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OK – It’s time to admit to myself. I’m living with another chronic physical problem – pain in my head, specifically the sinuses. We don’t know if it’s an illness but it is chronic (no cure in sight, over one year, requiring on-going care).
I’ve tried the “obvious” (at least to me):
- Treating symptoms with meds (nasal sprays) and alternative therapies (acupuncture, meditation, Focusing)
- Going to an M.D. for treatment (an ear, nose and throat surgeon who surgically widened the nasal passages)
Now, I’m in that no man’s land that we with CI know well. Symptoms — with no diagnosis that makes sense — means I’m treating symptoms on my own (with suggestions from my doctor/husband and assorted others). Until someone comes up with a better idea.
Meanwhile, hooray for this, I can work in pain. I’m not saying all pain – but this pain. Some changes I’ve made on pain days:
- Keep even better notes when working with clients because memory isn’t as good — and re read everything twice.
- Get more sleep and naps on pain days.
- Don’t try to accomplish intensive writing projects because I can’t concentrate on that type of work for long.
Can you make shifts like this in how you work when symptoms get worse?
What kind of pain makes work impossible?
What have you found helps?
When you’re stuck – – and it doesn’t seem to be getting better — it’s so much easier if you look at symptoms as giving you the information you need to live with what is.
Anne says
Hi Rosalind
This post couldn’t be more timely. Just yesterday, I had the most intense calf spasms that started at work and pretty much stalled my thinking. It could be compared to the fourth of july in the calf with spasms exploding like fireworks; some “shows” of those fireworks were more prolonged or spectacular at times. Either way, my focus was lost.
When these episodes occur, unfortunately more frequently and without provocation, my brain detaches itself from the rest of me. It is too wrapped up sending faulty signals to my muscles. It is exhausting and nearly brings me to tears. Little can be done, though I do keep a bag nearby to fill with ice and use that to calm the muscles.
I also stretch and have massage/stretch equipment nearby to work the muscles.
I am managing much of this myself now, too. I’ve seen the circuit of doctors and now all of the advice is the same. Much of the suggestions I’ve tried, few with little result. It is extraordinarily frustrating to see a doctor and not come out with much. I’ve learned to set my expectations low so I am not disappointed. (somehow, still am!)
I have no answers for how to deal with this. I am learning and spending my energy just getting by most days.
Cheers….
Anne
Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com says
Hi Anne — I’ve had muscle cramping in my leg and hands — it’s jarring. I tried an anti spasmodic drug — it helped but of course there were the side effects from the med. Luckily it just stopped happening. Yes – it is so frustrating to not find an answer. It sounds as if you’re doing a good job of dealing with the pain – ice and exercises at work. Good luck and I hope this eases soon.
Diane says
I know this sounds crazy but try cutting way back on sugar. Sugar aggravates my Fibromyalgia and my sinus problems. You’d think I would just give it up, but life is just not worth it without a few of those questionable things like coffee, chocolate and flirting with bad boys. LOL
Hey! The big thing with muscle spasms is Magnesium with Calcium. The powdered stuff works fastest. The stuff I use is NaturalCalm and if I take it before bed I sleep better and the spasms cut way down. It works so well I really think anyone with this problem should just run out to the nearest Health Food Store and get some. I asked my Doctor about it and he said the worst thing that can happen is if you take too much it will work just like the stuff in the little blue bottle. LOl Milk of Magnesia The side effects on the drugs the doctors have given me have been way worse. You can also take Magnesium in through the skin so soaking in the tub helps too, just not as much as fast.
I got both of these suggestions form my chiropractor as part of a pain relief diet.
Good luck. Hope you feel better soon.
Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com says
Great suggestions. I’ve never found changing diet helps anything for me although others have found it does. I’m have great discipline — even around food — but I’m afraid I’m addicted to sugar with dinner (wine) and after dinner – 2-3 pieces of dark chocolate or chocolate in a home made cookie. Yum. Thanks for all the suggestions.
Anne says
Rosalind,
I have tried the anti spasmodic meds too and had pretty horrific side effects (walking into walks, having my mouth go dry, getting sleepy). The side effects were worse than the spasms/pain.
I like the magnesium and calcium suggestion. Perhaps the worsening effects are the result of dietary deficiencies. Thanks for the tip!
I wish I could offer something in return.
Best,
Anne
Tina Hagen says
I know how you feel .I’ve been suffer of headaches and I’ve learn to live with the pain, but sometimes I want cut my head of.This is happend when I am very stressed or tired or change the medium.I’ve tried many kind of natural treatments but finaly I’ve got to the doctor and I’vegot medicine.But I am still trying to don’t use the medication . Instead I am trying to find a natural and relaxing way to get rid of my pain.
Rosalind Joffe aka cicoach.com says
Oh I know the desire to cut off your head!!! I think that sometimes we try too hard to “live with pain” and from what I’ve read and seen myself, it can create other problems in our body. You’re doing good things — figuring out triggers, looking for how to naturally relieve it and medication. I have my opinion that we can wait too long to use medication and it takes more med to treat the pain. Do you have a healthcare practitioner you trust to work with?