HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Chronic Pain Due To Psoriatic Arthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis

default
Posted on Mon, 22 Sep 2014
Question: Out of my last 8 yrs., 6 of those years were the absolute worst time span that I've EVER suffered with Chronic Pain! After being Diagnosed with quit a few Life Changing Diagnosis, of those I suffer from, my Mental & Physical well being has caused me to rapidly age, become very depressed, reclusive and I have now developed a sleep disorder! Due to not receiving any treatment like I'd been receiving over the last 4 yrs. I've spiraled downward into depression, Due to MY PAIN being al over I fail to maintain the ability to concentrate on the simplest things that any Normal Human or child just does naturally without thinking. If any physical activity is required of myself, I then am going to be suffering beyond the Humans abilities to think! I'm experiencing very little sleep, thus adding to my Pain & Suffering. The physical pain is almost unbearable! I'm losing large amounts of sleep, to the point I'm starting to see shadows of thing's that are not really there. All due to my PAIN will not allow me to get any sufficient amounts of sleep! I've had a sleep study conducted, and was diagnosed as I can't go into the state of Rem, due to my body being wracked with 2 types of Arthritis, one being Psoriatic Arthritis, along W/ Rheumatoid throughout my entire Skeletal frame! was fired from my Pain Management Dr. due to my home I live in had been a drug lab! So after my 1st year living here and losing 3 of the Pain Management clinics I was in. I was informed that this had been a drug lab for Meth. & Marijuana, learning of this disaster through the cleaning woman! How can I ever get my pain under control? I'm no longer interested in anything! My days consist of laying in my bed crying from the pain and getting 0% treatment from any Dr. in my area! I used to weigh 316 lbs in 1986! I'd finally lost down to 130lbs. standing @ 5'6" and my pain wasn't quit as bad. BUT,,,, in just 5 months of no ability to get any exercise I've gained 43 Lbs.! Thus out the Gastric -Pass- Surgey I received in 1986. my Blood Pressure has dramatically gone haywire compared to having so low B/P that I had to be placed on a medication to keep it raised! So high It has caused me to jerk so hard from the blood pumping, I've fractured teeth and passed out. what can I do before this ends up killing me?

doctor
Answered by Dr. K. V. Anand (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
TRY TO BE HOPEFUL LEAVE THE REST TO GOD

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXX
Welcome to HCM
We understand your concerns

I went through your details. I can understand the condition you are in. I sincerely am sorry for the state of affairs. I can see that you were literally forced into a state of depression and mental disorder because of the pain and physical conditions.

I am understanding that the reasons for your disturbing and continuous pain are Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (as per your description). These are problems which do cause a lot a pain. Do you have any other physical condition which gives you pain and agony?

What about your family members? How many of them are staying with you? Husband? Children? Are they support you emotionally? Why are you staying all alone? Why your doctor sent you off? What are the medicines you are taking now? Do you have friends? Any other mental problems? Do you take any medicines for mental illness?

From the description you gave, I can clearly see your mental worry and disappointment you are in. I can provide you some psychological pain management techniques. These methods are in addition to the usual medicines you are suppose to take for arthritis. You should also do some exercises which your doctor prescribes.

1. Exercises are of primary importance. Stay healthy with low-impact exercise such as stretching, yoga, walking and swimming.

2. Pain is half body and half mind affair. Keeping yourself busy on some other task should ease your pain. Those who passionately engage themselves in their job or pursuing a hobby are 100% sure of ease of pain. In fact, chronic cancer and palliative care patients undergo such therapy. You should understand that IDLE MIND IS DEVIL'S WORKSHOP. When you are idle, you are bound to feel more pain. Stay active. Pain — or the fear of pain — can lead people to stop doing the things they enjoy. It's important not to let pain take over your life.

3. Know your limits. Continue to be active in a way that acknowledges your physical limitations. Make a plan about how to manage your pain, and don't push yourself to do more than you can handle.

4. Make social connections. Call a family member, invite a friend to lunch or make a date for coffee with a pal you haven't seen in a while. Research shows that people with greater social support are more resilient and experience less depression and anxiety. Ask for help when you need it.

5. Distract yourself. When pain flares, find ways to distract your mind from it. Watch a movie, take a walk, engage in a hobby or visit a museum. Pleasant experiences can help you cope with pain.

6. Don't lose hope. With the right kind of psychological treatments, many people learn to manage their pain and think of it in a different way.

7. Follow prescriptions carefully. If medications are part of your treatment plan, be sure to use them as prescribed by your doctor to avoid possible dangerous side effects. In addition to helping you develop better ways to cope with and manage pain, psychologists can help you develop a routine to stay on track with your treatment.

8. In addition to all these above, be faithful. God knows what he is doing and if you are faithful enough, your sufferings could ease.

I know this answer is not enough for you in your present state of mind, but I am sure that there will be a lot of change in your pain if you are able to practice the above tips without fail. Because, that is the only thing you can do now and LEAVE THE REST TO GOD.

