What are some alternatives to pain medicine?

[Anonymous]

I've been taking pain medicine so much to the point where it's starting to make my Acid Reflux/GERD worse than it was before.
I was having a migraine yesterday, so I took one ibuprofen, and it worked :)) But later last night, I woke up with chest pain in the middle of my chest that moved down into my stomach (but the pain is practically gone now).

If pain medicine is going to aggravate my GERD, then I'm not going to take it anymore, despite the fact that it gets rid of most of my pain.

Whenever I go to the ER with pain, I tell the nurses that I have acid reflux so I don't want to take anymore pain medicine, but they won't listen to me. I'm tired of wasting my breath. Is it heard to understand that pain medicine is making my GERD worse?

What are some alternatives to pain medicine?

Updates

+1 y

I'm 19 years old. There's no reason why I should be taking so much medicine.

Updates

+1 y

jointhepatriachary: self-harming seems to work :))

[Levin]

Tai chi, meditation, and kung fu? They work on releasing repressed tension on various levels, physical, emotional, psychological. I've personally found them very good for healing pain in my body. I've had bad experience with traditional Western medicine, for these little niggles that affect your life adversely, your sense of well being, but perhaps aren't grave enough to be called a disease as yet. Then again, these things probably do degenerate into disease before long enough. I agree, the pill popping approach, is mostly focused on masking the symptom, rather than getting to the root of the problem.

What's your health like on the three levels that I mentioned? What's your lifestyle like? How many calories per day are you eating? What foods are you eating. How much do you eat in one meal in terms of calories. Do you taper off your meal sizes throughout the day, and don't eat roughly four hours before bed? Do you do anything that is excessively stimulating? Smoking, eating too much red meat, drinking too much alcohol, drugs of any kind, too much sugar, too much processed or greasy foods, etc?

[Asker]

1. I get my exercise by walking around on campus at school.
2. I eat l,000 calories or less.
3. I eat salads, fruits, vegetables, and water
4. I don't eat before bed anymore, yet I still get GERD at night, and it's keeping me from getting enough sleep.
5. I don't smoke, drink, or eat red meat. And I barely eat greasy, sugary foods. I don't do drugs.

[jointhepatriarchy]

Here's an alternative: Pain.

[jointhepatriarchy]

Thanks for MHO. Hope you find something to ease your pain.

[Paris_08]

You're welcome!! :) x

[PianoChopinCharmaine]

Sleep. It will work. I'm sure. Or go see a doctor... It might not be a major problem but it never hurts to check, I had all sorts of dizzy spells and I went to the doctor and found I'm like seriously anaemic (how do you even spell that? I don't know just leave it)

[Asker]

My doctor won't listen!! None of them will. That's why I said what are some alternatives because I don't have time to make appointments with a doctor who'll say "Just take pain medicine."

[Asker]

It's *Anemic* BTW, and I'm also anemic, but I'm not taking iron pills because they don't do anything. I've been anemic for five years.

[PianoChopinCharmaine]

I see,... Spelling has never been my forte...^^" My mom says it's best to just eat more spinach. Try going to a hospital.. Maybe you'll see more professional doctors there, but if not, try changing your diet a bit, that might help.. :)

[bethanyyy]

What kind of pain are you needing treatment for?
E. g. Where abouts on your body? Is it muscular? Skeletal? Nerve pain?
It helps to know what kind of pain we are dealing with to know how to best treat it

[Asker]

It's muscle spasms, chest pain, and migraines. I'm tired of living like this.

[bethanyyy]

Have you had the causes of your pain investigated? Is your chest pain related to the gastro oesophageal reflux? Are you on something for that? E. g. Nexium or pariet?
As for migraines, you can take a wafer that just dissolves under your tongue, called maxalt, which is really good. Or immigran.
Otherwise, natural remedies, such as massages, a warm shower, or cold shower, hot packs. Do you eat bananas much? Could be a potassium deficiency.
Do the migraines seem to be hormone or stress related?

