United Brachial Plexus Network, Inc.

evenin' all!

well, i don't know who stuck my hand & arm into a bed of hot coals when i wasn't looking, but i really wish they hadn't! i've had 2 oxycontin and am waiting for the percocets to kick in. tried doing my crosswords (that's how i learned to write/print with my left hand), but the pain is distracting

any one else get this problem or have tips?

granted, it's getting cooler every day AND we have rain forecasted for tomorrow...

hugs to allnbhggfrdes (grrrr - gerroff moggie! U.S. translation - get off, cat!)

hugs,

jan (& rozi cat)

Hi Jan, have a bit of a response for you from Michael. We have just gone through the cold weather here and Michael has having trouble sleeping due to the same "seering" pain. He found that at night before going to bed and taking the usual "pain" (even though not effective) relief, he used to cushion his arm in what we call a "puppy comforter". It is like a pouch filled with I don't know what we think it is wheat and something else and you put it in the microwave and heat it up. You can heat it to what ever temperature you like and he would slip his arm into it and the warmth did help him relax and ease the pain. They use them here for when new pups are gone from there mums and they need the warmth etc. They are hard to get and I know here there is another type of one that you can get from chemists but they are like a hot water bottle only use don't use water and can only sit on the top of the arm. You are not able to put your arm into it. You are in the "animal" side of things enquire around you might find out where you can get one over there. If not email me and I will see what I can do for you.

I know everyone is different, but this is only a suggestion I can give you that helped Michael at difficult times sleeping....what about a couple of good stiff scotches! ! ! (ha ha)
Take care luv Narelle

great idea, narelle, thanks! i'll look into it here. i have a couple of friends who are veterinarians, too, so that might help. if not, a parcel from oz would be great. i'd pay, of course!

i have the other type, that just lays on my arm but, as you know, it falls off.

as for the scotch, i'd love to but have you seen the cost of a bottle of good single malt lately???? ouch! besides, seems a waste if i can't enjoy it =o)

hugs and thanks to michael for taking a break from his game *grin*

jan

I was injured in Dec 2003, and I have NOT slept more than 4 hours since then without meds. I can count with 1 hand how many times I have been OVER 4 hours. Have been taking Neurontin 1200 per day, and now pain mgmt. doctor has bumped up to 1500mg, Oxycontin from 20mg 2 a day, to 40mg two a day, and Tizanadine 4mg two at nite, one in morning. Have not had any "spaced-out" days, suicide, any other nonsense. Had second surgery for nerve release Sept 2/04, and will learn in Nov if the surgeon will go into upper BP for more investigation, or is going to write it off.

hi billy!

ow! that's alot of meds, but if it helps, i was taking lots of oxycontin and percocets last year too. the pain seems to have become a bit more "manageable" over the last yar but i still usually have to take 2 percocets (as well as my oxycontin) to sleep at night. it's very rare i get uninterrupted sleep, tho'. however, i blame part of that on my 87 lb. rottweiler who tosses, turns and snores! =o)

i have found, as i said, that over time the pain either lessens or we become more tolerant to it - not sure which. each of us is different but i now have good days (barely notice the pain) and bad days (like last night and today - someone stuck my arm in a bucket of coals!).

keep us posted. maybe i'll see you on line sometime when neither of us can sleep.

hugs,

jan