God bless you.
Dr. K V Anand PhD

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. K. V. Anand (4 days later)
Dr. XXXXXXX I do Thank You for your response. And YES, if not for God, I wouldn't have made it this far! With the Chronic Pain & physical injuries I've had from some pretty bad automobile accidents. I also have several other health problems that contribute to my pain. I have had my right femur broken in a wreck, and had to have a titanium rod inserted. I have Degenerative Spinal Disorder, Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy in my hands & feet. I've recovered 3 times from Lymphoma! Our GOD is a wonderful GOD, He's kept me in the game of Life this long. I've got to say, once I read over the short & some what frustrated complaints in my initial correspondence, do I realize I sound a bit hopeless. But, rest assured, I'm not. I'm frustrated with the Dr.'s here & I do realize that only GOD does miracles. I'm searching for answers, along with a legitimate prognosis of What else I CAN DO to continue a decent life, without having to endure pain as a 24 hour companion! I do get out, I exercise to an extent & I suffer later for it. I appreciate your kind words & will continue to put my Faith in GOD, & yes, Different area of Doctors. God Bless You, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. K. V. Anand (37 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Be happy and wonderful, Do your Karma

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thank you for your faith and belief.
I am overwhelmed. As I hear your troubles, the disappointment an pain and agony you faced, My belief towards god also strengthens. He is giving you lessons. Those life lessons which very few people are blessed with. With sufferings we rise as wise. Without suffering we are just another human. God has chosen you to be an adviser to the next generation. Because of your sufferings and wisening, you shall gained insight into real life. Now you know what life is and what god wants to do with human being. He created you with a future purpose in mind. To fulfill that purpose, you needed life lessons. He gave you that. Now you are prepared to move further towards your actual destiny. Exact destiny, I too don't know. Only god knows. But that destiny surely is human service oriented, agony and pain relief service towards the needy.

Yes XXXXXXX You are blessed. You are near to your actual destiny. Destiny which god wants you to reach.
Be happy and wonderful.
God bless you.
Dr. K V Anand PhD.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. K. V. Anand

Psychologist

Practicing since :1993

Answered : 7324 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Chronic Pain Due To Psoriatic Arthritis And Rheumatoid Arthritis

Brief Answer: TRY TO BE HOPEFUL LEAVE THE REST TO GOD Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXX Welcome to HCM We understand your concerns I went through your details. I can understand the condition you are in. I sincerely am sorry for the state of affairs. I can see that you were literally forced into a state of depression and mental disorder because of the pain and physical conditions. I am understanding that the reasons for your disturbing and continuous pain are Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (as per your description). These are problems which do cause a lot a pain. Do you have any other physical condition which gives you pain and agony? What about your family members? How many of them are staying with you? Husband? Children? Are they support you emotionally? Why are you staying all alone? Why your doctor sent you off? What are the medicines you are taking now? Do you have friends? Any other mental problems? Do you take any medicines for mental illness? From the description you gave, I can clearly see your mental worry and disappointment you are in. I can provide you some psychological pain management techniques. These methods are in addition to the usual medicines you are suppose to take for arthritis. You should also do some exercises which your doctor prescribes. 1. Exercises are of primary importance. Stay healthy with low-impact exercise such as stretching, yoga, walking and swimming. 2. Pain is half body and half mind affair. Keeping yourself busy on some other task should ease your pain. Those who passionately engage themselves in their job or pursuing a hobby are 100% sure of ease of pain. In fact, chronic cancer and palliative care patients undergo such therapy. You should understand that IDLE MIND IS DEVIL'S WORKSHOP. When you are idle, you are bound to feel more pain. Stay active. Pain — or the fear of pain — can lead people to stop doing the things they enjoy. It's important not to let pain take over your life. 3. Know your limits. Continue to be active in a way that acknowledges your physical limitations. Make a plan about how to manage your pain, and don't push yourself to do more than you can handle. 4. Make social connections. Call a family member, invite a friend to lunch or make a date for coffee with a pal you haven't seen in a while. Research shows that people with greater social support are more resilient and experience less depression and anxiety. Ask for help when you need it. 5. Distract yourself. When pain flares, find ways to distract your mind from it. Watch a movie, take a walk, engage in a hobby or visit a museum. Pleasant experiences can help you cope with pain. 6. Don't lose hope. With the right kind of psychological treatments, many people learn to manage their pain and think of it in a different way. 7. Follow prescriptions carefully. If medications are part of your treatment plan, be sure to use them as prescribed by your doctor to avoid possible dangerous side effects. In addition to helping you develop better ways to cope with and manage pain, psychologists can help you develop a routine to stay on track with your treatment. 8. In addition to all these above, be faithful. God knows what he is doing and if you are faithful enough, your sufferings could ease. I know this answer is not enough for you in your present state of mind, but I am sure that there will be a lot of change in your pain if you are able to practice the above tips without fail. Because, that is the only thing you can do now and LEAVE THE REST TO GOD. God bless you. Dr. K V Anand PhD