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Cheryl's avatar

Thank u for putting this all in one place 🫂

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Avi zahavi's avatar

This is so comprehensive and clearly laid out. I would definitely print this out and keep it handy. I would also add in Ketamine infusions for breakthrough pain. Ketamine delivered via a dr administered nose-spray can help some with depression and anxiety as well as pain. For flare resets, Meyers cocktail infusion with added B12 and glutithion can be really helpful Finding the right infusion center is key. You want a place informed by trained nurses and anesthesiologists (avoid trendy spas). Often for the cost of an ER visit, you can get these infusions in a privately set up place for about the same out of pocket costs. These places can also give you IV Torodol (a stronger NSAID) that can work more efficiently than oral meds. They also can give IV Zofran which works faster and better for severe nausea. Celebrex (NSAId) can offer some stronger relief than your typical ibuprofen (less potent than Torodol but can be used more frequently). Another doctor approved alternative for breakthrough pain is taking Tylenol and NSAID together to deliver breakthrough pain relief.

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Kate Schultz's avatar

I don't know if it wasn't included because it's kind of obvious, but there are benefits (and drawbacks, of course) to opioid therapy, specifically buprenorphine (which, when mixed with naloxone is called Suboxone). It usually used in addiction medicine, but it can work really well for chronic pain. It's a patch (also comes in a lozenge, but it's not the preferred method of delivery) so no pill schedules. It has fewer side effects than other opioids (because it's a partial opioid antagonist). I used to be on morphine, and the buprenorphine is a life changer. I'm more awake, able to think more clearly, no constipation, no dry mouth, I don't have to take a pill every 8 hours. It's the closest thing to a miracle I've experienced in the healthcare system recently.

Ketamine infusions are also starting to see some results in the chronic pain area. I don't know much about it, other than it's been really successful in helping people with treatment resistant depression.

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Zebras Underground's avatar

We’re going to write about ketamine therapy soon. I think narcotics like opioids as one of the many pharmaceuticals is a choice informed only by your physician which is why it was not included. Thanks for the comment and suggestion Kate!

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SirenaDoctora's avatar

This is absolutely spot on! It’s building a tool box to keep our jelly foundation together.

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