Any suggestions for aches and pains?

kikz
kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
I had my last chemo on 9/15/2010. I feel great but am experiencing the aches and pains I know so many of you are. They seem to be getting worse. I take Tylenol when I go to bed but wake up a lot during the night because I have to change positions in order to alleviate the pain. I even dream about the pain if it doesn't wake me up. I emailed my oncologist today to see if she could offer some suggestions although I told her I really don't want to take any prescription drugs.

Do any of you have any suggestions? Right now I have an ache in my left shoulder that feels
like a toothache-type pain. I also get pains in my knees and getting in and out of the car hurts so much. My thighs feel like if I had hiked a few miles.

I don't like to complain about aches and pains because I am feeling so good. I am so grateful to be alive. But it can't hurt to ask for a little help.

Thank you so much,
Karen

Comments

  • poopergirl14052
    poopergirl14052 Member Posts: 1,183 Member
    I have to take something stronger
    I have to take percocet at bedtime or I will not be able to rest. Advil might help during the day. I usually take Percocet on the bad days after chemo. Ask your md. you need to rest and get a good nights sleep...val
  • VickiReed
    VickiReed Member Posts: 66
    pains
    I finished chemo in Dec 2010. I don't have an answer, but I too am experiencing alot of joint pain, especially in my shoulders. It makes it hard to even find a position to sleep and constantly wakes me up.
    I am hoping with each passing day it gets better, besides that I feel good and am getting
    my stamina back.
    Vicki
  • lulu1010
    lulu1010 Member Posts: 367
    kikz
    I take Ultram (tramadol). It is a non-narcotic. Usually I take at least one every morning and sometimes at nite. Occasionally after chemo I may slip in a Percocet. Before my diagnosis, Ultram did little if anything for my pain but I have been very pleased with it now.
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    lulu1010 said:

    kikz
    I take Ultram (tramadol). It is a non-narcotic. Usually I take at least one every morning and sometimes at nite. Occasionally after chemo I may slip in a Percocet. Before my diagnosis, Ultram did little if anything for my pain but I have been very pleased with it now.

    Water is your best medicine?
    Just curious if you are a good "water drinker"?

    I read this book called "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" written by a doctor who was a political prisoner. The other prisoners knew he was a doctor and came to him with various complaints of pain: chest pain, muscle pain, headache, back pain, heartburn, etc.

    The doctor had no medicine to prescribe but recommended that each one of the prison "patients" drink more water. Lo and behold! There was a dramatic reduction in everyone's pain!

    I am NOT a good water drinker by nature but I have noticed that when I am chronically dehydrated, I stop feeling thirsty--and when I make a BIG effort to drink more water, I notice that my thirst returns. And I get fewer headaches when I am well-hydrated.

    I just watch the color of my urine--if it starts looking amber or dark colored, I up my water intake (how unscientific is that?). I know it is possible to overdo a good thing and become water intoxicated so see what you doctor has to say about this.

    Just wanted to share something harmless that might help since I feel bad for anyone who is suffering.
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member

    Water is your best medicine?
    Just curious if you are a good "water drinker"?

    I read this book called "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" written by a doctor who was a political prisoner. The other prisoners knew he was a doctor and came to him with various complaints of pain: chest pain, muscle pain, headache, back pain, heartburn, etc.

    The doctor had no medicine to prescribe but recommended that each one of the prison "patients" drink more water. Lo and behold! There was a dramatic reduction in everyone's pain!

    I am NOT a good water drinker by nature but I have noticed that when I am chronically dehydrated, I stop feeling thirsty--and when I make a BIG effort to drink more water, I notice that my thirst returns. And I get fewer headaches when I am well-hydrated.

    I just watch the color of my urine--if it starts looking amber or dark colored, I up my water intake (how unscientific is that?). I know it is possible to overdo a good thing and become water intoxicated so see what you doctor has to say about this.

    Just wanted to share something harmless that might help since I feel bad for anyone who is suffering.

    Thanks for your input ladies.
    In answer to your question LaundryQueen, I am a horrible water drinker. I have mentioned that here before. I have read or heard about the urine color thing and also that if a person does not drink enough water they become less thirsty and are prone to headaches. I also mentioned before a curious thing is that I am very thirsty during the night. I keep cran-apple juice on my night table and drink up to two glasses overnight. I know it should probably be water but when I try that I just don't drink it, thirsty or not. I have been trying to drink at least a very tall (maybe 20 oz) glass of water during the day. I squeeze a little lemon or orange juice into it. Okay, I've only done it a couple of times, but I am trying. I just don't like water. But it's time I am a little more adult about this. If it can help, I'd better just do it.