[DreamHope]

I can vouch for the natural remedies listed here for migraines and muscle pain.

Take a bio-enhanced magnesium powder supplement every day in a drink or smoothie. MAGNESIUM is so important for helping to combat muscle spasms and migraines.

[bethanyyy]

@DreamHope, yes, both magnesium and potassium are hugely important. Magnesium can be used as sole treatment for migraines.

[Asker]

I've been having chest pain ever since June, and I still don't know what's causing it. I'm sick and tired of going to the ER and making follow up appointment with my doctor, and they say the same s--t: "Take pain medicine." They know I have GERD, so you would think they would give me alternatives.
I have acid reflux, but sometimes it doesn't cause chest pain. It's probably both the GERD and costochondritis.

[Asker]

I do have anxiety, but I don't understand why I get migraines when I'm not anxious about anything. I keep explaining this every time I go to the ER, but they don't understand. I'm about to stop going to the doctor's altogether. Waste of time.
I don't eat bananas either.

[bethanyyy]

Going to emergency most likely won't help. They're unlikely to investigate things, their aim is just to stabilise patients, treat the symptoms, and admit them if their condition is life threatening.
If your present GP isn't addressing it properly, I'd suggest seeing another GP who will take you seriously.
It could definitely be acid reflux related, or clostrocondritis, however you need to ensure that it isn't cardiac in origin.
Ask for a referral for an ECG, they can't deny you the right to have one. Just to check for any arrhythmias etc.
You should also have a CT or MRI scan of your brain too, just to rule things out. Your GP should also write out a referral for this also.
You also need to have some blood tests done, including an EUC, full blood count and iron studies. This will help detect if it potassium or magnesium related, or it could even be anaemia, especially vitamin b12 deficiency.
And you definitely need to take something for the reflux if you are not already.

[bethanyyy]

Don't give up, I suggest asking for all of those tests that I've suggested above.
As symptoms don't just happen for no reason.
And I agree, pain medications are not going to solve a thing, they will only mask symptoms.
The root cause of your symptoms needs to be found first before a suitable treatment can be found.
You may be only a test away from finding relief and feeling much better!
Just a few other things also... do the migraines happen certain times of the month?
Are you drinking enough water? (70% of people are chronically dehydrated).

[Asker]

I'm already know it's not cardiac related because each time I went to the ER, the ECG's and blood work came back normal.
I've been anemic for five years, and I have no idea why, but I know one thing: I'm not taking anymore iron supplements. If it's lower, then so be it. Why should I take something that's not helping my body?

[Asker]

I don't have time for idiot doctors who can't listen to a damn word I have to say. I already gave up. No more doctor appointments and no more ER visits. Period. Don't care how bad my situation is. They say the same old shit and it's getting on my nerves.

[Asker]

I get migraines every single day of the week. Every day. There's no reason why this should be happening.

[Asker]

If symptoms don't happen for no reason, they why do the doctors and nurses keep saying that? Because they said the chest pain I'm having isn't heart related (which is assuring), yet it's been going on for nearly 3 months. There's no reason why this should be happening.

There's no reason why I should be having aches and pains and on all these medications at 19. My sister is 23 years old and she's normal- no aches, pains, etc. My mom is 46 and she's NEVER in pain. But I'm 19 and this is happening to me. WTF? -_-

[bethanyyy]

I think you've just answered what the cause of your symptoms is... Anaemia.
Anaemia easily causes chest discomfort, and migraines.
Do you know what type of anaemia you have? Is it a haemaglobin deficiency? Low iron stores? Or actual low iron count? Or vitamin b12 deficient anaemia?
If you do not know, I suggest getting your bloods tested again.
What iron supplements have you been taking?
Have you been taking the supplements with vitamin C in them? And how have you been taking them? Have you been taking them with meals? Or inbetween meals? Taking iron tablets the wrong way can infact inhibit their effect.
If you have vitamin b12 deficiency, you may actually be requiring vitamin b12 injections.
Some other suggestions.. Maybe see a dietitian? Anaemia for 5 years is NOT normal, and should not be overlooked. It is most likely either your diet or some malabsorption issue.
Also some other things to consider.. have you had your eyes tested recently?

