Non-prescription pain relief

[marcia]

I am wondering what any of you might use for relief of pain that is non-prescription. I am asking this since I am in extreme pain (have been for a couple of days and my GI is out of town so the pharmacy will not refill my pain meds). I have been taking Tylenol and using a heating pad but it does not seem to help much. Any suggestions?? I have an appt with my GI Monday am so things will be resolved then, but I am trying to get through this weekend.

My husband mentioned Aleve, but I was once told that Aleve and Crohn's do not mix.

Any help is appreciated ~ thanks!!

 

[tinglebell]

Yes, my GI told me not to take any aleve or motrin because it can (and did) cause a flare. I think tylenol 1 or 2 extra-strength and drinking just clear liquids may help until you see your GI on Monday. Hope you get some relief, if not, go to the er.

 

[tomohio]

I have tried tea and othe hot drinks. They seem to help a little. Also I have a heated throw at my chair and put it on my tummy, that helps. I don't know if this really helps but I chew mints. Takes my mind off it. I also smoke cigars,,,I Know I Know not a good vise but hey you only live once.
Tom

 

[KCMike]

During the most painful stage of a flare, I didn't take any medication. I always felt better after I vomited. I tried taking OTC pain medicines but it would make my vomit immediately. I wouldn't drink or eat anything for at least 24 hours. Once I got everything out of my system the pain would stop. I would be back on my feet in 24 hours and eating normal again. This would only occur every few months but gradually happened more often and got worse and the rest is history. Surgery was unavoidable.

 

[KCMike]

Tom, a month after surgery I had an appointment with my GI and he pretty much said lay off the raw veggies, popcorn, and don't smoke. Well 5 months later I'm eating raw veggies, popcorn and having an occasional cigar. I also like to drink a few pints of beer. My theory is that moderation is the key. If you eat fast food every day for two weeks I guarantee you will feel like crap. No one knows you body better then you. We all have our own "system" when it comes to dealing with our illness. What works for me may not work for you. I just found out last night that my father has prostate cancer and is having surgery on May 8th. Luckily they caught it early enough. He went to his annual visit to the DR and his PSA level was high. They did a biopsy and found cancer cells. The good news is that a bone density scan was clean. I guess that's where the cancer spreads to first. Who knows, that could be in my future. Crohn's and cancer. One helluva combination.

 

[Ilysha]

I think the heating pad is really your best bet. The over the counter pain meds just aren't that great. Hot baths help me some too. Have you tried doing a liquid diet for a few days to calm your system down?

 

[tinglebell]

During the most painful stage of a flare, I didn't take any medication. I always felt better after I vomited. I tried taking OTC pain medicines but it would make my vomit immediately. I wouldn't drink or eat anything for at least 24 hours. Once I got everything out of my system the pain would stop. I would be back on my feet in 24 hours and eating normal again. This would only occur every few months but gradually happened more often and got worse and the rest is history. Surgery was unavoidable.

I did the very same thing. Once in a while I would get a shot of toradol or demerol and just go to sleep for hours and that seemed to relax my bowel enough to pass whatever was plugging me up. Did you have a stricture KC? Sounds just like my bouts, and eventual surgery. Did you see your GI Marcia?

 

[marcia]

I saw my GI and he said that a heating pad and rest is the best remedy. But he also gave my some vicoden (sp) to help ease the pain. Unfortunately I am a stay at home mom to a three year old and vicoden make me a little loopy so I have been using them very sparingly. I am doing better on the pain level with the meds and lots of rest. I had a CT scan on Tues and the GI wants to see me again tomorrow so I know that cannot be good news. I will see what happens next!!!

Thanks for all of the replies!!

 

[KCMike]

Tinglebell, I didn't have a stricture. I did have some major blockage in my colon. I was lucky enough to only have it in an isolated area. After my surgery I was "Crohn's free". which I know is only temporary. Right now while I'm symptom free I'm living large. I cherish every pain-free day. I know there is major pain in my future; but until then I'm going to treat each pain-free day like there's no tomorrow. This is one of the few times when it is ok to be selfish. I think this is the only way to keep me from giving up. I still feel for all of those that are flaring right now. I will never forget the horrible abdominal cramps, loss of appetite, nausea, chills, depression and the big 'D'. My attitude now is that I'm not going to give in to this disease.