    Thanks again,
    Karen
  • pattysoo
    pattysoo Member Posts: 170
    Stiff and sore
    I have the same pains...mostly in the hips and knees, and mostly on my right side. I think doing Tai Chi would really help, but I cannot find an instructor near enough to my home. I do drink water constantly,walk every day, and work out ever second day, but most days I'm in pretty bad shape. Last night I decided to soak in the tub. The rude awakening came when I realized that getting down into the tub was pretty difficult...it was ALMOST funny. I wonder if these pains will diminish as we're further out from chemo. I hope so. Then again, it keeps me from vacuuming under the couch very often!
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member
    pattysoo said:

    Stiff and sore
    I have the same pains...mostly in the hips and knees, and mostly on my right side. I think doing Tai Chi would really help, but I cannot find an instructor near enough to my home. I do drink water constantly,walk every day, and work out ever second day, but most days I'm in pretty bad shape. Last night I decided to soak in the tub. The rude awakening came when I realized that getting down into the tub was pretty difficult...it was ALMOST funny. I wonder if these pains will diminish as we're further out from chemo. I hope so. Then again, it keeps me from vacuuming under the couch very often!

    I just received a reply
    from my oncologist which I'm not very happy about. She suggested I try Aleve but said maybe I should consult with my primary because it could be arthritis. Huh? What about all the chemo? Did I suddenly get arthritis in so many areas of my body? I think this was my oncologist's way of saying I need to contact my primary and not her unless it is cancer related. Funny, I thought this was. I feel butt hurt right now, but I guess I'll get over it.

    Karen
  • pattysoo
    pattysoo Member Posts: 170
    kikz said:

    I just received a reply
    from my oncologist which I'm not very happy about. She suggested I try Aleve but said maybe I should consult with my primary because it could be arthritis. Huh? What about all the chemo? Did I suddenly get arthritis in so many areas of my body? I think this was my oncologist's way of saying I need to contact my primary and not her unless it is cancer related. Funny, I thought this was. I feel butt hurt right now, but I guess I'll get over it.

    Karen

    your reply
    My onc said exactly the same thing! It seemed as if he had no reason to think my pain had anything to do with treatment or cancer. I did have plenty of hip pain before dx, but I was never so stiff and sore as I am now. I was really relieved to read that others are experiencing the same thing. It worries me a bit though to have such inflammation b/c I think there's some evidence linking inflammation and cancer. When it gets really bad, or I'm too tired/busy to cope, I take a couple of ibuprofen which seem to take the edge off.
  • Elarsen
    Elarsen Member Posts: 9
    Medical Marijuana
    Well, this might be a little controversial for some of you, but my wife has tremendous success with the medical marijuana she was given. She uses a vaporizer, she does not smoke it, and she takes a few puffs before going to bed. It really helps with the pain and keeps her asleep. For those of you that think that is too radical, keep in mind that Paxlitaxel is a purely plant based chemo. made from the Pacific Yew tree. So why would it be so strange to think that another plant could help? It does great for mild nausea as well and gets her off the constipating pills she was given quicker. We are at one of the top three academic hospitals and they suggested it and boy are we glad they did. Obviously, this could have implications for your work, though. She is a stay at home mom.

    My wife does not want to take all the addictive drugs, like Percoset, because she does not like the way they make her feel in her head.
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    Elarsen said:

    Medical Marijuana
    Well, this might be a little controversial for some of you, but my wife has tremendous success with the medical marijuana she was given. She uses a vaporizer, she does not smoke it, and she takes a few puffs before going to bed. It really helps with the pain and keeps her asleep. For those of you that think that is too radical, keep in mind that Paxlitaxel is a purely plant based chemo. made from the Pacific Yew tree. So why would it be so strange to think that another plant could help? It does great for mild nausea as well and gets her off the constipating pills she was given quicker. We are at one of the top three academic hospitals and they suggested it and boy are we glad they did. Obviously, this could have implications for your work, though. She is a stay at home mom.

    My wife does not want to take all the addictive drugs, like Percoset, because she does not like the way they make her feel in her head.

