Tired of Pain! Any suggestions?????

Sekar · Oct 26, 2003

Originally posted by emmaline
I'm 47 y/o with chronic & constant (L) ear pain, a frequent sore throat & occasional laryngitis, often pain ranges from 5/10 to 8/10. PHP has given me ABx's x's 3 due to sore throat (not strep)-later felt slightly better a day or so, but back to the S/S's again. An ENT told me he was sure I had TMJ disorder, did no testing, told me to stay on a soft diet for 3 wks, which didn't help. A 2nd opinion, ENT, did Cat Scan, cleaned ear, did hearing test, movements of the jaw----nothing showed up. Says its definitely not TMJ. Suggested I go to a pain clinic or to a neurologist. Don't want to live in pain , or get hooked on pain meds. My dentist found nothing wrong on x-rays, but I wonder if there could be an infection or something wrong that's not showing on the x-rays. Just want some good nursing opinions or suggestions. I appreciate you & this site, just would love to alleviate this pain!!
Thanks so much! Emmaline

You mean people exist without chronic pain? I've been in pain so long from Gulf War Syndrome that I literally can't remember what it feels like to not be in pain. I empathize with you. Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you.

mynika · Oct 26, 2003

If this is a neuritis, imflamation of the nerve supplying the area they might could give you steroids. Can't diagnose , nurses don't do that, but sounds like you need to see a pain specialist since you have seen your family doc and 2 ENT's. Good luck.

sjoe · Oct 26, 2003

"Suggested I go to a pain clinic or to a neurologist."

My opinion, since you asked, GO!

P_RN, ADN, RN · Oct 26, 2003

The neuro doc is a good suggestion. Trigeminal neuralgia may be an answer I don't know. But I have found a goodie for sore throat/tongue.

My doc gave me Magic Mouthwash only with KaoPectate instead of Maalox. 1 part Xylocaine Viscous, 1 part KaoPectate, 1 part Benadryl liquid. You have to find a compoiunding pharmacist to make it up. It's helped immensely with this nasty pneumonia/cough/sneeze etc with pleurisy I have had this past week.

sharann, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2003

Please go to anyone who may offer you help. It probably won't hurt anyway. PAin med addiction, by the way, does not happen when you are taking the med for its intended purpose--pain control. Pain med abuse is using the meds for "mental" or psychic pain. I hate to hear about people(and a nurse now)worry about getting relief in any form. Hope you get some answers soon.

fab4fan · Oct 27, 2003

Sharan: Kudos to you for "getting it" when it comes to pain mgmt. It's amazing the misinformation that is still out there.

emmaline · Oct 27, 2003

Originally posted by Sekar
You mean people exist without chronic pain? I've been in pain so long from Gulf War Syndrome that I literally can't remember what it feels like to not be in pain. I empathize with you. Unfortunately I don't have an answer for you.

Since I am new at this, I hope I am getting your reply in the right place. Anyway, I'm so very sorry about your chronic pain!! Wish I could help you. I guess a lot of people like me take so much for granted, not realizing how lucky we are!!! Thanks so much for all that you have sacrificed for our country, also for responding, trying to help me even when you are in pain yourself!!Good luck to you!!!!! Emmaline

emmaline · Oct 27, 2003

Originally posted by mynika
If this is a neuritis, imflamation of the nerve supplying the area they might could give you steroids. Can't diagnose , nurses don't do that, but sounds like you need to see a pain specialist since you have seen your family doc and 2 ENT's. Good luck.

Thanks Deb RN for your response. I have talked to a pain clinic. It's such a slow process-will be the end of December before they can get me in---so, maybe I'll just give in & go to the ER some until then. As I am told, there will be different types of doctors assessing my pain in the pain clinic, which will be a blessing, Im' thinking. In the meantime, I plan to go on to a neurologist. Never thought I would be be so much of an impatient patient, but it certainly has helped to humble me & helped me to be a more understanding nurse. Thanks again; it's very much appreciated! The world is full of a lot of good people like you!! Emmaline

emmaline · Oct 27, 2003

Originally posted by sjoe
"Suggested I go to a pain clinic or to a neurologist."

My opinion, since you asked, GO!

emmaline · Oct 27, 2003

Thanks Sjoe! You're right! So, I've talked to a pain clinic-can't get me in until latter Dec. In the meantime, I will try to see a neurologist. It helps to have other nurses' opinions, so thanks a million. I'm sure there are other people out there in the world that have worse problems than I do-maybe it will make a better person & nurse out of me, I hope!!Thanks so much! Emmaline

sjoe · Oct 27, 2003

"I've talked to a pain clinic-can't get me in until latter Dec."

DON'T SETTLE FOR THAT! Insist on an appointment NOW. If that means showing up at the ER every day, do so. If that means repeated phone calls to your PCP, then put your PCP on speed dial. Nobody is going to care if you are in pain and have to put up with it for another couple of months if YOU don't care enough to be willing to be a pain in someone else's butt. Why should they? Is simply waiting another couple of months what you would advise a patient that you liked? Then why do it yourself?

(And you can consider THIS a kick in YOUR butt!)

Remember: