSUES: Herniated discs at S-1-L5, L5-L4, L4-L3. Two level fusion (2000); one level fusion (2002); Revision at L4-L3 (2003). Diagnosed with Failed Back Syndrome, Permanent Nerve damage and Chronic Pain

Medications:

Kadian, Lexipro, Percocet, Temazapim, Lunista, and Robaxin.

Okay, I just took my p.m. dose and I'm waiting...waiting...waiting for it to kick in so I can go to sleep. So.... I'm going to put together all these things we've all talked about in all the threads lately...

I'm climbing in your hot-tub, Scarred! And I've got the champagne and cheesecake and french-fries (yes, PaLady - complete with vinegar ) and chocolate and those cozy robes and slippers are waiting on one of those neat little warmer things next to the tub...

Let's see... what did I miss???? Something has to make this work!

Welllll.......since I can't take those pain meds that y'all are referring to I have to stick to Tylonel - for now. And what I do I do while I wait until the Tylonel takes a small itty bitty'est fraction of the pain away? I either come on here or I play Pogo online :) It takes my mind off things for a bit or I throw in a computer game. Of course I can't do that for very long because then my hands go numb but it works for a little bit. Then I go outside, sit on my patio and read - until my hands go numb. Then I come sit down, watch tv for a bit until my neck starts hurting something fierce and my hands go numb. Rinse and repeat.....oh and sometimes if I am feeling extra spunky, I walk downstairs and throw in a load of laundry :)

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tee hee... Oh, Sherry... I don't know if you ever watched that show "Friends" on TV, but you just reminded me of this song the Phoebe character sang that went "Lather, Rinse Repe-eet, Lather, Rinse, Repe-eet"

I'm so sorry you can't take any pain meds! I can't imagine! I wish they could find a pain medicine that would work for you. I know I need to be thankful for that little relief that I get from those. I'm sorry if I sounded whiny - I didn't mean to.

Ry

Post Edited (ryand) : 7/21/2008 9:33:49 PM (GMT-6)

Ry, oh the pain meds work alright just fine for me - it's my ole colon that has something to say about it! :) And hey, whiny is fine - whiny can be a good thing at times :)

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Red,
Do you need some of our virtual goodies to help with the tylenol? Ry - be sure to share. And we have cozy robes and slippers in colors and sizes of your choice for when you exit the hot tub.

All FREE!

PaLady

Alike to all of you the waiting is the worst! It seems as though time ticks so slowly by and I am left feeling so empty and so alone in my struggle. But then hubby comes home cause he heard in my voice that I was down, with a tub of ice cream or a candy bar and sits and listens to me complain about my pain and holds me through the tears and makes it all seem more manageable.

I look forward to sunshine days with naught a cloud in the sky...
A deer wandering through our camp...so close I can snap a picture of his eyes....
The smell of the roses growing in my yard......
The touch of my husbands hand.....
Playing ball with my dogs.....
Being able to shop all day without wearing out.....
outdoor cookouts with my friends.....
and last but not least the little things in life like waking up in the morning feeling great and being able to express myself through my paintings and sketches.

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HEALTH ISSUES: Herniated discs at S-1-L5, L5-L4, L4-L3. Two level fusion (2000); one level fusion (2002); Revision at L4-L3 (2003). Diagnosed with Failed Back Syndrome, Permanent Nerve damage and Chronic Pain

Medications:

Kadian, Lexipro, Percocet, Temazapim, Lunista, and Robaxin.

Oh, absolutely, PaLady, I will share anything and everything.... Sherry..... Here is some cheesecake and a big fluffy robe... ((hands over the plushest robe EVER)) Okay, well that really came off of PaLady's truck the other day... tee hee


Well, the sleeping thing isn't working tonight, so here I am again... Maybe I'll go see about some laundry. (Sherry - I'm feeling guilty for lounging around in robes and hot tubs while you are doing yours! LOL! )

Ry

Free slippers, robes and food that doesn't make you gain an ounce??? Wow, sounds too good to be true!! I am SO there :0)

Ry - you almost made me spit my coffee on my keyboard! LOL

Scarred - it sounds like you have a wonderful and supporting husband. It is always a blessing to have such a person by your side. I too am blessed with a sweet and wonderful hubby. Next month will be our 19 year wedding anniversary and I can honestly say that I love him more now then when we got married. He has been such a godsend to me.

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Red.....Yeah hubby is wonderful, he has been so great through this and actually knows how hard it is to deal with pain. When I got hurt at work, two days afterwards hubby too was laid up. We both looked like a pair sitting there complaining about our pain and trying to relax. Well, hubby went to a doc and the doc was a quack told him he had degenerate disc disease and two herniated discs. Well two months later hubby had no need for the meds....was perfectly fine and went back to work with not one problem with his back. Even though he still feels it now and then if he lifts something heavy or strains the back at work. He'll go to the chiropractor and be fine in two days.