[bethanyyy]

And do you spend long on the computer each day?
Doctors or nurses do not know if something is cardiac in origin unless they actually test it. It probably isn't cardiac, but can't be proven unless ruled out.
Have they done ECG's? Have you worn a 24 hour monitor before?
And you haven't answered my question about whether you're on a medication for your gastric reflux or not yet. Are you?
You can't get proper relief to symptoms until you know what the cause of your symptoms are. And these tests I'm suggesting are necessary to find what the cause is... for appropriate treatment.
Also, how do you know you have gastric reflux? Was that through an endoscopy?

[bethanyyy]

I am a registered nurse, I've been one for 7 years now. That is why I am familiar with all of these tests, symptoms etc.
I am very aware that there are a lot of doctors, and nurses who do not listen, but there are those who actually do. Please don't give up. But as I previously said, you need to find a really good GP. ER will not investigate it, their priority is patients with life threatening conditions, and their aim is to stabilise, not investigate, so ofcourse, the only thing they're going to offer you is pain medication.

[Asker]

I have iron deficiency anemia, and I don't think it's causing my chest pain. I know it can cause chest pain sometimes, but I never had chest pain before because of it.
I take the Ferrous Sulfate (red iron) pills, and I don't know why they're not working. So I gave up on taking them. If my iron levels get low, then so be it.
I had to take 1 pill a day, so I don't see how I could be taking them wrong, hence the instructions on the prescription.

[Asker]

I've been to the ER several times because of the chest pain, and based on the EKG's and blood work, it's not heart-related- all of the EKGs' were normal every single time.

I have acid reflux because of the symptoms. I'm trying to find out what's causing everything, but every time the doctors keep saying they don't know. I'm done trying to find out what's causing the symptoms. I don't care anymore.

And no, I'm not taking any medicine for it. I don't want to. There's no reason why I should be taking all of this medicine at 19. No reason.

[Asker]

They can offer me pain medicine all they want, but I'm not taking it. And that's the end of that. Why does it seem like it goes in one ear and comes out the other?

[Asker]

I understand that you're trying to help, but I don't have time for any of this nonsense. At all. I just want to focus on my school work and get it done so I can get good grades since I screwed up terribly my freshman year.
I don't want NO more tests done, I don't want to take any medications, and I don't want to make anymore doctor appointments.

[bethanyyy]

If you refuse to investigate the causes, then all you can expect is offers of pain medication.
So I take it you're choosing to just live in pain then... that doesn't make sense, but each to their own, I guess.
And it certainly does make a huge difference on how you take iron tablets. They need to be taken on an empty stomach, with at least an hour without any food both before and after ingestion of the iron supplement, otherwise it will not be properly absorbed. Taking one combined with vitamin c enhances absorption. And avoid ingesting anything with calcium in it close to the time of taking the iron supplement, otherwise it will not be absorbed at all.
And yes, anaemia does infact cause chest pain, and migraines.
And the reason for taking a light medication for reflux is because ongoing reflux left untreated can lead to stomach ulcers and growths, not to mention the chest pain associated with it.
I am not pro- medication, I think diet and lifestyle are extremely important.

[Asker]

Why would I take iron tablets on an empty stomach if I already have acid reflux? That's going to make the pain worse, but ok.
I know anemia causes chest pain and migraines, but I'm saying I've been anemic for five years and I never had chest pain and migraines before up until know. It doesn't make since.

[Asker]

I'm 19 years old, yet I'm taking too much medicine. No reason why this should be happening.

[bethanyyy]

But sometimes medications are necessary.
I can understand you are frustrated with your situation, and have particular priorities, we all do.
The reason I am going to this effort, is because you asked for help, so I am trying to use my knowledge to help.
But calling the advice I have given you "nonsense" is like talking to a brick wall. Have that attitude, and don't expect any relief to your symptoms, other than quick fixes that will only mask the pain. Good luck with that.