    I don't think medical marijuana is available in many states.
    I'd love to try this, but I don't think there is any such thing as legal medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. If I'm wrong someone PLEASE correct me. (& let me know where I can sign up!!)
  • kikz
    kikz Member Posts: 1,345 Member

    I don't think medical marijuana is available in many states.
    I'd love to try this, but I don't think there is any such thing as legal medical marijuana in Pennsylvania. If I'm wrong someone PLEASE correct me. (& let me know where I can sign up!!)

    I know
    medical marijuana is available here in California. No doctor has ever suggested it to me. I guess I could bring it up but would feel kind of weird like they might think I'm a pothead. If these pains get worse I might ask about it. It was also never mentioned when I had a hard time with chemo.

    Karen
  • LaundryQueen
    LaundryQueen Member Posts: 676
    kikz said:

    I know
    medical marijuana is available here in California. No doctor has ever suggested it to me. I guess I could bring it up but would feel kind of weird like they might think I'm a pothead. If these pains get worse I might ask about it. It was also never mentioned when I had a hard time with chemo.

    Karen

    Marinol--like medical marijuana
    The prescription medicine called Marinol might work for pain relief and to improve appetite. I have not tried it but I know it should be available in any state.
  • anicca
    anicca Member Posts: 334 Member
    kikz said:

    I know
    medical marijuana is available here in California. No doctor has ever suggested it to me. I guess I could bring it up but would feel kind of weird like they might think I'm a pothead. If these pains get worse I might ask about it. It was also never mentioned when I had a hard time with chemo.

    Karen

    Med Marijuana, Potheads & More
    I doubt they would think you are a pothead. Potheads do not need to ask doctors for pot, they have their own very reliable sources.

    Speaking of which - pot is readily available everywhere in the US and Canada. All it takes is to ask almost anyone under the age of 30 whom you trust. Med marijuana is not available where I live either, but 2 wonderful young people brought me enough to get me through the worst bout of nausea, which only happened because my NP was not specific about which prescribed drugs were the best. They also loaned me a vaporizer, which had been borrowed from a friend. When you use a vaporizer, you are still smoking, but the smoke has been cooled first.
  • Mwee
    Mwee Member Posts: 1,338

    Water is your best medicine?
    Just curious if you are a good "water drinker"?

    I read this book called "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" written by a doctor who was a political prisoner. The other prisoners knew he was a doctor and came to him with various complaints of pain: chest pain, muscle pain, headache, back pain, heartburn, etc.

    The doctor had no medicine to prescribe but recommended that each one of the prison "patients" drink more water. Lo and behold! There was a dramatic reduction in everyone's pain!

    I am NOT a good water drinker by nature but I have noticed that when I am chronically dehydrated, I stop feeling thirsty--and when I make a BIG effort to drink more water, I notice that my thirst returns. And I get fewer headaches when I am well-hydrated.

    I just watch the color of my urine--if it starts looking amber or dark colored, I up my water intake (how unscientific is that?). I know it is possible to overdo a good thing and become water intoxicated so see what you doctor has to say about this.

    Just wanted to share something harmless that might help since I feel bad for anyone who is suffering.

    I never drink enough water
    and everyone is always telling me to up my intake. My aches and pains are getting just horrible........ thanks for this reminder/I'm going to make a effort starting today to not only increase my intake, but to keep a log and see if I might be able to reduce these pains( and maybe help my cronic constipation also?). My mantra for today will be... coffee is NOT water :)
    (((HUGS))) Maria
  • pattysoo
    pattysoo Member Posts: 170
    anicca said:

    Med Marijuana, Potheads & More
    I doubt they would think you are a pothead. Potheads do not need to ask doctors for pot, they have their own very reliable sources.

    Speaking of which - pot is readily available everywhere in the US and Canada. All it takes is to ask almost anyone under the age of 30 whom you trust. Med marijuana is not available where I live either, but 2 wonderful young people brought me enough to get me through the worst bout of nausea, which only happened because my NP was not specific about which prescribed drugs were the best. They also loaned me a vaporizer, which had been borrowed from a friend. When you use a vaporizer, you are still smoking, but the smoke has been cooled first.