I think I sometimes harbor a little resentment that his back healed and mine has not, which I usually brush aside as I'm being selfish and go on with my day.

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HEALTH ISSUES: Herniated discs at S-1-L5, L5-L4, L4-L3. Two level fusion (2000); one level fusion (2002); Revision at L4-L3 (2003). Diagnosed with Failed Back Syndrome, Permanent Nerve damage and Chronic Pain

Medications:

Kadian, Lexipro, Percocet, Temazapim, Lunista, and Robaxin.

Oh, I remember the clock watching so well. I am back to watching it again with my muscle relaxers and it really does get under my skin. I use to think watching the clock was our payback so getting a couple of hours of some relief. Now, with the pump I am very glad to say, clock watching is over, except right now and I know in mind its temporary.

Oh Red, honey I cannot imagine no pain meds, thats just cruel. I am glad to see another Pogo player. Oh, I got so addicted to that crazy site with all the games. I love it and it is very cheap entertainment for me. If I sit very long my feet & legs swell so bad and its just too darn hot here in Tx to wear my compression hose. I am not on any meds right now for my neuropathy and I have to tell you, its hard working a mouse when your hand is dead,lol. When will you hear about MRI? Hugs, Susie

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Susie was that MRI question directed to me or Red??? I get quite confused these days LOL

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HEALTH ISSUES: Herniated discs at S-1-L5, L5-L4, L4-L3. Two level fusion (2000); one level fusion (2002); Revision at L4-L3 (2003). Diagnosed with Failed Back Syndrome, Permanent Nerve damage and Chronic Pain

Medications:

Kadian, Lexipro, Percocet, Temazapim, Lunista, and Robaxin.

Hmm well if the MRI question was directed to me, I already found out that I have a bulging disc and a herniated disc in my neck. The doc called in a script of Lyrica for me but I just found out that my insurance won't cover it unless the doc calls in an authorization - darn HMO's! So hopefully they will get that straightened out soon. I have already tried Neurontin and Skelaxin so I think my insurance wanted me to try those first before covering Lyrica which I already have. So right now it's just a waiting game. :( Btw Susie, next time you're on Pogo, check to see if I'm around - screen name is red482391970 :) My fave game is Jungle Gin and Word Whomp.

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Red I too have found that Pogo is a great place to go for forgetting the pain for awhile. My screen name there is Fireheart2007. I'm usually playing poker or poppit but I too have found that I love word womp.

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HEALTH ISSUES: Herniated discs at S-1-L5, L5-L4, L4-L3. Two level fusion (2000); one level fusion (2002); Revision at L4-L3 (2003). Diagnosed with Failed Back Syndrome, Permanent Nerve damage and Chronic Pain

Medications:

Kadian, Lexipro, Percocet, Temazapim, Lunista, and Robaxin.

Sorry, I was asking about Red's MRI results. Oh, how funny, I am Word Whomper too, its my favorite. I tried playing Jungle Gin with the Robots and got mad at them and quit.lol I am strydg517, please look me up. You can add me to your friends list and go to Friends and it will tell you what room I am playing in if I am on line. I have been a member for a few yrs now.

Oh Red, I sure hope your dr can get you on some meds to give you some relief. AT least now you know why you hurt. Hugs to all Susie

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Ok what do I do to pass the time until the pain meds kick in? Well I do one of two things, either a hot bath, or lie in bed with the computer or the tv on. Oh and I complain to my husband or whomever will listen to me. Very important to verbalize how badly I feel. Gotta share the misery. It helps. Then I take my percocet and my lyrica and I wait until one or both, depending on the time it is to take them, starts to work for me. That can take upwards to an hour. And that's an hour of misery, I tell ya. But they do work and at the very least, take the edge off the pain. Since I started back on the lyrica, I can usually get out of pain completely, if I am lucky.

I recently lost my laptop (the motherboard went south) so hubby bought me a new one, which will be delivered in about ten days. Getting on the computer helps a great deal to distract me from the pain from the fibro or from the back pain. I suffer from both, but mostly the fibro hits my feet and legs. And then there is my arms. (Told you I was a complainer!!!) hahahahahaha!!!!!!! Well thanks for letting me share.

God bless to all!

Lindaloo

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Moderator Chronic Pain

It occurred to me during some of my "waiting" time yesterday and today (pain has been worse this week so waiting time seems twice as long) that one of the things that differentiates us from addicts is that we DO wait. We struggle through, using everything we can think of, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, we don't just pop another pill if it's not yet time.

PaLady