[Asker]

Ummm I wasn't calling the info you gave me nonsense, so what are you even talking about? I was talking about my doctors, not you. So please don't assume.
And like I said, I'm glad you're helping me. Isn't that a clue that I want your help?

[bethanyyy]

I'm sorry if I interpreted your sentence incorrectly, but the way you worded it made it sound like you were referring to what I have said: "I understand that you're trying to help, but I don't have time for any of this nonsense".
Forgive me for being wrong, but the structure of your sentence made it appear that you were referring to the advice I have given you.

[bethanyyy]

Maybe the chest pain is new because your anaemia is worsening?
Maybe you should get a check up of your bloods soon.
Anaemia left untreated for a period if time actually affects the thin tissue lining of the throat, and can lead to oesophageal cancer. I doubt that has occurred for you, but maybe it is affecting your throat lining, also increasing your pain.
I know you have limited time to spend investigating these things, but at least try to find some time to ask a GP for some blood tests, just to check on things, such as a full blood count, iron studies, and electrolytes, urea and creatinine, especially to check on your iron, magnesium and potassium levels.
What other medications are you on?
If you don't have the time to reply to that, that is fine. But I do hope that you can find an answer to your symptoms soon.

[Paris_08]

@bethanyyy: Hi, this is me. Sorry for the late reply :))
I also made a new account.
"Maybe the chest pain is new because your anemia is worsening?"

I think that may be the case. When I see my doctor today, I'm going to ask for blood work to be done. The last time I got my blood work checked was August 5, 2014, and it wasn't too low, but it's still low.

"... but at least try to find some time to ask a GP for some blood tests, just to check things, such as a full blood count, iron studies, and electrolytes, urea and creatinine, especially to check on your iron, magnesium and potassium levels."

I got blood work done back on the 11th of this month, and all of my electrolytes were normal:

*Urea Nitrogen
*Creatinine
*Sodium (Na)
*Potassium (K)
*Chloride (Cl)
*Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
*Calcium (Ca)

The chloride was one higher than the normal range, but the nurse said it's still normal.

[Paris_08]

How would they check my magnesium levels? I was supposed to be taking magnesium supplements, but I was never able to pick them up from my drug store due to insurance issues.

"What other medications are you on?"

*Pepcid
*Naproxen
*Zoloft
*Depo-shot

Here's medicines that I used to take:
*Calcium (Vitamin D)
*Ferrous Sulfate (iron)
*Tylenol
*Ibuprofen

Here's medications that I have but don't take:
*Flexeril
*Mobic

[Paris_08]

I'm trying my dear hardest to find out what's causing my chest pain. Now I know that it's not heart related because my ECG's were normal, and they also did blood work to make sure it wasn't a blood clot (no blood clots). However, since I know that it's NOT heart related, I need to know what's actually causing the pain.

I keep getting told to take pain medicine for it, but like I said, the pain medicine is worsening my GERD, and I think I might have an ulcer from taking too many. Also, it's becoming less effective.

[bethanyyy]

@paris_08 are you the asker of question? Because you were previously coming up as "asker" rather than "paris_08".
You can find out your magnesium levels through a blood test, called an EUC, which stands for electrolytes, urea and creatinine.
Are you still taking the iron supplements, and especially ensuring you're taking them without food, especially without dairy? Also ensure it is combined with vitamin C.
If you think you might have an ulcer, it would be wise to have it checked, through an upper endoscopy.
Pariet is good as a moderator of reflux, helping to prevent ulcer formation.

[Paris_08]

I made a new account.
Anyways, I stopped taking the iron months ago because it wasn't really doing anything for my anemia. However, I have calcium pills, but I don't take them every day like I used to.

I have an appointment with a gastroenterologists tomorrow, so they'll be able to check for an ulcer (I'm sure I have one because this pain is new).