    Med. marijuana
    I think it's a good idea to try to find some mj that you know was grown without chemicals. Just like all agricultural practices, some growers use pretty lousy pesticides, etc to keep their plants free from pests. I really think the vaporizer is the tool to use. I have read that marinol is slow and inefficient in the system. Inhaling does the job really quickly. Check out this link to Science News magazine from this past June. It's a real eye opener. http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/59872/title/Not_just_a_high
  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    pattysoo said:

    Med. marijuana
    I think it's a good idea to try to find some mj that you know was grown without chemicals. Just like all agricultural practices, some growers use pretty lousy pesticides, etc to keep their plants free from pests. I really think the vaporizer is the tool to use. I have read that marinol is slow and inefficient in the system. Inhaling does the job really quickly. Check out this link to Science News magazine from this past June. It's a real eye opener. http://www.sciencenews.org/view/feature/id/59872/title/Not_just_a_high

    new article I read today made me think of this thread:
    Russell Portenoy, MD: My Approach to Pain Management for Cancer Patients
    OncologySTAT Editorial Team. 2011 Mar 4, Interview by L Scott Zoeller
    Russell K. Portenoy, MD, is Chairman, Department of Pain Medicine and Palliative Care, Beth Israel Hospital; Chief Medical Officer, MJHS Hospice and Palliative Care; and Professor of Neurology and Anesthesiology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

    OncologySTAT: What is the current thinking on prevention and management of therapy-induced neuropathy?

    Dr. Portenoy: There is no accepted therapy to prevent chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. Patients who have neuropathic pain related to polyneuropathy should have access to aggressive pain management. In the setting of acute pain, or chronic pain associated with active cancer, opioid therapy is a mainstay. If opioids are not adequate, or if the patient is not a candidate for first-line opioid therapy, a variety of so-called adjuvant analgesics have been used specifically for neuropathic pain.

    The most commonly used are the gabapentinoids, which comprise two drugs—gabapentin and pregabalin—that have the same mode of action but that can work differently in individual patients. It is important for oncologists to know how to dose these drugs, because underdosing is associated with a lower likelihood of success.

    The second main group of agents that is used for neuropathic pain are the analgesic antidepressants. If a patient has a comorbid depression, one of the analgesic antidepressants should be used before the gabapentinoid. Certainly, for those patients who do not respond adequately to gabapentinoids, a trial of one or more of the analgesic antidepressants should be tried. The most effective antidepressants used for pain are the serotonin–norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine, or the tricyclic antidepressants; the secondary amine tricyclic drugs, such as desipramine, are generally better tolerated and are tried first.

    If patients do not respond to the gabapentinoids or the analgesic antidepressants, there still are many agents in a variety of different classes that could be tried for the neuropathic pain. Most commonly used drugs are other anticonvulsants. These drugs have different modes of action. The evidence for efficacy in neuropathy is limited, and they are typically selected empirically, based on the experience of the clinician and limited efficacy information.

    Other drugs that might be considered include the cannabinoid agents, and there are new cannabinoids that are being developed that have established efficacy in cancer pain. Other drugs include alpha-2 adrenergic agonists, such as tizanidine or clonidine, the GABA agonist baclofen, and the NMDA receptor antagonists, such as memantine. These drugs, as well as others, can be tried sequentially in an effort to optimize the balance between analgesia and side effects that is gained with the opioid drug.

    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    OncologySTAT: How often do you think oncologists are using mind–body therapy, and should they be using it more frequently than they are?

    Dr. Portenoy: It is well known that patients with cancer commonly access complementary and alternative medicine approaches, sometimes known generically as integrative therapies, either in an effort to manage the cancer itself or in an effort to manage symptoms. Patients with pain frequently seek out these strategies. It is important for oncologists to understand this very heterogeneous group of treatments, and to note that some actually have very good evidence of efficacy. This is particularly true of the mind–body therapies, considered mainstream therapies by those who treat pain or who do palliative care. Treatments such as biofeedback, medical hypnosis, guided imagery, and relaxation therapies have been shown over and over again in controlled trials to produce symptom control, enhance self-efficacy, and to have a positive effect on mood.

    Oncologists should be able to make the referrals necessary so that appropriate patients can access mind–body therapy. In addition, some of these therapies are relatively simple to teach, and oncologists might actually choose to incorporate them into their own practices, providing the patient with some written materials and instructions. For example, specific relaxation techniques might be taught in the office and used during an event like chemotherapy or during times of increased pain.

    Other complementary and alternative medicine strategies have much less evidence, and may not be endorsed by allopathic physicians because of concerns about safety. If there is no concern about safety, however, and the patient chooses to seek a treatment that has no evidence of efficacy, the oncologist may be best served by providing support to the patient, providing honest answers to questions about the treatment, but also supporting the patient if he or she decides that the therapy is one to pursue.