flare not responding to pain meds

[krisillis]

Hi Guys its me again, just popping my head in to vent and whine a bit. Tonight is not a good night. I've been in pain since this morning. It started off with nausea and a back ache and now I feel so bloated and I have so much pressure and shooting pains and the back ache up the side. I've maxed out all my pain meds and usually I get some relief with my B&O's but I've had 2 today plus 4mgs of hydromorphone and nothing. I've tried everything, a bath, heating pad, ice pack, gentle walk. No luck. I'm tempted to make a trip to the hospital but I really don't feel like waiting 6 hours to be told I don't have a bladder infection and there's nothing else they can give me. Here ends the pity party. I hope you are all asleep in your beds.

Christine

[Claredale]

I am awake, not because I am hurting..I did take a Lortab when I first woke up because I was starting to have some pain. Sounds like you are doing everything right. I wouldn't go to the ER either. I have been down that road before and I have learned that they really don't do much since they don't know alot about IC. Especially the ones that work in the middle of the night! I hope you are getting some relief. I have had many nights like you are having right now. I felt so alone and frustrated. Ice packs worked the opposite for me. Cold seems to make me flare more, but I know everyone is different.

I just wanted you to know that I read your post and said a prayer for you that you find some relief and have support to get you through these flares.

Hugs and prayers,
Tracey

[SharonA]

Christine...I am so sorry you have had such a rough night. It isn't a pleasant feeling to think you are the only one awake at such an early time.

Do you have any of the at home tests for UTIs? If not, I would suggest that you get some to keep on hand. They are not as accurate as the tests done in a doctor's office, but they could give you an idea as to if you are running an infection. Then you would know that you need to get in to see a doctor as soon as possible. You can go into the ICNSHOP (link available at the top of this page) and order some. If Jill has them for sale, they must be good. You can also find them at most drug stores or "Stuff" Marts.

I hope you get to the root of this pain and that you begin to feel better soon. I also hope that you are able to get some sleep today. (((Hugs)))

[traceann]

I was going to say the same thing Sharon did - maybe you might want to get some UTI test strips. I keep them around, and they are a great help when you're wondering if you should call the doc or not. I know that for me, when NONE of my regular remedies would help out, I started to think along the lines of a possible UTI - and that's what it usually ended up being.

Wow, apparently I should have gotten up when I was awake - looks like a few were here, lol. Between my hubby and the cat, there wasn't a whole lot of sleep for me to be had...so much for that sleeping in plan I had today... ;)

I do hope you feel better soon, and it always stinks to feel that way at night, for some reason to me, when I feel awful daytime is better for me mentally....

:)

[Babs RN]

Just wanted to post my hopes that you feel better really soon. I agree with Sharon, it might be good to test your urine and then make a decision about the ER. Is there a doc on call or a way to get ahold of your doc over the weekend?

Hugs,
Barb:hi:

[ICNDonna]

I agree about the test strips. You can pick them up at places like Walmart, Walgreens, and many supermarkets.

And I suggest you try to reach your uro. You may get an answering service, but they will call you back.

I hope you feel better soon. Let us know --- okay?

Hugs,
Donna

[dancemomof2]

Sending get wells to you and hope you feel better soon.

[BBB]

krisillis~
I hope you are fast asleep and out of pain. I know what you mean about the ER, ugh. My experience when I go to the ER is they charge me hundreds of dollars and just give me more pain meds.

I asked my doctor what to do in these situations (why do they always happen at night?) and he gave me an emergency kit that contains stonger meds to be used only in situations like you described. Life Saver!!

Doesn't help for this time but might give you power for the future.

[krisillis]

Thank you all for your kind wishes and support. I didn't get a wink of sleep last night and used up the last of my pain meds. I finally gave in and went to the ER. They were useless. They all but called me a drug seeker. Didn't test my urine for a UTI. Told me to wait to see my urologist on Tuesday. Said the best they could offer me was a shot of Toradol. HELLO I'm already taking Sodium Naproxen you're not supposed to mix the two, something about thinning the blood and bleeding stomachs:cussing: I told them I have to work tomorrow what am I suppose to do if I am up all tonight. All they could do is shrug their shoulders :mad: Thanks for the suggestions of the UTI testers but I don't think they are available in Canada but I'll keep my eyes peeled.

Christine

[BBB]

Christine,
I am so sorry that happened to you! I hear so many stories like you describe. Drug Seeker, yeah right! You sound like a smart girl, but please, please don't believe them. I spend a lot of time advocating for chronic pain patients after all the years I went through situations like yours.

Have you ever read the essay from Dr. Brookoff in 1997. It is posted on this site; I think it is under articles. I read it and just cried and cried. It was very validating.

Do you go to a Pain Specialist? If not I would suggest it. They have a variety of treatments to try as well as prescribing pain meds. Also when you do need to go to the ER they have someone to call. I had to go to three docs before I found the right fit for me.

Good luck and don't don't let ignorant medical providers bring you down!!
Betsy

[krisillis]

Thanks for the suggestion of the essay BBB I will look for it on the site. No I don't have a pain specialist yet. I've been on the wait list for the pain clinic at St. Paul's hospital for 2 years now. It's impossible to get into. I'm VERY frustrated. The Dr. at the ER kept saying you need to get into this program and I was like I am on the wait list, do you know how LONG it is?! My GP seems to be at a loss to help me and on nights like this I feel like I am falling apart at the seams. I tried calling the Urologist on call but he said they can no longer prescribe over the phone because of drug seeking behavior. SO FRUSTRATING!!! :rant: And people wonder why I'm short tempered and cranky and snappish.:loco: Pray for me girls (and guys)

Christine
:help:

[dancemomof2]

sorry your er visit didn't go so well. Hopefully you can get better results at the Uro on Monday. Take it easy and take care.

[BBB]

Since you can't get into a Pain Managment Doc, here is a thought...Try educating your GP. Be a pain in the *&^# (no pun intended). Call often and show him or her that you are going to take charge of your care. Find every article, book, etc. that addressess pain control for IC. Highlight and underline and then suggest a treatment plan to him. Ask him to investigate care of IC patients and consulte with other professionals.


I think you live in Canada so is that socialized medicine? If so I heard it was really frustrating. Hang in there (easier said than done I know).