[bethanyyy]

Okay, but just as something to keep in mind, if you were taking the iron supplements with food, or close in time to anything containing calcium, your system will not absorb the iron at all.
So it might be a good idea to try taking them as I suggested. Just an idea. Or better still, when you get your EUC blood test, ask them to do some iron studies aswell.
Okay, that's good to hear you're going to a gastroenterologist, all the best for that.
If you get time, let me know what you find out.

[jmr2191]

Go see your primary care physician or neurologist. Have him or her prescribe amytriptaline. It's a tricyclic antidepressant that has shown significant success in controlling chronic pain. It has been prescribed for that issue for more than a decade- now even moreso than it's prescribed for depression.

[Asker]

I saw a neurologist today, and he prescribed me another form of pain medicine that is stronger, and it also will help me lose weight :))

[jmr2191]

Great! Let's hope it works out :)

[Asker]

The only problem I'm worried about it rebound headaches, which I think I'm starting to have. They keep prescribing me pain medicine after pain medicine and it's going to worsen my GERD.

[jmr2191]

Take aspirin as a PRN to supplement your prescription pain killers. As an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug), aspirin can reduce pain, as well as stabilize any inflammatory processes that could be contributing to your pain. Neither ibuprophen nor acetemenophin molecules have this quality. Also, if it prevents sleep, take one dose of Benadryl. Although it is marketed as an anti-allergen, it makes for a highly effective sedative.

[Asker]

I'm 19 years old!! I can't take aspirin. And even if I could, It's going to worsen my GERD, as any pain medicine will.

[jmr2191]

Believe me, I was on a lot of meds by age 16 to control migraine headaches, tonic-clonic epilepsy, narcolepsy, myoclonus and multiple immune deficiencies. Sometimes, these things happen. In regards to a pain killer, perhaps a potassium reuptake inhibitor may help.

[Asker]

I can ask my doctor. But I'm 19 years old, and even my doctor said I don't need to be on too much medicine. It can end up doing more harm than good.

[Asker]

I'm supposed to be taking iron, magnesium, and calcium supplements, but I never got a chance to pick up my magnesium, and the iron isn't doing anything so I'm done taking it. As far as the calcium, I took it a few times but stopped.

[DreamHope]

Go to the healingwell. com website and ask your question there. They can give you suggestions for dietary changes, etc.

[Asker]

Thanks!! :)) xx

[DreamHope]

You're welcome :)

[molan]

Try aspirin or naproxen, to see if they are better for you. However, prolong use of anti-inflammatory drugs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney toxicity.

So maybe try some alternative like aminoactiv or natural alternatives with anti-inflammatory plants and herbs.

[Asker]

I already use Naproxen, but it doesn't really help anymore. And I'm 19, so I can't take aspirin.
I'll also try the herbs and plants like you suggested. Thanks!!

[Anonymous]

Pain is a feeling that can supressed and forgotten. It's a mind game, how do I know? I've lived though some pathetic and horrrible shit and live to tell the tale one day when I'm 100 or something. Simply putting it and as anon below said, focus on something else. It can be done, I was shot twice and hiked a mile to get to base, but I felt no pain, only focused on the ones I love back home. So focus on something other than the pain. It takes practice but is NOT impossible.

[Asker]

You was shot twice? OMG that's so horrible :(

[Opinion Owner]

Yeah, just goes to confirm the fucking terrorists still love us, who else shows affection in that way. Lost 6 men that day, always wondered what would have happened if I had a carried a few more sets of mags. It's what happens when a recon op turns to shit, maybe I could've saved some of those men. But I know deep down if I stayed they would have also been putting me 6 foot under along with my brother. Just something I think of every morning -.-

[Opinion Owner]

I'm sorry to have unloaded that on you, it had nothing to do with your question. So yes, do try to forget the pain, that is the only substitute I am aware of in replacement of pain medicine

[Asker]

That's very terrible. :(
And I'm sorry that you lost your brother. God bless you.

