John.Carrigan@f140.n150.z1.fidonet.org (John Carrigan) (01/12/90)
Index Number: 6212
[This is from the Chronic Pain Conference on Fidonet]
I have been browsing the msg area with intrest. I have seen all
kinds of solutions to the problem of chronic pain. There is a problem,
however. I have had Crohn's disease for 23 years and constant pain
just as long. I have had 4 bowel resections and have no small bowel
left to resect. At present it seems that I have approx. 60 cm. of
active disease. I have been on Prednisone (40 mg./day) for 8 years
and am now steroid dependent. Along with my Crohn's I have had
multiple surgeries for removal of tumors on my spine, back, and chest
area. I have been to three pain clinics (including one at Mayo Clinic),
a multitude of psychiatrists, and psychologists. I have tried hypnosis,
imagery, subliminal tapes, epidural blocks, epidural morphine, and
epidural dilaudid. Likewise, I have tried yoga, transcendental
meditation, and numerous self relaxation techniques. NONE OF THIS HAS
WORKED!! The pain clinics and the psychiatrists say that there is
nothing to do. Now the problem: the only thing that seems to work is
medications such as demerol and/or dilaudid. As I am allergic to
codiene, that medication is out. As most chronic pain suffers know, it
is almost impossible to find a doctor who will prescribe these meds.
Anyone else have this problem? Has anyone found a solution? If so,
please share it with me.
Thanks much,
John Carrigan
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