[Asker]

You don't have to apologize :))
You needed somewhere to rant and let it all out.

[Opinion Owner]

Don't be :) You guys safe at night makes the job, the sacrafice worth it. We all knew the dangers that day
Thank you :) Haha its not something I'm meant to be talking about, but thank you :)

I hope the advice helped, doesn't exactly help solve a migrane, but its a start :)

[kep79]

chronic pain is different

[Opinion Owner]

That may be the case @kep79 , but pain is pain. Maybe one day I'll find the difference

[CommieDearest]

Uh, some of my heathen friends say this will work.

media.giphy.com/media/G3t0gCDPNtM76/giphy.gif

[SuperNurse42]

Umm, if you have GERD you need to be taking Pepcid or Zantac or any other PPI.

If you take both the PPI and an NSAID like Ibuprofen for your other pain, you solve both problems. Talk to your doctor and tell them what's going on please.

[Asker]

I'm not going to talk to them since they won't listen. I just clarified that in my question.

[Asker]

I'm not making anymore doctor appointments. F--k them.

[Anonymous]

I know this might seem like a fake answer but I have some odd physical issues. If nothing I use works I take vice grips and use them on my toes or fingers. I come pretty close to breaking the bone and that always makes me focus on that pain instead of the other pain.

[Asker]

What is a vice grip?

[Opinion Owner]

They are pliers that are used as a tool and they stay closed like clamps. If I have awful pain in my legs I will also stick needles in my hands and fingers. I don't suggest doing any of these but maybe you can find another way to deceive and re route your pain receptors and pain.

[Asker]

That's what I thought because I looked up a vice grip and I saw pliers. But I wasn't sure at first.

[Opinion Owner]

I have bad acid in my stomach as well but most has gone because I quit dairy for the most part (except for yogurt) and almost quit carbos.

[Opinion Owner]

Just experiment with them and be safe. I use my big toe as that is the most sensitive of all my digits.

[Asker]

That's good!! And you never took anything for it like Pepcid, Prilosec OTC, Prevacid, etc?

[Opinion Owner]

I did every day for 15 years. It has destroyed my insides and will not tell you the details.

[Asker]

That's crazy O_o
But I guess that's what happens when you take medicine like that for so long (in general).
Just like taking pain medicine for too long can cause liver damage.

[Opinion Owner]

I have it and I am in liver pain right this second.

[Asker]

Well did you go to the doctor's?

[Opinion Owner]

Not anymore. Doctors don't give a shit.

[Asker]

Well there are some doctors out there that do care- you just have to find the right one. But it sounds like you already gave up.

[Opinion Owner]

I have yes. I paid 2k plus in insurance to Blue Cross and they did not cover one damn thing

[Asker]

WUT? Wow... that's retarded.

[Opinion Owner]

Just another scumbag big company screwing the middle to lower class.

[Asker]

I'm sorry if I keep asking you too many questions, but did you ever consider switching health plans? Sorry if I sound nosy :))

[Opinion Owner]

I dropped it completely. Now any of the help I wanted I cannot get as it is a preexisting condition. I am screwed basically

[Opinion Owner]

And it's not a problem you can ask me almost anything

[Asker]

Well don't worry- it's not the end of the world :))
Just keep doing what you're doing. As long as you're happy and it helps, then that's all that matters.

[Opinion Owner]

lol @ happy

[Love_Mentor]

Try some reflexology... understand which part on your hand and foot the exact point to massage to help and prevent illness or pain.

[Lisa_Zhang]

get your health and body balance in order, go vegan, and eat only really good healthy whole foods.

[Anonymous]

Cayenne pepper is a natural remedy for pain medicine

[Asker]

Awesome!!

[Opinion Owner]

For sure

[Klaatu51]

just try to withstand it LOL

[Asker]

I'm trying my dear hardest to.

[wendigoRed]

The Ganja , lil' mama.

[quadospharmacy]

Buy pain killers